Pete Souza: Potus helps flotus off the stage at last night’s state dinner
Pete Souza: Pres Obama gives a thumbs-up to one of the stage participants before he signed a minimum wage Executive Order
VP: PHOTO: Talking the #ACA in Florida, the VP meets w/ moms & health care workers about enrolling before 3/31 deadline.
Interior: Happy 205th birthday to Pres. Lincoln! Let’s celebrate with this great photo of his memorial by Andrew Geraci. #dc
White House: Today, President Obama raised the minimum wage to $10.10/hour for federal contract workers. #RaiseTheWage
Barack Obama: Happy birthday, #16.
White House.gov
We crossed in the night. I went ahead and made my night owl chat private.
Thanks for the great pics! I see that you put the romantic picture up first. Well done, you! ;-)
Noooooooo, it was NW who did this post. I had an Edith Piaf Night owl chat, which I posted at the same time, and made private to post later.
Urp, my bad! Still nice a post. [Sorry about that NW!] :-D
How ya feeling, Dudette?
Nerdy, you certainly keep late hours - thanks!
You’re welcome.
Are you in the eastern time zone, or are you hours behind?
The first one.
Can we have more Michelle pictures next time - she is one impressive lady. There has to be a speech about 2015 when the President says “I’m the guy who accompanied Michelle Obama to Paris” :)
Well, I’ve had a very productive writing evening. Knocked off two poems. Should have them up tomorrow on my blog.
Yes!!!!
They will drop at 7 a.m. PST (10 a.m. EST). I shall, of course, remind you before I head off to my social media training.
Great!
Arnold is below the limit for personal donations in ’07, and at the limit in 2011. What’s the beef? Sirota looking for trouble, to what purpose.
seeing that the company is in energy management, I am guessing they are fixated on the decision PBO is going to make about the Keystone pipeline - but I am not sure since I do not read sirota anymore
what is sirota’s piece about? for a while now, I avoid reading him since he made those comments about PBO. I don’t want to give him click;
I am guessing that he is trying to insinuate that for less than US $ 10,000 contribution in 4 election cycles, PBO did what …… for Arnold???
I absolutely adore that picture of POTUS and FLOTUS. She is absolutely queen of the world!
I read PBO’s essay from 2005 on Abraham Lincoln on the CNN site…..wow! The language, the heart, the soul, the meaning…..he is without a doubt one of the best writers living today. In time he will be ranked as one of the best in history. His line about the slight smile in Lincoln’s portrait, which “changes tragedy to grace” caught me and I gasped. Beauty and depth.
I hate to think about PBO’s time in office coming to an end, but I do look forward to his next book about his time in office, Pete Souza’s photo book and contributing to the Presidential library and going to see it.
The top photo takes my breath away! M. Hollande looks on in approval!
Happy for the O’s happiness in, and care of, each other. Wishing I was way younger so I could make good use of their partnership modeling. OTH, at least I got to see how it should be, could be, can be done. :grin:
Hope all is well and progressing nicely in your corner of the globe, MP. I’m off to work again tomorrow, so will only be in the village in the evening. In fact, I’m heading off to bed soon even though I’m not thoroughly caught up on posts over the last couple of days.
{{{{{VC}}}}} love you girl!
{{{{MP}}}}
:)
President Obama’s faith: “Maintaining your moral compass” (SP)
As someone who is dedicated to trying to understand President Obama, it is always interesting to come across a speech or an interview with him from the past that I haven’t seen before. And so I was delighted to find this interview from March 2004 that he did with Cathleen Falsani about his religious faith. If you are interested, I suggest that you go read the whole thing. But I’m going to excerpt a few things he said that stood out to me.
First of all, he recounts a history that we have all become familiar with by now.
………………………………….//
http://immasmartypants.blogspot.ca/2014/02/president-obamas-faith-maintaining-your.html
Here’s the interview link…. I haven’t read the interview yet myself (too tired); will do so tomorrow
http://sojo.net/blogs/2012/02/21/transcript-barack-obama-and-god-factor-interview
“Editor’s Note: At 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2004, when I was the religion reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, I met then-State Sen. Barack Obama at Café Baci, a small coffee shop at 330 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago, for an interview about his faith. Our conversation took place a few days after he’d clinched the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat that he eventually won, and four months before he’d be formally introduced to the rest of the nation during his famous keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
We spoke for more than an hour. He came alone. He answered everything I asked without notes or hesitation. The profile of Obama that grew from the interview at Cafe Baci became the first in a series in the Sun-Times called “The God Factor,” which would eventually became my first book, The God Factor: Inside the Spiritual Lives of Public People, in which Obama and 31 other high-profile “culture shapers” — including Bono of U2, Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, the author Anne Rice and President George W. Bush’s speechwriter Michael Gerson — are profiled.
Because of the seemingly evergreen interest in President Obama’s faith and spiritual predilections, and because that 2004 interview remains the longest and most in-depth he’s granted publicly about his faith, I thought it might be helpful to share the transcript of our conversation — uncut and in its entirety — here on God’s Politics.
~ Cathleen Falsani
…………………….//
Guess I’m weird - but I don’t think anyone’s faith should be part of any political discussion - unless it impacts how they govern/legislate. I’m with John Kennedy on that issue
Imagine if Barack Obama had made this speech! The right would still be tearing him apart - and he would not have been elected.
Sorry to respectfully disagree with you, 99ts! I don’t think President Obama, in the interview highlighted by Smartypants, said anything fundamentally different from what JFK said. Like JFK, President Obama re-affirmed the Constitutional mandate of Separation of Church and State. But even more importantly, he stressed the importance of religious tolerance, and the fact that while he values his faith he didn’t think that any religion has a monopoly on truth.
Hi Nath - I never mind if people disagree with me on TOD - we are all here to be friends and have the same basic ideas.
I have always been upset at how the GOP and media have spoken about the President’s faith - I just don’t think there is any reason why he had to discuss it - at all.
1960 and what President Kennedy said - should have been the end of it all - in my world in the 1950s/60s there was a massive divide between Catholics and Protestants - but that all but disappeared by the 1980s. The GOP has decided to resurrect it - because Obama!! - and I just wish religion wasn’t discussed - at all.
Guess I want the impossible - but I am glad that - for a short while - Australia had a female non-believer who lived with her boyfriend - as our Prime Minister.
“I just wish religion wasn’t discussed – at all.”
99ts, I agree with you 100%! Sadly -and here I am speaking as 68 years-old person who was a teenager in 1960, when JFK run — the U. S. seems to be even more obsessed with religion than it was in 1960. This is mainly due to the over circulation of the air waves (and especially talk radio) by the right wing Christian fundamentalists. Of course your native son, more than any media moguls, has played a key role in enabling the spread of the false idea that the U.S. is, and was founded as, a Christian nation. My point was that the then Sen. Obama clearly re-affirmed the concept of the separation of Church and State and the importance of religious tolerance.
99ts: My interest in this is very similar to Smartypant’s - “As someone who is dedicated to trying to understand President Obama, it is always interesting to come across a speech or an interview with him from the past that I haven’t seen before.”
I don’t really see this PBO interview as part of a political discussion. For me it’s another look into the man, B. H. Obama, a man whose character fascinates me to the max!
Hi vc - best thing about TOD - we can agree/disagree - still have the same goals :)
Agree with you, 99ts and JFK—-very much so. Adamantly.
Some good slow dancing in a dark basement party music! :-)
Still LL’s fault!
Forever Mine - The O’Jays
Even I did that slow dancing in a dark basement once upon a time - Ha! LL wasn’t even born yet, so it can’t be his fault! :)
His fault I’m playing mushy music though. :-D
I got that! Go for it. :)
More loveliness from you, NW - we need more calmness and beauty in our lives that remind us of our great First Family and our VP and Dr. Jill! This adds to it nicely, tonight. Thank you!
Hello my precious Dudette. (((((((((((((( Lots of loving hugs to you))))))))))))))))))))HZ
I hope that your family are feeling the loving prayers and comforting thoughts for you and your brother. () HZ
I was thinking of you this morning as I was quietly doing my prayers/meditations. Music was in the house, and I thought how music will be a great healing form of comfort for you because you love it so much. Enjoy your quiet time with your favorites. Have you listened to Yolanda Adams’ “This Too Shall Pass?” Please quietly put that one on, when you have time. She sang it at the Prayer Breakfast last week, and I just felt like she was singing to our wonderful President. It is a theme for me, especially when I feel like my space needs to have a seat for my loving brother and nieces and great niece. Lovely and uplifting to ponder on.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Sending you loving hugs of comfort from my arms to yours)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))HZ
Hi HZ!!!! You are just the sweetest of the sweet! I’m grateful for and blessed by your kindness.
I just adore Yolanda Adams. She’s an amazing artist! I missed the Prayer Breakfast coverage, but this song is a wonderfully encouraging piece. I’ll sharing it with my brother to help him on his journey to recovery. He’ll like it very much. Thank you sooooooo much! {{{{{{{{{{ Love and hugs my dear HZ! }}}}}}}}}}
To HZ and Dudette, two of my most favorite people, I hope you are both well. I also hope that Dudette’s brother is doing well and out of pain. I am elated that we share the love for the truly talented Yolanda Williams. She is such a powerful and uplifting singer.
Hey nath! I’m doing well. So sorry I missed you. The sleep monster jumped me with no warning. :-)
Our First Lady is so beautiful inside and outside. We are so blessed to have her in our space. I have always loved the detail attention and affection that our President displays as her loving ‘love of his life’ and our First Lady. Puts a loving smile on my face every time. HZ
…………………………I feel so ashamed. FLOTUS is IMPECCABLY GORGEOUS as usual but………………………….. I……………..[preparing for virtual TOD stones, rocks and eggs hurled at me]…………………. wassssssssssss up with giant bed sheet skirt???
YESsss i know crap-nothing about fashion! but…. I’M SORRY!I’M SORRY!I’M SORRY!I’M SORRY!I’M SORRY!
Haute couture! :)
I will dignify this ‘outburst’ with one word - Min.
Deserved. Especially because I’ll be haunted by not knowing what it means. :)
I don’t understand it either - but the color of that skirt is beyond compare - the more the better - to my eyes
Ah! Something to take my mind off the icy havoc that lies outside my door.
Hope nobody’s out driving in that stuff, from what I gather via news reports. Stay safe and warm!
There’s always somebody…
It doesn’t look at all glacial - and I like you I sure could use some of its ‘warmth’ right about now.
Lovely!
Redemption
Good one!
People of the TODvillage, I love you all, but I really need to go try for some sleep. Actually have to go to work tomorrow and since I had difficulty keeping myself alert at work today, making an effort to sleep tonight may make a difference.
Toodle-di-doo,
Sweet dreams to you! :grin:
Sleep well, VC!
TY, J. O. :grin:
Toodles, VC! Have a restful, refreshing sleep!
I’m gone too… Sweet dreams all around you, dear TODObot village!
Sweet dreams, MP!
Too funny. Spotted the President’s nice “Happy Birthday #16” tweet (by his staffers, obviously) and read a few of the replies. Several were from a vile ugly hateful woman - apparently a RWNJ radio person or something with a really ugly face - just couldn’t stop myself from telling her she was “a sorry-ass excuse for a human woman if she’s a woman.” Then I blocked her. So far, five other haters are passing on her response to me. I’ll let them all sit in my interactions and multiply. They can all kiss my Democratic you-know-what.
What makes me laugh is that these haters are spending their precious hate time tweeting back a 67-year-old snowed-in great-grandmotherly goddess in the Midwest. And they’re calling me the a-h*** word. I bet their great grandmothers would be so proud. Ha!
NW - Not sure if you’ve seen it, but Steve McQueen and Lupita Nyong’o from 12 Years a Slave are on Piers Morgan’s show tonight!
Steve McQueen?
Today’s Steve McQueen!
I love this U.S. Olympic skier guy
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/12/gus-kenworthy-puppy_n_4776341.html
Good for him! So glad to see people care and are doing something to help the dogs.
I tweeted this earlier.
Gus Kenworthy an Olympian at Sochi has pledged to bring some dogs home to the USA.
https://twitter.com/guskenworthy?original_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffingtonpost.com%2F2014%2F02%2F12%2Fgus-kenworthy-puppy_n_4776341.html&tw_i=433257297083899904&tw_p=tweetembed
I don’t know why the tweets that I posted aren’t showing up. The 1st one shows Gus Kentworthy with some cute puppies.
No worries Pam. Here ya go…
Thank you~ Have a good night.
a few days ago, TOD was discussing the corrupting influence of media consolidation - now comes news of further consolidation;
ordinary people are on the loosing side of this deal - more rightwing nonsense and higher cost of cable subscription;
This is SUCH a bad idea!
I don’t have cable. Sometimes I miss it but I hate the idea of making people rich who hate me. I drive a 20 year old van, I buy my clothes, shoes, purses, gloves, home furnishings from thrift shops, I buy food from employee-owned stores like WINCO. I also shop at COSTCO because they treat their employees well. I bank at a credit union, and I don’t have any credit cards.
Good for you! Imagine the impact if millions of people had your economic consciousness.
Thanks again, Bill Clinton. I’ll never forgive him for the Telecom Bill.
:-D
Thanks Dudette for sharing this. Donny Hathaway is one my all tine favorite musicians.
Couldn’t resist posting Lalah’s version of her dad’s song. Good genes, great talent!
Wow! Lalah certainly shares her Daddy’s genes! Dudette, I am so glade to see you back sharing exquisite music who some of us night owls.
Thanks nath! :-)
Dudette, Thanks for the pics. I always look forward to them. I love the scenic ones and those that focus on space.
NW-beautiful pics, AGAIN. I love the FL’s dress and the way Hollande is looking at her. It’s no wonder why Josephine Baker lived most of her life in Europe, especially in France. I discovered a few months ago that two of JB’s adopted sons own a restaurant, Chez Josephine, in NYC that is dedicated to her. Going there and having a meal, or several meals, is on my bucket list.
Hi majiir! Glad you like ’em. I’ll keep ’em coming. :-D
We have a President who is going to make the GOP pay for their extremism in ways that none of them have any capacity to grok ….
…. but will become increasingly aware, particularly as each day passes after Labor Day 2014. That’s a prediction I have ZERO reservation in making and I don’t do ‘crystal ball’ nonsense.
#TrustBarack …. or GET ROLLED …. <<< That should be like one of those icons representing 'Radioactive Material,' i.e., DANGER AWAITS those who don't heed the waring.
Yes We Can
Exactly, Dudette!
Hope you are feeling better and better every day.
Time for me to get a bit of rest ….
Thanks Bob! I am! :-)
GREED, Indeed!
Thanks Dudette for sharing the most apt quote that’s still relevant for our times.
GM everyone - the intertubes is a weird place. So I’m watching MSNBC online and on MJ they are showing some events from Sochi - and then I’m hit with an announcement that I’m not allowed to watch this because of where I am - after I had seen most of what they were showing.
I would really like it if they didn’t let me watch the weird one from politico who thinks targeting voters is the brave new technological thing - he obviously hasn’t followed PBO :)
Moooooooooorning Early Birds!
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/02/13/early-bird-chat-155/
morning everybody