President Barack Obama and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte shakes hands as they pose for photos in front of Rembrandt’s “The Nightwatch” painting at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Monday, March 24
What beautiful dancers! And the girls look really happy. They all must be coming home soon since it was to be a ten day trip and the girls are probably due back in school. Too bad FLOTUS couldn’t also join the president to meet the pope at the Vatican. So many places to go to, so little time.
Lovely pictures of the Obama family. I just love all the colors, so bright. Ad of course Michelle, Malia, and Sasha makes any picture bright and sunny.
LOL! Bless your mom, Chips! Isn’t it amazing how protective people are of him? Even those who like to criticize him all the time - it’s an emotional investment that they think of him as that sibling/friend/cousin/son/brother-in-law that they must constantly give advice….
Beautifully stated HF. As a proud member of the “Why Isn’t He Holding The Handrails” club, I cringe every time he glides down the steps without holding on.
whenever I see POTUS running down or up steps, I often think about Chips mum admonishing PBO to hold the rails - he just won’t listen to wise counsel on this issue
Looks like Spring is stepping back this week as winter muscles its way back onto center stage. We’ve got snow expected tomorrow and the temp this morning is 19. Even my stalwart husband is grumbling. What few crocuses managed to poke their heads out this week may decide it’s not worth the effort. It’s interesting to see that the Obama family in China seems to need no coats. Are we the only ones still shivering?
Nor any other First Lady in the world, Gail. Our FLOTUS is a visible, living demonstration of a real democracy. She shows that even the “highest” woman in our country has no pretensions or need for aloofness. She gets right in with everyone, everywhere from royalty to the poorest. She is the most remarkable American world ambassador I’ve ever seen. Wish there was a post called, “Ambassador to the People,” because Michelle Obama was made for that job.
When I see how involved with, and how truly interested in, and how loving both Obamas are with children; when I see how they get on a child’s level and become involved in the fun of the moment, I also wonder why previous first couples did not do so. Many First Couples in the modern age (20th to 21st century) have had children, and some were still school-age, during their parents’ tenure in the White House, but it seemed that they were oblivious of the needs of children. They had events for their own children and their friends, but where was their caring for others? Even the Easter Egg Hunts/Rolls were mostly with the people in their circle and political connections. Our First Couple cares about all children, everywhere, in all aspects of their lives and futures and have the policies, laws, and actions to back them up. Just by being themselves, people who are truly interested in others, they are bringing well-being to so many.
I’ll bet that breath-taking photo of the Obama ladies embracing on the Great Wall will make its way to the credenza that is behind the president’s desk.
Hf, if the people of Wisconsin believe this and re-elect Walker, they are in for a world of hurt from Koch Boy Scott. He’s mired in corruption right now. Toss him out.
Oh I would hope they’re not falling for it. But I’m just pointing out that if a GOPer thinks that embracing ACA is the way to get people’s support, then why would a DEM think the opposite?
Democrats can be a royal pain in the “A” too. Some of them, but 85% of the time they are still better then those “I Hate Blacks, Latinos, Women”, Republicans. I hate poor folks, I hate that 47% . “
This week’s Sup. Ct. case —-religious liberty vs. women’s rights——would have “consequences that would extend far beyond coverage for contraception.” “We would be entering a new world which, for the first time, commercial enterprises could successfully claim religious exemptions from laws that govern everyone else.”
It could open a huge can of worms with horrific consequences. Need to be on guard at all times of the never ending attempt at encroachment of religion on our government and laws.
Contraception Ruling Could Have Reach Far Beyond Women’s Rights http://t.co/4HexfIPf9V
I just made time to watch the video Bob posted of POTUS’ welcome to the Hague.
For anyone who doesn’t understand the fear and hatred that PBO causes in GOP look at the video. It is the love and adoration our President stirs here and around the world that is the unsurmountable object for them. They can’t match PBO. And they can’t stop him.
jealousy frustration are their fuel.
Let’s put aside, at least for now, whether it’s appropriate for a two-time failed presidential candidate to be quite so eager to smear a twice-elected president during a crisis. Let’s also sidestep questions about why Romney is ignoring tradition and working aggressively to position himself as a prominent anti-Obama attack dog.
.
.
If Romney’s sincere about the importance of international respect, where was he from 2001 to 2008?
I just viewed a short video of the Obama girls and FLOTUS at the Great Wall and it has 2150 comments which I refused to read. It is really sad that trolls hang out on the internet just to say negative things about the Obamas as soon as a video is posted.
Some of these “comments” are posted internally, or by paid saboteurs. It’s their job to scour the Internet for any positive article, picture or video and then try blast the comments section with negative stuff. Some of the editors themselves censor positive comments and only or mostly allow negative ones. If more than 50% of the comments negative, then you know there is some manipulation going on.
This type of stuff is exactly what John Favreau mentioned. So much hate for this beautiful family but I am happy that they continue to old their heads high and ignore it.
Well I remember when FLOTUS was on some talk show and she said that not everyone is going to like you,but you don’t let that stop you. And the ugly racists comments have not stop our POTUS and FLOTUS, and they won’t.
Does anyone know what Martin Bashir is doing these days? I miss him being on TV. I like his tweets, but they are no substitute for his every day show. And the MSNBC management thought Ronan Farrow could replace him!
MSNBC knows damn well that Farrow is no match for Bashir. In fact, that’s why they hired Farrow - because he would just regurgitate the corporate/Libertarian anti-PBO/anti-DEM lines fed to him and not ask the tough questions of the GOP.
I saw a tweet from him that said his wife was diagnosed with cancer in October. He also said he should have taken time off then rather than going on & saying “inappropriate” things on his show. I really feel for him. I believe he was so unfairly treated.
No one is perfect, no one is right 100% of the time and Democrats Nate Silver is just a man who put his pants on one leg at a time, just like the rest of those who wear pants. So clam down and be prepare to fight those racists ass Republicans to the death.
Good morning everyone! My first day of vacation and I woke up from a dream that I was having that the school district had made a terrible mistake…today was not going to be the first day of our vacation! Seriously, I had to wake myself up and get a grip…I think I really, really needed this break:)
Tomorrow is Gloria Steinem’s 80th birthday! If you are a person of a certain age, like I am….she was (still is) an icon to me. 80. years.old. Amazing…and still going strong. I’ll take a moment tomorrow and say thanks. She was my ideal of what a strong woman looks like.
I love the Rijksmuseum. It has a fabulous collection of Dutch art - Vermeer, Rembrandt, de Hooch, ter Borch, van Gogh . I hope PBO has at least a chance to take a glance!
I am in moderation, for some reason (maybe my sloppy typing) two more letters were added to my sign-in name. I did not see it until I was flagged. Need a get out of jail; thanks. CEB
Comedian Bill Maher revealed that the two congressmen first nominated “by popular demand” for his ‘Flip a District’ campaign are Rep. Michael Grimm (R-NY) and Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-TX), Politico reports.
I’m good with this.The guy from TX is a freaking fruitloop.
Japan will hand over to the United States more than 315 kilograms (700 pounds) of weapons-grade plutonium and a supply of highly enriched uranium — a victory for U.S. President Barack Obama’s efforts to secure nuclear materials around the world. …
I think this is a must read——the origins of the Hobby Lobby Sup. Ct. case——-the Manhattan Declaration, another one of those gatherings and declarations signed shortly after PBO was elected——200 of them—-prominent Catholic clergy, other prominent Christian clergy, every anti-gay org. known to man, every rt. wing conservative religious org. known to man etc. etc.
Their stated opposition is not just to abortion and marriage equality, but also “non-marital sexual cohabitation” and the “discredited idea of unilateral divorce’ etc.
Read this one document to understand what the Christian Right hopes to gain from Hobby Lobby http://t.co/4AZY5ubaKM
This jackass Ronald Auther ought to know that there is a time to smile and there is a time when you don’t be smiling and laughing. This is just this jackass way of taking a knock at FLOTUS and the girls. Thank you aspirational12 for setting the jackass straight.
White House.gov
Uno?
Congrats uno!
Well, what a speedy start to the week, 57 - uno! Moooooorning, and moooooorning everyone!
Morning, Divine Ms Chips and the TOD family!
Good morning all
Good morning everyone!
Good morning TOD friends.
Good morning all! Let’s make sure all our friends and family are covered this week!
What beautiful dancers! And the girls look really happy. They all must be coming home soon since it was to be a ten day trip and the girls are probably due back in school. Too bad FLOTUS couldn’t also join the president to meet the pope at the Vatican. So many places to go to, so little time.
So, so true.
Well, to be fair the engineer was pretty snippy. He asked a reasonable question. She baited him.
Good West Coast morning Chipsticks & TOD family.
So happy to see POTUS this morning!
Mooooooorning GGail, Happy Monday!
Mooorning Chips!
I’m sure President Xi Jinping said a word or two about meeting President Obama lovely family recently.
G’morning Chips & TOD!!!
These are GORGEOUS pics - thanks Chips!!
Beautiful pics, they look so happy!!
Lovely pictures of the Obama family. I just love all the colors, so bright. Ad of course Michelle, Malia, and Sasha makes any picture bright and sunny.
He’s running down steps again, I hope my mother isn’t watching
LOL! Bless your mom, Chips! Isn’t it amazing how protective people are of him? Even those who like to criticize him all the time - it’s an emotional investment that they think of him as that sibling/friend/cousin/son/brother-in-law that they must constantly give advice….
You know Hopefruit, there are times I think she wishes he was beaten in 2012 so he wouldn’t be going up and down those steps any more :lol:
Moooooorning!
Beautifully stated HF. As a proud member of the “Why Isn’t He Holding The Handrails” club, I cringe every time he glides down the steps without holding on.
Ha. The man has it down to a science by now. :-)
Handrails? yesterday the jumping off rocks in Israel photo was posted again and my hear skipped a beat, thanks NW.
Ha, me too Vicki, he really does test our blood pressure!
whenever I see POTUS running down or up steps, I often think about Chips mum admonishing PBO to hold the rails - he just won’t listen to wise counsel on this issue
:lol: She’s been holding her breath since January 2009, Linda!!
LOL! Love your mom Chips!
:lol: I’ll pass on your love Dakota, I’m certain she’ll send some back!
<3. He seems rested, and confident. He is so well-loved. <3
David Waldman @KagroX 5m
————————————————————
While it’s true that science says these things are not abortifacients, this person who owns a craft store disagrees. Supreme Court, please!
————————————————————-
Good Morning Chips and TOD.
President Obama arriving at Schiphol
Mooooooorning JER, thank you!!
Gooooood Moooooornin’!
I love the music. Sounds like something out of a summer blockbuster movie! Epic music for our epic President! :-)
Be still my beating heart! Thank you so much, JER! My day can begin now…
Looks like Spring is stepping back this week as winter muscles its way back onto center stage. We’ve got snow expected tomorrow and the temp this morning is 19. Even my stalwart husband is grumbling. What few crocuses managed to poke their heads out this week may decide it’s not worth the effort. It’s interesting to see that the Obama family in China seems to need no coats. Are we the only ones still shivering?
I am with you Jackie. Good Morning to you, to Chips, to the entire TODVille!
Chips, thank you for posting this.
Love this photo Chips. Happy Birthday Mrs. Height.
Ahhh. One of my favorites. I remember video of this. He loved on her like she was his beloved Toot. Such a sweet moment.
This one Dudette?
Damn you’re good! That’s what I was remembering. Different day but sooo sweet!
But it didnt show the hugging and kissing :-D
The lady with the hats! Thank you Chips.
Good morning!
https://twitter.com/metaquest/status/448092650000773120
Ah, lovely! Mooooooorning Meta!
What a thrill for those children.
They’ll never see their First Lady do something like this!
Nor any other First Lady in the world, Gail. Our FLOTUS is a visible, living demonstration of a real democracy. She shows that even the “highest” woman in our country has no pretensions or need for aloofness. She gets right in with everyone, everywhere from royalty to the poorest. She is the most remarkable American world ambassador I’ve ever seen. Wish there was a post called, “Ambassador to the People,” because Michelle Obama was made for that job.
THIS to infinity!!!!!!
jackiegrumbacher, I agree with you 100%.
When I see how involved with, and how truly interested in, and how loving both Obamas are with children; when I see how they get on a child’s level and become involved in the fun of the moment, I also wonder why previous first couples did not do so. Many First Couples in the modern age (20th to 21st century) have had children, and some were still school-age, during their parents’ tenure in the White House, but it seemed that they were oblivious of the needs of children. They had events for their own children and their friends, but where was their caring for others? Even the Easter Egg Hunts/Rolls were mostly with the people in their circle and political connections. Our First Couple cares about all children, everywhere, in all aspects of their lives and futures and have the policies, laws, and actions to back them up. Just by being themselves, people who are truly interested in others, they are bringing well-being to so many.
I’ll bet that breath-taking photo of the Obama ladies embracing on the Great Wall will make its way to the credenza that is behind the president’s desk.
FLOTUS is the best. Today she jumps rope, yesterday she rides the toboggan at the Great Wall.
No disrespect to any other First Lady.
So a Republican in a purple state knows that Obamacare is a winning proposition - but Dems don’t know it? // SMH
Like I always say, Democrats really know how to shoot themselves in the foot.
Hf, if the people of Wisconsin believe this and re-elect Walker, they are in for a world of hurt from Koch Boy Scott. He’s mired in corruption right now. Toss him out.
Oh I would hope they’re not falling for it. But I’m just pointing out that if a GOPer thinks that embracing ACA is the way to get people’s support, then why would a DEM think the opposite?
Democrats can be a royal pain in the “A” too. Some of them, but 85% of the time they are still better then those “I Hate Blacks, Latinos, Women”, Republicans. I hate poor folks, I hate that 47% . “
This week’s Sup. Ct. case —-religious liberty vs. women’s rights——would have “consequences that would extend far beyond coverage for contraception.” “We would be entering a new world which, for the first time, commercial enterprises could successfully claim religious exemptions from laws that govern everyone else.”
It could open a huge can of worms with horrific consequences. Need to be on guard at all times of the never ending attempt at encroachment of religion on our government and laws.
I have two worlds for the Supreme Court hearing today: Human OverPopulation.
*words
Chuck Todd is on the Today Show currently doing a promo for Jeb Bush For President! (then goes directly to the pay window)
I just made time to watch the video Bob posted of POTUS’ welcome to the Hague.
For anyone who doesn’t understand the fear and hatred that PBO causes in GOP look at the video. It is the love and adoration our President stirs here and around the world that is the unsurmountable object for them. They can’t match PBO. And they can’t stop him.
jealousy frustration are their fuel.
Declining U.S. stature that only Romney can see
By Steve Benen
—————————-
Let’s put aside, at least for now, whether it’s appropriate for a two-time failed presidential candidate to be quite so eager to smear a twice-elected president during a crisis. Let’s also sidestep questions about why Romney is ignoring tradition and working aggressively to position himself as a prominent anti-Obama attack dog.
.
.
If Romney’s sincere about the importance of international respect, where was he from 2001 to 2008?
————————————
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/declining-us-stature-only-romney
Ugly is as ugly does.
I just viewed a short video of the Obama girls and FLOTUS at the Great Wall and it has 2150 comments which I refused to read. It is really sad that trolls hang out on the internet just to say negative things about the Obamas as soon as a video is posted.
Some of these “comments” are posted internally, or by paid saboteurs. It’s their job to scour the Internet for any positive article, picture or video and then try blast the comments section with negative stuff. Some of the editors themselves censor positive comments and only or mostly allow negative ones. If more than 50% of the comments negative, then you know there is some manipulation going on.
This type of stuff is exactly what John Favreau mentioned. So much hate for this beautiful family but I am happy that they continue to old their heads high and ignore it.
Well according to Bill O’Reilly, people hated Jesus too. So…
Well I remember when FLOTUS was on some talk show and she said that not everyone is going to like you,but you don’t let that stop you. And the ugly racists comments have not stop our POTUS and FLOTUS, and they won’t.
I don’t know of any MSNBC host (current or former) besides maybe Rev Al who would post this pic along with such poignant captions.
I agree HF. I sure miss Martin. I am still upset with MSNBC for forcing him to resign for telling the truth. Is he working anywhere now?
h/t our BobFr
Does anyone know what Martin Bashir is doing these days? I miss him being on TV. I like his tweets, but they are no substitute for his every day show. And the MSNBC management thought Ronan Farrow could replace him!
MSNBC knows damn well that Farrow is no match for Bashir. In fact, that’s why they hired Farrow - because he would just regurgitate the corporate/Libertarian anti-PBO/anti-DEM lines fed to him and not ask the tough questions of the GOP.
I saw a tweet from him that said his wife was diagnosed with cancer in October. He also said he should have taken time off then rather than going on & saying “inappropriate” things on his show. I really feel for him. I believe he was so unfairly treated.
I do not watch Farrow. I tried his show the first time it came on, but not since. I miss Martin Bashir too.
Good, I’m glad they realize this.
No one is perfect, no one is right 100% of the time and Democrats Nate Silver is just a man who put his pants on one leg at a time, just like the rest of those who wear pants. So clam down and be prepare to fight those racists ass Republicans to the death.
Seeing the Terracota Warriors is on my bucket list; I well remember all of the excitement when they were discovered.
Good morning everyone! My first day of vacation and I woke up from a dream that I was having that the school district had made a terrible mistake…today was not going to be the first day of our vacation! Seriously, I had to wake myself up and get a grip…I think I really, really needed this break:)
Tomorrow is Gloria Steinem’s 80th birthday! If you are a person of a certain age, like I am….she was (still is) an icon to me. 80. years.old. Amazing…and still going strong. I’ll take a moment tomorrow and say thanks. She was my ideal of what a strong woman looks like.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/23/opinion/sunday/collins-this-is-what-80-looks-like.html?hp&rref=opinion&_r=0
DesertFlower,
Enjoy your vacations which, I believe, are well deserved.
I can beat you on nightmares: I dreamed that McCain was president at the same time as PBO. TALK ABOUT NIGHT-SWEATS!
Enjoy your vacation.
bbc is as ridiculous as teann with its missing plane coverage.
“this is the room where the press conference will be held in 30minutes”
rrright…
LOLGOP @LOLGOP 7m
I’M FURIOUS THAT DEMOCRAT ARE MAKING THE ELECTIONS ABOUT THE KOCHS.
- the people who make Climate Change all about Al Gore
This is a BFD:
I love the Rijksmuseum. It has a fabulous collection of Dutch art - Vermeer, Rembrandt, de Hooch, ter Borch, van Gogh . I hope PBO has at least a chance to take a glance!
Wow, I beat POTUS at something?!! My day is made! :-D
Wait a minute…. How the…
Okay. Different tie, different guy. Whew.
Chips,
I am in moderation, for some reason (maybe my sloppy typing) two more letters were added to my sign-in name. I did not see it until I was flagged. Need a get out of jail; thanks. CEB
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2014/03/24/maher_targets_first_two_congressman.html
Comedian Bill Maher revealed that the two congressmen first nominated “by popular demand” for his ‘Flip a District’ campaign are Rep. Michael Grimm (R-NY) and Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-TX), Politico reports.
I’m good with this.The guy from TX is a freaking fruitloop.
Testing. Tried another browser. Am I In?
You’re in:)
GREAT NEWS. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/23/obama-joseph-kony_n_5019138.html?utm_hp_ref=politics&ir=Politics
Obama Orders Increase In U.S. Special Forces To Hunt Joseph Kony: Report
Okay, I fixed the sign-in problem with the on my end. My earlier comments that sent me to moderation were under CEBis.
Found you and freed you, CEB! Mooooooorning!
JAPAN-US NUCLEAR DEAL ANNOUNCED AT HAGUE SUMMIT
Japan will hand over to the United States more than 315 kilograms (700 pounds) of weapons-grade plutonium and a supply of highly enriched uranium — a victory for U.S. President Barack Obama’s efforts to secure nuclear materials around the world. …
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/japan-us-nuclear-deal-announced-hague-summit
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/24/us-usa-china-idUSBREA2N0SJ20140324
Obama, China’s Xi pledge cooperation and joke about first lady
So cute.
I think this is a must read——the origins of the Hobby Lobby Sup. Ct. case——-the Manhattan Declaration, another one of those gatherings and declarations signed shortly after PBO was elected——200 of them—-prominent Catholic clergy, other prominent Christian clergy, every anti-gay org. known to man, every rt. wing conservative religious org. known to man etc. etc.
Their stated opposition is not just to abortion and marriage equality, but also “non-marital sexual cohabitation” and the “discredited idea of unilateral divorce’ etc.
For someone who calls himself a “historian” this guy is sure focusing on superficial aspects of a picture….
This jackass Ronald Auther ought to know that there is a time to smile and there is a time when you don’t be smiling and laughing. This is just this jackass way of taking a knock at FLOTUS and the girls. Thank you aspirational12 for setting the jackass straight.
Rise and Shine
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/03/24/rise-and-shine-the-netherlands-and-china/
LIVE NOW: World Forum - President Obama in attendance - http://hosting.dutchview.nl/20140323-nss/videoiframe.php
This way guys…..come on and follow me.
Awesome pictures to see, come on guys, you’re late for the morning party.
Mornin’ y’all… Amazing Prime Minister Rutte is taller than PBO! For some reason this fascinates me!