On This Day: President Obama talks to New Zealand Prime Minister John Key as they arrive for the gala dinner together with other head of states participating in the 21st ASEAN Summit, Cambodia, Nov 19, 2025
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Nerdy, can’t thank you enough for the last post, you’re a thoughtful gem - and thank you again to everyone for the kind words, you’re the best.
So, MoooOOOooorning - Happy Wednesday!
White House.gov
He.
Moooooooorning No Child, moooooooorning everyone!
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Thank you for that touching tribute - your uncle became “family” to all of us.
All my love to you, Chips.
Good Morning TODVille.
Our hearts are with Chips and her family today.
May this awesome shirt-photo of POTUS make your day a little lighter. It does that for me.
OMG! Can you imagine??
WWDD??
I can imagine.
I lived in Buffalo for 57 years…..
The Blizzard of 77 looked just like this. People had to tunnel out of their houses….
They dumped the snow in the parks and it was still there in June, 4 months after the storm…..
Crazy business! I’ve opened MY door and seen the snow 1/2 to 3/4 the way up the front door, but to see this wall of snow….WOW! Just think..it’s not even winter yet:)
I met a young man from Buffalo NY who came to SoCal in 78′.
This is absolutely frightening, Df. You’d feel buried alive in your home. Poor dog is probably so confused-he just wanted to go and do his business.
I have claustrophobia…this would send my heart into palpitations for sure! Hopefully, there’s another door to get out of…
Having lived in basement apartments many moons ago when I was single, I got adept at digging out to let Rufus outside. I also made friends with the single guys in the building who would help dig me out as well!
That being said, I cannot fathom 60-70 inches of snow falling in a few days’ time. This is a major catastrophe.
Happy Wednesday, dear Chips and Nerdy.
Gratefulness!!
Heads up: our Daddy Warbucks will be testifying before Congress today.
Thanks meta for the heads up. Love Daddy Warbucks!
Mr. NFTG @Kennymack1971 · 19h19 hours ago
Or what? You’ll sue? LMAO! “@CBSNews: Boehner warns Obama: Don’t veto Keystone pipeline bill http://ln.is/cbsn.ws/W2BQK “
That’s how they roll, meta-hate-filled, bigoted and narrow-minded. I hope every immigrant extended family recognizes this and never, ever gives Republicans their vote.
Exactly! We’re going to need to rally support for the President’s upcoming Executive Action because as you well know the RWNJs will act as though the world is coming to an end, running to every TV camera and going hysterical. And it just may be the beginning of the end for them when immigrants are able to come out of the shadows.
meta, sound like what the Republicans have try to do to POTUS.
This train keeps rolling!! Thanks, Obama:)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-11-19/wages-poised-to-rise-as-signs-emerge-of-improved-u-s-job-market.html
More than five years into the economic expansion, the signs that economists look for to herald the pickup in pay that has long eluded American workers are starting to emerge.
Wages and salaries climbed last quarter by the most since 2008 as a dwindling number of unemployed per job opening approached a tipping point. Amid rising profits and sales per employee, some companies have a cushion to boost compensation.
Evidence of a rebound in employee earnings is appearing in certain industries and regions, including Texas and North Dakota, that are riding the energy boom and the strengthening homebuilding market in the U.S. Southeast. While plenty of slack remains in the economy, raises are likely to filter to other areas as job creation whittles away at U.S. unemployment.
“Wage growth is beginning to bubble up,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Capital Markets Group in New York. “It’s still nascent, early stages, but the labor market is now tightening to the point where we are beginning to see some stronger wage gains. This is the beginning of more definitive acceleration.”
Love ya, Chiparooooooo!
MooOOooOoorning, TOD. :)
Good Morning Chips,
I’m saddened to hear of the loss of your wonderful uncle. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. May your heart soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together.
Ugh…. jury duty today.
Go be a good citizen…(just had mine, too:)
Knock on wood I have not been called to JD in over 8yrs.
Can’t imagine that. Get called like clockwork here
G’morning Chips & TOD!!
Happy Wednesday everyone :)
Chips, I just saw Nerdy’s post from late last night featuring your wonderful tribute to your dear Uncle. Many thanks to Nerdy, and again, sending my deepest condolences to you, your mom and your family. Wishing you warm thoughts and peace at this time, and healing in the days to come
But, but, but #gruber…
If we impeach Presidents for using executive privilege to alter immigration laws, then how did these avoid a similar fate?
Pres. Dwight Eisenhower:
1956
By executive order, circumvented immigration quotas to allow 900 orphans to join their adoptive families in the U.S.
1956-1958
By executive order, allowed 31,000 Hungarian anti-Soviet insurgents to emigrate.
1959-72
By executive order, allowed 600,000 Cubans fleeing Castro to emigrate.
Pres. Gerald Ford:
1975
By executive order, allowed 360,000 refugees, mostly from from Vietnam, to emigrate.
1976
By executive order, allowed 14,000 Lebanese nationals to emigrate.
Pres. Ronald Reagan:
1981
By executive order, allowed 7,000 Polish anti-Communists to emigrate.
1982
Allowed 15,000-plus Ethiopians to emigrate.
1987
By executive order, rescinded deportation of 200,000 Nicaraguans.
1987
By executive order, deferred deportation of undocumented children of 100,000 families.
George H.W. Bush:
1989
By executive order, deferred deportations of Chinese students.
1989
By executive order, reversed visa denials of 7,000 Soviets, Indochinese.
1990
By executive order, deferred deporations of previously amnestied citizens’ 1.5 million spouses and children.
1991
By executive order, deferred deportation of 2,000 Gulf War evacuees.
1992
By executive order, deferred deportations of 190,000 El Salvadorans.
George W. Bush:
2002
By executive order, expedited naturalization for green-card holders who joined military.
2005
By executive order, deferred deportation of students affected by Hurricane Katrina.
2006
By executive order, enabled 1,500 Cuban physicians to seek asylum at US embassies.
2007
By executive order, deferred deportation of 3,600 Liberians.
Link? This will come in handy when the bitching, moaning and complaining commences.
sorry..here it is.
http://theimmoralminority.blogspot.com/2014/11/if-we-impeach-presidents-for-using.html
Thanks so much:)
10 trues things that Harry Truman said about Republicans that are still applicable today.
#1. “The Republicans believe in the minimum wage — the more the minimum, the better.”
#2. “Richard Nixon is a no good, lying bastard. He can lie out of both sides of his mouth at the same time, and if he ever caught himself telling the truth, he’d lie just to keep his hand in.”
#3. “A bureaucrat is a Democrat who holds some office that a Republican wants.”
#4. “Republicans don’t like people who talk about depressions. You can hardly blame them for that. You remember the old saying: Don’t talk about rope in the house where somebody has been hanged.”
#5. “It’s an old political trick: “If you can’t convince ‘em, confuse ‘em.” But this time it won’t work.”
more at link
http://theimmoralminority.blogspot.com/2014/11/10-trues-things-that-harry-truman-said.html
Could it be to announce executive action on immigration - or something else? :)
GM HF2,
Love the info you bring to TOD (including Gruber explanation and snark). :)
Aw…Thanks araphaho415 - I always enjoy reading your informative posts!!
I’m wondering if he’ll announce sooner and then go on a road trip? That would be THE AWESOME.
Yes that would be ideal. But then he would have to announce today or tomorrow. :)
I have to say that the mere THOUGHT of him making this immigration announcement gives me that “Cheshire cat” sort of grin:)
Hehe…Ed Henry…. LMAO! :)
:)
Gooood West Coast morning Chipsticks & TOD family.
Hugs to Chips & her mum.
Big props to mighty NW!
Of course they did.
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/11/18/3593645/house-epa-science-advisory-board-bill/
House Passes Bill That Makes It Harder For Scientists To Advise The EPA
Evil sociopath
………….
Gov. Mike Pence Says He’s ‘Ennobling’ Poor People By Cutting Off Food Stamps In Indiana
By David November 18, 2025 11:49 am
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) explained on Tuesday that a new policy that could cut off food stamps for thousands of people in his state would be “ennobling” for poor people.
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announced last month that beginning in 2015, it would no longer request a waiver to the federal work requirement for certain people who use the SNAP program. Up to 65,000 single Hoosiers could lose food stamp benefits unless they are working 20 hours a week or attending job training.
Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, Pence argued that 50,000 people had joined the Indiana workforce since 2008 so it was time to return to a “core principle” of welfare reform.
“How do you feel about people who say you are targeting poor people?” Fox News host Brian Kilmeade asked the governor.
“I’m someone that believes there’s nothing more ennobling to a person than a job,” Pence insisted. “And to make sure that able-bodied adults without dependants at home know that here in the state of Indiana, we want to partner with them in their success.”
“You know, it’s the old story,” he continued. “Give someone a fish, and they’ll eat for a day. Teach them to fish, they’ll eat for a lifetime. I think this is an idea whose time has come here in the state of Indiana.”
Think Progress pointed out last month that there were 2 million people in the Midwest seeking jobs, but only about a million jobs available. And that’s not counting the thousands of people who are no longer counted as unemployed because they gave up looking for a job.
http://crooksandliars.com/2014/11/gov-mike-pence-says-hes-ennobling-poor
Rikyrah, there are no words too vile to describe this man, yet the people of Indiana elected him. As they sowed, so shall they reap. If all those on food stamps had come out to vote, he would not now be governor. There are people who actually like to see suffering and starvation-they are called sadists. Mike Pence just identified himself.
We know that as citizens we have a responsibility to vote… but instead of heaping criticism on those who do not vote…we need a strategy to get them to the polls..Jackie ..some of the things you were doing prior to the election are perfect examples of motivation tools …
.I was on the bus yesterday on my way to work…a mother and two small children got on the bus….they all has this look…no smiles….dejection..and a lil bit of anger….then i heard one of the children ask their mother for some cereal….she responded …do you see any cereal here….she was angry….but i noticed how the child that asked the question grabbed her mother’s hand….the mother responded…by slowly grasping the hand of her child…
i say this to say…that for some citizens voting is the last thing that they are thinking about….and for some…they have no hope and do not believe that voting will change their plight in life….
Here in PA…Corbett made it difficult for people..i hope that Wolf can make a dent…although he will have to deal with a GOP controlled state house
As I said before, I am more piss with the Democrats who didn’t get out to vote then I am with the Republicans. Because there were so many reasons for people to get out to vote and prevent the Republicans from getting control of the Senate and prevent these Republicans from gaining the Governor office. 36% of Americans felt the need to go vote. How disgusting. So when the complaining starts, I am one who don’t want to hear it.
And what would he know about anything ‘noble’, pray tell?
Good morning TOD.
Chips I am so sorry for your loss. Be well.
I am off to the dentist because I broke a tooth and it needs to be pulled. yuck.
BBL . Possible much later. Depending on need for anasthesia.
Friday PBO in Vegas!?! I cannot wait.
LIVE NOW: Secretary Jeh Johnson - State Department Overseas Advisory Council - http://www.cbsnews.com/liveFeed/widget.shtml
Okay, looking at what is happening in upstate NY, I just want to say, you will never hear me complain about the winters in Chicago again.
LOL
Not sure I’ll be able to keep that promise come February, but I’ll try.
Japa, you’re in luck! You’ve just won a sweepstakes vacation to no other than Buffalo NY - for a whole week starting tomorrow. Pack your bags and bring the whole family (& grandkids) to the Buffalo-Sno Motel where you’ll be greeted by the locals and welcomed with 20 ft of lovely cold snow! For the entire week, you will feast on an array of popsicles, icecream, iced tea, iced coffee, snowcones, creamsicles, icies, shave ice, and icepops. You’ll be the envy of your neighbors, friends, coworkers, even posters on TOD!
And since you’re not complaining, you’ll have only 5-star ratings to give us after you return home. :) :)
Oh, I didn’t say I wouldn’t complain about winters elsewhere, just in Chicago. BTW, speaking of ratings, did you see where a British hotel added $100 Euros to a guests bill because, while they were at the hotel they placed a negative review on a web-site. Turns out the fine print said no negative reviews allowed or there will be a surcharge.
Oh my…LOL! What a crock…I would’ve sued that hotel.. Where is John “sue-me” Boehner when you need him?!?
Well, yes we will, but with a tad more humility.
Yeah, it will be hard come February, but I will probably talk about dislike instead of hate.
Well, other than an anomalous event like this, Buffalo is damned good at getting their roads cleared and passable. We cannot say the same in Chicagoland. I will “hate” the bad winter anyway, but will admit that it could be worse.
Lynch confirmation deferred for time-wasting Keystone vote
Rachel Maddow points out that one thing Senate Democrats could have been doing instead of going through the empty show of holding a meaningless vote on the Keystone XL pipeline is approve Loretta Lynch, President Obama’s nominee for Attorney General, while they still have the majority. Do they think Republicans will be embarrassed to reject a black woman candidate?
http://on.msnbc.com/1zBCN7S
updated link
http://on.msnbc.com/1zBBQwh
Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Morocco on Wednesday and was welcomed with the tune of a marching band. The vice president will travel to the city of Fez and meet with Morocco’s King, Mohammed VI.
I love Ride or Die VPBiden. He has my complete support. Love that man.
Thank you Chips for sharing your memories of your uncle. I am so sorry for your and your mom’s loss. It made me cry with sadness and joy mixed for a life well lived. Our time is short and we are often weak but it strengthens us to hear hero tales of moral courage. I will raise a glass to him and your family and be extra kind and mindful of others.
Chips dear, I’m only now seeing the news about your loss. Here’s a hug from me. May you be comforted with fond memories of your loved one. Peace.
Hmmm….meta and df…we might be getting a lil’ somethin’ somethin’
See, I’ve been hearing background on an announcement coming today. So I like what I’m seeing from KayDubz, who is there and well positioned and probably hears a lot of buzz as well.
Love some PBO “somthin’ somethin’!!!
President Obama Speaks at a ConnectED Conference
Chips (and others), Every day I read a passage from “Healing After Loss” (Martha Hickman). Monday’s reading was about love…..a mystery. “Everything in life that we really accept under goes a change. So suffering must become love. That is the mystery.” It points out that when we have suffered (a loss), we are more tender-hearted toward others. Because our own defenses have been peeled away, we have a new perspective on what it means to be vulnerable and we see that in others who are hurting…….we become porous and people see the light shining through us. That light, which is love illuminated, reaches those around us. While we are still sad (after a loss), we are not alone, and that love, often forged out of sadness, is life’s greatest gift to us all.
Since we lost our grandson in 2008, I read this book every day. Obviously, I’ve read thru it many times. I have pages turned down, things highlighted that certainly spoke to me THAT day, but may not be so powerful that next time I read it. That’s how grief works and that how finding our “new normal” works.
Blessings, peace and comfort to everyone on TOD who is dealing with any kind of loss. Love you all.
This is beautiful, tnmtngirl. I’m going to find this book.
It is a wonderful book. At this point, I need a new one. This one is beginning to fall apart. :)
Always a good sign of a book well-loved.
I saw something I did not see at this point in 2013: a commercial for Illinois’ ACA website on the tee vee!
With the sociopathic billionaire who will now be our governor, I don’t expect to see any such ads next year. Unless he starts shell corporations with his wife that buy insurance companies.
Thanks, voters.
Well, I’m now seeing this….
Friday’s good! Tee it up😊😊😊😊😊
Uber appears to be a dirty company….I hope David Plouffe gets out of there before he gets tainted…..
I really don’t understand why he took that gig. I mean, competing with the taxi industry doesn’t seem that high on the list of urgent problems this country faces. They must have offered him a TON of money.
House Judiciary Committee only allowing one round of questioning for public access.
After that they will be behinds closed doors due to sensitive information.
Moooooorning!
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/11/19/rise-and-shine-959/
(((((((Dearest Chips, Mom & Family)))))), I am so sorry for your loss. May the memories of your uncle help you find peace.