Check out my Instagram photos of 2015: go.wh.gov/BehindTheLens https://t.co/9ZA6bNthlo
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(@petesouza) December 22, 202523
Dec
15
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- Why Diplomacy Matters: Follow Along as the President Heads to the 70th UN General Assembly
- Engaging the International Community on Cybersecurity Standards
- Listen on Spotify: The Obamas' and Bidens' Holiday Playlists
- President Obama on the Five Years Since Repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
- What You Need to Know About How President Obama is Fighting Climate Change
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The People’s View
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Smartypants
- Is Karl Rove Kidding? He Can't Be Serious!
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- #Pixels: A sign of the Apocalypse?
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- A political bomb is about to blow up in the Democrats’ faces
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Good Afternoon TODers!!!
Congrats, swbluega! Hope your day is productive and fun.
Thanks, Judith. Productive. Not so much fun running errands in the rain. [sigh]
Hope you are enjoying the holidays.
Congratulations on being first swbluega! Have a great rest of the day.
Thanks, Betsy. Enjoy the rest of your day as well.
Afternoon, SW! Seasons greetings!
This is worth another go-round IMO.
Good Afternoon, VC! Joyeux Noel to you!
Joyeux Noël et
Bonne, et heureuse, Année, SW!
I can’t believe the year is almost over; in one sense it seems like it was just last month we were looking forward to 2015. :) :)
I know. It seems once you get past Labor Day (???) the rest of the year just zips on by. Can’t wait to see what PBO will do in 2016 as he shows us — and especially the GOP/Media crazies — his remake of a “lame duck” President.
Me too. :) Well…. I can wait, but I’m eager to see what he does do! :D :D
Congrats swbluega :)
Hi VC :)
You gotta wonder, just how many times do many Americans have to be hit in the face with a 2×4 before they decide to try something different ….
#Hope4ALL
Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public. - H. L. Mencken US editor
Roger that, LL!
glad to have you back LL
Thanks, PF. After getting hate trolled I’ve decided I need to attend to things outside of the Internet.
you are brilliant writer LL…but most of all you are loved ((huggs))
Hi Bfr. You are like flowing gold these
daysmonths!Wishing you and yours the best for the holidays (in case we don’t cross paths before the New Year). :D
That is so kind of you, dear ‘Quiet One’!!
Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to you and yours, VC :)
Thanks!
Unless the people who voted for him are the ones being harmed by the denial of voting rights or the lowering of the minimum wage, I don’t they’ll care. There is no such thing as ‘common good’ any more for many people; they don’t understand that something that degrades our society affects them too.
Good Afternoon, Bobfr. I hope you are having a happy holiday season.
Bob, I’ve asked myself that question countless times. I live in a majority red county and see people vote R time and time again even though they’re deeply unhappy with the results. It’s habit, family tradition, and a deep fear of trying something new. It’s only when new people enter the area from other states or countries that things loosen up a little.
Morning all.
Gonna be scarce during my staycation. I’ll be focusing on powering through edits on my novel. So Carolyn and J’OB, if you’re lurking, expect chapters soon.
Looking forward to them, LL! :)
Diplomacy has consequences ….
More updates in the sidebar, soon :)
As opposed to Saudi Arabia …..
Yes, We Are …
back to work …. take care everyone …
Apparently this is what gives SoS Kerry his focus. No doubt in my mind he travels with the winds of millions yearning for peace upholding him.
“Years ago when I left college, I went to war. And I learned in war the price that is paid when diplomacy fails. And I made a decision that if I ever was lucky enough to be in a position to make a difference, I would try to do so. I believe this agreement actually represents an effort by the United States of America and all of its colleagues in the P5+1 to come together with Iran to avert an inevitability of conflict that would come were we not able to reach agreement. I think that’s what diplomacy was put in place to achieve, and I know that war is the failure of diplomacy and the failure of leaders to make alternative decisions.” — J.K.
View story at Medium.com
This is how change will happen in Iran with new new voices and new power for women. Once this door opens there will be no going back.
Good afternoon everybody.
May this be my last thought/mention of Trump, until after Christmas!
Trump will never get to the White House, not even as a visitor. Here’s part of the reason why … I would imagine these would be some of his announced choices:
Vice President - also Donald J. Trump; he’d never share that kinda power
Secretary of State - first person that applies who can prove he has a fully European background and has never been a refugee
Secretary of the Interior - Dr. Ben Carson (get it?)
Secretary of Defense - Carly Fiorina (has more defenses than the whole damn department will ever need; she could let half the people go)
Secretary of the Treasury - Trump’s 3 wives, 1/3 of the time each, never to cross paths in the elevators
Co-Press Secretaries - Trump’s 2 older Stepford sons, who’ll say anything he wants
Me = too bored to finish!
Siesta time!
I always thought it would be impossible for me to feel actually supportive of ol’ Hill or empathize with her…. BUT between Trump and his supports (don’t let that schlonge hit you on the way out trump) and the bernie bots they are seriously making it go that direction.
I personally cannot wait for bernie to drop out, just so i don’ thave to deal/read/hear anything from his cast of supporters, yuck. I always see how they compare him to Obama, like he’s still running this election. LMAO. they would then rather criticize hillary (material not hard to find) than support the current president or taking aim at the GOP klown kar.
This! I’m also sick of hearing how Sanders is breaking fundraising records. Let’s be clear- Barack Obama built that fundraising machine. Bernie has done nothing but bitch and moan his entire career. He didn’t help build a Democratic party. Now he’s whining they’re not being fair to him ?!
He’s Nader. And will drag the country down with his righteous purity.
as some people like to say… egg zak lee.
It’s Like they need to prove somehow they are better than “Obama”, that their (white) guy is better than that blah guy in the white house.
What I want to tell the feel the bern crowd, is that if PBO was running for his 3rd term, i doubt sanders would even have the guts to jump in. and IF he did, then President re-elect Obama would be mopping the flood where it really counts, at the voting booth.
KK, I know exactly how you feel. I’ve had to endure month after month of tedious Bernie supporters at local Dem meetings and each time they speak, my commitment to Hillary grows.
I feel the same way. and agree with kid kanga and 57andfemale. If President Obama ran again, Sanders would probably try to get other people to primary him but wouldn’t want to run himself. I also think, deep down, that when Sanders says, “I’ll get single payer health care. I’ll do this, I’ll do that!”, he thinks because he’s a white guy they start cooperating with him. Well, I know that a lot of the opposition especially among the Republican voters was racially based, but I think the leadership also used that as a strategy and will be obstructionist to any Democrat”. His white skin won’t work ALL the magic. But that’s just me and maybe I’m being too cynical.
I’m wandering all over the WH site (*because* I don’t want to go do any Xmas cleaning/preparation) and stumbled onto this link. The link has several examples of people worldwide who are trying to make a difference. The catchy intro states…
“IT TAKES A NETWORK.
People already have extraordinary solutions in progress
to our most complex challenges. Let’s
find them and get the job done.”
//……………………………..
Princess Abze Djigma | AbzeSolar | Burkina Faso
Mossi Princess Abze Djigma, a mechanical engineer, founded AbzeSolar to provide women and youth with the means to create a better future for themselves — “If you educate a girl you educate all of humanity.” AbzeSolar S.A., based in Burkina Faso, scales the use of sustainable energy solutions in the sub-Saharan region to eradicate poverty through energy and heating products, financing, cooperation, training, and employment. The ‘Initiative MAMA-LIGHT for Sustainable Energy’, launched by Abze empowers communities to organize, manufacture, implement, maintain, and use sustainable solar energy and other renewable energy solutions to create jobs and to grow their local economies.
=================================
Xi Li | Baidu Recycle | China
The hazards and complexities of recycling motherboards and circuits mean much of China’s 3.62 million tons of electronic waste ends up in landfills. The UNDP-Baidu Recycle app helps users at the household level price and recycle their electronic products by connecting them to certified waste recycling and dismantling agencies across all major cities in China. The app seeks to effectively integrate the informal sector into the legitimate e-waste processing industry. When a user takes a photo of their electronic waste, the app gives them the name, category and estimated scrap price for the item. Users in certain cities can arrange a pick-up of their obsolete home appliances by a certified recycling partner of the project.
View story at Medium.com
Great links, VC. Thank you.
You are very welcome, JG! :) Whenever I take the time to ‘troll’ the WH sites I always find some goodies.
So many beautiful photos from Pete Souza. His Instagram account is a virtual GOLDMINE of gorgeous images.
I’m think he won’t be able to ever publish any collections of these photos in book form, though. I don’t think they belong to him. I think they’re the property of the U.S. government. Anybody know if that’s the case? I’m worried and wondering where the cache now displayed at wh.gov will go once PBO leaves office and whether or not they can be available to the public online and at the Obama Foundation Archives.
x2
Meta, even as I’ve been reminding Pete via twitter that I’m waiting for his publications, I’ve been wondering the same thing - will he be able to use any of these pics for a coffee table book, or two.
I am hopeful mainly because Pete previously published “The Rise of Barack Obama”, but I do wonder since at that point Barack was campaigning and not yet crowned. ;)
I WOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT ANY OF THOSE THINGS REGARDING PBO’S HISTORY AND REMOVE THINGS LONG BEFORE THE END OF HIS TERM. HE HAS NOT BEEN TREATED AT ALL WELL AND I THINK THERE ARE THOSE IN THE WH WHO WILL DESTROY OR REMOVE WHAT THEY CAN! I DON’T TRUST ANYONE BUT THE OBAMAS’ CLOSEST FRIENDS AND COLLEGUES!
Hey, Robert Johnson fans!
LIVE: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Live look at Rockefeller Center and the spectacular Christmas tree. http://www.msnbc.com/shift/watch/live-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-590829123711
So it’s 5am on Christmas Eve in my part of the world & I’m awake. The weirdest thing about moving - my sleeping has turned upside down. From being a night owl I have now become an Early Bird. Sigh
Meanwhile the grandbabe & her mother are arriving today to spend a few days. The new home is full of way too many presents for the little one - I don’t seem able to stop.
My memories go the the Christmas when my little one turned three. Couple of days before the big event, she told me she didn’t want any reindeer dancing across our roof & could we please ask Santa to leave her presents at the front gate.
Sometimes politics can be ignored - and because - grandbabes - life is good.
:) :) :) :) Merry Christmas, 99.
Yes, 99, sometimes politics Has to be ignored. Thanks for the reminder. Merry, merry Christmas down under 🎄🎅
I love young kids who are good thinkers. I also love them before they get contaminated because they are such speakers of truth that is never *intended* to hurt.
Enjoy yourself and your loved ones in your new corner, TS, and know that I’m wishing a wonderful holiday for you all!
Merry Christmas 99ts.. and I so agree, grandbabies make life very good :)
Have a great Christmas with your family, 99!
“NBA using its Christmas Day spotlight to take a stand against gun violence”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/12/23/nba-using-its-christmas-day-spotlight-to-take-a-stand-against-gun-violence/?tid=sm_tw
———-
Friday, during this year’s slate of five holiday games highlighted by an NBA Finals rematch between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers on ABC, the league will use perhaps its biggest in-season platform to take a stand against gun violence, calling upon many of the sport’s biggest stars.
High-profile players Stephen Curry, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Joakim Noah appear in the first ad of a series, directed by Spike Lee and scheduled to roll out during the Christmas Day games on ABC and ESPN. The public service announcements were paid for by Everytown for Gun Safety, an advocacy group founded by former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg as a counterpoint to the National Rifle Association. The organization has previously partnered with celebrities Jennifer Aniston, Sofia Vergara and Amy Schumer. This is its first joint effort with the NBA.
Whether you are Christian or not, I hope you will take a look at this site and its moving presentation of the Christmas story through the experience of the Syrian refugees. As a religious person I believe spiritual truths both in narrative and mystery are true in the present moment, and not just in historical narrative. Here is a window in the nativity story through the experience of suffering and hope in the Syrian refugees. The Syrian refugee family **is** the Holy Family along with all refugee families in our time and world. https://keziahereandthere.wordpress.com/2015/12/21/alternative-nativity/
Absolutely beautiful and heart wrenching, Bill. Thank you.
BEAUTIFUL INDEED…WE ARE ALL GOD’S CHILDREN!…AMERICA HOWEVER HAS REGRESSED TO COLONIALISM AND THE FUTURE WILL BE QUITE CHAOTIC……………WE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF OUR LACK OF HUMANITY WHICH IS VERY MUCH EXHIBITED IN THE WAY WE HAVE TREATED THE PRESIDENT ALL THESE YEARS!
SUCH BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS…PETE SOUZA IS SO GIFTED!
What’s on the Obamas’ [and Bidens’] Spotify holiday playlist? http://www.cbsnews.com/news/whats-on-the-obamas-spotify-holiday-playlist
DO THEY HAVE ANY GREAT SONGS FOR FIGHTING BECAUSE THAT IS ALL THAT IS GOING ON AT MY HOUSE…
GA/GE JER.
Merry Christmas, thanks for all that you bring to TOD throughout the year. Love all the timely links you provide, especially when “the bear is loose.” ;)
These tweets are just too cute. So wish that @VP were running for President!
in response to:
My pleasure, arapaho415. And Merry Christmas to you.
I love the Bidens.
Thank you, JER, for everything you do for TODville. You are appreciated!
I HOPE THE BIDENS HAVE SOME VERY WELL DESERVED AND BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY MEMORIES…THINGS HAVE BEEN VERY TOUGH FOR THEM!
Can I impose on the TOD family? 57 &F needs STRENGTH - lots and lots of bleeding (which apparently is normal) from Kasper, tummy issues but he needs food to take his meds. I’m up and down off the floor - astounding how you put your own aches and pains aside when someone you love needs you.
AND, I’ve been complaining to Mr. 57 about a grinding in the steering in the car for months. Another $500 bill.
Merry Christmas!
Nickelby and Pearl are taking turns sitting outside Kasper’s crate. Nickelby has always been a caregiver, but it’s so precious to see Pearl do the same.
PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH IN THE 57 HOUSEHOLD….FOR HEALING,COMFORT AND GENTLE JOY!
Prayers and healing energy being sent.
sending healing thoughts, calm and awareness of the “humanity and compassion” of dogs.
Sending special supportive thoughts of you & your family through this time. Hope you’ll all get over this hump soon.
GA/GE TODville.
Feels like Friday for me, have to keep reminding myself it’s Wednesday, LOL.
THIS is the feel-good holiday story of the week, IMO.
Hope Chips or NW front-pages this so as many people as possible can see how wonderful the students at Georgia Tech the Scheller College of Business are (and hope that they use their business skills for good rather than greed):
https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/12/23/listen-spotify-obamas-and-bidens-holiday-playlists This just in!! (really hope it doesn’t lead y’all right back into my email box!)
Geek Alert: http://spaceweather.com/
THIS BOY NEEDS TO REPRESENT HIMSELF IN A STRAIGHTJACKET!..OR IN A MORE GENTLE WAY OF SAYING…A VELCRO WRAP AROUND…SIGNED…SEALED AND STAPLED!
Someone that shares your exact feeling, Chips on this show.
Evening peeps and Happy Holidays!
In case I forget here’s a little NOLA Christmas for you all from NOLA!
Thank you, and Merry Christmas!
And Rand Paul has stated that he will participate as an under Card puppet. Wow! Free air time? But, Pride in the name of poor rating poll numbers?
Where is Amk?
I am not a betting person. ;)
By Jan 14th, 2016…….?
Rand Paul?
Carson?
Hukabee?
Kasich?
Pataki?
Fiorina?
Santorum?
Jebra and Fluffy Christie will Not be quitting any time soon. They have the full support of the GOP Establishment Apparatus backing.
Rubio will get out before FL if Trump wins NH and SC.
Not sure about Rubio. Even though his campaign is going nowhere, he has some big money behind him and ZERO desire to return to the Senate. So my guess is he skates along until forced out.
So did Scott Walker.
KOCHroaches groomed him, backed him, telegraphed their backing and Walker imploded big time……plus a rumored baby boy with an unnamed woman.
Poor Ben Carson! He is so clueless when it comes to politics. He doesn’t understand that a white supremacist party is not going to vote for a black man for President no matter how right winger he claims to be.
When I think of what it takes to be president, I can’t believe that half these people think they have the skills. No relevant experience, no relevant training; it’s like they think you need no skills at all to be president! Just get in there and wave your magic wand. What would Carson think of someone who wanted to be a neurosurgeon with no training and no experience. But Leader of the Free World - meh.
I read an article yesterday in a back issue of The New Yorker, that said governing to the GOP is a dirty word, deriving from the concept of government, which to them is a disreputable organization. So they’re selecting candidates not for their ability to govern, but for their ability to dismantle government. And when I say dismantle, I mean wreck via clusterfck.
Well, they’re doing a really good job of picking candidates, then.
Some Christmas cheer from Chris Botti-
Caroling with Yo-Yo Ma and Allison Krause:
This is how it should be. Their loss is no less than other families.
THAT’S SO RIGHT!
So right.
Tale of Two Carsons,
Ben Carson spent Wednesday afternoon in his basement, complaining to reporters about his hired help.
In interviews conducted at his Maryland home, the fading presidential candidate told the Associated Press and the Washington Post that he was dissatisfied with the state of his campaign, and that “personnel changes” may be coming.
For a brief moment in early November, the retired neurosurgeon looked like he just might become the drowsiest president in American history. Carson crept ahead of Donald Trump for first place in national primary polls. Trump found Carson’s rise threatening enough to start branding his rival a pseudo child molester. But in the ensuing weeks, some combination of heightened press scrutiny, increased concern with national security in the wake of the Paris attacks, and the candidate’s inability to convincingly differentiate between Hamas and hummus sent his poll numbers into steady decline.
On Wednesday, Carson blamed his campaign’s struggles on his overpriced, ineffective staffers.
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2015/12/ben-carson-trashes-his-staff.html?mid=twitter_nymag
DR. BEN…DON’T LEAVE YOUR DAY JOB!!!!
New post.
http://theobamadiary.com/2015/12/23/tweets-of-the-day-43/