First lady Michelle Obama greets RyAnne Noss at the Labor Department, Jan. 30, where she announced proposed rules to help caregivers of wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, giving them the ability to provide care for their loved ones need without fear of losing their jobs. RyAnne Noss left school to take care of her husband SFC Scot Noss, who was injured in Afghanistan in Feb. 2007 during his eighth tour of duty as an Army Ranger. Mrs. Obama was joined by Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis.

Read more here

Thanks Janelle

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Coming up:

Link

White House Live

CNN Live streaming

Steve Benen is back blogging, phew! Link

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11:15: First Lady Michelle Obama joins Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis to announce new proposed rules regarding health care for veterans and injured service members. (CNN Live streaming)

12:15: Jay Carney briefs the press.

2:15: PBO welcomes President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia to the White House.

3:15: PBO and Michelle Obama host the Diplomatic Corps Reception.

5:30: PBO participates in an interview with YouTube and Google+ to discuss his State of the Union Address.

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I never thought I’d say this: well done Jake Tapper.

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In a small gathering in Midtown Manhattan on November 29th, 2007, Senator Barack Obama is asked what he would do to begin to bridge the “wealth gap” between America’s very rich and very poor:

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Thanks lamh!

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Morning everyone

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The first family walk together to the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, Jan. 29

The Obamas were visiting the gallery to view the ’30 Americans’ exhibition – they also toured an exhibit on Civil War photography and contemporary art.

30 Americans is a wide-ranging survey of work by many of the most important African American artists of the last three decades. Selected from the Rubell Family Collection, the exhibition brings together seminal figures such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and David Hammons with younger and emerging artists such as Kehinde Wiley and Shinique Smith. Often provocative and challenging, 30 Americans focuses on issues of racial, sexual, and historical identity in contemporary culture. It explores how each artist reckons with the notion of black identity in America, navigating such concerns as the struggle for civil rights, popular culture, and media imagery. At the same time, it highlights artistic legacy and influence, tracing subject matter and formal strategies across generations.

More here

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New Yorker

Thanks Edwina

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The President at the Alfalfa Club last night:

You’ve heard it from the pundits: “Obama is cloistered in the White House.” “He’s aloof.” “He’s in the bubble.” “He’s not connecting.” And that’s why one of my big goals this year was to get out and be among everyday, ordinary Americans – like the men and women of the Alfalfa Club.

And Speaker (John) Boehner, it is good to see you at the head table. I know how badly Eric Cantor wanted your seat. But, John, I want you to know: I am eager to work with members of Congress to be entertaining tonight. But if Congress is unwilling to cooperate, I will be funny without them.

I’d like to acknowledge a very good friend of mine – Warren Buffet’s secretary’s boss is in the house.

USA Today

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Catch ya later

Morning everyone, won’t be able to catch up until later, see you then

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AP: President Barack Obama will address the 99th annual Alfalfa Club dinner in Washington Saturday evening (7:15). First lady Michelle Obama will join the president at the prestigious event being held at the Capital Hilton.

The dinner is closed to the media.

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President Barack Obama plays with his dog Bo after returning to the White House from a Democratic fundraiser, January 27

Morning everyone, will catch up later today