First Lady Michelle Obama presents a 2014 National Medal for Museum and Library Service to Mystic Aquarium, of Mystic, Conn., represented by Justin Richard, far left, and aquarium President and CEO Stephen Coan, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community.
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North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, represented by museum Director Emlyn Koster, and Molly Paul, of Raleigh, N.C.,
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, New York, represented by Chidi Duke, and Library President Scott Medbury
Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon (C) and community member Chris Force
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis President and CEO Jeffrey Patchen, holds the museum’s 2014 National Medal for Museum and Library Service as Spencer Hahn, who had a stroke in-utero, whistles by his mother Erica Hahn and First Lady Michelle Obama
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Star Tribune: Michelle Obama Honors 10 Outstanding Museums And Libraries, Including In Her Chicago Hometown
Museums and libraries are playing an important role in a country that is aiming to provide a top-flight education to its children, Michelle Obama said Thursday as she helped honor 10 institutions from across the U.S. for outstanding community service. “Welcome to a little museum that we like to call the White House,” she said to open an East Room ceremony where she handed representatives of each institution a wooden frame that held their medal and a certificate.
The first lady said the institutions’ programs “help us expand our horizon and connect us to with the rest of the world.” She highlighted such offerings as summer expeditions to excavate dinosaur bones alongside professional paleontologists and opportunities to learn marine biology through the feeding and training of beluga whales. “The work that you do in the summers and throughout the year, quite frankly, is filling a crucial role for our country as we strive to give our young people a world-class education,” Mrs. Obama said.
More here
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Octavia Fellin Public Library, of Gallup, N.M., represented by Maria Elena Reyes, far left, and library Director Mary Ellen Pellington
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History represented by Ernesto Vargas, far left, and museum Director Michael Mares
Mid-Continent Public Library, of Independence, Missouri, represented by Alicia Moore, and library Director and CEO Steven Potter
Yiddish Book Center, of Amherst, Mass., represented by Peter Manseau, far left, and center Founder and President Aaron Lansky
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, represented by Avree Walker, a dancer and student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and district Executive Director Jeanne Goodrich
TY,NW:)
Congrats on 1st, df.
You did it again, NW!!!! So grateful for your tireless efforts!!
Michelle Obama is first class
I love what she’s wearing today….
As do I. Look at those shoes.
Same here. Love the clean lines.
LIVE STREAM: Awaiting President Obama’s arrival in San Jose –
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/President-Barack-Obama-to-Attend-Fundraisers-Talk-Energy-Efficiency-During-Bay-Area-Visit-258391031.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_BAYBrand
That was AWESOME!!
It’s pretty overcast here in the Bay Area today. But POTUS seemed in great spirits and the crowd was very enthusiastic. What a treat!!
Now he’s off to Silicon Valley.
Other news that Media will never touch…..thank you Mr. President for taking care of the world…God Bless you
Is he the cutest kid:-)
https://twitter.com/Kahsai/status/464545544007077888
Is there a link for this and what does MDG mean?
Sorry about that NW > MDG = Millennium Development Goals:
Achieve the Millennium Development Goals: As president, President-elect Barack Obama will double U.S. foreign assistance from $25 billion per year to $50 billion per year to ensure the U.S. does its share to meet the Millennium Development Goals, including halving the number of people who die of tuberculosis and/or are affected by malaria. In 2005, Obama cosponsored the International Cooperation to Meet the Millennium Development Goals Act. President-elect Barack Obama will target this new spending toward strategic goals, including helping the world’s weakest states to build healthy and educated communities, reduce poverty, develop markets, and generate wealth. He will also help weak states to fight terrorism, halt the spread of deadly weapons, and build the health care infrastructure needed to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS as well as detect and contain outbreaks of avian influenza.
http://change.gov/pages/the_obama_biden_plan_to_combat_global_hiv_aids/
Latest reports and Result >>> http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/sharp-decline-maternal-child-deaths-globally-new-data-show/
In this context, MDG is most likely ‘Millennium Development Goals.’ Will leave it to Kasia to confirm and provide the link.
Well done, Kasai :)
Sigh, he’s in San Jose. Which means I have to play this:
These pics are simply breathtaking and our FLOTUS is gorgeous! :) Thanks NW for posting!
Ukrainian Journalist Sergii Leshchenko Named “Information Hero”
Posted on May 8, 2025 by Rosemary D’Amour —
Guest post by Marlena Papavaritis of the National Endowment for Democracy, on why investigative journalism matters to the future of Ukraine
“Long before the Euromaidan protests erupted over Ukrainian citizens’ frustrations with corrupt and unaccountable political leaders, Sergii Leshchenko was investigating ties between politicians and oligarchs and tracing the money trails left behind by political elites to their domestic business interests and investments abroad.
One of Ukraine’s most celebrated anti-corruption investigative journalists and press freedom activists, Leshchenko was selected as one of Reporters Without Borders’ “100 Information Heroes” for World Press Freedom Day 2014. This new and timely initiative aims to profile some of the world’s most courageous and dedicated journalists, many of whom operate in increasingly hostile and restrictive media environments.
Since returning to Kiev in February of this year, Leshchenko has in effect returned to a different country facing a whole new set of domestic and geopolitical issues. Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the subsequent crisis in eastern Ukraine has presented a huge challenge for the new and untested Ukrainian government.Leshchenko’s selection as an Information Hero is well-deserved given his many years as an investigative journalist with Ukrainska Pravda, Ukraine’s leading independent online newspaper, founded by the late journalist Georgiy Gongadze. Since joining the newspaper in 2000, Leshchenko has carried on Gongadze’s legacy by demonstrating an unwavering commitment to press freedom— whether during the chaotic and repressive presidency of Viktor Yanukovych or in the context of a post-Orange Revolution Ukraine.”
More at the link: http://cima.ned.org/blog/ukrainian-journalist-information-hero-sergii-leshchenko/
Serious, legitimate question ….
ummm SOTUS gave them the OK to opt out, I think. Can they not say that people can just go to ER. I am probably wrong, just wondering..
SCOTUS
Yes, #SCOTUS scuttled the requirement that all States expand Medicaid coverage. It’s now well enough documented that people without insurance are more likely to die than those with coverage. So, telling them to ‘go to the ER’ is heartless, economically unsustainable and medically stupid because many of the pathologies that uninsured folk arriving at the ER, typically in critical condition, requiring intervention could have been treated successfully had they been receiving proper care.
TY Bob! I agree completely, I was just looking at it from a legal perspective..
And I really hope they can be charged with willful manslaughter!
Thank you Layla!
YW Bob! Being a Canadian it is extremely difficult for me to get my mind around what lengths some will go to neglect the American people, health wise
I wish someone would try to sue the GOP Governors who opted out of ACA Medicaid expansion if they can prove it was for political reasons. The Justices allowed them to opt out if they found it hurt the state financially.
Great point!
Bob, maybe it would be possible for citizen groups within a state to sue their governors. Our best bet this year is to vote out the ones who are up for election. We have a real chance in states like Pa and Florida to reverse the cruel decision of Republican governors by booting them out in November. But every one of them needs to be put on a hot seat in some way. A committed group of people in each state could do wonders by relentlessly drawing attention to the actions of their governors, encouraging lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have been specifically harmed by the refusal to expand Medicaid, constantly pressuring to state reps and pushing for as much media attention as possible. People would need to organize and keep fighting back.
“A committed group of people in each state could do wonders by relentlessly drawing attention to the actions of their governors, encouraging lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have been specifically harmed by the refusal to expand Medicaid, constantly pressuring to state reps and pushing for as much media attention as possible.”
Yes, Jackie, and with the data released this week such efforts would be totally just and certainly necessary.
and because… http://www.healthinsurance.org/blog/2014/05/05/could-obamacare-save-24000-lives-a-year/
Yes.
:)
Oh I wish I had a smiling bonhomme!
I have the say, Bob, that the arrogance of these Russian representatives never ceases to amaze me. They violate every law in the book by ignoring the sovereignty of a country and then pretend shock when someone pushes back. It’s quite an act.
In_deed, Jackie. And, they ain’t seen anything, yet. Ukrainians are more and more motivated as each day passes to stand firm and press on determining the future of their Ukraine. Putin can cause a lot of death and destruction but he’s lost Ukraine, likely forever.
This event with FLOTUS was really fun. Great honors and everyone seemed to have a good time. I hope there’s a video so others can watch.
Yes, Ma’am. Just posted it.
Thank you very much!
Thanks for all this wonderful coverage of FLOTUS and POTUS! Was glad to see that the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History at the University of Oklahoma was one of those recognized. We haven’t been yet, should go, but I do know it’s excellent. OU’s president, David Boren, is a very progressive person. He was a good Democratic Senator and Governor for our state, and we were not 48th or 49th in everything when he was governor. So sad to see and live what has happened.
Anyway…..we finally had RAIN last night and this morning!!! Also, my children in Dallas did. We need more, but we are very thankful for what we got…..over an inch, which is a large amount this year! We were fortunate to escape the wind, hail and bad storms, just blessed rain.
Hey—I’ve been to the Mystic Aquarium—-very impressive—-one of the best in the country. We took a little side trip for a long weekend there after visiting my Ct. daughter one year. Mystic was recommended in one of my travel books, and if anyone remembers the Julia Roberts’ movie, Mystic Pizza—-we ate there while we were there too. A fun and picturesque community, lots of things to see and do—-great restaurants—-arrived just in time for a boat parade on the Mystic River——stayed at a great little inn right on the river’s edge—-Steamboat Inn, I think. Ahhh—-fun memory.
FLOTUS look like she enjoy herself today.
Of course she did. She was with the most awesome people in the world: LIBRARIANS!
We honor our very own awesomest Librarian….our very own LL. Whatever FLOTUS said today goes double for you.
It was a really inspiring event. YAY FLOTUS and curators, librarians!!
Librarians are the most awesome people in the world. :)
This was a sweet moment:
That little tyke has such a wondrous expression……perhaps saying, I have seen him before, but from where? I know him, but where did WE last meet?
Thanks Meta - I didn’t realize that was a series of 15 pictures when I clicked. :)
Thanks VC…..Now I see them ;) .
Can’t afford to miss pic opportunities, right? :grin:
That kid look like he is thinking “Who are you?” But you have a nice smile. :)
Hmmmmm, our CK has the scoop!
Energy embargo against Russia?
Anticipation is making me wait?
Well, Friday is only just a few hours.
WOWZA…according to CK, the embargo’s in place until 6AM tomorrow morning…
Hmmm…. :)
An especially good morning. usually the best part for me is the first few sips of coffee. Now I will be opening my computer while the coffee is brewing.
We’ll all be up early to check in!!
:). We’ll eagerly await the news. Appreciate the heads up. Something to look forward to.
I don’t know what to think about this—I’ve gone back and forth……on these idiotic political fakey disgusting GOP Benghazi hearings……the latest version…
Does POTUS look or act worried….
I think the Dems have to be there too. Remember how Issa treated Rep Cummings and how that blew up in Issa’s face. If they are present, they will be able to prod and push the crazies, and undoubtedly the Rethugs will overstep and do very stupid things. They always do. Without the Dems there will be no control, and no truth of what happened available. The Rethugs will just lie and lie and make up what happened. I hope Rep. Levin of MI is on this committee, or Rep. Cummings. They call out the Rs, and don’t let them get by with their slime. Levin really just says what is on his mind and doesn’t pull punches.
I agree
Beyond stupid - not my call - but if it was - I will tell the democrats to nominate 7 people to spend the equivalent time attacking everything the GOP are doing - I wouldn’t give any legitimacy to the inquiry, the committee or anything else that the GOP does.
The GOP has killed any semblance of what congress is supposed to do - they did it during the Clinton years - and now they do it again. Like Putin, they think they have a divine right to rule. RW party in my world is exactly the same. Lie their way into power and then hit on those who most need some help in our society.
and in the meantime…there is not focus on infrastructure…no focus on UI…not focus on Immigration…all the air will be sucked up by the call of Benghazi….
I agree with 99…I would like the Dems to refuse to be a part of this farce….their presence on the panel gives it legitimacy
If they don’t boycott it, then this is my suggested alternative …
I strongly disagree with Mr. Williams! Democrats should not legitimize this right wing political circus!
Agreed! Don’t enable these idiotic morons.
LL - have you ever done a Bee Gee’s night on TOD? If so, disregard.
I have not. I must do so soon.
Yippee!! Looking forward to it - thanks. :) :)
The Water Trick.
One for the boys.
A woman goes to the Doctor, worried about her husband’s temper.
The Doctor asks: “What’s the problem?
The woman says: “Doctor, I don’t know what to do. Every day my husband seems to lose his temper for no reason. It scares me.”
The Doctor says: “I have a cure for that. When it seems that your husband is getting angry, just take a glass of water and start swishing it in your mouth. Just swish and swish but don’t swallow it until he either leaves the room or calms down.
Two weeks later the woman comes back to the doctor looking fresh and reborn.
The woman says: “Doctor that was a brilliant idea! Every time my husband started losing it, I swished with water. I swished and swished, and he calmed right down! How does a glass of water do that?”
The Doctor says: “The water itself does nothing. It’s keeping your mouth shut that does the trick”.
:) :) :) :) I hear ya…….been there.
She looks so young…..like a late teen or 20 something.
Glad to see the JOY on her face
Agreed. She knows she’s a lucky woman in more ways than one.
Wow. She is looking so well.
WTG Ms Giffords and husband.
She looks so beautiful and free. Such incredible strength of character.
This is one more reason why I loooooooove Eddie Veder of Pearl Jam. Apart from his gritty and raw singing voice and the stories he tells through his music, he never forgets where he came from and how he started. He understands that government at its best, is a force for good and can positively impact millions of peoples lives.
I’ve loved Eddie Vedder from the first moment I heard his voice. Incredible songwriter and performer and huge supporter of our POTUS. Thank you, NW!
wow I’ve never seen this video before, Nerdy.. so revealing and inspiring, thank you.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/08/afl-cio-death-on-the-job_n_5291452.html?utm_hp_ref=white-house#comments
“Over the years, clearly the United States has made progress in protecting workers,” said Peg Seminario, director of safety and health at the AFL-CIO, on a call with reporters Thursday. “But today the numbers of workers being killed and injured is still too high and unacceptable. Over the last several years, the rate for injuries and illnesses has essentially flatlined.”
In the AFL-CIO’s analysis, North Dakota was by far the country’s deadliest state to be working in, with 17.7 workers killed per 100,000. That’s compared to a national rate of 3.4 deaths per 100,000. North Dakota was followed by Wyoming, at 12.2 deaths per 100,000, and Alaska, at 8.9 deaths per 100,000.
Seminario attributed the high worker fatality rate in North Dakota to the state’s oil-and-gas boom, which has lured young workers from throughout the country with the promise of good-paying jobs.
Oooh! I stayed at that hotel a couple of times!
Could Obamacare save 24,000 lives a year?
Ten years of Romneycare data offer solid evidence that the Affordable Care Act could reduce the nation’s mortality rate
By Harold Pollack
May 5, 2025
It is a pleasure to read beautifully conducted studies on important subjects. Annals of Internal Medicine published one such study today by Benjamin Sommers, Sharon Long, and Katherine Baicker, three of the most prominent people researching health reform.
Insurance and its effect on mortality
Their study, “Changes in mortality after Massachusetts health reform,” explores the reduced number of deaths associated with that state’s 2006 “RomneyCare” expansion of health insurance coverage. These bipartisan reforms provided the model for what became the Affordable Care Act. Researchers therefore pay especially close attention to this experience trying to predict the likely accomplishments and disappointments we can expect from ACA.
……………………………//
http://www.healthinsurance.org/blog/2014/05/05/could-obamacare-save-24000-lives-a-year/
Don’t be surprised ….
Peeking in for a moment to say hello and to give my regards to the Old Salt. Glad all went well with the procedure. You know us Bulls are a tough (but tender) lot. Blessings!
HEADLINE: Obama’s transformational presidency
// Is it safe to say that Barack Obama’s presidency will be remembered as the most consequential since Ronald Reagan’s — a presidency that “changed the trajectory of America” and “put us on a fundamentally different path”?
That was the audacious goal Obama set for himself during his 2008 campaign. Now is a useful time to assess his progress because the sixth year of any president’s tenure tends to be seen as a low point. Familiarity breeds impatience and frustration — among commentators, at least, whose narrow focus on which party is perceived as “winning” the day or the week misses the bigger picture.
The president realizes that even the most powerful nation on earth cannot mediate every dispute, take sides in all wars, alleviate all suffering. He acknowledges our limitations and more narrowly defines our national interest. The public approves, even if some foreign policy sages are apoplectic.
Obama can be reserved and introspective. Usually, however, I find him energized, confident, determined — and fully aware that he is shifting the ground.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/eugene-robinson-obamas-transformational-presidency/2014/05/08/d30a7190-d6e6-11e3-95d3-3bcd77cd4e11_story.html
and fully aware that he is shifting the ground……
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
#TrustBarack
Isn’t it weird that there has been zero news on the extent of Lawrence O’Donnell’s injuries, which are requiring him to be off the air for “several weeks”? I think I saw a couple of his tweets but mentions nothing about his hospitalization or injuries.
I was wondering how Lawrence O’Donnell were doing? And his brother too. Have anyone heard?
Saw a tweet earlier. He is on crutches now. Long physical therapy period.
Every one of the president’s fundraisers is increasing the chances for Democrats to win in November. He’s going across the country, sometimes doing several in one day, literally wearing himself out to get as many funds as possible for our candidates. No one else can do this like the president, although I think we will see Michelle take on more of these as the year goes on. I wish other prominent Dems would step up and take on this task. The president is supposed to be the miracle worker, while others sit back and watch or throw brickbats.
And some dems will still not support him - he wins votes as well as raising $$ everywhere he goes - yet some in his party want to distance themselves - utter fools
New post.
http://theobamadiary.com/2014/05/08/california-welcomes-president-obama/
I’m sorry if this has been posted here before, but it’s SO true, and I’m glad that Sen Reid explicitly said it so I wanted to post!
Children talking about Ukraine: Politics need to stop immediately
Posted on May 9, 2025 by robinrohrback
It’s very cute how they are confused about details and terminology, and how they mix up reasons and consequences, but sometimes they can formulate the most important points surprisingly well. They are from six to ten years old, but they understand so much. Gordonua.com asked 20 children one question: “What exactly is happening in Ukraine?”
I happened to witness a simple conversation. Educators were deciding who to invite to the school for Victory Day. Veterans, even the youngest ones, are already almost 90… “Maybe invite some of the children of war?” suggested one teacher. Suddenly, I understood that familiar phrase in a new way. In a modern context.
Full story at the link: http://euromaidanpr.com/2014/05/09/children-talking-about-ukraine-politics-need-to-stop-immediately/#more-8659
Great news from PA. Governor Corbett will not appeal judges ruling that voter ID requirement is unlawful. We fought back and won in this state.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/05/voter_id_law_corbett_says_he_w.html