Thank you, Nena, but winning all these gold medals make me yearn for a simpler time. Before I started winning all the time I was content with just competing, but as the wins started to come I grew disillusioned with winning. I was more in love with the journey, the destination became secondary. It is a lonely feeling being on top, I wish I could go back to a time when I was young and hungry.
It’s always nice to be reminded that despite the MSM, there *are* (sensible) people who see the President for who he has been and is.
// …………………………
Seal told host Larry King, “I think that America was going through an identity crisis and I think that what it needed as much as a great president, to the same degree as a great president, was a great leader. I felt that the country had been misled before his tenure and I felt that by virtue of him coming into office, the way that America was seen in the eyes of the rest of the world completely changed.”
The multiple-Grammy winner, 52, says before 2008, America “was seen as a war-mongering, kind of self-elected police force by the rest of the world that put its nose into places that it perhaps shouldn’t have.”
……………………..
“Overnight” everything changed when Obama came into office, says Seal.
“I think Americans who were traveling were very proud to call themselves Americans. By him coming into power, it showed the progressive-mindedness and the forward-thinking nature of this country.”
Jakie hates being rightfully called out! He and his colleagues in the media get very defensive when we call them out for falsely accusing PBO of stuff - while giving Dubbya a pass.
Versailles is 45 minutes west of capital. It was country retreat for the Monarchs. I think what he means is the setting Versailles since the legislature is in Paris. The seat of government .
:) Of course, the President can’t start or stop, or even predict, weather. But they thought they almost had the blame going with that “Millions of Americans” intro, because he’s been voted to be our King, twice. (And I’m glad he was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
It is! I was so sad to leave there last month and I am already planning my trip back there this coming March to narrow down my apartment choices for my move there in 2017. Although my heart is heavy and I wake up feeling like I cried while sleeping I cannot wait to go back.
Yesterday afternoon when I showed up for my French class the teacher asked if we all wanted to go down to the French Consulate on Michigan Avenue to attend a vigil at 5pm. So all 12 of us went with him and it was such a comforting communal sense just to be there. We lit candles and left a few teddy bears at the vigil. It was beautiful as a block away the Wrigley building was lit up in the French flag colors. This link has quite a few cities and includes the beautiful Wrigley Building in the French Renaissance architectural style.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-buildings-around-world-lit-in-french-national-colors-20151114-photogallery.html
This is what was said about America…this is how they justified our War in Iraq…..but it does not solve the problem…and exactly what IS the problem we are trying to solve…the terrorists who wreaked terror on Paris…seem to have been home grown…it is not the faith that radicalized youth…it is the loss of hope…the need to find their place…etc…that gives the message of extremism a place to grow…
articles like this one..only create hatred in the rest of society for Muslims in general….
this is how the seeds of war and intolerance are sown…and as we have seen…going to war has unintended consequences…
When the President came on the scene…he had a plan to move away from war…to embrace tolerance …find common ground even with rivals…the neocons were sickened when the P5+1 was able to broker a deal with Iran…
but they are now licking their chops in anticipation of what???…War with ISIS??
but as we see…some of the extremist are home grown…so now we are back to a WAR against ISLAM???…
we are on shaky ground…i pray that the President can have influence…May the Creator continue to give him Wisdom and Guidance…
it can’t be…i always fear these heavy handed actions from the states directed at the least of their citizens..and so called non-Muslim French citizens should not feel so safe…it is only a very thin line to cross…for a government to suspend the constitution….and for all citizens to lose their democracy
Why #France? My column @usatoday https://t.co/x30vz1fFaI …the country with the largest #Moslem pop in #Europe, clueless about all of them.
— David A. Andelman (@DavidAndelman) November 14, 2025
From the article:
“France is also seen as very much part of the problem in Lebanon and Syria, where the Islamic State has its capital. France was the colonial power that ruled much of this region for a century or more and still has deep roots here — far deeper even than the United States whose military is dominating the war against ISIL.”
About the targets:
The venues of the series of attacks in Paris, appear to have been meticulously selected for this impact. Le Petit Cambodge bistro is the most hip noodle shop in the most hip Canal St. Martin district of Paris. The Bataclan is an elegant theater and concert hall dating to 1864, its act Friday night one of the hot American bands that chic Parisians flock to hear. At the Stade de France, the president of France and Germany’s foreign minister were both in attendance at a soccer match between teams of these two nations’ stars.
And the troubling conclusion:
“in two weeks time, the leaders of 195 nations will be arriving in Paris for the global environmental forum — the largest single gathering of world leaders in France’s history. How tempting a target would that be?”
I have been watching France24 which is on my Time Warner menu and let me tell you what a relief it is to be hearing the news with ZERO chance that it will be distorted in order to slander Our President.
Deranged GOP and media in the US are more disgusting than ever with this tragedy. Are they secretly cheering because they have another way to complain about President Obama?
France24 has been displaying the piece that Forus gave us just above. A boatload of truth in those simple words.
Yes, it seems we’ve gone from the horror of an attack on an ally, to the horror of our own media and politicians fanning the ugly flames of fear and war. Maybe I’m cynical, but I’m thinking of the NRA and it’s parent companies of weapons manufacturers rubbing their hands together in glee at the thought of all the money they plan to make off of this. We know PBO and his staff are doing everything humanly possible to calm this craziness down. But it’s still ugly to watch.
Susanne, i don’t think you’re too cynical. War is where the profit is. Hate is the business of the GOP and their media puppets.
Our President is all that stands between us and war.
I think that’s why he was shown so much loving attention at the G20. True leaders know he’s essential to everyone’s future, and they feel confidence and relief knowing he’s taking charge. Just like us :)
Yes, Vicki that’s where I got it as http://www.france24.com/en/ is the only thing I’ve watched and listened to. I wonder how many in the US have been watching it?
For my French class that I started last January I occasionally listen to the French speaking version but for this important news I have switched to the English version as even though I can read French I still only understand less than half of what is said.
Among at least 129 people who died in Friday night’s terrorist attacks in Paris was one of FRANCE 24’s own, Mathieu Hoche, who had been a camera technician at the channel since it was established in 2007. http://www.france24.com/en/20151115-look-french-victims-paris-attacks-terrorism
Thanks for this link. I like that the writer is now reviewing prior pronouncements. Why can’t they accept that PBO knows more about what’s going on than they do, and take his statements as information, instead of trying to weasel out a story-line of falsehood? I don’t remember this ever happening with prior presidents.
Well I’m in a rocky mood, the Cowboys lost today for the seventh time in a row, 2-7 is their record. I thought they had a chance to make it to the playoff this year, boy was I was wrong. Well the Eagles lot, Washington won, and the Giants I don’t know what they are doing. :(
Not only did they lose but they lost to a very mediocre (at best) team. I want to start a movement, Bella: SAVE TONY FOR 2016. I see NO reason for him to play this year. Save him for next season and hopefully a more solid team with prospects.
I agree. I don’t see no reason to risk Tony Romo health. The Cowboys have no chance this season. What is so hurtful is the Cowboys had a chance to win every one of those games except the New England game.
So according to the stupid right wing racists tea party Republicans it’s Obama’s fault for another country being attack. so not only does Obama has to keep America safe, it’s his job to keep Paris and every other country safe. What you want to bet it’s not any Republicans fault for any other country being attack, nor is it their fault for America being attack. Here’s some common sense, no invading Iraq, no ISIS.
One of the interesting things about being in public life is there are constantly these pressures being placed on you from different sides. To be effective, you have to be able to listen to a variety of points of view, synthesize viewpoints. You also have to know when to be just a strong advocate, and push back against certain people or views that you think aren’t right or don’t serve your constituents.
And so, the biggest challenge, I think, is always maintaining your moral compass. Those are the conversations I’m having internally. I’m measuring my actions against that inner voice that for me at least is audible, is active, it tells me where I think I’m on track and where I think I’m off track.
I love it RT Post by @Smartypants60 on President Obama and maintaining his "Moral Compass." http://t.co/SdEOA0M8Dt pic.twitter.com/r1fWXhiliA
‘
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is to visit North Korea, the first head of the world body to set foot in the isolated state for more than 20 years, Yonhap reported. ‘
Me!
Congrats, Don on your Solid Au :star:
Thank you, Nena, but winning all these gold medals make me yearn for a simpler time. Before I started winning all the time I was content with just competing, but as the wins started to come I grew disillusioned with winning. I was more in love with the journey, the destination became secondary. It is a lonely feeling being on top, I wish I could go back to a time when I was young and hungry.
smh@ DON
;)
Young and Hungry
You simply…..Rock!
ROTFLMAO! :)
bs! :lol:
bahahahaha :D
Oh, you will, Don. You will.
:)
Hi Don and my TOD family. Thanks to you again, Nerdy for all that you do. I love our POTUS so much. HZ
Hello, HZ! Hugs to you.
Thanks, HZ.
Wishing you a happy and healthy week.
Posted already? If not:
.
http://thehill.com/video/in-the-news/259872-seal-america-misled-before-obama-took-office
It’s always nice to be reminded that despite the MSM, there *are* (sensible) people who see the President for who he has been and is.
// …………………………
Seal told host Larry King, “I think that America was going through an identity crisis and I think that what it needed as much as a great president, to the same degree as a great president, was a great leader. I felt that the country had been misled before his tenure and I felt that by virtue of him coming into office, the way that America was seen in the eyes of the rest of the world completely changed.”
The multiple-Grammy winner, 52, says before 2008, America “was seen as a war-mongering, kind of self-elected police force by the rest of the world that put its nose into places that it perhaps shouldn’t have.”
……………………..
“Overnight” everything changed when Obama came into office, says Seal.
“I think Americans who were traveling were very proud to call themselves Americans. By him coming into power, it showed the progressive-mindedness and the forward-thinking nature of this country.”
…………….. //
That truth is gonna leave a mark! 😃
In this case a huge mark! http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/mu-plugins/emoji/twemoji/svg/1f603.svg
Df, I copied your happy face because I liked its more controlled grin, but it did not work. Oh well. :D
Dear VC,
There is no need to control your grins.
Love,
Me
Dear Me,
Thank you so much for your tolerance.
Much appreciated,
;) VC
Dear VC,
I learned it from you, so thank you.
Love,
Me
:D :D
You (and the little pistol ‘vacationing’ in Florida) make me laugh fairly often.
Awww. Thanks!
:)
Jakie hates being rightfully called out! He and his colleagues in the media get very defensive when we call them out for falsely accusing PBO of stuff - while giving Dubbya a pass.
At least he heard me, and took the time to attempt to defend his wanker behavior.
Indeed.
GA Dr. Bob.
This is only the second time since 1848 that a French President has spoken to French senators and deputies?
Versailles is 45 minutes west of capital. It was country retreat for the Monarchs. I think what he means is the setting Versailles since the legislature is in Paris. The seat of government .
Trying to look for a “let’s blame Obama” angle there.. LOL :)
good that you can laugh, hopefruit. I get so upset when PBO is smeared. Laughing it off is a better idea, for sure.
:) Of course, the President can’t start or stop, or even predict, weather. But they thought they almost had the blame going with that “Millions of Americans” intro, because he’s been voted to be our King, twice. (And I’m glad he was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Not a Solution…beginning of state sponsored terrorism on its own people
Yep, PF, and it feeds into the ISIL fantasy that the west is at war with Islam. This is just what the terrorists need to gain recruits.
Sorry, pf58. This comment should have appeared at the bottom of the thread …. ugh!
bbl ……..
Wish I were there in Paris to hug everybody! Subdued-looking group, for sure.
That is a slippery slope.
Wow, forus, that pieces makes France (at least Paris) sound like heaven.
It is! I was so sad to leave there last month and I am already planning my trip back there this coming March to narrow down my apartment choices for my move there in 2017. Although my heart is heavy and I wake up feeling like I cried while sleeping I cannot wait to go back.
Yesterday afternoon when I showed up for my French class the teacher asked if we all wanted to go down to the French Consulate on Michigan Avenue to attend a vigil at 5pm. So all 12 of us went with him and it was such a comforting communal sense just to be there. We lit candles and left a few teddy bears at the vigil. It was beautiful as a block away the Wrigley building was lit up in the French flag colors. This link has quite a few cities and includes the beautiful Wrigley Building in the French Renaissance architectural style.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-buildings-around-world-lit-in-french-national-colors-20151114-photogallery.html
wow cool forus I didn’t know you were planning on moving to France! How exciting for you :-) Sounds like a moving experience at the consulate
Your move to France sounds lovely!
This is what was said about America…this is how they justified our War in Iraq…..but it does not solve the problem…and exactly what IS the problem we are trying to solve…the terrorists who wreaked terror on Paris…seem to have been home grown…it is not the faith that radicalized youth…it is the loss of hope…the need to find their place…etc…that gives the message of extremism a place to grow…
articles like this one..only create hatred in the rest of society for Muslims in general….
this is how the seeds of war and intolerance are sown…and as we have seen…going to war has unintended consequences…
When the President came on the scene…he had a plan to move away from war…to embrace tolerance …find common ground even with rivals…the neocons were sickened when the P5+1 was able to broker a deal with Iran…
but they are now licking their chops in anticipation of what???…War with ISIS??
but as we see…some of the extremist are home grown…so now we are back to a WAR against ISLAM???…
we are on shaky ground…i pray that the President can have influence…May the Creator continue to give him Wisdom and Guidance…
You are batting 100% with this comment, prettyfoot.
Invading and dismantling mosques? how can this be a good idea—-
it can’t be…i always fear these heavy handed actions from the states directed at the least of their citizens..and so called non-Muslim French citizens should not feel so safe…it is only a very thin line to cross…for a government to suspend the constitution….and for all citizens to lose their democracy
Excellent comment, PF58.
This article ends on a troubling note.
From the article:
“France is also seen as very much part of the problem in Lebanon and Syria, where the Islamic State has its capital. France was the colonial power that ruled much of this region for a century or more and still has deep roots here — far deeper even than the United States whose military is dominating the war against ISIL.”
About the targets:
The venues of the series of attacks in Paris, appear to have been meticulously selected for this impact. Le Petit Cambodge bistro is the most hip noodle shop in the most hip Canal St. Martin district of Paris. The Bataclan is an elegant theater and concert hall dating to 1864, its act Friday night one of the hot American bands that chic Parisians flock to hear. At the Stade de France, the president of France and Germany’s foreign minister were both in attendance at a soccer match between teams of these two nations’ stars.
And the troubling conclusion:
“in two weeks time, the leaders of 195 nations will be arriving in Paris for the global environmental forum — the largest single gathering of world leaders in France’s history. How tempting a target would that be?”
yes i know…this is the issue of terrorism…to make you not feel safe
well said prettyfoot
The Obama motto!
INDEED HE DOES…………….THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND!!!!
That’s FABULOUS. He’s not only 10 steps ahead of most everybody else, I probably should have made that 20.
G20 Antalya Turkey update:
So PBO got an extra hour of diplomacy in today, during an incredibly jam-packed foreign trip (not to mention jet lag).
I have been watching France24 which is on my Time Warner menu and let me tell you what a relief it is to be hearing the news with ZERO chance that it will be distorted in order to slander Our President.
Deranged GOP and media in the US are more disgusting than ever with this tragedy. Are they secretly cheering because they have another way to complain about President Obama?
France24 has been displaying the piece that Forus gave us just above. A boatload of truth in those simple words.
Yes, it seems we’ve gone from the horror of an attack on an ally, to the horror of our own media and politicians fanning the ugly flames of fear and war. Maybe I’m cynical, but I’m thinking of the NRA and it’s parent companies of weapons manufacturers rubbing their hands together in glee at the thought of all the money they plan to make off of this. We know PBO and his staff are doing everything humanly possible to calm this craziness down. But it’s still ugly to watch.
Susanne, i don’t think you’re too cynical. War is where the profit is. Hate is the business of the GOP and their media puppets.
Our President is all that stands between us and war.
I think that’s why he was shown so much loving attention at the G20. True leaders know he’s essential to everyone’s future, and they feel confidence and relief knowing he’s taking charge. Just like us :)
Yes, Vicki that’s where I got it as http://www.france24.com/en/ is the only thing I’ve watched and listened to. I wonder how many in the US have been watching it?
For my French class that I started last January I occasionally listen to the French speaking version but for this important news I have switched to the English version as even though I can read French I still only understand less than half of what is said.
They are also cheering because they have another country that will support war - nothing says more GOP than war
Among at least 129 people who died in Friday night’s terrorist attacks in Paris was one of FRANCE 24’s own, Mathieu Hoche, who had been a camera technician at the channel since it was established in 2007. http://www.france24.com/en/20151115-look-french-victims-paris-attacks-terrorism
Judging from the news, France is not encumbered with an AUMF or other political bs. Just sent bombers to Syria.
And you best believe that President Obama and France are going to send some shit up in that piece.
This may have been shared earlier, but I’m just seeing it. Dan is fabulous.
this has nothing to do with what is going on. but it made me laugh.
Is this real? If so, LOVE IT.
What Barack Obama said about ISIS being contained
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2015/nov/15/ben-rhodes/what-barack-obama-said-about-isis-being-contained/
Thanks for this link. I like that the writer is now reviewing prior pronouncements. Why can’t they accept that PBO knows more about what’s going on than they do, and take his statements as information, instead of trying to weasel out a story-line of falsehood? I don’t remember this ever happening with prior presidents.
I have a feeling that the parts of Syria and Iraq that are under ISIL control, are gonna be bombed back to the Middle Ages!
Just horrible yardarm - the civilians who have been bombed for years and years - are going to be hit again.
Better them than us…….or would you have ISIL in Brisbane or Sydney?
watch this space
Well I’m in a rocky mood, the Cowboys lost today for the seventh time in a row, 2-7 is their record. I thought they had a chance to make it to the playoff this year, boy was I was wrong. Well the Eagles lot, Washington won, and the Giants I don’t know what they are doing. :(
Eagles lost I meant to say.
Not only did they lose but they lost to a very mediocre (at best) team. I want to start a movement, Bella: SAVE TONY FOR 2016. I see NO reason for him to play this year. Save him for next season and hopefully a more solid team with prospects.
I agree. I don’t see no reason to risk Tony Romo health. The Cowboys have no chance this season. What is so hurtful is the Cowboys had a chance to win every one of those games except the New England game.
So according to the stupid right wing racists tea party Republicans it’s Obama’s fault for another country being attack. so not only does Obama has to keep America safe, it’s his job to keep Paris and every other country safe. What you want to bet it’s not any Republicans fault for any other country being attack, nor is it their fault for America being attack. Here’s some common sense, no invading Iraq, no ISIS.
have there been any comments in the press about this
Good Evening TODVille.
Anyone has a link to the G20 to offer? Thanks in advance.
One of the interesting things about being in public life is there are constantly these pressures being placed on you from different sides. To be effective, you have to be able to listen to a variety of points of view, synthesize viewpoints. You also have to know when to be just a strong advocate, and push back against certain people or views that you think aren’t right or don’t serve your constituents.
And so, the biggest challenge, I think, is always maintaining your moral compass. Those are the conversations I’m having internally. I’m measuring my actions against that inner voice that for me at least is audible, is active, it tells me where I think I’m on track and where I think I’m off track.
**************
From 2014…but Relevant
‘
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is to visit North Korea, the first head of the world body to set foot in the isolated state for more than 20 years, Yonhap reported. ‘
http://www.france24.com/en/20151116-un-chief-ban-ki-moon-visit-north-korea-yonhap
True/
First time I’ve seen this pic - thank you so much Jer - a man loved by children - is doing everything as it should be done :)
New post.
http://theobamadiary.com/2015/11/15/president-obama-in-turkey/