The Obama Thread Options

[Brainiac]

The geek-in-chief didn't miss a chance to give technology to new friends. Obama gave Queen Elizabeth II an engraved iPod during his visit to Buckingham Palace. The portable music device came with headphones and already loaded with 40 songs, all classic show tunes — including several from "Camelot," based on the King Arthur legend, and "My Fair Lady," set in London. The president and first lady also gave the queen a rare book of songs signed by "The King and I" composer Richard Rodgers. The iPod also included photos and video from the queen's visit to Washington and Virginia in 2007.

It's not the first time Obama has given a British leader a tech-based gift. When Brown visited the United States, Obama gave him 25 of his favorite movies on DVD. (Never mind the DVDs didn't work when Brown took them home because they were meant for use only in North American players.)

Obama is a known technology geek. He successfully fought to keep his mobile e-mail device and aides keep his iPod updated.

In return, the queen and her husband, Prince Philip, gave the Obamas a signed portrait.

----------------------

Obama isn't dining like a king, but it's darned close.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver was cooking for Obama and other world leaders on the eve of the G-20 economic summit. Oliver designed a menu to highlight the best of British cooking: organic farmed salmon served with foraged samphire and sea kale, a selection of early vegetables, wild garlic and homemade Irish soda bread. Obama, Brown and other leaders in town for the meetings also were to dine on lamb from North Wales, potatoes, asparagus and wild St. George mushrooms. Dessert? A traditional Bakewell tart with homemade jams and ginger shortbread, of course.

Oliver has cooked twice before at No. 10 Downing St., the British prime minister's official residence: once for then-Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Italian counterpart Massimo D'Alema in 2000, and again for Blair and former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern.

Oliver, known for his "Naked Chef" cookbooks and television programs, planned to be clothed when he goes into the kitchens for the world leaders.

(Full article here)

[Kalisurfer]

Jon Stewart and his Daily SHow: Stem Sell.

Does the Daily Show appear on British television?

It is amazing that through humor, John Stewart is able to do what most news analyst and pundits cannot, cut through the web of BS and get down to the essence of political hypocrisy and phoniness that is inherent in the system.

[Gerard]

Jon Stewart and his Daily SHow: Stem Sell.

Does the Daily Show appear on British television?

It is amazing that through humor, John Stewart is able to do what most news analyst and pundits cannot, cut through the web of BS and get down to the essence of political hypocrisy and phoniness that is inherent in the system.

We also get him here on Comedy Central. With a two day delay because of subtitling; he is surprisingly good.

[Brainiac]

Yes it is on British television too.

[Kalisurfer]

I heard on National Public Radio today that gun and ammo purchases are way up in the USA since Obama became president. The ratio of sales is up 150 to 200% in many states with shortages coming in on the ammunition front, for they can’t make it as fast as they buy them. State governments are backlogged on doing the high volume of background checks that are needed for gun purchasers.

One of the largest fears seems to be that the Obama administration is going to ban guns in some way, while others are fearing a Socialist agenda with banks and business’s being taken over by the government. One gun shop owner being interviewed spoke of a 68 year old woman who just ordered a few cases of ammo for her AK47 to last her the rest of her life!

Strange days indeed!

[Brainiac]

(Click image for official White House entry)

April 14, 2009—Today the Obamas' new six-month-old puppy, named Amigo's New Hope—aka Bo—is scheduled to make his public debut and officially move into the White House.

Shown on a test run with President Obama in the White House on March 15, 2009, the black-and-white Portuguese water dog is a gift to President Obama's daughters Malia and Sasha from Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who also owns Portuguese water dogs.

Despite their lapdog looks, Portuguese water dogs are classified as working dogs. That means the pups seem to enjoy being given jobs that allow them to display their intelligence, strength, and stamina.

"This breed possesses a lot of energy, so without training or a job to do, the dog may entertain itself by running full-speed down the West Wing or barking at Republicans," said animal behaviorist Mary Burch of the American Kennel Club.

At least the Obamas don't have to worry about Bo aggravating Malia's allergies, as the breed's curly coat is hypoallergenic.

The new First Dog has triggered the most publicity that Portuguese water dogs have ever had since the breed's introduction into the U.S. in the late 1960s.

"While the PWD is a wonderful family pet, we want to use the increased interest in the breed as an opportunity to educate people about it," said Stu Freeman, president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. "We encourage those who may consider adding a Portuguese water dog to their lives to do the proper research to ensure that this breed fits their lifestyle."

Source: National Geographic.

[Homer]

This is a conspiracy! A dog conspiracy!! I resist!!! All you gotta do to restore sanity is to remember the whining at mealtime and the dubious pleasure of picking up dog shit.

No dog!!!

[rhapsodieff]

Absolutely - no dog - you have to do everything

At least cats go out and bury it in next doors children's sand pit

[Homer]

Absolutely - no dog - you have to do everything

At least cats go out and bury it in next doors children's sand pit

Cats! I tired of finding the dead bodies tiny marsupials and Red Eared Firetails at my back door.

I still miss my Thomas Cat who died years ago. He was special.

I am such a sucker for animals.

[Kalisurfer]

Absolutely - no dog - you have to do everything

At least cats go out and bury it in next doors children's sand pit

Cats! I tired of finding the dead bodies tiny marsupials and Red Eared Firetails at my back door.

I still miss my Thomas Cat who died years ago. He was special.

I am such a sucker for animals.

Yeah, I can relate to be a sucker for animals too Homer! Probably why I have always had bird feeders and made sure the local squirrels would get nuts and things, especially in the winter, even though there were no pets in the house. There is something about the unconditional love an animal will give you, well OK ... under the condition you feed them, but their loyalty, playfulness and friendship is an amazing thing to have, and the upsides from my new re-found experience definitely over shadow the negatives, such as picking up their poop in bio-degradable bags and doing some training to work out bad habits they may have. It's another being in the house, so there are compromises in terms of making sure they lead a healthy natural life of an animal, in tune with your own, so time and effort are involved, so it has to fit your lifestyle and time availability by all means, which is why I waited 25 years before having a dog again. One thing I noticed to having a dog again, it takes my wife and I outdoors more often with daily 4-5 miles walks, morning and late afternoon, which is paying dividends to our own health and fitness too.

If I were not allergic to cats, I would have had them all along, for they are rather self sufficient and also fun to be around.

To tie this in with the Obama theme, I guess they picked the Portuguese Water Dog because its fur is hypo-allergenic, so having a more high end pedigree dog fits their more upper class lifestyle of being President. I would loved to have seen them find a hypo-allergenic dog from a shelter or rescue group, for it would have sent a good message to the public about adopting from the millions of homeless dogs out there. Seeing the Obama's send their daughters to the most prestigious private school in Washington DC was another time I was disappointed by their choice and resulting message, for it is a school for the wealthy and well connected, while DC does have a few really great schools that they could have gone to. As much as I am for Obama to succeed, I do see how anyone who becomes President is indeed far removed from the people that voted from them, no matter how regular or middle class their background may have been. The separation between the wealthy and well connected seems to be growing wider and wider from the working and middle class whose votes they need to get into office.

[rhapsodieff]

Absolutely - no dog - you have to do everything

At least cats go out and bury it in next doors children's sand pit

Cats! I tired of finding the dead bodies tiny marsupials and Red Eared Firetails at my back door.

I still miss my Thomas Cat who died years ago. He was special.

I am such a sucker for animals.

My tommy cat... he has yet to bring a small dead animal or bird into the house. He has ambitions of larger prey, the local grey squirrels.

[Kalisurfer]

My tommy cat... he has yet to bring a small dead animal or bird into the house. He has ambitions of larger prey, the local grey squirrels.

A fine looking Tommy Cat at that, looks like he has furry formal wear on and is ready for a night on the town! I guess cats like to reward their human Moms and Dads with hunted prey. I noticed my dog has an ascending reaction to other animals. He always wants to meet and smell other dogs but never barks at them, even when barked at. He looks at birds, but neither wants to bark or go after them. He will bark at cats but has no desire to chase them. He does not bark at squirrels, but wants to go after them, while rabbits and deer, he barks and wants to go after them as much as possible.

When I take him on drives, he is pretty content to sit and look out the window, but there is one deli we pass by, called Manhattan Bagels, which employs a person in green Statue of Liberty costume to march outside and wave at people going by. This visual irritates Kelsey like no other thing it has seen, most likely because it's this green stubby foam costume that looks from a distance like a giant green mushroom with a crown on it, somewhat other worldly as it moves and waves it's chunky arms for all to see. I think he would literally go after the green mushroom man and bring it back home as a gift if he were to be unleashed, well at least the blubbery foam green leg part. It's a good thing Obama did not adopt my dog, for he does not need the publicity of the Statue of Liberty getting maimed while on a bagel run for the white house.

––––––––––––––

In order to keep a true perspective of one’s importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him.
- Dereke Bruce

[metamorphosis]

It looks like Tommy Cat has a white lower jaw and neck, it is cool. Ours has tilok!

[Brainiac]

Very cool cat you have there, Rhapsodieff. I do like. Is he one of those who are very obedient and comes when you call, or does he have a bit of 'attitude' and independence?

[Dhyana]

When I take him on drives, he is pretty content to sit and look out the window, but there is one deli we pass by, called Manhattan Bagels, which employs a person in green Statue of Liberty costume to march outside and wave at people going by. This visual irritates Kelsey like no other thing it has seen, most likely because it's this green stubby foam costume that looks from a distance like a giant green mushroom with a crown on it, somewhat other worldly as it moves and waves it's chunky arms for all to see. I think he would literally go after the green mushroom man and bring it back home as a gift if he were to be unleashed, well at least the blubbery foam green leg part. It's a good thing Obama did not adopt my dog, for he does not need the publicity of the Statue of Liberty getting maimed while on a bagel run for the white house.

What a thing to visualize!! Thanks for the laughs, Kalisurfer!

[Brainiac]

President Obama Announces Members of Science and Technology Advisory Council

WASHINGTON – Today, during remarks at the National Academy of Sciences, President Barack Obama announced the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). The full membership of PCAST is below.

PCAST is an advisory group of the nation’s leading scientists and engineers who will advise the President and Vice President and formulate policy in the many areas where understanding of science, technology, and innovation is key to strengthening our economy and forming policy that works for the American people.

President Barack Obama said, "This council represents leaders from many scientific disciplines who will bring a diversity of experience and views. I will charge PCAST with advising me about national strategies to nurture and sustain a culture of scientific innovation."

PCAST will be co-chaired by John Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; Eric Lander, Director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and one of the principal leaders of the Human Genome Project; and Harold Varmus, President and CEO of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, former head of the National Institutes of Health and a Nobel laureate.

Dr. John Holdren, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy said, "This PCAST is a group of exceptional caliber as well as diversity, covering a wide range of expertise and backgrounds across the relevant science, engineering and innovation fields and sectors. The President and I expect to make major use of this extraordinary group as we work to strengthen our country’s capabilities in science and technology and bring them more effectively to bear on the national challenges we face."

- Find out who they are here.

[Brainiac]

Jesus Missing From Obama's Georgetown Speech
White House asked university to cover symbol

Amidst all of the American flags and presidential seals, there was something missing when President Barack Obama gave an economic speech at Georgetown University this week -- Jesus.

The White House asked Georgetown to cover a monogram symbolizing Jesus' name in Gaston Hall, which Obama used for his speech, according to CNSNews.com. The gold "IHS" monogram inscribed on a pediment in the hall was covered over by a piece of black-painted plywood, and remained covered over the next day, CNSNews.com reported. The Washington Times' Belief Blog asked the university about the presidential request:

Julie Bataille from the university's press office e-mailed me that the White House had asked that all university signage and symbols behind the stage in Gaston Hall be covered. "The White House wanted a simple backdrop of flags and pipe and drape for the speech, consistent with what they've done for other policy speeches," she wrote. "Frankly, the pipe and drape wasn't high enough by itself to fully cover the IHS and cross above the GU seal and it seemed most respectful to have them covered so as not to be seen out of context."

While the "IHS" directly behind where Obama spoke was covered over, CNSNews.com said the monogram was still visible in 26 other places in the hall during his speech. Those areas just weren't as prominent. The Belief Blog talked with the Rev. Thomas Reese, a senior fellow at the Woodstock Institute at Georgetown University, who said he didn't think "this is motivated by theology, but by communications strategy." The blog also talked with Catholic University spokesman Victor Nakas, who felt a bit more strongly on the subject:

"I can’t imagine, as the bishops’ university and the national university of the Catholic Church, that we would ever cover up our religious art or signage for any reason," Mr. Nakas wrote. "Our Catholic faith is integral to our identity as an institution of higher education."

Source: NBC

[Brainiac]

Obama Scales Back on Prayer Day

President Barack Obama won't publicly celebrate National Prayer Day Thursday, breaking from a long-held White House tradition that has, in the past, seen the day greeted with a ceremonial flood of pomp and circumstance in the Oval Office.

The President will sign a proclamation to acknowledge the occasion -- held each year on the first Thursday in May -- but has refused to host public events with religious leaders, drawing a firestorm of criticism from spiritual organizations across the country. Unlike President George W. Bush, Obama's observance of the day will be muted, restricted to a private signing of a document acknowledging the day rather than a large-scale political event. White House officials said the President's decision to quiet National Day of Prayer celebrations didn't mean he was against the practice of worship -- but rather, that he wanted to change the large-scale Bush-era celebrations of the past.

"Prayer is something the president does every day," Obama's press secretary Robert Gibbs told the Los Angeles Times. "I think the president understands, in his own life and in his family's life, the role that prayer plays."

Christian conservatives expressed fury at the decision to downplay the day of prayer in Washington, saying the President didn't understand the "importance" of worship. "We are disappointed in the lack of participation by the Obama administration," said Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer task force and the wife of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson. "At this time in our country's history, we would hope our President would recognize more fully the importance of prayer." [You what?!?! ~ Brainiac.]

The President drew criticism earlier this year for allegedly asking officials to cover up religious figures at a speech he made at Georgetown University. Obama is also the first commander in chief to acknowledge non-believers in an inaugural address. "For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and non-believers," he said as he was sworn in.

Source: NBC

[Homer]

As Gomer Pile would say - Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!


http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/06/22-7

Obama's Right Turn

by William Fisher NEW YORK - Human rights and open government advocates were heartened by President Barack Obama's pledge during his first week in office to create "an unprecedented level of openness in government" and "establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration".

But now, well into Obama's second 100 days in office, many are expressing outrage and disappointment that many of the president's decisions have followed the path of his predecessor, President George W. Bush."

[Dhyana]

Obama Scales Back on Prayer Day

President Barack Obama won't publicly celebrate National Prayer Day Thursday, breaking from a long-held White House tradition that has, in the past, seen the day greeted with a ceremonial flood of pomp and circumstance in the Oval Office.

The President will sign a proclamation to acknowledge the occasion -- held each year on the first Thursday in May -- but has refused to host public events with religious leaders, drawing a firestorm of criticism from spiritual organizations across the country. Unlike President George W. Bush, Obama's observance of the day will be muted, restricted to a private signing of a document acknowledging the day rather than a large-scale political event. White House officials said the President's decision to quiet National Day of Prayer celebrations didn't mean he was against the practice of worship -- but rather, that he wanted to change the large-scale Bush-era celebrations of the past.

"Prayer is something the president does every day," Obama's press secretary Robert Gibbs told the Los Angeles Times. "I think the president understands, in his own life and in his family's life, the role that prayer plays."

Christian conservatives expressed fury at the decision to downplay the day of prayer in Washington, saying the President didn't understand the "importance" of worship. "We are disappointed in the lack of participation by the Obama administration," said Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer task force and the wife of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson. "At this time in our country's history, we would hope our President would recognize more fully the importance of prayer." [You what?!?! ~ Brainiac.]

The President drew criticism earlier this year for allegedly asking officials to cover up religious figures at a speech he made at Georgetown University. Obama is also the first commander in chief to acknowledge non-believers in an inaugural address. "For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and non-believers," he said as he was sworn in.

Source: NBC

Wow, Brainiac, this and the preceding article are very interesting and encouraging! I missed them in the avalanche that came when I was abroad and offline. But now I discovered them thanks to Homer's posting.