Aug 4 2010
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Mrs. Obama, 9 year old Sasha, and family friends arrived today in Spain for a four day vacation at the luxurious Hotel Villa Padierna. The entire entourage is expected to occupy 60-70 rooms.
Both the US and Spanish government are mum on the details of any plans, but the hotel owners and local politicians of Marbella were happy to divulge any details (and will probably continue to do so) to the media.
It’s very doubtful locals will catch a glimpse of the family. The resort is surrounded by security including Spanish Civil Guards and Secret Service agents.
The 160-room, five-star resort is located in Marbella, a town favored by the rich and famous and international royalty. Rates start at $400 per night. Guests get their money’s worth – amenities and services include a swimming pool and spa, several fine dining restaurants, golf courses, and tennis courts.
Hotel co-owner Ricardo Arranz told CNN Obama chose the hotel based upon a recommendation of a friend who had visited before.
P.S. – Happy 49th birthday President Obama
Aug 2 2010
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Former First Daughter, Chelsea Clinton, 30, wed Marc Mezvinsky, 32, at Astor Courts, a 50-acre estate in Rhinebeck, NY on Saturday. Over 400 guests watched Chelsea walk down the aisle in a strapless gown by Vera Wang, who also was in attendance.
As a matter of fact Vera Wang was probably one of the more popular names you may have recognized from the guest list. Considering that her parents former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are internationally known and connected, no A-list celebs (i.e. Oprah Winfrey) or well-known politicians (i.e. President Obama) were even invited. The rumor of a $3 million ceremony was also squashed late last week. Cost is estimated at hundreds of thousands.
The interfaith ceremony (Chelsea’s Methodist; Marc is Jewish) was led by Rabbi James Ponet and the Reverend William Shillady.
The newlyweds met in 1993. They stayed in contact while both students at Stanford University. Their first outing as a couple was in 2005 when they attended the opening of Vegas nightclub Tao. They moved in together a short while after in New York.
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Here’s the statement the Clintons released after the ceremony:
“Today, we watched with great pride and overwhelming emotion as Chelsea and Marc wed in a beautiful ceremony at Astor Courts, surrounded by family and their close friends. We could not have asked for a more perfect day to celebrate the beginning of their life together, and we are so happy to welcome Marc into our family. On behalf of the newlyweds, we want to give special thanks to the people of Rhinebeck for welcoming us and to everyone for their well-wishes on this special day.”
Aug 1 2010
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The White House announced that Camille Johnston is trading in her position as Mrs. Obama’s Communications chief to join Siemens Corporation as a Vice President of Corporate Affairs. She’s the third staffer to resign following former Social Secretary Desiree Rogers and former Chief of Staff Jackie Norris.
Mrs. Obama’s statement:
“Camille has become a trusted advisor to me and to the entire East Wing. From our first day in the White House when we opened the doors and greeted visitors, she has led a communications team that has developed creative and effective strategies for the Let’s Move! campaign, our work on behalf of military families, arts and cultural events in the White House and our international agenda. Her dedication, calming presence and expertise have been invaluable. She will be missed, but we wish her all the best.”
Mrs. Johnston’s statement:
“Being invited by Mrs. Obama to be a part of her East Wing team was a privilege for which I am incredibly grateful. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve the First Lady and the President and to be a part of this historic Administration.”
Jul 28 2010
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The White House announced a mother-daughter vacay scheduled for August 4-8 at the Villa Padierna in Marbella. Only daughter Sasha will make the trip. Malia will be away at an undisclosed summer camp.
During the trip, the First Lady will meet with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.
The President is also skipping this trip to celebrate his 49th birthday on August 4th at the home of Chicago billionaire Neil Bluhm for a fundraiser. Each guest will donate $30,000 each to the Democratic National Committee.
The First family will spend most of August vacationing. In addition to the Spain trip, they will spend a weekend in the Gulf Coast region followed by a 10-day stay at Martha’s Vineyard. Malia will miss both these trips as well due to camp. Must be one heck of a camp. I’ve never heard of a kid excited about summer camp.
Jul 26 2010
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Last week, the White House announced summer vacation plans for the Obama family. First, the entire First Family will return to Martha’s Vineyard for a 10 day vacation starting August 19th. No details on where the family will stay or what activities are planned. Last summer, the family stayed at the Blue Heron Farm and the president was seen playing golf and tennis while the First Lady, Sasha, and Malia shopped and frequented restaurants.
Prior to this vacay, the family minus Malia who will be at camp, will visit Florida’s Gulf Coast the weekend of August 14th. The region’s economy which relies on tourism continues to suffer due to the BP oil spill. Both the President and First Lady have encouraged people to continue to visit the Gulf Coast’s beaches that are still open and unaffected.
Clearly they’re practicing what they preach.
Jul 26 2010
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A Quinnipiac University poll indicated 55% of Americans have a favorable view of Mrs. Obama while only 49% have a favorable view of the President whose ratings continue to decline and have hit their lowest since he was elected.
However, the first couple both top Sarah Palin who projected a 35% rating.
Quinnipiac University conducted its poll July 13-19, 2010 with 2,181 registered. It had a 2.1 percentage point margin of error.
Jul 24 2010
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First Lady Michelle Obama christens the Stratton, a U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter yesterday, July 23, 2010, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
Jul 21 2010
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Members of this administration, members of the media, members of different political factions on both sides of this have all made determinations and judgments without a full set of facts. I think that is wholly and completely accurate. I think, without a doubt, Ms. Sherrod is owed an apology.
- Robert Gibbs, White House Press Secretary, apologizing (on behalf of the White House) to to former USDA Official Shirley Sherrod
Image via CNN
Jul 21 2010
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The financially struggling California State University, Stanislaus came under fire after officials refused to disclose how much the school’s foundation paid Sarah Palin to speak at a black tie gala on June 25th. However, late last week they had a change of heart. Palin earned $75,000 for a 40-minute speech.
In the same statement, administrators boasted that the event was the most successful fundraiser in the school’s history. Without explanation, they said $207,000 was raised for scholarships not the original released figure of only $60,000.
The drama all started in April when students discovered Palin’s shredded contract in a trash bin. Allegedly the document indicated superstar perks for the former vice presidential candidate: first class airfare for two, bendable straws, and deluxe hotel accommodations. Shortly thereafter California Attorney General Jerry Brown launched an investigation into the finances of the university foundation.
Within the past several months, the university has laid off 20% of its staff and canceled classes due to the state’s financial difficulties.
Talk about bad timing to pay big bucks for a speaker (regardless of who it is).
Jul 9 2010
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On Monday, July 12th the First Lady will be the next White House official to visit the oil spill-affected Gulf Coast.
Her trip to Panama City Beach, FL will include meetings with local leaders and officials and an appearance at a community event for residents.
Here’s a photo (July 6, 2010) of the First Lady and Sara Netanyahu, wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meeting for the first time in the Yellow Oval Room. They enjoyed tea and toured the White House together.
