Essence magazine is kicking off the first of its three-part education series, “Teaching Our Children,” with an interview with the First Couple (mostly the President). They discuss education and how they encourage First Daughters Sasha and Malia to love learning and excel academically.
MTV’s hit reality show “Jersey Shore” is one of those shows that’s so trashy you can’t help but watch the incoming train wreck every week. Snookie and the rest of the cast literally have become overnight celebrities. The network and cast are currently negotiating contracts (i.e. paychecks) for season two.
In an interview with People, Michelle admits she’s heard of the show but “not seen it.”
So, what do they watch? Well, the First Couple watch ESPN’s SportsCenter in the morning while they work out together. Sasha and Malia can only watch Nickelodeon and Disney on the weekends.
Scott Baio, former star of “Charles in Charge,” attempted to be funny on Twitter by tweeting “WOW He wakes up to this every morning” and attaching an unflattering photo of the First Lady. The Republican actor found himself defending himself against fans and enemies alike who accused him of being racist and cruel. Baio has insisted the tweet was a joke. No word yet from the White House. Us Weekly has more on this story and picture (we decided not to post it).
In response to the tragic situation in Haiti, the First Couple have donated $15,000 from their personal bank account, a check written to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund. Here is the official statement:
“The President and First Lady have been inspired by the way that millions of Americans have responded with tremendous generosity to the Haiti crisis – even in these tough economic times,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest says, “So, today, they sent their own check for $15,000 to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund to support the ongoing relief efforts in that country.”
Also last week Michelle taped a 30-second PSA urging Americans to donate to the Red Cross for relief efforts.
Images via AP
According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey, both Michelle and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are more popular than President Obama:
Fifty-eight percent of people questioned in the survey have a favorable view of Obama, with four in 10 holding an unfavorable view. But the president’s favorable rating is 10 points below that of his wife and six points behind the secretary of state. According to the poll, 68 percent of the public have a positive opinion of the first lady, with 19 percent holding an unfavorable opinion. Sixty-four percent have a positive view of Clinton, with three in 10 holding an unfavorable view.
Image via AP
Happy New Year (and decade) everyone! We’ve found out a little about how the Obamas spent their New Year’s Eve.
The Obamas made it to the theater near their vacation home yesterday morning to see the James Cameron-directed futuristic drama, “Avatar.” Unlike us who had to watch the popular film in packed theatres, the First Family and their friends had a private movie theatre to themselves to enjoy the 3-D version of the flick.
Later, Michelle was seen cheering on Sasha and Malia during surfing lessons at the beach in front of their house.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!
As you know by now, the Obamas skipped a white Christmas in Washington to celebrate the holidays in sunny Hawaii. They boarded Air Force One on Thursday with winter gear but they stepped off the plane dressed for 80 degree temperatures awaiting them. Michelle changed into a sleeveless blue dress (designer unknown at this time). Reportedly, they were joined by immediate family (including the President’s sister, Maya Soetero-Ng, her husband, Konrad Ng) and at least two sets of friends from Chicago, senior adviser Valerie Jarrett and National Security Council Chief of Staff Denis McDonough.
On Christmas day, the first couple went to the gym at 6:40 AM (!!) and stayed for more than hour. When they returned back to their rented estate, all of the kids opened gifts. According to the White House, the first couple didn’t exchange gifts but we think they probably did so privately and didn’t want to share the details with the public. The Christmas meal consisted of roast beef and potatoes, a tradition for the family.
Mid-afternoon, Michelle accompanied the President to visit the Marine Corps base near their home and shook hands with troops for about half an hour.
At an appearance at the Children’s Medical Center, Michelle mentioned there were 26 Christmas trees scattered around the White House so why not post pictures of the decorations they left behind and a look back at a few festivities, appearances, etc…
The official White House Christmas tree (18 1/2-foot Douglas fir) lit with environmentally sound lights and hundreds of ornaments from past administrations
The First Family at the lighting of the National Christmas tree
The First Lady arriving in Cross Hall of the White House to debut the 2009 Christmas decorations and announce the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. This year’s theme – “Reflect, rejoice, renew.”
Dec 24
For their first Christmas as the “First Family,” the Obamas opted to head to Hawaii for the second year in the row in lieu of celebrating the holidays at the White House (and the 26 Christmas trees). They left today at 10:30 AM to start their 10-day vacation.
Now on to the best part about writing about this vacay…the HOUSE they’re renting, aka “Winter White House.”
The 7,000 square foot five-bedroom beachfront estate is situated on a beach on the southeastern coast of Oahu. It’s on the market for $8.9 million. The Obamas are renting it for $4,000 a night in addition to renting two houses next door for family and friends.
“Good Morning America” reported the owner stocked the cabinets with sweet potato chips and taro chips, favorites of the President. A Christmas tree was also delivered to the home.
Couldn’t find any photos of the house but here’s the “Good Morning America” footage.
Via LA Times
Earlier this week, Michelle, Malia, and Sasha read Christmas stories to children at the Children’s Medical Center in Washington D.C. Before Michelle could even start “AVisit From St. Nicholas,” the First Dog, Bo, caused a comical distraction by barking at Santa Claus who ended up leaving the area so the dog could calm down.
The girls took turns reading “Snowmen at Night.” Afterwards (and surprisingly!), the audience was able to ask the well-guarded girls questions. The full transcript is posted here.
And lastly, here is the family’s official holiday card designed by American Greetings. The cards, featuring a gold foil-embossed presidential seal surrounded by a wreath, and a thin burgundy border around the edges, contains the message: “May your family have a joyous holiday season and a new year blessed with hope and happiness.”
Merry Christmas! Check back over the weekend for more holiday-related posts!
Dec 4
The Obamas kept it about family, fun, and giving back last week during the Thanksgiving holiday. Wednesday evening, the entire family passed out turkeys, stuffing, and other items at Martha’s Table in Downtown Washington.
The day after Thanksgiving, the First Lady (with Sasha and Malia) was presented with the Official White House Christmas tree. The 18 1/2 Douglas-fir arrived on the traditional horse drawn carriage. We’ll post more about the White House holiday decorations shortly…
Saturday, the family attended the Oregon State-George Washington University basketball game. Michelle’s brother, Craig Robinson is the Oregon State coach. They sat courtside as they watched Oregon State beat George Washington.
President Barack Obama and First Lady hosted their first state dinner last night in honor of the visiting Prime Minister from India, Dr. Manmohan Singh and his wife Mrs. Gursharan Kaur. The First Lady continued her fashion reign donning a floor-length nude and sterling silver sequined gown by Indian-born designer Naeem Khan.
The 330-guest list included Hollywood A-listers, politicians, TV hosts, and family and friends of the Obamas.
Prepared by award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson, the menu was primarily vegetarian which included curried prawns, collards, chick peas and okra, barmati rice, red lentil soup, and pumpkin pie tart for dessert. During dinner, she sat between Prime Minister Singh and David Geffen. Here’s the official State Dinner Menu.
The entertainment was priceless - The National Symphony Orchestra, Jennifer Hudson, Kurt Eling, and A.R. Rahman all gave world-class performances.
Nov 12
