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.
Over the past week we’ve seen the First Lady gearing up for her latest initiative – eliminating childhood obesity. She even went as far as using her daughters, Sasha and Malia, as examples of the “overweight” children according to their BMI.
Today she officially announced the “Let’s Move” campaign to an audience of children, educators, doctors, Cabinet secretaries, and other high profile folks. A task force has been established to submit a plan to the President within 90 days that outlines strategies to reach its ultimate goal – to eliminate childhood obesity within a generation.
The “Let’s Move” Web site has more information. Read more about this story.
Tonight at 9:00 PM EST, she’ll be on the Larry King show to talk about childhood obesity and of course the first family’s first year in the White House.
Photos via AP.
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.
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.
Nov 12
