THEWHITEHOUSESPIN.COM
_______________________
WASHINGTON, DC

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2010












FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA, SASHA OBAMA & MALIA OBAMA



First Lady Michelle Obama, with daughters Sasha Obama and Malia Obama, welcome the arrival of the official White House Christmas tree at the North Portico of the White House. Standing with them are Chris and Brandi Botek of the Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Leighton, Pa., where the 18 1/2-foot Douglas fir was cut.

White House Photography by Lawrence Jackson, November 26, 2010


__________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________
"MEN WILL BE MEN"
Posted and Written by Karen An Carr
______________________________________________________________________________



WASHINGTON, DC- One day after receiving 12 stitches and bloody lip from a basketball injury, President Barack Obama will be a spectator, not a player, at the basketball game later today between the Howard University Bison team and the Oregon State University Beavers. The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Howard University’s Burr Gymnasium. Howard University is a highly ranked university dedicated to American leadership and the production of the most PhD's in the Washington, Dc region.

During yesterday’s five-on-five game at Fort McNair, President Obama sustained a lip injury when Rey Decerega, the director of programs for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, accidentally elbowed him.Mr. Decerega, according to the White House, "turned into President Obama, who was playing defense, to take a shot when the elbow hit the President in the mouth." It occurred during the fifth of five games played during the outing.

The Beavers are coached by President Obama's brother-in-law Craig Robinson.This will be President Obama's second trip to see a Howard University-Oregon State game, following Thanksgiving. The last time Oregon State won 65 to 57,
before a half-full Smith Center crowd.

In attendance last year were President Obama, First lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha Obama and Malia Obama and the First grandmother Marian Robinson. During last year’s game, President Obama received a standing ovation, having made the short drive from the White House to Howard University, 10 minutes before tip-off.

During the game last year, President Obama munched popcorn and watched the game intently. Louis Jacobson remembers
it well.

After last year’s game, Mr. Robinson told reporters that President Obama was "a huge basketball fan. He pays close attention and he's always followed us."

According to news reports at the time, President Obama has received a basketball signed by George Washington players and coaches, along with a jersey and shorts.

Fortunately, President Obama is not the first president to catch a local basketball game. According to the Washington Post, former President Bill Clinton brought daughter Chelsea to watch GWU defeat Massachusetts on February 4, 1995.

Presently, the Beavers are 2-2, while Howard is 1-4.

In a statement, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said, “After being inadvertently hit with an opposing player's elbow in the lip while playing basketball with friends and family, the President received 12 stitches ... administered by the White House Medical Unit."

According to the White House press office, the White House medical personnel "used a smaller-than-usual filament. Doing so increases the number of stitches but produces a smaller scar." President Obama received a local anesthetic during the treatment, the press office said.

In a statement Mr. Decerega said "I learned today the president is both a tough competitor and a good sport. I enjoyed playing basketball with him this morning. I'm sure he'll be back out on the court again soon."

Other players during yesterday’s game included President Obama's nephew, Avery Robinson; President Obama's assistant Reggie Love; and Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

President Obama has been seen twice in public since the injury, though fleetingly, meaning that today’s game will be his first extended period in the public eye since he sustained it.

A pool photographer, Jim Young of Reuters, photographed Obama leaving the game pressing a tissue to his lip. Later, Obama was seen through a window of the East Wing of the White House as the White House Christmas tree was being delivered by horse-drawn carriage. He appeared to be holding an ice pack to his injured lip.

THEWHITEHOUSESPIN.COM
_______________________
WASHINGTON, DC

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2010

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA & VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN



President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden walk together before delivering remarks at the Chrysler Transmission Plant in Kokomo, Indiana.

White House Photo by Pete Souza, November 23, 2010.




________________________________________________________________










THEWHITEHOUSESPIN.COM
_______________________
WASHINGTON, DC

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2010

 

U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

President Barack Obama makes phone calls from the Oval Office to members of the U.S. military on Thanksgiving Day.

White House Photography by Pete Sousa, Nov. 25, 2010.

_________________________________








THANKSGIVING DAY 2010

_______

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

 

     
      "A beloved American tradition, Thanksgiving Day offers us the opportunity to focus our thoughts on the grace that has been extended to our people and our country. This spirit brought together the newly arrived Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe -- who had been living and thriving around Plymouth, Massachusetts for thousands of years -- in an autumn harvest feast centuries ago. This Thanksgiving Day, we reflect on the compassion and contributions of Native Americans, whose skill in agriculture helped the early colonists survive, and whose rich culture continues to add to our Nation's heritage. We also pause our normal pursuits on this day and join in a spirit of fellowship and gratitude for the year's bounties and blessings.
     
      Thanksgiving Day is a time each year, dating back to our founding, when we lay aside the troubles and disagreements of the day and bow our heads in humble recognition of the providence bestowed upon our Nation. Amidst the uncertainty of a fledgling experiment in democracy, President George Washington declared the first Thanksgiving in America, recounting the blessings of tranquility, union, and plenty that shined upon our young country. In the dark days of the Civil War when the fate of our Union was in doubt, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a Thanksgiving Day, calling for "the Almighty hand" to heal and restore our Nation.

      In confronting the challenges of our day, we must draw strength from the resolve of previous generations who faced their own struggles and take comfort in knowing a brighter day has always dawned on our great land. As we stand at the close of one year and look to the promise of the next, we lift up our hearts in gratitude to God for our many blessings, for one another, and for our Nation. This Thanksgiving Day, we remember that the freedoms and security we enjoy as Americans are protected by the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. These patriots are willing to lay down their lives in our defense, and they and their families deserve our profound gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

      This harvest season, we are also reminded of those experiencing the pangs of hunger or the hardship of economic insecurity. Let us return the kindness and generosity we have seen throughout the year by helping our fellow citizens weather the storms of our day.

      As Americans gather for the time-honored Thanksgiving Day meal, let us rejoice in the abundance that graces our tables, in the simple gifts that mark our days, in the loved ones who enrich our lives, and in the gifts of a gracious God. Let us recall that our forebears met their challenges with hope and an unfailing spirit, and let us resolve to do the same.

      NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 25, 2010, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all the people of the United States to come together -- whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place of fellowship for friends and neighbors -- to give thanks for all we have received in the past year, to express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own, and to share our bounty with others.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-third day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth."

                                                                                                           PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA







______________________________________________________

U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, U.S. VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN & PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU

President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, left, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel leave through the doorway in the Cabinet Room of the White House, as the President walks the Prime Minister to his car following their meetings.

White House Photo by Pete Souza, July 6, 2010.






__________________________________________






THEWHITEHOUSESPIN.COM
_______________________
WASHINGTON, DC

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2010

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA, SASHA OBAMA, MALIA OBAMA & GRANDMOTHER MARIAN ROBINSON

White House Photography by Pete Souza, November 24, 2010.

_______________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________
"MEN WILL BE MEN: Basketball Injury Sidelines President"
Posted and Written by Karen Ann Carr
_______________________________________________________________________________

WASHINGTON, DC- On Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25, 2010, U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a Hanukkah reception at the White House in Washington, DC. 

On Thanksgiving Eve, President Obama, officially, pardoned two turkeys with his trusted assistants at his side, Mailia Obama and Sasha Obama.

President Obama said, "I have my two trusty assistants here -- Malia and Sasha for one of the most important duties that I carry out as President."

"Before everybody heads home for Thanksgiving, there is one official duty I am sworn to uphold as the leader of the most powerful nation on Earth.  Today, I have the awesome responsibility of granting a presidential pardon to a pair of turkeys.  Now, for the record, let me say that it feels pretty good to stop at least one shellacking this November." 

"This year’s national turkey goes by the name of Apple, and his feathered understudy is appropriately named Cider.  They are being presented today by the Chairman of the National Turkey Federation, Yubert Envia."

Also on Thanksgiving Eve, President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia, and grandmother Marian Robinson helped distribute Thanksgiving food items at Martha’s Table, a food pantry in Washington, D.C.

In a very endearing manner, Mrs. Obama and Malia gave various Thanksgiving food items to members of the community and their children at Martha’s Table.  As the First Family helped distribute Thanksgiving food items at Martha’s Table, President Obama got a high five from a little young boy.

On Friday, President Obama attended meetings at the White House. However, while playing basketball, President Obama got hurt and had to receive medical attention. Apparently, the basketball injury sidelined President Obama momentarily. Men will be men.

Later that day, the Obama family Christmas tree was delivered to the White House, while President Obama nursed the injured lip and peered out of an upstairs window from above.

____________________________________________________





Pardoning the National Thanksgiving Turkey

 This event was cool! You may enjoy hearing it as we did.

National Thanksgiving Turkey


Courage, the National Thanksgiving turkey, waits to be pardoned at the North Portico of the White House Tuesday, November 25, 2009 in Washington. 


White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy, November 25, 2010.

Read the Transcript  |  Download Video: mp4 (66M | mp3 (7M







____________________________________________________



Turkeys received a new lease on life. Why not take the time and do the same thing.


________________________________________

 

Pardoning the National Thanksgiving Turkey

Read the Transcript  |  Download Video: mp4 (66M | mp3 (7M

_______________________________________

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND LITTLE YOUNG MAN

White House Photography by Pete Souza, Nov. 24, 2010.












FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA & MALIA OBAMA

White House Photography by Samantha Appleton, Nov. 24, 2010.







_____________________________________________________________

    







THEWHITEHOUSESPIN.COM
_______________________
WASHINGTON, DC

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2010

U.S. President Barack Obama and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and National Security Advisor Tom Donilon



President Barack Obama is briefed on North Korea by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and National Security Advisor Tom Donilon during the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office.
 
White House Photography by Pete Souza, November 23, 2010

____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________
"GLOBAL REACH TO HELP IRELAND MAY BE A WINDOW INTO FINANCIAL FAILURE"
POSTED BY KAREN ANN CARR
_______________________________________________________________________________

WASHINGTON, DC- The economy of Ireland continued to hemorrhage value until the public and financial institutions demanded a strategic resolutions in order to sustain corporations dependent upon Ireland's ailing banks. Global reach to help Ireland may be a window into financial failure. Despite a relatively low taxation rate, Ireland has not been able to sustain its spending relative to its resources.

To restore the stability of Europe's united-currency (the Euro) and to restore its financial markets Ireland, the European union and the International Monetary Fund have initiated a 110 Billion dollars loan deal to keep Ireland from financial failure. According to those familiar with the matter, the dollars are being given to prevent financial panic from spreading to other European countries.

     The  economy of Ireland continued to hemorrhage money until the public, financial institutions and ailing banks asked for help to restore the stability of Europe's currency. Although Sweden and the United Kingdom do not use the Euro as their currency, Sweden contributed $25 Billion and UK contributed approximately 11 Billion dollars. Due to Germany's share of the EPSF, it is expected to be the largest contributor to Ireland's bailout.

     This news comes at a time when the Federal Reserve Bank is infusing the economy of the United States of America with billions of dollars to off-set the operating budget of America. Moreover, Euro-zone countries recently established by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund loaned Greece 138.075 Billion.

     The Federal Reserve is spending $75 Billion dollars per month buying U.S. Government debt. This procedure will go on for the next eight months. To further stimulate the U.S. economy, the FED made a commitment to purchase U.S. Government bonds, to the tune of $800 billion dollars, over the next eight month period.

    In effect the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Union and the International Monetary Fund are attempting to sustain the Global Economy and the Global Markets, which is bleeding more cash value than any one nation-state can sustain. The Global financial system is in critical condition, as it  bleeds value, despite the infusion of cash and and oil and global well-being among member nation-states.

At the crust of the matter is an ailing real estate market in the United States of America and abroad.  Even in its weakened state, cash U.S. dollars and U.S. real estate markets are steering global wealth.

     The weaknesses of the 10 year notes and the limitation of the Federal Reserves mortgage bonds may up-end what the FED and Chairman Ben Bernanke hopes to accomplish, if China and the European union and the USA don't get with the program of eliminating the stresses and strains of debt without money.

    The impact of debt-laden real estate will impact the global market-place this year, but will be most obvious has taxation revenues are collected. In the short term, what matters is that property values need to rebound above outstanding liens.  It is very telling that the Federal Reserve Bank is acting responsibly to shore-up American markets and U.S. Federal Government.

     These moves by the Federal Reserve Bank and International Monetary Fund will likely contribute to Republican and Democratic Party cooperation, as deficit reduction becomes a necessity. Cybernetic Human Robots and sustainable energy development will likely contribute to global deficit reductions. 

____________________________________

 

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, SECRTARY CLINTON, SECRETARY GATES & MILITARY DIRECTORS



President Barack Obama is briefed on the situation on the Korean peninsula in the White House Situation Room.

White House Photo by Pete Souza, November 23, 2010

____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________
"Military Action Against South Korea Will Not Be Tolerated by U.S."
POSTED BY KAREN ANN CARR
_______________________________________________________________________________

WASHINGTON, DC- The Korean peninsula is once again is the scene of regrettable deaths for no real reason. North Korea attacked the Republic of South Korea. The United States of America's scheduled activities will resume at a time that South Korea most needs the support of America. Military action against South Korea will not be tolerated by U.S.

In fact, upon return to the White House from Europe, U.S. President Obama met with his National Security Team, at the White House in the Situation Room, on the Korean Peninsula.
 
President Obama's senior national security team on the Korean peninsula included National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, Secretaries Clinton and Gates, Ambassador Rice, Admiral Mullen, and General Sharp, Commander of U.S. Forces Korea. At that meeting President Obama reiterated the unshakable support of the United States for the Republic of South Korea, and discussed ways to advance peace and security on the Korean peninsula.

It would be a mistake for North Korea to continue aggressions. Americans should not underestimate the seriousness of recent events.



___________________________

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND JAMES CLAPPER AND TOM DONILON


President Barack Obama is briefed on North Korea by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and National Security Advisor Tom Donilon during the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office.

White House Photography by Pete Souza, November 23, 2010. 

_____________________________________________________________

The Obama Family Volunteers at Martha’s Table

The Obama Family hands out turkeys, pumpkin pies, stuffing and other groceries to families of the Martha’s Table community on the eve of Thanksgiving 2010.



PRESIDENTIAL PARDON of  the National Thanksgiving Turkey

White House Rose Garden

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:  Please, everybody, have a seat.  Good morning. 

AUDIENCE:  Good morning.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:  I have my two trusty assistants here -- (laughter) -- Malia and Sasha for one of the most important duties that I carry out as President.

Before everybody heads home for Thanksgiving, there is one official duty I am sworn to uphold as the leader of the most powerful nation on Earth.  Today, I have the awesome responsibility of granting a presidential pardon to a pair of turkeys.  Now, for the record, let me say that it feels pretty good to stop at least one shellacking this November.  (Laughter.)

This year’s national turkey goes by the name of Apple, and his feathered understudy is appropriately named Cider.  They are being presented today by the Chairman of the National Turkey Federation, Yubert Envia -- and I want to just point out that Yubert seems very comfortable with that turkey.  (Laughter.)  As well as the man who helped raise and handle them since birth, Ira Brister.  Where’s Ira?  There’s Ira.  Give Ira a big round of applause for raising such outstanding turkeys.  (Applause.)  I want to thank you both for joining us here at the White House. 

     Now, Apple and Cider came to us from the Foster Farms Wellsford Ranch, just outside of Modesto, California.  Out of about 20,000 turkeys born at Foster Farms this summer, 25 were selected for a final competition that involved strutting their stuff before a panel of judges with an eclectic mix of music playing in the background.  (Laughter.)  It’s kind of like a turkey version of “Dancing With the Stars” -- (laughter) -- except the stakes for the contestants was much higher.  (Laughter.) 

     Only one pair would survive and win the big prize:  life -- (laughter) -- and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, where they’ve been living it up on corn feed at the W hotel.  The W hotel has really been putting them up.  (Laughter.)  It’s great advertising.  (Laughter.)  It makes you want to stay at the W.  (Laughter.)  And after today, Apple and Cider will spend their retirement at the same beautiful place our first President spent his –- Mount Vernon, Virginia.

So later this afternoon, our family will also deliver two turkeys who didn’t quite make the cut to Martha’s Table, which is an organization that does extraordinary work helping folks who are struggling here in D.C.  And I want to thank the good people at Jaindl’s Turkey Farm in Orefield, Pennsylvania, who have now donated these turkeys two years in a row.  

This, of course, is what’s truly meant by Thanksgiving -– a holiday that asks us to be thankful for what we have, and generous to those who have less.  It’s a time to spend with the ones we love, and a chance to show compassion and concern to people we’ve never met.  It’s a tradition that’s brought us together as a community since before we were a nation, when the ground we’re standing on was nothing but wilderness. 

Back then, the simple act of survival was often the greatest blessing of all.  And later, President Lincoln declared the first national day of Thanksgiving in the midst of the Civil War.  During the depths of the Great Depression, local businesses gave donations and charities opened their doors to families who didn’t have a place to celebrate Thanksgiving.  In times of war, our military has gone through great lengths to give our men and women on the front lines a turkey dinner and a taste of home.  

So in America, we come together when times are hard.  We don’t give up.  We don’t complain.  And we don’t turn our backs on one another.  Instead, we look out for another and we pitch in and we give what we can.  And in the process, we reveal to the world what we love so much about this country. 

That’s who we are.  And that’s who Thanksgiving reminds us to be.  So I hope everyone takes some time during this holiday season to give back and serve their community in some way.  And I also want to take a moment to say how grateful I am to the men and women who are serving this country bravely and selflessly in places far away from home right now.  You and your families are in our thoughts and in our prayers, and you make me so very proud to be your Commander-in-Chief. 

So on behalf of Michelle, Sasha, Malia and myself, I want to wish everybody a wonderful and happy and safe Thanksgiving.  And now, it is my great honor, as well, to give Apple and Cider a new lease on life.  So as President of the United States, you are hereby pardoned from the Thanksgiving dinner table.  (Laughter.)  May you have a wonderful and joyful life at Mount Vernon.

God bless you and God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.) 

|  Download Video: mp4 (66M | mp3 (7M