WEEKLY NEWS
KAILUA, Hawaii – President-elect Barack Obama spent a private Christmas
Day with family and close friends, continuing a vacation that has been
remarkable for how low-key he and aides have kept it.
Obama, wife Michelle and their two young daughters opened presents at
their rented vacation home and planned a dinner of turkey and ham,
according to aides. He planned no public events, and aides said they did not
expect to release any further details.
The Obamas arrived in Honolulu on Saturday with four aides, his Secret
Service detail and a small group of journalists. Since then, he has been
largely sequestered at the beachfront estate.
With less a month before Obama takes office on Jan. 20, he is taking every
step possible to make sure this holiday is as private as possible —
something he bemoaned while walking to a driving range last Sunday.
"OK, guys," Obama said, recognizing the photographers snapping pictures.
"Come on. ... How many shots do you need?"
It was one of only a handful of trips Obama and his motorcade have taken.
He and Michelle Obama have visited Marine Corps Base Hawaii for daily
morning workouts. Twice, he and friends have played a round of golf. He
attended a private memorial service for his grandmother on Tuesday and
scattered her ashes into the Pacific Ocean.
And that's been it.
While the Democratic president-elect vacations in his native Hawaii through
the New Year, he and his aides have taken careful steps to minimize his
profile. He has no public schedule while vacationing, although he remains
involved in transition plans and has received intelligence briefings.
While Obama's aides have taken steps to keep the vacation low-profile, he
hasn't been entirely successful. Photographers captured images of him
scattering his grandmother's ashes from a rock ledge on Tuesday while the
press corps waited in a bus. Another photographer captured the future first
family — including a shirtless Obama — in the backyard.
The Secret Service has blocked the street where he is staying, citing security
concerns. A few cars a day have rolled into the dead-end street, but they did
not get past the checkpoint. And a few neighbors who tried to walk past the
house on Christmas Day were rebuffed by agents.
One man left with an aide a Christmas card addressed to the Obama family.
It featured a palm tree with the word "peace" written on it.
KAILUA, Hawaii – President-elect Barack Obama spent a private Christmas
Day with family and close friends, continuing a vacation that has been
remarkable for how low-key he and aides have kept it.
Obama, wife Michelle and their two young daughters opened presents at
their rented vacation home and planned a dinner of turkey and ham,
according to aides. He planned no public events, and aides said they did not
expect to release any further details.
The Obamas arrived in Honolulu on Saturday with four aides, his Secret
Service detail and a small group of journalists. Since then, he has been
largely sequestered at the beachfront estate.
With less a month before Obama takes office on Jan. 20, he is taking every
step possible to make sure this holiday is as private as possible —
something he bemoaned while walking to a driving range last Sunday.
"OK, guys," Obama said, recognizing the photographers snapping pictures.
"Come on. ... How many shots do you need?"
It was one of only a handful of trips Obama and his motorcade have taken.
He and Michelle Obama have visited Marine Corps Base Hawaii for daily
morning workouts. Twice, he and friends have played a round of golf. He
attended a private memorial service for his grandmother on Tuesday and
scattered her ashes into the Pacific Ocean.
And that's been it.
While the Democratic president-elect vacations in his native Hawaii through
the New Year, he and his aides have taken careful steps to minimize his
profile. He has no public schedule while vacationing, although he remains
involved in transition plans and has received intelligence briefings.
While Obama's aides have taken steps to keep the vacation low-profile, he
hasn't been entirely successful. Photographers captured images of him
scattering his grandmother's ashes from a rock ledge on Tuesday while the
press corps waited in a bus. Another photographer captured the future first
family — including a shirtless Obama — in the backyard.
The Secret Service has blocked the street where he is staying, citing security
concerns. A few cars a day have rolled into the dead-end street, but they did
not get past the checkpoint. And a few neighbors who tried to walk past the
house on Christmas Day were rebuffed by agents.
One man left with an aide a Christmas card addressed to the Obama family.
It featured a palm tree with the word "peace" written on it.
| Obama News |
NEW YORK – To celebrate the upcoming
inauguration of Barack Obama, Marvel is proud to present an all-new
story teaming up one of the world’s most recognizable political figures
with the world’s greatest super-hero as President-Elect Obama joins
Spider-Man in Spidey Meets the President!
This all new story written by Zeb Wells and art by Todd Nauck and
Frank D’Armata takes place in Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day
and finds one of Spider-Man’s oldest foes attempting to thwart the
swearing in ceremony of the 44th President of the United States. The
story will be featured as a bonus story in Marvel Comic’s Amazing
Spider-Man #583, available in comic book shops nation-wide on
January 14th, 2009. A special variant cover by artist Phil Jimenez
featuring the President-Elect and Spider-Man will be available for this
issue.
“When we heard that President-Elect Obama is a collector of Spider-
Man comics, we knew that these two historic figures had to meet in our
comics’ Marvel Universe,” says Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada.
“Historic moments such as this one can be reflected in our comics
because the Marvel Universe is set in the real world. A Spider-Man fan
moving into the Oval Office is an event that must be commemorated in
the pages of Amazing Spider-Man.”
For fans of Spider-Man and those wanting to own a part of this historic
moment in American history, visit your local comic book retailer on
January 14, 2009 to purchase the issue. To find a comic book retailer
near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com/ or call 888-
COMICBOOK. . For more information, please visit www.marvel.com.
Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., one of the
world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies.
With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel’s operations are focused
on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment,
publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films,
DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and
role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative
success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel’s strategy
is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of
opportunities around the world. For additional information visit http:
//www.marvel.com.
inauguration of Barack Obama, Marvel is proud to present an all-new
story teaming up one of the world’s most recognizable political figures
with the world’s greatest super-hero as President-Elect Obama joins
Spider-Man in Spidey Meets the President!
This all new story written by Zeb Wells and art by Todd Nauck and
Frank D’Armata takes place in Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day
and finds one of Spider-Man’s oldest foes attempting to thwart the
swearing in ceremony of the 44th President of the United States. The
story will be featured as a bonus story in Marvel Comic’s Amazing
Spider-Man #583, available in comic book shops nation-wide on
January 14th, 2009. A special variant cover by artist Phil Jimenez
featuring the President-Elect and Spider-Man will be available for this
issue.
“When we heard that President-Elect Obama is a collector of Spider-
Man comics, we knew that these two historic figures had to meet in our
comics’ Marvel Universe,” says Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada.
“Historic moments such as this one can be reflected in our comics
because the Marvel Universe is set in the real world. A Spider-Man fan
moving into the Oval Office is an event that must be commemorated in
the pages of Amazing Spider-Man.”
For fans of Spider-Man and those wanting to own a part of this historic
moment in American history, visit your local comic book retailer on
January 14, 2009 to purchase the issue. To find a comic book retailer
near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com/ or call 888-
COMICBOOK. . For more information, please visit www.marvel.com.
Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., one of the
world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies.
With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel’s operations are focused
on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment,
publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films,
DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and
role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative
success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel’s strategy
is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of
opportunities around the world. For additional information visit http:
//www.marvel.com.
| HONOLULU - Barack Obama's grandmother, whose personality and bearing shaped much of the life of the Democratic presidential contender, has died, Obama announced Monday, one day before the election. Madelyn Payne Dunham was 86. Obama announced the news from the campaign trail in Charlotte, North Carolina. The joint statement with his sister Maya Soetoro-Ng said Dunham died peacefully late Sunday night after a battle with cancer. "She's gone home," Obama said as tens of thousands of rowdy supporters at the University of North Carolina- Charlotte grew silent in an evening drizzle. "And she died peacefully in her sleep with my sister at her side. And so there is great joy as well as tears. I'm not going to talk about it too long because it is hard for me to talk about." But he said he wanted people to know a little about her — that she lived through the Great Depression and World War II, working on a bomber assembly line with a baby at home and a husband serving his country. He said she was humble and plain spoken, one of the "quiet heroes that we have all across America" working hard and hoping to see their children and grandchildren thrive. "That's what we're fighting for," Obama said. Private ceremony to be held later Obama learned of her death Monday morning while he was campaigning in Jacksonville, Florida. He planned to go ahead with campaign appearances. The family said a private ceremony would be held later. Republican John McCain issued condolences to his opponent. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to them as they remember and celebrate the life of someone who had such a profound impact in their lives," the statement by John and Cindy McCain said. Last month, Obama took a break from campaigning and flew to Hawaii to be with Dunham as her health declined. Obama said the decision to go to Hawaii was easy to make, telling CBS that he "got there too late" when his mother died of ovarian cancer in 1995 at 53, and wanted to make sure "that I don't make the same mistake twice." Outside the apartment building where Dunham died, reporters and TV cameras lined the sidewalk as two police officers were posted near the elevator. Signs hanging in the apartment lobby warned the public to keep out. Longtime family friend Georgia McCauley visited the 10th-floor apartment where Obama had lived with his grandparent. "So many of us were hoping and praying that his grandmother would have the opportunity to witness her grandson become our next president," said state Rep. Marcus Oshiro, an Obama supporter. "What a bittersweet victory it will be for him. Wow." 'White grandmother' The Kansas-born Dunham and her husband, Stanley, raised their grandson for several years so he could attend school in Honolulu while their daughter and her second husband lived overseas. Her influence on Obama's manner and the way he viewed the world was substantial, the candidate himself told millions watching him accept his party's nomination in Denver in August. "She's the one who taught me about hard work," he said. "She's the one who put off buying a new car or a new dress for herself so that I could have a better life. She poured everything she had into me." Obama's nickname for his grandmother was "Toot," a version of the Hawaiian word for grandmother, tutu. Many of his speeches describe her working on a bomber assembly line during World War II. Madelyn and Stanley Dunham married in 1940, a few weeks before she graduated from high school. Their daughter, Stanley Ann, was born in 1942. After several moves to and from California, Texas, Washington and Kansas, Stanley Dunham's job landed the family in Hawaii. It was there that Stanley Ann later met and fell in love with Obama's father, a Kenyan named Barack Hussein Obama Sr. They had met in Russian class at the University of Hawaii. Their son was born in August 1961, but the marriage didn't last long. She later married an Indonesian, Lolo Soetoro, another university student she met in Hawaii. Obama moved to Indonesia with his mother and stepfather at age 6. But in 1971, her mother sent him back to Hawaii to live with her parents. He stayed with the Dunhams until he graduated from high school in 1979. |
| Obama's Grandmother Dies |
Anything but reassured, Wall Street dove ever lower. The Dow Jones industrials fell 297.81 points, closing less than a point above their
lowest level in five and a half years.
Obama focused on the $787 billion stimulus plan, an ambitious package of federal spending and tax cuts designed to revive the
economy and save millions of jobs. Most wage-earners will soon see the first paycheck evidence of tax breaks that will total $400 for
individuals and $800 for couples.
The stimulus package was a huge victory for Obama less than one month into his presidency. But he struck a sober tone and lowered
expectations for an immediate turnaround in the severe recession that is well into its second year.
"None of this will be easy," he said. "The road to recovery will not be straight. We will make progress, and there may be some slippage
along the way."
Still, he declared, "We have begun the essential work of keeping the American dream alive in our time."
Underscoring energy-related investments in the new law, Obama and Vice President Joe Biden traveled to Denver where the president
signed it at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science before roughly 250 people including alternative energy business leaders. Earlier,
the pair examined solar panels on the museum's roof.
On Wednesday, Obama will outline another big piece of his recovery effort — a $50 billion plan to help stem foreclosures — in Arizona,
one of the states hardest hit by the mortgage defaults that are at the center of the nation's economic woes.
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner mentioned the housing program last week as he rolled out a wide-ranging financial-sector
rescue plan that could send $2 trillion coursing through the financial system. Obama is expected to detail how the administration
plans to prod the mortgage industry to do more in modifying the terms of home loans so borrowers have lower monthly payments.
One Democratic official familiar with the plans said they will provide a government subsidy so mortgage companies can rework
problem loans and thus make them more affordable for borrowers. Another part will allow homeowners to refinance their mortgages if
they owe more than their homes are valued. Still another section would give bankruptcy judges more authority to change mortgages.
The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting the president, said the Obama administration also will use
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to help prevent borrowers from defaulting on their mortgages, and create national standards for loan
modifications.
More than 2.3 million homeowners coast-to-coast faced foreclosure proceedings last year, an 81 percent increase from 2007.
Analysts say that number could soar as high as 10 million in the coming years, depending on the severity of the recession.
In Denver, Obama said the stimulus package had received broad support in Washington and elsewhere, though Democrats pushed it
to passage with only three Republican votes in the Senate and none in the House.
One of the biggest public spending programs since World War II, the new law is designed to create jobs in the short term and to boost
consumer confidence to battle the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. It also makes down payments on Obama's
health care, energy and education goals.
Taking the long view, Obama cast the law as just "the beginnings of the first steps" to jerk the country out of a crisis he inherited from
GOP President George W. Bush.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, asked by reporters, would not rule out another stimulus in the future, though he said a
sequel was not in the works "at this point." He added, "The president is going to do whatever he thinks is necessary to get our
economy moving again."
The nation's distressed economy has dominated Obama's first weeks in office.
While laying the groundwork to address woes in the auto, financial and housing sectors, Obama spent some of his political capital
lobbying hard for the stimulus package that the Democratic-controlled Congress approved last week. Obama has essentially pinned
his political future on his prescriptions for the ailing economy, going so far as to raise the possibility of a one-term presidency if he fails.
There's no guarantee that Obama's enormous marshaling of resources and multi-pronged approach will stunt the economic freefall,
much less produce jobs or bring prosperity. The only thing certain is that Obama is on track to boost a federal debt that stands at $10.7
trillion.
Clearly mindful of that, Obama said: "We will need to do everything in the short term to get our economy moving again" as well as
"begin restoring fiscal discipline and taming our exploding deficits over the long term."
As he spoke in Denver, General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC were racing to complete plans detailing how they would repay
government loans and restructure their operations to remain viable. Detroit's third major automaker, Ford Motor Co., has not requested
government help.
GM submitted a dire plan to the Treasury Department, saying it would try to borrow up to $16.6 billion more from the government on top
of the $13.4 billion it has received. The plan includes cutting 47,000 more jobs and closing five more U.S. factories.
Chrysler said it needed $5 billion more to survive on top of the $4 billion in government loans it received in December. It said it would
cut 3,000 jobs and three vehicle models as part of its restructuring plan.
The United Auto Workers union said it had reached a tentative deal with Chrysler, GM and Ford to modify its contracts with the
automakers to help them endure.
As a White House task force prepared to oversee the companies' restructuring, presidential spokesman Gibbs said the administration
had not closed the door to a government-backed bankruptcy for the companies.
GM said it had considered bankruptcy, but the only credit available to finance a reorganization would be from the government and that
could cost as much as $100 billion.
As for the stimulus plan, Obama contends it will create or save 3.5 million jobs. Critics, mostly Republicans, contend it is filled with
wasteful spending and provisions that won't boost the economy.
Recession victims will get extended unemployment benefits and help with health care coverage, as well as more food stamps and job
training opportunities. States will get cash to prevent them from cutting aid for schools and local governments. Billions are slated for
road and bridge construction, mass transit, high-speed rail and national parks.
Middle-income and wealthy taxpayers will be spared from income tax increase that would otherwise hit them. First-time home buyers,
new car buyers, college students, poor families with several children and people who make their homes energy efficient also will get
breaks.
The measure also includes money for three top items on the president's agenda — expanding computerized information technology in
the health care industry, creating "green" jobs Obama says will help wean the country off foreign oil dependence, and improving the
quality of kindergarten through 12th grade education.
lowest level in five and a half years.
Obama focused on the $787 billion stimulus plan, an ambitious package of federal spending and tax cuts designed to revive the
economy and save millions of jobs. Most wage-earners will soon see the first paycheck evidence of tax breaks that will total $400 for
individuals and $800 for couples.
The stimulus package was a huge victory for Obama less than one month into his presidency. But he struck a sober tone and lowered
expectations for an immediate turnaround in the severe recession that is well into its second year.
"None of this will be easy," he said. "The road to recovery will not be straight. We will make progress, and there may be some slippage
along the way."
Still, he declared, "We have begun the essential work of keeping the American dream alive in our time."
Underscoring energy-related investments in the new law, Obama and Vice President Joe Biden traveled to Denver where the president
signed it at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science before roughly 250 people including alternative energy business leaders. Earlier,
the pair examined solar panels on the museum's roof.
On Wednesday, Obama will outline another big piece of his recovery effort — a $50 billion plan to help stem foreclosures — in Arizona,
one of the states hardest hit by the mortgage defaults that are at the center of the nation's economic woes.
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner mentioned the housing program last week as he rolled out a wide-ranging financial-sector
rescue plan that could send $2 trillion coursing through the financial system. Obama is expected to detail how the administration
plans to prod the mortgage industry to do more in modifying the terms of home loans so borrowers have lower monthly payments.
One Democratic official familiar with the plans said they will provide a government subsidy so mortgage companies can rework
problem loans and thus make them more affordable for borrowers. Another part will allow homeowners to refinance their mortgages if
they owe more than their homes are valued. Still another section would give bankruptcy judges more authority to change mortgages.
The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting the president, said the Obama administration also will use
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to help prevent borrowers from defaulting on their mortgages, and create national standards for loan
modifications.
More than 2.3 million homeowners coast-to-coast faced foreclosure proceedings last year, an 81 percent increase from 2007.
Analysts say that number could soar as high as 10 million in the coming years, depending on the severity of the recession.
In Denver, Obama said the stimulus package had received broad support in Washington and elsewhere, though Democrats pushed it
to passage with only three Republican votes in the Senate and none in the House.
One of the biggest public spending programs since World War II, the new law is designed to create jobs in the short term and to boost
consumer confidence to battle the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. It also makes down payments on Obama's
health care, energy and education goals.
Taking the long view, Obama cast the law as just "the beginnings of the first steps" to jerk the country out of a crisis he inherited from
GOP President George W. Bush.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, asked by reporters, would not rule out another stimulus in the future, though he said a
sequel was not in the works "at this point." He added, "The president is going to do whatever he thinks is necessary to get our
economy moving again."
The nation's distressed economy has dominated Obama's first weeks in office.
While laying the groundwork to address woes in the auto, financial and housing sectors, Obama spent some of his political capital
lobbying hard for the stimulus package that the Democratic-controlled Congress approved last week. Obama has essentially pinned
his political future on his prescriptions for the ailing economy, going so far as to raise the possibility of a one-term presidency if he fails.
There's no guarantee that Obama's enormous marshaling of resources and multi-pronged approach will stunt the economic freefall,
much less produce jobs or bring prosperity. The only thing certain is that Obama is on track to boost a federal debt that stands at $10.7
trillion.
Clearly mindful of that, Obama said: "We will need to do everything in the short term to get our economy moving again" as well as
"begin restoring fiscal discipline and taming our exploding deficits over the long term."
As he spoke in Denver, General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC were racing to complete plans detailing how they would repay
government loans and restructure their operations to remain viable. Detroit's third major automaker, Ford Motor Co., has not requested
government help.
GM submitted a dire plan to the Treasury Department, saying it would try to borrow up to $16.6 billion more from the government on top
of the $13.4 billion it has received. The plan includes cutting 47,000 more jobs and closing five more U.S. factories.
Chrysler said it needed $5 billion more to survive on top of the $4 billion in government loans it received in December. It said it would
cut 3,000 jobs and three vehicle models as part of its restructuring plan.
The United Auto Workers union said it had reached a tentative deal with Chrysler, GM and Ford to modify its contracts with the
automakers to help them endure.
As a White House task force prepared to oversee the companies' restructuring, presidential spokesman Gibbs said the administration
had not closed the door to a government-backed bankruptcy for the companies.
GM said it had considered bankruptcy, but the only credit available to finance a reorganization would be from the government and that
could cost as much as $100 billion.
As for the stimulus plan, Obama contends it will create or save 3.5 million jobs. Critics, mostly Republicans, contend it is filled with
wasteful spending and provisions that won't boost the economy.
Recession victims will get extended unemployment benefits and help with health care coverage, as well as more food stamps and job
training opportunities. States will get cash to prevent them from cutting aid for schools and local governments. Billions are slated for
road and bridge construction, mass transit, high-speed rail and national parks.
Middle-income and wealthy taxpayers will be spared from income tax increase that would otherwise hit them. First-time home buyers,
new car buyers, college students, poor families with several children and people who make their homes energy efficient also will get
breaks.
The measure also includes money for three top items on the president's agenda — expanding computerized information technology in
the health care industry, creating "green" jobs Obama says will help wean the country off foreign oil dependence, and improving the
quality of kindergarten through 12th grade education.
STIMULUS PACKAGE
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obama the first black president. All rights reserved.
DENVER – Racing to reverse the country's economic spiral,
President Barack Obama signed the mammoth stimulus package
into law Tuesday and readied a new $50 billion foreclosure rescue
for legions of Americans who are in danger of losing their homes.
There was no recovery yet for beleaguered automakers, who were
back in Washington for more bailout billions. General Motors Corp.
said it was closing plants, Chrysler LLC said it was cutting vehicle
models and both said they were getting rid of thousands more jobs
as they made their restructuring cases for $5 billion more for
Chrysler and as much as $16.6 billion more for GM. The United Auto
Workers union said it had agreed to tentative concessions that
could help Detroit's struggling Big Three.
President Barack Obama signed the mammoth stimulus package
into law Tuesday and readied a new $50 billion foreclosure rescue
for legions of Americans who are in danger of losing their homes.
There was no recovery yet for beleaguered automakers, who were
back in Washington for more bailout billions. General Motors Corp.
said it was closing plants, Chrysler LLC said it was cutting vehicle
models and both said they were getting rid of thousands more jobs
as they made their restructuring cases for $5 billion more for
Chrysler and as much as $16.6 billion more for GM. The United Auto
Workers union said it had agreed to tentative concessions that
could help Detroit's struggling Big Three.
WASHINGTON — Bo the Portuguese water dog makes his official move into
the White House on Tuesday, and how President Barack Obama and his
family introduce him to his new home _ and the world _ will say much about
their skills as novice dog owners.
The White House will be the puppy's fourth home in his six months of life. He
was born in Texas, then moved to his first owner's home in Washington, D.
C., then spent nearly a month with Sen. Edward Kennedy's dog trainer in
Virginia, and now is moving to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
A dog can become disoriented when moving to a new home, said Cesar
Millan, host of the National Geographic Channel's "The Dog Whisperer" and
co-founder with his wife of a nonprofit foundation to help abused and
abandoned dogs.
"Being disoriented can lead an animal to become anxious, to become
nervous, to become fearful," Millan said. "In some situations they get really
excited. So, regardless which state of mind the dog might go into, that's not
going to be good for the dog."
Among Millan's top tips: "Day one or day two or day three, there should be a
lot of walking involved. And before the dog eats, he should be very hungry,
because that helps him to understand that the humans are helping him to
work for food and water." Focus on establishing a routine to help the dog
calm down, rather than comforting him and using his name a lot when he's
upset, Millan said.
Bo was given up by his first owner because things weren't working out with
the family's other dog. Kennedy and his wife Victoria, who had two
Portuguese water dogs from Bo's breeder and acquired a third from Bo's
litter, thought Bo would be perfect for the Obamas, and gave the dog to the
Obama daughters, Malia and Sasha, as a gift, the dog's breeder and a
spokeswoman for Michelle Obama said.
At 6 months, Bo is still very much a "goofy puppy" and like many Portuguese
water dogs, may still be that way up to age 2 or even 4, said Stu Freeman,
president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. "A puppy is a puppy
and these are very active puppies," he said.
"The dogs are intelligent, they need to work and be kept busy," Freeman
said. "If you can't keep them active and amused, they will find something to
do."
Bo's official American Kennel Club-registered name is Amigo's New Hope,
and his first owner called him Charlie. His new name could present some
special training challenges, AKC spokeswoman Daisy Okas said.
"Since `Bo' sounds like `no' we would recommend that they work with a
trainer to consult on the best commands to give the dog. So the trainer may
recommend either hand signals for `no' or perhaps saying `stop' instead,"
Okas said. "The dog could become very confused if it thinks its name is
being called when it's actually being told to stop a certain behavior."
Also, at least in the early days, the Obamas should set and carry out the
dog's routine themselves, "Dog Whisperer" Millan said.
"It's all about gaining trust and respect, day one," Millan said. "It's very
important that everybody _ the girls, Michelle, the president _ to play, all of
them together, the pack leader role."
the White House on Tuesday, and how President Barack Obama and his
family introduce him to his new home _ and the world _ will say much about
their skills as novice dog owners.
The White House will be the puppy's fourth home in his six months of life. He
was born in Texas, then moved to his first owner's home in Washington, D.
C., then spent nearly a month with Sen. Edward Kennedy's dog trainer in
Virginia, and now is moving to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
A dog can become disoriented when moving to a new home, said Cesar
Millan, host of the National Geographic Channel's "The Dog Whisperer" and
co-founder with his wife of a nonprofit foundation to help abused and
abandoned dogs.
"Being disoriented can lead an animal to become anxious, to become
nervous, to become fearful," Millan said. "In some situations they get really
excited. So, regardless which state of mind the dog might go into, that's not
going to be good for the dog."
Among Millan's top tips: "Day one or day two or day three, there should be a
lot of walking involved. And before the dog eats, he should be very hungry,
because that helps him to understand that the humans are helping him to
work for food and water." Focus on establishing a routine to help the dog
calm down, rather than comforting him and using his name a lot when he's
upset, Millan said.
Bo was given up by his first owner because things weren't working out with
the family's other dog. Kennedy and his wife Victoria, who had two
Portuguese water dogs from Bo's breeder and acquired a third from Bo's
litter, thought Bo would be perfect for the Obamas, and gave the dog to the
Obama daughters, Malia and Sasha, as a gift, the dog's breeder and a
spokeswoman for Michelle Obama said.
At 6 months, Bo is still very much a "goofy puppy" and like many Portuguese
water dogs, may still be that way up to age 2 or even 4, said Stu Freeman,
president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. "A puppy is a puppy
and these are very active puppies," he said.
"The dogs are intelligent, they need to work and be kept busy," Freeman
said. "If you can't keep them active and amused, they will find something to
do."
Bo's official American Kennel Club-registered name is Amigo's New Hope,
and his first owner called him Charlie. His new name could present some
special training challenges, AKC spokeswoman Daisy Okas said.
"Since `Bo' sounds like `no' we would recommend that they work with a
trainer to consult on the best commands to give the dog. So the trainer may
recommend either hand signals for `no' or perhaps saying `stop' instead,"
Okas said. "The dog could become very confused if it thinks its name is
being called when it's actually being told to stop a certain behavior."
Also, at least in the early days, the Obamas should set and carry out the
dog's routine themselves, "Dog Whisperer" Millan said.
"It's all about gaining trust and respect, day one," Millan said. "It's very
important that everybody _ the girls, Michelle, the president _ to play, all of
them together, the pack leader role."
By Kevin L. Clark, Associate Editor November 10, 2008 2:15 pm
With months of back and forth conversation behind closed doors going
unnoticed by the public for awhile, HBO has closed a reported seven-
figure deal for the U.S. rights to an untitled Barack Obama documentary
produced by actor Edward Norton.
Before you all get into an uproar, Ed Norton and his Class 5 Films
company have been fighting for the rights since early 2006 and
according to the Hollywood Reporter, received permission from the
Obama camp specifically.
Directors Amy Rice and Alicia Sams were granted extensive access to
document Obama and his history in politics. The film will start before
he launched his presidential run in 2007 and continues through to
Obama’s historic victory last week.
The documentary is scheduled to air sometime in Spring 2009.
HBO Obama Documentary To Air Spring 2009
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama said Friday he plans to withdraw most U.S. troops from Iraq by the
end of August 2010.
Between 35,000 to 50,000 troops will remain in Iraq, he said. They would be withdrawn gradually until all U.S.
forces are out of Iraq by December 31, 2011 -- the deadline set under an agreement the Bush administration
signed with the Iraqi government last year.
"Let me say this as plainly as I can: By August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end," Obama said in a
speech at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
"By any measure, this has already been a long war," Obama said. It is time to "bring our troops home with the
honor they have earned." VideoWatch Obama announce drawdown »
Obama's trip to Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base, was his first trip to a military base since being sworn in.
Administration officials, who briefed reporters on the plan, said the remaining troops would take on advisory
roles in training and equipping Iraqi forces, supporting civilian operations in Iraq and conducting targeted
counterterrorism missions, which would include some combat.
But the ultimate success or failure of the war in Iraq, Obama said, would rest with the Iraqi people themselves.
The U.S. "cannot police Iraq's streets indefinitely until they are completely safe," the president said.
It is up to the Iraqis, he said, to ensure a future under a government that is "sovereign, stable and self-reliant."
"We sent our troops to Iraq to do away with Saddam Hussein's regime and you got the job done," he said,
referring to the troops.
The U.S. military had also "exceeded every expectation" suppressing the insurgency in the years that followed.
Al Qaeda in Iraq had been dealt "a serious blow," the president added. "The capacity of Iraq's security forces has
improved, and Iraq's leaders have made strides toward political accommodation" through steps such as
January's provincial elections.
"Iraq is not yet secure and there will be difficult days ahead," he said, but the Iraqi people now have a "hard-
earned opportunity ... for a better life."
Obama said he made his decision after reviewing several options presented by key military and civilian
advisers. VideoWatch ex-general analyze strategy »
He said that he acted with "careful consideration of events on the ground, with respect for the security
agreements between the United States and Iraq, and with a critical recognition that the long-term solution in Iraq
must be political, not military."
There are 142,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. During the presidential campaign, Obama pledged to pull out all those
troops within 16 months. This plan exceeds that promise by three months.
The administration officials would not say how many of the troops leaving Iraq would be redeployed to
Afghanistan.
When asked whether troops might be sent back if Iraq becomes unstable after the pullout, a senior aide said the
president has always said he wanted some flexibility on the issue.
The president's troop withdrawal plan is meeting with mixed reviews in Congress. iReport.com: What do you
think of the withdrawal plan?
Some Democrats -- including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi -- have expressed concern that the residual force
Obama is planning to leave in Iraq is too large.
Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, however, said in a speech on the Senate floor that he believes Obama's decision
is "reasonable" and that he is "cautiously optimistic that the plan that is laid out by the president can lead to
success."
McCain, the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that a "failing situation in Iraq
has been arrested and reversed" due to the "dramatic success of the surge strategy."
He also praised Obama's willingness to leave behind a significant residual force and reassess the situation if
conditions change in the future.
"We are finally on a path to success," McCain said. "Let us have no crisis of confidence now."
Next month will mark the sixth anniversary of the start of the Iraqi war.
CNN's Dan Lothian and Suzanne Malveaux contributed to this report.
All AboutBarack Obama • Iraq War
end of August 2010.
Between 35,000 to 50,000 troops will remain in Iraq, he said. They would be withdrawn gradually until all U.S.
forces are out of Iraq by December 31, 2011 -- the deadline set under an agreement the Bush administration
signed with the Iraqi government last year.
"Let me say this as plainly as I can: By August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end," Obama said in a
speech at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
"By any measure, this has already been a long war," Obama said. It is time to "bring our troops home with the
honor they have earned." VideoWatch Obama announce drawdown »
Obama's trip to Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base, was his first trip to a military base since being sworn in.
Administration officials, who briefed reporters on the plan, said the remaining troops would take on advisory
roles in training and equipping Iraqi forces, supporting civilian operations in Iraq and conducting targeted
counterterrorism missions, which would include some combat.
But the ultimate success or failure of the war in Iraq, Obama said, would rest with the Iraqi people themselves.
The U.S. "cannot police Iraq's streets indefinitely until they are completely safe," the president said.
It is up to the Iraqis, he said, to ensure a future under a government that is "sovereign, stable and self-reliant."
"We sent our troops to Iraq to do away with Saddam Hussein's regime and you got the job done," he said,
referring to the troops.
The U.S. military had also "exceeded every expectation" suppressing the insurgency in the years that followed.
Al Qaeda in Iraq had been dealt "a serious blow," the president added. "The capacity of Iraq's security forces has
improved, and Iraq's leaders have made strides toward political accommodation" through steps such as
January's provincial elections.
"Iraq is not yet secure and there will be difficult days ahead," he said, but the Iraqi people now have a "hard-
earned opportunity ... for a better life."
Obama said he made his decision after reviewing several options presented by key military and civilian
advisers. VideoWatch ex-general analyze strategy »
He said that he acted with "careful consideration of events on the ground, with respect for the security
agreements between the United States and Iraq, and with a critical recognition that the long-term solution in Iraq
must be political, not military."
There are 142,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. During the presidential campaign, Obama pledged to pull out all those
troops within 16 months. This plan exceeds that promise by three months.
The administration officials would not say how many of the troops leaving Iraq would be redeployed to
Afghanistan.
When asked whether troops might be sent back if Iraq becomes unstable after the pullout, a senior aide said the
president has always said he wanted some flexibility on the issue.
The president's troop withdrawal plan is meeting with mixed reviews in Congress. iReport.com: What do you
think of the withdrawal plan?
Some Democrats -- including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi -- have expressed concern that the residual force
Obama is planning to leave in Iraq is too large.
Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, however, said in a speech on the Senate floor that he believes Obama's decision
is "reasonable" and that he is "cautiously optimistic that the plan that is laid out by the president can lead to
success."
McCain, the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that a "failing situation in Iraq
has been arrested and reversed" due to the "dramatic success of the surge strategy."
He also praised Obama's willingness to leave behind a significant residual force and reassess the situation if
conditions change in the future.
"We are finally on a path to success," McCain said. "Let us have no crisis of confidence now."
Next month will mark the sixth anniversary of the start of the Iraqi war.
CNN's Dan Lothian and Suzanne Malveaux contributed to this report.
All AboutBarack Obama • Iraq War
Obama: U.S. to withdraw most Iraq
troops by August 2010
* Story Highlights
* NEW: President Obama: U.S. "cannot police Iraq's
streets indefinitely"
* Obama plans to keep 35,000-50,000 troops in Iraq
* Some lawmakers frustrated with news, concerned for
safety of remaining troops
* Others may credit Obama for giving military
commanders more time to finish mission
troops by August 2010
* Story Highlights
* NEW: President Obama: U.S. "cannot police Iraq's
streets indefinitely"
* Obama plans to keep 35,000-50,000 troops in Iraq
* Some lawmakers frustrated with news, concerned for
safety of remaining troops
* Others may credit Obama for giving military
commanders more time to finish mission
