Strollerderby : michelle obama

Kelly Ripa Beats Obamas for Your Family Vacation

JeanneSager — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:01:00 GMT

I've got a bone to pick with American families.

Or at least those signing up for nitwit surveys. Because apparently you would rather spend your vacation with a talk show host than the leader of the free world.

That's right, Kelly Ripa has topped the vote of who American families want to vacation with this year, outlasting the Obama family by a full seven points.

Sure, she might be able to get you a line on a really nice washer/dryer, but she's still Regis' perky partner (we're assuming she'd be leaving him home, by the way?). Given the choice of her or the president of the United States, the absolutely incredible first lady and those cute little girls, you know where I'd be.

And that's not just because I'm a liberal. If you're a Republican, you can't tell me you REALLY wouldn't like to bend the ear of the guy on top of it all? No? What if he said he'd let you stay at Camp David for free this summer? The Lincoln Bedroom?

You'd still rather make bedroom eyes at Kelly Ripa?

Sheesh, America, let's wake up here. She's cute, but she can't get your out-of-work Uncle Lenny a job.

Ripa had twenty-six percent of the vote in the Ipsos Public Affairs poll, compared to nineteen percent for Barack and co. By the way, kudos to the folks who picked the Obamas over the Jolie-Pitts. Brangelina and their brethren had just sixteen percent of the vote.

Who do you want to barbecue on the beach with this summer?

Image: People.com

Speaking Engagement Host Tells Kate Gosselin: Be Nice!

JeanneSager — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:01:00 GMT

You have to hand it to Alyssa Martin. The publisher of a Detroit parenting magazine that brought Jon and Kate Plus 8 mom Kate Gosselin to the Motor City hands the reality star her you-know-what.

But she does it nicely.

Which is more than Martin can say of Gosselin.

The founder of Detroit's Metro Parent Magazine, a well-respected publication in the Detroit area, hosted Gosselin as a guest speaker recently as part of the magazine's Distinguished Speakers Series. The event packed in the parents, even with the cheap seats going for $27 apiece in this economy.

They were there, Martin points out, because many of the moms in the audience said they've watched the show and found the mother of eight to be one of the most relatable stars on TV. Except the star apparently left that side home - or at least in front of the cameras.

Says Martin, "You failed to show any graciousness in your appearance last week. I did not find you to be a particularly kind, warm or nice person. You were unfriendly and actually quite aloof and rude to your hosts and sponsors. There were many people in the audience who perceived a sense of snootiness as well. I know because they came up to me afterward and mentioned it."

Even allowing for the stress in Gosselin's marriage and the abundant tabloid rumors (which is more generous than the blogosphere by far), Martin is quick to point out all the advantages Gosselin has in her life - from Michelle Obama-like arms to that hairdo:

"But that doesn't mean that you need to be haughty or carry an air of self-privilege at the expense of others. Otherwise, you risk being seen as an opportunistic "Octo-mom" looking for fame and glory. Remember that parents said they like you specifically because they relate to you as the 'mom next door' and not as a self-important starlet."

Remember, this is all coming from the SPONSOR of Kate's trip to Michigan. A woman who you can bet laid out a pretty penny to bring Gosselin to town. And she wasn't even nice to her? For a woman who has gained a reputation for loving the lifestyle her kids have afforded her, she might want to be aware you don't bite the hand that feeds you. It WILL stop serving up the food.

Because for all Gosselin can blame the editors of her TLC show for portraying her in a bad light or put the blame on family and friends who just want into the spotlight, the same can't be said of Alyssa Martin. A respected parenting expert in her area, she's got a reputation to uphold as an example to other parents. And, honestly, it sounds like she's none to happy to have that linked to Jon and Kate Plus 8.

Read the rest of Martin's letter to Kate here - and let us know, does this change your mind on Kate's "relatability" factor?

Image: UsMagazine

MIchelle Obama Visits Sesame Street

SunnyChanel — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Michelle Obama apparently knows the way to Sesame Street. The first lady, while in New York, taped a public service announcement with her new pal Elmo. It was a ‘sunny day’ indeed. Obama said that the appearance was "probably the best thing I've done at the White House."

When making an address at the United Nations, Obama said, "I'm thrilled to be here but I was just at Sesame Street - I'm sorry…and I never thought I'd be on Sesame Street with Elmo and Big Bird, and I was thrilled. I'm still thrilled. I'm on a high."

The public service announcement was part of Sesame Workshop's Healthy Habits For Life initiative. In the PSA, Obama and Elmo discussed “eating right, exercising regularly and being a healthy and positive role model for children.”

Source

First Grandma Likes D.C. After All

Shannon LC Cate — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:30:00 GMT

In spite of her initial reluctance to move from her life-long home in Chicago, Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother, has been living the good life in the capital. Though she still does quite a bit of heavy lifting when it comes to caring for the Obama girls--shuttling them to and from school most days, supervising homework, accompanying them to play dates--she has also been seen frequently in the president's box at the Kennedy Center, enjoying shows and meeting performers.

Mrs. Robinson likes to eat out around town, attend Michelle's luncheons, dinners and concerts, and sometimes hosts her old friends from Chicago. For the first time in her life, Mrs. Robinson doesn't have to cook or clean--unless she wants to. That seems only fair for a 71-year old devoted, hard-working grandmother who functions more as a third parent to her grandchildren than as the one who gets to do the spoiling.

She still hasn't decided how long she will stay in Washington, having originally agreed to come temporarily and help the Obama girls settle into their new life. But it may be hard to return to the old normal in Chicago. Right now, she doesn't get too much public attention when she's out and about in D.C., but given how much she looks like Michelle, and given how small Washington really is, she is bound to become known by the general public before too long. She may want out of the limelight. But there's also the chance that she'll decide she like being Grandma in Chief, and stays.

I'm rooting for her to stay. From what I can tell, she's an integral part of the Obama family and they'd be lost without her. And if the Obama family is lost, whither the Free World? Stay in the White House, Marian! Your country needs you.

Sidwell Parents Say Obamas are Cheapskates

JeanneSager — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:02:00 GMT

First it was the British press all abub about Michelle Obama's gifts to the prime minister's children. Now fellow parents are claiming the president and first lady cheaped out on the gifts they donated for the auction at the school daughters Sasha and Malia attend.

Really? This is what we're worried about in light of the disastrous global economy, a swine flu pandemic that's taking lives and should I even point upward to that ever-widening hole in the ozone layer?

The Obamas reportedly donated a Rolling Stone with a picture of President Barack Obama on the cover, autographed by the president. They also gave a copy of Vogue Magazine with the first lady on the cover, autographed by Michelle Obama. Have you priced a presidential autograph lately? An Obama-signed baseball recently went for $1,500, but hold on to it and who knows - a recent estimate put his signature on a picture at about $6,000. Anything signed by JFK is estimated to bring at least $2,500 at auction. These were hardly dollar store trinkets.

But according to MSNBC, the parents were hoping for something more personal - then President Bill Clinton gave a golf outing with himself while Chelsea Clinton once offered up her own baby-sitting services. Cool experiences? Most definitely, although I will say an Obama autograph can be sold down the line - you can't make any money back on having someone babysit your kids.

And while I understand Sidwell Friends is an exclusive school, as I understand it the cachet of having a president's child attend is a big draw for the school in and of itself. So the Obamas send their kids there AND pay money to send their kids there, and they have to give their own time too? You know, the time OTHER than that used for running a country at war with a crumbling economy?

School auctions are not big in my very rural area, so I'm not familiar with protocol. Do parents really feel that everyone has to give something of equal value? Isn't the point of paying tuition to a school sort of enough anyway?

Image:

Obama Girls Meet the Easter Waterhound

JeanneSager — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:14:00 GMT

Charlie Brown had the Easter Beagle. Sasha and Malia Obama have the Easter Waterhound.

The president's daughters met their new puppy this weekend, just in time to ring in the Easter holiday by hiding their chocolate from him!

The dog will come home to the White House on Tuesday, but he's already got a name - Bo, the same as the girls' cousins' cat, and in honor of Michelle Obama's dad, whose nickname was Diddley.

Michelle had promised the dog would come home in April earlier this year when she released the news that they'd settled on a Portuguese waterdog, a pup that won't stir up Malia's allergies to pet dander.

It's not technically an Easter present - after all, Dad made the announcement that a pet was promised back in November - but the timing means the girls will probably always remember this Easter. It's a holiday that is often associated with getting kids bunnies and chicks (something most animal welfare officials advise against, because the kids soon tire of their new friends and all the work they entail). Have you ever considered Easter a pet-giving holiday?

Image: NY Daily News

Kid to Malia Obama: Save my Dad

Sisters Better than Brothers? We Have Proof

First Video of the First Dog at Home

Morning News: U.S. Officially Has the World's Coolest President

Madeline Holler — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:00:00 GMT

After North Korea futzed around with its unsuccessful attempt to launch a nuclear missile into orbit, President Barack Obama called on world leaders to renew commitments to getting rid of nuclear arms. Obama's statement Sunday from Prague came as he winds down his first overseas trip as president, a trip that confirmed for the world what many had suspected during his presidential campaign and subsequent election:

Obama's, like, the coolest world leader at the moment.

Oh, sure, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Nicholas Sarkozy and others at the G20 Summit were all "hey, dude, your banks need stricter regulations." But who was listening to that when Obama was busy kissing (albeit reluctantly) his French fans and hamming it up for official photos, while and Michelle was out there giving away guitars and hugging the stuffing out of the Queen.

In an effort to move toward a more regulated financial system (and to stop pissing off taxpayers), Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said the government may can a few CEOs whose banks received bailout money.

Madonna returned to England without the little girl, Mercy Grace, whom she had hoped to adopt in Malawi.

The economy is hitting grandfamilies hard, as retired grandparents are straining to raise their kids' kids.

Raise your curling irons in vigil to Farrah Fawcett, who was hospitalized in Los Angeles and apparently unconscious. The 62-year-old Fawcett has been battling cancer for several year.

Photo: ABCNewsgo.com

Sasha's Not-So-Green Lunches

Madeline Holler — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Michelle Obama has made healthy eating a priority for her family and for America. During the campaign, she made it clear organic foods were her first choice for daughters Sasha and Malia. Now in the White House, the First Family has a chef who specializes in local, organic ingredients. Recently, Michelle and a bunch of Washington, D.C., school kids grabbed their shovels and planted a White House vegetable garden.

So some have found it shocking that the youngest Obama doesn't always carry whole grain PB&J sandwiches and fresh fruit in her lunch. Friends have told nosey reporters that about three times a week Sasha pulls this out of her Jonas Brothers lunchbox:

Lunchables!

Yes, those overpackaged, high-calorie, low-nutrient premade lunches by Oscar-Meyer.

Sasha's classmate reports the second-grader usually has the Maxed Out Pepperoni, which includes a bottle of spring water and a packet of powdered Kool-Aid, or the Ham & American Stackers, which includes a bite-size Snickers bar. During freetime, the "friend" said Sasha likes to play on the Lunchables cartoon website.

Michelle has said the family isn't perfect and they just try to do their best, but Lunchables? Are we taxpayers footing the bill?

Photo: thedailygreen.com

Do We Need to Know How Many Calories Malia and Sasha Consume in a Day?

Madeline Holler — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:01:00 GMT

Michelle Obama doesn't mind being the spokesperson for nutritious, delicious, locally grown food. A New York Times story earlier this week talks about how she has become the willing champion of a better diet for Americans.

Lots of famous food people have praised the First Lady's efforts and her insistence that the White House chef cook fresh, unprocessed foods -- preferrably grown in the region.

Gourmet magazine's editor, Ruth Reichl, thinks Michelle should go even further than just serving organic, eco-conscious meals. Her suggestion makes me cringe. (As does something that the First Dad said in a People magazine interview back in November (how'd I miss that?) about his daughter Malia's weight ... more on that in a sec.)

Reichl wants the White House to release the first family's eating diaries so that American children will be inspired to eat what Sasha and Malia eat.

From the Times:

Then parents across the country could tell their children, “You know, Malia and Sasha were eating salad yesterday. ...”

Um, ick. These girls are going to be in their gawky stages by the end of Dad's first term. And if he's re-elected? Malia will be deep in her teens. I don't have to go too far out on a limb to assume that no girl wants the world to know that she had creamed spinach without the cream last night, or that she enthusiastically snacked on endive in a bagna cauda dip. How long will it take before someone starts blogging about Malia's daily caloric intake? I think we as a nation have nothing to gain -- but the First Girls have their privacy to lose -- if we are allowed to study the details of the Obama family meals.

Generalities, Michelle, just give it to us in generalities.

Which brings us to muzzling dad when it comes to the girls' weight and anything else remotely private. Why, why, in a People magazine interview did he say this about his eldest:

“A couple of years ago — you’d never know it by looking at her now — Malia was getting a little chubby,” ....

Just tell us to cut out juice boxes, Mr. President, and we'll be good. We're good. It's all good. Leave the chubby talk out of it.

Or am I wrong? Do Sasha and Malia owe the nation's kids more?

Photo: kmelanie.blogspot.com

Brits Say Michelle Obama Cheaped Out on Gifts

JeanneSager — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:57:00 GMT

Somebody please remind the British press that the world's economy is in the dumps.

Their latest gripe about America? Michelle Obama didn't give "nice enough" gifts to the British prime ministers children. Or, to be precise, the first lady's gifts to Gordon Brown's boys were not as nice as the outfits bestowed on Sasha and Malia Obama by the prime minister's wife.

During her meeting with Sarah Brown, Mrs. Obama apparently handed over two toy models of Marine One, the Presidential helicopter, for the Brown boys, Fraser and John. Yes, toy helicopters for little boys. How dare she? (It should be noted that the Brown children are not the ones acting like prats here.)

Sarah Brown, by the way, went all out with dresses from Top Shop accompanied by matching necklaces and a series of children's books by British authors. Perfectly nice gifts, of course. But does that make them any better than some toy helicopters for little boys? My daughter would LOVE a toy helicopter.

The exact charge from the London Times was that Michelle Obama was "solipsistic" because the models of Marine One rubbed in the Browns' faces that her husband is president of the United States. Er, OK. But he is. And last time I checked, that's WHY Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Obama were exchanging pleasantries. If we're really going to put that spin on it, couldn't it be argued that a selection of British literature is a slam on the American lit the girls are used to? (Not that I'd agree, just playing devil's advocate here). Or perhaps I'm rubbing it in my southern in-laws faces that their son married a Yankee when I bring them jugs of fresh maple syrup from New York to Virginia?

Perhaps the British press could find something better to focus on than the toys given to two little British children by the first lady of the United States. Like, maybe, what their father was in town to discuss?

Image: London Times

What a Typical Family Will Get From the Stimulus Package

Photo - Obama Shocked by Schoolkids

Are Chores Important? The Obamas Say Yes.

A Michelle Obama, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton or Nancy Pelosi Preschool - Which Would You Pick?

VIDEO-Obama Bet Daughter She Will Freak When She Meets Nick Jonas

What They're Babbling About: Guilty Pleasures

JeanneSager — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:03:00 GMT

Turns out the "bad parents" of Babble aren't the only ones who love to talk taboos. We've all got our guilty pleasures, does anyone think becoming a parent means they go hide in some closet with that stained onesie they wore home from the hospital and we just can't bear to part with?

Dig in to the dirt with this week's What They're Babbling About:

Attention discount shoppers, Target's got a fan in San Francisco. The reason every parent should fall in line - their return policy lets you say "My toddler decided today she doesn't like it quite as much as yesterday and will now have nothing to do with it. For no reason." Like your kid hasn't done that. - The Poop

The CPSIA is the new law parents love to hate, but there's still a lot to be said about fighting the lead fight. Are we suddenly becoming complacent after years of indignation? The author of Toxic Truth offers an interesting look at lead's scary past. - Beacon Broadside

Are you as in love with the Mom in Chief as we are? The parents at Cookie Mag are - they've got Michelle Watch going on 24/7, as they follow the First Lady's first one hundred days in office - Cookie

I'd love to tell you I remember every second of every moment of my daughter's first one hundred days. Unfortunately, as Sabrina Weill points out, my momnesia's nothing new. At least that's what I think I remember her saying. - Parent Dish

Sometimes I can't remember what about my daughter has me up in arms either - sound familiar? Sounds like I'm not the only parent who can't hang on to her righteous indignation - ParentDish

Image: Cookie

Photo - Obama Shocked by Schoolkids

Brett Singer — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:11:00 GMT

What is the President doing in this photo? Listening to Sasha and Malia's ideas for dog names? Hearing Republican ideas for his stimulus package? Hearing Sasha and Malia's ideas for the stimulus package? Nope. Read on.

The President was surprised by a question from a student during a recent school visit. (Call "shock and awwww.") I imagine that he's just playing around with the kids. At least I hope so. If not, can you imagine what the question would have been?

I know this is unfair, but our current President looks less goofy when he's playing around then George W. Bush did (and does). Then again, he also appears to be less goofy than Dubya. So there's that.

Maybe they should just have Dubya do all the school visits from now on, and let President Obama just, like, work. Bush seems to enjoy it, and he's got time now.

Source

Fun Stuff To Do When The Kids Get Older

RENT Too Risqué For Some Schools

Kid Forced To Stand In Public Square For Bad Grades

Will the Stimulus Package Help Your Family?

Latest Action Figure Brings Together Imagination, Ponzi Schemes

Playdate: Anti-Racist Parent Offers Philosophical Commraderie and Practical Advice

Obamas Pick a Breed and a Homecoming for First Dog

JeanneSager — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:58:00 GMT

The president may jokingly refer to himself as a mutt, but it will be a purebred bounding into the White House on four paws come April.

Michelle Obama has let word get out that the family is looking for a Portuguese water dog - preferrably a rescue (a request the First Family has made several times over) - one of the few hypo-allergenic breeds of dogs that will be acceptable in light of ten-year-old Malia's allergies.

When's it coming home?

April Fool's Day, according to Sasha. Sometime in April, says the First Lady. The family still has to find that dog, and they're still working out names. Apparently "Frank" and "Moose" have both been bandied about.

All of our family pets pre-date my daughter, so she didn't get to help with the naming process, but I know in most families the names are a communal decision.

Did you pick before your pet came home, or did you wait to see what he or she looked like so you could gauge the name to the looks or personality? Were your kids involved in the naming process?

Image: Getty, via Daily News

Are Chores Important? The Obamas Say Yes.

Raising Kids in the White House: Routine You Can Believe In

Sasha and Malia See Hogwarts with Harry

Are Chores Important? The Obamas Say Yes.

Shannon LC Cate — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:00:00 GMT

One of the first things Michelle Obama did when she met the White House domestic staff was instruct them not to make her children's beds. She wants to make sure they learn that kind of responsibility for themselves. When I read that, my heart went out to the first parents.

As a mom who is usually just a bit stricter than my peer-moms, I feel for the Obamas, striving to make sure their kids don't learn to take the privileges of the White House for granted, as they grow through their tweens and into their early teens in that most rarified of homes. I have a hard time when kind waitresses offer my kids a free cookie or tell them (instead of me) what their drink options are, including more than "milk" or "water" (which are their drink options at home). I can't imagine the temptation of sneaking treats to the adorable Obama girls, or of spoiling them--just a little--by picking up their clothes off the floor before Grandma sees them and they get in trouble.

One thing the Obamas plan to do is to hold their kids accountable to the responsibilities they had to manage at home in Chicago:

"In the Obama White House, bedtime is still at 8 p.m. The girls still set their own alarm clocks and get themselves up for school in the morning. They make their own beds and clean their own rooms. And when the much-anticipated pet arrives, they will walk the dog and scoop its poop."

These basic guidelines seem just perfect for girls aged seven and ten. Our family is waiting to get a pet until our girls are old enough to take on the bulk of responsibility for its care, too. My girls, at 4 and almost 2, do the bulk of "cleaning up" (putting away toys) in their own rooms, with just a little supervision to help them stay on task. We're working on the "put away the first thing before taking out the next thing" rule, but it's tough to enforce. They both love to "help" with laundry (putting things in and out of the washer and dryer) but their help doubles the length of time it takes, so I only let them help once in a while.

What are the responsibilities of the children in your home? Or, if yours are truly too little to help, what are our plans when it comes to teaching your kids self-care and responsibility for maintaining personal and shared space?

A Michelle Obama, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton or Nancy Pelosi Preschool - Which Would You Pick?

SunnyChanel — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:30:00 GMT

Who would you most trust with your offspring, Michelle Obama, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton or Nancy Pelosi? No, this is not the start of barroom joke. This are the contestants in the “Who’d Run the Best Daycare” poll currently running of US World and Review. So who’s winning? According to today’s results, over 60% said they choose Sarah Palin, followed by 35% for Michelle Obama and just a mere 2% for Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi.

Yeah, I’m not sure why they opted to fantasize about four of the most popular and powerful female political figures dabbling in the career in the daycare industry. How about a poll on ‘who’d you most like to run the country’, ‘who’s biography you’d like to read’ or ‘who’d you’d most like to have drinks with.’ But if they did, I wouldn't be writing about it right now would i? You can see how the standing are doing here.

Via Source

Morning News: Economy Kills Kids' Fun As We Know It

Madeline Holler — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The economic downturn may change the way our kids play. It might even be for the better. The Washington Post reports from the annual Toy Fair in New York that this year's breakout toy hits aren't the Wii's and Furby's and cars that drive on walls.

Instead, the fair features lots of familiar games and toys in new and improved (and Disneyfied) versions. Babble's live-blogging the Toy Fair so check back later today to get a close-up of 2009 recession/depression style fun.

The bad news is, childhood obesity isn't in a downturn. The good news is, cholesterol levels of children and teens isn't crazy high like a lot of researchers and doctors had anticipated. The better news, gobs of kids won't have to be put on cholesterol lowering medications which would have been just nasty.

Once and for all: put down the flashcards! A new study shows that encouraging rote memorization of historical facts in schools is what makes Americans all look so stupid in man-on-the-street interviews on Jay Leno. While just teaching the facts doesn't give historical dates and events any sort of context, fact regurgitation is testable. Which is the evil push-pull in American education, particularly with requirements like No Child Left Behind.

A South Carolina sheriff has decided not to charge Olympic medalist/swim god Michael Phelps in an incident where he may or may not have been inhaling from what could have been a bong. There wasn't enough physical evidence and, turns out, Phelps's apology doesn't actually count as a confession.

And for all the swooning Americans are doing over First Lady Michelle Obama's dresses and photos, Reuters decides she's not a fashion icon. Something about Michelle not having a "locked-in fashion look." Wow. Now we really like her!

The founder of an Islamic television station in upstate New York, which was supposed to help counteract Muslim stereotypes, has confessed to beheading his wife. Interesting MO.

The storyline has two moms! ABCs "All My Children" proudly presents daytime TVs first lesbian wedding -- with, no less, mother of the bride Erica Kane, the before-you-were-born character of Susan Lucci (OK, maybe not that old, but you watched her at the babysitter's, right?).

From soap operas to breast implants: a model-turned-boxer in the U.K. won't be allowed to compete in the Olympics because of her breast implants. Turns out, there are boxing rules banning them -- for fear of injury. Weird where some sports choose to draw the line.

The Internet was all a-Twitter yesterday, thanks to a new privacy policy on Facebook. The mega-social network site clarified on a blog post that FB basically owns its users. They're keeping it all -- except, of course, breastfeeding photos. Those nasty things you can have.

Photo: WaPo

First Parents Go on a Date--Do You?

Shannon LC Cate — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:30:00 GMT

Using the bully pulpit of celebrity and good looks, the Obamas led by example when they flew home to Chicago and went out on a Valentine's Day date at a Gold Coast restaurant run by Oprah's former personal chef. Paparazzi and ordinary daters snapped away as the couple tried to get a little us time.

While I am disappointed that the Obama's don't seem to have stopped once to pose, even a little, for their admirers (you can see the stolen peeks at the Chicago Tribune's slideshow), I still think they are great role models for parents of young children everywhere. The lesson is: don't neglect date night!

My partner and I have a weekly date night we protect with concrete walls. Nothing stops us on Sunday evening. (I recommend Sunday, as there's less fighting of Saturday-night-sized crowds). They all say it. Neglect your marriage and it falls apart under the pressure of parenting small children. It isn't always a big romantic event, but catching our breath and talking to each other without interruption is critical to the health of our grown up relationship and therefore, fundamental to our whole family. If the Obamas can find the time in their busy schedule (no doubt they toasted the passing of the stimulus bill at long last!) so can you.

Do you have a date night? What's your usual routine?

Is One Dollar a Week a Reasonable Allowance?

Hannah Tennant-Moore — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:30:00 GMT

Barack and Michelle Obama think it is. Four quarters a week is how much they give Sasha and Malia for allowance—provided, of course, that the First Daughters do their chores.

Some bloggers are arguing that this is ridiculously low, and are calling on the President and First Lady to give Sasha and Malia their own “fiscal stimulus.” I say, Sasha and Malia are seven and ten years-old; the live in the White House. How much money do they need?

I never got a regular allowance, and I certainly never felt either deprived or like I didn’t know how to manage money because of it. In middle school through high school, I babysat to earn extra money, which made me feel much more financially savvy than getting paid by my parents to make my bed. My parents met my needs, and I could work for extra money if I wanted to.

How much, if anything, do you give your kids for allowance?

Photo: HipHappy

When, If Ever, Will You Expect Your Kids to Split the Bill?

Best of FameCrawler: Week of February 13th

Whit Honea — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Nadya Suleman Exclusive Interview on Dateline - Video

Nadya Suleman's Pregnancy Was Huge. Literally. (PHOTO)

First Pictures of Nadya Suleman's Octuplets

Jade Goody's Boyfriend Wants Curfew Changed

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Michelle Obama on the Cover of Vogue

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Morning News: Mom-in-Chief on Cover of Vogue

Madeline Holler — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:00:00 GMT

First Lady Michelle Obama is looking at you from the newsstands. Today, the March issue of Vogue comes out and she is on the cover. Jezebel got early screengrabs of a couple of the images and other Michelle fashion highlights.

The cover shot was taken by Annie Leibovitz. Any accusations of Photoshopping on the horizon?

A special court in the Department of Justice will rule today in a lawsuit that claims certain vaccines cause autism. The special panel will rule on three test cases. These and thousands of others claim a combination of vaccine, thimerisol and the MMR vaccine led to autism in their children.

Some claim breastfeeding seals the bond between mother and child. But what about the dad? A Florida man who allowed his 8-year-old son to drive the car said he did it for a bonding moment. Awwww, how sweet!

Star Wars creator George Lucas said in Washington, D.C., yesterday that Luke Skywalker's got nothing on President Obama. He said in a face-to-face, Obama would win hands down -- even without a lightsaber. What makes Lucas so sure? Is it Skywalker's lack of experience in community organizing?

Lawmakers will most likely vote on the nearly $800 billion stimulus package, which finally cleared House and Senate negotiations yesterday. News of a likely deal pushed stocks up at the end of yesterday.

Any stimulus or bailouts come too late for Muzak, which filed for bankruptcy. Wait, is that bad news?

Finally, your daily fat/pregnancy scare: obesity during pregnancy increases the chance of all kinds of birth defects. You know, in case you were feeling good about things.

Image: via Jezebel

Ty Company Discontinues Sasha and Malia Dolls

Hannah Tennant-Moore — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:01:00 GMT

Even Ty Warner has to answer to someone. The Ty Warner Company has decided to retire the Mahvelous Malia and Sweet Sasha beanie babies, due to objections from the White House. The First Lady had a hunch that those dolls’ names were no coincidence, despite the Ty Company’s assurance to the contrary.

One could argue that there’s nothing wrong with little girls seeing Sasha and Malia as role models—and if that means having doll versions of the First Daughters, why not? But Michelle Obama is making an important point about the crassness of using children to turn a profit. (Anyone see the latest Toddlers and Tiaras?)

Fear not, beanie baby-loving parents: Precious Paris and Bubbly Britney are still available, and they are more than happy to stand in as your children’s very expensive role models.

Photo: New York Times

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FOURTH Printing For Obama/Spider-man Comic Book

Brett Singer — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:30:00 GMT

UPDATE 4: Yes, Virginia, Marvel did a fourth printing of Amazing Spider-Man #583. Amazing, really. To paraphrase Mary Jane Watson (no longer Parker, now that they retconned away her marriage to Peter), "Tiger, Marvel just hit the jackpot." The latest printing is now available in comic shops. (Tip: don't overpay for this thing on eBay; 4th printings are rarely, if ever, worth anything. Neither are second or thirds, frankly.)

Another thought on my kid and this comic -- he definitely wanted it, and he doesn't read the regular Spidey series. (Despite the fact that they dumbed it down when they rebooted the book, Amazing Spider-Man is still not for kids; he reads the Marvel Adventures version, however.) I think he was just curious to have it because it had Obama on the cover, and had Obama in an actual story. I would say that this proves that even kids are fascinated by our new prez, but up until now that wasn't the case for my son. While I think part of his interest of course stems from the fact that the President is in a Spider-Man comic book, I'm wondering if part of it is simply the fact that a real person showed up in the pages of a comic book. I doubt another famous person would generate the same level of excitement that Barack did but maybe Marvel should try this with other people. It's not unprecedented -- Superman fought Muhammad Ali, for example. That was REALLY gimmicky but so was the Obama/Spidey meeting.

So: Rush Limbaugh working with J. Jonah Jameson to expose Spiderman as a dirty rotten liberal? Captain Chesley of US Airways Flight 1549 fame (the one that he landed in the water) shows superheroes a thing or two about being a hero without powers? I've read worse comics, believe me. Anyone with other ideas, let us know in the comments.

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UPDATE 3: Demand for even the second printing of Amazing Spider-Man #583 was so high that Marvel is going back to press for a THIRD PRINTING of the comic book. For those of you who don't know much about comic book collecting, the third printing is rarely worth much money in the long run. (Neither is the second printing, actually.) In this case, people seem to just want this book. Because it has Obama on the cover. And inside, actually.

If anyone is curious, the 8-page story is mildly amusing and fine for kids to read. (Yes, I bought it. I even bought a second printing to give to my son. The first printing I'm saving. Yes. I'm nerdy. WhatEVER.) The main part of the book, which is part of this revamped, rebooted "Brand New Day" Spider-Man storyline, is really dumb and should not be read by anyone. Is it kid-friendly? Not really. There's nothing all that inappropriate, but it's all about Betty Brant and whether or not she really likes Peter Parker as more than a friend, and whether she sold out her principles by working at the new Daily Bugle, which is now called the DB! (yes, with the exclamation point)... I'm getting sleepy just typing this, it's so dull. So get the book for the kids if they want it, and tell them to skip to the back where the Obama story is. Trust me. That's the best part.

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UPDATE 2: This comic is sold out at MidtownComics.com, although there's a chance you can still get one if you go to the store. I already reserved my copy, so nyah-nyah. There will be a reprint. You're shocked, I know.

Original posts are below.

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UPDATE: here's a new image from the Spider-Man story that will feature an appearance by Barack Obama.

Via Marvel.com, which features an interview with Spider-Man editor Steve Wacker.

Original post, with an update about what my son said about this comic, follows below:

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Marvel Comics will release a special story featuring President-elect Barack Obama and everyone's favorite arachnid-powered superhero. (That's Spider-Man, in case you didn't know.)

According to Huffington Post, "The comic starts with Spider-Man's alter-ego Peter Parker taking photographs at the inauguration, before spotting two identical Obamas. Parker decides 'the future president's gonna need Spider-Man,' and springs into action, using basketball to determine the real Obama and punching out the impostor. Obama thanks him with a fist-bump." Wow. Daring.

Earlier this year, both Obama and John McCain were the subject of biographies in comic book form (reviewed by yours truly right here). And Harry S. Truman published a propaganda-style graphical rendition of his life back in 1948. Neither of those funny books featured anyone with super-powers, however.

Barack Obama's enjoyment of comics has been mentioned before. In the announcement, Marvel editor-in-chief Joe Quesada referred to the incoming President as the "nerd in chief", and said that the story was Marvel's way of giving him a "shout-out back". With all due respect to Joe, I don't think Mr. Obama was offering up a "shout-out" when it was revealed that he used to collect comic books and that Spider-Man was his favorite character, but who knows.

In further proof of his potential nerdiness, Obama joked at the Al Smith dinner that was actually sent here from the planet Krypton by his father Jor-El to "save the planet Earth."

(Jor-El is Superman's father, and Krypton is the planet that he came from. I'm not going to bother with a link, since if you needed me to explain that to you, you don't really want to know. That's OK, by the way. Just saying.)

I think it's fine that the incoming President is going to appear in a comic book, even if comics aren't as important to kids as they used to be. Kids are still into superheroes, but there is much more competition for their time then there was when I was young(er).

While this comic could be pitched as a way to get kids interested in current events, it's really a collectible that will be snatched up by adults, who will place it in a mylar bag with an acid-free backing board and hope that it goes up in value someday. Nothing wrong with that, I suppose. I'll be buying a copy just to put it in a bag, since "Spider-Man" is unreadable after they wiped out 20 years of continuity via a ridiculous bit of retconning where Peter Parker's marriage to Mary Jane no longer existed and he never revealed his secret identity. (Again, if you don't already know what I'm talking about, you probably don't want to.) But it would be cooler if there were a kid-friendly book that featured the President-elect. Maybe something that actually discussed how government worked. "Mr. Spidey Goes To Washington." They could even do both. Since I buy comics for my son every week (and yes, for myself as well; you got a problem with that?), I wouldn't mind a book that addressed what was going on in the world – in a fun way – sneaking into the weekly stack.

HuffPo says, "The Obama story is a bonus in Marvel Comic's Amazing Spider-Man #583, available in comic book shops nationwide on Jan. 14 for $3.99." It'll sell out, since kooks like me will buy it even if they don't want to read it. But if you get to your local comic shop early enough, you can probably snag a copy.

UPDATE: So my son comes home and tells me that he heard there was going to be a comic book with Barack Obama and Spider-Man. Could I please get it for him? What I said about kids not caring so much about comics, particularly this one, was clearly incorrect. I think this time that's a good thing.

Source: HuffPo

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Doing Homework On Lincoln's Desk

Brett Singer — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 20:00:00 GMT

There are many important questions our new President must face. But one of them is not in dispute – which First Daughter will get Lincoln's desk.

That would be Malia, who cheekily called dibs on the 16th President's writing surface back in November (after her dad won, of course). She told Poppa Obama that she wanted to sit there when she had a paper to write for school, "because I'm thinking that will inspire big thoughts."

Lest you think this plan was forgotten in the Inaugural hoopla, the New York Times confirmed it in a front-page article on January 20th:

Where in the White House is Malia likely to gather her thoughts when she has a tough school assignment? (At Lincoln’s desk where he penned the Gettysburg Address.)

No word on where Sasha will sit and gather her thoughts. Me, I did it at the kitchen table. Come to think of it, I still do sometimes.

Source: NY Times, ABC

Image Source

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Obamas Read to Everybody's Kids But Yours

Madeline Holler — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Raise your hand if you're crazy jealous of these Washington, D.C., charter school second-graders. Me too!

President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle read a book to the class in the school library, took questions, shook hands, posed for pictures and everything.

When the kids asked him why he came to their school, he said he and Michelle wanted to get out of the White House for a bit. Hey, sounds reasonable.

Today's top priority on the to-do list: figure out a way to get the Obamas to my second-graders charter school to read a book ... and shake hands ... and pose for a picture (with me!).

Any of you readers have a kid at that school? How are the rest of you scheming to meet the first couple -- uh, I mean, get your children the opportunity to see the first couple in person?

Here's the video:

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VIDEO-Obama Bet Daughter She Will Freak When She Meets Nick Jonas

Brett Singer — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:00:00 GMT

I'm going to say it again. Are you ready? Are you sitting down? I hope so. Here we go:

President Obama seems like a good dad.

I know. Earth-shaking stuff, that. I'm not sure why I'm so fascinated by our new President's fatherly behavior, but I am. One reason is that there seem to be many examples of said behavior available for public consumption.

Here's the latest one: Malia said that she would be calm and collected when meeting her crush, Nick Jonas. So Dad bet his daughter five dollars that she would not, in fact, be so calm and cool. Talking about the girls meeting their fave music act, the Prez says:

"That's big! Don't tell them at all. Particularly because I've got a bet with Malia because she's been talking about when she sees her Jonas Brother favorite ... what's his name? Nick ... when she sees Nick, she's going to be all sophisticated. And I said, 'Malia, I will bet you $5 that you will stammer and not have anything to say when you see Nick.' So she's all, 'No, no, I'm sure I'll say I'm a really big fan...' you know Malia, acting all sophisticated... 'and I really enjoy his music'. I said, you won't say that!...So we've got a $5 bet…I won't really take her money."

Here's video of the President telling someone this story:

So what's the big deal? First, it seems like he has a nice relationship with his daughters. A little friendly teasing goes a long way. Second, he knows who the Jonas Brothers are, but he doesn't know too much about them. Not knowing which one she has a crush on is a good thing in my opinion. So he's involved enough in his daughter's interests, but not TOO involved. Third, he's comfortable saying that he made a "bet" with her without worrying that someone will think he's promoting gambling. To me, that speak to a certain confidence that some politicians lack. Granted, this video was released well after the election was won but I imagine that there are a lot of pols who would never allow something this candid to be aired.

So much for that normal life thing, though. Most girls don't get to meet their rock star crushes in person.

No word on whether he knows the difference between Gryffindor and Slytherin. If not, I'm sure Sasha and Malia will clue him in.

Source: HuffPo

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