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State Dinner Makes a Splash
Obama's first State dinner went off without a hitch, although rain forced the welcoming ceremony for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inside. Nearly everything about the dinner was symbolic, from the use of bipartisan Clinton and Bush presidential china to the sustainably harvested decorations of magnolia (native to both India and the U.S) to the meatless menu featuring arugula grown in the White House garden and pumpkin tart as an homage to Thanksgiving. The 338-member guest list was studded with celebrities like Stephen Spielberg, famous Indian-Americans such as writer Jumpa Lahiri and Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi, as well as policy wonks and members of the media. The event was held in an outdoor tent to accommodate the large number of invitees, which included Hillary Clinton, but not her husband. The first lady dazzled in a gold strapless gown by Indian-American designer Naeem Khan, while Washington's most eligible bachelor, Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau (one of People's 100 Most Beautiful People of 2009) attended the festivities without a date, and Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania experienced a wardrobe malfunction on the red carpet when his cummerbund dropped to the ground as he posed before a coterie of photographers.
Desertpenguin
To all the bitter, angry haters who are about to come here and whine about the cost of this event, I have an idea--
In order to create balance in the world, give your computers away to someone who can put them to good use.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Yes....everyone.
connie47
Right you are. They'll fail to remember that every administration has state dinners or decide that only Obama's dinners are inappropriate because of this, that and the other.
Looking at the menu, it seems quite a bit of the food was provided by the White House garden, which was ridiculed by many at this site. The WH garden is a good model for sustainability. I recently sat it on symposium at Princeton University on the subject of community gardens. I learned that 1 garden can serve as many as 7,000 people. One person can supervise 20 gardens and the startup cost is very small. In urban areas, they can replace unsightly vacant lots with beautiful, healthy growing food.
That's sustainability and Mrs. Obama is modelling it for the country, accompanied by the taunts and jeers of those who will hate the Obamas no matter what they do.
tolatetocry
what things do you think came from the garden in November? michelle obama is modeling to the "country", maybe you Connie but 1//2 the country hates her guts. Get real!
cbeenthere
connie-
Guess we can chalk up part of totalcry's problem to a poor diet, poor thing not even aware of what a garden can bring in the fall. When does he/she think pumpkins, lettuces, some herbs, and greens reach their peak? And the pears they had for dessert coming from the great northwest. Yum. And no clue as to when to buy fruits and vegetables at their best.
No wonder he/she lacks the ability for decent thought. No joy in that one's life.
cbeenthere
totalcry-
Lettuces don't thrive in the heat, just like you are not thriving here, because heat is what you will get for your uncalled for comments.
connie47
tolatetocry,
For one thing, and it is one of many, the City of Roanke, VA, has instituted a program that is feeding the poor for pennies because of these kinds of gardens.
It must be horrible to be so filled with hate that you even hate a woman for planting a garden. I feel sorry for you.
tolatetocry
enjoy your kool-aid!
connie47
With nothing to say, resort to the juvenile "kool aid" slogans.
reasonable
Like many preschoolers, tolatetocry's main grievance involves the consumption of vegetables.
winston1
When First Lady Michelle Obama planted an organic vegetable garden on the White House lawn in March 2009, she hoped to both set an example of healthy eating and to grow tasty edibles for her daughters and husband. But Michelle's organic dream has been dashed by a nasty toxic legacy lurking in the soils of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It turns out that a previous Presidential gardening team had used sewage sludge for fertilizer
cbeenthere
winston-
She may not be able to classify it as "organic" at this time, but it did not ruin her dream, nor her garden, nor her class and ambition. But what would you know about these qualities?
pclayton
@connie47 & Desertpenguin
I agree that we as Americans should appreciate and be proud of what the Obamas have been doing at the White House in terms of social events. I love the fact that they approach parties differently than all of the other white bread folks who preceded them; and they should. I don't perceive the lavishness of this dinner party as extravagant in comparison to state dinners thrown by past-US Presidents and their wives. Everyone who doesn't like the idea of this couple residing in the White House will use it as another excuse to criticize because they are not old white families. Yes, the economy sucks and the military prospects in Afghanistan look grim, but life does go on; state dinners were held even in worse economic times, so let it go already. I also think Michelle Obama's taste is refreshing, plus she always looks elegant. (Remember the Barbara Bush and daughter-in-law years? There was a real challenge; having very little fashion sense, rarely did either of those ladies look good enough to even elicit a style commentary.)
reasonable
Like many preschoolers, winston keeps repeating the same words over and over again hoping for a reaction, regardless of whether it not it makes any sense.
connie47
tolatetocry,
If you think nothing came from the garden in November, you have never been anywhere near a vegetable garden or a farm. You're dead wrong, as usual.
gak001
What has she done to deserve being hated? She worked hard her whole life to be a success and she's doing a great job raising two well-behaved and intelligent children while encouraging Americans everywhere to have a healthy lifestyle that is environmentally friendly and beneficial to their children.
Oh my god, she's the devil!!!
gak001
Okay, they used sewage once and they had the lawn tested - it's perfectly fine. Could we please check the conspiracy theories and lies at the door?
Demsdisorder
I cannot believe that people are so upset about the pic on google,,, i mean come on people that's not racist just bad taste.
Demsdisorder
Sorry TDB people i was referring to the story about michelle's racist photo of her on a different story.
cbeenthere
No he's not DB. He is an abuser of this site.
Demsdisorder
thanks cbeenthere but i beg to differ.... you making up fake names very similar to some of the smarter posters that don't agree with you is abusing the site.
have a wonderful holiday.
cbeenthere
Name one smart poster that I disagree with, go ahead disorder. I hope you do not have the audacity to think you are an intelligent poster. You are abusive.
connie47
It's incredibly racist. For centuries white people have tried to make the argument that blacks are (a) subhuman and (b) closer to sophisticated monkeys. If you don't think that's racist, just what do you think is racist?
MaliciousDisorder
Only the racists think the way you do connie47
Demsdisorder
connie.. "just what do you think is racist?"
Calling concerned Americans tea baggers and racists for protesting a government running a muck... for one..
cbeenthere
None of us, save your type disorder, were unaware of the vile and disrespectful nature of the signs that have been carried by "concerned" Americans.
Demsdisorder
cbeenthere
None of us, save your type disorder, were unaware of the vile and disrespectful nature of the signs that have been carried by "concerned" Americans.
Flag It|Permalink9:23 am, Nov 25, 2009
I dont understand what your point is?
connie47
MD,
You really are a malicious disorder.
Downriver
What photo link??
Tolate............You are OBVIOUSLY not a gardener.
The two disorders: You two don't think racism is part of the tea bag movement, sponsored unfortunately by corporate interests, then you two need to pull your heads out of whatever orifice they reside in and take a subjective look around.
http://www.stormfront.org/forum/showthread.php?t=656732&highlight=tea party
connie47
Demsdisorder,
Per Merriam-Webster, racism is:
1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
2 : racial prejudice or discrimination
Maybe you actually think the people you call "concerned Americans" are a race, but the English language is against you.
cbeenthere
I am Canadian, and my gay lover is Mexican...Demsdisorder November 7,2009 posted to the DB Gay Marriage NJ article.
Add homophobic to the list.
winston1
reasonable My blog makes sense the only thing on this blog that don't make sense is you and cheen. Who ever ate those veggies must be glowing in the dark.
connie47
Winnie is wrong again. What a surprise!
"The only thing toxic about the White House kitchen garden is the rumors. Scientists correct the record over contamination. Noted Scientists try not to laugh as they demolish the latest ridiculous rumors..."
Winnie never met an unfounded rumor that she couldn't cozy up to, so long as it's anti-Obama. (If she follows her routine, she'll now admonish me for doing research to undearth facts, a practice to which she is allergic, and call me "Mother Superior." It's just about her only response to anything I post.)
http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/2009/06/white-house-kitchen-garden-as -media.html
winston1
connie47 I don't want to disappoint you so here it goes---Mother Superior go do some research on how to baste a turkey.
oliverckerr
You mean they weren't serving fried chicken and chittlins?
Obama looked very handsome, his wiife very beautiful.
The First Lady's gardening idea is excellent. Were she going around to different cities every week and doing garden photo ops in neighborhoods with empty lots that would be good. Neiborhood churches could pick up the slack.
Face it! The racist elements in America hate them. Racist talk goes with the melting pot. My plan as president is to have an After Dinner United Family Talk Show: Live At The White House.
My first line in my monoliogue on my Events Of The Day the first night of Live At The White House: "Why were the Jews 40 years wandering in the desert?" . . . (let the question sink in) "Somebody dropped a quarter."
I expect if the ratings slip i won't get re-elected. have a Happy Thanksgiving.
michaelslevinson.com
dcbooknurse
Oliver
I just wanted to thank you for having a normal-sized post.
deepikaur
As a vegetarian (and as an Indian), I greatly respect the extreme hospitality which the President extended to PM Manmohan Singh-ji (not that other Presidents don't for other guests as well). Having a meatless menu as well as setting up the venue with so many hints of symbolism of the unity between the two countries were lovely touches.
SFGiants
And speaking of dinners. . . here's wishing all TDB posters a happy Thanksgiving!
reasonable
TROLL!
Demsdisorder
thanks some to you and yours
reasonable
Sorry, SF, I've been spending too much time here. Happy Thanksgiving!
MaeQueen
I loved Michelle's gown, but I thought it was in poor form for the First Lady to show so much skin at a state dinner...shrug.
Other than that, let the White House publish a book on Michelle's fashion sense and let the proceeds go to fund the Health Care Clunker program, or maybe the war in Afganistan.
Demsdisorder
I guess it would be considered classy somewhere.....
jerseyj
Dems.. There is this old saying "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt"...you should heed it
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n--Y--JAsMomLAtolatetocry
to flashy for Sarah and she would never have her boobs spilling out all over the place.
Downriver
Too much skin???? A sleeveless full length gown? You possibly would have preferred the First Lady in a Burka?
Demsdisorder
works for me.
Downriver
Disorder, you really might try THINKING before you post. I know, it's hard, but your attempts at humor are just idiotic.
TWBBug
Most Indiam garments show skin.
Demsdisorder
I here they show some skin in strip clubs too. =)'
dxgmmpa
Hey Connie47 let me talk you the dirty little secret about racism in India. It is worst in India than it is here in America. Light Indians look down on dark Indians from southern India. Dark Indians tend to be less uneducated and do the lower level jobs in Indian. They are the mostly disadvantaged exploited by elite light colored Indians. Don't take my word for it. Use your computer and do your own research. Talk to your Indian friends if you have any.
By your comment I take it you are black. You should stop whining about racism and start acting like an American. Racism in the USA will never totally go away as long as blacks look to government for their perpetual care and feeding promoted by the Democrat party. Slavery in American still exists. Racism still exists. Here government has been substituted for the old southern slave master. The entitlement programs that were meant to be a temporary boost to help the poor have turned into a permanent slave class which unfortunately too many black people reside. The disadvantaged in America are being exploited by those that seek permanent political power.
Racism in Americans will go away when the poor (not just blacks) have the opportunity to move up into the middle class through education, hard work and the freedom from government to do that. This freedom MUST also be existed to the middle class to become rich and move to the upper class.
Many may argue against this fact, but current trends in this country are heading in the opposite direction. President Obama is the first black president. He and the elite blacks that made up the NAACP and like organizations have theirs and poor blacks in America can get in line for theirs.
CEOs, Movie Stars, Sports figures, Black race baiting reverends and Politicians got theirs as this article shows. Let blame Bush and the bad Republican party. It is all their fault.
How is the hope and change working for you now?
Downriver
Are you in the KKK?
dxgmmpa
Nope ... Just a average American that loves his country and all the people that contribute to its growth and make it great. I am also not afraid to be politically INcorrect and speak the truth that no one outside of the Internet will address. Only if I met you in the pub I would let you the same thing to your face.
I would not ask you if you are a member of the Black Panthers or the Nation of Islam. It adds no value to the debate. Why is it that when they have nothing to contribute to the debate people like you resort to personal attacks.
Have a nice Thanksgiving and enjoy wallowing in your own misery.
Downriver
dxgmmpa......... "Racism in the USA will never totally go away as long as blacks look to government for their perpetual care and feeding"...........is a RACIST statement and please do not assume anything, I have nothing to be miserable about.....pretty shallow, aren't you??
i
Demsdisorder
very good post
Downriver
You racists are scum bags.
connie47
Wow, this diatribe was prompted by my view that taking a photograph of Michelle Obama and altering it so that she appears to be a monkey is racist. I further used the Merriam-Webster Dictionary to provide the definition of racism.
You are one sick critter, dxgmmpa
Downriver
Lying Trailer Trash for sure. He's gonna walk into a pub and start spouting that line of BS........yeah, right. maybe in his white trash neighborhood!
amapola101
I complain all the time about many things that hurt my friends, my loved ones, acquaintances, people and clients ,their finanaces,jobs,personal problems, And I learn and see different points of views,and then decide .But this is not a political moment. This is a Moment, to compliment the stunnig First Couple.For Being Warm,Charismatic,Classy and Gracious Hosts!!.This is a moment to say that the First Lady of The United States Of America,looked Gorgeous.!! Our Handsome, Charismatic, Decent Human Being President of the United States of America,is a Phenomenal,looker.A Hunk,with style ,poise and grace.!!The event was total class,chic, elegant, not gaudy, and full of beautiful people!!!Hurray for Happy moments, and that no one was crying unhappy or miserable.They are a spectacular couple ,But what glows is the love beetween them.!!!!and They are not plastic, nor a prototype!!!!!!!! They represent us all.!!May they and their family and everyone on TDB " Have a Happy ,Healthy ,Thanksgiving with all your loved ones and friends.!!And hope our country will restructure.and regrow.!!!
TWBBug
I wonder what India paid for our jobs...must have been a lot to deserve this kind of money or is the promise of more troops and the death of some more young americans in return for them not bombing the corrupt regimes in that part of the world.
Bring it down to more troops, while they are celebrating our young are dying and they are going to call in the numbers of so many more.
I think I'm going to be sick.
Demsdisorder
100% with you.
Downriver
You just discovered outsourcing?? And war?? You must be very sheltered!
mzkitti
I think I'm going to be sick.
****************************
I certainly hope you will puke all day.
Where the hell were you when Bush invaded another country and had killed four thousand of our troops by the time he and that bastard Cheney left office.
And, twinkle-toes... jobs were leaving for other countries way back in the year 2000.
Get a life after you have the heaves... there might still be a chance for you.
Or not!
cbeenthere
Yay, mzkitti-
Enough is enough.
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n--Y--JAsMomLAtolatetocry
did you get your obamaphone yet?
mrmoose
First, let me say that I am no fan of Mr. Obama.
Having said that, Mr. and Mrs. Obama did a great job showcasing America. Stop the lib and cons ranting and thank the Obamas. Get onto politics on a REAL issue.
Thanks and have a great thanksgiving, remember to hug your family.
mrmoose
Just saw this today
You're An EXTREME Redneck When...
1. You let your 14-year-old daughter smoke at the dinner table in front of her kids.
2. The Blue Book value of your truck goes up and down depending on how much gas is in it.
3. You've been married three times and still have the same in-laws.
4. You think a woman who is out of your league bowls on a different night.
5. You wonder how service stations keep their rest-rooms so clean.
6. Someone in your family died right after saying, 'Hey, guys, watch this.'
7. You think Dom Perignon is a Mafia leader.
8. Your wife's hairdo was once ruined by a ceiling fan.
9. Your junior prom offered day care.
10. You think the last words of the Star-Spangled Banner are 'Gentlemen, start your engines.'
11. You lit a match in the bathroom and your house exploded right off its wheels.
12. The Halloween pumpkin on your porch has more teeth than your spouse.
13. You have to go outside to get something from the fridge.
14. One of your kids was born on a pool table.
15. You need one more hole punched in your card to get a freebie at the House of Tattoos.
16. You can't get married to your sweetheart because there's a law against it.
17. You think loading the dishwasher means getting your wife drunk.
Have a great weekend.
cbeenthere
Whatever.
byersl
I guess that is in poor taste, but I did laugh. Then again, I have relatives in northeast Tennessee....
ardeth
Gee, I wonder if the Prez happened to bring up the uncomfortable fact that as he and his guests were having a grand old time, in southern Nepal near the Indian border Indian and Nepalese Hindus were celebrating Gadhimi Mela, and in spite of laws in both countries against killing cows, up to 500,000 animals, including cows, were being slaughtered, supposedly to please a Hindu goddess. Nah, probably not. Not politically correct.
Rosalia
The first couple looked stunning (and very much in love), and everything was in very good taste. I also like the fact that they chose the Indian Prime Minister as their guest for the first State Dinner, and the eco-friendly (as much as possible) aspect of the dinner. I understand that the Bushes only held one State Dinner. They probably felt a little inappropirate.
tolatetocry
Rosalia,
I'll bet his boyfriend was jealous!
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