U.S. first lady Michelle Obama is set to kick off the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street with a gardening segment that’s meant to encourage young children to plant gardens and to eat healthier foods.
Obama, who has been working on the White House Garden and using said gardens to promote a healthier lifestyle, is appearing on the November 10th season premier of Sesame Street. Producers say that Obama will teach the furry friends of Sesame Street (along with young children all over the world via television) about the benefits of growing a garden and healthy living. Obama will also demonstrate how …read more

Midst the controversy surrounding President Obama’s nationwide speech to school children, perhaps the discussion, even though heated at times, hasn’t been a negative experience. Perhaps this has held the President more accountable when he interacts with our young people.  Was his speech changed due to the controversy?  This we don’t know because only the final version has been published.  But at least parents can see this version before he gives it.  There was change to lesson suggestions on the White House web site after the hue and cry.
Because of this event and the reactions:

Parents have taken more notice of what’s …read more

If you’re operating a crafting business, you may be wondering if or how President Obama’s “changes” will affect yours.  Will some of the policies he’s introducing and, in some instances, already passed have a positive or negative effect?
I have a “change” poll at Home Biz Notes, where you can express your opinion.  You also can write your view in the comments section of this post or the one at Home Biz Notes.  It would be interesting to see whether you expect, or already see, a change of some magnitude.

With all the “changes” occurring since President Obama has taken office, whether you agree or disagree, you’re likely to feel some effects in your life and craft business. 
Over at my Home Biz Notes blog, I’ve set up a poll, where you can express your thoughts about the changes this is bringing about or will cause in your craft business.  Since many crafters have developed an income source with their talents, they may be looking into the changes that could occur to this method of making a living.
Even if you live in another country, you may be wondering how changes in the United …read more

I knew when I heard the phone ring that my mother was dead. No one calls at 4:30 a.m. I was sleeping in my parents’ house because, though the doctors had thought she had months longer to live, my sister just had a feeling. And so the phone rang and I let it ring and ring until I heard my father’s voice answer from the other room and then I picked up. The woman on the other end said, “Dr. Walker. This is the hospital. I’m am sorry to inform you, but your wife, Mary Walker, has passed away.” …read more

I love watching movies, tv shows and the like. Having a 42″ plasma TV is all right for me but what I’d give to have a family theater like the one in the private residence of Barack and Michelle Obama in the White House.

We almost bought a house here in New Zealand that had their own family theater. It’s not as grand as the one in the US White House but it is good enough for commonfolks like ourselves. If I had a family theater, I’d have plush seats like the ones pictured above. I’d probably only have a couple …read more

Have you seen the Flickr stream of President Obama’s first 100 days in office? It’s a fun look at how the First Family’s lives have changed over the last three months. I love that the administration is embracing social technology like Flickr to let us have more of a peek at the Obama family!
Of course, there are pictures of new first pet, Bo! The Portuguese water dog is seen trotting into the Oval Office in the picture above from April 15th.
April 20th shows the President playing with Bo outside on the South Lawn at the White House.
This cute picture shows …read more

Though it was only this past Saturday that it was announced the First Family’s new dog wouldn’t be heading to the White House until this Tuesday, the First Pooch made its arrival already!

It will be “formally” introduced to the family tomorrow by Senator Edward Kennedy, but it’s already in Washington and has already met the Obama girls, Malia and Sasha.
With a little lei around its neck, the Portuguese Water Dog (also known simply as PWDs) sat patiently as the President and daughter Sasha gave it a pet. The girls have already decided on a name as well: Currently named Charlie, …read more

On a recent appearance on Leno this week, President Obama said that the family’s new dog will be coming to the White House within just the next few weeks!

The Portuguese water dog that the family picked will “be in place” by the time he returns home from a trip to Europe in early April.
A Portuguese water dog was ultimately chosen over several other breeds by the Obama family due to its apparent “hypo-allergenic” coat. However, many people — and doctors — feel that no such thing exists:
“I don’t think there is such a thing as a hypoallergenic dog,” Bowser …read more

Now that the shotgun has been lowered, it seems the possibility of the wedding between Bristol Palin and the father of her child, Levi Johnston, is off – at least for now. Levi, who says they broke up a week or two ago, says he’s not “mature enough” for marriage. Wow. What a shocker there.
This happened in my family when my sister was barely 19. My sister married the guy; They’re now divorced. Their youngest daughter Ashley, now 16, is hanging out with us this week for spring break and I’m getting a crash course in high-schooler-ology. Sure, teach abstinence, …read more