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Posts Tagged ‘Obama’

Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country

1/20/09 - Posted by Jennifer Hodges under Life & Culture, Politics, US

Our new President is bringing hope and the promise of change to people all over this country - but not just to the people who voted for him. As demonstrated by the kids at 826 Valencia, a non-profit child’s literacy center in San Francisco, a much younger (and shorter) demographic have also taken notice.

After Obama was elected, volunteers at the center asked the children to write letters to the president-to-be as an exercise in both writing and current events, and the results were hilarious, heartwarming, and brutally honest. The idea caught on at 826 Writing Centers all over the country, and the letters were collected into a compilation book (Which is awesome and wonderful, and you can purchase it here.

We really do think that kids say it best, so in attempt to say hello to our brand-spankin’ new President ( for the third time today - we know, we’re done, we promise) here are some of our favorite notes from kids to Mr. Barack Obama…

Dear Barack Obama,

Congrats on becoming the president of the United States and slaughtering John McCain. I think that, unlike W., you should dodge other countries and not shoes. You should not be so quick to go to war and negotiate with terrorists. I like what you said about bringing the troops home from Iraq.

If you like my letter, know that it’s from D’andre “the King” Legrand, age 12
Brooklyn

Dear President Obama,

Are you going to be pictured on our money? How do you get in the White House? Do you like Abraham Lincoln? Do you have a big backyard? Martin Luther King Jr. had big fans. How many fans do you have? You could help us by giving us food. I am Luis Ramirez. I go to school at Mayberry. I like to play video games.

Luis Ramirez, age 8
Los Angeles

Dear President Obama,

If I want anybody to be president, it’s me. I would clean the streets and give myself more money. I would also give everybody a piece of a Reese’s candy. Every homeless guy or girl would get $50 for help and a place to sleep for the winter. My family and other families would get free gas for our cars; single people with no kids would have to pay. The money would come from copying other bills. The $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills would be copied one thousand times.

The paper would not come from trees but from hardened glue. The way to make it is by mixing water and glue together so that it looks like paper. You then put it in a ﬁre, then let it cool in the freezer.

Weslie Jackson, age 12
Chicago

If you want to check out more, go here.

Tags: Kids, Obama

Obama’s 10 Most Awesome Inauguration Speech Quotes

1/20/09 - Posted by Christopher Reinhard under Because We Feel Like it, US

For one of the most anticipated speeches in recent decades, the momentous inaugural address given moments ago by President (!) Barack Obama did little to disappoint. When we say that what we really mean is… HOLY MOLY. Here’s a quick rundown of the speech’s 10 most memorable quotes.

1. “[E]very so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.”

2. “Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.”

3. “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”

4. “[T]here are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.”

5. “We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.”

6. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.”

7. “To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”

8. “Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true.”

9. “This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.”

10. “America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”

Tags: 44th President, Awesome, Obama, US

Hellooo Obama!

1/20/09 - Posted by Carmel Hagen under US

Keep an eye on the inauguration here!

Tags: Bush, Inauguration, Obama

George ‘Make it Rain’ Bush Spends $11.5 Trillion

1/19/09 - Posted by Christopher Reinhard under Economy, Politics, US

It ain’t fair to put this all on that crazy cowboy from Texas, but studies indicate that the United States spent about $11.5 trillion—that is correct, eleven thousand and five hundred billion—during the presidency of George W Bush. If you weren’t quite sure, that is (a lot) more than ever before. And while I would like to do some kind of fun little exercise to explain how many _____s you could have bought with that money, no adequate or understandable comparisons can be made.

As you might have guessed, a lot went into setting this kind of a record, from a total economic collapse on Wall Street in late 2008, to that devastating terrorist attack back in 2001 and its successive wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet perhaps the most important factor to note is that such spending is not about to come to a screeching halt in the months and years after president-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration on January 20th, 2009. While the next pres has aspirations of recovering the American economy, it’s true that he too will be forced to adhere to that age-old proverb: “you gotta spend money to make money.” And so, while $11.5 trillion dollars is undoubtedly a sh*tload of money, the numbers are sure to continue rising while the national debt skids closer to that inevitable point at which most citizens start scratching their heads and wondering, ‘does this number actually mean anything or can we just keep not making money forever?’

In other news, today is the last day during which news articles will refer to Barack Obama as the ‘president-elect.’ Yay-yay! *terrorist fist bump*

Tags: Bush, Economy, Obama

There Goes Osama, Crying Jihad Again

1/14/09 - Posted by Evan Kessler under OneRiot News

In a move that is sure to send shockwaves through the global peace-hungering world, Al-Qaida frontman and lead guitarist Osama bin Laden has urged fellow Muslims to launch yet another Jihad as though sliced bread has yet to have been invented. This time the target of terror incarnate’s wrath was Israel, which is sort of confusing since we always assumed Israel to be Extremist Enemy #2 (though constantly swapping spots with the United States).

Osama’s message, a response to the recent ongoings in the Gaza region, was relayed via an audiotape and subsequently posted to popular militant websites. The directive also went on to denounce certain Arab governments that he claimed as allies of the Jewish state.

In addition to the surprising revelation that Israel is no friend of his, bin Laden went on to proclaim that his organization would open up “new fronts” against the good ol’ U.S. of A and its best buds, not counting all of that business going on in Iraq and Afghanistan. The terror chief further stated that President-elect Barack Obama is taking on a “heavy inheritance” and that the more or less bottomless abyss he’s going to have to work out of will make it all the more difficult for America to deter further advances of global terror, proving for reals that Barack’s last name will do little to change Osama’s view of America as the root of all evil. Drats.

(Yes, that is not a picture of Osama bin Ladin, but it is his DNA. Counts.)

Tags: Obama, Osama bin Laden

A Super Fluffy First Puppy

1/12/09 - Posted by Jennifer Hodges under US

With Decision 08 ending with one democrat reigning supreme, it’s now time to turn our attention to Decision 09! One of the first promises the President-elect gave was to find a presidential pup for his two daughters, and staying true to his word (amazing for a politician, eh?) it looks like the family has narrowed it down to two canine candidates, either a Portuguese Water Dog, or a Labradoodle (both of which are super fluffy, decently sized breeds, as well as perfect options for a first family with allergies).

While our votes don’t necessarily count for this election, one still might speculate which breed would be the best match for the Obamas. Both breeds are intelligent, family loving, loyal, and intelligent. The Portuguese Water dog dates back to the Middle Ages where it was used as a fishing aid, while the Labradoodle is known now as a “designer breed,” a new mix of the poodle and lab. While both will most likely be an excellent match for the Obamas, each pup’s personality is different. The family is going to try to find their puppy in a shelter, so look for the future President in a pound near you!

Now we could make all sorts of jokes about having a new bi*ch in the White House, but we think that adopting a puppy is too heartwarming and cutesy to spoil with any sarcasm. Let’s just hope they name him/her something good!

Tags: First Puppy, Labradoodle, Obama, Portugese Water Dog

Happy New Year!

12/31/08 - Posted by Carmel Hagen under Industry, Music, OneRiot News, Politics

Economic suckies aside, 2008 was a pretty fantastic year. Barack won the election, Fleet Foxes dropped their first full length album, OneRiot launched… 2009, you’ve got some big shoes to fill (and thank God, they are no longer Uggs).

Have a fun, safe night readers - we’ll see you next year!

Tags: 2008, 2009, Fleet Foxes, Obama, OneRiot

Obama: A Visual Retrospective in Badassness

12/17/08 - Posted by Christopher Reinhard under Life & Culture, Politics, US

Barack Obama is more than likely one of America’s better looking president elects. I’m a dude, and I feel alright admitting it. But what did Barry look like before the wrinkles of onset political pressure syndrome kicked in?

A recent dossier of top-secret B&W photos by former classmate Lisa Jack reveals that, believe it or not, the Commander In Chief-to-be was pretty slammin’ back in his days at Occidental College in sunny LA. Photographer Jack, now a psychologist, confesses to remembering little more about Obama’s disposition beyond his good looks: “He was really cute. But what else does a 20-year-old girl remember?” Juicy.

It’s safe to say that although Barack Obama had plenty of charisma back then, at age 18 he was just another normal, sexy collegian coed. I, for one, am glad he put his modeling aspirations aside en route to a slightly more ambitious career in politics. But who knows? Maybe these are the photos that landed him a little late-night law lovin’ from future First Lady Michelle.

Tags: Obama, President

Being Rod Blagojevich

12/11/08 - Posted by Christopher Reinhard under OneRiot News, Politics

Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich’s recent corruption charges have gone all national newsy, and now even president-elect Barack Obama has joined the ranks of dissenting policy-makers.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is assembling her army of litigators and is “prepared to take action” if Blagojevich does not start moving his sh*t out of the governor’s mansion. A number of other state employees with clout have passive-aggressively demanded that the crooked dude get his butt out of office, including heir apparent Pat Quinn, who suggested on NBC’s Today Show that “If the governor doesn’t act he will be impeached.” In addition to Illinois’ internal tension, outward pressure is adding up thanks to a letter signed by all 50 members of the Democratic Caucus demanding Blagojevich’s step down.

On a related note, it seems that son of civil rights maven Jesse Jackson could somehow be involved with the scandal, yet Jackson Junior’s rebuttal to such claims was as eloquent as if it were said by his convincingly articulate father: “I reject and denounce pay-to-play politics and have no involvement whatsoever in any wrongdoing.” Good enough for me.

Tags: Blagojevich, Chicago, Obama, Politics

Obama: Changing the Hip Hop Game

12/10/08 - Posted by Abdullah Saeed under Life & Culture, Music, Politics

Rapper Common says Barack Obama’s presidency will directly influence the state of hip hop, a genre which Common is in love with, and Nas claims is dead .

The accomplished artist believes that hip hop artists “pick up what’s going on in the world and try to reflect that,” giving such examples as KRS One, Talib Kweli, and the ever enlightened Mystikal.

This optimistic view comes hand-in-hand with Common’s new record, Universal Mind Control, as an example of his vision for the future of hip hop. Apparently, reflecting the most current and relevant realities of the world around us involves attempting to “really make some music that was bright, that would be a little more lighthearted.” This kind of musical product, the rapper predicts, will exceed the popularity of (and replace) the more popular genres today: “I think hip-hop artists will have no choice but to talk about different things and more positive things.”

While it would be nice to think that ignorance, misogyny, and violence would no longer be condoned or even discussed in mainstream rap music because Barack Obama is in office, Common clearly missed the scores of mixtapes with the president-elect’s face on them, some of which contain lyrics that can be considered typical of most mainstream garbage out today. While Common’s endeavor is noble, his challenge for today’s rappers to enhance their content is being met with little consideration from mainstream artists. When asked to comment, Li’l Wayne is reported to have stated, “(Expletive Deleted) that (Expletive Deleted)! (Expletive Deleted)!”

Tags: Common, Music, Obama

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