Obamamania

"Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she'd come out ahead if she went one-on-one with fellow jogger President Barack Obama in a long run, according to an interview published online Tuesday. "I betcha I'd have more endurance," she told Runner's World magazine. "My one claim to fame in my own little internal running circle is a sub-four marathon" in Anchorage, she said, referring to her 2005 sprint in the Humpy's Marathon in which she beat the four-hour mark by 24 seconds. "What I lacked in physical strength or skill, I made up for in determination and endurance," she said." - Bill Sodeman via Bookmarklet

She ran a 4-hour marathon 4 years ago - trust me, that doesn't mean she can run one now. Besides, our President has more important things to do than race the soon to be ex-governor of a thawing tundra. - Bill Sodeman

"The White House luau was actually not a concept cooked up by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, though it and the rest of the state likely will benefit from the hula-hoopla it generated. "Wouldn't it be neat if we could take credit for that, but it was definitely the president's idea," said Darlene Morikawa, HVCB director of public relations. Hawaii-born President Barack Obama greeted those gathered with "a big aloha," and introduced the lei-bedecked members of his family as well as Vice President Joe Biden." - Bill Sodeman via Bookmarklet

"The roadless issue is one of several instances of the administration defending in court environmental policies that it once vowed to end. Its position has been a disappointment to environmentalists who had hoped for decisive action in rolling back Bush-era policies. Administration officials say that in some cases, they are defending the policies to prevent the courts from settling the issues -- a prospect that would restrict the government's ability to set the environmental agenda. They say the task of setting policy is better left to government agencies and legislators. "We have set out on a very clear path toward improving our nation's environmental laws and policies so they balance America's need for a strong, sustainable economy and a healthy environment," said Christine Glunz, spokeswoman for the White House Council on Environmental Quality. "That means taking short- and sometimes longer-term action."" - Anika Malone via Bookmarklet

John Hodgman gives Obama a quick quiz - is Barack a jock or a nerd? - Bill Sodeman via Bookmarklet

He cracks a few good ones here. - Bill Sodeman via Bookmarklet

"On a piece of paper, he wrote: "To Kennedy's teacher: Please excuse Kennedy's absence. She's with me. Barack Obama." He stepped off the stage to hand-deliver the note _ to Kennedy's surprise." - Bill Sodeman via Bookmarklet

Cool! - Jeff P. Henderson

"Obama took time out from diplomacy Saturday, whipping the family off for a private tour of the famed Notre Dame cathedral, followed by dinner in a traditional century-old bistrot. (AFP/Stephane de Sakutin)" - angrykeyboarder™ (Scott) via Bookmarklet