Saturday Open Thread | FLOTUS.. Slaying at China State Dinner

Posted on September 26, 2015 by SouthernGirl2

China State Dinner Potus 3

President Barack Obama remarks at how good his wife first lady Michelle Obama looks as they await on the North Portico for the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan for a State Dinner at the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

About SouthernGirl2

A Native Texan who adores baby kittens, loves horses, rodeos, pomegranates, & collect Eagles. Enjoys politics, games shows, & dancing to all types of music. Loves discussing and learning about different cultures. A Phi Theta Kappa lifetime member with a passion for Social & Civil Justice.
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93 Responses to Saturday Open Thread | FLOTUS.. Slaying at China State Dinner

  10. rikyrah says:
    September 26, 2015 at 6:13 pm

    I consider this water is wet news…

    because nobody seems to be interested in those who are young, gifted and Black

    ………………………

    These kids were geniuses — they were just too poor for anyone to discover them

    By Jeff Guo

    September 22

    In 2003, Cynthia Park asked her staff to make a map showing where every gifted student lived in Broward County, Fla.

    The result was an atlas of inequality.

    “All of them were scattered in the suburbs and in the wealthier communities, where parents were more involved in education,” recalls Park, who oversaw the county’s gifted students program. “The map was virtually void in other areas.”

    Park’s map helped convince board members for the school district, which serves over a quarter-million children in and around Fort Lauderdale, that it needed to work much harder at identifying precocious children from all neighborhoods. In 2005, Broward began giving a short test to all students in the second grade. Those who scored well were sent off for further evaluation to determine their aptitude for the system’s gifted program.

    Now, newly released research by economists David Card, of the University of California at Berkeley, and Laura Giuliano, of the University of Miami, shows that Broward’s initiative was, at least in its initial years, a huge success at identifying poor, minority students qualified for gifted programs. Crucially, the process laid bare the surprising — and disturbing — reasons that the school district hadn’t been finding these kids in the first place.

    “I remember being blown over,” said Donna Turner, Broward’s coordinator of gifted services, who recently retired. “There were these very highly gifted kids that nobody had ever referred.”

    Broward’s struggle reflects a nationwide problem with inequality in gifted education. About eight percent of white children in public schools are considered gifted by their school district — but only 3.6 percent of black students and 4.2 percent of Latino students are deemed gifted, according to Department of Education statistics from 2006.

    Critics say gifted programs amplify inequality because they disproportionately recruit children from high-income families — another example of how opportunity accrues to those already blessed with opportunity. In the early 2000s, white children in Broward were nearly four times as likely as black children to be labeled gifted. Broward was mostly composed of minority students, but white students far outnumbered black and Hispanic students in the gifted program. Of the 10,000 children considered gifted at the time, 5,600 were white, 1,500 were black and 2,000 were Hispanic.

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonkblog/wp/2015/09/22/these-kids-were-geniuses-they-were-just-too-poor-for-anyone-to-discover-them/

    Reply
  11. rikyrah says:
    September 26, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    uh huh

    uh huh

    ……………………

    Senator Mark Kirk’s Campaign Pre-Emptively Bashes Chicago Tribune Ahead Of Negative Story

    Newspaper stands by reporter the campaign calls “biased.”

    Michael Calderone

    Senior Media Reporter, The Huffington Post

    Sen. Mark Kirk’s campaign aggressively pushed back Friday against allegations the Illinois Republican verbally and physically abused staff, two days before The Chicago Tribune is expected to publish such claims.

    In an unusual pre-emptive strike, Kirk’s campaign manager Kevin Artl provided his correspondence with veteran Tribune investigative reporter Todd Lighty, along with supplemental materials, to state political site Capitol Fax. Artl dismissed the anticipated story to Capitol Fax as “terrible journalism written by a biased reporter.”

    Tribune editor Gerould Kern said in a statement Friday that Kirk’s campaign and the conduct of his office “are subjects of legitimate inquiry” and the paper “stands fully behind” Lighty.

    “We will not comment on unpublished reporting, but we can say that the Kirk campaign has wholly mischaracterized Lighty’s diligence and thoroughness,” Kern said. “Lighty has been direct, open and honest at all times with the Kirk staff in his reporting. He is a meticulous and professional journalist. Good reporters ask tough questions. We will not allow the Kirk campaign to attack unchallenged the professionalism and integrity of Lighty and the Tribune.”

    Campaign pushback is nothing new, but typically such rebuttals come after publication. When asked about this pre-emptive strategy, Artl told HuffPost the campaign felt that Tribune’s version of events was “flawed” and therefore “wanted to get our facts out in advance.”

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/mark-kirk-chicago-tribune_560578cde4b0768126fd43e0

    Reply
  16. SouthernGirl2 says:
    September 26, 2015 at 5:51 pm
    Reply
  19. SouthernGirl2 says:
    September 26, 2015 at 5:48 pm
    Reply
  22. SouthernGirl2 says:
    September 26, 2015 at 5:46 pm
    Reply
  25. rikyrah says:
    September 26, 2015 at 5:43 pm

    errin haines whack @emarvelous
    Pope: Globalization is a good thing when it celebrates the richness of diversity instead of seeking to make us all the same. #popeadelphia

    Reply
  26. rikyrah says:
    September 26, 2015 at 5:42 pm

    Philly Inquirer ✔ @PhillyInquirer
    Pope Francis to immigrants: “You give many gifts to this nation.” And then adds: “Please never be ashamed of your traditions.” #PopeInPhilly

    Reply
  29. rikyrah says:
    September 26, 2015 at 3:03 pm

    Did anyone else watch Step It Up on Lifetime?

    I liked it.

    Reply
  35. rikyrah says:
    September 26, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    “That sound you hear around Washington right now is the sound of the Republican establishment shaking,” – Wall Street Journal, Sept 26, 2015

    Reply
  38. rikyrah says:
    September 26, 2015 at 2:41 pm

    just dust in my eyes…just dust.

    Nolan Harrison III ✔ @NolanHarrison74

    Cam Newton heard about an early Halloween party for a boy with cancer, so he showed up with an ice cream truck http://ht.ly/SH8bn

    Reply
  47. rikyrah says:
    September 26, 2015 at 2:31 pm

    Because the President thought he was the President.
    And acted like the President.
    And carried out the duties of the President.
    who does he think he is….The President of the United States?

    BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

    https://twitter.com/ByronYork/status/647741377980289024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

    Reply
  49. Ametia says:
    September 26, 2015 at 1:17 pm

    Pope Francis rolled into these UNITED STATES of America & shutdown the Trump NONSENSE.

    Reply
  50. Ametia says:
    September 26, 2015 at 12:23 pm

    Dont’ EVER come for First Lady Michelle Obama, because we will do what Rik & SG2?

    //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

    Reply
  51. Liza says:
    September 26, 2015 at 12:22 pm

    3Chics, you have done absolutely stellar posting on the Pope’s historic visit to the US. The pictures, posts and threads have been awesome.

    As a former Catholic, I still feel an attachment to the Church. They say, “Once a Catholic, always a Catholic” and there is truth in that. I owe a great deal to my Catholic educators, and that will never be forgotten. I am really glad that Pope Francis’ visit has gone so well, and that most Americans seem to respect his prominence as a great moral leader. God knows the world needs such a person in these times.

    It is also kind of amazing to see the Catholic Church, represented by Pope Francis, to be so open and welcoming to those of other religions. It was not like that at all when I was growing up and for many years afterwards. It’s one of the things that made Catholicism so difficult for me, even when I was a kid, it didn’t make sense. But most of what I got from being Catholic and going to Catholic schools served me well, so I have to be grateful for that.

    It is so inspirational to watch Pope Francis, breaking away from the rigid traditions of the Vatican, and using his position to be a true moral leader.

    Reply
    • Ametia says:
      September 26, 2015 at 12:40 pm

      Thank you, Liza. And your expression of gratitude for what you recieved from the teachings is acknowleded and appreciated.

      Speaking for myself, it has been my pleasure and a true HONOR to post on Pope Francis. This Pope knows that no matter how ancient a religious teaching, one must observe and work with the consciousness of the people TODAY.

      The teachings must be alive-LIVING.

      One of the most admirable qualities of Catholicism, for me has always been the discipline it teaches. Self-discipline, in its practices and in life

      For me, spirtuality has always been about EXPERIENCE.
      Sudy the precepts/concepts/scriptures and put them into practice. Do they work for me? They don’t work, unless I put in the work. It’s not rocket science.

      What I have witnessed from the Pope this week is him embracing God as it works through him in the moment.

      Isn’t this the goal for us, to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit as it moves and has its being through us?

      LOVE & SERVICE was the Pope’s message, and I'[m fully on board with this.

      Reply
    • SouthernGirl2 says:
      September 26, 2015 at 12:51 pm

      The Pope touched my heart. I’ve been in tears all week. I mean roping tears.

      Reply
    • rikyrah says:
      September 26, 2015 at 2:23 pm

      It’s been gratifying to watch Pope Francis be embraced by the ‘ people’ of this country. We see his heart. We see him trying. I am not Catholic, but I have enjoyed his visit. It’s been wonderful as he got down with ‘ the people’.

      Reply
  52. Ametia says:
    September 26, 2015 at 11:56 am

    I hope that NYC Archbishop Timothy Dolan is paying attention to Pope Francis’ messages this past week.

    LOVE & SERVIE, self-promotion.

    GOT IT?

    Reply
  53. SouthernGirl2 says:
    September 26, 2015 at 11:44 am
    Reply
  54. Ametia says:
    September 26, 2015 at 11:39 am

    Nancy might as well have taken that gavel and knocked Boehner out.

    Because that’s what the Teabagging Congress critters did, once he took over as Speaker.

    unnamed

    Reply
  55. Ametia says:
    September 26, 2015 at 11:36 am

    FLOTUS reaction to Boehner’s resignation announcement

    mo_eyeroll_130121c

    Reply
  56. SouthernGirl2 says:
    September 26, 2015 at 11:17 am
    Reply
  57. SouthernGirl2 says:
    September 26, 2015 at 11:16 am
    Reply
    • SouthernGirl2 says:
      September 26, 2015 at 11:19 am

      I’m not Catholic but this Pope has touched my heart and brought me to tears. May God continue to bless him.

      Reply
      • Ametia says:
        September 26, 2015 at 11:43 am

        We don’t have to be Catholic to experience God’s love for us, SG2.

        We know in our hearts what is right & wrong, theough whatever faith we follow. or don’t follow.

        For me, any true religion will have Divine LOVE at its center. and anyone who walks it, know it.

        Reply
  58. Ametia says:
    September 26, 2015 at 11:02 am

    TEXTBOOK RACISM

    How I Deal with Racist Patients

    When a patient requested ‘no Indian doctors,’ I expected the hospital higher-ups to stick up for me. But they didn’t.

    Despite being born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, a city infamous for its former Jim Crow laws and the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, the most culturally insensitive conversations I’ve ever found myself in went something like this:

    “Where are you from, darling?”

    “Birmingham! I was born here.”

    No, no, where are you really from?”

    I guess my brown skin has always given me away as not really American, so with a quick smile and a congenial laugh, I have always replied with a simple “Oh, my family is originally from India.” Usually this satisfies whoever I happen to be talking to at the moment, and we move on to discussing their favorite place to grab some chicken tikka masala. You know, the only topic safe to discuss with Indians, apparently.

    http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/09/26/how-i-deal-with-racist-patients.html?via=newsletter&source=DDMorning

    Reply
  59. Ametia says:
    September 26, 2015 at 10:35 am

    HIT PIECE

    By Erik Nielson and Travis L. Gosa September 25 at 7:44 PM

    Erik Nielson is an assistant professor of liberal arts at the University of Richmond. Travis L. Gosa is an assistant professor of Africana studies at Cornell University. Their book, “The Hip Hop & Obama Reader,” will be published in October.

    In 2008, Barack Obama flipped the script on more than three decades of conventional wisdom when he openly embraced hip-hop — a genre typically viewed as politically radioactive because of its frequently controversial themes and anti-establishment ethos — in his campaign. Equally remarkable was the extent to which hip-hop artists and activists, often highly skeptical of national politicians, embraced him in return. As a result, for the first time it appeared we were witnessing a burgeoning relationship between hip-hop and national politics.

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/obama-and-hip-hop-a-breakup-song/2015/09/25/47e3787c-6241-11e5-8e9e-dce8a2a2a679_story.html?wpmm=1&wpisrc=nl_opinions

    Reply
  60. SouthernGirl2 says:
    September 26, 2015 at 10:24 am
    Reply
    • Ametia says:
      September 26, 2015 at 10:58 am

      Live your faith.

      It always astonishes me the myriad of messages that convey living your faith.

      A GREAT teacher, Repeats, and repeats, and REPEATS….

      Reply
  64. rikyrah says:
    September 26, 2015 at 8:56 am

    stuff like this is why twitter was invented
    ………………..

    DALAYYYY @TheToast2015
    Michelle Obama came down to breakfast this morning, sipped her juice & opened up the Washington Post.

    DALAYYYY @TheToast2015
    She read Robin Givhan’s little column about fashion missteps at the last China State Dinner.

    DALAYYYY @TheToast2015
    Michelle Obama read Robin Givhan’s concern trolling: will Michelle Obama learn her lesson or nah?

    DALAYYYY @TheToast2015
    Michelle took a dainty bite of honeydew, sipped more orange juice and folded up the paper.

    DALAYYYY @TheToast2015
    She summoned her assistant and told her “Assemble the team.”

    DALAYYYY @TheToast2015
    Minutes later, the team assembled at the White House. Michelle gave them the Washington Post & told them to read it.

    DALAYYYY @TheToast2015
    “Since Robin Givhan wants to keep my name in her mouth, let’s give her something to talk about.”

    DALAYYYY @TheToast2015
    Michelle looked at the team. “you know what to do,” she said. The team got to work.

    DALAYYYY @TheToast2015
    Later, Michelle emerged from her dressing room. “OMG WERQ” said her personal assistant. Barack stopped by and gave her a devilish grin.

    DALAYYYY @TheToast2015
    “we’ll have time for that later,” Michelle said, her bundles flowing off her shoulder.

    DALAYYYY @TheToast2015
    “but now it’s time to teach that🈵🈷🈸🈚️ to keep my name out her mouth. She tried it,” Michelle said. “she sho’ did,” replied Barack. “Ready?”

    DALAYYYY @TheToast2015
    Next thing you know, Barack & Michelle came stepping out the White House looking like this: pic.twitter.com/UUDTORYUlE

    DALAYYYY @TheToast2015
    Meanwhile, Robin Givhan sat in her 1 bedroom apartment, eating a Mushroom Risotto Lean Cusine & a Lime-Arita, watching Michelle slay.

    BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AH HA

    Reply
  66. rikyrah says:
    September 26, 2015 at 8:36 am

    Good Morning, Everyone :)

    Reply
  67. SouthernGirl2 says:
    September 26, 2015 at 12:42 am
    Reply
  68. SouthernGirl2 says:
    September 26, 2015 at 12:38 am
    Reply
  69. SouthernGirl2 says:
    September 26, 2015 at 12:20 am

    Check this out, Chicas. So awesome. It brought me to tears.

    [facebook url="https://www.facebook.com/paul.kara/videos/10153619676590350/" /]

    Reply
  70. SouthernGirl2 says:
    September 26, 2015 at 12:19 am

    Good morning, everyone! Happy Saturday!

    Reply

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