A day in the life of President Bush (June 25, 2005): photos & humor

Yahoo News, KSL-TV & WhiteHouse.gov ^ | 6/25/05

[Wolfstar]

PRESIDENTIAL NEWS OF THE DAY: I have been unable to find any news today about where the first couple are spending the weekend. However, I did find this interesting bit of news from the website of KSL-TV News (Utah).

Utah Artist To Present Portrait To President Bush
Jun. 24, 2005

(KSL News) -- A Utah artist is headed to Washington to present President Bush with a special portrait.

Rebecca Bornemeier of Layton was inspired by the president's actions following September 11th. She painted this picture in his honor.

She emailed the governor's office, and then Senator Orrin Hatch about getting the portrait to the president.

Just three days ago she got a call from the White House.

"It was a dream come true and that's what I wrote on the email -- that it would be a dream because I did this as an inspiration from all his incredible work that he's done and his dedication to this country."

The president will meet with her in the Oval Office next Wednesday.

A photo of the artist and one of the painting are on this thread below the Photo of the Day.

PRESIDENTIAL SCHEDULE: On Tuesday, the President goes to Ft. Bragg (see quotes of the day below). The President will welcome Prime Minister Sabah of Kuwait to the White House next Friday, July 1st. The United States appreciates Kuwait's friendship and values our strong partnership in the region. The President looks forward to discussing with the Prime Minister a range of bilateral and regional issues, and congratulating the Prime Minister on Kuwaiti women achieving full political rights.

On July 19th, the President looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Howard to the White House. Australia is a critical ally and partner that continues to work with the United States to combat terrorism, stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to promote peace and freedom. The President looks forward to discussing with the Prime Minister important regional and international issues and ways to further deepen and broaden bilateral relations between our two countries.

QUOTES OF THE DAY: First, excerpts from today's Presidential Radio Address:

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This past week, I had the honor of hosting Prime Minister Jaafari -- the leader of Iraq's first democratically-elected government in more than a half century.

Prime Minister Jaafari and I discussed our strong partnership, and the dramatic progress his nation has made over the past year. Next Tuesday is the first anniversary of the moment the Iraqi people reclaimed their free and sovereign nation. To mark that historic date, I will travel to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to speak to our troops and the American people about our mission in Iraq, why it remains important to our safety here at home, and our two-track strategy for victory.

Our nation's mission in Iraq is difficult, and we can expect more tough fighting in the weeks and months ahead. Yet I am confident in the outcome. The Iraqi people are growing in optimism and hope. They understand that the violence is only a part of the reality in Iraq. Each day, Iraqis are exercising new freedoms that they were denied for decades. Schools, hospitals, roads, and post offices are being built to serve the needs of all Iraqis. Increasing numbers of Iraqis are overcoming their fears and working actively to defeat the insurgents. And every Iraqi who chooses the side of freedom has chosen the winning side.

Americans can be proud of all that we and our coalition partners have accomplished in Iraq. Our country has been tested before, and we have a long history of resolve and faith in the cause of freedom. Now we will see that cause to victory in Iraq. A democratic Iraq will be a powerful setback to the terrorists who seek to harm our nation. A democratic Iraq will be a great triumph in the history of liberty. And a democratic Iraq will be a source of peace for our children and grandchildren.

Second, an excerpt from yesterday's press briefing by Press Secretary Scott McClellan.

Q: Scott, two -- in light of the latest tragic deaths of Americans in Iraq, does the President still reach out on an individual basis to families of those killed?

MR. McCLELLAN: The President regularly meets with the families of the fallen. Let me step back, first of all. We mourn the loss of every life. We mourn the loss of every one of our men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice -- whether it's in Afghanistan or Iraq or elsewhere. And our thoughts and prayers are certainly with the families of those who have lost their lives.

In terms of the President's visits with the family of fallen, the President views that as one of his most important responsibilities, to visit with the families and provide them comfort and let them know that their loved one sacrificed for an important cause and their loved one sacrificed, making the world a better place, making the world a more peaceful place.

And the President, when he goes to Fort Bragg, I expect he will visit with some families while he's there, as well. But he has regularly visited with families of fallen from Afghanistan and Iraq. And I know that it is something that greatly saddens him any time we lose one of our troops in combat.

[Wolfstar]

This past Tuesday, a friend of mine (whom I've known for 15 years), was on a business trip in New Jersey when she got a call that her husband had collapsed at work and died. Just like that. He just sank to one knee, fell over on his side and died. He was about 50 years old. My friend had to arrange a hurried flight at 3:00am Eastern time to fly back to Los Angeles where, thankfully, her brother and pastor picked her up. The husband had a routine physical in January. He had been complaining lately of pain in his feet. Other than that, there were no known symptoms or warnings.

My message to everyone who reads this thread today is to NEVER let a day go by when you fail to say, "I love you," to those who matter most in your life. The bond of love is all that transcends the veil of death.

(A gentle PS: Please don't take up any space or time on this thread offering condolences and such. That's not the point of this message. Thanks.)

[Wolfstar]

Pinging you to the Saturday Dose. A little something for everyone today, including some political humor.

[Theresawithanh]

Hi, Wolfstar! Great idea for a thread.

[Wolfstar]

PHOTO OF THE DAY: A U.S. soldier during a patrol in central Baghdad. As our national July 4th holiday approaches, remember that our first (and greatest) President was also named George. He, too, was a soldier -- among the first in an unbroken line of soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen (and women), and Coasties stretching back over 230 years of our nation's history. Their blood gave birth to this nation and kept it free ever since.

Our military personnel currently serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere around the world have not forgotten why we fight today. They have not forgotten 9/11/01 even if much of the nation has -- ugh -- moved on. For our part, we must not forget our Armed Forces.

Even before there was a United States of America, Gen. George Washington implored and harrangued the Continental Congress to take care of the troops. In going to Ft. Bragg this coming week, the current President named George is walking in Washington's footsteps.

[Wolfstar]

Rebecca Bornemeier, the artist who will get to present her portrait to the President next Wednesday.

The portrait. It's a dramatic, vivid, brilliant work. (Too bad the TV station's logo was superimposed on this photo.)

[Diver Dave]

Two things Navy SEALS are always taught:


1. Keep your priorities in order


2. Know when to act without hesitation


A college professor, an avowed atheist and active in the ACLU, was teaching his class. He shocked several of his students when he flatly stated that for once and for all he was going to prove there was no God.


Addressing the ceiling he shouted:


"GOD, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes!!!!!" The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop.
Five minutes went by.


" I'm waiting God, if you're real knock me off this platform!!!!" Again after 5 minutes, the professor taunted God saying, "Here I am, God!!! I'm still waiting!!!"
His count down got down to the last few minutes when a SEAL, just released from the Navy after serving in Afghanistan and Iraq and newly registered in the class, walked up to the Professor. The SEAL hit him full force in the face, and sent the Professor tumbling from his lofty platform. The Professor was out cold!! The students were stunned and shocked. They began to babble in confusion.


The SEAL nonchalantly took his seat in the front row and sat silent.


The class looked at him and fell silent...waiting. Eventually, the professor came to and was noticeably shaken. He looked at the SEAL in the front row. When the professor regained his senses and could speak he asked:
"What the hell is the matter with you? Why did you do that?"
"God was real busy now, protecting America's soldiers, who are protecting your right to say stupid things and act like an ass. So he sent me!"

ONE NATION UNDER GOD!!!

[luvie]

Woo-hoo--here early for a change! Thanks in advance for your hard work finding awesome pictures!

[LuvyaDubya]

Good afternoon. Tee Ball at the White House tomorrow!

[Wolfstar]

The latest installment of the Dose series, "The man of a thousand faces:"

[snugs]

Hi Wolfstar a good reminder that it is important to let those who matter know that we love them.

[Wolfstar]

The presidential party leaves an interleague baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the Toronto Blue Jays in the seventh inning at RFK Stadium in Washington, June 24, 2005. The Nationals are in first place in their division.

Canadian Ambassador to the United States Frank McKenna (L) smiles as he watches a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the Toronto Blue Jays at RFK Stadium in Washington June 24, 2005. Before the Montreal Expos relocated to Washington last winter to become the Nationals, this interleague game would have pitted the two Canadian franchises against one another.

[luvie]

Wow--that is a powerful portrait! Thanks for showing it! (((hugs))) to you!

[RobFromGa]

great series of pics...

[Wolfstar]

First Lady Laura Bush will travel to Africa following the Group of Eight (G8) summit in Scotland next month.

[snugs]

Toaster winner what do you want?

[Kaslin]

Good afternoon!

[snugs]

Hello we get to talk live at last LOL

[luvie]

Good afternoon, snugs! Are you having a great weekend so far? Mine has been really good, even though I had to work this morning.

[Wolfstar]

President and Mrs. Bush hosted Tee Ball on the South Lawn with the Fort Belvoir Little League Braves of Fort Belvoir, Virginia and the Naval Base Little League Yankees of Norfolk, Virginia, June 23, 2003. This year's White House Tee Ball Commissioner and former Cincinnati Reds Captain, Barry Larkin, discussed Tee Ball on the South Lawn in an online interactive forum. Read the full transcript here.

Here's a few memorable photos from last year's Tee Ball season, starting off with the National Anthem. In the first photo, last year's Commissioner, the great Cal Ripkin, Jr., stands with the President during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner.

The Pledge of Allegiance

A young fan gets something we all wish we could have -- some time with the President.

Enjoying a game last July.

Former Major League pitcher Jim Abbott congratulates a player from the Challenger Phillies from Middletown, Delaware at Tee Ball on the South Lawn at the White House on Sunday July 11, 2004.

A player from the Challenger Phillies from Middletown, Delaware celebrates receiving a baseball from President George W. Bush and Cal Ripken Jr. at Tee Ball on the South Lawn at the White House.

[Theresawithanh]

Ooooh, guess I was first, wasn't paying attention! How about a George and Laura toaster?