Papi Chulo's BLOG

In the News :: Bravo Confirms White House Dinner Crashers "Under Consideration" for Real Housewives of D.C.

Michaele and Tareq Salahi have been the topic of several people's conversations ever since they crashed President Barack Obama's first state dinner.

Last Tuesday, the Salahis snuck into the dinner honoring the prime minister of India. They posted photos of themselves hobnobbing with dignitaries on Mrs. Salahi's Facebook page.

President Obama has ordered a full review of the the Salahi security slip-up after the incident was brought to light Wednesday.

Bravo has since confirmed that Michaele Salahi is currently being considered as a castmate for their D.C. version of the Real Housewives reality television series.

The cast of The Real Housewives of D.C. has not been finalized. Michaele Salahi is under consideration as a cast member, as such Half Yard Productions were filming the Salahis on that day.

So was it all just a publicity stunt so that the couple could get on The Real Housewives of D.C.?

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: President Barack Obama Awarded 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

President Barack Obama was "surprised and deeply humbled" by the decision of the Norwegian Nobel Committee to award him the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. The committee said it honored Obama for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." Obama said he viewed the recognition as more of a "call to action."

Obama had not been mentioned as a front-runner for the prize. A room full of journalists gasped when Thorbjorn Jagland, chairman of the Nobel committee, announced that the president was the winner.

Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population.

Jagland said the decision was "unanimous" and came with ease.

It was just before 6am when the president learned he won the award. The announcement by the committee caught the White House off guard.

~Papi Chulo~

President Barack Obama on The Late Show with David Letterman

President Barack Obama visited CBS' The Late Show with David Letterman last night. He became the first sitting president to visit the late-night talk show. Obama remarked on the issue of race, which was initially brought into the picture by former President Jimmy Carter.

Barack Obama: "First of all, I think it's important to remember that I was actually Black before the election."

David Letterman: "Really!

Barack Obama: "It's true."

David Letterman: "How long have you been a Black man?"

The witty back-and-forth was set off by Letterman asking whether Obama felt some of the more vitriolic reactions to his health care reform had been racially motivated.

Here's the clip:

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: Former President Jimmy Carter Calls Rep. Wilson's Outburst "Based on Racism"

Former President Jimmy Carter said that the recently rebuked Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst during President Barack Obama's joint address to Congress was "based on racism" and rooted in fears of a Black president.

Jimmy Carter: "I think it's based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. Those kind of things are not just casual outcomes of a sincere debate on whether we should have a national program on health care. It's deeper than that."

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: Rep. Joe Wilson Rebuked

The House of Representatives voted Tuesday to rebuke Rep. Joe Wilson for shouting "You lie" at President Barack Obama during last week's joint address to Congress.

The rare resolution of disapproval against Wilson was pushed through the House by Democrats insisting that the Republican South Carolinian had violated the basic rules of decorum and civility with his outburst. Republicans said the vote was just a political "witch hunt" and a waste of time and taxpayers' money.

The final vote tally was 240-179. It was 233 Democrats and seven Republicans voting to rebuke Wilson, while 167 Republicans and 12 Democrats opposed the measure and five Democrats merely voted "present."

~Papi Chulo~

Countdown with Keith Olbermann Special Comment :: Rep. Joe Wilson's Factual Failure Worse Than His Incivility

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: Congressman Joe Wilson Yells, "You Lie!" During President Obama's Address to Congress

During the section of President Barack Obama's address to Congress on health care reform that refuted several of the conservative fringe's scare tactics, South Carolina Republican congressman Joe Wilson yelled, "You lie!"

The heckling occurred after President Obama said that the health care reform would not include coverage for illegal immigrants. FactCheck.org has already debunked conservative's claims that health care reform would include coverage for illegal immigrants.

Earlier today, Wilson apologized for the outburst. President Obama has accepted the apology.

Here's the clip:

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: President Barack Obama Addresses Congress on Health Care Reform

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: President Barack Obama Eulogizes Senator Ted Kennedy

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: Senator Ted Kennedy Passes Away

Senator Ted Kennedy passed away shortly before midnight Tuesday at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts after battling brain cancer. He was 77.

Kennedy was diagnosed in May 2008 with a malignant brain tumor.

Here is a statement from the Kennedy family:

Edward M. Kennedy - the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply - died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port. We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it's hard to imagine any of them without him.

President Barack Obama issued the following statement:

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.

For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.

I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time.

And the Kennedy family has lost their patriarch, a tower of strength and support through good times and bad.

Our hearts and prayers go out to them today--to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.

Here is Kennedy's speech from the 2008 Democratic National Convention, where he was introduced by niece Caroline Kennedy:

Ted Kennedy: "This is the cause of my life. It is a key reason that I defied my illness last summer to speak at the Democratic convention in Denver--to support Barack Obama, but also to make sure, as I said, 'that we will break the old gridlock and guarantee that every American...will have decent, quality health care as a fundamental right and not just a privilege.' For four decades I have carried this cause--from the floor of the United States Senate to every part of this country. It has never been merely a question of policy; it goes to the heart of my belief in a just society. Now the issue has more meaning for me--and more urgency--than ever before. But it's always been deeply personal, because the importance of health care has been a recurrent lesson throughout most of my 77 years."

May he rest in peace ...

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: Barney Frank Slams Anti-Health Care Reform Nut

Rep. Barney Frank received a question at a town hall meeting in Dartmouth, MA Tuesday night from a woman holding up a sign that showed President Barack Obama altered to look like Adolph Hitler.

She asked: "My question to you is, why do you continue to support a Nazi policy?"

Frank's terse response was met with applause by the rest of those in attendance. He did what other congressmen and women have failed to do. He failed to acknowledge the lunatic fringe on the right that craves derailment of health care reform.

Barney Frank: "On what planet do you spend most of your time? ... You stand there with a picture of the president defaced to look like Hitler and compare the effort to increase health care to the Nazis. ... Trying to have a conversation with you would be like trying to argue with a dining room table. I have no interest in doing it."

Here's the clip ...

H/T: Rod 2.0:Beta

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: President Barack Obama Shares Birthday Cupcakes

Happy Birthday Mr. President!

President Barack Obama turned 48 yesterday and he brought out cupcakes for a White House correspondent who happens to share the same birthday ...

Obama stepped into the briefing room unannounced with a plate of cupcakes for veteran journalist Helen Thomas ... Thomas turned 89 yesterday ...

He led the room of reporters in a chorus of "Happy Birthday" and posed for a photo with Helen ...

Here's the clip ...

~Papi Chulo~

Barack Obama Asked to Defend His Jeans

President Barack Obama has been politely picked on for wearing "less-than-flattering" jeans while throwing out the first pitch at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game last week ...

NBC's Today show host Meredith Vieira asked him if he wanted to defend the pants ...

Barack Obama: "No. Here's my attitude. Michelle, she looks fabulous. I am a little frumpy. I hate to shop. Those jeans are comfortable, and for those of you who want your president to look great in his tight jeans, I'm sorry, I'm not that guy."

~Papi Chulo~

SAY WHAT?!? :: "Affirmative Action Is To Increase Diversity By Discriminating Against White Males"

Republican MSNBC contributor Pat Buchanan argues on The Rachel Maddow Show that Supreme Court appointee Sonia Sotomayor was only nominated to be a justice because of her race ...

This discussion turns into an angry white male tirade starting at the 6:28 mark when Buchanan makes the statement: "Affirmative action is to increase diversity by discriminating against white males" ...

Here's the clip ...

~Papi Chulo~

Channing Tatum Covers GQ

Channing Tatum graces the August cover of GQ ...

Channing landed the cover to help promote G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra ...

Channing Tatum: "I hope it does OK."

Co-star Sienna Miller chimes in with some words of encouragement(?) ...

Sienna Miller: "You know, G.I. Joe, it's not going to be the best acting work we've ever done.

Channing Tatum takes writer Lisa DePaulo to his Uncle Bruce's home in Alabama ... Apparently there you have to choose between liking horses or liking Obama ... That's something the Chan man refuses to do ...

Channing Tatum: "I don't care. If they don't like me because I voted for Obama, then fuck them. I like horses and I like Obama. Nothin' wrong with that."

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra arrives in theaters on August 7, 2009 ...

~Papi Chulo~

President Obama's Left-Handed Pitch

President Barack Obama took the mound at last night's 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star game to toss out the ceremonial first pitch ...

President Obama got the ball cleanly over the plate ...

~Papi Chulo~

The Hall of Presidents Re-Opens at the Walt Disney World Resort

After closing nine months ago to undergo an in-depth refurbishment ... The Hall of Presidents in the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida officially reopens today ...

The Hall of Presidents brings together masterful storytelling, powerful imagery and cutting edge technology to draw theme park visitors in and entertain while educating ...

The first obvious change in the attraction is that the building received new signage outside the attraction ... as well as an updated name "The Hall of Presidents – A Celebration of Liberty's Leaders" ...

Once you enter the building, the pre-show area features new Presidential portraits and memorabilia ... It also features for the first time an area devoted to a display of First Lady dresses ... Currently there are dresses from Edith Roosevelt, Elizabeth Monroe and Nancy Reagan ...

The attraction's opening film is digitally projected and is narrated by actor Morgan Freeman ... The opening film showcases the presidents more this time around (rather than focusing on America's history) ...

After the first part of the film ... a spotlight shines on Abraham Lincoln sitting in a chair ... Lincoln rises and gives the Gettysburg Address ... Lincoln sits back down and the film and narrative continues with a focus on the struggles that all Presidents face ...

The curtain rises and all of the Presidents come into view ... The are introduced to the audience one at a time in the order of their presidency ...

Once the intros are over ... George Washington stands and addresses the audience ... This is the first time Washington has spoken in the attraction's history ... Washington reminds the audience of the importance of a sacred oath each President must take and uphold ...

Washington introduces President Barack Obama who repeats the Oath of Office and then gives a short speech which was written specifically for the attraction ...

Annual passholders were given a preview of the attraction this week ... and yesterday 1,000 immigrants were sworn in in front of Cinderella Castle and given a special preview of the attraction ...

Here is a clip from the naturalization ceremony ...

Here is a clip of President Obama recording his speech for the attraction ...

Here is a behind-the-scenes clip showcasing the President Barack Obama Audio-Animatronic ...

The Hall of Presidents runs continuously during park hours ...

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: Jackson News Coverage; Celebrities React; Who Will Get Custody?

Last night special network news coverage of Michael Jackson's death topped the ratings ... 19.2 million viewers turned in to watch the three broadcast network hours devoted to Jackson news coverage ...

Even David Letterman and Conan O'Brien were tossed to the side in favor of Nightline's special on the entertainer (5.3 million viewers) ...

Celebrities have made public statements on the death of the King of Pop ...

Diana Ross: "I can't stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family."

Ross starred with Jackson in The Wiz ...

Whitney Houston: [It is] hard to express in words [what Micheal means to me]. He was my friend. He was one of the reasons I got into the music business. He inspired me. He taught me. He laughed with me. He paved the way for African American artists to be played on MTV which was huge. My heart is full of grief for his family and his children and I pray that they take solace in the incredible legacy of his music and art."

Smokey Robinson: "[It is] always hard to lose a friend. I will miss Michael and all that he brought to the world through his music and his creative genius. I know his legend will live on and the world will miss him dearly."

President Barack Obama issued a statement through Press Secretary Robert Gibbs ...

Robert Gibbs: "Obviously Michael Jackson was a spectacular performer, a music icon. I think everybody remembers hearing his songs and watching him moonwalk on television during Motown's 25th anniversary. But the president also said he had aspects of his life that were sad and tragic. His condolences went out to the Jackson family and fans that mourn his loss."

Mariah Carey: "My prayers go out to the Jackson family, and my heart goes out to his children. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world, and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world."

Mary J. Blige: "One of my Angels has gone home. Michael, your love and greatness will live forever through me. I miss you and love you forever and ever. I'm so hurt and saddened."

Elizabeth Taylor: "My hear ... my mind ... are broken. I loved Michael with all my soul and I can't imagine life without him. We had so much in common and we had such loving fun together. I was packing up my clothes to go to London for his opening when I heard the news. I still can't believe it. I don't want to believe it. It can't be so. He will live in my heart forever but it's not enough. My life feels so empty. I don't think anyone knew how much we loved each other. The purest most giving love I've ever known. Oh God! I'm going to miss him. I can't yet imagine life with out him. But I guess with God's help... I'll learn. I keep looking at the photo he gave me of himself, which says, 'To my true love Elizabeth, I love you forever.' And, I will love him forever."

Slash (Former Guns N Roses guitarist): "[Michael Jackson was] one of the most talented & dynamic performer/singer/songwriters [I've ever had the pleasure of working with]. Unfortunately, the controversy surrounding his personal life in recent years overshadowed his unparalleled contributions to the music world, which is a tragedy in as of itself. But, his music will live on forever no matter what and his memory will be adored and admired for years to come."

Paul McCartney: "I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones. I send my deepest sympathy to his mother and the whole family and to his countless fans all around the world."

Chris Brown: "Michael Jackson is the reason why I do music and why I am an entertainer. I am devastated by this great loss, and I will continue to be humbled and inspired by his legacy. My prayers are with his family. Michael will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. He's the greatest ... the best ever. No one will ever be better."

Janet Jackson arrived via private plane at Van Nuys Airport this morning ...

Kenneth Crear (Janet's manager): "Janet Jackson is grief-stricken and devastated at the sudden loss of her brother. She is in preproduction on a film and is flying immediately to California to be with her family."

The film Crear mentioned is the sequel to Tyler Perry's hit Why Did I Get Married? ... Janet reprises her role of relationship counselor Patricia in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too ... The film hits theaters on April 2, 2010 ...

But what of Michael's three children? What will happen to them?

As of right now Jackson family matriarch Katherine is taking care of Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and Prince Michael II, age 7 ... Debbie Rowe is the biological mother of the two older children ... The name of Prince Michael II's mother was never released ...

Brian Oxman (Jackson Family attorney): "Probably Mrs. Jackson will take care of them, she loves them dearly."

~Papi Chulo~

SAY WHAT?!? :: Ashley Tisdale Gives Real Lap Dance to Fake Obama

High School Musical's Ashley Tisdale gave a Barack Obama impersonator a personal lap dance on a non-U.S. TV appearance ...

Here is the clip ...

~Papi Chulo~

In the News :: Obama Nominates Sotomayor for Supreme Court

President Barack Obama has nominated federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court today ... Sotomayor is the first Latino in history to be selected for the Supreme Court ...

If confirmed by the Senate ... Sotomayor would succeed retiring Justice David Souter ...

Obama called her "an inspiring woman" who has both the intellect and compassion to interpret the Constitution wisely ...

~Papi Chulo~