Joey Chestnut Wins Hot Dog Eating Contest (Video)

It's official.

Joey Chestnut is a one-man dynasty in the sport of competitive eating.

From ESPN:

It was close for a few minutes, and then "Jaws" pulled away.

Joey Chestnut ate 62 hot dogs Monday to capture his fifth title in a row in Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.

"Winning tastes pretty good. I feel great," Chestnut said. "It was hot out here but that didn't really affect me."

After an event in Washington, D.C., in a day or so, the 27-year-old Chestnut will head back to his normal life as a construction engineer in San Jose, Calif.

"My girlfriend didn't even make the trip out here to Coney Island," Chestnut said. "She just told me to come back in one piece."

...With no Takeru Kobayashi -- dealing with a contract dispute -- and no real formidable foes, Chestnut will continue to win anytime he enters the contest, which celebrated its 96th year Monday. His total of 62 compares well to previous years -- 2010 (54), 2009 (world-record 68), 2008 (59) and 2007 (66) -- but he doesn't have anyone pushing him to a new mark.

"Listen, I'm getting paid to eat," said Chestnut, who won $10,000 for Monday's title. "It's not too bad of a life."

And barring injury or illness, Chestnut will be back next year. Before then, he might try some contests on his bucket list.

"I've never done oysters or hard-boiled eggs," Chestnut said. "I remember as a kid watching that movie -- 'Cool Hand Luke' -- with my grandfather. You remember that famous scene? That's what I want to try."

...Also Monday, in the first-ever women's battle, Sonya "Black Widow" Thomas beat 2009 Rookie of the Year Juliet Lee and Stephanie Torres by eating 40 hot dogs, one short of her record. Lee and Torres each ate 29. Lee grabbed a six hot dog lead at the midpoint until Thomas stormed back.

July 4th, Afghanistan

God bless our troops, defenders of freedom.

Happy Fourth of July!

On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote a prophetic letter to his wife Abigail. It foretold the significance of Independence Day.

He wrote:

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by Solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfire and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

The second president of the United States was right.

235 years later, it is a day of celebration, a great anniversary.

I feel so, so blessed to be an American, to be a member of the "succeeding generations" that inherited independence.

Adams wrote to Abigail that he understood how high the price of liberty would be, but that didn't discourage him.

"You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. - I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. - Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."

I'm so grateful to all those who fought for my freedom -- the American patriots of over two hundred years ago, throughout our history, and today.



I love my country.

I cherish my freedom.

Happy Fourth of July!

God Bless America.

4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)

'America' - Glen Shulfer

Remember Glen Shulfer's song, "Union Man"?

Here's another song from Glen, "America." It's particularly fitting as we approach the Fourth of July, the celebration of the founding our great nation.

Glen writes, "It pays tribute to our troops, American values and the spirit of America."

Watch the video of this terrific, patriotic song.

Happy Father's Day

Obama, Second Job: Assistant Basketball Coach

Obama is focused like a laser on creating jobs and putting people to work.

He vows to Americans that he "will not rest" until he solves a myriad of problems, including the economy, health care, and the environment.

Oops! It looks like he's doing some resting.



There's no question that Obama's laser-like focus is inadequate. He is failing at getting Americans working again.

Nonetheless, according to the Associated Press, Obama has taken on a second job.

US President Barack Obama said Saturday ahead of Father's Day that he has taken on a second job: as assistant coach for his daughter Sasha's basketball team.

"On Sundays, we'd get the team together to practice, and a couple of times, I'd help coach the games," Obama noted for the first time, in his weekly radio and Internet address which this week marked Father's Day.

"It was a lot of fun -- even if Sasha rolled her eyes when her dad voiced his displeasure with the (referees)," Obama said.

"I was hopeful that in the years to come, she'd look back on experiences like these as the ones that helped define her as a person -- and as a parent herself."

Of course, being an assistant basketball coach is a volunteer thing. It's not a "second job."

And it's good for a father to be involved in his children's lives; but this claim of Obama having an "assistant basketball coach" gig is a joke.

He's making the important point that fathers play a critical role in raising their kids. It's good for Obama to use his weekly address to highlight the significance of fathers.

But let's not pretend that Obama is really an assistant basketball coach, unless "assistant" means nothing more than being a volunteer helper now and then.

Here's the transcript of Obama's "second job" remarks:

[M]y administration has offered men who want to be good fathers a little extra support. We’ve boosted community and faith-based groups focused on fatherhood, partnered with businesses to offer opportunities for fathers to spend time with their kids at the bowling alley or ballpark, and worked with military chaplains to help deployed dads connect with their children.

We’re doing this because we all have a stake in forging stronger bonds between fathers and their children. And you can find out more about some of what we’re doing at Fatherhood.gov.

But we also know that every father has a personal responsibility to do right by our kids as well. All of us can encourage our children to turn off the video games and pick up a book. All of us can pack a healthy lunch for our son, or go outside and play ball with our daughter. And all of us can teach our children the difference between right and wrong, and show them through our own example the value in treating one another as we wish to be treated.

Our kids are pretty smart. They understand that life won’t always be perfect, that sometimes, the road gets rough, that even great parents don’t get everything right.

But more than anything, they just want us to be a part of their lives.

So recently, I took on a second job: assistant coach for Sasha’s basketball team. On Sundays, we’d get the team together to practice, and a couple of times, I’d help coach the games. It was a lot of fun – even if Sasha rolled her eyes when her dad voiced his displeasure with the refs.

But I was so proud watching her run up and down the court, seeing her learn and improve and gain confidence. And I was hopeful that in the years to come, she’d look back on experiences like these as the ones that helped define her as a person – and as a parent herself.

Obama admits he helped coach "a couple of times."

Note to the Associated Press and Obama: That's not a "second job."

(If Obama wanted to see his kids more, maybe he should golf with them. He's chalked up hundreds of hours on golf courses since he became president.)

It's a poor choice of words, "second job," with so many parents unemployed or underemployed in this mess of an economy.

Moreover, parents who really do volunteer to coach sports devote countless hours to their kids' teams. It's a tremendous commitment of time and effort. As rewarding as it is, it can also be a tremendous headache.

Thank you to the dads, and moms, willing to take on the often thankless role of coaching sports or being Scout leaders.

They aren't "honorary" or "temporary" leaders. They're in the trenches helping kids for the long haul, not just "a couple of times."

Bottom line: First, I don't expect Obama to serve as a real coach. He's the president. He couldn't possibly have the time it requires. I wish he wouldn't claim to have that "second job."

Second, It's good for Obama to encourage fathers to be actively involved with their children's activities.

Third, it would be most helpful if Obama could put in place policies that would give fathers the opportunity to work and provide for their children. A strong economy should be Obama's goal if he wants to have a positive impact on families across the country.


Video of Obama's address:

Obama: Father's Day Proclamation

Obama issued a Father's Day proclamation:

Parenthood is the ultimate gift and an incredible responsibility. Every day, fathers across our country give everything they have to build a better future for their family, asking nothing in return but their children's love and success. On Father's Day, we honor the men in our lives who have helped shape us for the good, and we recommit to supporting fatherhood in our families, in our communities, and across our Nation.

Fathers, along with our mothers, are our first teachers, coaches, and advisors. They help us grow into adults, consoling us in times of need and celebrating with us in times of triumph. Strong male role models come in all forms, but they have one thing in common: they show up and give it their best. A father figure may be a biological father, or he may be a surrogate father who raises, mentors, or cares for another's child. Every family is different, but what matters is the unconditional support, guidance, and love fathers and mentors give us throughout life.

Today, too many children in our country grow up without such support and guidance. A father's absence is felt by children, families, and communities in countless ways, leaving a hole that can have lasting effects. Their absence is also felt by mothers, who work overtime and double shifts, put food on the table, and care for children alone while trying to make ends meet. And it is felt in our communities, when boys grow up without male leaders to inspire them.

My Administration has made supporting fathers and their communities a priority. Last year on Father's Day, I announced the President's Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative, a nationwide effort to support organizations that foster responsible fatherhood and help re-engage fathers in the lives of their children. We have bolstered community and faith-based programs that provide valuable support networks for fathers. We are also promoting work-life balances that benefit families, and partnering with businesses across America to create opportunities for fathers and their children to spend time together. And military leaders are joining in our efforts to help families keep in touch when a dad is deployed overseas, so the fathers who serve to protect all our children can stay connected to their own.

On Father's Day, we celebrate the men who make a difference in the life of a child, and we pay tribute to all the fathers who have been our guiding lights. In the days ahead, we recommit ourselves to making fatherhood, and the support men need to be fathers, a priority in our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, in accordance with a joint resolution of the Congress approved April 24, 1972, as amended (36 U.S.C. 109), do hereby proclaim June 19, 2011, as Father's Day. I direct the appropriate officials of the Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on this day, and I call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

Father's Day merits a presidential proclamation, but Easter did not even warrant a statement from Obama.

It was certainly a weird omission.

Obama Golfs on Memorial Day - AGAIN!

The White House wants people on Twitter to see this photo of Obama placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery.

Where's the photo of wartime president Obama GOLFING on Memorial Day?

The White House isn't tweeting about that one.

Afghanistan: Memorial Day

Obama: Memorial Day, Wreath (Video)

Here's video of Obama acting like the president of the United States on Memorial Day 2011-

He went to Arlington, Virginia to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

"Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay, but we can honor their sacrifice," Obama said at a Memorial Day service at the cemetery. "And we must."

What's next on Obama's schedule for today?

Four hours on the golf course, like in 2009, his first Memorial Day as president?

His schedule is wide open this year.



I'm guessing this wartime president will be spending the afternoon golfing.
_______________

UPDATE: Obama does it again!

Memorial Day on the golf course.

A president during wartime on the golf course?

This really bugs me.

Memorial Day 2011 - National Moment of Remembrance

Observe Memorial Day by taking part in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM.

Who: All Americans

What: The National Moment of Remembrance

When: Monday, May 30, 2011, 3 p.m. local time

Where: Wherever you are

Why: There are too many Americans who do not have a sense of our history or understanding of our proud heritage and all those who gave their lives to protect our precious freedoms. That is why we must continue to remind them of those whom they must remember – and why.

How: Stop for a moment and observe the “Moment” in your own way. It can be a simple gesture such as, placing your hand over your heart, bowing your head, or offering a prayer, and making the following promise: “I promise to make myself, my community, my country, and the world better in memory of America’s fallen.” It puts your remembrance into action.

Background: In 1996, Carmella LaSpada, founder of the organization No Greater Love, met a group of school children touring Washington, D.C. She asked them what Memorial Day meant to them and they responded, “that’s the day the pools open.” This unknowing response made her determined that those who died for our country and our freedom should never be forgotten and lead to the creation of the National Moment of Remembrance.

A Gallop Poll revealed that only 28% of Americans knew the true meaning of Memorial Day. In 2000, No Greater Love asked Congress to officially establish the National Moment of Remembrance.

We must ensure that the sacrifices of the dead of all our wars, and conflicts, and the thousands of those who have died from emotional wounds and training accidents are acknowledged.

Mother's Day: Presidential Proclamation

On Sunday, the White House tweeted a link to Obama's presidential proclamation for Mother's Day.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION

As our society has changed, so have the challenges facing women raising families. Many American women are raising children at home while caring for an elderly parent, holding down two jobs, serving as the sole parent in a family, or defending our country overseas as a service member. Our Nation's mothers not only look after our needs and teach us to be compassionate and responsible, but also manage households, build careers, and improve our neighborhoods and communities. While the roles and responsibilities of mothers have evolved, their guidance and care remains as strong and constant as ever.

On Mother's Day, we celebrate the extraordinary importance of mothers in our lives. The bond of love and dedication a mother shares with her children and family is without bounds or conditions. Whether an adoptive mom or grandmother, mother or partner, the women who raise us show us that no hurdle is too high, and no dream is beyond our reach. As sons and daughters, we show our gratitude for the women in our lives who care for us, shape our values, and set us on the path to a limitless future.

Throughout our history, mothers have made remarkable sacrifices for the well-being of their loved ones. Nearly a century ago, Anna Jarvis, who had suffered the loss of her beloved mother, campaigned with many other Americans to make Mother's Day a recognized holiday and pay respect to all women raising children. Today, we continue to celebrate the influence, love, and nurturing our mothers provide in our lives and in our national life.

To support the parents who are raising tomorrow's leaders, my Administration is committed to doing all we can to create jobs and economic opportunities for families across America. We are striving to help mothers in the workplace by enforcing equal pay laws and addressing workplace flexibility as families balance the demands of work, child and elder care, and education. My budget strengthens the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help families afford the cost of quality childcare. The tax-cut package we passed last December extended expansions of the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, providing a tax cut for 15.7 million families with about 29.1 million children. The Affordable Care Act gives women more access to health care and better resources to protect the health of their families by requiring new insurance plans to cover wellness benefits for children, ending the exclusion of pre-existing conditions by insurance companies, and extending parents' health coverage for young adults up to age 26. First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" initiative is also providing mothers with helpful tools to support their children's healthy growth.

Mothers are the rocks of our families and a foundation in our communities. In gratitude for their generous love, patient counsel, and lifelong support, let us pay respect to the women who carry out the hard work of motherhood with skill and grace, and let us remember those mothers who, though no longer with us, inspire us still.

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 8, 1914, (38 Stat. 770), has designated the second Sunday in May each year as "Mother's Day" and requested the President to call for its appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2011, as Mother's Day. I urge all Americans to express their love, respect, and gratitude to mothers everywhere, and I call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

That's nice - a Mother's Day proclamation.

Too bad Obama didn't see fit to make a presidential proclamation for Easter.

Why Mother's Day but not Easter?

I hope someone asks Jay Carney to explain.

Happy Mother's Day

White House Gives Kids Eggs and Debt

Here's how the "Headlines" segment began on Monday's Tonight Show with Jay Leno:

White House Gives Eggs to Children, Huge Debt to Grandchildren

That's more sad than funny.

Hope and change?

A better slogan for Obama would be "Screwing America's Future Generations."

White House: No Easter Proclamation

Another screw-up by the Obama administration:

President Obama failed to release a statement or a proclamation recognizing the national observance of Easter Sunday, Christianity's most sacred holiday.

By comparison, the White House has released statements recognizing the observance of major Muslim holidays and released statements in 2010 on Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, Hajj, and Eid-ul-Adha.

The White House also failed to release a statement marking Good Friday. However, they did release an eight-paragraph statement heralding Earth Day. Likewise, the president's weekend address mentioned neither Good Friday or Easter.

...In 2010, Obama was criticized for releasing an all-inclusive Easter greeting. He reached out to Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and people of no faith at all in a statement about a holiday that is uniquely Christian.

"All of us are striving to make a way in this world; to build a purposeful and fulfilling life in the fleeting time we have here," Obama said in his 2010 "Easter" message. "A dignified life. A healthy life. A life, true to its potential. And a life that serves other." "These are aspirations that stretch back through the ages – aspirations at the heart of Judaism, at the heart of Christianity, at the heart of all the world’s great religions," the president added.

When the White House released statements about Muslim holidays, no attempts were made to include Christianity or to mention a spirit of inclusivity. For example, in his 2010 statement on Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha, Obama made no references to Christianity or any other religion.

By contrast, former President Bush traditionally included Scripture passages in his Easter messages and made a point to explain what Easter is about. Like Obama, though, he did not release statements marking Good Friday.

In 2007, he said, “The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event of the Christian faith.” “On this powerful day, let us join together and give thanks to the Almighty for the glory of His grace,” he added.

In his 2008 Easter message, President Bush said: “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ reminds people around the world of the presence of a faithful God who offers a love more powerful than death. Easter commemorates our Savior's triumph over sin, and we take joy in spending this special time with family and friends and reflecting on the many blessings that fill our lives. During this season of renewal, let us come together and give thanks to the Almighty who made us in His image and redeemed us in His love.”

Why didn't Obama notice the failure to issue an Easter statement or proclamation?

Wouldn't you think Team Obama would be falling all over themselves to assert his Christianity?

On a related note:

Statement by the President on the Occasion of Ramadan

Statement by the President on Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha

Statement by the President on the Occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr

Here's video, from Weasel Zippers, of White House press secretary Jay Carney addressing the issue:



Transcript, White House:

Q: Thanks, Jay. Just a quick question. You guys traditionally put out statements or proclamations on various religious holidays and I don’t think I saw one from the President on Easter yesterday and was just wondering if there’s any reason one didn’t go out.

MR. CARNEY: You know, the President went to the church yesterday; it was well covered. I’m not sure if we put out a statement or not, but he obviously personally celebrated Easter with his family and went to church to celebrate that. And -- *

Q: Wait a minute. The highest Christian holiday and you don’t know if he put out a statement?

Q: Jay, come on. (Laughter.)

MR. CARNEY: I’m glad you’re asking these key important questions, guys. The fact is, the President took his family to church in a very high-profile way to celebrate Easter. I think it was highly visible to most Americans. And he -- as a devoted Christian, he believes it’s a very important holiday for him personally, for his family and for Christians around the country.

Carney's answer was such a disaster that the White House amended the transcript. It needed an asterisk.

This is at the top of the transcript:

See below for an answer to a question (marked with an asterisk) posed in the briefing that required follow up.

*Last Tuesday, the President delivered remarks about Easter at an Easter breakfast he hosted in the East Room. The transcript of the President’s remarks can be found HERE.

What's funny about this is there's no link to "HERE," nothing to click as of 7:45 PM CDT.

Come on, White House. Get your act together.
_________________

UPDATE, April 26, 2011: Transcript asterisk link now works. "HERE."

Good job, White House crack staff. Terrific work.

HAPPY EASTER

Mt 28:1-10

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
And behold, there was a great earthquake;
for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven,
approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.
His appearance was like lightning
and his clothing was white as snow.
The guards were shaken with fear of him
and became like dead men.
Then the angel said to the women in reply,
“Do not be afraid!
I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.
He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.
Come and see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples,
‘He has been raised from the dead,
and he is going before you to Galilee;
there you will see him.’
Behold, I have told you.”
Then they went away quickly from the tomb,
fearful yet overjoyed,
and ran to announce this to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.
They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.
Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee,
and there they will see me.”

Obama and the Resurrection

Obama hosted an Easter Prayer Breakfast at the White House on Monday.

Video of his remarks:



Transcript, White House:

8:39 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Thank you. Please, please have a seat.

Well, it is absolutely wonderful to be here with all of you today. I see so many good friends all around the room.

Before I begin, I want to acknowledge one particular member of my administration who I’m extraordinarily proud of and does not get much credit, and that is USAID Administrator, Dr. Raj Shah, who is doing great work with faith leaders. (Applause.) Where’s Raj? Where is he? There he is right there. Raj is doing great work with faith leaders on our Feed the Future global hunger program, as well as on a host of other issues. We could not be prouder of the work that he’s doing. I also want to acknowledge Congressman Mike McIntyre and his wife, Dee. (Applause.) Mike -- as some of you know, obviously, North Carolina was ravaged by storms this past weekend, and our thoughts and prayers are with all the families who have been affected down there. I know that Mike will be helping those communities rebuild after the devastation.

To all the faith leaders and the distinguished guests that are here today, welcome to our second annual -- I’m going to make it annual, why not? (Laughter and applause.) Our second Easter Prayer Breakfast. The Easter Egg Roll, that’s well established. (Laughter.) The Prayer Breakfast we started last year, in part because it gave me a good excuse to bring together people who have been such extraordinary influences in my life and such great friends. And it gives me a chance to meet and make some new friends here in the White House.

I wanted to host this breakfast for a simple reason -– because as busy as we are, as many tasks as pile up, during this season, we are reminded that there’s something about the resurrection -- something about the resurrection of our savior, Jesus Christ, that puts everything else in perspective.

We all live in the hustle and bustle of our work. And everybody in this room has weighty responsibilities, from leading churches and denominations, to helping to administer important government programs, to shaping our culture in various ways. And I admit that my plate has been full as well. (Laughter.) The inbox keeps on accumulating. (Laughter.)

But then comes Holy Week. The triumph of Palm Sunday. The humility of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. His slow march up that hill, and the pain and the scorn and the shame of the cross.

And we’re reminded that in that moment, he took on the sins of the world -- past, present and future -- and he extended to us that unfathomable gift of grace and salvation through his death and resurrection.

In the words of the book Isaiah: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

This magnificent grace, this expansive grace, this “Amazing Grace” calls me to reflect. And it calls me to pray. It calls me to ask God for forgiveness for the times that I’ve not shown grace to others, those times that I’ve fallen short. It calls me to praise God for the gift of our son -- his Son and our Savior.

And that’s why we have this breakfast. Because in the middle of critical national debates, in the middle of our busy lives, we must always make sure that we are keeping things in perspective. Children help do that. (Laughter.) A strong spouse helps do that. But nothing beats scripture and the reminder of the eternal.

So I’m honored that all of you have come here this Holy Week to join me in a spirit of prayer, and I pray that our time here this morning will strengthen us, both individually as believers and as Americans. And with that, let me introduce my good friend, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, for our opening prayer. (Applause.)

END
8:45 A.M. EDT

Peeps: Art and Literature

Peeps go highbrow.

Miss Cellania has compiled scenes and dioramas from art and literature, starring those delightfully sweet marshmallow treats - Peeps.

A few examples:



These Peeps are posing for the work American Gothic by Grant Wood.



Night Hops by horselover5 recreates Edward Hopper’s 1942 painting Nighthawks.



Beware the Ides of Marshmallow by Suzanne Belles recreates a scene from William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar.



This work of art bring “two iconic chicks” together in Andy Warhol’s Marilyn. Diorama by Kelly Baas.

View more Peeps creations inspired by art and literature here.

Need more?

Check out the Washington Post's Peeps Show V.

Obama: Easter Egg