Hello everyone.
Tons of stuff under the cut.
Enjoy.
New jobless claims dropped more than expected
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WASHINGTON - The number of newly laid-off workers seeking unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week to the lowest total in a month, a hopeful sign the job market may be improving.
The Labor Department said that first-time claims for unemployment insurance dropped by 43,000 to a seasonally adjusted 440,000. Wall Street economists expected a smaller decline of 15,000, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters...
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WH forecasts addition of an average of 95,000 jobs per month in 2010
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This morning the White House released the Economic Report of the President. At 458 pages, it is one of the longest ERPs ever published, reflecting the severe recession the president inherited as well as the administration?s efforts to address the economic crisis. The report says the administration forecasts the economy will add an average of 95,000 jobs per month in 2010. The theme of the report is "rescuing, rebalancing, and rebuilding the American economy." The report also offers 100 pages of statistics and makes the administration's case for health care and financial services reform as well as for the president's export initiative.
You can see the entire report in PDFs here. And detailed briefing by Christina Romer here.
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Council of Economic Advisers Chair Christina Romer and Cecelia Rouse, a member of the Council of Economic Advisers, watch as President Barack Obama signs the Economic Report of the President in the Oval Office, Feb. 11, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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Obama’s Terrorism poll numbers rise AFTER the failed Christmas attack and DESPITE the failed Republicans attacks:
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According to the new Washington Post/ABC Poll Obama’s approval rating on handling the threat of terrorism: he gets a 56 percent approval rating, up from 53 percent on November 15, before the attempted attack on the Northwest Airlines flight 253. That’s a three-point increase in approval after a month’s worth of sustained Republican attacks on Obama charging would-be bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab in federal court and reading him his Miranda rights...
...So look at what the last month has shown. Substantively, it’s proven that treating terrorist suspects humanely in criminal courts can be leveraged to reap valuable intelligence, refuting a central aspect of the conservative security liturgy. And politically, it’s proven that the public is resistant to empty demagoguery from the party that mired the country in unnecessary wars at the expense of necessary ones.
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Gallup: Global Perceptions of U.S. Leadership Improved By 17% in 2009
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A new Gallup survey finds that perceptions of American leadership worldwide improved significantly, from 34% in 2008 to 51% approval in 2009.
Significant improvements in sentiment toward U.S. leadership are evident in all four major global regions, with the largest year-over-year increase in approval measured in Europe.
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You can see more, including an interactive map, here.
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Obama to meet Dalai Lama at White House on February 18
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WASHINGTON — US President Barack Obama risked angering China by announcing Thursday a meeting next week with the Dalai Lama, just as he needs Beijing's cooperation to pressure Iran over its nuclear ambitions.
Despite Chinese objections, Obama will meet the exiled Tibetan leader in the Map Room at the White House next Thursday, the president's spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters.
"The Dalai Lama is an internationally respected religious leader. He's a spokesman for Tibetan rights. The president looks forward to an engaging and constructive meeting," Gibbs said.
Despite political pressure at home, Obama avoided meeting the Dalai Lama when the Buddhist monk was in Washington last year, in an apparent bid to set relations off on a good foot with Beijing early in his presidency.
Obama, however, told Chinese leaders during his trip to Beijing in November that he planned to meet with the Dalai Lama, who is widely respected in the United States but branded a separatist by Beijing...
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President Obama is joined by First Lady Michelle Obama and Cabinet members as he signs a Memorandum on Childhood Obesity that establishes a task force headed by the First Lady to encourage children to exercise more and adopt healthier eating habits.
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A short teaser for the quite amazing "Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement" show, featuring a dazzling line-up of stars, that will be broadcast fully tonight on PBS (Yes, it's the "Singing President" towards the end).
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The White House under amazing snow blanket:
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Bo, the Swingset and one of the most gorgeous pictures you'll ever see. All from the brilliance of Pete Souza:
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First Lady Michelle Obama hugs student Tammy Nguyen in the Red Room of the White House before an event announcing a campaign to combat the rapidly growing problem of childhood obesity while Tiki Barber checks his notes before they take the stage, Feb. 9, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)
President Obama looks out over the snow covered Rose Garden from the Oval Office, February 10, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama makes a statement in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, January 9, 2010. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)
President Barack Obama holds a child of a supporter after speaking at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting in Washington, D.C., Feb. 6, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama poses for a picture while holding up a jersey given to him by members of the Little League World Championship team from Chula Vista, Calif., in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 5, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama greets attendees after making remarks in Washington, D.C., Feb. 4, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
President Barack Obama signs pictures and other items in a holding room before making remarks in Washington, D.C., Feb. 4, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
President Barack Obama walks with Vice President Joe Biden along the Colonnade, Feb. 3, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama leans on the back of personal aide Reggie Love to sign a note after a town hall meeting at Nashua High School in Nashua, N.H., Feb. 2, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama shows Washington, D.C. area students, who were featured in the Washington Post, the valet button on his desk during their surprise visit to the Oval Office, Feb. 5, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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And just because i know you're all looking for a new wallpaper :)
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President Barack Obama greets a young visitor in the Oval Office, Feb. 5, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)