Is Criticism of Michelle Obama's Trip To Spain Fair?

I would think that Michelle Obama traveling to Spain with her daughter Sasha and friends wouldn't be a big deal under normal circumstances, however, when the country is in a recession and jobs are few everything the First Family does is open to criticism. The truth of the matter is that Michelle Obama took the trip at the request of a friend and paid many of her expenses out of the family pockets.

I'm constantly saying that President Obama needs to do a better job at getting his message out regarding all issues and situations. The true facts of this trip could've been slanted much better prior to receiving criticism, and being in a reactionary mode. President Obama has to be more proactive in all areas of governing, because a story like his wife traveling to Spain with friends should be a non story.

"My Mom Doesn't Have Her Papers"

First Lady Michelle Obama encountered a very different situation yesterday when she visited students at a Maryland elementary school. A second grade student at New Hampshire Estates Elementary School informed the First Lady that her mother, an immigrant, didn't have the necessary papers to be a legal resident of the United States. The First Lady responded that the issue is something that has to be worked on and solved.

The immigration issue is a hot topic without a real solution. Our First Lady found out yesterday how big of an issue it is with a first hand example of the problem.

Michelle Obama Steps Out On Her Own!

First Lady Michelle Obama steps out on her own as she takes her first trip abroad traveling to Mexico City for 3 days beginning today. Our First Lady has been out of the limelight lately while her husband has been preoccupied with dealing with the issues of our country. The First Family needs some positive press right now, and Michelle Obama is as cool as they come when representing the interests of our country.

Michelle Obama Visiting Elementary School In Philly!

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that First Lady Michelle Obama will be visiting Fairhill Elementary School in the North Philly today. It's good to see our First Lady visiting schools and speaking about child obesity. A very good look.

The Pressures of A President!

President Barack Obama has successful avoided rumors of womanizing, but that doesn't mean that the women aren't coming after him on a constant basis. The New York Post "Page Six" reports that a new book out today titled "Barack and Michelle: Portrait of an American Marriage" reports on the extent that women have gone to get to our President, often slipping numbers in his pockets and openly grabbing his behind. When First Lady Michelle Obama once sensed that things may have been getting too cozy with a female staff worker, she quietly had the woman removed from her position, and has even given the President the silent treatment on occasion.

79% Approval Rating!

First Lady Michelle Obama's approval rating is 79% compared to her husband's approval rating of 64%. Granted her husband has a few more duties to concern himself with, but Mrs. Obama is conducting herself with grace and class, while making all of us proud.

Touching The Queen!

Our President and First Lady are obviously the hottest thing going in the world right now, and both are obviously savoring and enjoying the moment. Michelle Obama has caused a little stir by placing her arm around Queen Elizabeth II during their visit to England, which apparently is a breach of protocol. Our First Lady is the Queen of Firsts, so I'm sure she didn't think twice about chatting it up and touching the Queen of England.

Michelle Obama Inspiring Others To Get Fit!

Our new first lady Michelle Obama has no problem baring her arms in public as she show how confident she is of her toned figure. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that others are being inspired by Mrs. Obama, and reports this quote by Jennifer Smith, a fitness and sports director at the High Ridge YMCA in Rogers Park:

Michelle Obama's arms are attractive because they are toned enough for you to see the muscle distinction but not to the point that it takes away from her femininity." "This proves that women can do weight training exercises and reach their desired results without bulking up." Smith also recommends the following exercises and says that results can be seen in 21 to 30 days:

TRICEPS EXTENSION: Position your dumbbells (5 pounds or more) overhead with both hands under the weights in a heart-shaped grip. With elbows overhead, lower the forearm behind the upper arm by flexing your elbows. Flex your wrists at the bottom to avoid hitting the dumbbell on the back of neck. Raise the dumbbell overhead by extending your elbows while hyperextending your wrists. Return and repeat.

The purpose of this exercise it to work all three heads of the triceps at different stages of the movement. Keep the arms and elbows close to your waist. Hold the dumbbell in a neutral position and extend forearm back as far as possible (using the elbow as a pivot point). Do not move the arm. Repeat for two sets of 12 repetitions.

Fitness tip: To maximize results, slow it down and count backward 4-3-2-1. This requires the muscle to work harder and tone faster.

Hold the weights comfortably in your hands your with arms at your sides. Keep your elbows tucked firmly against your body and slowly raise the weights up to your shoulders, keeping a neutral wrist, and then lower. Repeat for three sets of eight to 10 repetitions.

TWO VARIATIONS ON BICEPS CURLS:Hammer curl: Start with the weights in your hands at your sides, palms facing each other. Bending your elbows, lift the weights up almost to arms; slowly lower. Repeat for two sets of 12 repetitions.

Angled biceps curl: Hold your weights in your hands with elbows tucked against the body. Angle your arms slightly out to the sides; slowly raise and lower the weights. Repeat for two sets of 12 repetitions.

Our First Lady Will Cover Vogue Magazine!

Michelle Obama will grace the cover of Vogue magazine for the March issue. She's a great choice to cover the magazine, and I'm sure the pictures will be classy and elegant.

Coulter Criticizes Michelle Obama's Style

Conservative talk maven Ann Coulter has a new book out next week titled "Guilty: Liberal 'Victims' and their Assault on America." The New York Daily News reports that Coulter essentially calls the incoming first lady a fake Jackie Kennedy Onassis and labels her a media saint with the following quote:

"Her obvious imitation of Jackie O's style - the flipped-under hair, the sleeveless A-line dresses, the short strands of fake pearls - would have been laughable if done by anyone other than a media-designated saint."

Most conservative talk show hosts have been pretty mild during the presidential transition. I'm sure that's all going to change in just over two weeks.

Michelle Supports Defense Secretary Gates

The New York Daily News is reporting that Robert Gates, who's staying on as Secretary of Defense has a friend in Michelle Obama. The incoming First lady is said to be deeply moved with Gates' penchant for sending personal handwritten letters to families of troops killed in action. Michelle Obama is too smart not to have heavy influence on her husband's decision making. I'm sure she'll continue to work behind the scenes, and ultimately find her own niche and sphere of influence within the Obama administration.

What Michelle Will Mean To Black People!

Award winning writer Allison Samuels writes in Newsweek "What Michelle Obama Means To Us." A very good read about our future First Lady.

Michelle!!

As fascinating as President-elect Barack Obama's story is, his wife Michelle's story is the one that makes my heart flutter. The Chicago Sun-Times has published this article titled "The Woman Behind Obama". Many forget that she was once Barack's boss, and with black women being the "rock" of our community, she's a tremendous role model for young black girls, and black women.

A Night On The Town

The Chicago Tribune reports that the new first couple dined out at Spiaggia restaurant on Saturday night, their first outing since election night. The first couple's every move will be chronicled over the next 4 years, and it'll be a beautiful thing to see for all of us.

Michelle's New Trail

When President-elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle visit the White Hose today, all eyes will be on the president-elect, but we can't forget his wife, Michelle's story of over coming all the odds, and being tremendously accomplished in her own right. The Chicago Tribune writes about Mrs. Obama " blazing a new trail" and about the fact that with her educational background, she'll be one of the youngest, most educated, and accomplished First Ladies.

Michelle Obama will be a breath of fresh air to Washington. Her grace, poise and support of her husband has probably been what has helped guide him through the election. I'm sure once she settles the family, she'll create her own niche and "Blaze an Enormous Trail as First Lady of the United States of America."