College Hoops & A Hot Dog

Cheering for First Brother-in-Law Craig Robinson's team, the President watches Oregon State Beavers beat Towson University Tigers...
It was a good post-Thanksgiving Saturday for the Hoops Lover in Chief: President Obama began the day with the news that the 149-day NBA lockout will end, played basketball with personal aide Reggie Love, then traveled to Maryland to watch as the Oregon State Beavers defeated the Towson University Tigers, 66-46. Oregon State, of course, is coached by First Lady Michelle Obama's brother Craig Robinson, and the entire First Family was on hand to witness the victory. President Obama enjoyed a hot dog and bottled water during the second half of the game, sitting beside his wife, who was clad in an orange sweater and black pants, in honor of Oregon State's team colors (above).

Obama daughters Malia and Sasha were also clad in team colors as the First Family entered the Towson basketball arena at 1:40 PM, to a standing ovation from the crowd. The Obamas shook hands with folks in the stands and took their courtside seats, opposite the Oregon State bench.
Before the tip-off, legendary actor-comedian Bill Murray, on hand for the game, stopped by to greet the First Couple (above).

As the Oregon State team was introduced, the President and Mrs. Obama smiled broadly and clapped a bit louder when Coach Robinson’s name was called out. The Oregon State hoopsters on Wednesday joined the First Family as they packed groceries at the Capital Area Food Bank, for a Thanksgiving community service event.

Earlier in the day, after playing basketball with personal aide Reggie Love at Fort McNair, President Obama was asked about the end of the NBA lockout.

The President gave a thumbs up and said, “Good deal.’’

At halftime, the Towson football team was introduced. The Tigers won the Colonial Athletic Association championship this season and are now competing in the FCS playoffs. The players posed for a photo with the President. Swarming around him, the team was warned they’d have to run laps if they didn’t give him some room.

By 4:02 PM, victory accomplished, the President and First Lady were airborne in Marine One, heading back to the White House from the Baltimore area. Daughters Malia and Sasha traveled separately, according to pool. Before heading to Maryland, the President and his daughters visited Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe in Washington, DC, for Small Business Saturday.

*Photos by AP/pool

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Small Business Saturday: President Obama Visits Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe

President buys books during early Christmas shopping outing...
To support "Small Business Saturday," President Obama this morning did some Christmas shopping, browsing the literary offerings at Washington, DC's Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, accompanied by daughters Malia and Sasha. The popular bookstore and cafe, located in Dupont Circle, has been open since 1976.

"You doing some Christmas shopping? Not yet?" President Obama asked a boy named Alexander, whom he greeted by the bakery case (above, as Malia and Sasha look on).

"Well, we're starting early. This is Small Business Saturday. So we're out here supporting small business."

Father and daughters browsed the travel/writing section for a while, and left with an armload of childrens' books, but not before the President shook hands and chatted with fellow patrons. (Above: Browsing the stacks)

The event to encourage support of independently owned businesses was sponsored by some very large corporations: American Express, FedEx, Google, and Facebook, among others. Small businesses create one in three jobs in America, according to the Administration. The President arrived at 11:36 AM, and spent about 20 minutes with his daughters at the store.

The President began his Saturday with a rousing game of hoops in the gym at Ft. McNair, joined by personal aide Reggie Love, who will depart the White House by the end of the year.

"We're sad to see Reggie go," President Obama told his press pool, when queried. "But he's doing the right thing. He's going to finish his education and as you can see we're still getting a little basketball in."

The Presidential book purchases, according to the White House:

The Invention of Hugo Cabret - by Brian Selnick

Diary of a Whimpy Kid Cabin Fever - by Jeff Kinney

Tails - by Matthew Van Fleet

Descent into Chaos - by Ahmed Rashid

The Tiger's Wife - by Tea Obreht

The Phantom Tollbooth - by Norton Juster

The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao - by Junot Diaz

Zen Shorts - by Jon Muth

The President's motorcade was back at the White House by 11:57 AM.  In the afternoon, the First Family traveled to Towson University, to watch First Brother-in-Law Craig Robinson's Oregon State Beavers trump the Towson Tigers 66-46, in a hoops match up.

Info: Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe is at 1517 Conn. Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Phone: (202) 387-1400.

*Top photo by Pete Souza/White House; second by AP/pool

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O Christmas Tree: First Lady Michelle Obama Receives 2011 Official White House Tree

Wisconsin tree will be displayed in Blue Room, with decorations that honor military families...
The very busy Presidential winter holiday season officially kicked off this morning when First Lady Michelle Obama accepted delivery of the 2011 Official White House Christmas Tree. Joined by daughters Malia and Sasha and First Dog Bo, Mrs. Obama was presented with the 19-foot-tall Balsam Fir, grown in Wisconsin, during a brief ceremony by the North Portico. The tree will be the centerpiece of the White House Christmas decorating scheme, on display throughout the holidays in the Blue Room with a theme that honors Blue Star families.

The tree was delivered via horse-drawn wagon, with a top-hatted coachman in control of an impressive pair of Clydesdales, their necks bedecked with red ribbons and wreathes. A band of US Marine Corps horn players gave a rousing rendition of O Christmas Tree as Mrs. Obama and her daughters watched the tree arrive.

"Let's check it out," the First Lady said to the girls as they walked around the carriage, examining the tree. Bo scampered about, trotting between the horses and his mistress.

Mrs. Obama, her hair pulled back in a bun, kept the autumn chill at bay in a gray sweater, gray print skirt and knee-high gray boots. She chatted briefly with 2011 National Christmas Tree Association Grand Champion winners Sue and Tom Schroeder, who grew the tree on their farm, Schroeder’s Forevergreens, near Neshkoro, Wisconsin (above). The tree was planted eighteen years ago.

Mrs. Obama's inspection was purely ceremonial: White House Chief Horticulturalist Jim Adams and Superintendent of Grounds Dale Haney, who were on hand for today's presentation, traveled to Wisconsin to select the tree on Oct. 3rd. The Schroeders harvested it on Nov. 17th.



"What do you think? Does it get the thumbs up?" Mrs. Obama asked Malia and Sasha. They enthusiastically consented, and Mrs. Obama agreed.

"Thumbs up!" she said. "Bring 'er on in!"

100,000 people will see the dazzling tree...
The very tall tree will require the removal of the Blue Room chandelier as it is installed. It will be viewed by as many as 100,000 people during the holidays, according to a White House aide, between those who visit for regular tours and for the many festive receptions that will be held through Dec. 16. Social Secretary Jeremy Bernard, the mastermind for the upcoming events, was on hand for today's delivery ceremony. (Above: Carriage horse Abe, right, and Jay, delivered the tree last year, too)

The White House will be decorated by the floral department staff and a team of volunteers this weekend and through the beginning of next week. Mrs. Obama's decorating theme will be unveiled next Wednesday, Nov. 30. She will welcome military families as the first group of visitors to view the seasonal decor.

Schroeder’s Forevergreens is one of approximately 800 Christmas tree farms and lots nationwide that donate Christmas trees to the Christmas SPIRIT Foundations’ Trees for Troops program, according to the East Wing. (Above: Mrs. Obama, the girls, and Bo walk out to receive the tree)

"Trees for Troops has provided 84,000 full-sized farm-grown Christmas trees to troops and military families since it began in 2005 and this year’s goal is to deliver their 100,000th tree," the East Wing said.

Members of the National Christmas Tree Association have presented the official White House Christmas Tree for display in the Blue Room since 1966.

Last year's tree was grown in Pennsylvania. Read about it here.

*Photos by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama

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The First Family Visits Capital Area Food Bank For Thanksgiving Community Service

The Obamas work food distribution table, gift turkeys and White House M&Ms to surprised patrons...
On the chilly, drizzly eve of Thanksgiving, the First Family on Wednesday afternoon continued a longstanding tradition of holiday community service with a visit to Capital Area Food Bank in Northeast Washington, DC. President Obama, First Lady Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha and First Grandmother Marian Robinson chatted with patrons as they handed out recyclable green shopping bags full of holiday groceries to a crowd of excited visitors. (Above: The First Family in action)

"Happy Thanksgiving to you!" President Obama said repeatedly, and asked people their names and holiday plans.



The 4:30 PM outing came after a jocular turkey pardoning ceremony in the morning, where the President grinned his way through the annual reprieve for two lucky gobblers, Liberty and Peace. He was still filled with holiday spirit, and smiled, chatted and shook hands with the patrons who approached the long distribution table where he stood with his family, offering bags of baby carrots, grapes and apples from blue plastic tubs.

There was a special treat on offer, too: White House M&Ms were gifted to the delighted patrons, who were not informed that the Obama family would be at work. The special candy is in white boxes with a blue Presidential seal and President Obama's autograph.

The food bank donates 30 million pounds of food per year to those in need, according to the White House. Many of the patrons were regulars, according to pool, and surprised to see the First Family at work in the warehouse-style room, which was filled with stacked pallets and shelves of food boxes.

The President was clad casually in a dark blue shirt, the collar unbuttoned, and an unzipped jacket, and he admired a sharply dressed patron.

"Now that's a nice looking suit!" He told one man, who wore a beige pinstriped suit.

The First Lady wore a green and black dress with a maroon hooded sweatshirt. The girls had an outfit change from the morning's pardon ceremony, where their sparkling shoes had caught the attention of the press.

The White House said that members of the Oregon State basketball team were also at work during the hour the First Family visited. That, of course, is the team coached by Mrs. Obama's brother, Craig Robinson.

The President and Mrs. Obama donated two dressed turkeys to the food bank, given by Jaindl’s Turkey Farm in Orefield, Pennsylvania, the White House said.

The Obama Family Thanksgiving celebration on Thursday will be at the White House. Update: The menu. On Friday, the winter holidays begin, as Mrs. Obama is presented with the Official White House Christmas Tree during during a ceremony by the North Portico. Update: The presentation.

The motorcade left the Capital Area Food Bank at 5:17 pm and, after an uneventful ride, arrived at the White House at 5:28 pm.

*Top photo by Pete Souza/White House; other photos & Video by AP/pool

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Michelle Obama, Undercover Eater, Visits Chipotle, Baskin Robbins, Starbucks...

"We try to sneak out as much as possible," First Lady says about secret visits to DC eateries and stores...Video
"My secret's out," First Lady Obama said today as she described how she sneaks out of the White House "as much as possible" for foodie adventures and incognito shopping trips in the Washington, DC area. Mrs. Obama said she's gone unrecognized during visits to Starbucks, Mexican fast food eatery Chipotle, and Baskin Robbins, as well as to Petco with First Dog Bo.

"I do that more frequently than people realize," Mrs. Obama said. "And it's amazing how people don't recognize you. They don't expect to see me at Starbucks or Chipotle."

Daughters Malia, 13, and Sasha, 10, often accompany her, the First Lady said.

"My secret's out but we try to sneak out as much as possible," Mrs. Obama said. "I've been in Baskin Robbins a number of times. You know how the kids aren't really paying attention--they're looking right through you? They don't know it's me."

The outings help maintain a sense of normalcy for her girls, Mrs. Obama said, as she described her secret foodie life to Today show anchor Al Roker, who joined her Tuesday for a Let's Move! event. The First Lady's incognito trips have included visits to some of DC's finest eateries, like Zaytinya and BLT Steak, but she didn't mention these to Roker, who used his White Hosue visit to quiz Mrs. Obama about her recent incognito trip to a suburban Target store, which caused global headlines. In a TMI moment, Roker also asked Mrs. Obama if she buys bulk toilet paper during her sneaky shopping trips.

"We pretty much have our supplies stocked," the First Lady said. "It's one of the perks."

*Today show video

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First Family Pays Tribute To 9/11 Victims With Service Project At DC Central Kitchen

President hails community kitchen as an "incredible program" as First Family packs meals for 4,000...
President Obama was up to his elbows in chicken & sausage gumbo on Saturday afternoon as he helped pack more than 4,000 meals at DC Central Kitchen, a community kitchen and culinary training facility located near the US Capitol in Washington. First Lady Obama and daughters Malia, 13, and Sasha, 10, joined the President for the community service project in honor of 9/11 victims. It came a day ahead of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, because the President and Mrs. Obama will be participating in memorial events on Sunday in Washington, New York, and Pennsylvania. (Above: The President scoops gumbo as Malia and DCCK staff watch)

"I want to focus on the fact that outstanding programs like this and contributions of people all across the region is part of the spirit of remembering what 9/11 is all about-- the country being unified and looking out for one another," President Obama said, echoing sentiments in a morning e-mail he sent to supporters, and the message of his weekly address.

The President's shirtsleeves were rolled up and he wore blue plastic gloves and a white apron as he worked at an aluminum prep table, scooping gumbo, Malia by his side. DC Central founder Robert Egger and about twenty staff and volunteers joined the First Family to pack the gumbo, salad and cantaloupe slices into serving containers.

"This kitchen here is feeding 5,000 families a day," President Obama said. "And at the same time they're also training people directly in the culinary arts. So as a consequence folks going through this program end up being employable in restaurants facilities and hotels all across the region. An incredible program."

Mrs. Obama and Sasha were stationed at a different prep table from the President and Malia, and worked with vegetables sourced from the Shenandoah Valley Farmers' auction. DC Central chef Allison Sosna, who runs the organizations' school lunch program, is to the First Lady's right, above.

"Mrs Obama & Malia just helped cryo-vac enough locally sourced corn to produce thousands of meals this winter. #TheFirstFamilyGETSIT," Egger (@RobertEgger) tweeted after the project was done (sic).

"My twenty or so minutes with Michelle Obama today were surreal and she's also one of the easiest people to talk to," Sosna (@ChefAllisonDCCK) tweeted.

Sosna hails from New Jersey, and was on the varsity rowing team when attending American University in DC.

"Michelle Obama and I covered food access, food stamps, our culture of food, rowing, Sasha swimming's skills, living in jersey in 20minutes," Sosna said in another tweet (sic).

Sosna also spoke with Mrs. Obama about Sasha's love of searing tuna with the White House chefs, something Mrs. Obama first revealed during a reporters' luncheon in February.

Located on the ground floor of the Federal City Shelter, DC Central began its first phase of operations in 1989 when Egger organized a drive to feed the homeless with leftover food from the Presidential inauguration.

The nationally acclaimed Culinary Arts Training Program helps formerly incarcerated, addicted, homeless and unemployed men and women re-enter society. DC Central has a catering operation that is in high demand in Washington, and also provides lunches for area schools. They're responsible for boiling and coloring thousands of the eggs used each year at the White House Easter Egg Roll. (Above: The President scoops gumbo as Malia and a staffer look on)

As they worked, the President and Egger discussed the role nonprofits play in boosting the economy, Egger said in another tweet.

Mr. Obama "expressed great appreciation for the jobs #nonprofits create & our role in the economic rebuild of America," Egger tweeted (sic).

The 4,000 meals the First Family packed today will be distributed to schools, community groups and churches, according to a White House aide.

After the food packing was finished, the President and First Lady posed for photos with staff and volunteers. Both autographed the day's commemorative menu (above).

"Go D.C. Central Kitchen!" President Obama wrote above his signature.

The meal prep at DC Central came after the President and Mrs. Obama visited Arlington National Cemetery this morning, where they walked, holding hands, through graves in Section 60, the resting place for heroes lost in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The motorcade left the White House at 12:55, and arrived 1:02 at DC Central Kitchen. The First Family returned to the White House just before 2:00 PM.

Update: On Sunday, The President and Mrs. Obama visited the World Trade Center memorial in New York, the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania and the Pentagon to mark the anniversary with families of those killed in the terror attacks. The President also released a special video message for 9/11 families. In the evening, the President gave a moving address on American resilience after 9/11, as he spoke at "A Concert for Hope" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

Video from AP:



*First and second photos by Getty; third and fourth by Samantha Appleton/White House; Menu photo from Robert Egger. *Updated.

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Obama Begins Vacation On Martha's Vineyard

President has no public events scheduled during nine-day vacation at Blue Heron Farm; top advisors on island, too...

President Obama starts his first full day of vacation on the island of Martha's Vineyard today. He'll be making ice cream runs, golfing, and cycling as he relaxes for nine days on the woodsy island off the coast of Massachusetts, according to a White House spokesman. After three days of talking corn seed and the economy in the heartland, President Obama--minus his family--left the White House to travel to the island on Thursday afternoon, accompanied by First Dog Bo. The First Family is staying at the privately owned Blue Heron Farm, a 28.5-acre estate in the township of Chilmark. They also rented the property the previous two summers. (Above: The President arrives at Martha's Vineyard Airport in West Tisbury, Thursday evening)



"I don't usually hang out with Red Sox fans," said President Obama, a White Sox enthusiast, as he mingled with excited locals at the Cape Cod airport, holding a baby clad in the enemy team's gear. The baby's thrilled mom snapped photos. Mr. Obama has no public events scheduled through Saturday, Aug. 27, when he returns to Washington.



"This is an opportunity for the President to spend a little time away from the spotlight with his wife and two daughters," said Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest, adding that the summer holiday will be much like those in 2009 and 2010.



The President is expected to "go out and get ice cream and ride bicycles," Earnest said, and play golf, "a hobby he enjoys."



The island has been a retreat for Presidents and their families for decades, including the Kennedys and the Clintons, who own a home there. It has miles of pristine beaches and hiking and cycling trails, and a vibrant restaurant scene.



The estate...

There's plenty of privacy at the vacation retreat, which rents for $50,000 a night: Blue Heron Farm is at the end of a mile-long driveway. It has four different dwellings, including a white Victorian farm house, a reconstructed "Pennsylvania hay barn" and a "Vermont shed." There's also an apple orchard, vegetable gardens, a swimming pool, golf practice tee and a small basketball court. (Above: The President's motorcade turns into Blue Heron Farm on Thursday evening)



The property overlooks Tisbury Great Pond. Last year's island idyll included runs for treats to ice creamery Mad Martha's, cycling with First Lady Obama and Malia and Sasha, beach picnics, and evening dining outings.



A working vacation...

Amidst much criticism that the President is vacationing as the economy is unstable, with the stock market tumbling again Thursday, Earnest stressed that it's a working vacation. The President will be crafting a new jobs package he is expected to roll out in a speech after Labor Day, Earnest said.



"I don’t think that the American people begrudge the President spending a little time with his wife and daughters at the end of the summer before his daughters head back to school," Earnest said.



John Brennan, the President's top counter terrorism advisor, will be on the island "for the duration of the President’s time there," Earnest said. "He’ll be providing regular updates to the President to ensure that he’s properly briefed on national security issues."



Brian Deese, the Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, will travel to Martha’s Vineyard "and will spend the week there next week," Earnest said, also doing briefings.



The President arrived at Otis Air Force Base in Cape Cod, MA, aboard Air Force One at 5:25 PM Thursday. He greeted locals, held a baby, then traveled by Marine One to the island, landing at 5:58 PM. He then departed for Chilmark in his motorcade. (Above: At Andrews Air Force Base, an aide leads Bo to Air Force One for the first leg of the trip)



*AP photos

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President Obama Celebrates 50th Birthday Today; Herbie Hancock Will Play At White House Party

President will celebrate his milestone privately with family and friends...
UPDATE: A full party post is here
UPDATE: More party details here
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii on August 4th, 1961, President Obama marks his 50th birthday today. He has no public events scheduled, and will celebrate his milestone privately at the White House with family and friends, after spending Wednesday night in Chicago at a huge campaign fundraiser/birthday bash. The President's private party is reportedly going to take place in the Rose Garden, and Jazz great Herbie Hancock and his ensemble will perform, Obama Foodorama has learned. The group performed at the fundraiser, too. Daughter Malia will return from summer camp for the celebration, President Obama said last night. (Above: President Obama lights birthday candles with Oval Office valet Raymond Rogers; inset as a child with his mother, Stanley Ann Dunham)

Hancock and company are now apparently the White House "house band"--A pianist and composer, Hancock tickled the ivories at President Obama's reception following the State Dinner in honor of Chinese President Hu Jintao, in January of this year. The Obama daughters' godmother, Eleanor "Mama Kaye" Wilson, accompanied the President back to Washington aboard Air Force One last night, as did his mother-in-law, Mrs. Marian Robinson, so they're likely guests at the party, of course, but no guest list has been released. The President's staff will throw him a smaller party today, too. (Above: Hancock and the President on Wednesday night)

"It’s true that I turn 50 tomorrow--which means that by the time I wake up, I’ll have an email from AARP-- asking me to call President Obama and tell him to protect Medicare," Mr. Obama joked to the donors at his fundraiser. He was serenaded by superstar Jennifer Hudson in addition to Hancock and Chicago band OK GO. Former Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel introduced the President, who gave two different speeches, as well as spoke to supporters during a video teleconference that was beamed across the US to Obama Birthday House Parties.

Presidential birthday wishes already came true...
In July, the President said he hoped for two birthday gifts: A debt deal and "a good hamburger."

"You know, maybe I'll have a good hamburger on my birthday," President Obama told NPR, after noting that the best present of all would be a debt ceiling deal with Congress.

"That's kind of sad, I know," the President admitted.

Mission accomplished on both fronts: The President signed the debt deal into law on Tuesday, and on Wednesday treated his White House economic team to burgers at DC's Good Stuff Eatery.

Presidential birthdays past...
The President's previous White House birthday celebrations have been private, too. Last year, he celebrated with family and friends at the White House during a belated birthday BBQ on August 8th, because First Lady Obama and daughter Sasha were on vacation in Spain on August 4th. The stag President had a small birthday dinner at graham elliot restaurant on August 4th in Chicago, joined by a group of friends that included Oprah Winfrey. (Above: The President hugs Sasha at his birthday BBQ; she had arrived with her mother just as it began)

The BBQ was notable because it kicked off a months-long White House campaign to encourage America to eat Gulf seafood, after the fishing industry was devastated by the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the worst environmental disaster in US history. Gulf shrimp was the lone menu item the White House announced for the President's birthday BBQ.

In 2009, the President had a small birthday celebration at the White House, which featured five kinds of pie, courtesy of executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses, aka "The Crustmaster." The celebration pies: Huckleberry, Apple, Coconut Creme, Key Lime, and Peach. (Above: Mrs. Obama and Malia look on as the President reads a card from Sasha. The White House chefs, including Yosses, are in the background; then-Social Secretary Desiree Rogers is at right)

*Photos by Pete Souza/White House; in top photo President Obama was presenting NSC Chief of Staff Denis McDonough with the cake, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Dec. 2, 2009. Hudson photo by AP.

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One For Collectors: Michelle Obama's 'Better Homes and Gardens' Issue Available Today

Let's Move! feature: First Lady talks bee fear, food hijinks with brother "Greg," White House weight gain...
UPDATE: On "Today" show, Executive Chef Cris Comerford demos the recipes created by the magazine
First Lady Michelle Obama's historic August issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine went on sale today across the US; she is the first public figure in more than four decades to grace the cover of the popular title, which "reaches close to" 40 million readers, according to the publisher. Mrs. Obama has nine glorious pages, including four double-truck spreads with photos of a kids' picnic she hosted beside her Kitchen Garden in May. The Let's Move!-centered feature, titled "Growing Strong," includes kid-friendly recipes and gardening tips, and Mrs. Obama reveals private details about her family's food issues. Some of these tidbits--and how they occur in the story--make the magazine even more of a collectors' item.

Apiphobia?: The Beehive causes a First Family problem...
Mrs. Obama has a Beehive located close to her Kitchen Garden, the first to ever be on the White House grounds. Established in 2009, the hive is strapped to its base so it doesn't blow over when President Obama arrives and departs on the South Lawn in Marine One. The hive has produced plenty of honey, which is used for everything from diplomatic gifts to making White House homebrewed beer and dishes for State Dinners. (Above: Chief Beekeeper Charlie Brandts doing repairs this spring)

But there was an issue with the hive early on, Mrs. Obama tells BHG, which had nothing to do with putting a new structure on the historic White House grounds. It was more personal: Daughter Malia, now 13, is petrified of bees. BHG notes that Mrs. Obama's "two year effort" to promote healthy eating and gardening has had "laudable successes" and "unanticipated side effects." The lone side effect noted:

The First Lady faced vocal opposition at home (daughter Malia "was not happy about the fact that we were going to have a beehive--she's terrified of bees").

BHG doesn't follow up on how or if Malia came to terms with the Beehive, which is too bad; it's a piece of historic news that Mrs. Obama somehow overcame her child's protest to give the very important pollinators a home beside her garden. The East Wing declined to say if Malia's bee terror persists, or if she has come to accept the interlopers colonizing her back yard.

"We generally defer to what the First Lady would like to say about her family but don’t offer additional details," Mrs. Obama's Press Secretary, Hannah August, told Obama Foodorama, when asked how the situation was resolved.

Parents with bee-fearing children might have benefited from some advice on how to get their own reluctant little gardeners into bee territory. Mrs. Obama has stratospheric goals for vegetable gardens to be planted across the US--10,000 new gardens under the Let's Move Faith and Communities sub-initiative, and more under the Let's Move Museums and Gardens sub-initiative, in addition to encouraging school gardens. An online BHG component includes plans for a 4 x 12-foot version of the White House Kitchen Garden. (Above: the kids who join Mrs. Obama in the magazine are members of the Gardening Club at DC's Harriet Tubman Elementary School)

Mrs. Obama's foodie hijinks with what's-his-name...
The First Lady's feature includes gorgeous food styling for the picnic, but the text was not scrupulously edited. As Mrs. Obama recounts her parents' strict approach to meals when she was a child in Chicago--you ate what you were served, she says--her only brother, Craig Robinson, is named in the magazine as Greg. The mishap comes in a quote by the First Lady on page 83:

"You had to eat your vegetables," Mrs. Obama says. But the future First Lady was not always a member of the clean plate club. "My brother Greg and I, we have our stories about scooping the lima beans onto the floor and then coming back and cleaning them up," she says, laughing at the memory.

An autographed copy of the issue, thanks to the added element of the misnaming of Robinson, will likely fetch a good price on the Obama memorabilia market in the future. Misnaming aside, it's fun to think of America's biggest vegetable advocate plotting with her brother on how to get rid of lima beans. Robinson, by the way, is now the basketball coach at Oregon State, and his teen-aged children, Leslie and Avery, accompanied Mrs. Obama on her recent trip to Africa.

The First Lady's Presidential weight gain...
America's media outlets last week engaged in a long debate over Mrs. Obama's burger run to DC eatery Shake Shack, which caused a firestorm after it was noted that the meal had 1,700 calories. The BHG feature includes the information that Mrs. Obama gained weight after she moved into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue; BHG notes that "ironically" Mrs. Obama's "more constricted life" in the White House "has made it harder to follow her own advice about staying on the move," adding that "she was surprised that her body had changed."

"I became more sedentary," she admits. "I realized that some clothes were getting tighter," she says. "I didn't know what was going on."

But the problem was solved:

She has increased her time at the gym, and now banters with her husband--"I always tease him I'm in better shape than he is." She laughs. "I can do longer workouts. He's the President."

There are more family details: Malia and her younger sister Sasha, 10, read nutrition labels, Mrs. Obama says. And they refuse to eat at certain fast food outlets, but the First Lady declines to name these:

"They started reading labels and looking at sugar content and really thinking about what they were eating," she says. "They stopped wanting to go to certain fast-food places."

To coincide with the release of the print edition, BHG has created 13 "veggie-rich" recipes inspired by Mrs. Obama that now appear in its online edition, and a free downloadable cookbook (this requires registration with the website). The online component includes an interview with Senior Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives Sam Kass, as well as a photo gallery of the White House Kitchen Garden, featuring photos by Obama Foodorama's Eddie Gehman Kohan. The First Lady's Kitchen Garden picnic photo spread has been running in the online edition of the magazine since June, minus the interview that appears in the print edition. The publisher has also just launched “Veggie Love,” a kids' cookbook app for the iPad and iPhone, featuring 50 recipes, which is available on iTunes for $.99.

UPDATE, July 22: Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford visited NBC's Today show to demonstrate recipes from Mrs. Obama's feature. The recipes are here. The video:



*Photos courtesy of Meredith; Brandts photo by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama

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