Obama's iPod: Queen Elizabeth plugs in

These people are the clowns of gift giving. Do they put any thought into anybody but themselves? By the way, it was reported the Queen already has one.

What Givers the Obama's are. First DVD's and now an IPOD. Are we the coolest nation or what? Makes me so proud!!??

The Frenzied Rush for Obama-slation

There’s a plan behind the Obama frenzy to issue and overturn presidential orders and at the root of the frenzy of his fellow Democrats in Congress to propose, pass, and get signed into law legislation which radically changes the American social, economic, and political landscape.

As for actually reading and digesting the import of any bills before Congress votes on them and the president signing them, the prevailing philosophy is: Damn the reading, full speed ahead. Of paramount importance is keeping focused on the election of 2010.

Rahm Emanuel, the president’s version of Karl Rove, must be absolutely giddy over his achievements to date in this very young administration. As Obama’s entourage headed off to Europe en masse, 500 bodies strong, including speech writers, advisors, security personnel, chefs, personal attendants, and designated bottle washers, Rahm must be proud indeed of what they have done so far.

Now comes the biggest challenge to date. The European excursion has multiple purposes but chief among them is Obama’s need to persuade heads of state that Obama is right and that they are all as wrong as snow in April. Whatever the results, they have good reason to be cocky, considering their successes so far.

First, there was the campaign itself, a campaign in which Obama could promise and say virtually anything and commit gaffe after gaffe with impunity, knowing the mass media would cover for him, which it did repeatedly. Maybe, as Obama said, there really are 57 states and the rest of us just haven’t noticed the new arrivals?

Then there were all the promises he made regarding such hot topics as funding embryonic stem cell research, unfetterring gays in the military, shuttering Gitmo, massively increasing spending and taxes, pushing for union-sought card check, wiping out abortion restrictions via FOCA, instituting Cap and Trade, et al. All those initiatives have been fulfilled or are in process of fulfillment.

Our president hasn’t yet made specific proposals on other campaign promises and implicit aims. Sharing the wealth, dismantling the military, stemming the rising seas, restructuring the planet, climbing every mountain, swimming every sea will have to wait for his return so give the man time.

Most recently he tested the opposition waters to see what he could get away with in his quest for dictatorial powers. Obama crossed his Rubicon with his outrageous and unprecedented dismissal by fiat of the CEO of a major American corporation. And there was barely a ripple in the waters.

Call it a power grab or a dictatorial presumption by a power hungry Chief Executive, President Obama tipped his hand with that action. He revealed what some of us have long suspected, that he sees himself far removed from the norm of what a president is and what powers a president should have in a representative democratic republic.

There was good reason for his nickname, the Obamassiah.

GM’s Rick Wagoner ostensibly stepped down at the president’s “behest,” a euphemism for “demand” and took his $22 million . . .

(Read the rest at http://genelalor.com/)

Why not iPhone, you asked?

It is because Obama knew a US purchased iPhone is LOCKED TO AT&T !!!

Well what does one give the Queen who has everything? The song book was a nice touch.

As for Michelle: you are visiting dignitaries for dinner, not an afternoon of country club tennis. Would someone please tell her to cover up the shoulders and dress up appropriately?

Nice choices, and very apropriate. The Queen is a huge fan of Rodgers and Hammerstein, and when Prince Phillip was courting her one of their favorite songs was from Oklahoma, "People Will Say We're in Love."

I don't think the queen needs or wants an iPod. She's an old, old woman. What are they thinking?

Now George W. Bush, he knew how to give a gift. He gave the British the gift of involvement in an illegal, futile, and unnecessary war, complete with British soldiers in neat gift boxes, all ready for burial, with the extra bonus of disrespect from the rest of the world for letting themselves be swindled by Cheney's jug-eared puppet.

Robert Salm, see photo of the Queen and Jackie Kennedy for appropriate dress. Both sleeveless. Does your fashion comment relate to any woman showing her bare arms or are you only concerned about the First Lady?

Calm down Republicans. It's not like Obama gave a foreign leader a back rub or something.

I know she is the First Lady (God help us) but does she have to travel all over with him?? Who is paying for her?? As if I didn't know. By the way someone should tell her how to dress......

Thanks for the great report on Barry giving a gift that the quees already has. I suppose this is better than the DVDs he gave the Prime Minister that don't work?

Please keep up the reports on Michelle's "Rainbow Tour" ala Eva Peron too.

This guy is a TOOL! First a DVD set and then an iPod? Ghetto chic, Mr. President.

Hmmm...

Never Mind the Bollocks-The Sex Pistols

London Calling - The Clash

or maybe it's a video iPod:

The Queen - Helen Mirren

Stop slouching, Michelle. All the sleeveless dresses & tops only accentuate your slouch.

Stand up straight!

This has got to be an April Fool's story.

Hey Robert, looks like Michelle did follow dress protocols here, jacket for the queen in keeping with long standing tradition and more casual for the PM who is considered an equal or lessor in rank. You all are so hot to bash that you've neglected to do your homework.

And to think... people thought Bush was an embarrassment?!?!! Jan. 20th 2013 can't come fast enough!

How tacky.

The President of the United States (as brought to you by Best Buy).

Can anyone on his staff put some actual thought and effort into these events?!?!?

Stupid-
Obama should have given the Queen something made in America.
Also might add made by his Union Supporters.

I am so embarrassed. Who would give an IPod to the Queen Mum? That is so tacky. I'm sure it will remain a treasured heirloom for years to come.

Its a very elegant gift. No what i would give her but its classy in a we are in a recession kind of way.

Wow, who knew that a column about President Obama giving the Queen an Ipod would bring out the Obama bashers? We saw the same thing with President Bush--people wrote negative things after every column. Congrats Obama bashers! You're no better than the Bush bashers. Both an ideological, miserable group of people.

I would have thought that the president would have been a Zune guy. He certainly acts like one.

What a bunch of pathetic little ankle biters. Had it been something else...it would have cost too much. They must learn this in church.

I think I've seen this before . . . reminds me of Leslie Nielsen.

I am surpirsed he didn't just give her a hot dog and a coke!

I think Pres Obama should follow the example of the Queen and give every visiting dignitary an autographed 8X10 color glossy in a silver frame.

After all, if it is good enough for the Queen of England to give as a gift (she has 50+ years practice giving gifts to dignitaries) it should be good enough for the Pres.

How could anyone fault him for following her lead?

The Obamas have star quality, they don't alienate all nations, and I adore them.

In no way has Blackie O taken over from Jackie O.

Cover up your breasts, stop wearing spangles during the day, Jimmy Choo shoes ($$$$, no poor girl has them) and learn to walk down an airplane jetway without spreading your legs. Come on...it's insulting.

IPOD appears tacky, but maybe R/H songs are on tape.

She's a quick study, she'll learn.

A gift certificate would have been classier.

So the iPod had pics of the Queen's visit to Virginia? So what, it's not like she hadn't seen it already.

What an embarassment you are, Barry.

Frankly, I think Obama's gifts illustrate that the USA is in a thrift mode and more power to him! And since most things are made in China these days, he's promoting international trade! "Host/Hostess" gifts are only meant to be tokens, anyway.

Sheesh, whatever happened to "it's the thought that counts"? If the Queen isn't complaining about her gift, why is anyone else? (And hel=lo: she's a great walker when she's in the country on weekends. Perhaps she'll use her 'Pod then to listen to show tunes--or Monty Python routines. She's rumored to be fond of both.

An Ipod - maybe for her grandchildren. Oh, Pleazzzzeeeee! Mrs. Obama, your girls probably have one, what would you think that the Queen would want or need one? Please don't embarrass the USA with those stupid things. Get your people to think better.

It could be worse. He could have given her a Zune...

I think everyone getting so upset about this article should remember that today is April 1.

Happy April Fools Day!

You can tell Obama's UBER proud of his victorious gift by that "smile for the birdy" grin. By the way, Bush bashers, I'll give your "President" the same respect you gave mine. Your neighborhood organizing socialite is adding troops to the War. They're no longer calling it a war, but a "contingency" so to cheapen the lives lost over there.
BTW: Does this iPod have pictures of his birth certificate in HD??

Some of you need to get your sticks out of your butts!

Where is it written that a gift given to a dignitary has to be a golden calf or a silver spoon? Obama is bringing a new and fresh perspective to leadership and I'm sure it's appreciated by most people with a sliver of common sense.

BTW, if you would actually read the article, it was not just an "iPod". It was a "personalized video iPod" downloaded with images from the Queen's last visit to the U.S. They also gave her a rare autographed music book which I hear is quite a find for music lovers...which I hear the Queen is one.

Give it a rest already!

an IPOD for the Queen?? This man has no class at all!!

Gee, maybe the next time they visit, they can give the Queen Mum and XBOX 360 with Grand Theft Auto on it. Michelle, have some respect and cover up those arms. You are not at Back to School Night.

So, I wonder if the RIAA is going to sue Obama or QE-2 over the unlicensed use of songs.

Thanks goodness he did not give her a Zune or a Windows PC, ripe with the new worm and full of viruses (a classic example cheap, shoddy American products that have a horrible reputation). Apple makes some of the best products in the world, and he should have at least given her a Macbook Pro, like the one he uses.

I'll give your "President" the same respect you gave mine.
Posted by: Josh - THE State of Texas | April 1, 2009 5:47 PM

I doubt that loser. I gave him a lot more time to screw up than you have. Only 2 things come from Texas..........and I don't see any horns on you.

Even if the Queen already had an ipod, everyone always updates their technology. Also, it kind of a cool gift for someone who has everything. Its a young/American gift. An American company and its doing well. So we show some good business in the country. If he had handed her keys to a Chrysler out front, it would have been not well received.
As far as Michelle's clothing...... I like how she dresses. She had the sweater on with the Queen, but took it off for the other photo with the Prime Minister. They look like they are having more fun too. But maybe it would have been better to keep the sweater on to stay more formal, since it was a formal event. But a lot of formal dresses show more skin than that, so who knows really. Also, I think it was a good idea to take Michelle out on the first trip to Europe by the Prez. The are both being introduced to the world. Its good for women and it shows a strong partnership. If she went on every trip, that would be excessive spending. But the first trip is a getting to know you kind of meeting. So bringing the First Lady is expected.
Instead of complaining, try to make yourself useful. Whining is a luxury, we can afford it right now.

Mom1 I would love to see you in the flesh, I bet you have a lot of flesh, LOTS.
How dare you insult the FIRST LADY. As for the rest of you that insult the President and First Lady It must just chap your hides that BLACKS are representing this country.

I couldn't give a rat's backside what kind of gifts our nation gives to others.

As far as the British go: Our Justice Department has declined to prosecute BAE Systems for bribing the Saudi's, South Africans, Somalians...to buy weapons systems.

So that British Arms maker continues to be the 4th largest supplier to the US government while the the US defense companies that play by the rules get to run to keep up with their illegal tactics.

Now that is truly the gift that has kept on giving.

Obama has no more social grace than you’d find at da Bears game- and surrounded by sycophants, who’s going to point-out his ineptitude?

And is there some anti-British sentiment coming from Obama due to Kenya’s history as a British Colony? Some grudge there?

I couldn’t believe the cancelled photo-op with Brown and the tacky DVD-boxed set gift of “ET” and other crap… Don’t you think he’d have watched that by now if he was so inclined? And now an i-pod for the Queen? -nice touch, lol

These anti-British stunts should tell you whether Obama, in his heart, considers himself more Kenyan-African, or more American. A REAL American wouldn’t have sent-back the bust of Churchill that was in the White House and insult our closest ally.

Maybe he should check his weird hangups and do his job in a professional manner instead- this stuff is getting pretty embarassing.

http://reaganiterepublicanresistance.blogspot.com/

No... Obama isn't alienating EVERY nation. He's giving millions to Hamas and by extension, terrorists. He's alienating our closest ally. Returning a bust of Winston Churchill. Then giving a box set of DVDs. Now the iPod. Ummm... only you Kool-Aid drinkers can defend this socialist. Go ahead. Trade unlimited possibilities for your limited security and servitude on the socialist government plantation. I don't make a lot of money, but I'd never trade my individual liberties for the Utopian vision of these elitist Marxists. Obama is just like the other lefty ruling class that views working people as pets that aren't capable of taking care of ourselves and need their enlightened, superior intellect to look out for us. Here's news: they work for US. We need to throw these egotistical communists out of every level of government. The government should fear the people. The people should not fear their government.

I am surpirsed he didn't just give her a hot dog and a coke!

Posted by: Mike | April 1, 2009 5:29 PM

I could have had a Hot Dog? Can I get a do-over?

This must be the kids room; petty children.

The Obama's completely lack class. They may as well have given her a gift card to Borders or something. What a joke! She should have given him a return gift, a book like "Foreign Policy for Dummies" or something. I apologize on behalf of America that we've elected such a tool.

Look Chumbalones. If Obama REALLY wanted to embarrass the nation, he would have given the Queen -- Texas.

I'm so embarrassed that our President has no class. Maybe his next gift to a world leader can be some nice rims or spinners for their car. I would have expected low class gifts from our President from Arkansas, but Clinton looks like a really classy compared to this goof.

Maybe President Barry and the sleeveless Michelle also gave the Queen some music she probably had never heard of before...like from The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, etc?

DK,

You SHOULD be embarrassed -- she is the Queen, her late mother was the Queen Mother, or "Queen Mum."

We are not amused.

I wonder if Obama gave Gordon any porn...

wow. these comment boards could not be less thoughtful or elegant. this truly is a "swamp." i don't know what the purpose is except for the tribune to appear "edgy."

well, you've gone over the edge and are an embarrassment. i've long wished that you would upgrade this service, but you obviously have no intention of doing that so i will simply stop visiting this page.

The Frenzied Rush for Obama-slation

There’s a plan behind the Obama frenzy to issue and overturn presidential orders and at the root of the frenzy of his fellow Democrats in Congress to propose, pass, and get signed into law legislation which radically changes the American social, economic, and political landscape.

As for actually reading and digesting the import of any bills before Congress votes on them and the president signing them, the prevailing philosophy is: Damn the reading, full speed ahead. Of paramount importance is keeping focused on the election of 2010.

Rahm Emanuel, the president’s version of Karl Rove, must be absolutely giddy over his achievements to date in this very young administration. As Obama’s entourage headed off to Europe en masse, 500 bodies strong, including speech writers, advisors, security personnel, chefs, personal attendants, and designated bottle washers, Rahm must be proud indeed of what they have done so far.

Now comes the biggest challenge to date. The European excursion has multiple purposes but chief among them is Obama’s need to persuade heads of state that Obama is right and that they are all as wrong as snow in April. Whatever the results, they have good reason to be cocky, considering their successes so far.

First, there was the campaign itself, a campaign in which Obama could promise and say virtually anything and commit gaffe after gaffe with impunity, knowing the mass media would cover for him, which it did repeatedly. Maybe, as Obama said, there really are 57 states and the rest of us just haven’t noticed the new arrivals?

Then there were all the promises he made regarding such hot topics as funding embryonic stem cell research, unfetterring gays in the military, shuttering Gitmo, massively increasing spending and taxes, pushing for union-sought card check, wiping out abortion restrictions via FOCA, instituting Cap and Trade, et al. All those initiatives have been fulfilled or are in process of fulfillment.

Our president hasn’t yet made specific proposals on other campaign promises and implicit aims. Sharing the wealth, dismantling the military, stemming the rising seas, restructuring the planet, climbing every mountain, swimming every sea will have to wait for his return so give the man time.

Most recently he tested the opposition waters to see what he could get away with in his quest for dictatorial powers. Obama crossed his Rubicon with his outrageous and unprecedented dismissal by fiat of the CEO of a major American corporation. And there was barely a ripple in the waters.

Call it a power grab or a dictatorial presumption by a power hungry Chief Executive, President Obama tipped his hand with that action. He revealed what some of us have long suspected, that he sees himself far removed from the norm of what a president is and what powers a president should have in a representative democratic republic.

There was good reason for his nickname, the Obamassiah.

GM’s Rick Wagoner ostensibly stepped down at the president’s “behest,” a euphemism for “demand” and took his $22 million . . .

(Read the rest at http://genelalor.com/)

Posted by: Gene Lalor | April 1, 2009 3:33 PM

Wahhhhh, Wahhhhh, sniffle, snifle. Oh, here's a hankie, honey!

I'm with you getting out of the swamp! The level of ignorance on this and every Tribune comment board I've seen is truly shocking. I don't think the tribune is being 'edgy'. Unfortunately, the paper has no money to hire anyone to screen the comments. I think they figure their few foolish readers are better than none at all. It's very disappointing.

An I-pod? what a joke! How emberassing

An Open letter to the President:

Dear Mr. President,

As a U.S. citizen, it is embarrassing to me you would give an I-Pod to the Queen of England. This is the gift I gave my ten-year old last Christmas. This is especially concerning after the DVD set given to the British Prime Minister was considered an insult from most U.S. citizens and the overwhelming majority of those in the U.K.

With all do respect, maybe your staff should have reviewed what prior presidents concluded what was appropriate and acted accordingly, rather than again insulted one of our closest international relationships. I have some understanding of these issues: I have studied political issues most of my adult life, have a degree in political science and practiced law for over 10 years.

I can only hope that these "missteps” were not done in an effort to distance ourselves from the British and potentially other key national relationships. I further hope you are not pandering to the populists by exercising frugality somewhere - other than your proposed stimulus package and budget - obviously with the exception of our traditionally supporting heads of state.

I would really like to know, what is really going on here?

Respectfully submitted,

E. Maire

That first photo of Philip and Elizabeth meeting them for the first time is for the archives.

Even royalty warms to the Obama force field.

Poor wingnuts. They have NOTHING to offer this country. The most they can do is get all bent out of shape oven an IPOD for the Queen of England! Pathetic.

It is a complete insult for the President of the U.S. to present the Queen with a childish technological trinket.

There is nothing sincere, enduring or even remotely passionate about a cheap, electronic device that will be outdated in two weeks.

I'm certain that the gift will not be displayed with the magnificent gifts from less fortunate heads-of-state given to the Royal Family over the last few hundred years.

Gold plated jumper cables would have been more useful and enduring. At least the Rolls would be assured of a reliable fix for a few decades.

It's like Teddy Roosevelt pimping a new Edison telephone to important global rulers and allies in his era.

The Queen should dump it into a time capsule - and bury it in her garden, along with a description of the meeting - and let people dig it up in five years to amuse themselves.

What's annoying is that O picked up the iPod at the duty-frees store at Heathrow Airport. Also, he could have taken it OUT of the shopping bag before handing it to Her Majesty. At least, the thing wasn't made in China.

On the plus side, reportedly, Prince Philip IS enjoying the Xbox he received.

Most shocking were the sleeves on whatshername's grotesque outfit. Thank God she didn't embarass the Queen by wearing 12" heels!

Fortunately, the duo didn't shake hands with nor touch the Queen as protocol requires.

Can they have a comedy reality series on Fox now? Please!!! It'll be a hit at booming tent cities across the USA. Best fun since The Beverly Hillbillies! Next trip?
Chrome spinners, absolutely!
From China.

ageist and insulting..if i were her i would be insulted ..as though older people arent into tech..i shouldnt be surprised, he said ageist things about mccain..and also sexist and racist things before

I just want to say that I agree with the person who said the Bush bashers and the Obama bashers were of the same group...just a bunch of miserable people who can't seem to find any good in anyone...that's not to say that I agree with Obama or that I agreed with Bush on all matters.

From an Englishman following events from France: I have to say that you lot fight far too much.

My Queen is a Gracious woman and regardless of the man's politics, Obama made a gracious gift. It doesn't have to be worth millions, it's a mere token. Do you think the Queen gives a photo because it's valuable?

The Richard Rogers songbook was a nice touch, a personalised gift to accompany a slightly less personal one. Try to bear in mind that at this level, possessions are not what's important, it's symbolism. Obama's gift symbolises that he values her visit to the US. The memories contained with in it mean that he hopes that Her Majesty will also treasure that visit and continue to remember the people of America.

So the Obama's aren't regal in their actions, that's a comment I've noticed on this board but should they be? They are young politicians, not elderly Royals. They have not been raised from birth to walk a certain way, talk a certain way and behave in a manner befitting a King/Queen/Prince. The Queen will understand that which is why little social faux pas's do not faze Her in the slightest.

Mrs. Obama's clothing choices are largely irrelevant... If she were not appropriately dressed to meet the Queen then she wouldn't have been allowed in to meet Her, First Lady or not! Clearly she was so lay off her a bit.

America has a lot to be proud of, but the back biting nature of you people leaves a lot to be desired. President Bush made a lot of enemies in the world, both deserving and undeserving. Barack Obama has reduced that drastically. He may not be perfect and he may not make peace with everyone, but things are far better for America on the world stage than they have been for many years. How about you let him actually get into his term of office before judging him so harshly!

Ha ha... well, if you ask me, both the iPod AND the movies are perfect gives to receive. I'd love to have both (I collect movies -- have over 600 of them and I'm already jealous of the iPod Touch I gave my wife, even though we have two other earlier-model iPods in the house).

Not sure why the press isn't saying... The Obama's gave the Queen a signed historic songbook (quite a nice gift and appropriate for the Queen personally, as she's a fan)... oh, and they also gave her an iPod.

As for the queen being too "old" to enjoy an iPod, that's nonsense. I know more than a few people who felt that way about themselves, but now enjoy their iPods very much. My parents aren't as old as the queen, but they've rediscovered music -- my mother writes often to tell me so -- and even have favorite podcasts, audiobooks, etc... all thanks to a couple of iPods we 'retired' and left with them at their house. And P.S... if the queen already has a "6 GB mini"... I'm really guessing the one they've given her is a substantial upgrade. If it's an iPod touch, that's a very nice gift indeed.

As many have said, this president will get the same "respect" that Bush got. That said, an iPod is absolutely the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard to give a Queen. But the biggest insult is returning the bust of Churchill. That is despicable! This man thinks it's all about him and every protocol goes out the window, as well as anything this country has ever represented. You voted for "change," you're getting it but you're not going to like it when his goal is finally reached.

It seems that the Bush and republicans gift of 2 wars with no plan was a better idea.

The Obama's have NO CLASS. Maybe this is their version of a "Classless Society".

He should have gotten her the ChiaObama.
.
http://www.chiaobama.com/

You know all you people saying that you don't care what Obama gave the Queen would be slamming Bush if he did the same thing. Trouble is most of you are hypocrites. Bush was the idiot and Obama is the golden child, even when he makes a mistake. No.. its not the end of the world but returning the Churchill bust to one of our biggest allies was a mistake. So were the DVDs he gave Brown. He did give the Prime Minister of Austrailia a original copy of The National Anthem. Not a bad gift. (See, even though I'm a Republican, I can give a compliment when needed) It might not turn England against us, but why turn more people's opinions against us? And the value of the gift has nothing to do with it correct but the thought does. The Ipod might not have been a great gift but the songbook was.
And as for some of you commenting on the death of the GOP. I have some news for you.. the country is more right of center in its beliefs than to the left.. Google it..

Chumbawamba take-off on McCartney's Her Majesty:

Her majesty's a pretty nice girl but she doesn't have a lot to say
Her majesty's a pretty nice girl but she changes from day to day
I wanna tell her that I love her a lot, but I gotta get a belly full of wine
Her majesty's a pretty nice girl someday I'm gonna make her mine
Oh yeah, someday I'm gonna make her mine

Her majesty's a pretty nice girl but she never does a thing for me
Her majesty's a pretty nice girl but she keeps the worst company
All the lords and the ladies in waiting all crawling in the dirt like swine
Her majesty's a pretty nice girl but I hope she's the end of the line
Oh yeah, I hope she's the end of the line

Her majesty's living in a land of curtsies
A world of blue blood and Nazis, yeah

Her majesty's a pretty nice girl but I think she ought to call it a day
Her majesty's a pretty nice girl without one good reason to stay
I'd like to take her for a whiskey or two, but I've got a lot of things to do
Her majesty's a throwaway song just short of a chorus or two
Oh yeah, short of a chorus or two

A world of corgies and inbreeding
The royal corpse is barely breathing

Her majesty's a pretty nice girl with a circus for a family
Her majesty's a pretty nice girl but she's stuck with the royal We
I'd like to show her around the center of town but I haven't got a carpet for
her feet
Her majesty's a pretty nice girl but she's pretty much obsolete
Oh yeah, she's pretty much obsolete

They should have been introduced as President and Mrs. Blunders...No respect or class on both sides of the Atantic for foreign dignartaries. Not only do their gifts prove it - but they thought they were so special they blocked the front entrance to the Palace with their Beast Car blocking Prince Charles from getting in.
What I don't get is why Obama needed 500 people to go with him too a Summit - for what? So he can show off at taxpayer expense. He is not Robin Hood - He is Robin Crook from the Hood...and we the people are letting him get away with it.

Is it true the iPod had videos of several of Obama's speeches? I'm sure the queen was delighted about to have this!

All this fuss about what gift was given (iPod vs. a portrait), and what Michelle wore (and why she should not have) just shows the world and all those reading these blogs that we in the US have nothing better to do than trash everyone and everything, and we wonder why were are in a depression (not a recession). It's because we use our time on such trivial matters as these. Get an education, get a job and get a life, please!

guess all these fools would be defending Palin. Imagine her giving the Queen a selection of caribou jerky and a pamplet on scientology.

The smartest comment here "you guys need to get a life". I'd add to it, let some "real republicans" make comments. Bush was a spend and spend fiscal liberal. How in the world do you think we got all this debt? Magic??? They're idealogical conservatives...which means nothing as a president, never will. All the braying about socialism means nothing when your debt destroys the capitalistic society us "real republicans" are trying to make.

the ipod, actually, was very personal, filled with video and pix of queen's visit to US, also with show tunes. She loves musicals! This was a very personal and sweet gift.

A clueless, classless, bufoon!!!

Forget the damn IPOD!! Who cares about the IPOD?!?!

Queen Elizabeth gave a copy of George Orwell's 1984 to Calderon of mexico! How sick and twisted is that??

http://www.congresscheck.com/2009/04/02/queen-elizabeth%E2%80%99s-gift-to-calderon-orwell%E2%80%99s-nineteen-eighty-four/

Most people on this blog need lives! Why is such a big deal being made over small things. Since when is an iPod, loaded with one's favorites songs and video a worse gift than a picture of oneself? It doesn't matter what gift he gave, the small-minded will bash and complain. That's just what small-minded people do.

BTW, Jackie O. was sometimes sleeveless as well. Arms were not phallic symbols, last time I checked.

Ah, what a classic American gift--a portable electronic gadget manufactured in China.