50 things you may not know about Barack Obama

[Wheeljak]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/barackobama/3401168/Barack-Obama-The-50-facts-you-might-not-know.html

Barack Obama: The 50 facts you might not know
Fifty things you might not know about Barack Obama

By Jon Swaine
Last Updated: 3:40PM GMT 11 Nov 2008


• He collects Spider-Man and Conan the Barbarian comics
• He was known as "O'Bomber" at high school for his skill at basketball
• His name means "one who is blessed" in Swahili
• His favourite meal is wife Michelle's shrimp linguini
• He won a Grammy in 2006 for the audio version of his memoir, Dreams From My Father
• He is left-handed – the sixth post-war president to be left-handed
• He has read every Harry Potter book
• He owns a set of red boxing gloves autographed by Muhammad Ali
• He worked in a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop as a teenager and now can't stand ice cream
• His favourite snacks are chocolate-peanut protein bars
• He ate dog meat, snake meat, and roasted grasshopper while living in Indonesia
• He can speak Spanish
• While on the campaign trail he refused to watch CNN and had sports channels on instead
• His favourite drink is black forest berry iced tea
• He promised Michelle he would quit smoking before running for president – he didn't
• He kept a pet ape called Tata while in Indonesia
• He can bench press an impressive 200lbs
• He was known as Barry until university when he asked to be addressed by his full name
• His favourite book is Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
• He visited Wokingham, Berks, in 1996 for the stag party of his half-sister's fiancé, but left when a stripper arrived
• His desk in his Senate office once belonged to Robert Kennedy
• He and Michelle made $4.2 million (£2.7 million) last year, with much coming from sales of his books
• His favourite films are Casablanca and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
• He carries a tiny Madonna and child statue and a bracelet belonging to a soldier in Iraq for good luck
• He applied to appear in a black pin-up calendar while at Harvard but was rejected by the all-female committee.
• His favourite music includes Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Bach and The Fugees
• He took Michelle to see the Spike Lee film Do The Right Thing on their first date
• He enjoys playing Scrabble and poker
• He doesn't drink coffee and rarely drinks alcohol
• He would have liked to have been an architect if he were not a politician
• As a teenager he took drugs including marijuana and cocaine
• His daughters' ambitions are to go to Yale before becoming an actress (Malia, 10) and to sing and dance (Sasha, 7)
• He hates the youth trend for trousers which sag beneath the backside
• He repaid his student loan only four years ago after signing his book deal
• His house in Chicago has four fire places
• Daughter Malia's godmother is Jesse Jackson's daughter Santita
• He says his worst habit is constantly checking his BlackBerry
• He uses an Apple Mac laptop
• He drives a Ford Escape Hybrid, having ditched his gas-guzzling Chrysler 300
• He wears $1,500 (£952) Hart Schaffner Marx suits
• He owns four identical pairs of black size 11 shoes
• He has his hair cut once a week by his Chicago barber, Zariff, who charges $21 (£13)
• His favourite fictional television programmes are Mash and The Wire
• He was given the code name "Renegade" by his Secret Service handlers
• He was nicknamed "Bar" by his late grandmother
• He plans to install a basketball court in the White House grounds
• His favourite artist is Pablo Picasso
• His speciality as a cook is chilli
• He has said many of his friends in Indonesia were "street urchins"
• He keeps on his desk a carving of a wooden hand holding an egg, a Kenyan symbol of the fragility of life
• His late father was a senior economist for the Kenyan government

[Louis85]

$21 a fade, damn.

[ElizabethX]

I worked in Baskin as a teen, too!!! But, I still love ice cream.
He left when the stripper came! YAY!
Awesome musical taste.

He is such an impressive guy.

[Twisted.Mellow]

He left when the stripper came? BOO! What red-blooded male would leave when a stripper ARRIVED?!?!?

And props for diggin' the fugees!

[Wheeljak]

He left when the stripper came? BOO! What red-blooded male would leave when a stripper ARRIVED?!?!?
I guess that if he had stayed, he would have felt like an a.dulteror.:haha:

[Harmeister]

He left when the stripper came? BOO! What red-blooded male would leave when a stripper ARRIVED?!?!?

And props for diggin' the fugees!

I would have left, and I think it's cool that he has Christian values enough to do the same. In fact, I have left too. My boss and friends from work went to the strip joints in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and New Orleans. I went to my hotel room. It's just the way I am.

[Wheeljak]

I would have left, and I think it's cool that he has Christian values enough to do the same. In fact, I have left too. My boss and friends from work went to the strip joints in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and New Orleans. I went to my hotel room. It's just the way I am.
I don't believe you, because in a thread from a couple of months ago, you said that if a pair of strange boobs got shoved in your face, you'd suck 'em.

[Twisted.Mellow]

I don't believe you, because in a thread from a couple of months ago, you said that if a pair of strange boobs got shoved in your face, you'd suck 'em.

trudat.

[Twisted.Mellow]

I guess that if he had stayed, he would have felt like an a.dulteror.:haha:

trudat too. But I reckon we've all got a little bit of A.Dulteror in us... and any ladies who don't... want some? :D

[Harmeister]

I don't believe you, because in a thread from a couple of months ago, you said that if a pair of strange boobs got shoved in your face, you'd suck 'em.

Believe what you will, but that is a true statement. If you recall in that statement you'll see that I would be tempted, but would hope to resist the urge:


Unless it was my wife, I can hope that I would restrain myself and not give it a suck.

[ElizabethX]

I admire men that aren't into strip clubs. It's so refreshing and shows a real strength of character, and integrity.

[Twisted.Mellow]

I admire men that aren't into strip clubs. It's so refreshing and shows a real strength of character, and integrity.

blah blah blah. TITS!

[Twisted.Mellow]

And oh yeah... ASS!

<-------

[Bonkman]

That's a nice ass...where'd you find it?

[Mistress M]

That's a nice ass...where'd you find it?

It's his sister's. You know how they roll down in the O.Z. :sheep:

[Mistress M]

I admire men that aren't into strip clubs. It's so refreshing and shows a real strength of character, and integrity.

First, my applause to both Harm and Obama becuase I totally agree with Liz on this one :clap:

Second, every guy I've been with who has frequented strip clubs (on a regular basis) has had serious mom/ women issues. If going to the strip club with the guys is an actual past-time, that's like a neon sign flashing "undatable."

[ElizabethX]

Yeah, it is a nice ass.
Anyway, I have no problem with sex or nudity... what I don't care for is that we know how most strippers are not happy people, and even though they stand to make really good money off of what they do... understanding how they got there and still patronizing them seems really exploitative to me. Maybe most men going to clubs have mommy issues, but most strippers definitely have daddy issues.

It really takes the fun away from sex and nudity, doesn't it?

[Bonkman]

...what I don't care for is that we know how most strippers are not happy people, and even though they stand to make really good money off of what they do... understanding how they got there and still patronizing them seems really exploitative to me. Maybe most men going to clubs have mommy issues, but most strippers definitely have daddy issues...

So, instead of bagging on the men who patronize these types of establishments, why don't we talk about the women who work there and actively participate in their own "self-exploitation"?

(I assume we are talking about these establishments within the U.S., as we know that women and girls are exploited overseas for this type of thing and more.)

Are they really being exploited?
Nobody told them they had to work there, did they?
Are you positive you understand exactly how a majority of women end up working there?
What leads you to these conclusions?

[wendyful04]

When a men enters a strip club (with money), he becomes a king amongst kings. (Isn't that what most men secretly want more than anything?)
Strippers don't fit one stereotype. Some are on their way up in life, some are on their way down, and some fool themselves into believing that they have found a happy middle ground.

[Twisted.Mellow]

That's a nice ass...where'd you find it?

That ass belongs to my missus! She's a good sport :)

[Bonkman]

That ass belongs to my missus! She's a good sport :)


:sigh:

Congratulations!

[Wheeljak]

:sigh:

Congratulations!

Dude! Stop checking out his wife's ass!

[Bonkman]

Dude! Stop checking out his wife's ass!

I appreciate a good ass...but that's not what I'm sighing about.

nm...I've said too much.

[Bonkman]

• He can speak Spanish
I wonder if he'll put that to good use during his administration?


• He promised Michelle he would quit smoking before running for president – he didn't
How do you think his wife views his failure to quit?

Besides the fact that he's been chosen as the new leader of the free world...


• He hates the youth trend for trousers which sag beneath the backside
Right on...

I always thought to myself, when in the local mall, that these fools would be the last (if even that) to stumble out of the wreckage if we had a significant sized earthquake. They certainly don't seem like they'd be able to run fast when they've got their pants around their ankles. Darwin at work, I guess.


• His speciality as a cook is chilli
I'd like to taste that chilli, tho.

[ElizabethX]

So, instead of bagging on the men who patronize these types of establishments, why don't we talk about the women who work there and actively participate in their own "self-exploitation"?

It's classic victim mentality. Your putting a hell of a lot of responsibility on people who are potentially very psychologically damaged. Now, I'm not saying they have ZERO responsibility... but damn.



(I assume we are talking about these establishments within the U.S., as we know that women and girls are exploited overseas for this type of thing and more.)

It happens here too. Have you seen "Sex Slaves in America"?


Are they really being exploited?
Nobody told them they had to work there, did they?
You are so unsympathetic. I think it's just easier for horny men to put it out of their heads with this kind of logic. The truth is, if they were gentlemen with compassion, they may realize that they have more power psychologically in this situation and do not have to participate in the degradation of crushed souls.

Yeah, not all of them are crushed... but 99% of them have a sad-ass story they could tell you, which I guarantee you has something to do with how they ended up where they did.


Are you positive you understand exactly how a majority of women end up working there?
What leads you to these conclusions?

Understanding humanity, witnessing life, not having my head completely up my ass... maybe even being a woman, but don't quote me on that one. It's just human nature and observation. It's psychology. And it's all perfectly understandable for those of us willing to admit to it... if it's convenient enough for us to look in the face at the moment.

[ElizabethX]

When a men enters a strip club (with money), he becomes a king amongst kings. (Isn't that what most men secretly want more than anything?)
Strippers don't fit one stereotype. Some are on their way up in life, some are on their way down, and some fool themselves into believing that they have found a happy middle ground.

Some of them are crackheads, some of them are just stupid girls who don't value themselves in any other capacity, some of them are trying to work through school, some of them are lost and didn't know what else to do, and 90% of them were molested or neglected by daddy and are acting out by taking their clothes off for men who throw money at them and drool.

Happy, well-adjusted people don't aspire to be strippers. Some people love their bodies and love to show them off, but I've never met or heard of a person who ended up in stripping because it was their dream. For most, they start off hoping it's just temporary and it turns into a lifestyle-- like hooking.

[ElizabethX]

:sigh:

Congratulations!

Yes, and congrats from me. :)

[ElizabethX]

[QUOTE]How do you think his wife views his failure to quit?

Besides the fact that he's been chosen as the new leader of the free world...

Yeah, that's kinda disappointing to me.


Right on...

I always thought to myself, when in the local mall, that these fools would be the last (if even that) to stumble out of the wreckage if we had a significant sized earthquake. They certainly don't seem like they'd be able to run fast when they've got their pants around their ankles. Darwin at work, I guess.

I always liked the saggy pants thing... as long as your whole ass isn't hanging out. With like, your shirt tucked into your boxers. I always thought that was taking it a bit far, and it's really silly looking when you can't even walk.

[Wheeljak]

(I assume we are talking about these establishments within the U.S., as we know that women and girls are exploited overseas for this type of thing and more.) It happens here too. Have you seen "Sex Slaves in America"?

Don't tell me that you're now alleging that the women in American strip clubs are there under lock and key. I live in Tampa Bay, which has more nudie bars per capita than any other city in the USA. In this town, there are so many strippers that even people who have never set foot in nudie bars are somewhat likely to know someone who is (or was) a poledancer. I can tell you with certainty that there is nothing resembling involuntary labor going on in those places; they don't need slaves. There is already a steady supply of voluntary employees, who fatten the bars by paying a cut of their take, just like barbers pay for the use of a chair at a barber shop. They're not kept there by force or terror; they're kept there by the lure of easy money. Where else can a high school dropout easily make 50 or 60 grand a year... legally? On top of that, not all of them are even there because of limited options. I once had a friend with an art degree, who decided to quit her job at a bank to become a stripper.

The strip clubs here are under constant monitoring by the vice squads who are waiting for the slightest infraction so they can raid the place, so there's no way that they could get away with something as extreme as chattel slavery.

Don't get me wrong: I'm not trying to speak in defense of strip clubs-- I love nekkid wimmens, but I don't want to go to a strip club to see one. However, I am a friend of careful evaluation of things by examining the facts.

[ElizabethX]

Don't tell me that you're now alleging that the women in American strip clubs are there under lock and key.
No-- I'm only responding to something he said about women OVERSEAS being exploited and more.

But then again, I'm not closed to the possibilities, either.


I live in Tampa Bay, which has more nudie bars per capita than any other city in the USA.

Lucky you.


In this town, there are so many strippers that even people who have never set foot in nudie bars are somewhat likely to know someone who is (or was) a poledancer. I can tell you with certainty that there is nothing resembling involuntary labor going on in those places; they don't need slaves.
Great... !


There is already a steady supply of voluntary employees,

Si


who decided to quit her job at a bank to become a stripper.
Stripping pays better.


The strip clubs here are under constant monitoring by the vice squads who are waiting for the slightest infraction so they can raid the place, so there's no way that they could get away with something as extreme as chattel slavery.

Okay, but never underestimate the corruption of widespread underground sex rings. It's a very profitable business.


Don't get me wrong: I'm not trying to speak in defense of strip clubs-- I love nekkid wimmens, but I don't want to go to a strip club to see one. However, I am a friend of careful evaluation of things by examining the facts.

Okey doke.

[wendyful04]

I have been "studying" (and, woohoo, doing) pole dancing/exotic dance for several months now. It's an art form and it requires much discipline, strength, and skill. For some, stripping is a legitimate art form or at least a bustin' ass way to make money. Real money.
Repeat: strippers, like much other workers, cannot be snuggled into one easy stereotype. Never group an entire work force of people. The variety of lifestyles is endless....
For the men, sometimes it's just 'ass'; but, also, it may be a way to have fun. Or, it's a need-fulfilling extravaganza where he may be getting the Worship he so greatly desires.
But, back to Barack: hopefully, he's ready to create an atmosphere of acceptance for ALL of us.

[Wheeljak]

I have been "studying" (and, woohoo, doing) pole dancing/exotic dance for several months now.
Does she teach Luke dancing?

It's an art form and it requires much discipline, strength, and skill.Correction: at a certain level, it CAN require much discipline, strength and skill. However, I think it would be safe to say that the profession's requirement is the willingness to nude up in public, not a gift for dancing.


For some, stripping is a legitimate art form or at least a bustin' ass way to make money. Real money."Art" is the most subjective term known to man. I went to an art show when I was in college, and one of the pieces was a red wastebasket filled with wadded tissues, that seemed to have "something" inside them. The piece was called "The 1,000 Times I Have Masturbated". He called that art; I called it bullcrap.


Repeat: strippers, like much other workers, cannot be snuggled into one easy stereotype. Never group an entire work force of people. The variety of lifestyles is endless....
For the men, sometimes it's just 'ass'; but, also, it may be a way to have fun.Uhh... yeah. That's just cuz it's fun looking at an ass. Just take a look at Bonkman; he's having lots of fun looking at Ian's wife's ass.:haha:


Or, it's a need-fulfilling extravaganza where he may be getting the Worship he so greatly desires. It's nothing but an illusion.
If he wants to be worshipped for real, then maybe he should treat the real women in his real life a little better.

[ElizabethX]

I have been "studying" (and, woohoo, doing) pole dancing/exotic dance for several months now. It's an art form and it requires much discipline, strength, and skill. For some, stripping is a legitimate art form or at least a bustin' ass way to make money. Real money.
Repeat: strippers, like much other workers, cannot be snuggled into one easy stereotype. Never group an entire work force of people. The variety of lifestyles is endless....
For the men, sometimes it's just 'ass'; but, also, it may be a way to have fun. Or, it's a need-fulfilling extravaganza where he may be getting the Worship he so greatly desires.
But, back to Barack: hopefully, he's ready to create an atmosphere of acceptance for ALL of us.

Pole dancing and the like are definitely skills... but that doesn't mean that all strippers are artists.

I'll give you, Wendy, that I was generalizing... but not all generalizations are inaccurate. I believe that most strippers find the root of their profession in dysfunction. Do you feel this is incorrect, and that most strippers are in fact healthy and happy people? I know you're trying NOT to generalize, but to be fair... we're almost going in favor of that, anyway, by comparing strippers to artists.

Yes, I agree about Barack. :)

[Twisted.Mellow]

Thanks for the congrats... I have passed on the positive feedback and this information pleases her.

I'm a lucky lad!

YAY FOR ASS!

[Bonkman]

...Just take a look at Bonkman; he's having lots of fun looking at Ian's wife's ass.:haha:...

Mind you, I like a good looking ass, but you misinterpreted my sigh. Understandably, easy to do with only the "written word".

[ElizabethX]

Bonky, tell us what's up.

[Harmeister]

that could very possibly be a poorly worded question there Liz given the context of half the rest of the conversation...

just sayin'

[ElizabethX]

psh.