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☆ I run NORAD's Santa tracker program. It takes thousands of volunteers and state-of-the-art tech to give kids Santa's real-time location.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Taayoo Murray | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Lieutenant Sean Carter is a public-affairs officer who runs the NORAD Tracks Santa program. The tradition started by accident in 1955, and now an average of 1,500 volunteers help every year. I'm also the NORAD Tracks Santa program manager. Before taking over as the NORAD Tracks Santa program manager, I briefly worked in public affairs at Space Base Delta 1 — a Space Force unit responsible for installations all around the globe. NORAD has other events, but for the past 67 years, one of the Department of Defense's largest outreach events has been NORAD Tracks Santa.

☆ Nonstop partying, lavish spending, and sexual-harassment accusations: Inside the self-destruction of Pollen, the music startup once worth $800 million
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Melkorka Licea | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +41 min

About 400 Pollen employees were camped out in Mendocino County, California, for five straight days of partying. Two former Pollen employees told Insider that they recalled the assistant telling them about Callum's inappropriate comments at the time. (The Pollen representative said Callum and Bedi didn't date at Pollen or at any other company connected to Pollen. Out of 360 events Pollen announced over the past 12 months, 39 were canceled, the Pollen representative said. (The Pollen representative said that "out of hundreds of thousands of customers, fewer than 100 people were moderated" online.)

☆ tWitch’s legacy of kindness makes his loss all the more tragic
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Lisa Respers France | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

They were simply returning a bit of the kindness and love Boss poured into the world. His tragic death has stirred public shock, expressions of grief and confusion about how it was possible given the joy Boss seemed to exude in his work. Boss talked to Yahoo in April 2021 about trying to move their way through those difficult months. In a 2017 conversation on the “Aubrey Marcus Podcast,” Boss talked about dancing and perseverance through challenge. “When you feel good, you dance,” Boss said.

[1/3] A man walks across a set up of terra cotta heads, a French woman collection representing the remaining Chibok school girls in captivity in Lagos, Nigeria, November 29, 2022. The artwork, titled "Statues Also Breathe" and conceived by French artist Prune Nourry, consists of 108 life-size clay heads, made by 108 students from all over Nigeria, and now on display at an art gallery in Lagos. Boko Haram militants abducted around 270 teenage girls from a school in the northeastern town of Chibok in 2014. A small group of women who were among the abducted girls and were later released took part, as did some parents of the missing women. "These girls have been in distress for eight years," said Habiba Balogun, coordinator of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign in Lagos.

☆ Fact Check-Video falsely reports the arrests and executions of multiple notable figures
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Reuters Fact Check previously debunked similar narratives of “mass arrests” targeting political officials ( nKBN29R1ZA ). Some users seemed to believe the video’s claims that there have been mass arrests and executions. A Reuters review of Obama’s social media accounts show she maintains an active social media presence on Twitter ( twitter.com/MichelleObama ), and an official Instagram ( here ). An official and active social media account on Twitter for McConnell is also observable ( twitter.com/LeaderMcConnell ). Reuters found no credible reporting to support the claims made in this video of supposed executions or arrests.

☆ Michelle Obama's philosophy on marriage: 'You have to be prepared to have long stretches of discomfort'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-18 | by ( Aditi Shrikant | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

In her new book "The Light We Carry," Michelle Obama gets personal. In an interview on NPR's Life Kit podcast, she shares the advice she tells any young adult who asks her about marriage: "You have to be prepared to have long stretches of discomfort," she said. A common misconception about marriage is that there is equal give-and-take at all times "Marriage is never 50/50," she said. I am fascinated about how little we talk to young people, young adults about what it actually means to partner with somebody. Michelle Obama

☆ Michelle Obama says she straightened her hair because Americans weren't ready for a First Lady with braids
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-18 | by ( Cheryl Teh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Michelle Obama said she straightened her hair so the US could adjust to a Black family in the White House. "Nope, they're not ready for it," Obama said while recalling her decision, per The Washington Post. "Let me keep my hair straight," Obama said. "We deal with it, the whole thing about, 'Do you show up with your natural hair?'" "They tripped out when Barack wore a tan suit," Michelle Obama said.

And Black women are often in their late 30s or early 40s when they start, older on average than white women. Black women are also twice as likely as white women to have fertility challenges, according to a 2008 study in Fertility and Sterility. He suggested that insurance coverage, awareness of the “biological clock” and partners’ attitudes toward fertility treatment may all play a role. Regina Townsend via Broken Brown Egg‘The myth assigned to us’National data identifying racial disparities in fertility care only recently became available when Seifer published his 2007 study. Doctors’ lack of knowledge about racial disparities in fertility treatment doesn’t surprise Townsend.

☆ Virginia McLaurin, who famously danced with the Obamas in White House visit, dies at 113
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

— Virginia McLaurin, the centenarian who danced excitedly with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama during a 2016 White House visit, has died. “We know you’re up there dancing.”McLaurin visited the White House for a Black History Month reception in February 2016, when she was 106. “I thought I would never live to get in the White House,” she said. Shortly after the White House visit, Menkart suggested they contact the mayor’s office and the Washington Post, which interviewed her and published a story. According to the Obama White House archives, she was a foster grandparent and a mentor to special-needs students, helping children with reading and social skills.

☆ Michelle Obama's new book puts a spotlight on multiple sclerosis and her father's late diagnosis: Here are 5 early signs of the disease
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( Renée Onque | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

With the arrival of Michelle Obama's new memoir, "The Light We Carry," readers will get a closer look at the illness that changed her father's quality of life – and inevitably her family's as well. At age four or five, Michelle Obama's dad began using a cane to maintain balance while walking, which he much later found out was as a result of multiple sclerosis (MS). Her family remained resilient by viewing her father's cane as "just a tool," similar to that of her mother's spatula and her grandfather's hammer. The fear that surrounded Michelle Obama's family about her father's health is something that many families with loved ones living with multiple sclerosis face, according to Dr. Lauren B. Krupp, the Nancy Glickenhaus Pier Professor of Pediatric Neuropsychiatry and director of the Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center at NYU Langone Health. Here are some early signs to look out for and common symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Christopher Gregory/Getty ImagesDonald McGahn, Trump campaign counsel: I was at the top. Trump's 2016 campaign aides said they paid about 50 people, including part-time actors, to appear as supporters for his 2016 campaign announcement. Corey Lewandowski, Trump campaign managerCorey Lewandowski: I called my wife just as we were getting onto the plane. Stuff that would be from Mars on any other campaign was perfectly normal for the Trump campaign. Mark J. Terrill/AP photo Show less Trump at the Republican National Convention while Cruz speaks on July 20, 2016.

☆ Michelle Obama on love, loss and perseverance from her new memoir 'The Light We Carry'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( Celia Fernandez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

In 2018, Michelle Obama became a #1 best-selling author and now she's back in bookstores with her new memoir "The Light We Carry." Her latest book is a follow-up to the best-selling "Becoming" — and the former first lady describes "The Light We Carry" as "a collection of practices and perspectives that I draw on when I need to stay balanced and confident, especially in times of anxiety and stress." In the introduction, Mrs.Obama added that the book will guide readers through the tools, attitudes, and beliefs she learned on her "ongoing journey to becoming." "When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it," Mrs. Obama says in one of the many impactful chapters of the book. Here are 5 other standout quotes from Michelle Obama's new memoir "The Light We Carry."

☆ Michelle Obama opens up about realities of menopause, undergoing hormone therapy
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( Gina Vivinetto | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

Michelle Obama is getting candid about the physical changes in her body since reaching menopause. I’m going through it, and I know all of my friends are going through it. Like many women in menopause, Obama and some of her boot camp pals have put on weight. “I am still physically active,” she added, “and my goal now, instead of having ‘Michelle Obama arms,’ I just want to keep moving.”In August 2020, Obama opened up about going through menopause on the “Michelle Obama Podcast,” where she revealed that she began using hormone replacement therapy while living in the White House. “He didn’t fall apart because he found out there were several women in his staff that were going through menopause.

☆ Noose found at Obama Presidential Center construction site in Chicago
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( Daniel Trotta | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 10 (Reuters) - Chicago police are investigating a noose that was found at the construction site of the Obama Presidential Center on Thursday, an act the Illinois governor condemned as a symbol of racist hatred. The incident led to a temporary halt in construction, the Chicago Tribune reported, citing the construction consortium that is building the center. The noose was reported to police by the Lakeside Alliance, a construction team of Black-owned companies that is building the Obama Presidential Center, which will be a museum and public gathering space commemorating Barack and Michelle Obama, the first African-American president and first lady. The Lakeside Alliance is offering a $100,000 reward to help find those responsible, the Chicago Tribune reported, citing an alliance statement. Construction on the site began in 2021 and the center is due to open in 2025.

The barrage helped Oz climb back into a race that Fetterman had led all summer — by double digits, according to at least two polls. Fetterman, whose speech and auditory processing were affected by his stroke, agreed to only one debate, on Oct. 25. His struggles were apparent, stoking alarm the next day among Democrats who worried the performance would scare away voters. Mehmet Oz takes part in a forum for Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidates in Camp Hill, Pa. on Apr. “My wife wants some vegetables for crudité,” Oz said, picking out broccoli, asparagus, carrots, guacamole and salsa for the platter of raw vegetables and dips.

☆ White University of Kentucky student who repeatedly used racial slur and assaulted Black students will withdraw, lawyer says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Julianne Mcshane | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

The white University of Kentucky student who was caught on video assaulting Black students will voluntarily withdraw from the university, her lawyer told NBC News on Tuesday morning. University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing, left, uses racial slurs while attacking two Black students, including Kylah Spring, right. At the rally, Spring said she would not cower to her attacker. University of Kentucky student Kylah Spring speaks at a rally following a racist assault on her and another Black student, captured on video Nov. 6, 2022. WLEXThe University of Kentucky has had several incidents of racism on campus that have targeted Black people in recent years.

☆ Michelle Obama, Mike Pence Books Square Off as Publishers Hope for a Holiday Jolt
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-06 | by ( Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

New books from former first lady Michelle Obama and former Vice President Mike Pence, each set for release on Nov. 15, are among the high-profile titles publishers are hoping will boost sales this holiday season after a sluggish year. Mrs. Obama and Mr. Pence will square off in bookstores a week after the midterm elections, with books tackling very different topics. Mrs. Obama’s book, “The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times,” is a follow-up to her bestseller “Becoming,” which has sold more than 17 million copies globally. It offers advice and strategies for dealing with the challenges of daily life.

If the Democrats lose badly, I think you may see a fairly strong push for Biden to take himself out of 2024." None of the three would run against Biden in a primary, and they may defer to Harris, too, sources say. A senior Democrat said Newsom "has told people he won’t run against Biden" or Harris. Any Democratic primary contest would weaken the party's financial firepower in 2024, which could seen spending jump again, campaign finance experts believe. “I think the Democratic party and the White House should not presume you need to run the same presidential candidate again to hold the White House,” Suri said.

If the Democrats lose badly, I think you may see a fairly strong push for Biden to take himself out of 2024." None of the three would run against Biden in a primary, and they may defer to Harris, too, the sources said. A senior Democrat said Newsom "has told people he won't run against Biden" or Harris. Any Democratic primary contest would weaken the party's financial firepower in 2024, which could see spending jump again, campaign finance experts believe. "I think the Democratic party and the White House should not presume you need to run the same presidential candidate again to hold the White House," Suri said.

The United States on Wednesday called for Iran to be expelled from a U.N. commission on women, citing the regime’s “systematic oppression” of women and its violent crackdown on street protests. Iranian women have been at the forefront of protests across the country since a 22-year-old woman from the country’s Kurdish region, Mahsa Amini, died in police custody in September. Human rights groups have made similar allegations and issued detailed accounts of the crackdown. Two rights groups, Norway-based group Iran Human Rights and the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, said last week that more than 250 protesters have been killed since the protests began. “It’s time for us to stop abetting the Islamic Republic of Iran and start supporting the freedom-loving people of Iran,” said Boniadi.

☆ GOP strategist says the party deserves blame for wave of hatred that led to attack on Pelosi's husband
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Tom Porter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

GOP strategist Doug Heye was interviewed on MSNBC about the attack on Nancy Pelosi's husband. Leading Republicans have pushed conspiracy theories and joked about the attack. Police say David DePape broke into the Pelosi's home in San Francisco on Friday, and attacked Paul Pelosi with a hammer. Prosecutors say they believe the attack was politically motivated, and reports say DePape had posted support for far-right conspiracy theories on a blog. Some Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have pushed conspiracy theories about the attack, while others, including his son, Donald Trump Jr, have joked about it.

☆ Sherri Shepherd has dreamed of having a talk show all her life. Next she wants an Emmy
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( Marianne Garvey | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN: You were on “30 Rock,” a comedy, and obviously “The View,” how are you finding having your own talk show? And then every week I’m flying out, and it’s always a phone call going this guest dropped out. How do you prepare for those days and know you’re gonna be equipped for that? Because what you’re supposed to do is make people laugh. You’re supposed to give them a good time.”How are you balancing work and life?

☆ Jill Biden holds the key to the nation's political future as her husband weighs re-election in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +16 min

"Joe Biden wouldn't have run in '20 if Jill Biden had not wanted him to run and he won't run in '24 if Jill Biden doesn't want him to run," he told Insider. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden watch fireworks go off on national mall from the White House on July 4, 2022, in Washington, DC. Jill Biden divorced her first husband after five years and married Joe Biden two years later. First lady Jill Biden tours a classroom at the James Rushton Early Learning Center in Birmingham, Alabama, on April 9, 2021. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden arrive at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on May 18, 2022.

☆ Melania Trump will join other first ladies like Jill Biden, Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton to promote a women's suffrage monument
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-19 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Former First Lady Melania Trump will join other first ladies to promote a women's suffrage monument. She tweeted that she is "honored" to help secure a monument "of enduring inspiration" for women. The Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation announced its honorary chairs on Monday would include Biden, Trump, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Rosalynn Carter. The foundation is tasked with carrying out a law, signed by Trump, to build the monument. The Women's Suffrage National Monument will be unveiled in the summer of 2027, according to the foundation.

☆ Michelle Obama Award will honor student memoir writers
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-12 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

A literary honor will now carry the name of a uniquely successful author: the Michelle Obama Award for Memoir. On Wednesday, Penguin Random House announced the retitling of the prize in its decades-old Creative Writing Awards program, which also includes categories named for Amanda Gorman (poetry) and Maya Angelou (spoken word). Each year, the Obama prize will provide a $10,000 college scholarship to a high school senior in public school, based on an autobiographical English-language composition. “I know firsthand how nerve-wracking it can be to share the most intimate stories from your life with the world,” Obama said in a statement released by Penguin Random House. “But after publishing my memoir ‘Becoming,’ I’ve learned that writing your own story can be a powerful tool.

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