The Pic Of The Year 2013...

[AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP]

[Deleted]

[Deleted]

[Value Buy]

Looks just like any other man at a wake.

Just have to keep reminding yourself your there for the person that passed, rather than passing time with a sharp looking blonde Prime Minister.

I should have such high powered friends to spend time with 

[zibazinski]

Happy wife, happy life. Bet HE didn't get laid that night!

[Tennesseer]

The photographer who took the viral picture of President Obama's "selfie" with two other world leaders says Michelle Obama's expression has been distorted.

The AFP picture — shot Tuesday at Nelson Mandela's memorial service — shows Obama posing with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning Schmidt, and Mrs. Obama off to the side with a disapproving look.

But, as AFP's Roberto Schmidt pointed out in a blog, "photos can lie."

Writes Schmidt: "In reality, just a few seconds earlier the first lady was herself joking with those around her, Cameron and Schmidt included. Her stern look was captured by chance."

Schmidt also pointed out that this was a memorial service, not a funeral: "All around me in the stadium, South Africans were dancing, singing and laughing to honor their departed leader. It was more like a carnival atmosphere, not at all morbid. The ceremony had already gone on for two hours and would last another two. The atmosphere was totally relaxed -- I didn't see anything shocking in my viewfinder, president of the U.S. or not."

"I doubt anyone could have remained totally stony faced for the duration of the ceremony, while tens of thousands of people were celebrating in the stadium. For me, the behavior of these leaders in snapping a selfie seems perfectly natural. I see nothing to complain about, and probably would have done the same in their place."

Photographer: Mrs. Obama not upset over selfie

Another 'I Think I Gotcha' from paul. 

[greeniis10]

Yep, I read the article Tenneseer referred to earlier today.  Just a case of "selective" pictures being posted. 

[Value Buy]

Dec 11, 2013 14:07:01 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

The photographer who took the viral picture of President Obama's "selfie" with two other world leaders says Michelle Obama's expression has been distorted.

The AFP picture — shot Tuesday at Nelson Mandela's memorial service — shows Obama posing with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning Schmidt, and Mrs. Obama off to the side with a disapproving look.

But, as AFP's Roberto Schmidt pointed out in a blog, "photos can lie."

Writes Schmidt: "In reality, just a few seconds earlier the first lady was herself joking with those around her, Cameron and Schmidt included. Her stern look was captured by chance."

Schmidt also pointed out that this was a memorial service, not a funeral: "All around me in the stadium, South Africans were dancing, singing and laughing to honor their departed leader. It was more like a carnival atmosphere, not at all morbid. The ceremony had already gone on for two hours and would last another two. The atmosphere was totally relaxed -- I didn't see anything shocking in my viewfinder, president of the U.S. or not."

"I doubt anyone could have remained totally stony faced for the duration of the ceremony, while tens of thousands of people were celebrating in the stadium. For me, the behavior of these leaders in snapping a selfie seems perfectly natural. I see nothing to complain about, and probably would have done the same in their place."

Photographer: Mrs. Obama not upset over selfie

Another 'I Think I Gotcha' from paul. 

Yes, I saw the selfie picture and explanation also, but in these pictures, there was no "selfie".

Just a happy President talking to someone other than the wife.

What do they say about a picture?

A picture tells a thousand words?

Yeh, it might have been a rather cold night.

[AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP]

Dec 11, 2013 14:07:01 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

The photographer who took the viral picture of President Obama's "selfie" with two other world leaders says Michelle Obama's expression has been distorted.

The AFP picture — shot Tuesday at Nelson Mandela's memorial service — shows Obama posing with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning Schmidt, and Mrs. Obama off to the side with a disapproving look.

But, as AFP's Roberto Schmidt pointed out in a blog, "photos can lie."

Writes Schmidt: "In reality, just a few seconds earlier the first lady was herself joking with those around her, Cameron and Schmidt included. Her stern look was captured by chance."

Schmidt also pointed out that this was a memorial service, not a funeral: "All around me in the stadium, South Africans were dancing, singing and laughing to honor their departed leader. It was more like a carnival atmosphere, not at all morbid. The ceremony had already gone on for two hours and would last another two. The atmosphere was totally relaxed -- I didn't see anything shocking in my viewfinder, president of the U.S. or not."

"I doubt anyone could have remained totally stony faced for the duration of the ceremony, while tens of thousands of people were celebrating in the stadium. For me, the behavior of these leaders in snapping a selfie seems perfectly natural. I see nothing to complain about, and probably would have done the same in their place."

Photographer: Mrs. Obama not upset over selfie

Another 'I Think I Gotcha' from paul. 

Um, did I say a word about the selfie?  No.  I did not.  I let a series of pics that do not include the famed 'selfie' tell the story.  Another marvelous audition by TN for official MSN refugees Obama apologist position.

[AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP]

Dec 11, 2013 14:16:36 GMT -5 greeniis10 said:

Yep, I read the article Tenneseer referred to earlier today.  Just a case of "selective" pictures being posted. 

You all really have no sense of humor at all.

And if by 'selective' you mean that pics posted make it appear that something other than what is pictured took place- which I can only presume to mean you are asserting they did not switch seats (looks are one thing, but when you physically move your bodies around- that's another) which of course did happen.

[greeniis10]

Of course, they changed seats.  I meant that I'm sure there are pictures of Michelle chatting and smiling with the blond gal, too.  I realize this was meant to be funny, but I just felt badly for Michelle because it made her appear jealous, but I doubt she is. 

[Deleted]

Obama should have done the popcorn tub on the lap trick. When Miss Blonde Prime reached in to get a handful of corn she would have gotten a different kind of handful.

[Tennesseer]

Dec 11, 2013 14:50:08 GMT -5 AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP said:

Dec 11, 2013 14:07:01 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

The photographer who took the viral picture of President Obama's "selfie" with two other world leaders says Michelle Obama's expression has been distorted.

The AFP picture — shot Tuesday at Nelson Mandela's memorial service — shows Obama posing with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning Schmidt, and Mrs. Obama off to the side with a disapproving look.

But, as AFP's Roberto Schmidt pointed out in a blog, "photos can lie."

Writes Schmidt: "In reality, just a few seconds earlier the first lady was herself joking with those around her, Cameron and Schmidt included. Her stern look was captured by chance."

Schmidt also pointed out that this was a memorial service, not a funeral: "All around me in the stadium, South Africans were dancing, singing and laughing to honor their departed leader. It was more like a carnival atmosphere, not at all morbid. The ceremony had already gone on for two hours and would last another two. The atmosphere was totally relaxed -- I didn't see anything shocking in my viewfinder, president of the U.S. or not."

"I doubt anyone could have remained totally stony faced for the duration of the ceremony, while tens of thousands of people were celebrating in the stadium. For me, the behavior of these leaders in snapping a selfie seems perfectly natural. I see nothing to complain about, and probably would have done the same in their place."

Photographer: Mrs. Obama not upset over selfie

Another 'I Think I Gotcha' from paul. 

Um, did I say a word about the selfie?  No.  I did not.  I let a series of pics that do not include the famed 'selfie' tell the story.  Another marvelous audition by TN for official MSN refugees Obama apologist position.

  Oh WCP!    You are killing me with laughter.  Who do you think took the pictures you posted?  The same photographer who took the 'selfi' pic.

If you read the link I provide, you would see the article started out with "The photographer who took the viral picture of President Obama's "selfie" with two other world leaders".  He also said he took other pictures too.

Another marvelous audition by WCP for office MSN Refugees Obama 'Gotcha' position.  Epic fail. 

[b2r]

   

  

[Deleted]

 After flying for hours and hours, halfway across the globe, cooped up on a jet with GWBush as a traveling companion... after crossing seven time zones, and then enduring oppressive heat and humidity (and downpours)... Michele Obama is supposed to have a phony smile pasted on her face?
 The Jet Lag alone would be enough to put most people off.
 I assert that acknowledging extenuating circumstances, honestly and fairly, does not make one an "apologist". 

[AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP]

Dec 11, 2013 16:42:23 GMT -5 @patiencetried said:

 After flying for hours and hours, halfway across the globe, cooped up on a jet with GWBush as a traveling companion... after crossing seven time zones, and then enduring oppressive heat and humidity (and downpours)... Michele Obama is supposed to have a phony smile pasted on her face?
 The Jet Lag alone would be enough to put most people off.
 I assert that acknowledging extenuating circumstances, honestly and fairly, does not make one an "apologist". 

You and TN need to unwind a few turns.  IT WAS FUNNY.  And apparently there's video. 

[workpublic]

boy wifey looks like she's had enough of his ego.
bet he slept on the couch that night

www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g-xVK0Snzgb2saQ9KObc0p1Uz4-w?docId=c44f4d20-b7db-4dd9-823e-8b09b6250c77&hl=en

[swamp]

Meh, I don't care that he took a picture, per se. Whatever.

But, it was a funeral. Have some respect.

[Tennesseer]

Dec 12, 2013 14:20:30 GMT -5 swamp said:

Meh, I don't care that he took a picture, per se. Whatever.

But, it was a funeral. Have some respect.

It was a memorial service and someone should have told the 70 to 80,000 South Africans in the stadium with the world leaders to stop dancing and singing during the service.

The funeral ìs Saturday.

I believe WCP already has a thread about this here on Current Events.

The Pic Of The Year 2013 ....

[swamp]

Dec 12, 2013 14:37:22 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Dec 12, 2013 14:20:30 GMT -5 swamp said:

Meh, I don't care that he took a picture, per se. Whatever.

But, it was a funeral. Have some respect.

It was a memorial service and someone should have told the 70 to 80,000 South Africans in the stadium with the world leaders to stop dancing and singing during the service.

The funeral ìs Saturday.

I believe WCP already has a thread about this here on Current Events.

The Pic Of The Year 2013 ....

Memorial/Funeral Service, whatever.   If you are the head of state, you should probably conduct yourself with a little more respect.  I don't care if the natives were singing and dancing.   That's their culture. 

[workpublic]

it's all the white woman's fault throwing herself at him like she has jungle fever.

[workpublic]

merge it with pauls. Tenn.

[workpublic]

Memorial/Funeral Service, whatever. If you are the head of state, you should probably conduct yourself with a little more respect. I don't care if the natives were singing and dancing. That's their culture.

i would think that would be obvious to all. agree.

[Deleted]

You know, what I want is a copy of that selfie! I always look like crap in mine.

[billisonboard]

Dec 12, 2013 14:52:16 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

You know, what I want is a copy of that selfie! I always look like crap in mine.

Obama's funeral selfie won't be shared, as Danish PM says it didn't turn out to be a good picture www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/obama-funeral-selfie-won-shared-article-1.1545388

[mmhmm]

There is already a thread for this discussion.  I'm going to merge these posts into that thread (Pic of the Year - 2013).  This is certainly not an issue that requires multiple threads! 

mmhmm, Administrator

[mmhmm]

I'd read somewhere there was a sort of cultural clash here.  There was a lot of loud celebrating going on, apparently.  That is the custom in parts of Africa when there is a death; particularly, the death of someone prominent and respected.  I have no idea if that had anything to do with Mrs. Obama's angry look, but I know it would really upset some people I know to have a loud celebration going on at the memorial for a dignitary.  I'm not going to make any assumptions.  I hate 'em.  I'm just offering another possibility/perspective.

[Deleted]

Dec 12, 2013 15:34:52 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Dec 12, 2013 14:52:16 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

You know, what I want is a copy of that selfie! I always look like crap in mine.

Obama's funeral selfie won't be shared, as Danish PM says it didn't turn out to be a good picture www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/obama-funeral-selfie-won-shared-article-1.1545388

LOL, she probably caught one of the men looking at her boobs.

[Value Buy]

Dec 12, 2013 16:15:16 GMT -5 mmhmm said:

I'd read somewhere there was a sort of cultural clash here.  There was a lot of loud celebrating going on, apparently.  That is the custom in parts of Africa when there is a death; particularly, the death of someone prominent and respected.  I have no idea if that had anything to do with Mrs. Obama's angry look, but I know it would really upset some people I know to have a loud celebration going on at the memorial for a dignitary.  I'm not going to make any assumptions.  I hate 'em.  I'm just offering another possibility/perspective.

I would assume the White House staff had already explained local customs and what to expect at the ceremony, so the President and wife did not commit a faux paux of their own. They had been to South Africa before, so they knew the social customs of the country.

I guess explaining about taking selfies was not on the agenda.

I imagine Mrs. Obama was not upset over the celebrity type atmosphere at the stadium of the citizens.

Paying attention to a blonde Danish Prime Minister rather than to her, might have been a mistake on the President's part.

I wonder how the President's demeanor would have been if the French Prime Minister was sitting with him, instead of her?

Of course I do not know anything about her. She simply might have been emotionally happy sitting next to President Obama, and was enjoying the moment.

[Tennesseer]

Value Buy - from the article noted in reply #5:  

"Writes Schmidt: "In reality, just a few seconds earlier the first lady was herself joking with those around her, Cameron and Schmidt included. Her stern look was captured by chance.""