He maybe an early contender for man of the century and probably the most popular man in history (unless you count Jesus as a man but lets not get into that) but Obama definitely has to learn about the art of gifting.
The British Prime Minister Gordon Brown made a trip to the U.S. last month and handed the president
ornamental pen holder made from the timbers of the Victorian anti-slave ship HMS Gannet. The unique present delighted Mr Obama because oak from the Gannet’s sister ship, HMS Resolute, was carved to make a desk that has sat in the Oval Office in the White House since 1880.
The gift was of course thoughtful and signified just how much blacks have progressed over the past 100 years. In addition to this gift, the Browns also gave the Obamas a framed commission for HMS Resolute, a first edition of the seven-volume biography of Churchill by Sir Martin Gilbert and books and clothes for the first girls Sasha and Malia.
For all their effort what did the Browns get in return? A boxed set of 25 DVDs of the best American movies- as thoughtful as a Hallmark card. And better still, it turns out that the Browns will probably not be able to enjoy the movies because of well… the blasted DVD coding system!
Seriously, what were the Obamas thinking! My guess is that some intern was given $100 and was given an executive order to get a gift of the Browns.
On a more serious note, It amazes me just how much Obama has lost his mojo since coming to the White House. I am not saying he is doing a bad job- heck he has only had the job for 2 months but the nominee blunders, the special Olympics gaffe, the whole AIG bonus issue just show that maybe Obama needs to get into that whole campaign mode where he was in absolute control for over two years.
Picture taken from Atlantic Council
Untitled For Now 
wow! That is lame. DVD’s!!
Whatever be the case, he still is a grounded and intelligent man who hold a lot of promise. He doesn’t seem like a jackass or a puppet, and that’s comforting.
And who is this Gordon Brown? Last I heard, even the Brits don’t give a shit about that dude. I’m happy Obama didn’t think him to be worthy of a fancy gift made with wood from Lincoln’s walking stick or something. He’s got much bigger things to worry about!
Shiva: I absolutely agree with the first part. He is such a refreshing change from Bush! But the whole DVD bit just seemed really lame 🙂
well…maybe it was to signify in what deep recession shit the Americans are in, and a gift is a just the thought that counts. Anything American that can be truly celebrated today is just in the movies.
well said Vidya!
@ Shiva
“He doesn’t seem like a jackass or a puppet, and that’s comforting.” !?!
WTF!?!? Where do you live?!? that’s the best joke of the year! LMAO