Check out some of the pretty gals in Beijing...

[Playinghardball]

First Lady Michelle Obama, her mother Marian Robinson, her daughters Sasha and Malia arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, March 20

http://theobamadiary.com/

[mzteris]

1. gals??

If you're not over 70, I don't think you can use that word. (They get a pass...)

EVEN if it were "appropriate to call ANYONE gals, it would be the young girls, and most DEFINITELY NOT the First Lady and her mother!

"Gals", indeed. What century are you from?

[NYC_SKP]

3. Oh Stop it.

There's nothing wrong with "gals"; it's a casual counterpart to "guys".

And, while more frequently used by those of the older generations, there's not a damned thing about the term that can be demonstrated to be inappropriate or dismissive, at least not in a universal way.

You don't like it? Then don't use it.

Guys:



Gals:



See?

No problemo!

[Go Vols]

15. +1

I have heard and used the word gal my entire life,nothing wrong with it.

[mzteris]

49. yeah, i know people who've

used the "n" word - and the "f" word and the "c" word their entire life and see nothing wrong with that either!

Argument fail.

[Go Vols]

61. lol

fail indeed


maybe go attack this thread now: "some gals from du and i met up in colorado springs. every door we come to, we go into a giggle."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=4693310

[mzteris]

63. What can you expect from

a Tennessee fan?

Nothing sucks like a big orange. (And yes, I said 'suck').

I will address the issue when and how I see fit, btw. It will be a discussion, I assure you. And not an insulting one, either.

[Go Vols]

68. Not starting off well

with the not insulting part are you.

[mzteris]

90. that was meant

to be funny. Sorry.

I went to a rival school. I though you would recognize the quote.

My apologies. I was not meant to be "insulting" in any real sense. A good-humoured banter - it IS March Madness, you know! (And no - I'm NOT from Madison and I am NOT a UW fan!)

[snooper2]

72. awesome sub thread, thanks!

you think there are more guys or gals in it

[PCIntern]

76. More like "hijacked-thread" if you ask me.

"Personhole cover" anyone?

[VanillaRhapsody]

82. Here's a gal chiming in Dude!

[Raine1967]

77. Well, there is a fail here.

I'm just not sure it's the fail you mean.

This one isn't worth the fight you are looking for, IMO.

[Warpy]

89. This isn't the same and you know it.

Word jumpers would eviscerate English and slang English to the point we'd be talking like Dick and Jane books.

[mzteris]

91. I'm sorry, but I don't

"know it".

You may believe that. I don't believe that. To me I "KNOW" it's the same. YOMV.

[tblue37]

109. Oooooooohhhhh! You said "Dick"! nt

[Jamaal510]

23. +2

[ErikJ]

24. "Guys! Gals!"-sarah Palin

[mzteris]

50. oh well -

If SARAH PALIN says it, it must be just fine and dandy.

[Feral Child]

33. Wouldn't be my choice,

but it's a valid choice, and I don't believe for a second that the OP meant it disrespectfully.



We all need to chill and not raise our hackles so easily.

[mzteris]

48. I'm sorry, but no

"gals" is NOT an appropriate "counter-part" to "guys". It's certainly not allowed in the workplace.

It's insulting and women don't like it. Therefore, you should honor that and not use it.

[mzteris]

92. well, I guess you told me!

One could consider that a personal attack since I had just politely asked for it not to be used towards me.

Are you always that kind and considerate of others?

If you want to know why it riles me up, you can read my reasons further down. Quite frankly repeating myself over and over - and stating the obvious (to me) - is getting a bit old.

[panader0]

110. I have deleted my post

I thought you were joking and can see that you are not.

[Neoma]

106. I'm fine with it.

Never heard that it was offensive. It's just another way to say female.

[tblue37]

111. I am a woman and a feminist--and "gals" doesn't bother me-- though being called a "girl" would.

ON EDIT: so would "lady" in most (though not *all*) situations.

[Reter]

133. Not agreeing or disagreeing,

But what workplace is this? I hear way worse where I work daily. I don't hear "gal" though, because it's a very old fashioned word.

[madokie]

123. Spot on

Plus I love our first family and I don't give a damn who knows it.

[Cha]

131. Cute! Guys and Gals.. is there such

a damn thing as being too politically correct? Yeah, I think so.

[TeeYiYi]

4. +1...

There was a thread here yesterday with 'gals' in the title. It really did surprise me to see it.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who dislikes the use of that word.

TYY

[A Simple Game]

20. As a man that no longer calls himself a feminist because of all the petty complaints,

could you please inform me why I should not use the word gal?

Please offer an alternative word of which you would approve.

[TeeYiYi]

25. In this particular case...

...the use of 'gals' is sexist and condescending. As though looking cute or 'pretty' was their only purpose for being in Beijing.

It's about respect for all people. If you wouldn't talk down to the president, you shouldn't talk down to his wife, children and mother-in-law.

TYY

[Feral Child]

37. You're over-reacting.

You can't disenfranchise every word that you personally find offensive. The intent of the OP is to honor a fine group of females representing us internationally.


I dislike trite colloquialisms, but this is a clear case of "Baby...Bathwater".

[TeeYiYi]

39. I'm not the word police...

...or arbiter of anyone's personal dictionary. I don't care if you use it. Knock yourself out.

I'm just telling the other poster why I wouldn't choose to use it, since he asked.

TYY

[Feral Child]

43. That seems a more reasonable statement

than your previous posts in this thread.

I'm not trying to pick a fight. Perhaps I misread your posts as harsher than you intended.

No offense.

[Lunacee_2013]

41. +1000. Nt.

[VanillaRhapsody]

83. How? I do NOT see it...

I do not feel the least bit insulted or condescended to with the word gals...

Sheesh...how ridiculous...

[Owl]

128. Neither do I.

Yes, ridiculous.

[A Simple Game]

101. I didn't think you would give me an alternative word.

To me and I would assume most people, gal just means a young woman, again please tell me why that is derogatory. If that is your complaint of the day, your life is very good.

Or are you trying to say just because a word specifies a certain gender that it is sexist? Better be careful with your answer.

[TeeYiYi]

140. Take your pick of sexist colloquialisms and knock yourself out, SimpleGame...

re: "I didn't think you would give me an alternative word."

It is not my place to approve or disapprove of your personal lexicon. I've done all that I'm willing to do to try to help you. Self-accountability is now, officially, in your court; as it has always been.

The importance of your stubborn self-proclaimed ignorance of accepted social norms is officially on the 21st century back burner. After you're gone, no one will care or even remember how you chose to present yourself in this life.

TYY

[A Simple Game]

141. You're probably right with your last sentence.

After you're gone, no one will care or even remember how you chose to present yourself in this life.

And I would probably be right if I said the exact same thing about you.

So I can't call you a gal but it is fine for you to call me stubborn, and ignorant. Interesting perspective you have on life. Do you even realize the significance of the word stubborn in literature? The word is often used to associate men and mules, so you may not want to use that word again to describe a person, could be perceived as sexist. Ignorance I just assume is an everyday genderless insult so you have my permission to use it.

I have to admit my ignorance about one thing though. Why did you think I would be interested in watching a video of you making copies? No offense but it seemed kind of stereotypical and derogatory to me, but as you say I'm ignorant so you post whatever videos of yourself you want.

Now in finishing up, I have to say that I now feel better about the state of feminism, if the biggest worry for some of the most prominent feminists on DU is the use of the word gal, then the serious problems facing feminism must already be solved.

With young ladies like you (see I did watch the video) on the job we should have all the small problems women face whipped in no time!

[tblue37]

112. But but but--I think Pres. Obama is a pretty cool guy. nt

[VanillaRhapsody]

134. And I think this is a pretty cool response...guy or gal!

[mzteris]

51. you're no longer a feminist

because of "petty complaints"? Oh dear. I didn't know that feminist issues were so petty.

How about women for the women, or girls for the girls - or young ladies. Certainly not gals. And even IF you thought it was "okay" - the first lady and a woman over 60? GMAB.

[A Simple Game]

104. I don't wish to be associated with the likes of some so called feminists on this board, they

succeed only in making the true feminists look petty.

If the issue of the day is whether the word "gals" is a slam on women, then there is no longer a need for a feminist movement anyway.

Now can you give me an honest answer to a serious question? Do you really think the OP meant the word gals to be derogatory?

[tblue37]

113. Nope. "Ladies" is definitely not sanctioned. Young women = OK, but NOT "ladies.

At age 63 I am old enough (and have the long-term feminist cred) to know not only that we don't like to be called "ladies," but also WHY we don't. It's because the label is used to insist on "ladylike" (I.e., submissive and constrained) behavior from women.

If you are going to play word police, you need to get it right. Under most circumstances (though not *all*) "gals" is an OK colloquialism--but "ladies" is not.

ON EDIT: "gal" = NOT OK when used to demean, as in "his gal Friday."Just think about where the sobriquet "Friday" comes from. In "Robinson Crusoe" "my man Friday" was racist and oppressive. "His gal Friday" would be used the same way--to suggest subservience and service is owed to someone "superior." Just as "man" is not offensive in "my man Friday," but the phrase itself and its implication is, so too "gal" is not what is offensive about "his gal Friday."

[Owl]

129. "Ladies" is a no-no too? What about First Lady?

[tblue37]

130. Grandfathered (grandmothered?) in as a traditional "title.". nt

[redqueen]

62. Men who think it is within their purview to declare which issues feminists concern themselves with

are "petty" were never feminist allies to begin with.

[A Simple Game]

102. And self proclaimed feminists that leech onto any perceived outrage are

no friends of true feminists.

[redqueen]

103. Sure dude.

I'll give your opinion all the consideration it deserves.

[A Simple Game]

105. As I usually do yours. n/t

[Jamastiene]

29. You are not alone in that.

I don't like that word either. The way it is used where I am from is to demean and belittle women, and ESPECIALLY lesbians. "All that gal needs is the right man and she won't be a lesbian any more." That's what they always say. It's the only way it has ever been used toward me in my entire life. I despise that word, naturally.

[wryter2000]

31. I've been told by my African American coworker not to call her a gal

Not that I would. It isn't a word I use.

[loudsue]

30. I'm a gal. Have been since I wasn't a baby.

Not a thing wrong with the word.

[elfin]

5. So you can't use "guys" to informally identify a group of males of mixed ages?

Sounds like a "rule" devised by a marriage of an intense grammarian and an intense feminist.

[Ed Suspicious]

9. I use guys as a genderless address. Gals is antiquated.

What are you guys doing in this thread? Also, pretty sounds petty and not large enough for the participants on a mission of international relations. Just my opinion, obviously.

[JimDandy]

19. Same here on the use of guys and pretty for the Flotus.

Pretty is okay for girls no matter who their parents are, though.

[d_r]

99. fwiw, I've been told not to

call a group that is mixed sexes "guys" because it is insulting to the women. Like saying "you guys" to a mixed sex group.

But to me "gals" does sound like something from the 50's. Might as well say "Lads and Lassies"

[mzteris]

53. While my personal proclivities

might have some bearing -

I'm also bringing to bear my 20+ years in Human Resources. You know, that person who works with issues like Workplace Diversity. Respect for your co-workers. Hostile work environment. Equality. You know, minor little things like that. Words have power. Words hurt people. Maybe they don't hurt you, but if they hurt the other person, then sorry - can't say it.

[theHandpuppet]

18. +1

Someone's been watching too many westerns.

[Plucketeer]

22. I'm 69 and I see nothing wrong with that term

Geez-oh! Give us a break! I don't expect folks to define me as a human male when speaking of me.

[mzteris]

54. Of course not,

no offense, but you're 69. You grew up in an era when it was common. Times change. You grew up in a time when other words used to describe other people were very very common. Do you think those words are OK, because you grew up with them? Is it okay for you to continue to use a word that you don't think is hurtful, when you find it is hurtful to someone else?

[Plucketeer]

126. School this ignorant geezer

Plz explain the how and why that Gal or Gals is hurtful. I guess the G-word is now the new N-word, eh?

I'm forever pissed that the word Gay was hijacked for a group of folks that should have been happy with a different and better suited label. But no - gay no longer can mean what it did for centuries because some folks looking for a less noxious-sounding label lassoed gay and decided to spoil it for those of us that found it a pleasing descriptor for a particular manner - not lifestyle. And lest anyone's pulse quicken as they jump on me for revenge, I've a son who's a homosexual. I'm fine with his lifestyle and choices. That still doesn't mean I have to quietly stand by while my lexicon is plundered!

[upaloopa]

32. Nothing like hi jacking tread for your own self centered

rants is there.

[godai]

69. Exactly n/t

[NV Whino]

35. For fuck's sake

The world is going to hell in a hand basket, and you're concerned about the terms, guys and gals and pretty.

Get a life.

[mzteris]

55. It all starts with respect

doesn't it? For each other. Their beliefs. The planet. Other nations. The rights of others. Their feelings.

If we starts being a little more concerned about how we treated each other - and words have power - then maybe we could find our way out of that hand basket, eh?

[NV Whino]

71. For the record

I don't find guys, gals or pretty disrespectful.

[Logical]

36. LOL, I honestly have no idea if you are serious or joking. n-t

[LadyHawkAZ]

47. Ahem.

Psst:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024693310

I'll just leave that right there.

[opiate69]

52. !

[mzteris]

59. so?

I know lots of African Americans who use the "N" word. Don't tolerate that, either. Neither does my Black son. (And no, he doesn't like the term African American, though he isn't offended by it. Just doesn't want it used to describe him.)

It's an old term that has pervaded in the vocabulary of many for generations. It takes a while to weed it out, sort of like those other offensive terms used to describe people. Some people don't have a problem with it. Okay. Maybe they don't realize others do. I think when some of those to whom you are pointing think about it, some might change their mind. Or more than some. Or maybe not. YMMV.

[VanillaRhapsody]

84. so then you say your son gets to decide what he wants to be called....but YOU step in to tell us

what is offense to the FLOTUS. Shouldn't you ask her then?

[mzteris]

95. Well, next time I'm at the White House

I'll be sure to ask.

[LadyHawkAZ]

116. Snork!

Please proceed, Governor.

[snooper2]

73. You made that thread get edited

Stop making work for people!

[Raine1967]

78. Number 10

this is getting ridiculous.

(not your post, the entire discussion)

[tblue37]

118. She ended up editing "gals" to "women"--probably because of this thread.

But "gals" is just a colloquialism.

When I was in school, we were penalized for calling children "kids" in speech or writing ("People are not goats!&quot . During my first 15 to 20 years of teaching, I also forbade it in essays written by my college students. Now, though, it doesn't bother me, nor does it bother any of my (English Department) colleagues that I am aware of. In fact, I see "kids" all the time in textbooks and in articles in professional journals, as well as in newspapers and magazines.

"Gals" would still be much too informal for college or professional academic writing, but on an informal discussion board it is not too informal, and it is pretty clearly not intended to demean but rather to reference three generations of women with a label that is not age-restricted. It would seem odd to call Sascha a woman, and even Malia is a bit young for that label, so the OP chose "gals."

[Vashta Nerada]

125. I see sea had no problem with "gals" until the fauxrage here.

[BainsBane]

135. Leave it to you

To take a positive thread honoring the First Family and turn it into a petty attack against women who dare speak their minds in public without first seeking permission from men. The outrage.

[LadyHawkAZ]

136. I think you posted to the wrong person

You want this post: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024696832#post1

[BainsBane]

137. You think wrong

again, which would have been obvious if you had read the whole sentence in my previous post.

[LadyHawkAZ]

138. I did read it

It described someone else.

[babylonsister]

56. Please lighten up; I use it, too, and I R one. nt

[mzteris]

60. You know I like and respect you

but this is NOT an acceptable word anymore. It is demeaning and sexist. It's not allowed in the workplace. That should tell you something.

[babylonsister]

65. It's not allowed in the workplace? Says who? And I don't

see it as demeaning or sexist at all. Some people seem to worry about the wrong things; I think this is one of them.

[VanillaRhapsody]

85. and I am in total agreement with you...this is kneejerk nonsense!

[mzteris]

96. I'm sorry, but

you're not in a position to dictate what I find offensive. And I'm pretty offended that you called my heartfelt beliefs "kneejerk nonsense". But what else should I expect, eh? I'm just a "gal" after all. . .

[mzteris]

87. not in any place I've worked in

since the 80's. Well - that was that beer distributor I worked for. They called women a lot worse things, though. But hey, I was a single mom and desperate for a job so I just shut the hell up and tried to keep my dignity intact. I did have the occasional one-on- one conversations with a few of the less cretinous ones who did sorta kinda get it and they made an attempt to change their language. And you know what? With a small change in a word, there was a change in behaviour, too. Funny how that works. The other employees who had no inclination to change? They treated "gals" like - well you know how they treated them. How they liked to "talk about" treating me and any other female withing earshot. They also used every epithet and inappropriate word to describe anyone not like themselves in the book.

The other companies, though - nope. Corporations with real HR departments and training programs that tackle diversity (what people used to call "sensitivity training" with such derision). Now we have sexual harassment and workplace violence training. Even "how to recognize the signs of domestic abuse" training for supervisors. How to treat others with respect.

If we don't worry about the "little things", we will never reach parity. Why do you think there is still such inequity in pay for the same job? Why do you think there are fewer VPs and SR VPs and Presidents, and CEO's and Board members? Fewer Governors and Senator and Congress - er - men - state or federal? Fewer mayors. Fewer council members.

If we're allowed to be dismissed as "girls", then why should we ask for the respect to treated as equal adults?

People used to call a certain ethnic group "boy", too, and everyone was A-OK with that for a very very long time. No one "meant" anything by it. It wasn't an "insult". It wasn't supposed to be "demeaning". It was just the word you used to describe a certain group of people. And yeah, I do truly believe the issue here is the same.

You're a woman, not a "girl" for which "gal" is slang - only - IMO - more insulting. You deserve respect for the life you've lived. You don't see it as disrespectful, but I respectfully disagree. YOMV.

[R B Garr]

132. What you're saying has a lot of merit. Look how time has marginalized other words such as

calling a woman a "broad" or a "dame". You just don't hear those words anymore as they are generally deemed to be derogatory nowadays. I'm sure there is a whole history behind the demise of those words, but I'm just talking in general terms. In any event, you've explained your position very well, and I think what you're saying makes a lot of sense.

Personally the use of "gal" doesn't set off any alarm bells for me. I guess I've always considered it rather regional or very casual, but I can see that based on your frame of reference for the word, it could be considered derogatory. The use of the word sets up a negative image based on your experience with it, and what you've said makes sense.

Now, just don't call me Toots, lol.

[Sissyk]

114. What do you mean it's not allowed in the work place?

I work in HR also, EEO/DBE Liaison. I use guys and gals in training all the damn time.

It may be demeaning and sexist to you, but not to the majority of the population.

But, it is allowed in the workplace.

[MADem]

81. It's the female for "guys." I think it's suitable for all ages, in a casual context.

Maybe not baby "gals"--but teens-and-up, sure, why not?

Gentlemen and Ladies...that's from centuries past, too, but we still use it.

There are words that are used when insult is intended;that said, it is quite obvious to any sentient being reading the OP that, in the context of the comment, no insult is suggested or intended.

[oldhippie]

94. Damn, I guess I'm gonna lose a few more points ...

.... on the Ideological Purity Test.

If I don't get a passing score will I be kicked out of the Party? Would I have to vote Republican?

Jesus, the things we argue about amaze me sometimes.

[Vashta Nerada]

124. Wow. Really?

You get outraged about that?

[WhiteTara]

127. And goodwill to all men.

Makes you throw up a bit if you find sexism ingrained.

FLOTUS is very elegant and both a woman and a lady....hardly someone I would call a "gal" if you're not her "gal pal." Of course, women as a whole are not afforded much respect or dignity.

[Whisp]

2. Gorgeous!

[Brother Buzz]

6. I'm glad to see Marian Robinson getting out and about

She seems to fly under the radar and is mostly portrayed as the steady as a rock homebody. Live it up gal, you deserve it!

[LittleBlue]

7. Jeebus, look at Malia

Just a kid during 08, now nearly a woman. She must be pushing 6 feet tall.

Cute family.

[asjr]

21. Malia is absolutely beautiful and Sasha

is right behind her!

[tblue37]

119. She looks so much like her father! nt

[iandhr]

8. After a long flight I am not smiling like that.

[Mr.Bill]

27. I might be smiling

if the long flight was on Air Force One.

[think4yourself]

40. LOL

Good point!

[iandhr]

70. +1

[eggplant]

10. Pretty smart gals indeed. n/t

[deurbano]

13. Nice fix!

[eggplant]

14. The rest of the thread is just flame bait. Sigh.

It is a nice photo of nice people on this first day of spring.

[The Straight Story]

11. "Pretty" is sexist. Unless you call men that too

Complimenting women without them asking you to compliment them means you want them in unnatural ways.

Or something like that.

[Orrex]

12. "Sexist" is offensive.

Please use a word that doesn't contain the dirty word "sex."

[DeadLetterOffice]

44. I *totally* think men can be pretty!

And I often refer to them as such.
Now I'm wondering if that makes me an equal opportunity objectifier?

[JI7]

57. only the ignorant think that

[VanillaRhapsody]

86. I call men handsome....

is there a problem with that too?

[The Straight Story]

97. Yep - any one way term is sexist by it's nature

and only used by straight white privileged males who need some educating on how to properly address others.

If you are not part of that group you may use whatever terms you like since you cannot offend others (those in the above group cannot be offended).

It gets complicated - you need to read a textbook and take some college classes to understand it all.

[mfcorey1]

16. OOOOOOH! The republicans are not going to like this. Chuckie Todd is probably

mad because the press could not go. Let the bashing (as we know it will ) begin.

[tarheelsunc]

34. "Look at Moochelle traveling on the taxpayers' dime again"

Seriously, if you want to play a drinking game, go to a right wing "news" site (or CNN, same thing really) and drink to every mention of "Moochelle." Actually, don't do that, I don't want to be held liable when someone dies of severe alcohol poisoning.

[GoCubsGo]

107. The lunatics have been pitching a fit in my local rag for a week now.

It's like clockwork. I wish they'd give it a fucking rest already. I never heard a peep from these assholes when the Bushes went on one of their umpteen vacations, and they sure as hell never complained when Shit-for-Brains took Laura along to any international summits. And, it was nothing but crickets when the Tequila Twins got tossed out of Uruguay, or wherever the hell it was, for being drunk and disorderly. I'm getting really sick of them.

[OregonBlue]

17. Lovely. I'm a 65 year old woman who marched in many protests and burned my bra.

A product of the 60's and the sexual revolution in the U.S. I don't consider "Gals" outdated or insulting nor do I consider calling them "Pretty" offensive. They are pretty. People, get a grip.

[Glitterati]

120. Amen, OregonBlue

speaking as another product of the 60s.

Yes, they are pretty! Malia is going to be an absolutely stunning woman soon.

[Laf.La.Dem.]

26. What will FOX and Rush say this trip cost the U.S. taxpayers?

I will say $500,000,000 per day or up

[Iliyah]

45. 5 zillion and thats why corporations can't increase wages for Americans.

Beautiful group of young ladies!

[tblue37]

121. Eleventy brazillion! nt

[surrealAmerican]

28. What is that on Sasha's hand?

Did she break a thumb or something?

[Xithras]

46. It's a thumb brace.

The White House has officially given it a "No Comment", but the unofficial story is that she hurt it playing basketball at school.

[Feral Child]

38. Lovely photograph.

I'd REC if not for the thread-jack below. Sorry, but the pettiness displayed is embarrassing.

[KansDem]

42. Is it just me or do the daughters resemble their parents?

Malia looks a little like the President, and Sasha looks a little like the First Lady.

I first noticed when the Obamas sent out their 2011 Christmas card--

[babylonsister]

58. Funny how that works...

[JI7]

66. i think malia looks more like her mother ,especially the high cheekbones

but you can see some of the pres in her also.

sasha doesn't look that much like either parent. i think because she has a more full chubby face. i think she may take after her grandmother.

[tblue37]

122. No, Malia has her dad's eyebrows, smile, and facial structure. I think Sascha resembles her maternal

grandmother as a young woman (I saw a pic once a long time ago).

Here is a picture of Madelyn Dunham as a young woman:

https://www.google.com/search?tbs=sbi:AMhZZiv0Tk-SCtsTwFU0QgcHCPt8wL581pEOpFzhrOlNE452zGMZntz9fEE87cJJFk29YysAvdIkJsAYjpdr6Zdbi6jS-xkK1Hviv0fnc7reqXiQ9vbJkyhDrlOtFL6tMb4o8rj32ND5ASCqb1B2_1IYXfgZbeYbfIW4VTALzZeT2LpCFx2hujnONxYG1LbnN5QVhdnB0DE5UHBrHXxrEDJlDH_13SioIrzVT3MHK6-Tf3xUtPeF2ZBtgzpe1--WidtJk51sh6DdoWI5HpYm-uNHDORRDx91gubL_1wCC9C-oBRd1LVmYuUI4WbyOgEsESmVWuDQ4SOEG1D6AfymD62-gFAFM0McUu05SgLuUuMPMoGOmnY2rzae0gLU1xNKMLri3Munh6LyNQZCaKq3r4XtI89636MlGRU42kttsYUaHR5nQLef2Ku7OK6YQd2I5mDpIiR-0idwE0mCyd9eSTx3vH8H3rlNzgmiHKzt-qJ_1iOwtu97SYUxRUwhkQFy2WzW_1dYZqbURa9adhbVoyJWbn_1y44Fg51KAmmo5t9rueh8OrEKuSkZtP5Nl3drASpPSerEoWQbo2fibrTSwFJD8vGXeTjR-2B7Vf2SU_1JXPvWPbhPQBrFdGs2j49GNXsuNlE70MJcW297U-GXRsnybRmmoXFod9rw4uKhY3FnP6wHcb3Ltogt3Y46H8BPOf0DF9pIC29dFg7CrFzGYs7oJiyYEFKV3PlNilxOijk2QtKFedtD4JhXpX6LewDUYDXmsAJUCE4ZhUh0I8QRLnDTthxokFutFSnBdjFe4V19JWUGXWUsxIplUXXABuFF_1sLVuHQ4xIHyKJnUxFrTJr64DYYxID_1YajIXOO1Jsqpqm06Mb_1ckdKO03HUu2ABb1RYjXAbH7sJKydq0mCeN9r7861pEKMSCNnQI_1ftaFmtvWB-47vSmn10pwnTrdauAmAsjGBZ1YaEiqTDR8zPdEWuxsxLH-raGf6tK1lm42n31owtQAINMp6Vu9qpcbtIl6IctXIms1eTcwIVgKq90w51xtcLZXA1zmKHge3ut0gOXmHky5nODx58gV3VuvHdNL-Ql_1PRGm-STwY33F72Ni1aYpILDF1s79F5RqoOj-h82-Wpt02cToSSSeggY6_1INyLHUMY16LzPHTxcJbuHZyiPbwj8sbpxYTy2dkboBdc_1Gr1tHLNwsiA-DwBNsDeL3TNBiXey3HFgOC9F_1CBhXPO9KPQUfjNexaDmbbW-3-qR5Jko6qq4v8fGzGrp0wSdzV9cNelAq_1VI6_1bFXKRLEOruVOrmzseeDV0N7jN3k5KhQ2BuTgzCZx2m9aaql-FLoDoaqKUGr3GKfwjfW15B9C8CoEc633GOIg8k0ST8hQ

BTW, autocorrect changed "Dunham" to "Suntan"! Glad I caught that.

[one_voice]

64. Wow the girls* have gotten so big...

they're turning into lovely young women before our eyes.

What can you say about the First Lady.

Ms. Robinson is looking good too.


*girls--I'm referring to the kids.

[JI7]

67. Sasha will be a teenager this year

malia will turn 16.

the first time the nation saw them was in 2004 and they were both small enough to be picked up .

i guess as one gets older it feels like time goes by faster. chelsea is closer to my age and those years seem longer to me.

[one_voice]

75. Malia will be old enough to drive...

holy mama. Times goes by quickly.

[rurallib]

79. Tuned in to see some nice comments on the Obama Family

was disrupted by some demonstrators.

They represent America well.

Sure do kind of miss those cute kids from a decade ago. I hope they are well grounded and the celebrity does not affect their lives too badly. And I really hope the vile, vicious attacks of the right on their father don't bother them too much.

My impression from afar is that their parents are doing the best they possibly can to make sure they learn to be humble both by word and deed.

[tularetom]

80. As it happens 4 generations of female family members are here at the house

So I asked them all for their reaction to being called a "gal"

Great granddaughter - "I like it"

Granddaughter - "Better than when they call me a bitch"

Daughter - "I haven't been called a gal for years. In our office everybody is called a 'guy'. I'd like to think people know I'm a female"

Wife - "What kind of @*!& are you reading on line?"

mixed results I guess.

[mzteris]

93. I'd say I agree with

your granddaughter.

[Tx4obama]

88. Raw: First Lady Arrives in Beijing - VIDEO

[coldbeer]

98. Oh darn, you got me on that one!!!!

When I clicked on the thread it took
me a mili-second. I knew I been had!!!
LOL. It didn't even load!

gals in China I thought, what!!!

[Niceguy1]

108. for a second I thought

I was going to see some hot Chinese gals, too lol.

Instead it was just an argument over the word gal, . Lol

[zappaman]

100. Love those gals!

[Jetboy]

115. 'Gal' is suddenly an offensive term?

Ok, I won't use that term to refer to you particular individuals. Now please don't ever refer to me as a guy or dude. Of course anyone else can, just not you perm-o-fended human beings.

Gal?!?!?!?!

for *&^%$)# sake I wish you people were kidding but I know you're not!

We can't even agree to disagree-no- I'm anti-feminist for using the term gal. Fine. My motto is 'do what's right and forget 'em'. Forget you!

[LadyHawkAZ]

117. Great photo, thanks. n/t

[Triana]

139. Stunning beauties! n/t