First Lady Michelle Obama arrives in the Bay Area today to make several appearances, including a fundraiser dinner with Alice Waters. Some local members of the Republican Party, however, are shaking their fists at passing clouds after getting wind that Mrs. Obama used taxpayer dollars for these fundraising trips. more ›

In an effort to help raise funds for Barack Obama reelection campaign -- which: let's face it, he's a shoo-in for four more years -- First Lady Michelle Obama and delicate-masher-of-garlic-so-as-not-to-bruise-the-clove's-oil maven, Alice Waters, will help host at least two breakfast fundraisers on June 14. Berkeleyside notes: "Tickets to see the First Lady range from $1,000 for general seating at the Claremont to $5,000 for the photo reception to $25,000 to be a 'co-host.' " more ›

Against the wishes of some knee-jerk conservatives, the USDA food pyramid is now a thing of the past. Good riddance. That construct was a terror on our nation. With that, First Lady Michelle Obama today revealed the USDA's update on America's visual guide -- because Americans need a guide to eat, you see -- which is a vast improvement over the former dietary image of sloth and ruin. more ›

Let's just get this out of the way: Michelle Obama is, arguably, one of the greatest First Ladies, ever. Not only can she execute vibrant colors and exciting styles -- which, for us, is of the utmost importance in a leading lady -- but she also loves a good tamale. And how. During a Cinco de Mayo party at the White House, President Barack Obama used his wife for a few harmless food jokes. Gawker reports: "[Obama] prepared for the crowd all sorts of Mexico-related jokes, for which the First Lady served as a useful prop at times. Mexican food is Michelle's favorite, Obama said, adding that 'you do not want to be between Michelle and a tamale.' " more ›

Those of you planning on taking your visiting grandparents to the Tonga Room tonight might want to adjust your evening plans. As the Appeal pointed out last week, the First Lady is scheduled to make an appearance at the Fairmont hotel tonight for a fundraiser supporting Barbara Boxer and other local Democrats less than a week after her husband made a similar visit. more ›

As we pointed out, First Lady Michelle Obama was in town yesterday to promote voulenteering. You know, working for a good cause pro bono? Donating your time and elbow grease Similar to writing for a blog? That stuff. Anyway, what we want to know is, did she inspire you to give back to your community? more ›

In an effort to promote "volunteerism," First Ladies Michelle Obama and Maria Shriver kicked off a national community service campaign today (United We Serve) at the playground of Bret Harte Elementary School. But Obama wasn't just talk; she joined more than 500 local volunteers to redo the school's playground. The new kid-space will include "an edible garden that will have a farmer's market stand where kids and seniors can sell vegetables to raise money for the school," reports NBC Bay Area. The playground is is expected to be completed by 5 p.m. today. (Say what you will about the Obama administraion, you would never have found Laura Bush doing manual labor in the Bayview-Hunter's Point hood.) more ›

Kicking off the United We Serve summer service initiative, First Lady Michelle Obama, as well as a gaggle of Cabinet secretaries and senior administration officials, will visit San Francisco on Monday to promote volunteering. And while her do-gooding event in San Francisco is closed off to the public and press -- along with KaBOOM!, she will help construct a public playground at Bret Harte Public Elementary School -- you can still lend your time and effort to a needy cause, one that won't involve getting frisked by secret service agents. Check out All for Good to find out more about different projects in the Bay Area that need a few good hands. more ›

Well, she did it. more ›

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