Feel the Burn

And now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine:

Feel the Burn

The personal trainer who gets President Obama to burn calories -- apparently is burning an awful lot of carbon-emitting jet fuel -- in the process.

The New York Times reports Cornell McClellan -- who owns a training and wellness facility in Chicago -- spends part of his week in Washington at President Obama's request.

McClellan says he usually sees the first couple two to four mornings a week -- for hour-long workouts in the White House residence gym.

He also trains several other administration staffers.

However, the Washington Examiner pointed out --

If McClellan commutes back and forth from Chicago to D.C. once a week for a year -- that would equal about 50,000 pounds of carbon emissions.

The Examiner writes -- quote -- "the message is pretty clear -- if you're an average federal employee or your everyday taxpayer -- stop driving and be careful of your carbon footprint.

If you're in the White House and you want some toned arms and a firm buttocks -- fly your trainer out from Chicago every week."

The White House did not respond to our request for comment.

Cutting Ties

California Republican Congressman Darrell Issa has fired his deputy communications director -- for an apparent breach of ethics.

Kurt Bardella was accused of improperly sharing e-mails from reporters -- with a New York Times reporter -- writing a book on Washington's political culture.

Issa called the actions -- quote -- "highly inappropriate -- a basic breach of trust with the reporters it was his job to assist -- and inconsistent with established communications office policies."

Facing the MusicAnd finally -- as reports continue to allege that Muammar al-Qaddafi is using deadly force to quell protests in Libya -- one entertainer is distancing herself from the eccentric leader.

Nelly Furtado says she'll donate to charity -- the one million dollars she was paid for a 45-minute private concert for the Qaddafi clan back in 2007.

Other stars are being urged to do the same.

Mariah Carey -- Beyonce Knowles -- and Usher -- have all reportedly been paid handsomely by Qaddafi for private concerts over the years.   There has been no response yet from their publicists.