Feel the Burn
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
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
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
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."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
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.