Counter Intelligence: Obamas Set for Vineyard Getaway

The first family preps for Island vacay

By XANA O'NEILL
Updated 1:15 PM EST, Mon, Jul 6, 2009

TWITTER FACEBOOK

ASSOCIATED PRESS

See where the Obamas will take their first summer vacation as first family and take a look at our list of must-reads that will have you chatting at the lunch counter, over IM or wherever it is that people actually talk these days.

  • The Obamas' first summer vacation as first family remains officially classified -- but on Martha's Vineyard word is out that the first family is getting ready for an island getaway. The Obamas are expected to stay in Oak Bluffs and are trying to shy away from the Clintons' star-studded, party-focused Vineyard vacations. Though the Vineyard has been a favorite destination of many politicians, not all former presidents have been smitten with the place. George W. Bush once said, "Most Americans don't sit in Martha's Vineyard, swilling white wine." 
     
  • One low-cost airline is considering making some of its customers stand during flights or charge passengers less for sitting on "bar stools" with seat belts. Ryanair is in talks with Boeing to make a jetliner with standing room. The space would allow up to 50% more passengers and slash costs by 20%.
     
  • Caffeine may reverse the effects of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study. Mice that were genetically engineered to have a protein associated with the disease were given a high-caffeine diet. Those on caffeine did better on learning and memory tests than did their uncaffeinated counterparts. 
     
  • The world's oldest Christian Bible has been digitized. The 4th-century book was written in Greek on parchment leaves and has been digitally reunited after being housed in separate locations for more than 150 years.
     
  • Crew members on Katie Holmes latest film set are reportedly being forced to sign contracts that they won't ask the actress about her religion, according to Australian media outlets. The scientology convert is filming her new movie "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" in Melbourne, Australia. Holmes and hubby Tom Cruise are notoriously quiet about their religion.

First Published: Jul 6, 2009 8:53 AM EST

TWITTER FACEBOOK

  • 0% furious 0
  • 0% sad 0
  • 0% bored 0
  • 0% thrilled 0
  • 0% intrigued 0
  • 0% laughing 0
processing
          No comments have been posted yet.

          You have 2000 characters left

          processing
          So My City

          You are posting in (change)

          550/550 characters

          (jpg, pngs, or gifs allowed)

          (jpg, pngs, or gifs allowed)
          *Tip: You can also post moments via email or Twitter.

          processing

          View Your Moment in

          Posted by | 1 second ago

          Don't Miss

          local_beat

          6 hours ago

          New Yorkers React to Health Care Bill With Hope, Caution

          New Yorkers are watching the outcome of the health care debate in Washington closely, as a new federal health care bill could extend coverage to 700,000 city residents who are currently living without...

          Read It

          local_beat

          Nov 7, 2009

          Navy Commissions USS New York

          The USS New York, built with steel from the rubble of the World Trade Center, was put into service Saturday both as a symbol of healing and strength.

          Read It

          politics

          6 hours ago

          Obama's Littlest Constituents

          Being president isn't child's play, but Barack Obama has made time for kids throughout his political career.

          Loading...
          Birthdate:
          You must be at least 13 to sign up.
          Gender:
          invalid

          By clicking the button below, I accept the terms of use and privacy policy

          Already Signed Up? Login Below.

          processing
          Here's what we're posting:

          *Only used for verification. We do not store your password.
          processing