Die Macht » And then I went on to win a European me

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama awarded the nations highest civilian honor to 21 groundbreaking actors, musicians, athletes and innovators who inspired him over the years and helped make me who I am.Everybody on this stage has touched me in a very powerful, personal way, in ways that they probably couldnt imagine, Obama said in concluding an hour-long ceremony Tuesday in the White House East Room.The Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes especially meritorious contributions to the national interests of the United States, its security and its culture. Obama called the 2016 group a particularly impressive class.In the film world, Obama honored Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Robert Redford and Cicely Tyson.Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, two of the greatest basketball players ever, were also among the honorees. Obama noted how Jordans name is synonymous with excellence.There is a reason you call somebody `the Michael Jordan of, Obama said. The Michael Jordan of neurosurgery, or the Michael Jordan of rabbis, or the Michael Jordan of outrigger canoeing. Everyone knows what youre talking about.Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross were recognized for their music. Of The Boss, he said Springsteen crafted anthems of our America, the reality of who we are and the reverie of who we want to be.Other honorees included philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates, comedian Ellen DeGeneres and broadcaster Vin Scully. Of DeGeneres, Obama said she has a way of making people laugh at something rather than someone, except when I danced on her show. He said its also easy to forget that she had risked her career nearly 20 years ago when she came out as gay.What an incredible burden that was to bear, to risk her career like that. People dont do that very often, and then to have the hopes of millions on your shoulders, Obama said.The diverse group seemed to enjoy themselves at the White House, participating in a mannequin challenge before the ceremony, trying not to move as they were recorded on video.Obama said the people receiving the medal helped push America forward and inspired millions around the world. The White House said the president and his staff spend time considering a variety of candidates for the award, but ultimately, its the presidents decision.Posthumous honors went to Native American advocate Elouise Cobell and Rear Adm. Grace Hopper.Others receiving the award included:- Richard Garwin, an inventor and polymath physicist who made pioneering contributions to the nations defense.- Frank Gehry, one of the worlds leading architects.- Margaret H. Hamilton, a mathematician and computer scientist.- Maya Lin, the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.- Lorne Michaels, producer of Saturday Night Live- Newton Minow, a former Federal Communications Commission chairman devoted to numerous public and charitable causes.- Eduardo Padron, president of Miami Dade College.----On Twitter, reach Kevin Freking at https://twitter.com/APkfrekingBlake Griffin Jersey . To the surprise of many, it isnt the Wolverines but their in-state rivals the Michigan State Spartans. Terry Mills Pistons Jersey . Irving scored 23 points, Tristan Thompson had 20 points and 10 rebounds and the Cavaliers beat the Denver Nuggets 117-109 on Friday night. https://www.pistonsrookiesshop.com/Rick-Mahorn-City-Edition-Jersey/ . Cuban testified Thursday that he was upset when the companys CEO told him news that would reduce the value of his shares, for which hed paid $7.5 million. But he said he did nothing improper when he sold those shares over the next two days. Jameer Nelson Pistons Jersey . -- About a third of the way through the regular season, the Washington Wizards are at . Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk Pistons Jersey ., for the next three years with the signings on Monday of Daryl Townsend and Michael Carter.Gloucester centre Bill Meakes has left the club to pursue his dream of playing Super Rugby.Meakes, who was born in Manly, played for Australias Under-20 and Sevens sides and took up his contract at Gloucester in January 2015. After impressing in the centres in the Aviva Premiership, he caught the eye of an unnamed Australian Super Rugby side and the Cherry and Whites have allowed him to take up the offer.Its been an incredible couple of years really, Meakes said. One minute I was just training with Gloucester, then I was named as a replacement and making my first appearance. And then I went on to win a European medal with the boys, its been awesome.Ill always be grateful to the club for giving me the chance to show what I could do at this level.dddddddddddd Ive also made some great mates, theyll be friends for life. And what can I say about the Gloucester supporters? Theyve been absolutely immense, their backing has been amazing.But the chance to play Super Rugby is a fantastic one, one that I couldnt refuse and huge thanks to Gloucester for letting me pursue this. Ill be sad to go, but Gloucester and Kingsholm will always be special to me.Id like to wish all the players and coaches all the very best for the forthcoming season and Ill be streaming the games every week to keep in touch with how theyre doing. ' ' '