Embarrassing America

Apparently, I should have been able to imagine the Queen power walking with an iPod -- she already owned a video iPod before Obama gave her another.
Also, Obama failed to shake the Queen's hand properly, but his wife did no better. Not only did she fail to curtsy to the Queen, but "by the end of the evening, the two women were standing side by side . . . as they moved closer and continued their chat, the Queen put her hand on the back of Mrs. Obama, who did the same for a few moments" (FNC). Nevermind the fact that it's a major breach of protocol to touch the Queen.
I'm just curious -- is this is a display of power on the Obamas' part, or are they simply ignorant?

A Gift Fit for a Queen

According to FNC, the Obamas met Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip today and bestowed upon one another highly tasteful and professional gifts. No, Obama didn't present the queen with some boxed DVDs. He was even more tech-savvy this time.

During their private meeting, President Obama and the first lady gave the queen a personalized iPod with video footage of her 2007 visit to Washington and Virginia. She was also given a rare songbook signed by composer Richard Rodgers.

In return the queen and her husband, Prince Philip, gave the Obamas a signed portrait of themselves.

I'm trying to imagine the queen going for a power walk with her iPod on full blast. It's not working. Also, I'm wondering where the Obamas are going to hang the portrait.