Obamaist! Round-Up: Notre Dame, Copenhagen, and Chia Prez

We know that President Obama will be holding a primetime press conference tonight at 7 p.m., following up previous media appearances on 60 Minutes and The Tonight Show. But what else is going on with the President from Hyde Park?

Obama speaking at So. New Hampshire Univ. commencement, 2007, via Obama's Flickr Stream
• In spite of protests, Notre Dame is sticking with its choice of President Obama for its May 17 commencement ceremony. The school has come under fire from Catholics who disagree with Obama's stance on abortion and stem cell research. Notre Dame spokesman Dennis Brown told the AP, "I don't foresee a circumstance in which we would rescind the invitation." School president Rev. John Jenkins said, "The invitation to President Obama to be our Commencement speaker should not be taken as condoning or endorsing his positions on specific issues regarding the protection of human life, including abortion and embryonic stem cell research." Meanwhile, protesters are filing petitions and setting up websites to do what they can to prevent Obama's speaking at the ceremony. [AP via WBBM]
• Chicago 2016 chairman Patrick Ryan has announced that he's gotten a commitment from Obama to appear at the final presentation of the city's Olympic bid in Copenhagen this October. Obama has previously appeared via video, but will make this appearance in person ahead of the IOC's final vote to award the games to Chicago, Madrid, Rio, or Tokyo. [Crain's]
• We thought Obama paraphernalia had already reached its nadir, but we were wrong. At the International Home & Housewares Show happening at McCormick Place, Joseph Enterprises is previewing its newest product: the Chia Obama. Set for an April 2 release, the company will offer two versions of the plant: "Determined Chia Obama" or "Happy Chia Obama." Company president Joe Pedott described his decision to make the plant based on a suggestion thusly:

I sloughed it off immediately...Then, I was dreaming. I get my best ideas dreaming. I dreamed that I put out a very serious, pro-American, supportive Chia...The president is a sacred person. I asked, 'Can I take that fun feeling and turn it into something serious?' So I did it.

I'd like to take this opportunity to remind the Chicagoist staff that a certain Editor-in-Chief's birthday is fast approaching. [via Tribune]