The sequinned cardigan and check skirt were bought from J Crew, a midmarket American retailer whose clothes the Obama family often wear; instead of changing accessories with each outfit, Michelle Obama wore the same double string of pearls throughout the visit. These are minor details, but ones which help fix the first lady

Contrary to what Facebook friend counts may lead you to believe, most people really don’t have hundreds upon hundreds of friends. Sure, they may know some absurd number of people - but according to a study by HTC, about 55% of people really only care about communicating with five or fewer people.

His cash bonanza gives Obama lots of leeway in how to place ads on national, local, and cable TV, while McCain has to pick his spots