Fleur-de-Links: Saints Visit White House, Meet President Obama

Not much other than the White House visit going on today in the world of Saints web links. Rita was looking quite fetching. In the little other news, Madden Gras launches Madden 11, Dave Dixon is remembered, and NOLA.com has a piece about how Lynell Hamilton is working extra hard in hopes of getting extra playing time. The Saints have their first joint practice with the Patriots in the morning from 8:45-11:00. The afternoon practice will be from 3:00-5:45. Make the jump for more.

WHITE HOUSE VISIT:

Obama Welcomes Super Bowl Champs Saints - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports

Super Bowl champs visit White House | New Orleans News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather | wwltv.com | Eye on Black and Gold
The New Orleans Saints have come marching in to the White House.

Obama reaffirms commitment to Gulf amid Saints visit | New Orleans News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather | wwltv.com | Eye on Black and Gold
President Barack Obama hit all of the right notes in his remarks concerning this Super Bowl season. But in the midst of them, he paused to remember the crisis in the Gulf and people who continue to suffer.

New Orleans Saints, world champions, to get some presidential treatment today at White House | NOLA.com
Team will stop off at the White House on their way to Foxborough, Mass., to practice for their first preseason game against the New England Patriots Thursday

President Barack Obama welcomes Super Bowl champs New Orleans Saints | NOLA.com
President acknowledged being a Chicago Bears fan but said New Orleans has a unique relationship with its football team

New Orleans Saints honored by President Obama for Super Bowl title | NOLA.com
Hails National Football League franchise for helping city recover from Hurricane Katrina

Obama thanks Saints for carrying New Orleans 'through tough times' - The Oval: Tracking the Obama presidency
Obama thanks Saints for carrying New Orleans 'through tough times' - The Oval: Tracking the Obama presidency

2010 NFL training camps: President Barack Obama hosts champion New Orleans Saints at White House - ESPN
The New Orleans Saints have come marching in to the White House.

MADDEN GRAS:

Madden Gras? Latest Saints honor brings another day of parties
First there was Mardi Gras. Earlier this year, we added Lombardi Gras. And now we have Madden Gras. EA Sports, the company which produces the Madden Football game series, will be celebrating the release of its Madden 2011 game (with Drew Brees on the cover) with 14 hours of parties, concerts, games and even a parade.

Madden Gras Launches ''Madden NFL 11'' Video Game Featuring Coverboy Drew Brees - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports

REMEMBERING DAVE DIXON:

Henderson on Dave Dixon: None of his dreams were small | New Orleans News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather | wwltv.com | Eye on Black and Gold
WWL-TV Sports Director JIm Henderson remembered Dave Dixon as a man who "saw things that others didn't."

Saints Owner Tom Benson Statement on Passing of Dave Dixon

Dave Dixon, driving force behind Superdome, dies | NOLA.com
Art dealer, businessman, who was instrumental in bringing NFL franchise to New Orleans

Dave Dixon's dreams laid the groundwork for New Orleans sports | NOLA.com
He pushed hard for pro sports to come to the Crescent City

The Associated Press: Catalyst for Louisiana Superdome dies at 87

MISCELLANEOUS:

New Orleans Saints Lynell Hamilton is putting in extra time in hopes of getting playing time | NOLA.com
He is hoping to be the inside-the-tackles pounder

Could more New Orleans Saints make the Hall of Fame now that Rickey Jackson is in? | NOLA.com
Jackson was enshrined on Saturday in Canton, Ohio

Vegas-Spreads - NFL Predictions 2010: New Orleans Saints Favorites to Repeat in 2010 NFL Odds
NFL Predictions 2010: New Orleans Saints Favorites to Repeat in 2010 NFL Odds Written by John Zaphyr

Jammal Brown's hip sidelining him | National Football Post
Jammal Brown's hip sidelining him

Follow Deuce on Twitter - Canal Street Chronicles
Get hooked up with no. 26. Got to love the Deuce!

NFL Launches Back To Football Campaign

Taylor Swift and Dave Matthews Band to perform in Jackson Square before the Saints season opener | NOLA.com
NBC and the NFL Network will broadcast the pre-game concert live on Sept. 9

Send in your Saints Mailbag questions | NOLA.com
We're a full week into training camp. I know you've got questions. It's time to resurrect the Saints Mailbag for the 2010 season. Send your queries to Saintsmailbag@timespicayune.com. Remember to include your name and residence with the question.

VIDEO:

Saints Coach Sean Payton on going to New England

Aren't you glad there were no Favre posts today? I sure as hell am.