President and PM dish up burgers at 'Obama-Q' honouring American and British veterans

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Barack Obama and David Cameron serve food from a barbecue as they entertain British and American service members and veterans at 10 Downing Street today


Taliban must make 'decisive split' with al Qaida, says Cameron in joint press conference with Obama after garden party

Forget table tennis - this is the ultimate photo opportunity for Barack Obama and David Cameron.

The UK and U.S. leaders forged a special culinary relationship today as they manned the grill at a barbecue in honour of servicemen in the garden at No. 10.

It was a moment of fun after this morning's in-depth talks on issues ranging from military campaigns in Libya and Afghanistan to global economic reform.


Obama and Cameron diligently serve a burger to a soldier wounded in service during the garden party


U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron, wife of the Prime Minister, serve food at the barbecue for British and American service members and veterans


The pair gamely served the cooked meat at the lunch party while their wives, Samantha and Michelle, spooned side dishes onto the plates of 150 American and British service members.

The Prime Minister and the President appeared at ease as they performed their catering duties in shirt sleeves, chatting and laughing while they worked.


Servicemen and their partners arrive at the Downing Street garden party, which was attended by 150 American and British military personnel



The Prime Minister, left, and the President appeared at ease as they entertained military personnel in shirt sleeves


Both leaders worked together to pile food on to one wounded soldier's plate, as other guests queued at the food-laden tables.

Following the barbecue, Obama and Cameron gave a joint press conference in which the Prime Minister said Taliban must make a 'decisive split' with al Qaida if a political settlement in Afghanistan is to be brokered.

Speaking outside Lancaster House in London, Mr Cameron said the U.S. operation against Osama bin Laden represented a 'strike right at the heart of international terrorism'.

Mr Cameron said the next 12 months represented a 'vital year' in Afghanistan, while British and American troops had 'broken the momentum of the insurgency' in the country.


Mr Obama speaks during a joint press conference with David Cameron at Lancaster House today. The Prime Minister said the next 12 months represented a 'vital year' in Afghanistan


In the Taliban heartland of Kandahar and central Helmand, the insurgents were 'on the back foot', the Prime Minister said.

Calling for a political settlement, he told the press conference: 'Now is the moment to step up our efforts to reach a political settlement.

Obama arrived at Downing Street before 10am this morning for discussions with Cameron as he got down to the real political business of his state visit.


Obama and Cameron, right, were joined by Nick Clegg, left, for today's talks at Downing Street. Mr Clegg, gesturing to the sunlit windows, said to the U.S. leader: 'You've brought the sun today'


Mr Obama shares a joke with Nick Clegg at 10 Downing Street. Shaking hands with the Deputy Prime Minister, the U.S. leader said: 'Wonderful to see you'


During the talks, the U.S. President insisted the alliance between America and the UK is key to providing global security after a 'difficult decade'.

Nick Clegg proved that three isn't always a crowd as he joined the leaders and was seen sharing a joke with the President.

Mr Obama was smiling broadly after making the short journey in Cadillac One - his bombproof limousine known as 'The Beast' - from Buckingham Palace.

The leaders greeted each other with a handshake before Mr Obama patted the Prime Minister on the shoulder.

They then shook hands again on the steps of No. 10 but they were no


Obama smiles before today's meeting with Cameron. The U.S. President and the Prime Minister are to spend the morning holding talks before a joint press conference in Downing Street



Commander-in-chief: Barack Mr Obama takes a seat across from David Cameron (second left) in the Cabinet Room for today's talks on security with other ministers, advisers and officials


Barack Obama is greeted by the Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street this morning. The pair are discussing issues ranging from military campaigns in Libya and Afghanistan to global economic reform


He is expected to tell MPs and peers that even though the world has changed significantly since the Second World War, the UK-US relationship and the broader transatlantic alliance is still the 'cornerstone of global security'.

The 'Arab Spring' in the Middle East and North Africa reinforce that the allies' shared beliefs are 'not just relevant but essential', he is to say.

The president will also strike an optimistic note by claiming that the world is 'turning a corner' following a 'difficult decade'.

As well as operations winding down in Iraq, the shift to Afghanistan taking control of its own security has begun, and al Qaida has been 'weakened' by successes such as the recent killing of Osama bin Laden.

Yesterday, large parts of central London were brought to a standstill as crowds gathered to welcome the president for his first state visit.


Obama and Cameron wave to members of the media outside the Prime Minister's official residence, prior to their meeting


Mr Obama made the short journey in Cadillac One - his bombproof limousine known as 'The Beast' - from Buckingham Palace


Police marksmen take position on rooftops along Whitehall as the Presidential motorcade arrives at Downing Street this morning. Helicopters were seen whirring overhead, as part of the major security operation


After being greeted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace, the president and first lady met newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge before Mr Obama laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.

Mr Obama and Mr Cameron then dropped in on a south London school where they took off their jackets to play two schoolboys at table tennis.

But the Anglo-American team took a sound beating at the hands of 16-year-olds Jason Do and Jamiyu Mojaji at the Globe Academy in Southwark.

Mr and Mrs Obama then attended a star-studded state banquet in the president's honour at Buckingham Palace last night as the Queen hailed the US as Britain's 'most important ally'.



Cameron and Obama pose for the army of press photographers gathered outside 10 Downing Street


U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton walks with British Foreign Secretary William Hague to join Obama at 10 Downing Street


The smartly dressed driver of the President's vehicle brushes down its shiny exterior as she waits for him outside the Prime Minister's residence


She insisted the relationship was 'tried, tested and, yes, special' and the two nations together contributed to security and prosperity of the world.

'I firmly believe that the strength of our links and many shared interests will continue to ensure that when the United States and the United Kingdom stand together, our people and other people of goodwill around the world will be more secure and more prosperous,' the Queen said.

Responding with his own toast, Mr Obama spoke of the 'rock-solid foundation' between the two countries.


Mr Obama's motorcade travels along the Mall as it leaves Buckingham Palace to go to Downing Street this morning


'From that day to this, you have been our closest partner in the struggle to protect our people from terrorism attacks and violent extremism from around the world despite very heavy sacrifices here,' the president said.

'As we confront the challenges of the 21st century together we have can confidence in the partnership our two countries share, based on a rock-solid foundation built during Queen Elizabeth's lifetime of extraordinary service to her nation and to the world.'

Mr Cameron and Mr Obama sat down for talks in the White Room of No 10 shortly before 10am this morning.


'Okay. Enough about Ryan Giggs. What's the latest on Arnold Schwarzenegger?'


As about a dozen photographers took pictures at the start of the meeting, the president joked: 'All right guys, one of those must have worked.'

Foreign Secretary William Hague and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton followed the two leaders into Number 10 half an hour later.

Mrs Clinton waved briefly and smiled as she entered.


Michelle Obama, the wife of the U.S. President, and Samantha Cameron, wife of the Prime Minister, pose with their husbands on the steps of 10 Downing Street yesterday


Earlier, the smartly dressed driver of the president's vehicle brushed down its shiny exterior as she waited for him outside the Prime Minister's residence.

Mr Obama and Mr Cameron were joined by Nick Clegg at about 10.15am.

Shaking hands with the Deputy Prime Minister, the US leader said: 'Wonderful to see you.'

Mr Clegg, gesturing to the sunlit windows, said: 'You've brought the sun today.'

At about 10.40am, the President, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister moved to the Cabinet Room for talks on security with other ministers, advisers and officials.

Mr Cameron and Mr Obama sat opposite each other in the centre of the coffin-shaped Cabinet table, the Prime Minister flanked by Mr Clegg and Mr Hague, and the President by Mrs Clinton and the U.S. Ambassador to London, Louis Susman.

Other British ministers attending included Chancellor George Osborne and Home Secretary Theresa May.


Special relationship 'stronger than ever'



Cameron: 'Special relationship will get stronger'



BARACK OBAMA's LIMO Gets Stuck in Dublin



Obama flips burgers for troops



source: dailymail

Tearful Lauren Alaina sings through the pain after injuring vocal chords as she vies for American Idol crown

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


Singing on: Lauren Alaina took to the American Idol stage tonight for the final showdown, despite having injured her vocal chords during rehearsals


Lauren Alaina managed to make it on to the American Idol stage tonight for the final showdown - despite fears she may have had to bow out of the contest.

The 16-year-old hopeful had earlier 'blew out her vocal chords' in rehearsals, the show's doctor explained.

But after receiving medical attention and medication she was declared fit to do battle with fellow finalist Scotty McCreery.


Emotional night: The 16-year-old hopeful became tearful after singing her last song of the night


Lauren soldiered on without any audible hiccups, becoming tearful during her last song, with both her and Scotty, 17, receiving high praise from the judges for their performances.

However, despite her setback, Lauren appeared to get the edge over Scotty, with the judges being slightly more impressed by her efforts.

After the final song, all three judges said Lauren would get their vote over Scotty - although it is the public who get to decide the winner.

Steven Tyler even went as far to say: 'Lauren gets it hands down.'


Graceful: Host Ryan Seacrest escorts the Georgia native into the audience at LA's Nokia Theatre as she sings Like My Mother Does


Proud: Lauren shares a hug with her mother as her father watches on during the performance


The show began with the drama over Lauren's voice being discussed.

She reassured host Ryan Seacrest: 'I'm fine,' after the programme's doctor explained how she had received medical treatment for her vocal chords.

Tonight saw the boy next door versus the southern belle as Scotty and Lauren put in their final performances ahead of tomorrow's finale.

Each contestant sung three songs for judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Tyler.


Let the battle commence: Lauren with fellow finalist Scotty McCreery and host Seacrest


Round one was their favourite song from the season, round two was a song picked by their mentors and round three was the single that each contestant will release if they win the competition.

Scotty's final song was the slow track, I love You This Big.

'When you hit that end note I was like "woah, dude". Scotty you are in it to win it. That was a brilliant vocal,' Jackson told him.

'You are a storyteller, you did an amazing job with that song,' said Lopez.



Southern belle: She started the night off in a gold, sparkly dress


Musician: Scotty performs with his guitar in hand. He also received high praise from the judges although they said Lauren had a slight edge over him


Lauren's final track was It's Like My Mother Does, which led her to hug her mother during the performance.

'Lauren Alaina has arrived America, that was amazing,' shouted Jackson.

'There was heart, emotion, feeling and a beautiful, beautiful voice,' said Lopez.

'It's been a tight race,' Lopez added. 'America has their job cut out for them.'


Here come the judges: Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson


In position: All judges agreed it was a close race, but called if for Lauren at the end of the night. The voting public will decide the winner, which will be announced in tomorrow's show


The songs were performed in LA's Nokia Theatre in front of seven thousand fans.

The public will vote for the winner with the result being announced tomorrow.

Tonight also saw a guest performance from Taio Cruz and American Idol winner David Cook from season seven.

This year marks Idol's youngest-ever, and first all-country music finale.

Alaina from Georgia, who has dreamed of appearing on the show since age six, is the youngest person to reach the finale.

McCreery, from North Carolina, has a deep voice that belies his youth and has barely put a foot wrong.


Guest performer: Taio Cruz took to the American Idol stage to entertain the 7,000-strong crowd


But whichever contestant prevails when the votes are announced on Wednesday - and predictions as usual are for a close race - country music may end up the real winner, some experts say.

'Either way they have two people who could do very well in country music,' said Yahoo! Music managing editor Lyndsey Parker.

'If you look at some of the biggest sellers of the past couple of years they have been Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and Miranda Lambert.'


Look who's back: Fellow American Idol winner David Cook closed the show


Swift has sold more than three million copies in the United States alone of her November 2010 album Speak Now.

Searches on Yahoo! for American Idol finalists have spiked 949 percent this week ahead of 10th season climax of the most-watched TV show in the United States.

Alaina is getting nearly nine times as many searches as McCreery, according to Yahoo! data.


American Idol 2011 Top 2 Finale - Lauren Alaina (Like My Mother Does)



Lauren Alaina - Flat on the Floor - American Idol Season Finale Top 2 Performances May 24,2011



American Idol 2011 Top 2 Finale - Scotty McCreery (Gone)



Scotty McCreery - Check Yes or No - Top 2 - American Idol 2011 Finale (2nd Song) - 05/24/11



source: dailymail

You might need a bigger scanner there Jack! A rotund looking Black goes through LAX security

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Hands up: Jack Black goes through a full body scan at LAX airport last night


He may voice a lithe Kung Fu expert in his latest movie, but Jack Black was looking a little out of shape as he headed through security at LAX airport last night.

The 41-year-old comic actor held up his hands and stood in front of the body scanner, in a pose which revealed his rather rotund figure.

And when he turned round, he showed the back of his T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan reading 'Pie 'N Burger,' revealing his fondness for the fatty foods.

The father of two was heading to New York for the east coast premiere of Kung Fu Panda 2, in which he reprises the voice of martial arts panda Po.



Animation star: Jack was heading to New York for the east coast premiere of Kung Fu Panda, with the back of his T-shirt reading 'pie 'n burger'


Jack also promoted the film in Los Angeles on Saturday, alongside co-stars Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu and Seth Rogen.

The star may have been looking a little rotund, but he showed he still has plenty of energy this morning on the film's red carpet.


All smiles: The actor looked his usual relaxed self as he headed towards the security checkpoint, clutching his laptop


He wowed onlookers by taking a few leaps on the red carpet outside the city's Ziegfeld Theatre and demonstrated his own martial arts style moves.

The 3D film explores Po's adoption and who his real father is.

'Those answers are explained,' Jack told USA Today. 'It takes it to a real emotional place that we didn't in the first film.'


Taking a leap: Jack showed off his energetic side as he demonstrated his Kung Fu skills at the New York premiere of Kung Fu Panda last night


'At first, I wasn't really into it,' he said. 'But then they showed me a clip of panda Po synced to my voice from High Fidelity, and it clicked in my head.

Like "That totally makes sense. My voice in that panda is going to be a funny movie."'

And Jack, who was joined by co-star Lucy Liu on the carpet today, is hoping to do a third instalment.

'I’d love to do more Kung Fu Panda, but it’s up to the audience to demand that,' he said.


Fooling around: Jack played up to the cameras by lolling on the floor and performing press ups


Keep it up: Jack kicked a toy panda around as she showed off his bear skills on the carpet


Black tie: Lucy Liu looked stunning in a black minidress with white detail as she arrived at the premiere

source: dailymail

Too much fun in the sun: Joey Essex sleeps it off after a long day of boozing in Marbella

By ANDREA MAGRATH

Sleep it off: Joey Essex is caught taking a nap this afternoon after a long day boozing in the sunshine in Marbella


As a club promoter, he is responsible for ensuring everyone at his parties has the time of their lives - while keeping a level head himself.

But as Joey Essex is in Marbella on holiday, the reality star didn't mind over-indulging as he spent a long day partying in the sunshine.

It all became a bit too much for Joey though, who was later seen passed out in the shade after being helped to the resort bathrooms by his friends.


Worse for wear: The reality star looked bleary-eyed as his mates helped him to the bathroom at their resort


The 20-year-old was seen indulging in glasses of beer as he reclined on a sun lounger surrounded by bikini-clad girls yesterday.

Joey was clearly keen to get his holiday off to a roaring start after arriving at the Spanish holiday resort, and looked more than a little worse for wear hours later.

The hot Marbella sun will only have increased the effect on Joey's intoxication levels.


'This will sort you out': Joey's friends offered assistance by providing more beer


A bleary-eyed Joey was led to the bathrooms at the Buddha Beach Club by his friends, according to onlookers.

'He was drinking all day in the sun, then got up and was sick. His mates took him to the toilet and fed him some more beer and then he just crashed out,' a fellow partygoer said.

There was no sign of his girlfriend Sam Faiers, who is also holidaying with the cast of The Only Way Is Essex in Marbella, so it was up to Joey's mates to lend a hand.


Before the downfall: Joey was seen throwing back beers in the sun


But the blokes appear to have decided that sleeping it off was the best course of action, leaving Joey passed out on a bunch in a deep sleep.

Joey's TOWIE castmates Jessica Wright, Sam Faiers, Lucy Mecklenburgh, James 'Arg' Argent and Lydia Bright have all descended on Marbella for their annual holiday.

They will be guests of Mark Wright who is hosting a series of parties at local nightclubs this week.

source: dailymail

Beautiful babes in arms: Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban carry their pair of gorgeous girls as they jet out of LAX

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

Happy family: Nicole Kidman and husband Keith Urban were seen carrying their daughters Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret through LAX yesterday


Travelling with small children can be a nightmare for most parents.

But as Nicole Kidman and husband Keith Urban made their way through L.A.X. with their daughters, both little girls behaved impeccably.

Country singer Keith carried a snoozing Sunday Rose, who will be three in July, who appeared to be while Nicole was charged with carrying the newest member of their family little Faith Margaret.

These pictures are the first sightings of five month old Faith with the rest of the family.

Australian actress, Nicole, 43, was dressed in a pair of olive green trousers a patterned blouse, burgundy jumper and dark jacket.

Singer-songwriter Keith kept things casual in jeans and a T-shirt and donned a baseball cap for the travel.

Both little girls were dressed in white and Sunday Rose wore her hair in two side plaits.


What a good girl: Although their newest addition to the family is just five months old Faith was well behaved as the family headed to the plane


Earlier this month Keith was honoured with a star on Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame and was joined by his wife to celebrate the unveiling of his plaque.

The couple welcomed the newest addition to their family Faith Margaret in December who was born by surrogate.

Speaking about the experience Nicole said: ‘Having given birth and then being there to see my child born in that way, I felt so much love for our surrogate, gestational carrier.’


Red carpet glamour: Nicole looked stunning in black as she and Keith attended the Billboard Music Awards


The Academy Award-winning actress also explained that she uses the term ‘gestational carrier’ as opposed to ‘surrogate’.

Speaking to Australia’s 60 minutes Nicole explained: ‘We were trying to be accurate.

The term gestational carrier is used if it's your biological child and if it isn't, then you use surrogate. I mean, who knows what it is. But she's the most wonderful woman to do this for us.’

source: dailymail

Dinner for 171! The Queen treats the Obamas to a state banquet... and invites a few of their Hollywood friends

By JESSICA SATHERLEY

Cheers! The Queen toasts the Obama's visit before they sit down to a dinner of lamb, roast potatoes and vanilla Charlotte


After a long day of public appearances, President Obama and US First Lady Michelle were treated to a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, hosted by the Queen tonight.

The star-studded banquet saw 171 guests arrive, including Tom Hanks, Kevin Spacey and Tim Burton, who dined on lamb, roast potatoes and vanilla Charlotte.
Also at Her Majesty’s banquet in honour of the Obamas were David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Boris Johnson.

Former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown also attended, as did Ed Miliband, Richard Branson and Helena Bonham Carter.

Hollywood actor Hanks sat next to Ffion Hague, the wife of the Foreign Secretary, while Kevin Spacey was beside Sophie, the Countess of Wessex – wife of Prince Edward.


Dinner for 171: The lavish banquet, hosted by the Queen, was to honour the Obama's state visit, and the President and First Lady posed here with the Royal couple before enjoying their meal


Michelle Obama and the Queen both wore white gowns to the event, while President Obama opted for a traditional black suit that boasted a white bow tie and matching shirt.

The First Lady accessorised her gorgeous floor-length gown with long white gloves and dangling earrings, while her hair was tied neatly up into a bun.


Ladies in white: Both Michelle Obama and the Queen opted for long white gowns on the special occassion, but luckily weren't wearing the same dress


As the Queen welcomed the Obamas, she said: ‘Today the US remains our most important ally. But our relationship goes far beyond our military ties.’

She celebrated the special relationship between the US and Great Britain and highlighted their ‘shared history, common language and strong intellectual and cultural links’, during her welcome speech.

Her Majesty said she had ‘fond memories’ of first meeting the Obamas in 2009 at the G20 conference in London.

The lavish dinner was hosted in the Palace’s ballroom, where the Prince of Wales hosted the private meal for 300 on the evening of the royal wedding.


Welcome speech: Her Majesty said she had 'fond memories' of first meeting the Obamas in 2009 at the G20 conference in London


Earlier in the day the Obamas had visited Number Ten after laying a wreath on the tomb of an unknown soldier at Westminster Abbey.

It is the couple’s first state visit to Britain and are staying at Buckingham Palace, instead of having to face an ordinary five star hotel.

They arrived last night after their visit to Ireland and will spend tonight and tomorrow night in the luxurious Belgian Suite of Palace, which is the same suite Prince William and Kate spent their first night as a married couple.

Despite not attending the Royal Wedding last month, the President and his wife met up with Prince William and his new bride today and talked for around 15 minutes with the newly-weds.

On the Obama’s arrival, they were greeted with a 41-gun salute alongside The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.


Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Arrives For State Banquet At Buckingham Palace





source: dailymail

Kirstie Alley strips down to leotard on Dancing With The Stars as last three put best foot forward ahead of finale

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Star turn: Kirstie Alley dressed in a long brown dress for her second spin with Maksim Chmerkovskiy on Dancing With The Stars last night


She may have got the lowest score of the night.

But Dancing With The Stars contestant Kirstie Alley certainly turned heads with her raunchy routine, which saw her strip down to a leotard.

The former Cheers actress defied her 60 years as she put on the sultry show during a freestyle dance with partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy.


Stripped: But there was a purpose to her covered up attire as she soon ripped it off to reveal a skin-tight black leotard


Kirstie initially swept onto the dance floor conservatively dressed in a long brown gown for her second spin with Maksim.

But there was a purpose to her covered up attire - because she wasn't planning on wearing it for long.

The actress proceeded to circle the floor to show off her slimmer frame after ripping off her costume.


Flaunt: The actress circled the dance floor to show off her slimmer frame


But the move failed to wow the judges, who gave her and Maksim 27 points.

The Dancing With The Stars finale is just around the corner, and all three remaining stars certainly brought their A game ahead of it, last night.

With each required to perform two dances, the couples chose two very different styles for both the judges choice and freestyle rounds.


Fans: Denise Richards and her daughter Sam were also enjoying the show from the sidelines




source: dailymail