She also revealed President Barack Obama doesn’t shy away from his duties as husband-in-chief — he makes sure to tuck her into bed as part of a daily ritual.

The First Lady went on to say that, “We have a ritual where he tucks me in, because I’m usually in bed before anybody.”  “He’ll come and turn the lights out and give me a kiss and we’ll talk. He’s like, ‘Ready to be tucked?’ I’m like, ‘Yes I am.’”

SThe couple also take private walks with Bo to check in without the kids, she added.

Obama has been promoting American Grown, her new book about the White House Kitchen Garden. While discussing her husband, she joked about the president’s now widely-discussed penchant for singing, saying it’s sometimes difficult to get him to stop.

“He loves it in the shower in the morning, sings to the kids,” she told People. “But it’s not a song. He’ll sing one line of something romantic or cute.”

She said she’s less proud of her singing ability, but admires pop star Beyonce’s gift. This isn’t the first instance Obama and Beyonce have traded pleasantries in public. The singer penned an open letter praising the first lady in April following the debate over Hilary Rosen‘s controversial remarks on Ann Romney. Obama tweeted in response: “@Beyonce Thank you for the beautiful letter and for being a role model who kids everywhere can look up to. —mo.” (The “mo” signifies that Obama, not her staff, penned the tweet.)

Despite pushing her Let’s Move! fitness campaign, the first lady admitted to People that she’s no expert when it comes to swimming and has no desire to show off her own physique: “That’s been my one goal: I don’t want to be caught dead in a bathing suit!”

The full interview hits newsstands on Friday.

The Huffington Post  |  May 24, 2012 | Sabrina Siddiqui

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Vladimir Poutine n’est pas aux Etats-Unis ce week-end pour le G8. Fraîchement réélu Président de la Fédération de Russie, il a donné priorité à la formation de son nouveau gouvernement et est resté à Moscou. C’est Dmitri Medvedev, son Premier ministre et  prédécesseur au Kremlin, qui le représente à Camp David.

Cette décision suscite un tollé en Europe et en Amérique. Il faut cependant se garder de l’appréhender sur le registre de l’émotionnel. Car elle marque la rentrée de Vladimir Poutine sur la scène internationale après quatre années de « parenthèse ». Et ce come-back, qui commence par une politique de la chaise vide mais résonne comme un retour en fanfare, est trop paradoxal pour ne pas avoir été soigneusement muri.

D’entrée Poutine provoque, surprend. En politique cela s’appelle gagner…suivant bien entendu l’angle depuis lequel on observe la situation.

Si on se place du point de vue occidental l’attitude de Vladimir Poutine est inacceptable.

En envoyant son Medvedev à sa place, il prend les Occidentaux à témoin du jeu de chaises musicales auquel les deux hommes se livrent en Russie depuis 2008. Il les contraint à s’y adapter, à s’en faire complices, fusse à leur corps défendant.

Toutefois la véritable motivation de l’indignation est sans doute ailleurs : ce que l’Occident ne supporte pas c’est qu’on puisse considérer qu’il n’est plus incontournable. Qu’on lui signifie qu’une invitation à sa table, surtout celle de la Maison Blanche, n’est ni un honneur, ni une grâce, mais une simple proposition qu’un égal peut accepter ou décliner sans trembler.

C’est justement de ce point de vue que, dans une optique russe, le « boycott » de Vladimir Poutine est extrêmement habile.

Après des élections entachées d’irrégularités le Président russe avait besoin de redorer son blason dans son pays. En ne se rendant pas à Camp David, il a atteint son objectif.

Car l’opinion publique russe, aussi divisée qu’elle puisse être, fait bloc sur une valeur : le patriotisme. Connaissant cette corde sensible, Poutine en a joué en virtuose sur deux temps.

Premier temps : En privilégiant la politique intérieure à la diplomatie, il a envoyé un message aux Russes : « Je suis de retour aux affaires et vous êtes ma première préoccupation. »

Second temps : En reléguant ce sommet à la marge de ses préoccupations, Poutine, devant tous ses compatriotes, a signifié à ses homologues occidentaux que, quoique réélu de fraîche date, il n’a nul besoin de leur onction. Parvenu au pouvoir fin 1999, il est le doyen des chefs d’Etat en exercice au sein du G8 si l’on fait abstraction de « l’intermède » Medvedev. Il n’est pas François Hollande, petit nouveau dans la cour des grands. Victorieux en Tchétchénie et en Géorgie, il n’est pas Obama non plus.

En refusant de faire allégeance Poutine se place sur un autre plan, met ses pas dans ceux d’Ivan III « le Grand ».

Celui-ci restaura la puissance russe en la délivrant du joug mongol. Ce bilan l’amena, le premier, à se faire proclamer Tsar. Totalement méconnaissant des réalités russes, Frédéric III, chef d’un Saint-Empire romain germanique en pleine déliquescence mais prétendant toujours à la suprématie en Europe, lui proposa de lui accorder le titre de roi. Ivan III répondit avec hauteur : « Dans le passé nous n’avons jamais eu besoin d’aucune confirmation d’où qu’elle vînt. Nous n’en souhaitons pas davantage aujourd’hui ».

Pour une population russe connaissant fréquemment son histoire sur le bout des ongles, le rapprochement est évident : face à un Occident sur le déclin, Poutine s’inscrit dans la lignée des grands chefs d’Etat russes qui ont su restaurer la grandeur du pays, en faire une puissance qui ne saurait être vassale de personne…L’instrumentalisation de l’inconscient collectif est une science qu’on maîtrise à merveille quand on est passé par l’école du KGB.

Manipulateur hors pair, Poutine vient de remporter une victoire sur la scène russe en se jouant de ses adversaires étrangers. Ce succès, cependant, pourrait encore se décliner sur plusieurs phases. Car le Président russe est un as du marketing politique. Il ne s’est pas rendu aux Etats-Unis ? Et alors ? Se faire rare, c’est aussi se faire désirer. Il ne recherche pas les projecteurs et les caméras. Mais il sait que lorsqu’il sera là, tous seront braqués sur lui, guettant ses réactions, ses réponses aux questions accusatrices, ses formules à l’emporte-pièce…dont pas une n’est spontanée. Conscient de son statut d’animal politique, de phénomène médiatique, Poutine sait que pas un média occidental ne peut résister à un homme assurant toujours le « buzz »…Ce qui permet d’en faire ce qu’on veut.

Alors il reviendra sur la scène internationale quand cela lui conviendra. En chef de file des BRICA au G20 ou en hôte de l’APEC à Vladivostok. Sur ses terres ou aux côtés de ses alliés. Un bon tacticien a toujours la maîtrise du terrain.

Philippe Migault est chercheur à l’IRIS, spécialisé dans l’étude des partenariats entre Russes, Français et Européens en matière d’armement, d’aéronautique, d’espace et d’énergie.

Philippe Migault | 19 Mai 2012 | Atlantico.fr

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Cameroon as you celebrate your 40th anniversary of the Republic this May 20.

Our two countries are partnering together to address issues of democracy, good governance, and economic development. U.S. companies are investing and expanding their activities in Cameroon. I am pleased that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is assigning two Americans to work on a range of development projects, including a new $16 million Food for Education program in Cameroon’s Far North Region.

We hope to continue to work with Cameroon to consolidate democratic gains and economic growth; particularly as you embark upon municipal and legislative elections planned for 2013. We support your efforts to strengthen electoral institutions, enhance transparency and allow for contestation of results. As you celebrate your National Day, know that the United States stands with you as a partner and friend. We are committed to this relationship for a brighter future for all Cameroonians.

Source: US Department of State

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9:35 AM PST- Donna’s family just released a statement, claiming, they “are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy.”

Singer Donna Summer performs during the David Foster and Friends concert at the Mandalay Bay Events Center October 1, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Donna Summer — the Queen of Disco — died this morning after a battle with cancer … TMZ has learned.

We’re told Summer was in Florida at the time of her death. She was 63 years old.

Sources close to Summer tell us … the singer was trying to keep the extent of her illness under wraps. We spoke to someone who was with Summer a couple of weeks ago … who says she didn’t seem too bad.

In fact, we’re told she was focused on trying to finish up an album she had been working on.

Summer was a 5-time Grammy winner who shot to superstardom in the ’70s with iconic hits like “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff” and “Bad Girls.”

She continued her dominance in the ’80s with “She Works Hard for the Money” and “This Time I Know It’s for Real.”

Summer and her producer Giorgio Moroder defined the dance music era of the ’70s and influenced acts like Duran Duran and David Bowie to enter the genre.

Donna Summer performs at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert at Oslo Spektrum on December 11, 2009 in Oslo, Norway. Tonight's Nobel Peace Prize Concert is hosted by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith and honours this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner US President Barack Obama. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Summer married Brooklyn Dreams singer Bruce Sudano back in 1980. They had two daughters together.

Watch the Last Dance Video:

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Official photographic portrait of US President Barack Obama (born 4 August 1961; assumed office 20 January 2009) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

U.S. President Barack Obama has invited a number of African leaders to join the upcoming G8 summit for a discussion on food security in the continent, White House announced on Thursday.

The leaders being invited include Chairman of the African Union and President of Benin Yayi Boni, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Ghanaian President John Mills and Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, the White House said in a statement.

They will join leaders at the G8 summit at Camp David on May 19 for “a discussion session on accelerating progress towards food security in Africa,” said the statement.

The G8 summit is due to be held at Camp David in Maryland on May 18 and 19.

Millions of people, especially those in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, have suffered from the worst drought in 60 years, which struck the Horn of Africa in 2011.

In late April, the United States announced an additional 120 million U.S. dollars in aid to help the region to cope with the crisis, bringing the total U.S. aid to more than 1.1 billion dollars.

Xinhua| May 14 2012 |

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But we gasped even more when we caught another swoon-worthy moment: Obama PDA.

President Obama and Michelle held hands as they strolled through Fort Stewart Warriors Walk in Hinesville, Georgia, today, mourning fallen soldiers and signing a new Executive Order to help current military families.

Afterwards the president addressed an excited crowd with FLOTUS joining him on stage. With cheers all around, the pair shared an insanely cute PDA moment (see below). Then we melted a little inside.

And that concludes today’s edition of Obama PDA. For more where that came from, take a look back at all of the pair’s most affectionate moments here.

Photos:

Huffpo| 28 April 2012 | Huffpo

Stepping in for regular news jammer Brian Williams, Obama slow jammed one of his policy positions over the smooth vamping of house band The Roots.

“I’m President Barack Obama, and I, too, would like to Slow Jam the News,” said Obama before taking his place on a stool and laying out his agenda.

“What we said is simple: Now is not the time to make school more expensive for our young people,” Obama said to wild applause from the college crowd at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

Fallon then stepped in to offer some slow jam support. “You should listen to the President,” he crooned. “Or as I like to call him, the Preezy of the United Steezy.” Watch as Obama tries to stifle his laughter in the background.

If Obama had not chosen to spend his life in politics, perhaps he could have chosen a career in the R&B arts. Later in the show, Fallon showed his audience a photo of a college-age Barry Obama resembling a lost Jackson brother, sporting an Afro and clad in a jacket from Goodwill. Clearly, the President can no longer deny his inner Al Green.

Last year FLOTUS opted for simple chic in a Rachel Roy sheath dress, but she’s worn Barbara Tfank before, including this printed green number and the mint green frock Mrs. O wore while meeting the Duchess of Cambridge.

Tfank also recently dressed Adele.

The First Lady’s hair and makeup looked perfectly elegant as well… and we’re dying to see some photos of her shoes.

Check out pics below! We’ll add more as they come in.

Huffpo| January 24, 2012 | Huffpo|

The third appearance of the evening was at the landmark Apollo Theater in Harlem where Obama sang few bars of “Let’s Stay Together” by Reverend Al Green, to the public dismay (watch the video below). Amongst the guests at Lee’s residence, pool reporters noticed Mariah Carey and hubby Nick Cannon, and former NY knicks guard Alan Houston.

Lee posted a photo of the President and a custom pair of Michael Jordan sneakers that were made bearing the Presidential Seal, writing, "President Obama Is A Huge Bulls And Jordan Fan.Here He Holds His Gift Of Spizikes From MJ Himself.YO."

After a few remarks to highlight some of this term achievements, including ending the war in Iraq, and the Military Don’s Ask-Don’t Tell Policy,  the president flew back to the White House. Shall we say the B.O. is ready for another term? Apparently, yes.

Watch:

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman each won 2 votes of the 9 cast in the contest. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) each received 1 vote. Three Democratic ballots were cast for President Barack Obama.

According to the Associated Press, the group of 9 registered voters in Dixville Notch comprised three Republicans, two Democrats and four undeclared voters.

Dixville Notch has voted first in the state’s primary election since 1960. Town clerk Rick Erwin told Granite State-based station WMUR ahead of the contest, “It’s great that they respect the tradition.”

Voters in Hart’s Location also cast ballots in the contest shortly after midnight. Here’s a rundown of the results:

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney received 5 votes, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) received 4, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman received 2, while Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich each secured one vote.

HuffPost’s Mark Blumenthal reports on the latest polls out on the race for the Republican presidential nomination in New Hampshire:

Four new polls released over the weekend continue to show Mitt Romney heading for a comfortable victory in Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary, with some uncertainty remaining about the ultimate size of that margin and the race for second through fifth place. All four polls show increasing support for former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, with some suggesting that Huntsman might close in on Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) for second place.

The four new surveys differed in their methods and timing, and perhaps as a result, showed slightly varying levels of support for former Massachusetts Gov. Romney. The polls — conducted by the University of New Hampshire and WMUR; Suffolk University and 7News; the Democratic Party-affiliated firm Public Policy Polling and the American Research Group — estimated Romney’s support between 35 and 41 percent of the likely primary voter. They also gave him leads over his nearest competitors ranging from 15 to 24 percentage points.

The two polls that tracked opinions over the course of the week showed slight declines for Romney. Romney was down two and five points respectively on the University of New Hampshire and Suffolk University surveys, compared to surveys conducted earlier in the week.