George Clooney has already graced the foyer of the White House.

Records released show Clooney and Oprah Winfrey were among the first visitors to President Barack Obama’s White House, meeting with the president, his wife, Michelle or top aides.

In Clooney’s case, the star – who is a United Nations messenger of peace – met with Obama and Vice President Joe Biden on February 23.

The group discussed the Sudanese crisis in Darfur, with Clooney requesting that a full-time envoy be despatched to the region. Oprah, meanwhile, interviewed the first lady on February 17.

The White House posted a list of some 480 records in response to questions about whether specific people visited the president’s home.

Clooney’s father, Nick, is a former politician and journalist.

Source: Splash News

President Barack Obama showed his good humour as he was given a heart-shaped potato during an interview on a late night talk show.

He also played down stories that racism had a part in people’s opposition to his policies – noting he was already black long before being elected.

The US president has been making a blitz of appearances on television as he bids to persuade Americans on the benefits of his controversial healthcare reform plans.

But, after a rapturous reception by the audience at the Late Show with David Letterman, Obama started off on a light-hearted note.

The host had earlier ridiculed an audience member for bringing to his attention she had a heart-shaped potato with her.

Obama riffed on the quip by saying that was the actual reason for coming on the show.

He said: “The main reason I am here? I wanna see that heart-shaped potato.”

Letterman handed the potato to Obama, who looked at it and smiled as he said: “That’s remarkable. This is remarkable.”

He then, with the audience member’s consent, kept the potato.

Source: Splash News

US President Barack Obama has penned a letter of sympathy to the family of Michael Jackson, one of his top aides has said.

White House adviser David Axelrod said Obama expressed his condolences to the Jacksons following the singer’s death in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Appearing on television show Meet the Press, Axelrod said Obama believes Jackson was “an important and magnificent performer” who made an undeniable impact on music and entertainment.

Asked why Obama had yet to speak publicly about Jackson’s sudden death last week at age 50, Axelrod said: “The president has written the family and has shared his feelings with the family.”

“He felt that was the appropriate way to go.” Aides say there are no plans to release the note to the public.

Angelina Jolie is reportedly planning to ditch her Hollywood film career for a new job in politics, according to friends.

The 34-year-old star, who is mum to six young children, has reportedly told pals she wants to make more of a difference after becoming a UN goodwill ambassador eight years ago.

A pal said: “Ange has admitted she’s getting bored with Hollywood. She said she’s now got her sights set on Washington.

“She is passionate about people’s rights, war and justice and thinks she can get more hands-on and make even more of a difference by getting into politics.

“She admires Obama and thinks she could make a big difference too if she were in his position.”

One friend even claims Angelina could follow Obama into the White House in a few years’ time.

The pal added: “I would place a huge wager on her becoming the first female president in the next 20 years. When Ange sets her mind on something, she goes all out to do it.

“She’s very determined and gets very stirred by her UN work. She is well respected for her humanitarian work and I’m sure she would make as many waves if she moved fully into the political world.”

Chef Jamie Oliver has claimed Barack Obama sent a food taster into his kitchen – despite the President’s people denying he has one.

Oliver, 33, cooked a banquet for President Obama and other world leaders at the G20 London summit in April.

The chef said: “Kitchens are always chaotic but when you throw translators, assistants and security into the mix they get hotter, louder and more chaotic. President Obama even had his own man to check his food. Imagine the incredible things that man has eaten!”

However, earlier this month President Obama’s people denied reports that a food taster entered a Parisien restaurant’s kitchen to check on his food.

Ashton Kutcher hopes to bridge the gap between TV and the internet by developing a new pilot, I Pledge, which was launched on the eve of Barack Obama’s inauguration as US president.

The actor is working with Jason Goldberg, with whom he has formed production company Katalyst Films, on the idea that first began as an online project.

Originally called The Presidential Pledge, it involved celebrities pledging to volunteer their services to charitable causes in 2009.

Katalyst teamed up with MySpace to launch the original Pledge, which featured stars such as Kutcher, his wife Demi Moore, Nicole Richie, David Arquette and Cameron Diaz promising to do more voluntary work.

The TV show will follow these stars as they highlight the causes they believe in.

I Pledge is the second internet-to-TV idea that Kutcher and Katalyst have worked on together – web cartoon Blah Girls is syndicated through entertainment show The Insider.

Michelle Obama has become the first First Lady to be voted on to Maxim’s Hot 100 list, eclipsing the winner, actress Olivia Wilde.

The 45-year-old mother-of-two got the seal of approval from the lads’ magazine, joining babes Megan Fox, Angelina Jolie, Beyoncé and Scarlett Johansson.

Maxim says: “He may be dealing with two wars, an economic meltdown, and a rapidly greying dome, but at least our Commander-in-Chief gets to come home to the hottest First Lady in the history of these United States. (Sorry, Martha Washington!).”

Despite being called “not a great beauty” by model Iman, Obama beat Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei and TV presenter Padma Lakshmi to win the number 93 spot.

Maxim editor-in-chief Joe Levy says that the First Lady made the list because “we merely want to acknowledge that the overall package is one of remarkable beauty, intelligence and talent”.

But Obama wasn’t “hot” enough to top the chart – a place that was reserved for Wilde, a woman 21 years her junior.

The 24-year-old native New Yorker plays a TV doctor called Dr Hadley, on House MD.

Wilde, who is pictured in black leather stockings with matching boots, her legs spread to reveal her lace panties, was chosen, according to the magazine, because “she makes our body temperatures rise”.

Source: Splash News

George Clooney’s peace advocacy might just get him an appointment with United States President Barack Obama. George Clooney adn Barack Obama are reportedly scheduled to meet next week to discuss a request for the President to appoint a full-time diplomat who will negotiate for a peace treaty in the Darfur region. George Clooney said as much to NBC reporter Anne Curry who interviewed him while he was visiting refugee camps in Chad, Africa.

George Clooney, who is a United Nations Messenger of Peace, said violence-stricke Darfusians in refugee camps near the Sudanese border are clamoring for justice. George Clooney said whole world is awaiting the International Criminal Court’s decision on the possible arrest of Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir for alleged war crimes committed in the Western Sudanese region. The Sudanese government based in Khartoum does not however recognize the International tribunal based in Netherlands and refuses to cooperate with it. While there are fears that violence would ensure when the ICC attempts to arrest Al-Bashir, most refugees however believe the international community can make a difference.

It may be the first White House Valentines Day for president Barack Obama and wife Michelle but the couple have chosen to celebrate it back home in Chicago to the delight of local folks. Among those who will keep memorable Valentines memories are Table Fifty-Two owners Art Smith and Julie Latsko. Smith, who is also the restaurant’s chef, said this is his first time to serve an acting US president although he has cooked for several Hollywood celebrities and former presidents. He said he feels honored that the First Couple chose Table Fifty-Two for their Valentine dinner.

This is not however the first time that Smith has cooked for the Obamas but this is definitely the first time he has cooked for the couple after Obama became President of the United States. The V-Day dinner at Chicago is part of the couple’s decision to go back home every six weeks to keep everyone grounded. It is also their way of keeping in touch with friends back home. The Obamas, who were greeted by applause when they entered the restaurant last Saturday, had crispy catfish and pistachio chicken.

People who saw and heard Sheryl Crow performed during President Barack Obama’s Inauguration wondered about her energy not knowing that the singer was nearly devastated by cancer. Crow, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, said it is always comforting to have good friends when you go through something as devastating as cancer. Part of Crow’s treatment program was minimally invasive surgery which made the fight even harder. Crow, who was seen at the recent “Unforgettable Evening” held to benefit EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund, talked about her own battle against cancer. The event was held to honor Courteney Cox and Gwyneth Paltrow for the role in spreading awareness about cancer.

Crow said Cox helped her a lot during those trying times after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She said the whole thing is personal to her because she has cancer but those who are supporting others are angels. Crow, who was a hit during Obama’s inauguration, said she may be there to honor her friend but she was also there because she is a big fan of Beyonce and she is so excited to see her perform.

Arguments may be a regualr thing with Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony but the couple has finally found a common ground where they do not have to fight or argue—President Barack Obama. Lopez, who was spotted during the Latino Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C., said President Obama was hands down the biggest A-lister despite the presence of Hollywood celebrities all over the city for the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. She said she could not help but watch Obama with tears in her eyes when he won the election, knowing that something is different. Her husband could not agree more saying Washington has never had a rock star as big as Obama.

Voto Latino’s Rosario Dawson said she still could not get over meeting the family of President Obama during the “We are One” concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Voto Latino worked for the registration of yougn latino voters during the last Presidential election. Dawson called the Obama family “magnificent people”.The Latino Inaugural was well-attended by popular personalities including American Idol’s David Archuleta, George Lopez, Shakira and CNN’s Soledad O’Brien. Shakira, who also met the President at the Lincoln Monument concert, was also very excited as he was told by Obama that he had her music on his iPod. Obama’s victory is very meaningful for the minority, even those in Hollywood, because they feel that with Obama in the helm everyone willhave a place in America.

Finally “The Rock” has done it!!!

It is said that behind every successful man stands a proud woman; and it is no different in the case of Mr. Barack Obama.

While celebrating the success of his presidential campaign, he called his wife Michelle as “the rock of our family and the love of my life.”

What a beautiful way to express one’s gratitude to his better-half!

Obama also rewarded his two daughters – Malia and Sasha, by saying, “You have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House.”

So it is not only the success of one man but in fact it is the triumph of a unit – called “FAMILY”.

This year’s Halloween got more spirit from the upcoming US Presidential Elections 2008.

The effect of the Elections could have easily been observed when the super model Heidi Klum was spotted walking around, hand in hand with Presidential candidate Barack Obama on October 31 in New York City.

However on inquiry it was revealed that the muscular Obama was in fact Heidi Klum’s lovely and handsome hubby Seal. Mr. Seal was wearing a Obama mask.

The couple was also sporting the badges to support the campaign of Barack Obama.

The real Obama must have found it hard to swallow that some other Obama is roaming around with such a hottie and not him.

He even might have dreamed of moving with Heidi Klum hand in hand. There is no limit for imagination, at least.

Rapper Eve has got this election under her thumb. Or should I say on her thumb? At the fancy opening party for Mobile Art: Chanel Contemporary Art Container in Central Park which was held recently, everyone was dressed to the nines, sporting stylish accessories. Eve was stylish as usual. I can name a lot of things that looked great on her that night. In my opinion, the best accessory was on Eve’s thumbnail. Her nail was decorated with a portrait of Barack Obama. She obviously gives the Democratic Presidential candidate a big thumbs up. The election is just mere days away people. Don’t forget to vote!