Fancy bumping into you: Carla Bruni shows off pregnancy at last, but is still keeping Mum

By LYDIA WARREN

Pregnant posture: Carla Bruni is already leaning back a little when she walks, and her bump was clear to see


In recent weeks she has turned to baggy clothing and even a Grace Kelly-style oversized handbag in an effort to quash the rumours.

But surely Carla Bruni can deny it no longer?

For after weeks of speculation over whether she’s pregnant, the French First Lady appeared to be proudly showing off a baby bump at the G8 summit yesterday.


What are you looking at? Carla further fuels pregnancy rumours by pointing at her belly during a chat with Geertrui Van Rompuy, the wife of European Council President


The former supermodel, who is still keeping mum over the rumours she is expecting her first child with President Nicolas Sarkozy, looked to be flaunting a petite bump as she posed for pictures in a short white dress and open black coat.

Wives of other world leaders at the summit cooed over the 43-year-old outside the historic Villa Strassburger in Deauville, northern France – with Geertrui Van Rompuy, the wife of the European Council President, paying her particular attention.

Miss Bruni and her husband, 56, have kept the public guessing about whether their long-awaited baby is on the way.

But friends and family have been less tight-lipped.



No hiding now: Carla Bruni waved to photographers as she arrived in Deauville, but later smoothed down her dress in an attempt to hide the bump


Helping hand: The Russian President's wife gives Carla an affectionate hand up the stairs


Last week, Miss Bruni’s father-in-law told German newspaper Bild that she is pregnant. Pal Sarkozy, 82, said: ‘I’m glad to be having a grandchild.’

And on Monday advertising executive Jacques Seguela, who introduced the couple in 2007, announced: ‘I have it on good authority that the baby will be a boy.’

In contrast, Miss Bruni has chosen to keep things vague. In one interview with French daily newspaper Le Parisien Miss Bruni offered a rambling explanation about why she is keen to keep her pregnancy a secret.


Seeing clearly: Carla put her reading glasses on for the spouse's summit


Another special relationship? Nicolas Sarkozy and David Cameron wave to the crowds as they arrive in Deauville for the G8 discussions


Summit spouses: Carla poses alongside, from left, Maria Barroso, Laureen Harper, Geertrui Van Rompuy and Svetalana Medvedeva


She said: ‘Around 180 per cent of the time my husband is dealing with his country. He only talks about that. He does nothing else.

‘Then me, I speak about something, it takes precedence over everything he does. I would love to talk, but it involves other people. So I do not answer.’

Miss Bruni already has one son, Aurelien, with philosophy professor Raphael Enthoven.



Keeping quiet: Carla hid her bump behind a bag yesterday as she was leaving the Ritz in Paris


Ventre arrondi de Carla Bruni-Sarkozy à Deauville



Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, visiblement enceinte, au sommet du G8


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Is this the most dangerous campsite in the world? Pitching a tent on the side of a 4,000ft cliff face

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Hanging around: Three tents are suspended off a 4,000ft vertical cliff in the Arctic as climbers get some much needed sleep


For many people, a camping trip is enough to get them sweating before they've even put up a tent pole.

But for these daredevil explorers, scaling cliffs and pitching tents at the height of more than 300 double decker buses is just a normal day at the office.

Hanging precariously in tents off a 4,000ft shear cliff face, these climbers are chasing the most dangerous big wall climbs ever attempted.


Don't look down: A climber peaks out of his tent high up on Great Sail Peak, on Canada's Baffin Island


As these stunning images show, the climbs can last for weeks and the explorers must set up tents on the edge of monstrous cliff faces to grab some much needed rest.

They were taken by adventure photographer Gordon Wiltsie, 57, who risks his own life to capture thrill-seeking moments.

He said: 'During this climb it was the Arctic spring so melting snow on both the summit and a ledge midway up the cliff constantly sent rocks and chunks of ice flying down.

'One the size of a car even came crashing down around us. Several times I came within inches of being hit which almost certainly would have been fatal.

'Falling objects are constantly on your mind and if you look carefully at the picture of the hanging tents, or Portaledges, you can see the camp was below an overhang for shelter.


Home comforts: Jon Catto, Greg Child and Mark Synnott set up their Portaledge camp site, complete with baggage, at 4,000ft


'Camping in the Portaledges is a lot less scary and dangerous than it is climbing outside of them. They're pretty comfortable and you don't actually see the drop below.

'I find it similar to sleeping into a regular tent. You're always harnessed into a separate anchor from the tent so I felt quite safe - unless I had to lean out to get food or supplies from our haul bags hanging outside.'

The amazing collection is part of a brand new summer-long exhibit of work by Mr Wiltsie at the famous Mountain Light Gallery in California, U.S.

The exhibition features an array of stunning images from climbs over the past decade including the first ascent of Great Sail Peak - an overhanging granite wall on Canada's Baffin Island.



Looking for the perfect spot: The climbers have to pitch their tents to get much-needed rest during big ascents

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'This is beyond empathy': Do these amazing conjoined twin girls share ONE mind?

By FIONA ROBERTS

Incredible bond: Conjoined twins Krista and Tatiana Hogan are joined at the skull, but they may also share one mind thanks to a unique neural link which effectively allows them to see with each others' eyes


Like any twins, the Hogans have their differences - for a start, four-year-old Krista loves tomato ketchup, but her sister Tatiana hates it.

Except their mother only knows that because one day when Krista was happily eating the sauce, Tatiana made a face and tried to scrape it off her tongue - even though she hadn't touched a drop.

It's just one of the remarkable incidents which have astonished doctors in British Columbia treating the conjoined twins, who say they may have a unique neural link which means they share one mind.


Astonishing: Krista, right, can correctly name the soft toy her mother shows to her twin sister Tatiana - even though she cannot see it. They have quite different personalities, and Krista is the bossier of the two


They believe the sisters share a part of the brain called the thalamus, which sends physical sensations and motor functions to the cerebral cortex.

In other words, they are effectively able to see through each other's eyes - and perhaps even hear each others' thoughts.

In an in-depth interview with the New York Times their mother, Felicia Simms, revealed how when one twin has her eyes covered, she can identify what the other one sees - and they even respond with a 'whoa' as if they are full when the other one drinks too much juice.


Unique girls: When one of the girls drinks, the other one will put a hand on her own stomach - despite not touching a drop. Each one can also seemingly taste something the other is eating


Shared mind? The girls are believed to have a unique thalamic bridge, in which they share the part of the brain which controls sensory perception

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First Lady of Bling: Michelle shines at star-studded U.S. party in honour of the Queen

By Daily Mail Reporter


Shining example: First lady Michelle Obama wore stunning jewellery for last night's bash at the U.S Ambassador's residence in London's Regent's Park


Michelle Obama dazzled in a glittering array of jewels last night as she co-hosted a dinner in honour of the Queen.

The First Lady scored a final fashion bulls-eye in a stunning black off-the-shoulder dress by all-American designer Ralph Lauren at the black-tie dinner.

The president’s wife showed off a selection of costume jewellery including a cuff and necklace by Irish designer Tom Binns.

A similar necklace sells on his website for £1,500.

Loving glance: The Presidential couple share a moment as they await the royals arrival for the meal - which was held as a thank you for Tuesday night's state banquet


Mr Obama had invited the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to Winfield House in Regent’s Park, the official home of the U.S. Ambassador as a thank-you for last night’s Buckingham Palace state banquet.

Guests, who numbered more than 50, included Prime Minister David Cameron and wife Sam, England footballer David Beckham, Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, Oscar winner Colin Firth, and Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

Notable absences included Victoria Beckham, who is believed to have remained at home in LA.

Warm welcome: The Obamas greet the Queen and Duke on the red carpet at Winfield House

Driven personalities: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip arrive in style at Winfield House

Grand entrance: President Barack Obama and Michelle pose with the Queen before the posh knees-up begins


The Queen and the Duke were welcomed when they arrived by the Obamas, who had waited patiently on the mansion’s doorstep for a few minutes.

The two couples greeted each other warmly, shaking hands and exchanging smiles and a few words before posing for the waiting U.S. and UK media.

The Queen wore an Angela Kelly white evening dress with gold and silver sequins and an emerald necklace and matching earrings.

The Duke of Edinburgh laughs as the Queen signs the visitor's book, and Michelle Obama is unfortunately positioned in front of a large plant

Grand: Winfield House is a fittingly lavish venue for a party with such distinguished guests

Ever a gent: President Obama pulls back a chair so Her Majesty can sit down to sign the guest book following the meal


The two heads of state led the way through the residence’s entrance which was flanked by two U.S. marines.

The ambassador’s neo-Georgian style residence has a symbolic and political role and is a place where leading figures from all walks of life are entertained by America’s official representative in the UK.

Its walls are hung with modern works of art by American artists like Rothko and Lichtenstein and it has been sumptuously furnished to reflect its importance.

Star-studded affair: Oscar winners Colin Firth with wife Livia, and Tom Hanks with wife Rita, are pictured leaving the party last night


Winfield House was built by the famous American socialite Barbara Hutton, dubbed the ‘poor little rich girl’ because of her troubled life, who lived there for a period with her husband Cary Grant.

The 35-room mansion replaced a John Nash building and was named after Hutton’s grandfather Frank Winfield Woolworth, founder of the retail stores.

The guests enjoyed a three-course meal that included lobster ravioli, griddled fillet of aged Highland beef, crushed jersey royals with rosemary, asparagus and minted broad beans, topped off with classic pecan pie and brandy ice cream for dessert.

After the last plates had been cleared, American Tony Award-winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth performed for the diners.

The entertainer, who is also well known for her television roles in The West Wing and Pushing Daisies, was also a guest at the state banquet.

Yesterday Mrs Obama was also the star attraction when she visited Oxford University’s Christ Church college to meet a group of schoolgirls from an inner-city secondary school.

Fashion-spiration: Michelle Obama wore a white tunic shirt and belt by Alexander McQueen for her speech at Oxford University


The solo visit by the President’s wife was arranged at her suggestion to help encourage the pupils from Elizabeth Garrett Anderson school in North London to think about studying for a degree.

The First Lady had visited the school two years ago and has kept in touch ever since, writing letters and encouraging the girls in their studies.

The 37 girls present were specially picked because they are interested in science and need help to reach their full potential.

Strike a pose: Michelle poses with the students from Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School


Dressed in black trousers, a long white Alexander McQueen jacket worth £600 and a £500 gold and white McQueen belt, Mrs Obama was greeted like an old friend as she entered the college’s dining room.

The girls sat at two long tables to listen to her remarks, in a scene that will be familiar to fans of the Harry Potter films – the dining room was used as the set for the Grand Hall at Hogwarts in the movies.

In a question and answer session with the pupils, Mrs Obama, who is a mother of two girls, spoke on everything from bringing up children in the White House to when there will be a female U.S. president.

Encouraging: The First Lady advised the girls from secondary school to take risks and persevere with their education as she did with hers


One girl asked her if she knew when she first met him that Mr Obama would achieve great things. To laughter from the youngsters, she replied: ‘Absolutely not’, before adding: ‘I’m kidding. Honestly, when I met him I knew he was special. I’m sharing secrets here.’

In an inspiring speech, Mrs Obama told the girls: ‘We passionately believe that you have the talent within you, you have the drive, the experience to succeed at Oxford and universities just like it across the country and the world.’

Referring to her own experience of attending university, she added: ‘I remember back at a young age trying to decide what schools to apply to and how well-meaning but misguided people questioned whether someone with my background could succeed at an elite university.

‘But after a few months away from home I realised I was just as capable and I had just as much to offer (as) any of my classmates.’

Mrs Obama was also asked how different it is to bring her daughters up in the White House.

She joked that there were now more cameras but added that her feelings about being a mother had not changed.

‘The same things I tell my girls are the things I tell you,’ she said. ‘Don’t be afraid to fail, don’t be afraid to take risks, ask questions, ask stupid questions, don’t be afraid to trip, fall and don’t be afraid to get back up.’

At the end of the hour-long visit, Mrs Obama gave each of the girls a hug.

One pupil, Gabriele Watts, 15, said: ‘It was amazing. She can relate to us because she’s got children around the same age as us, and she comes from a similar background to us.’

All smiles: The meeting is part of Obama's effort to emphasise the importance of education


source:dailymail

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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



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I’m disappointed in you’: Ryan Giggs’s estranged father breaks 20 year silence on son’s affair (despite walking out on his own family)

By Richard Hartley-parkinson


Ryan Giggs pictured as a boy with his father, Danny Wilson, who said he was disappointed in his son


Despite walking out on his own family 20 years ago, Ryan Giggs's father broke his silence to say how disappointed he is with his son over his affair with Imogen Thomas.

Danny Wilson, 55, spoke out about the relationship - the first time he has spoken publicly about his son after refusing to do so to protect his Manchester united career.

Mr Wilson said: 'Ryan is looked upon as clean living, almost beyond reproach. Now he's shown to have human frailties the same as the rest of us.


'I didn't think Ryan was like that,' he told the Sun. 'He is an iconic footballer who has achieved fantastic things. I had him on a pedestal. I'm immensely proud.

'But I am deeply disappointed at what Ryan has done, particularly as he has a young family. I'm sad for the effect it's going to have on them. His mother will be devastated.'

Following a difficult start to life, Giggs's fortunes were turned around thanks to the support and leadership of his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson

Speaking about his son's affair broke a 20 year silence in which Mr Wilson has never spoken about Giggs


When Mr Wilson, an ex-rugby league star, walked out on his family, Giggs disowned him and adopted his mother's surname.

Although he insists the split was not because of another woman, Mr Wilson was regarded as a womaniser whose career was curtailed by heavy drinking and crime, including a six-month jail stretch for attacking a police officer.

Thankfully for Giggs, Sir Alex became a father figure in his life and gave him direction. He even sees his father, but admits that things will never be the same again.

Mr Wilson, whose parents are from Sierra Leone and is now a security guard, said Giggs should have 'manned up', admitted the affair and apologised for it right from the start.

He also thinks the decision to take out an injunction was a bad one and he was badly advised.

If he had come clean from the beginning, Mr Wilson said, 'no one would be talking about it now. He's made it ten times worse.

'I'd be surprised if Sir Alex Ferguson told him to take out the injunction - it was probably other people around Ryan.'

Speaking two years ago about his relationship with his father, Giggs said: 'Everyone's childhood shapes who they are and what they do, and it was two sides of the story with my dad.

'I didn't like the relationship he had with my mum but there was another side where I looked up to him. My dad was my first hero.

'I think my parent's split may have contributed to that inner steel where I can block things out.

'When I was playing football, I never thought about the arguments between my mum and dad. I get on with my dad but I’m not going to let myself get close to him again because it would hurt my mum and people who mean a lot to me.’

Stacey Giggs was photographed arriving at Old Trafford for a family day at the weekend but yesterday she was seen without her wedding ring


source:dailymail

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