Barack Obama Meets with Important American Presidents of Past (and Jimmy Carter)
Today, President-elect Barack Obama met with all three living presidents of note in what will soon be his new working office.
And Jimmy Carter was there, too…
So the nation's living and future presidents assembled in the Oval Office for a family photo before lunch in the private dining room of the White House. The five men stood side-by-side and close together in front of Bush's desk. President Bush looked at Obama several times as he spoke and Obama nodded his head. They shook hands…
"I want to thank the president-elect for joining the ex-presidents for lunch," Bush said. "And one message that I have and I think we all share is that we want you to succeed…
"I just want to thank the president for hosting us," Obama said. "This is an extraordinary gathering. All the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office, and for me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary and I'm very grateful to all of them."
And Jimmy Carter was there, too…
So the nation's living and future presidents assembled in the Oval Office for a family photo before lunch in the private dining room of the White House. The five men stood side-by-side and close together in front of Bush's desk. President Bush looked at Obama several times as he spoke and Obama nodded his head. They shook hands…
"I want to thank the president-elect for joining the ex-presidents for lunch," Bush said. "And one message that I have and I think we all share is that we want you to succeed…
"I just want to thank the president for hosting us," Obama said. "This is an extraordinary gathering. All the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office, and for me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary and I'm very grateful to all of them."
Billy Elliot dominates Tony nods
The Broadway production of British hit musical Billy Elliot has picked up 15 nominations at the US Tony Awards.
It is in the running for best musical and best original music for Sir Elton John, while its three young stars are jointly nominated for best actor.
The musical competes with other newcomers Shrek, Rock of Ages and Next to Normal for best musical.
Sir Elton will go head-to-head with Dolly Parton in the best music category at the awards ceremony on 7 June.
British hopefuls
The Tonys have also recognised the work of Stephen Daldry with a nomination for his direction of the musical.
The British film-maker also directed the 2000 Oscar-nominated film which the original West End production is based upon.
Its run of nominations also include nods for costumes, scenic design and other technical categories.
In nominations for plays, Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush and former Sopranos star James Gandolfini are shortlisted for best actor, with Jane Fonda up for best actress.
British stage stars Janet McTeer and Harriet Walter are also nominated for their work in Mary Stuart, which is in the running for best revival.
33 Variations, Dividing The Estate, Reasons To Be Pretty and and God of Carnage are the best play candidates.
Next To Normal, a play about a woman battling mental illness, receives the most nominations - 11 - behind Billy Elliot.
The musical has been a big hit on the Broadway stage.
Sir Elton, speaking on US television, said the show has "made an incredible impact on my life, and said it had been "an amazing experience".
'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' video game slashes its way into stores
Today marks the global release of the X-Men Origins: Wolverine video game from Activision and Ma
