By MARK DUELL

10-month-old Micah McArthur laughs hysterically as his dad Marcus rips up a professor job rejection letter...


Video gets more than 750,000 hits after actress Alyssa Milano tweets it

Another clip posted of ten-month-old laughing at the laundry basket

Parents can spend thousands of dollars trying to make their children smile, but all Marcus McArthur needed to entertain his son was a worthless piece of paper.


...and he squeals with delight so much that 'you almost wonder if he's stopped breathing', said Mr McArthur


Ten-month-old Micah laughed hysterically in his pink all-in-one suit as his dad ripped up a job rejection letter piece by piece in front of him.

Mr McArthur, 33, who is finishing his doctorate at Saint Louis University and applying for professor jobs, was looking at ways to entertain Micah at home in St Louis, Missouri.

‘But he starts laughing again and you think: "Yeah, he's OK". At that moment I thought: "Yeah, this is a really great clip".’


No money: Mr McArthur said he will not be selling the video, despite receiving offers, as it is just for fun


The video was posted five weeks ago but went viral after being tweeted by actress Alyssa Milano on Friday. It has now been viewed more than 750,000 times.

Micah enjoyed watching his father rip up the letter in front of him so much that Mr McArthur moved onto credit card statements, which resulted in more laughter.

Mr McArthur told KSDK: 'Around the 22-second mark he does an extremely hearty laugh where you almost wonder if he's stopped breathing.


Watch the hilarious video of baby Micah McArthur laughing hysterically in front of his dad



Not laughing enough yet? See baby Micah chuckle with his dad at the laundry basket



source: dailymail

Me and my girl: Katy Perry and Russell Brand after the singer's surprise performance on Oprah Winfrey's post-Oscar show


Russell Brand and Katy Perry have been reunited after the singer flew back from her world tour to make a surprise guest appearance on Oprah Winfrey's post Oscars show in Los Angeles.

Wearing a tight gold floor length dress with a maroon bow around the middle, the star had flown 13 hours just to sing her single Firework with a children's choir on the show, Oprah's Ultimate After Oscar's Party, held at the city's Kodak Theatre.

The I Kissed A Girl star's surprise performance on the show, backed by PS22 from Staten Island, even included indoor fireworks to go with the song - and afterwards, her husband Russell picked her up to whisk her home so they could re-create their own...


Glamorous: Despite jetting in overnight to appear on Oprah, the star still looked stunning


Katy had flown straight from her show in Vienna, Austria, on a red eye flight to sing with 'these beautiful children who I saw on YouTube.'

After the performance, the youngsters students huddled around Katy, exchanging high fives.

Earlier, Katie had Tweeter: '13 hours later I’m back in sweeeet Los Angeles… and boy do I have a secret for you! GOOD MORNING!'


Beaming: The couple seemed thrilled to be reunited after time apart while Katy launched her California Dreams world tour in Europe



Let's go! The funnyman got ready to drive off his wife in his brand new Range Rover after her appearance on the show


Afterwards, she gushed that it had all been worthwhile, even though she had to fly straight back to Europe today ready for her next date on the tour.

Posting on her Twitter: 'Today was such a beautiful day. PS 22 & Oprah made ME feel like a firework... refocused me & reminded me of my purpose. Thank you.'


Surprise: There were screams from the audience when Katy appeared in the middle of the school choir onstage at the Kodak Theatre


Big fans: The star was mobbed afterwards by the PS22 choir, who are all from Staten Island


Her husband was clearly as blown away by her performance as the others in the audience, posting on his official Twitter afterwards: 'Did you see my missus on Oprah? With that PS 22 kids choir! So cute! So sexy! (Kids cute, missus sexy- if that needs clarifying)'

Katie looked glamorous in over-the-knee tan stiletto boots and a big fluffy fake fur gilet over a nude coloured belted mini sweaterdress, with aviator-style shades as they left the studio.


On song: The I Kissed A Girl singer appeared on Oprah Winfrey's annual post-Oscars show


Russell was grinning from ear-to-ear as he hopped into his new Range Rover and gave his wife a proud kiss before they sped off into Hollywood together.

It's the first time the pair have been able to spend quality time together for weeks - even if just for the night - due to their hectic work schedules.


Mother's pride: The comedian turned actor took his mother Barbara as his date to the Oscars at the weekend


Katy kicked off her California Dreams world tour last week in Europe and is flying back out to be ready to play the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin on Friday.

The star also starts the UK leg of the tour on March 17 at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo.


Little gold man: Russell and his Arhtur co-star Helen Mirren presented the Best Foreign Language Academy Award to Susanne Bier, director of In a Better World, on Sunday night


Russell meanwhile has started on the promotional treadmill for his new movie Arthur, the remake of the 1980s Dudley Moore classic, which he stars in alongside Dame Helen Mirren.

Russell and Helen presented an Oscar together at the weekend too, handing out the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film to Dane Susanne Bier for her movie In A Better World.

The funnyman had taken his mother Barbara along as his date at the event.


Katy Perry "firework" Oprah's Ultimate After Oscar Party


source: dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Man about town: Oscar winner Colin Firth couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he left an interview with Oprah Winfrey in California this morning


Yesterday they were both keeping their fingers crossed ahead of the Academy Awards.
But The King's Speech stars, Colin Firth and Helena Bohnam Carter cut two very different figures today, following the big ceremony.

Best Actor winner Colin could barely wipe the grin off his face as he left a post-Oscars interview with Oprah Winfrey, beaming.

The 50-year-old looked dashing in a slim line black suit with black shirt.
Across town, his female co-star Helena on the other-hand looked downcast as she accompanied her mother to LAX airport.

After losing out to Melissa Leo in the best actress category, the 44-year-old was clearly ready to go home.

Unable to force a smile, he British actress walked through the terminal hiding her face with a pair sunglasses.

Perhaps she was a feeling a little bit tender - after all, she and her co-stars had been up until the early hours celebrating their best picture Oscar.


Co-stars crushed: While Colin was basking in Oscar glory his co-stars Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush looked down at LAX airport


Helena did, however, keep her usual eccentric ensemble consistent with a floral dress, black coat and military boots.

The actress could may well commiserate with her co-star Geoffrey Rush, who was also spotted at LAX.

The 44-year old also lost out on a statuette in the best supporting actor category.


It's Mine! King's Speech director Tom Hooper clutches his Oscar as he goes to his waiting car this morning


The Australian actor looked non-to-impressed being snapped at security, where he was forced to take off his flat cap covering his bald head.

Singing to a more happier tune was Oscar presenter Dame Helen Mirren, who was also jetting out of sunny Los Angeles.

The 65-year-old dressed comfortably for her flight in a casual skirt, white t-shirt and cosy cardigan.


The day after: Natalie Portman celebrates her Oscar win with a quiet lunch with in Los Angeles, while Jeremy Renner arrives back in Vancouver after the ceremony


After her stunning appearance on the red-carpet, a slimline actress and singer Jennifer Hudson spent her post-Oscar day slipping back into her motherly duties, as she took her one-year-old son David Daniel Otunga Jr out for a stroll.

Out and about in Beverly Hills the 29-year-old was beaming under the warm Californian sun.

As too was Reese Witherspoon, who also spent the day out with her family.


All white: Mirren looked glamorous in a fluffy white cardigan, navy skirt, wedge heels and a cream scarf


The actress took daughter Ava, 11 and Deacon, 7, out shopping, along with her fiancé Jim Toth to a kids store in Brentwood.

And Reese wasn't the only one spoiling her kids.

Halle Berry also had fun splurging on her two-year-old daughter, Nahla.

The 44-year-old was spotted leaving Toys R Us with a cartful of toys as her adorable daughter happily looked on.


Family time: A dressed down Reese Witherspoon took her two children Deacon and Ava out shopping with new fiancé Jim Toth


Motherly duties: Halle Berry took daughter Nahla shopping at Toys R Us while singer Jennifer Hudson took her son David Daniel Otunga Jr out for a stroll in Beverly Hills


Colin Firth at 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Sunset Tower in West Hollywood


source :dailymail

By GEORGINA LITTLEJOHN

Shock exit: Vanilla Ice and his skating partner Katie Stainsby were voted off Dancing On Ice this weekend which judge Jason Gardiner blamed the viewers for


Dancing On Ice judge Jason Gardiner has slammed viewers of the show for putting contestants through on sympathy votes.

The outspoken choreographer hit out at the voting public after Vanilla Ice was voted off ahead of fellow celebrity contestants Johnson Beharry and Denise Welch.

Gardiner said the rapper - real name Robert Matthew Van Winkle - was 'much better' than the other two and blamed the viewers for putting him and Laura Hamilton, who topped the leaderboard last week, in the skate-off.


And he said the viewers' voting was 'frustrating' for the judges who were left to make 'soul destroying' decisions about contestants they want to keep in.

Speaking to The Sun, he said: 'It does a real disservice to the competition.

'It really angers me that people like Denise and Johnson are getting through on sympathy votes or popularity when we're losing someone who really should not have left.



Gracious in defeat: Vanilla Ice was resigned to his fate after he was voted out unanimously by the judges


Seductive: Vanilla Ice and partner Katie Stainsby performed a sexy Flamenco to Justin Timberlake's Like I Love You


'It's a crying shame he did. he's so much better than those two.'

And he hit out at the viewers again for wanting a 'mediocre' outcome to the ice skating talent show.

The 38-year-old added: 'If viewers want a lacklustre, mediocre, less-than-average final, they should keep voting for Johnson and Denise.'

Denise, who scored just 14.5 and was told that her routine was as painful as 'an MRI scan' by Gardiner, and Johnson, who received the same score, are safe to skate again next week.

But the judges were left aghast when Vanilla Ice, who scored 21.5, and Laura, who got 24.5, were given the lowest votes.

Gardiner said: This is where it gets heartbreaking for us. It's frustrating when we don't want either of them to go.'



Soul-destroying: Gardiner blamed the public for leaving the judges to vote between two of the strongest performers


High score: But her mark of 24.5 wasn't enough for the public to put Laura Hamilton in the skate-off


And he said he thinks that TV presenter Laura was voted into the skate-off because she's not as well known as the other celebrities, despite her outstanding routines and high marks week in week out.

He added: 'If we lost her, we'd end up with a clear frontrunner, Sam Attwater.
'I don't want that - I want them neck-and neck all the way to the final. It will be thrilling.'


Safe: Johnson Beharry VC and partner Jodeyne Higgins were kept in by the public despite being told they had no chemistry


MRI scan: Denise Welch performed a Carnival-style Brazilian Samba with Matt Evers which kept her in despite being told the routine was 'painful'


DOI: Vanilla Ice out


source: dailymail

By PAUL GOGARTY

Mekong River: North Thailand is now easily accessible and provides the country's most intimate and authentic experiences - as well as having some fabulous hotels


Fireworks flare and traditional fire lanterns drift skywards as we exit Chiang Mai airport to witness the tail end of the Loy Krathong Festival.

Minutes later, as our mini bus chases tuk-tuks past the crumbling old city walls, a seasoned traveller to northern Thailand points to the smoke billowing over the roadside food stalls and knowingly declares, ‘If Bangkok is rock and roll, the North is the blues - laid-back and authentic.’

The following morning I wake at the Four Seasons Chang Mai to songbirds and water tumbling past my private loggia to the lake where a few early-bird guests are opening themselves like lotus flowers with a yoga session on a floating pavilion.

I however, have a Cook Thai course booked and trade yogic calm for the frenetic pace of the sprawling Tanin food market where the hotel’s sous-chef gives me and five other students a crash course on the bewildering local produce.

Once a little more knowledgeable regarding the ingredients that make up one of the world’s great cuisines, we speed back to the hotel kitchen to pound the exotic herbs and spices with a pestle and mortar.

Just twenty minutes later, with a fair amount of support from the chef, we transform that alien market produce into a pretty sensational spicy sliced beef salad and noodle curry (a northern Thai dish that’s a lot more exciting than it sounds).


The daily grind: Paul Gogarty learns how to pound those exotic spices before using them to make a traditional Thai dish in his cookery class


With such a feast at lunch it makes sense to progress onto an equally decadent pastime in the afternoon, massage. No, not receiving one, but learning how to give one.

I take part in an introductory Learn Thai Massage session at the Lila Thai Massage parlour, where all the masseuse are former inmates of the Chang Mai Women’s Prison.

The owner - who was also the director of the prison for 42 years - now concerns herself with rehabilitation rather than incarceration, running two centres with her daughter and employing 25 staff who all share in the profits generated.

Two hours of instruction and total incompetence later, I feel like I should be given a health warning rather than a certificate - I don’t think I’ve ever felt so irredeemably hopeless at anything.


Beware of trainee mahouts: Paul puts an elephant through its paces...or should that be the other way round?


Armed with some (dubious) new skills, I depart Chiang Mai to head further north, right in to the heart of the Golden Triangle, and stay at the aptly named Anantara Golden Triangle Resort.

From my balcony I can see an orderly column of elephants heading through the bush to the Ruak river to wash off the dust of the day.

On the opposite bank a red building consisting of 13 interconnecting tiled roofs rises in Burma. Half a mile beyond it is the fast flowing muddy Mekong and beyond it, Laos. This is the unique area where the two rivers and three countries meet.

Fifty years ago when Thailand was still Siam it was the most impossibly exotic place on earth. Now it’s our favourite long haul destination and yet for some reason the vast majority of those booking Thai packages tend to ignore the Golden Triangle despite the fact it’s where the country has best preserved its traditions.

For centuries the Golden Triangle’s shroud of mystery was as thick as its early morning mists and it remained inaccessible to all but longtail boats and elephant convoys tramping through the dense jungle.This inaccessibility also provided the perfect cover for the notorious poppy harvests that fed the world’s drug trade.

Opposite the Anantara is the hugely impressive interactive Hall of Opium museum which charts the dark trade that local tribes relied on until recent times when a Royal Project was initiated by the King’s mother and led to the razing of the poppy fields that covered the area and the establishment of fruit, vegetable, rubber, tea and coffee cash crops.

While former convicts were being rehabilitated, the fields healed and local tribes were given new livelihoods. The museum now provides essential education for school parties on the dangers of drug addiction.


Water view! The pool at Anantara looks out to Laos and Burma while the terrace bathtubs at the award-winning Four Seasons (right) look out onto beautiful greenery


On the road back from the museum to the resort, I notice a sign warning drivers to beware of trainee mahouts riding elephants. Soon - having learned three different ways to mount and dismount an elephant and a few essential words such as Pai (forward), Bain (turn) and How (stop) - I am one of those trainee mahouts gallumphing down to the river for a dip with our charges.

As our six elephants submerge themselves (and us up to our chests) and spray each other, us novice mahouts try manfully to concentrate - between howls of laughter – on remaining perched like hats on the elephants’ heads.

My mahout skills are further honed following an exciting longboat ride up river to our final base, the Four Seasons Tented Camp which for the last three years has deservedly won the Conde Nast Traveller’s Best Worldwide Resort award despite having only 14 exquisite ‘tented’ rooms (think Rajah’s pavilion rather than pop up tent).

Located just a slingshot from the Anantara and with even more incomparable views, the resort is supremely stylish, and almost impossible to leave. It just goes to show, you don't need to rough it to enjoy an off-the-beaten-track adventure.

On our final evening, suddenly and inexplicably an endless flotilla of floating candles drift downstream past the camp as more drum-shaped fire lanterns soar heavenwards. No opium high could create a more perfect vision.

Travel Facts
Bridge & Wickers (020 7483 6555; www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk) features three nights (room only) at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai, two nights (B&B) at the Anantara Golden Triangle and two nights at the Four Seasons Tented Camp, (inclusive of all meals, drinks, a spa treatment and activities including elephant training).

The holiday costs from £3,989 pp based on two sharing including return flights with Thai Airways from London to Chiang Mai and home from Chiang Rai, with private transfers from Chiang Mai to the Anantara.

Alternatively, without the Tented Camp, three nights at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai and three nights at the Anantara Golden Triangle with private transfers and return flights from London with Thai Airways costs from £1,795pp.


source: dailymail

Eastern adventure: Tom and his girlfriend Emma board the Orient Express


Trainspotters in Eastern Europe, I can now say with some certainty, look just the same as the ones back home. Overnight we had rattled and creaked into Poland from the Czech Republic in our beautiful old Art Deco Wagon-Lit carriages, passing through dark forests that seemed to go on for ever.

We had started our unusual Orient-Express journey in busy, touristy Venice, but there we were the next morning, a long way from the canals and gondolas, blinking at the contrast as we rolled slowly past Zywiec.

A rust-coloured train was waiting at a platform covered with weeds. Walls by the ticket office were covered with indecipherable graffiti. The sun beat down (Eastern Europe was in the midst of a heatwave). And then we saw them - the trainspotters.

A scraggly haired fellow with a giant belly and an old baseball cap was holding up a camera and taking snaps. Next to him, a skinny man wearing black socks and sandals was squinting through old spectacles, capturing the train with a video camera. Another with a sleeveless jacket with pockets was scribbling in a notebook.

They smiled and waved, and we smiled and waved back - sitting at our little breakfast table in our tiny compartment, eating croissants and rolls, with cups of fresh coffee at a table with purple flowers in a silver vase.

It was a bizarre scene. It was also typical of the friendly reception the Orient-Express received as we moved deeper into Eastern Europe.

Locals, tipped off to the arrival of our shiny, navy-blue carriages, were waiting at platforms all the way. We were almost cheered past in places, especially as we moved on from our stop in Krakow towards Dresden - the first time the Orient-Express has ventured into the city that suffered such heavy bombing in the Second World War.

From Dresden we were travelling onwards, via a mini-stop in Paris, to Calais and buses into the Channel Tunnel to Folkestone, where another Orient-Express train was waiting to transport us to Victoria Station. The journey consisted of one night on the train, two in Krakow (at a plush Sheraton), another night on the train, two in Dresden (in an even plusher Kempinski), one more on the train, before returning home. Quite an adventure: it made London-to-Venice or Paris-to-Istanbul seem passé - we were travelling into the Orient-Express unknown.

So, via the Dolomites and long tunnels when the lights flickered (and we thought of Agatha Christie), Austria and the Czech Republic, we reached Poland. Along the way we dined on foie gras, fillet of beef marinated in dill and juniper berries, and dark chocolate cake ‘with Italian lemon zests’.


Former bordello: Tom's Art Deco Wagon-Lit compartment


We were dressed formally - a tie and suit for me (some wore black tie), a smart dress for my girlfriend Emma - as we listened to a tinkling piano. There were three dining carriages (each restored to Art Deco glory) as well as six sleeping carriages, all beautifully maintained. Ours dated from 1929. The mahogany panelled rooms were designed by Rene Prou – considered a master in this area. A sign also said that the compartment had been ‘used as a brothel in Limoges 1940-45’.

Our compartment had a funny sink in a cabinet in a corner. There was a bench-seat converted into bunks by a steward while you had your evening meal. There was a mini-fan in a corner, helping with the heat. But it was still pretty hot.

An American woman commented wryly: ‘Staying here is cheaper than a divorce.’ There was also no shower room – ‘This is authentic,’ explained the train manager, Bruno Janssens. Regarding the heat, he added: ‘We’re thinking of bringing in air-conditioning.’

In Krakow, we stayed by the Vistula river overlooking the 14th Century Wawel Castle. Krakow is easy to walk around, with a pretty old town encircled by a park renowned as a lovers’ promenade. We climbed the hill to the castle and took in the strange shoebox-like tourist boats on the river below and bathers on the small beach opposite. We walked on, passing a shopping mall selling every brand under the sun (Eastern Europe has come a long way since 1989) and had a coffee in the huge central square, where stalls had T-shirts bearing the slogan: ‘CK: City of Krakow.’

Then we went to Auschwitz. You can’t help wondering whether it is appropriate, having travelled in our sybaritic train on the very same tracks used by Hitler’s Holocaust wagons. But it would be wrong to visit this part of Poland without spending some time at this monument to man’s inhumanity.

We passed under the chilling sign that says Arbeit Macht Frei (Work Makes You Free) and entered the harrowing rows of red-brick compounds, overlooked by watchtowers and surrounded by barbed wire.

We saw pictures of inmates sentenced to death. We took in a courtyard where executions were performed against a brick wall. We visited the terrifying gas chambers, where a sign said: ‘Please maintain silence here: remember their suffering and show respect for their memory.’ A display explained that more than a million people died in Auschwitz and neighbouring Birkenau.

It gave us a lot to think about when we returned to the Orient-Express that night.


Masterpiece: The Zwinger in Dresden has an amazing art collection


We journeyed on to Dresden, passing great factories and Soviet-era housing blocks in the outskirts of the former East German city. There was music and dancing at the station before we were whisked to the Kempinski, a former palace built for a mistress of Augustus the Strong, who ruled Saxony from 1670 to 1733.

The hotel was rebuilt after being bombed in February 1945, and is next to the Royal Palace. We were soon being shown round the grounds of the Zwinger, another palace with a fabulous collection of Augustus’s porcelain and a gallery full of works by Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Augustus, we learned, spent a fortune gained from mining silver near Dresden on his beloved art. Stalin had taken much of it to Russia, but it was returned by Khrushchev, who felt the works belonged in the city.

We were shown the marvellous domed Church of Our Lady, also destroyed during the war but rebuilt five years ago. Our guide said: ‘This is a symbol. I was five years old when this was destroyed. Now it is back, it feels as though the city is living again.’

Later, we visited a Volkswagen factory and the botanical gardens. Then we rejoined our train for the slow ride back via Paris to Calais – passing Eastern European trainspotters again on the way.

As we did so, the words of our guide came back to me: ‘For many years, living here was like living in a prison. Now we are free to go where we like. Now we can welcome the Orient-Express.’

With the piano playing in the dining car, we chugged out of Dresden on our very different (and extremely memorable) journey.

Travel facts
Orient-Express (0845 077 2222, www.orient-express.com) offers a seven-day Venice/Krakow/Dresden/London journey from £4,850pp including a cabin suite on the train with full-board, two nights at the Sheraton Hotel in Krakow and two nights in the Taschenbergerpalais Kempinski Hotel in Dresden, a special dinner in Krakow and excursions. It can also arrange flights to Venice, two nights’ accommodation and transfers from £475.

source: dailymail

By SARAH BULL

A little early to celebrate: Anne Hathaway and James Franco ended their Oscars hosting gig triumphantly


Punching the air triumphantly at the end of the Oscars ceremony, it was clear that Anne Hathaway and her co-host James Franco were ready to pat themselves on the back for a job well done.

Anne was later seen partying up a storm at the Weinstein after-party, throwing back champagne and dancing animatedly with a borrowed Oscar statuette.

But as the actress toasted her hosting gig, critics were already writing up scathing reviews of her and co-host James Franco's 'clumsy and downright painful' skits.


Party time: Anne parties with boyfriend Adam Shulman and The Kings Speech producer Gareth Unwin


It had been hoped that employing Anne and James as hosts for this year's Academy Awards would give the ceremony a young and fresh feel.

But despite bringing their considerable comedic talents to the plate while presenting the Academy Awards, using skits and montages to add to their hosting duties, the pair's performance was met with mixed critical reception.

The 83rd Academy Awards opened with a montage of Hathaway and Franco delving into the mind of former Oscar winner Alec Baldwin in an Inception-inspired moment, narrated by the smooth-voiced Morgan Freeman.

And things continued to get more and more surreal, as the pair poked fun at The King's Speech, which took home four Oscars, The Fighter and True Grit, as well as The Social Network and Back to the Future.


I like the feel of this: Anne borrowed an Oscar statuette to take for a spin on the dance floor at the Weinstein party


Having a good time? The actress appeared incredibly animated as she arrived at the Weinstein Oscar party


Perhaps the funniest moment of the opening montage, however, was Hathaway and Franco both donning leotards and tutus to join Natalie Portman in Black Swan.

The pair attempted to impress the hard-nosed Vincent Cassel with their dancing abilities, and left Portman looking flustered with their 'talent'.
Hathaway also returned to her former duty at the Oscars in 2009 when she joined then-host Hugh Jackman for a duet to open the show.



'Downright painful': Anne and James's presenting skills received a mixed reception at this year's Oscars


James Franco and Anne Hathaway Opening Number (83rd OSCARS 2011)



Oscars 2011- James Franco in Drag & Anne Hathaway's 'On My Own' Spoof


source: dailymail

By BAZ BAMIGBOYE

Spot the teen: Lourdes Leon, 14, was out with her mother Madonna at the Vanity Fair Oscar party last night - and guess who was dressed the most outrageously...


It's every 14-year-old's worst nightmare. You get a ticket to the coolest party in town, but then your mother spoils it by tagging along wearing inappropriate clothing and what's worse, exposes her behind to all and sundry.

On the red carpet, that's just what happened when 52-year-old Madonna left daughter Lourdes blushing with embarrassment on the red carpet of the Vanity Fair party last night.

The Material Girl had gone out wearing little more than a black leotard and a few scraps of lace and the mortified teen was heard pleading: 'Mum, do you have to?!’ every time her popstar parent struck a pose and poked out her posterior for the waiting cameras.


All smiles: Raven-haired Lourdes appeared to have beaten her embarrassment as she grinned for the photographers


'Is that my mom's butt..? I hope my dress isn't that short': Lourdes catches sight of her mother's behind before self-consciously pulling her own dress down


She told Access Hollywood: '(My mom) does actually (borrow my clothes). I go into her closet - I'm not supposed to take things without asking, but she's always taking things without asking.

'I mean, she gets mad at me when I take things without asking her, but... she has such amazing like clothes, so it's like kind of annoying sometimes... She wears my shoes a lot and she wears my accessories.'


And the winner is...Natalie Portman hands over her Oscar for Best Actress to get engraved with her name at the Governor's Ball


Grub's up: Wolfgang Puck arrives with a tray of Oscar-themed food that was being served at the ball


Across town meanwhile, the official Academy Awards afterparty, the Governor's Ball was taking place.

The catering meanwhile was being delivered by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, who's been in charge of the menus there for the past 17 years.

Puck said ahead of the event: ‘For the main course, we have English sole with a confit of tomatoes and a paella. This is a vegetarian paella because I know Natalie Portman is a vegan – so she’s going to have a big bowl of that!'


Proud: Colin Firth poses with his Best Actor Oscar at the Governor's Ball


Say hello to my little friend: Firth has no qualms about letting fans hold his Oscar as he parties the night away


However, before the pregnant star could tuck into her dinner, there was the important job of getting a certain gold statuette inscribed with her name...

She wasn't the only winner making a beeline to the inscription table either.

Best Actor winner Colin Firth was one of the first inline and after graciously posing for photos with his, got out his own phone to take a few snaps of it.

Kathryn Schwarz, the Academy's official keeper of the Oscars, said: 'It's a little something special to have your name on it.'


Take your mama out: Russell Brand took hus mother Barbara to the Governor's Ball


Couple's night: Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter had scrubbed up well for their night out too


Awards regulars: Oscar winner Helen Mirren was also at the ball with her film producer husband Taylor Hackford



Touching: Amy Adams, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, cuddles up to fiance Darren Legallo


Madonna Bares Bum at Oscar Bash


source: dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Low key: Natalie Portman and her fiancé Benjamin Millepied enjoyed breakfast in LA today following her best actress win at the Oscars


Natalie Portman swapped red carpet glamour for practical maternity wear today following her triumphant night at the Academy Awards.

The 29-year-old, who is pregnant with her first child, kicked off her high heels for comfortable flats as she celebrated her best actress win with a low-key breakfast in Los Angeles.

She was joined by Black Swan choreographer Benjamin Millepied at Square One Dining in Los Angeles.

The star admitted this week that she was looking forward to putting her feet up after the awards season.

'Staying at home with messy hair in sweats... is the biggest luxury of all,' she said.

Last night Portman paid tribute to her fiancé for giving her the 'most important role of her life' during her acceptance speech.

During a tearful moment, the actress paid tribute to her friends, family and co-stars and described her win as 'insane'.


Comfortable: The Black Swan star wore flats and a casual outfit for her post-Oscars outing


Fighting back tears, Portman thanked her parents, Avner and Shelley Hershlag, for 'giving me my life, the opportunity to work from such an early age and showing me how to be a good human being by example'.

She also honoured Black Swan director Darren Aronofsky, who she described as a 'fearless leader and visionary', and her friends 'who are everything to me, no matter what's going on in my career'.

Looking lovingly at Millepied, a ballet dancer, she thanked her 'beautiful love' and said he had 'given me the most important role of my life'.


Easy does it: Natalie's fiancé held the door as she got into their car


Celebrities Attend Vanity Fair Oscars Party, Part 1: Natalie Portman, Sandra Bullock And More!



source: dailymail