White House Readying for More Sparkle

It must be exciting for White House staffers to have a new vibrant first family in the White House.

Scotsman: STAFF at the White House are bracing themselves for a new and glittering era with the arrival of Barack Obama, whose family is expected to turn the page on the buttoned-down years of the Bush administration.
George Bush was famously tucked-up in bed by nine each night, and held just six state banquets in his two terms – including one for the Queen – believed to be the lowest total of any president of the modern era.

The drinks cabinet will also be back in service – Mr Bush was a reformed alcoholic – and the introduction of two young children, and their friends, along with Mrs Obama's mother, will add sparkle and noise to the corridors.

Add in the Obama's feting of showbusiness contacts – Bruce Springsteen entertained the crowd at his final campaign rally and talk-show host Oprah Winfrey was a key supporter – and some are predicting a return of "Camelot", the heady mix of celebrities and power-brokers seen under John F Kennedy in the early 1960s.