Media-Whore D'Oevres

"The US Army is propagating its assessment of an era of 'persistent conflict' around the globe through 'Unified Quest 2008', a series of seminars and wargames sponsored by the US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Among other things, the service is trying to encourage civilian government agencies - as well as allied nations - to become more closely involved in planning for contingencies, from humanitarian relief operations to major combat. The service recently adopted a new manual, FM 3-0 Operations, that places stability operations on a par with offensive and defensive combat missions. In addition to boosting civilian involvement in exercises such as 'Unified Quest', the army has invited participants from other militaries, academia and non-governmental organisations. Much of the focus of 'Unified Quest 2008' was on conflict prevention, and participants in the capstone exercise addressed a series of scenarios in Asia, Latin America and Africa from 2013 onwards." (Janes)

"With newborns and subsequent sleepless nights on the agenda, new mothers Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera took great interest in the leisurely looks featured in John Galliano's Cruise 2009 collection for Christian Dior on Monday, May 12 at a restaurant under the 59th Street bridge in New York. A little rest and relaxation in a floaty frock sitting poolside might be just the ticket for these two moms ... After fathers Marc Anthony and Jordan Bratman pulled out the modern-day equivalent of wallet photos from their pockets - except theirs were in the form of an iPhone and Blackberry - the two couples went backstage to greet Galliano and get a closer look at the Spanish flamenco-themed collection." (FashionWireDaily)