Celeb mags focus on Obama's family time

How will the President-elect make time for his family? That's the burning question weekly magazines are eagerly attempting to answer, whether the source is President-elect Barack Obama himself, or an array of nameless insiders.

“I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours,” Obama wrote in a letter to young daughters Malia and Sasha carried exclusively by Parade magazine. “In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.”

Not being there able to be there for the important events in his daughters' lives “has been and remains his biggest fear,” an insider close to the Obamas told Life & Style.

Wife Michelle is determined to keep that from happening. Her expectations include family dinners in the White House, and her husband tucking the kids into bed at night.

“I envision the kids coming home from school and being able to run to the Oval Office to see their dad before they start their homework,” she told Life & Style.

It’s a sunny picture of a new life for the tight-knit family, with one ominous exception. Star magazine quotes an “insider” claiming that Barack and Michelle are feeling the strain of the presidency in their marriage and clashed over where to send the girls to school.

“He thought public school would be a far better way to go, but Michelle is the boss,” the source said. “She put her foot down, and now the girls are at the private Sidwell Friends School.

As long as the incoming first family remains a celebrity obsession, the weeklies — especially many used to dealing with the elusive Hollywood crowd — may have to rely on First Family “insiders” to stay relevant.

Will Oscar ploy help ratings?
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that it won’t announce its celebrity lineup of presenters before the Oscar ceremony airs Feb. 22.

Slideshow: Celebrity Sightings Will the mystery help the hype, and in turn, the ratings? I for one applaud any attempt to shake up the system, but I don’t think fewer teases for the show is necessarily the way to go.

Scoop friend Tom O’Neil of theenvelope.com thinks the decision “is a terrible idea from movie professionals who should know better. Look how films are billed,” he says, “with star names in HUGE letters above the title on posters to draw in viewers … The only things that should be kept hushed up in Hollywood are the endings of horror movies and whatever Paris, Britney and Lindsay are doing today.”

1. More Entertainment stories
   1. Will Smith shines in 'Men in Black III'
      

      REVIEW: If you're not a fan of Will Smith's smooth-talking Agent J in the "Men in Black" franchise, don't see the third mo...

   2. Can WWII film hidden by Army help veterans?
   3. Happy 35th anniversary, 'Star Wars'!
   4. Tim McGraw giving homes, hope to veterans
   5. Phillip Phillips has a double double name name

Good points, all of them, Mr. O’Neil.

Lance Armstrong pops the question
Cyclist Lance Armstrong is going to make an honest woman out of his pregnant girlfriend, Anna Hansen, according to In Touch Weekly.

The magazine sources one of his pals, who claims Armstrong asked Hansen to marry him during a recent trip to Hawaii.

“Lance proposed on the beach,” the friend told the mag. “Although he has a reputation as a ladies’ man, he’s also very traditional, and just feels more comfortable being married before having a baby.”

John Mayer’s variety show is a go
Rosie O’Donnell’s disappointing attempt at a variety show hasn’t squashed singer John Mayer’s hopes for a show in the genre. CBS confirmed it’s close to a development deal with Mayer.

Details were scant, but we’re wondering if the March 27-31 Mayercraft Carrier 2 Cruise, an L.A. to Cabo cruise featuring Mayer as host, might not be a breeding ground for show fodder.

More on Obama | Academy Awards

Courtney Hazlett delivers the Scoop Monday through Friday on msnbc.com.