Obama's star-studded galas at White House a classified matter

Washington

THERE are plenty of perks to being president of the United States. One of them is glamorous birthday parties.

Since taking office, President Barack Obama has celebrated the annual occasion with a growing collection of celebrities, sports stars, business executives, movie moguls and politicians - all dancing into the small hours of the morning.

On Friday night and well into Saturday, Mr Obama did it again, celebrating his 55th birthday - his last as commander in chief - with a big party at the White House. East Wing staff members were told to expect to be working until 4 am. Guests were asked not to tweet pictures (some did anyway) or spill any details.

One birthday guest, who normally has a very good memory, insisted late on Saturday that he had imbibed too much to remember a thing. (It's not clear what the guest was drinking, but Mr Obama favours extra-dry Grey Goose martinis.) Another birthday friend recalled seeing only Alonzo Mourning, a retired Miami Heat basketball star, and…