Queen to outline British coalition's plans

LONDON — Queen Elizabeth II has hailed the holidays in a new dimension, delivering her Christmas message for the first time in 3D. In the annual, prerecorded broadcast, the monarch paid tribute to the armed forces, “whose sense of duty takes them away from family and friends” over the holidays, and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of enthusiasm for her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The queen said she was struck by the “strength of fellowship and friendship” shown by well-wishers to mark her 60 years on the throne.

From the front page of today’s Washington Post, this story by Anthony Faiola:

The government is selling off its vintage French wine collection for £5,000 a bottle in a bid to offset the costs of its expensive wine cellar. The government wine cellar, located in the basement of Lancaster House near Buckingham Palace, is used to provide wine for visiting dignitaries at 200 or more events a year.

Gov. Rick Perry has given six State of the State addresses, outlining his vision for the state and his strategies for each legislative session.

US President Barack Obama will Wednesday swap royal ceremony for the diplomatic intricacies of navigating the turmoil sown by the Arab Spring, on the final day of his state visit to Britain.Obama, who was feted on Tuesday by Britain's royal family, will hold talks with Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street, and make a major speech to both houses of parliament on US-Europe relations.