Obama presses Internet freedoms in China

BEIJING: US President Barack Obama Monday pushed for an unshackled Internet and expanded political freedoms, seeking to get around China's media
curbs with a webcast town hall event in booming Shanghai.

Obama also said the United States and China, two economically interlocked rivals, need not be adversaries, appealing to millions of Chinese web surfers on the first day of his first visit to what he termed "a majestic country".

"I have always been a strong supporter of open Internet use. I am a big supporter of non-censorship," Obama said, before flying to Beijing for a welcome dinner and talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao. Obama's Shanghai speech

"I think that the more freely information flows, the stronger a society becomes," said Obama in a nation where communist authorities have for months blocked Internet sites such as Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Obama's decision to tap the power of the web was symbolic: the grassroots movement that powered his capture of the White House in 2008 was largely built on Internet freedoms restricted by the "Great Firewall of China".

But it was unclear how many Chinese actually saw the event, as it was not televised nationally, though was shown on Shanghai local television, and was only carried as a live transcript on the website of state agency Xinhua.

On Chinese state television's evening news, Obama's visit was not even mentioned until 25 minutes into the broadcast. Xinhua's main dispatch on the Shanghai event did not include Obama's comments on Internet freedoms. The White House streamed the event live on its website but officials did not immediately say how many Chinese web surfers logged on.

The president fielded questions from his audience of university students as well as Internet users, speaking on subjects ranging from "universal rights" and Taiwan to Chinese NBA basketball star Yao Ming. Audience members, while showing great respect for Obama, rarely asked questions deviating from the official Chinese government line, and the forum appeared tightly controlled by the authorities.

The most interesting question, on Internet freedoms, came via email, and was read out to Obama by the US ambassador to China, Jon Huntsman. Having been accused of downplaying rights concerns to appease China, Obama called for the observance of "universal rights" of political expression, religious freedom and free information everywhere.

"They should be available to all people, including ethnic and religious minorities, whether they are in the United States, China, or any nation," Obama said, though he noted that his own country was not perfect.

But the US leader did not specifically mention sensitive issues like China's rule over Tibet, after declining to meet exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in the United States before making his high-profile inaugural visit to Beijing.

"The notion that we must be adversaries is not predestined," Obama said, walking a fine line between standing up for US interests on trade and human rights and seeking Chinese backing on issues such as Iran and North Korea.

He leavened his call for expanded freedoms with praise for China as a "majestic country", marvelling at the "soaring skyscrapers" of Shanghai and the relics of China's "distant past" he hoped to see in Beijing.

China's communist authorities were taking no chances on security, with roads leading to the venue at Shanghai's imposing Science and Technology Museum closed to normal traffic and uniformed security agents deployed en masse. The authorities also apparently kept close control on the students allowed to attend the meeting, selected by professors at Shanghai-area universities.

Obama later boarded Air Force One and flew to Beijing, where he arrived at the Diaoyutai state guest house for dinner with Hu, his motorcade sweeping past Tiananmen Square and the gates of the Forbidden City on the way.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, National Security Adviser General James Jones and other top officials joined Obama for the dinner, which included Chinese prawns and lamb chops, the White House said.

On Tuesday, China will lay on the lavish pageantry of a state dinner, after a fresh round of talks for Obama and Hu. Tough talk on the economy was looming.

A Chinese commerce ministry spokesman Monday accused the United States of increasing protectionism and said American calls to let the yuan rise were "unfair".


source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

This Is It makes $20m in one day

THE Michael Jackson concert documentary This Is It earned $20.1m at worldwide box offices in its first day, the studio that made the film has said.
The movie, which is based on rehearsal footage for the star’s ill-fated comeback shows, was premiered around the world on Tuesday.

Steve Elzer from Sony Pictures said the movie is a “reaffirmation of the global appeal of Michael Jackson”. The film made $7.4m in the US and $2m in the UK.
“The studio believes that the worldwide launch, with very strong performance across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia, represents an amazing beginning for the film,” Mr Elzer said in a statement. He has also revealed that the studio will submit the movie to the Academy Awards for consideration this year in the best picture category.
To be a contender for Oscar shortlisting, the film must complete a seven-day run in Los Angeles County and film-makers would need to “submit the proper paperwork,” Academy spokeswoman Leslie Unger said. Director Kenny Ortega said the late star “deserves” to win an Oscar.
Jackson’s brothers attended the film’s screening in LA on Tuesday and simultaneous premieres were held in 18 other cities around the world. The movie was then released to cinemas on Wednesday for a two-week run only.
However, Sony has said the movie will be extended beyond its planned stint if ticket demand is high.
The movie, which runs to nearly two hours, features Jackson singing and dancing to his biggest hits, including Beat It, Black or White and Man in the Mirror. – BBC Jackson, who died on 25 June aged 50, had spent the previous four months rehearsing in LA for the record 50 concerts which were to be held in London.
More than 800,000 tickets had been sold for the concerts, with organisers promising one of the “most expensive and technically advanced” live shows ever. He was just two weeks away from the opening night at the time of his death. By the weekend, it will be shown in 110 countries. – BBC

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 28:Crowds starting to gather at the Australian Premiere of Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' at the Event Cinemas on October 28, 2009 in Sydney, Australia

People leave on October 28, 2009, the Grand Rex movie theatre in Paris after attending the screening for the documentary film 'This Is It,' culled from more than 100 hours of footage taken from rehearsals for Michael Jackson's comeback. Yesterday, four months after Jackson's death, red carpets were rolled out for worldwide premieres 18 simultaneous screenings on five continents for King of Pop posthumous thriller.


source: Nation.com
credit photo: Gettyimages

His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives in Japan

By Sherab Woeser

Tokyo, October 30: The exiled Tibetan leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, arrived in Japan this afternoon for a nine-day visit at the invitation of Shikoku Buddhist Association and Okinawa Mahabodhi Association.

His Holiness was received at Tokyo’s Narita airport by Lhakpa Tshoko, Representative of H.H. The Dalai Lama for Japan and East Asia, along with a varied group of people of Japanese, Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetan origins.

The Tibetan leader will be in Japan from October 30 – November 7.

On his arrival at the Royal Park Hotel, His Holiness was received by Makino Seisyu, Member of Parliament and a long-time friend of Tibet. Inside the hotel, Japanese supporters, Indian students, western tourists and Chinese and Taiwanese businessmen lined-up to seek His Holiness’s blessings.

During the visit, His Holiness is expected to give teachings, hold dialogues with scientists and interact widely with the public. The Tibetan leader is also expected to travel outside the capital city of Tokyo.

“Japanese people love and admire His Holiness a lot,” said Satsuki, a Japanese supporter outside the hotel. “I am happy that our government has welcomed His Holiness on many occasions despite strong objection from the Chinese government,” she said.

This is Holiness’s 12th visit to Japan, the earliest being in 1967 when His Holiness, for the first time travelled outside his exile home of India.


His Holiness the Dalai Lama (C) arrives at the Royal Park Hotel, Tokyo flanked by Lhakpa Tsokho (R) and Makino Seisyu (L). The Tibetan leader will be in Japan till November 7. Photo:Tenzin Choejor



His Holiness the Dalai Lama (C) arrives at the Royal Park Hotel, Tokyo flanked by Lhakpa Tsokho (R) and Makino Seisyu (L). The Tibetan leader will be in Japan till November 7. Photo:Tenzin Choejor



Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, speaks during a press conference in Tokyo, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009. Dalai Lama plans to give lectures in Tokyo, Matsuyama and Naha during his nine-day visit to Japan since Friday according to his Tokyo office.


source: www.phayul.com

Marketing This Is It: How Sony Created a Global Event

By Bryan Alexander / Los Angeles

It was supposed to be the tour that brought Michael Jackson's magic back — and sure enough, when This Is It the movie opens Tuesday night with simultaneous premieres in 16 cities across the globe, the King of Pop will take the world stage once more. Only in Hollywood could the unfinished dream become celluloid reality, in part because only in Hollywood do they know how to sell it. "This is a testament not only to Jackson's worldwide appeal and the outpouring of grief around his death but also to the marketing of this movie, which has been straight out of a business-school demo," says Steven Gaydos, executive editor of Variety. Sony spokesman Steve Elzer says the many features of the movie's release have created a "unique cinematic event." He may be right. Here's why:

The Two-Week Window
One of Sony's first marketing moves was to set a deadline for the film public, proclaiming that This Is It would play in theaters for a two-week run. Can't you just feel the sense of urgency? "It has event-ized this thing in a huge way," marvels an industry exec. The prospect of an end date lit a fire under the devoted and even the Jackson-ambivalent. Setting a deadline "creates a sense of scarcity for a major event that you have to see," says Harry Medved, a spokesman for the movie-ticketing website Fandango.com. "That's exciting for people." A marketing exec from a rival studio acknowledges the success but sniffs, "It's that old Vegas-concert, Disney-movie hypo-o-meter trick." The exec adds, "If sales go well and there's demand, then they suddenly find a way to extend the engagement." So, yes, there may be more "It" to This Is It.

The Advance Sales
Sure, people were lined up with tickets in hand for Heath Ledger's posthumous turn in The Dark Knight, but Jackson has a more enthusiastic and far more universal fan base, now encouraged by the pressure of a deadline. Sony made a hard push for advance ticket sales over and above what most movies command, with the same thrust and hype that live-concert sales get. The result has been impressive: since the Sept. 27 on-sale date, there have been reports of 1,600 advance sellouts. "This is a movie that's tailormade for advance ticketing," says Paul Dergarabedian, a box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. "People want to have peace of mind that they will not be turned away." The question remains, though, whether an audience exists beyond the first weekend's rush of fans. "There are a lot of unknowns," admits director-choreographer Kenny Ortega. "There's been a quick response by the diehards, the people who cannot miss the film. But it's not for sure if there's anyone beyond Michael's fan base who will make up an audience for something like this."

The Quick Turnaround
"The Champagne loses its fizz the longer you wait," says Gaydos. "Sony wants to get this thing out while people are still talking about it, while it's still a phenomenon. It will only diminish." Although the frenzy over Jackson's death has abated, there was a clear mandate to honor — some might say tap into — the international outpouring of grief. "It's not about exploiting," Ortega says. "Every corner of this planet, people were reaching out saying, 'Show us something.' " Ortega was originally asked to edit the 120 hours of mixed rehearsal film for a release around Jackson's birthday in August. He declined, and the mutual decision was for an October release.

The Mystery Factor
The movie is one of the great secrets in Hollywood. Only a select group of insiders and family members has seen it, and certainly no critics have. Ortega chalks this up to Jackson's need for opening-night magic. "It was always, Don't ruin the secrets, don't ruin the surprises," says Ortega. "Michael always protected that." Gaydos believes the movie is "review-proof." "What are they going to say — that the film is out of focus, that they don't like the music?" he asks. "I don't think anyone thinks it's going to be a cinematic masterpiece." Rather than a fear of bad reviews, he chalks up the lack of advance screenings to Sony's need to build anticipation. "You've got one chance at uncorking this bottle," Gaydos says. "This is great show biz."

That said, one obvious hurdle the film faces is that it's a concert film with no concertgoers — just 18,000 silent seats. That's a whole lot less boisterous than the normal adrenaline-fueled arena chaos. It could be a point of strength: Ortega insists there "is something quite special" about the fact that there is an "emptiness where there would have been a roar of applause." But as a viewing experience, it will doubtless take some getting used to.

The Global Reach
Perhaps only Michael Jackson could command premieres around the world, from the main event in Los Angeles to London to Seoul. All told, there will be 33 premieres, with 16 synched to begin at the same time and eight featuring a satellite feed showing red-carpet arrivals from the gala in Los Angeles. The numbers are staggering even to folks used to marquee-name statistics. Vivian Mayer-Siskind, who worked in the marketing department at Summit Entertainment for the launch of that other worldwide obsession Twilight, says she's impressed. "Michael Jackson is of a level that is really quite unique," she says. "He was and clearly still is a true worldwide performer. And as of Tuesday, this movie is going to be a worldwide event."


source: Time.com

"This is it", Michael Jackson

An unidentified fan of Michael Jackson puts an album of Jackson near the movie posters for Jackson's "This is It" before watching the premiere at a theater in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009.



NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Kim Cho and daughter TV personality Alina Cho attend the 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' New York premiere at the Regal E-Walk on October 27, 2009 in New York City.



NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Lauren Bush and David Lauren attend the 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' New York premiere at the Regal E-Walk on October 27, 2009 in New York City.


NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: DJ Cassidy attends the 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' New York premiere at the Regal E-Walk on October 27, 2009 in New York City.



NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Designer Elie Tahari and wife Rory Tahari attend the 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' New York premiere at the Regal E-Walk on October 27, 2009 in New York City.



Michael Jackson fans, Kim Sun-gi, right, and Na Ji-hyun pose in front of the movie posters for Jackson's "This is It" after watching the premiere at a theater in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009.



NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Actress Dreama Walker attends the 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' New York premiere at the Regal E-Walk on October 27, 2009 in New York City.




NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Model Alexandra Richards attends the 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' New York premiere at the Regal E-Walk on October 27, 2009 in New York City.



NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Model Carol Alt attends the 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' New York premiere at the Regal E-Walk on October 27, 2009 in New York City.



NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Model Carol Alt attends the 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' New York premiere at the Regal E-Walk on October 27, 2009 in New York City.



Singer Macy Gray waves as she arrives at the premiere of the documentary "This Is It" in Los Angeles October 27, 2009. The documentary includes interviews, rehearsals and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his shows in London and opens in the U.S. on October 28.




Tito (L), Marlon (C) and Jackie Jackson pose at the premiere of the documentary "This Is It" in Los Angeles October 27, 2009. The documentary includes interviews, rehearsals and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his shows in London and opens in the U.S. on October 28.



Paula Abdul poses at the premiere of the documentary "This Is It" in Los Angeles October 27, 2009. The documentary includes interviews, rehearsals and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his shows in London, and opens in the U.S. on October 28.



LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Melanie Brown attends the 'This Is It' UK film premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square on October 27, 2009 in London, England.



LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Melanie Brown and Stephen Belafonte attend the 'This Is It' UK film premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square on October 27, 2009 in London, England.



Paris Hilton poses at the premiere of the documentary "This Is It" in Los Angeles October 27, 2009. The documentary includes interviews, rehearsals and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his shows in London, and opens in the U.S. on October 28.



Paris Hilton poses at the premiere of the documentary "This Is It" in Los Angeles October 27, 2009. The documentary includes interviews, rehearsals and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his shows in London and opens in the U.S. on October 28.



Paris Hilton poses at the premiere of the documentary "This Is It" in Los Angeles October 27, 2009. The documentary includes interviews, rehearsals and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his shows in London, and opens in the U.S. on October 28.


credit photo: AP, Reuters, Gettyimages

Barack Obama: Swine flu a national emergency

By JONATHAN MARTIN
Credit photo: AP


President Barack Obama declared the fast-spreading swine flu a national emergency Friday night, a move that authorizes federal officials to waive some requirements in dealing with the virus, such as letting hospitals set up separate facilities to keep patients with the virus from infecting others.

The White House announced Saturday that Obama had signed the proclamation, saying it will make it easier for healthcare providers to “handle a surge in H1N1 patients" if necessary.

In a letter sent to Congress reporting the move, Obama wrote, “the rapid increase in illness across the Nation may overburden health care resources and that the temporary waiver of certain standard Federal requirements may be warranted in order to enable U.S. health care facilities to implement emergency operations plans."

Since April, over 1,000 people have died and 20,000 people have been hospitalized by the virus. Thousands more have gotten sick from the flu with the onset of fall, resulting in mass absences from school and work across the country.

CDC officials estimated this week that 1 in 5 children had symptoms of H1N1.


source: politico.com

Change The Politics, Save the Climate - Greenpeace

Greenpeace protesters roll down a plastic ball symbolizing earth with a fellow activist inside during a protest on climate change near the venue of the 15th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in the seaside town of Hua Hin, some 190 km (118 miles) south of Bangkok, October 24, 2009.



A Greenpeace activist stands inside a plastic ball symbolizing earth during a protest on climate change near the venue of the 15th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in the seaside town of Hua Hin, some 190 km (118 miles) south of Bangkok, October 24, 2009.



Spanish policemen watch Greenpeace activists while suspend from an obelisk during a protest against global warming and climate change in central Madrid October 23, 2009.



Greenpeace activists suspend from an obelisk during a protest against global warming and climate change in central Madrid October 23, 2009. The banner reads 'Zapatero stop climate change'.



Police officers stand next to Greenpeace activists during a protest against genetically modified corn seeds at the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The sign held by activists reads in Spanish: "Genetically modified corn, end of our Independence".



Greenpeace activists demonstrate at the Angel of Independence monument during a protest against genetically modified corn seeds in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The sign reads in Spanish: "Our corn is first, traitors".



Greenpeace activists set signs at the Angel of Independence monument during a protest against genetically modified corn seeds in Mexico City, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The signs read in Spanish: "Genetically modified corn, end of our Independence".



Greenpeace activists hold posters reading 'Total invents sustainable destruction' at the entrance of a gas station of French energy group Total, on October 17, 2009 in Lille, northern France during a protest against the exploitation of oil sands and its effects on climate change. The demonstration was part of a day of actions staged by the environmental protection group Greenpeace across France.



Greenpeace activists hold a banner reading 'Total invents sustainable destruction' at the entrance of a gas station of French energy group Total, on October 17, 2009 in Lille, northern France during a protest against the exploitation of oil sands and its effects on climate change. The demonstration was part of a day of actions staged by the environmental protection group Greenpeace across France.



A Greenpeace activist fixes a poster at the landmark Victory Column in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Oct. 16, 2009. Poster reads: 'In Copenhagen 2009, make history Mrs. Merkel, save the climate'. The World Climate Change conference will take place in the Danish capital in December.



Greenpeace activists protest against global warming and climate change, outside the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, the office of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in Brasilia October 13, 2009. The yellow placards read, "Deforestation causes global warming".



LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 12: Greenpeace climate change protesters wave banners from the roof of the Houses of Parliament on October 12, 2009 in London, England. Approximately 20 protesters have spent the night camped on the roof of the Palace of Westminster. Today the Government's Committee on Climate Change has reported that UK carbon emissions are falling at just 0.5% per year, whereas 2-3% is required to meet targets.



LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 12: Greenpeace climate change protesters wave banners from the roof of the Houses of Parliament on October 12, 2009 in London, England. Approximately 20 protesters have spent the night camped on the roof of the Palace of Westminster. Today the Government's Committee on Climate Change has reported that UK carbon emissions are falling at just 0.5% per year, whereas 2-3% is required to meet targets.


credit photo: Reuters,AP,Gettyimages

Ethiopia appeals for food aid

Ethiopia appealed for 159,410 tonnes of emergency aid to feed 6.2 million people, 25 years after more than a million perished in the country's notorious famine.

Aid workers say a five-year drought is afflicting more than 23 million people in seven east African nations.

Mitiku Kassa, Ethiopia's State Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, said this year's rains were especially poor.

"As a result, the number of people needing emergency assistance during the period Oct-Dec 2009 has increased to 6.2 million from 4.9 million at beginning of the year," he said.

Ethiopia has a population of 83 million.

He appealed for 159,410 tonnes of food worth $160 million, 11 tonnes of fortified blended food for malnourished children and women worth $11.7 million, and $59 million in non-food needs.

UN humanitarian coordinator Fidelle Sarassaro urged the Ethiopian government to ensure free access to aid workers to the war-torn eastern Somali region.

"Access has been a challenge for the non-food sector and needs to be addressed. The subject has been under consultation with the government at all levels," he said.

Also, aid agency Oxfam called for an end to what it called knee-jerk reactions to food crises that focused on sending food aid.

While food did save lives, it failed to offer longer-term solutions.

Oxfam said communities at risk should be helped to prevent and deal with disasters like drought before they strike, rather than relying mostly on short-term emergency relief supplies.


source: tvnz.co.nz

Iran to consider uranium proposal

The UN's atomic watchdog says Iran has agreed to consider a deal on its nuclear programme, which could see it ship out most of its enriched uranium to Russia.

The move would strip Iran of most of the material it would need to build a nuclear weapon, diplomats said on Wednesday, helping to allay Western fears over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

Mohamed ElBaradei, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said the draft was drawn up by the US, Russia, France and Iran at a closed conference at the agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

He said the text had been sent to the nations' capitals for approval by Friday.

"I have circulated a draft agreement that reflects, in my judgment, a balanced approach on how to move forward," he said.

"Everyone in these talks was trying to look to the future, not the past, and heal the wounds existing for many years ...This [deal, if formally approved], should open space for negotiations."

'Good news'

Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's ambassador to the IAEA, said he welcomed the development.

"We are fully co-operating. Ee came to this meeting with a spirit of co-operation and flexibility," he said.

Nazanine Moshiri, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Tehran, said the final decision over the deal "will be made here in Tehran. And Tehran has said it will not give up its right to develop uranium."

She added: "Just before news of this deal came out, the deputy head of Iran's atomic agency came out with his own statement saying Iran had 'good news' about its nuclear programme, which it will reveal in the next few months.

"We don't know what that good news is but whatever it is I'm sure the West will not be pleased about it."

Diplomats told the Reuters news agency that ElBaradei's draft contained the powers' call for Iran to send about 75 per cent of its enriched uranium reserve abroad before the end of this year.

The reserve would be converted into fuel for a Tehran reactor producing medical isotopes.

Russia, France and the US have been pushing Iran to agree to ship 1,200kg of its own stockpiled uranium to Russia, and subsequently France, but ElBaradei did not reveal whether Iran had agreed to that key point.

Despite concern by Western powers that Iran intends to build a nuclear weapon, Tehran has maintained that its programme is aimed at peaceful purposes only.

source: english.aljazeera.net

Empress Michiko will celebrate her 75th birthday

In this photo released by the Imperial Household Agency, Japanese Emperor Akihito stands beside Empress Michiko playing a piano ahead of her birthday in Tokyo Oct. 9, 2009. Michiko celebrates her 75th birthday, on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009.



In this Oct. 9, 2009 released by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, Japanese Emperor Akihito, left, and Empress Michiko take a stroll in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Empress Michiko will celebrate her 75th birthday on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009.



TOKYO - AUGUST 15: Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso (R) bows to Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko (C) of Japan during the memorial service for the war dead of World War II at Nippon Budokan on August 15, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. Japan marks the 64th anniversary of the end of World War II today.



Emperor Akihito rows a 7-meter (23-foot) traditional Japanese wooden boat named "Take" which his father, late Emperor Hirohito, had used to collect sea animals for his research, as Empress Michiko, second left, Princess Kiko and her son Prince Hisahito enjoy a ride off Hayamacho in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, on Monday, Sept. 14, 2009. The royal family was spending their late summer vacation in their villa in the seaside resort.



Emperor Akihito, center left, Empress Michiko, center right, and Princess Kiko, background, look at Kiko's three-year-old son Prince Hisahito get off a 7-meter (23-foot) traditional Japanese wooden boat named "Take" which Akihito's father, late Emperor Hirohito, had used to collect sea animals for his research, after they enjoy its ride off Hayamacho in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, on Monday, Sept. 14, 2009. The royal family was spending their late summer vacation in their villa in the seaside resort.

credit photo: Reuters picture

Triumph for great Button as Jenson is crowned new Formula One world champion in Brazil

By Sophie Borland and Ryan Kisiel

Thumps up: Jenson Button celebrates winning the 2009 Formula One season title after finishing fifth in the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix

For years he was dismissed as no more than a playboy who was wasting his talent.

But last night Jenson Button finally did full justice to his abilities as he was crowned Formula One World Champion.

The 29-year-old driver took the title after a dramatic finale in the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo.

Button moved up from 14th place to overtake his closest rival Rubens Barichello, who had started in pole postilion. As he crossed the line he waved his fists and shouted: 'The championship. I am the world champion.'

It is the second consecutive year that a Briton has been crowned world champion, after Lewis Hamilton, then 23, became the youngest driver to win the title.

After the race last night, Button said it had been 'the most amazing day' and thanked his fans, his family and his girlfriend Jennifer Michibata.

He added: 'The last few races have been a bit stressful for me. It was a great race, really enjoyable and for me that was the perfect way to do it.'

Delighted: Button clenches his right fist as he crosses the finish line to win the title


I've done it: An elated Jenson gives number one finger salutes to the cameras after securing his first ever F1 title


Just champion: Jenson hugs his father John Button after winning the Formula One world championship


Button, as the son of a successful rally driver, was tipped for glory from early on in his career when he became the youngest British driver to race in Formula One, aged 20.

But over the next few years he failed to make his mark and became better known for his playboy image.

He was pictured with a string of glamorous girlfriends and was criticised for spending too much time enjoying the champagne lifestyle.


Euphoria: Jenson is absolutely delighted after winning his first F1 championship


Title win: Jenson Button on his way to the world title in action tonight during the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, Sao Paulo

Several relationships ended acrimoniously, and he reportedly dumped his fiancee, Fame Academy singer Louise Griffiths, three months before their wedding.

He also dated actress Rose McGowan, 35, star of U.S. TV series Charmed, and model Florence Brudenell-Bruce, with whom he broke up last year.


Jenson Button and Jessica Michibata pictured last month in Monza


His current girlfriend is Japanese lingerie model Jessica Michibata, who he has been seeing since February.

He has credited her foot massages with helping his improved performances on the track.

Miss Michibata, 24, has watched most of his races, but was not able to Brazil to watch his triumph because she was modelling in Japan.

Born in Frome, Somerset, Button became so obsessed with go-kart racing that he rarely spent much time on schoolwork – he only managed one GCSE, in French.

His father John, who has had a huge influence on his son's career, said last night's victory brought tears to his eyes.

He said: 'I'm all washed out. I've got to accept where he is now, he goes down in history with all the other great names.'

source: dailymail.co.uk