Obama factor looms large as lobbying for 2016 Olympics heats up COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - The four cities bidding for the prize honor of hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics began three intensive days of lobbying on Tuesday with the Obama factor looming large ahead of Friday's vote by the IOC. Japan PM hit by censure motion TOKYO (AFP) - Japan's opposition slapped a censure motion on embattled Prime Minister Taro Aso on Tuesday as his party sank deeper into crisis ahead of a general election that it appears likely to lose. Tears and tributes for the flawed 'genius' of pop LOS ANGELES, June 26, 2009 (AFP) - The world's most powerful figures from politics to entertainment joined in mourning Michael Jackson, hailing him as a musical genius but also grieving over a life filled with tragedy.
Rie Tomosaka: a delightful 'working' student Only 20-year-old this year, Rie Tomosaka entered the entertainment scene way back in '92 as a TV actress. However, her big break came just three years ago with the release of her debut singing effort 'Escalation'.