The sexiest man alive

American actor Matthew McConaughy has pushed Jude Law off the pedestal as the "sexiest man alive." According to the American magazine People, 36-year-old McConaughy is officially sexier than any other male on the planet. Not a bad accolade for anyone. 


Poor old Jude though. After a run of dodgy films and an even dodgier summer sex scandal with the babysitter, it seems the actor has now truly fallen from favor.

The honor is awarded every year by People magazine and has been going for 20 years. Previous winners include Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Richard Gere and Mel Gibson. As a celebration of the last two decades the magazine has a photo gallery  showing what was deemed sexy in 1985 (including, bafflingly, a pre-pubescent-looking Michael J. Fox) and what is viewed as sexy now, proving, one hopes, that tastes have improved. In view of the preponderance of rolled-up jacket sleeves and red suspenders back in 1985, at least fashion seems to have improved.

Bush Bashes Beijing

Just days before this weekend's presidential visit to Beijing, US President George W. Bush has seemingly ensured that his reception in China will be an icy one. During a speech in Japan on Wednesday, Bush called for more reform and freedom in China. He also held up Taiwan as a shining example of democracy in the region.

Speaking in the Japanese city of Kyoto, he said  "we encourage China to continue down the road of reform and openness." He continued, "As China reforms its economy, its leaders are finding that once the door to freedom is opened even a crack, it cannot be closed." He then cited Taiwan as a shining example of a country which had moved from "repression to democracy." Given that Beijing views Taiwan as a break-away province, it is hardly surprising that Chinese leaders are not impressed.

The country's foreign minister Li Zhaoxing was clearly irritated by the American president's comments, and responded by going into denial, saying Taiwan is simply a part of China and -- despite all evidence to the contrary -- doesn't actually exist as a state in its own right. "We have to work hard and not pay attention to those people who talk about this or that, trying to shake our conviction, especially when it comes to our love of the motherland," he told reporters at an Apec meeting in South Korea. The People's Republic refuses to allow foreign intervention into domestic matters, he added.

Madge, your disco needs you

Twenty-two years after Madonna's first London gig, the 47-year-old signer proved she could still get into the groove by going back to her very first UK venue. In 1983, as an unknown newcomer, she performed her very first British concert in the London club the Camden Palace. This week she went back to the same nightspot, now renamed Koko, to mark the launch of her latest album, Confessions on a Dancefloor. Despite the fact that these days Madonna is more likely to be found on top of a horse than under a glitter-ball, the 30-minute performance showed she can still shake it. When one fan tossed his t-shirt at her she threw it back at him saying "don't throw me clothes. On this stage, I take clothes off. I don't put extra on."


She played five songs in front of 1,000 fans, many of whom had waited in line all night, despite freezing November temperatures, for one of the 200 free tickets which were left at the door. The show was also attended by Bob Geldof, Stella McCartney, Neil Tennant and Will Young.