After all, Facebook's record on privacy matters is as chequered as the flag that marks the end of a Formula One race.

ECONOMIST: Facebook and children: Let the nippers network | The

By definition symbols convey meaning, and people therefore tamper with them at their peril (witness the mixed emotions of race and tradition when the Confederate flag is flown in the South, or the horror when some white supremacist burns a cross or daubs a swastika).

ECONOMIST: Old Glory��s strength

Gearheads - this is the checkered flag of a new race about to begin.

FORBES: The Plugged-In Prince

Hamilton clinched the title when he passed Timo Glock accelerating out of the final corner of the race to snatch the drivers' crown from Felipe Massa, who took the chequered flag ahead of him.

BBC: Ecstatic Hamilton revels in glory

In the Laser class, Paul Goodison was dealt two yellow flag penalties for illegal pumping of the sails and was forced to retire from his first race of the day, but he recovered with a fifth to finish the day third overall.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport... | Sailing | Good start for Morrison & Rhodes

However, three drivers lined up in last year's final race with a chance of winning the championship, with the Finn eventually grabbing the checkered flag to pip McLaren's odd couple team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso by a point.

CNN: Hamilton in race against expectations