crescendo

Just whose hallelujah is it anyway?

Rooftop bathing. S&M. Gunfights. A haircut. What is going on in this year's likely Christmas Number One - and possible Number Two?

BBC Sports Personality 2008 as it happened

British cyclist Chris Hoy wins the 2008 BBC Sports Personality of the Year in Liverpool.

Mumbai attackers create 'killing zone'

The Mumbai attackers created a "killing zone" at the Chattrapati Shivaji railway station, says the BBC's Soutik Biswas.

'Bad sex' book prize for Johnson

Author Rachel Johnson has been named as this years' winner of the Bad Sex in Fiction Award for a passage in her novel Shire Hell.

Leona rounds off an amazing year

Leona Lewis tops off a stunning year with a new single, a new version of her album, and plans for the 2012 Olympics.

As it happened: How the results came in

Keep up with the drama of US election day on 4 November on the BBC News website.

England thrashed in $20m showdown

England are embarrassed in the finale of the Stanford Super Series as the Superstars win by 10 wickets to scoop the $20m prize.

Schwarzenegger backs John McCain

Californian Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger gives a rousing speech in support of John McCain for US president.

Obama pushes for McCain territory

Democrat Barack Obama extends his campaign ads into his rival's home territory, as John McCain campaigns in Ohio.

So long, Stradey - and thank you

Scarlets fans say an emotional farewell to Llanelli's Stradey Park, the ground which delivered them rugby heaven for generations.

France make anthem threat to fans

The French sports minister says football matches in France will be called off if spectators jeer during their national anthem.

Hurdler Jack passes Champion test

Champion Hurdle prospect Crack Away Jack defies top weight to win on his seasonal return at Chepstow on Saturday.

Analysing Cameron's 400,000 words

The BBC political research unit's Marc Williams puts David Cameron's 133 speeches since becoming Tory leader under the microscope.

Is Brown still at risk from plotters?

BBC political correspondent Iain Watson assesses the state of plotting against Gordon Brown and asks if putsch will ever come to shove.

No fireworks, but McCain delivers

John McCain portrayed himself as a servant of the country and heroic war hero, the BBC's Jamie Coomarasamy reports.

McCain weathers Hurricane Palin

Republican nominee John McCain has weathered the storm over his pick of running mate Sarah Palin, who became the convention's darling, says the BBC's Jonathan Beale.

Text commentary - McCain speech

John McCain speaks at the Republican conv 2130 BBC North America editor Justin Webb:A strange part of th speech now where he’s talking about changing Washington – does he think President Bush has been a good thing or a bad thing? It’s one of the questions he’s going to have to address in the speec. It’s almost as if the enemy has been in power in Washington for the last eight years. ention.

Barack Obama stadium speech LIVE

A running commentary on the Barack Obama's speech at the Democratic Party convention in Denver.

Democratic Convention diary

Super-delegate Connie Borde joins BBC reporters to give an insider's view of the Democratic Convention in Denver.

England v SA, 3rd Test day two as it happened

Andrew Flintoff takes two quick wickets as bad light ends play in the final session of the third Test with South Africa 256-6.