The BBC News website takes a look at some of the political words and phrases that made the headlines in 2008.

Beluga caviar seized by Italian customs officers is to be distributed to poor people in Milan as a Christmas gift.

A college withdraws a dish from its restaurant's Christmas menu after concerns are raised about its production.

A cafe plans to supply unusually-flavoured scones by mail order after requests from all over the world.

The BBC's Stephanie Holmes explores what the rhetorical skills of Barack Obama reveal about the man who will become the next US president.

As defeated vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin embarks on a media charm offensive, the BBC's Jamie Coomarasamy asks whether she will emerge as the natural heir to the Republican Party leadership.

Ex-tennis star Martina Navratilova and George Takei - Star Trek's Mr Sulu - are among contestants in this year's I'm A Celebrity.

Police in Malaysia seize 10,000 eggs from endangered turtles that were smuggled in from the Philippines to be sold in local food markets.

One of Scotland's most remote island communities sets out to market its sheep as an international delicacy.

A Birmingham woman who cares for orphaned gorillas and chimpanzees in Cameroon says her passion began in childhood.

Aquaculture is bringing food security to hundreds of families in drought prone areas of Malawi.

A writer produces two new publications on the hunting of young gannet for food on the Western Isles.

The recent influx of Poles to Britain is not the first - after the World War II thousands fled communist rule to seek sanctuary in the UK. Some ended up at a remote resettlement camp in Devon and never left.

Tottenham edge into the Uefa Cup group stages with an unconvincing 3-2 aggregate win over Wisla Krakow.

Authorities, notably the EU, must tighten rules on shark finning to stem the creatures' global decline, conservationists say.

Heavy rains and rising shopping prices have seen a growth in wild mushroom picking - but how safe is it?

The Atlantic bluefin tuna is in a parlous state - does it represent a oceans-wide legacy of overfishing?

Rebecca Morelle tracks the world's rarest frogs

The impact of the Georgian conflict will be felt far beyond regional borders, says the BBC's Jonathan Marcus.

Ice cream makers develop a cone with Arbroath smokie, haggis and shortbread flavours for Harrods.