Joe Biden, nominated as Barack Obama's running mate, offers a glimpse of the scrappy attack dog he will need to be, says the BBC's Kevin Connolly.

One hundred years ago London hosted the Fourth Olympiad. It was a hastily organised affair, after Italy pulled out following the eruption of Vesuvius. Oh, and Britain won 56 golds.

BBC Rome correspondent David Willey travelled with Pope Benedict XVI on his first US visit since becoming pontiff in 2005.

Everton beat Portsmouth 3-1 to regain fourth after Liverpool had defeated Bolton.

Baby food used to be about mashed banana and jars of shepherd's pie, but the influence of TV chefs is dragging gastronomy into the nursery.

A selection of the key political words of the moment, as chosen by you.

The BBC News website takes a look at some of the political words and phrases that made the headlines in 2007.

A look at what is making the headlines in Thursday's morning newspapers.

Sudha G Tilak on how cult regional star Rajnikanth has made India's most expensive film a huge hit.

BBC Europe editor Mark Mardell on the lobbyists trying to influence EU legislation on car CO2 emissions.

BBC Washington correspondent Matt Frei wonders if an Oscar means America is warming to Al Gore.

Why has it taken the Academy so long to give Martin Scorsese a best director Oscar?

US actor Richard Schiff talks to the BBC News website about life after The West Wing.

Plain-speaking Bernard Sanders talks to the BBC before taking his place as the first socialist senator in US history.

West Wing actor Richard Schiff calls on theatregoers to support straight plays in London's West End.

The sudden resignation of US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld provoked a variety of reactions from the US media, parts of which have treated the embattled Pentagon chief as a favourite punch-bag for many months.

The resignation of the US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld shows how much the Bush administration is in disarray about Iraq, says Paul Reynolds.

A French playwright cages himself at a zoo to experience how pandas live in capacity.

Italian newspapers are divided on who won Monday's TV duel between PM Silvio Berlusconi and Romano Prodi.

BBC Washington correspondent Matt Frei writes his fortnightly diary from the US capital.