Books, sweets and even Brussels sprouts are among the unwanted Christmas items being auctioned online.

In the era of the high-def DVD and the ubiquitous game console, the board games unwrapped around the world on Christmas Day are a refreshing throwback. But is it all just a bit of fun or can we learn any valuable lessons from the roll of a dice?

The UK has gone through an extraordinarily difficult year. Nils Blythe asks: "Who is to blame?"

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

England lose Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff shortly before the close to finish day three on 282-6 against India in Mohali.

A record partnership of 314 puts India in charge after two days of the final Test at Mohali.

Gautam Gambhir's century helps India reach 179-1 before bad light stops play on day one of the second Test against England in Mohali.

Forget proud traditions and cultural exports - a nation's identity is bolstered if Americans know about it. Just ask the Canadians, says Clive James.

A victim of domestic violence tells of the years of abuse she suffered at the hands of a violent partner.

India beat England by 16 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis rules in Kanpur to lead the one-day series 3-0 after bad light curtails play.

India defeat a dismal England by a massive 158 runs in the first one-day international in Rajkot.

Wales' Joe Calzaghe records a unanimous points victory to defeat Roy Jones Jr in New York.

Scotland's campaign ends after an 18-16 win over Fiji while Ireland advance to the semi-final qualifier after a 34-12 win over Samoa.

Australia's openers reach 50-0 in reply to India's 613-7 at stumps on day two of the third Test in Delhi.

Gautam Gambhir scores an unbeaten century as India's batsmen take charge on day one of the third Test in Delhi.

Elaborate bra straps. Designer trunks riding above low-slung jeans. The fashion for flaunting one's underwear may have more to do with conspicuous consumption than a decline in decency, says Lisa Jardine.

"Can Aidan O'Brien cap a great season in the Breeders' Cup?"

A firefighter tells a court how he found components of a bomb inside a car parked outside a London nightclub.

An Olympic showjumper and his partner appear in court accused of attacking his former girlfriend.

Ricky Ponting's first century on Indian soil puts Australia on top in the first Test in Bangalore.