08.21.2012]blodic.us

BBC News|blodic.us

The healing power of music

What becomes of the broken-hearted? Often, they turn to music. Charles Nevin ponders whether the remedy is best found in cheery tunes or soothing sad songs.

US criticises Russia over missiles

The US chides Russia for what it calls an "unfortunate decision" to send missiles to the Syrian government, as world leaders mull how to end the conflict.

Hollande to sign gay marriage bill

France's president is to sign into law a controversial bill that will make the country the eighth in Europe, and 14th globally, to legalise gay marriage.

VIDEO: Can you name the third city of the EU?

The European Union is linked to Brussels and Strasbourg, but it is probably less known that its third base of power is in the small country of Luxembourg.

VIDEO: Brazilian inmates knit for a better future

Inmates at a Brazil jail have taken to knitting in an enterprise with a local fashion designer which sees them earn one day off their sentence for every three days spent knitting.

Litvinenko inquest future in doubt

The inquest into the death of ex-KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko could be replaced by a form of public inquiry to allow evidence about Russia's alleged role in the killing to be heard in secret.

Nigeria air raids on militant camps

An unknown number of militants are killed during air raids on their training camps in north-eastern Nigeria, while a military plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire, officials say.

VIDEO: Hadfield on space experience

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield has been talking about his experiences on the International Space Station in his first public appearance since returning to earth.

Curfew imposed in Nigerian state

Nigeria's army imposes a dusk-to-dawn curfew across the north-eastern state of Adamawa to curb attacks by militant Islamists - two days after after a state of emergency was declared.

Coppola dismisses Bling Ring critics

US director Sofia Coppola shrugs off criticism from the criminal gang depicted in her latest film, The Bling Ring, as it screens at the Cannes Film Festival.