American rock singer Ronnie James Dio, who died on Sunday, popularised a hand gesture commonly used by heavy metal fans. But what does it mean?
Italian photographer Pietro Masturzo has won the top prize in this year's World Press Photo Award.
Chinese newspapers speak out strongly against what they see as a confrontational shift by the US after an initial "honeymoon" period following Obama's inauguration.
Pop star Beyonce wins six prestigious Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, closely followed by country singer Taylor Swift.
Grammy-winning singer Etta James is being treated in hospital in California after suffering various ailments including a blood infection.
One year after President Obama's inauguration - and with victory in Massachusetts secured - the BBC's Philippa Thomas speaks to young Republicans how they plan to achieve a political comeback.
US President Barack Obama campaigns in Massachusetts ahead of a hard-fought election to replace the late Ted Kennedy.
An eye-catching campaign asking people in Aberdeen what they would miss most if they lost their sight is launched.
The cream of the web from the last 12 months according to podcasters Helen Zaltzman and Olly Mann.
In our series of viewpoints from African journalists, Zimbabwean filmmaker and columnist Farai Sevenzo looks back at 2009.
Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder are among the musicians set to perform at a special concert for the US record label.
How TV shows like X Factor and old films can cause a blip in the music charts.
By Kim Ghattas in Washington
Glasgow-based temporary power supply company Aggreko sees longer-term contracts drive up profit expectations.
Lockerbie bombing protesters greet Colonel Muammar Gaddafi on his arrival at the United Nations in New York.
From the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 to the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009, Corbis - the news photography agency - has helped highlight the most important news issues of the past 20 years.
In our series of viewpoints from African journalists, Farai Sevenzo asks why Liberia is a conundrum, 162 years after freed slaves from America arrived on its shores.
President Obama's chief scientific advisor hopes to take the politics out of science as US engages in climate debate.
Plans for Michael Jackson's burial remain unclear, as it emerges that 31m people watched his memorial service in the US.
Wales features in a major summer festival in Washington DC