Small and unassuming, this Italian charmer is a case study in how to conjure something sublime from the most modest of materials.

When Jason Reitman flew to Italy to convince George Clooney to be in his movie, both were relieved when all the pieces fit together at the outset.

What kept the financial system afloat at the height of the global crisis?

Woods' Kiwi caddie Steve Williams doesn't deserve to be attacked in any way, or to have his career threatened.

Of all the millions of words written about the marathon trial for the murder of Meredith Kercher, some of the most revealing appeared in a dispatch from Italy's leading news agency, Ansa, last Thursday.

Singer Liam Gallagher says he will begin recording a solo album with the remaining members of Oasis next year.

Dan Carter slipped, Stephen Donald tumbled and Mike Delany soared - fate has scattered the All Black first-fives in the most unexpected directions.

Sicily's hot-blooded residents add living colour to its rich past, writes Dean Parker.

New Zealand has been named the 20th best country for quality of life by a UN report on migration and development.

Photos from the mysterious city of masquerades and gondolas.