The jewels in Brazil's crown range from opulent beaches to colourful slums, writes Geoff Cumming.

Rio de Janeiro balances the dreamy opulence of sunny beaches with the reality of life in the favelas.

Police and soldiers charged into Rio's most dangerous slum at daybreak to arrest a leading drug lord.

Portable eateries are the US' latest food craze. One of the best draws from Brazil's rich culinary culture.

From the Sharpe books to Arthurian sagas, the prolific output of Bernard Cornwell has topped best-seller lists around the world. The secret is in the plot, he tells Robert McCrum.

Had Red Bull elected to adopt team orders and let Webber win, he would have left Brazil with 245 points - just one point off the lead.

For mostly practical reasons the Brazilian constitution requires all of the nation's politicians to be able to read - even celebrity clowns.

One-time factory worker Zhang Xin rode China's property boom.

As head chef at Auckland's Savour & Devour restaurant, Jaqueline prepares Mediterranean and traditional French cuisine.

Mariah Carey is four months pregnant, it has been claimed.

David King and Bec Johnston discover the special joys of taking a 10-month-old girl on a six-month journey round South America.