Latest from North America

Canada: Chill out in city embracing the Olympic dream
Vancouver has far more going for it than just winter sports, writes Jeremy Hainsworth.

Beer can strengthen bones, study suggests
The silicon present in beer helps improve bone mineral density, scientists say.

A quick word with: Gabourey Sidibe
Sidibe plays the title character in the movie, an obese, illiterate, teenage mother from a highly dysfunctional family in 1980s Harlem.

No charges against Madoff's UK operation
No one from the UK arm of Bernard Madoff's fraudulent investment business will face prosecution, the Serious Fraud Office has decided.

Rudd faces hard fight to stay in power
Obama's visit will give badly needed boost in election year.

Obama: Era of 'monopoly money' over
US President Barack Obama has unveiled a budget that forecast a record deficit of $1.56 trillion (NZ$2.2 trillion) this year.

Iraq - an instant cure for boredom
Medic says 20 years of injury and death in NZ no preparation for life on patrol.

Doubts over niche player Spyker's ability to save Saab
Fiat chief executive Sergio Marchionne is one automotive industry executive sceptical about the ability of Dutch niche player Spyker Cars NV to turn around the fortunes of Sweden's Saab.

Virginia: A treasure trove of history
Pirates have never been more in vogue. So say ahoy, me hearties, and join in.

Corinne Bailey Rae heals with music
Soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae is making a comeback after husband's tragic death.

Running barefoot may be healthier, say scientists
Research finds that running without any footwear could be better for your legs because it encourages the use of a different set of muscles.

Obama fronts up to frustrated public, including 'Obama Girl'
United States President Barack Obama is hours away from delivering his State of the Union address at a time when even his most ardent supporters are becoming disillusioned.

Career women get a hand up
A business group aims to give female leaders a boost through the glass ceiling.

The good, the bad and the brilliant
Marina Endicott witnessed a two-car collision that provided the starting point for Good to a Fault, winner of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize in the Canada and Caribbean region.