Sudan peace accord signed, state media reports

Sudan on Tuesday signed a framework peace accord with rebels from the nation’s volatile Darfur region, state media reported.

In Canada, an Artwork With Its Own Barkeeps

This city is not just temporary home to the Olympics, it’s a hotbed of conceptual art and conceptual artists. There are also a lot of bars here, some so crowded during the Games that people have been spilling out onto the streets. Fittingly, a new installation on the third floor of the Playwrights Theater Center on Granville Island, the touristy, artsy part of town, examines the subtle conceptual difference between drinking and “drinking” and between the bar as mere watering hole and as self-activating performance space.

New Gay Theater Has More Love Than Politics

A new breed of plays and musicals this season is presenting gay characters in love stories, replacing the direct political messages of 1980s and ‘90s shows like “The Normal Heart” and “Angels in America” with more personal appeals for social progress.

The Fat Lady Has Sung

A small news item from Tracy, Calif., caught my eye last week. Local station CBS 13 reported: “Tracy residents will now have to pay every time they call 911 for a medical emergency. But there are a couple of options. Residents can pay a $48 voluntary fee for the year, which allows them to call 911 as many times as necessary. Or there’s the option of not signing up for the annual fee. Instead they will be charged $300 if they make a call for help.”

Teenager who survived two days in the Atlantic on lifeboat speaks of ordeal

The 19-year-old student from Kingston-upon-Thames was one of three British girls who were hit by torrential rain and strong waves.

Obama pushes healthcare reform plan to break deadlock

Barack Obama moved to end the paralysis gripping Washington today when he embarked on a final effort to push his troubled healthcare bill through Congress.

Mullen: ’steady progress’ in fight for Afghan town

The nation’s top defense leaders said Monday that U.S.-led forces were making steady progress in their efforts in a Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan but faced stiffer resistance than expected and the operation would take longer than hoped.

Dalai Lama says feels love for China

Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said he feels love in his heart for China, despite concerns about what he describes as Beijing’s cultural suppression in his homeland.

Marios Schwab autumn/winter 2010/11 collection

The designer created a modern silhouette based on the concept of the drindl and traditional embroidery.

Suede announce tiny UK live shows – ticket details

Brett Anderson’s reformed band to warm up for Teenage Cancer Trust gig