Americas

US: Not only is New York the city that never sleeps. America’s largest city is also one of the most ethnically diverse in the world. Small wonder, then, that more and more working parents are taking advantage of the chance to hire nannies who speak languages other than English.

US: Will those good old boys soon be drinking their whisky and rye more cheaply in Virginia? Yes, if Governor Robert F. McDonnell has his way. McDonnell wants to privatize the sale of liquor — even though it currently brings in millions in taxes.

US: Fantasy 3-D animation isn’t the only film craze this year. Cinemas across America are encouraging viewers to sing along with their favourite film and dress up as its characters.

US: Large quantities of methane gas escaping from BP's damaged Deepwater Horizon well are causing “dead zones” in the ocean. The gas, which was found to be 100,000 times higher than normal levels in some places, causes a chain reaction that sucks oxygen out of the water.

MEXICO: Does social consciousness really pay off? A programme that gives free designer glasses to poor Mexican children might cause changes in the commercial market.

UNITED STATES: What do you do if your father swears a lot? You might put his words on Twitter. Who knows? A TV station might like the idea, and turn it into a show.

UNITED STATES: Response teams are working day and night to stop the oil leak that has poured thousands of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. And individuals who want to do their part are donating their hair, which they hope will help to clean up the spill.

UNITED STATES: Are you in need of a career change? Barbie, the world’s best-selling doll, has had 124 of them. Now, she’s becoming a computer engineer by popular vote. But was this really decided by little girls?

UNITED STATES: Job seekers like to appear young, dynamic and flexible. Older candidates are afraid that grey hair does not fit this image. But thanks to a new trend, they needn't worry.

CANADA: Some Canadians have found a new way to save money on flights to large US cities. They drive across the border to small airports in the US, and board domestic flights there.