Without the option of marriage, same-sex couples in years-long, committed partnerships regularly find themselves out in the cold when negotiating joint tax filing status, Social Security survivor benefits, hospital visitation, immigration and insurance benefits.

CNN: Same-sex couples take long road to the altar

Depending on its choice, it could achieve formal candidate status quite quickly or be out in the cold for years.

ECONOMIST: Enlargement enriches old as well as new members

Serbia's forces are the rusting but still serviceable remnants of an army that was built up during the cold war as a defender of Yugoslavia's non-aligned status.

ECONOMIST: The West versus Serbia

Since ancient Egypt, if not long before, hats have served the practical (protection against heat and cold) and the symbolic (religious function, military rank, social status).

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