To some it seemed like the Justice Department had drawn a line in the sand against online poker and set a two-year time frame to go after industry players.

FORBES: Convicted Former Online Poker Billionaire Avoids Jail

The firm, warning of the "considerable cost" involved in an ongoing legal challenge to European Union tobacco controls, said it had, with Philip Morris and Japan Tobacco, drawn up a set of cigarette marketing standards "in recognition of society's concerns".

BBC: Tequila graphic

Mr Timpson is also set to launch a Children in Care Charter, drawn up by care leavers themselves, which sets out how they wanted to be treated.

BBC: Young girl in distress

Earlier in the drawn-out debate over war funding, the House approved a bill that set a firm date for withdrawal.

NPR: House Set to Vote on Compromise War-Funds Bill

Fans of the author will love and recognize all the hallmarks of Boyd's best books: a historical thriller, rife with espionage, set in the not-too-distant past, featuring an exotic and exquisitely drawn locale and a cameo from a famous historical figure, in this case Sigmund Freud.

CNN: Sex, spies and psychoanalysis in 'Waiting for Sunrise'