Yet within it there are traces of the past that surface from time to time, yet one past trace that I'm sure those of us who live in the British Isles have all seen are the coastal defences rapidly constructed during World War II.

BBC: The Last Stand

"As far as I'm concerned, there's no letter from Fifa inviting us for the meeting, " Balala added.

BBC: Kenya wants Fifa delay

"As far as I'm concerned Trent's staying with us - all the noises have come from Australia, " said Noble.

BBC: Barrett denies plan to quit Wigan

"I didn't get fired and I'm not running away from anything, " Daly told us after his resignation from the company was announced on Nov. 6.

FORBES: Companies, People, Ideas

I'm mean, I'm not a fan of the comments because I think they move us away from the fact that people have a right to return to New Orleans, not because they're black and that it's a God-ordained space for a black city.

NPR: Study on Race and Rebuilding New Orleans

So as my benediction-I guess Frank since I'm from the south, I know how to preach-I would ask that God bless us, each and every one of us, that God keeps each and every one of us in the hollow of his hand.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Keeping "the flame" burning

It's Austin - a person called Caleb M wants Austin to secede and form its own US state, should Texas ever secede from the US. The petition must gain 25, 000 signatures by 12 December to receive a presidential response.

BBC: Quiz of the week's news

And just as I'm impressed by these signs of China's journey to the 21st century, I'm eager to see those ancient places that speak to us from China's distant past.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Holds Town Hall with Chinese Youth

Moments later, at the other end, a long-range strike from US striker Hercules Gomez was pushed aside by M'bolhi.

BBC: USA 1-0 Algeria

Anita M Busch said the film, which was released in the US last month, had "drawn more gut anger from the industry than I've ever heard".

BBC: Fight Club bruised by censors