Between 80 and 100 storm systems form each year as bodies of hot, dry air over the Sahara Desert, pick up moisture as they move out across the Atlantic.

BBC: NEWS | Africa | Experts seek clues to hurricane births

This presents an excellent opportunity for us players to give our bodies a rest and recover from the niggles and knocks that we inevitably pick up over the course of the season.

BBC: Geoff Griffiths column

Now Mr Chavez seems to have hit on a new campaigning tactic: pick a fight with Congress, which polls show to be one of Venezuela's least respected bodies.

ECONOMIST: Chavez stirs things up