It was a rare occasion in Los Angeles: a party for successful, world-famous writers without any screen credits. In fact, no screenwriters were invited. And it was an atypical location: a small, no-name restaurant on the edge of Hollywood, devoid of producers, directors, or paparazzi. Yet these authors – a group of serious writers considered by many to be a vanishing breed – seemed to be truly enjoying their opportunity to be with their peers.

Los Angeles, CA – September 30, 2008 - Hollywood’s A-list producers, directors and actors are often accused of being barely literate, but movie-makers know that movie-goers can still read. And that has given “Men Who Can’t Love,” the classic bestseller by Steven Carter and Julia Sokol, a long career in the Hollywood spotlight. If Carter's success is any indication, bestsellers are becoming part of the Hollywood formula for box office revenue.

The Brazilian authorities have launched a search mission for a priest who went missing while trying to set a world record for a flight using helium-filled balloons.

Dengue Fever has claimed 54 lives in Brazil since January according to health officials. Hospitals have reported a total of 114 deaths but 60 are still being investigated. Dengue Fever comes from mosquitoes.

Dozens of senior police officers in Rio de Janeiro resigned to protest the dismissal of a commander, throwing the Brazilian city's security forces into crisis as its famed and raucous Carnival celebrations began.

A Brazilian judge has banned a float portraying the Holocaust from taking part in this year's carnival in Rio de Janeiro. The judge also banned the use of Adolf Hitler costumes and swastikas in Sunday's parade.

For the first time, Brazil will take part in the famous carnival celebrations in Goa by showcasing its float in the parade.

Oscar Niemeyer, the architect who designed many of the buildings in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia, is 100 today and still working.

At least seven people have died and dozens were injured when part of a spectator stand collapsed at a stadium in north-eastern Brazil during a professional soccer match, local media said.

An offshore oil discovery and promising fields near the find could make Brazil to become one of the world's major exporters, but full-scale extraction is unlikely until 2013 and will be very expensive.

Brazil has discovered huge new petroleum reserves in its south that could turn the country into one of the biggest oil producers in the world, the Government and its state-controlled oil company announced.

Brazil has discovered huge new petroleum reserves in its south that could turn the country into one of the biggest oil producers in the world, the government and its state-controlled oil company.