Music has been used throughout the ages as a force to incite hatred and war, or to inspire harmony and peace. Musicologist and peace activist Kjell Skyllstad investigates.

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William Woollard was 'The Reluctant Buddhist' who wrote a best-selling book of that name to chart his experience of hesitant toe-dipping to full immersion. In this new book aimed at those with scant interest in Buddhism, he focuses his microscope on something that interests us all: Happiness.

Most of us probably feel we over-indulged over the recent festive season. So is it time for another fad diet, or a chance to try out the age-old practice of fasting? asks Louise Ellis.

If you ask me, you’re better off keeping it there, writes Julia Stephenson. 

We recently came to the end of National Novel Writing Month. This event started in 1999 and has since grown into a worldwide movement. Wannabe writers were encouraged to write a 50,000-word novel by midnight, December 30. The website explains: 'They start the month as auto mechanics and English teachers. They walk away novelists.'

I hate to rain on this parade, but the last thing the world needs is more novelists. 

The act of smiling – even if you don’t feel like it – releases chemicals into the body which lift your spirit and keep you young.

Smiling is good for your overall health and smiley people are thought to have more friends and to make more money. The wider the smile, the better and you can get a good endorphin boost by smiling 50 times in row.

So give smiling a try — or you can just wear one of these crazy prosthetic smiles from artist Sascha Nordmeyer.

Well this photographer is either very skilled or very lucky. What a great photo!