Buffett described his four-day trip through Frankfurt, Lausanne, Madrid and Milan as a "deferred shopping tour"--a chance to formally announce his intention to cut deals in Europe and make clear just what it is he is looking for.

FORBES: Europe Is Buffett's Smorgasbord

Three weeks after he died, his family came to formally announce his death to the president and then added most helpfully that they had prayed and set aside the man's wishes and the president should feel free to accord a state funeral.

BBC: African viewpoint: Ghanaians fight over the dead

But in January, Jenny Sanford said she would not seek the nomination, leaving Mark Sanford to formally announce his bid.

CNN: Mark Sanford: Shamed politician fights for comeback

Clinton, who is expected to formally announce her candidacy early next year, rejected the idea that she could not juggle the roles of first lady and Senate candidate.

CNN: First lady looking forward to New York residency

Peter's Square to formally announce the election of a new pope and his name, the little stove's time in the spotlight should be over and the focus will then move to the pope elect.

CNN: March 13, 2013 -- Updated 0018 GMT (0818 HKT)

Mexico's Federal Electoral Institute has until early September to address complaints and formally announce a winner in the presidential election.

BBC: Protesters outside electoral commission - 6 July

U.S. and European officials said Sunday that they were cautiously optimistic that Tehran would formally announce its attendance in Kazakhstan through a letter to Ms. Ashton in the next few days.

WSJ: Iran Says It Is Set for Nuclear Talks, but West Is Skeptical