Friday, December 2, 2011

ChampionUSA 20% Off Site–wide Now Through December 2

Scotland - A pair of giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang to arrive at Edinburgh Zoo


Uploaded by on Dec 2, 2011
Tian Tian and Yang Guang, whose names mean Sweetie and Sunshine in English, will arrive in Scotland on Sunday.

Russell Grant’s Weekly Horoscopes Saturday 3rd December 2011

.
Low from $14.99 to Get Your Fashion Lucky Horoscope Clothes, Saves A Lot. Just Be Quick!
.



Aries (Mar21/Apr20) Work is especially enjoyable, when you’re given a challenging assignment that has you firing on all cylinders. Be sure to stay alert and efficient at all times, for you never know how or when people are assessing your efforts. You may have to give ground to a colleague who has more experience, but that’s only fair. By following their instructions to the letter, you’ll put yourself in line for a promotion. An overseas trip for business or pleasure is on the horizon.
  .
Taurus (Apr21/May21) This will prove to be one of the most intriguing weeks on record. When someone special offers you a wonderful invitation it feels great to be recognised for your tremendous talents, but you’ll also need to feel appreciated for your ideas and intellect if this relationship is to prosper. A new business opportunity could soon follow, or maybe you’ll be given a promotion or take on a new role that will help boost your financial position and your status.
  .
Gemini (May22/Jun21) A generous loan helps you buy a home or put a down payment on a car. It feels great to have an added measure of independence. If you have a little extra cash on hand, take this opportunity to help a struggling relative. It gives you tremendous pleasure to provide practical support for your loved ones. A difference of opinion between your lover and family will cause momentary stress. Be ready to defend your amour, or you’ll set a dangerous precedent.
  .
Cancer (Jun22/Jul23) You may have to take dominant role in a relationship that needs someone to be a driving force and take the initiative. This will be particularly important when muddles and misunderstandings threaten to throw a spanner in your Christmas works. You need to lay down some firm guidelines and boundaries so all concerned know exactly what’s expected from them and what will happen if they don’t live up to expectations. Watch out for a larger than expected bill or expense.
  .
Leo (Jul24/Aug23) More money becomes available for luxuries, thanks to a lucrative work assignment or Christmas bonus. This influx of income helps you extend your festive plans, but even so you shouldn’t let yourself get carried away and spend more than is wise in these times. Be sure to obey your conscience with an ethical matter, or a child will lose respect for you. If you take the high road, so will your young friend when faced with similar dilemmas in the future.
  .
Virgo (Aug24/Sep23) You’re at the centre of a lot of attention right now. People will be hoping to add you to their party invitation list and will be looking for hints for gifts and presents. On a more formal level there may be an opportunity to boost your career prospects by showing initiative and taking an independent line. Later in the week you may be surprised by a romantic overture from someone you had not seen in that light until now. How will you react? Probably just try to ignore it!
  .
Libra (Sep24/Oct23) Trust your instincts when it comes to a creative project that is close to your heart. You were born with lots of artistic ability, but haven’t had much chance to put it to any productive purpose. Now the tide is turning in your favour. Take time out of your busy schedule to paint, write, or perform. You don’t need to justify your behaviour to a nosy neighbour or sibling. They are jealous of your gifts. Any undermining remarks just show how they’re eaten up with envy.
  .
Scorpio (Oct24/Nov22) This may be the season of goodwill to all people, but that doesn’t extend to throwing good money after bad if a pal comes asking for a second loan when they haven’t finished paying you back an earlier one.  On the other hand you are happy to do favours for friends and family who are having a hard time and who just need a little support from you along the way. If you haven’t start making your festive plans, you had better start now. Time is running out.
  .
Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21) An impressive job or promotion is yours for the asking. Be sure to emphasise your flexibility when throwing your name in the hat. Your would be employer is looking for someone who will handle any emergencies while they’re attending to larger responsibilities. By presenting yourself as a worker who is willing to do whatever it takes to support the organisation, you’ll be the winner. Don’t let a demanding authority figure ruffle your feathers. They are just testing your mettle. 
  .
Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20) A wonderful chance to travel for pleasure is looking likely. Have your passport ready and your bags packed. Don’t worry about leaving responsibilities behind. A good friend will keep an eye on your pets and plants while you’re away and colleagues will handle your workload. Don’t be upset if you’re confronted with strange customs or practices. By maintaining an open mind, you’ll learn how others live and expect you to behave. Look at this trip as an opportunity for personal growth.
  .
Aquarius (Jan21/Feb19) An intense physical encounter makes you realise just how much you’ve suppressed your passion packed nature. Too often, you rely on your wits to get you through life. If you trust your body just a little more, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. An accomplished friend will introduce you to a new writer, musician, or painter. Immersing yourself in their work and enjoying their talent will inspire your own creativity. Turn a deaf ear to a critic who thinks your efforts aren’t up to scratch.
  .
Pisces (Feb20/Mar20) A loving partnership gives you the courage to pursue your dreams. Whether you want to move house, take up a new hobby, or go back to school, the time is right. Let a friend or partner assume some of your responsibilities so you can focus on your goals. Your boss may not be thrilled with your plans, but don’t let their disapproval change your plans. The truth is, you are long overdue for a change, and don’t need anyone’s approval to make it happen.
.


Russell Grant's Daily Horoscopes for Saturday 3rd December 2011

.
Low from $14.99 to Get Your Fashion Lucky Horoscope Clothes, Saves A Lot. Just Be Quick!
.


Aries (Mar21/Apr20) Champion a cause that's dear to your heart. You're tired of devoting your entire life to work and pleasure. Giving time, money, and resources to a charitable institution will make you feel connected to the outside world. It will also give you newfound appreciation for what you have. You'll also appreciate working for a place that is grateful for your help. Too often, we are taken for granted in our jobs. That rarely happens when you're working for a philanthropic organisation.
  .
Taurus (Apr21/May21) You're set in your ways, which makes it difficult to work with a group. Instead of insisting on using a certain methodology, be flexible. You'll learn at least one valuable skill. If it becomes evident that the current arrangement isn't working, you can swoop in and save the day. Don't be surprised when you're put in charge of the team's resources. You have a knack for finding bargains and getting tremendous returns on your investments.
  .
Gemini (May22/Jun21) You make a great impression on everyone you meet. Be careful about stealing the spotlight from your best friend or lover. It's hard to compete with someone as magnetic as you. By drawing attention to your partner's accomplishments, you'll win their everlasting devotion. Are you thinking of making a career move? You'll have to persuade a loved one this is the best path for you. Your desire for variety is in direct opposition to their yearning for security.
  .
Cancer (Jun22/Jul23) Do something entirely out of character, if only to cause a commotion. Following the rules without question isn't healthy. Find an outlet for your rebellious side. If that means taking up an unusual hobby or sport, so be it. Have you been lonely? This is a good time to adopt a pet. A nurturing person like you can only benefit from caring for an animal. Visit your local shelter so you can rescue a creature that really needs a good home.
  .
Leo (Jul24/Aug23) Passion characterises everything you do. If you've developed a crush on someone, it may be impossible to hide your feelings any longer. Confess your desires, either to the object of your affection or to your diary. If you're already in a committed relationship, focus your energy on your partner. Revert to the courtship phase of your union. Candlelit dinners, tender gestures, and sentimental gifts will cultivate the excitement that first drew you together.
  .
Virgo (Aug24/Sep23) You want help, but it's hard to ask for it. Don't let your pride get in the way of being vulnerable to a relative, colleague, or romantic partner. Even a capable person like you gets overwhelmed. This would be a good time to hire someone to clean your house. It may seem like a wild extravagance, but you'll be so glad of the free time such an arrangement affords. Besides, you'll be giving someone a job, and that's always good in this economy.
  .
Libra (Sep24/Oct23) Avoid a tendency to overanalyse things. Ultimately, you can't know what the future will bring, so why obsess over it? Keep an open mind, especially where intellectual pursuits are concerned. Someone will recommend a book or movie that proves uplifting. This material might even inspire you to return to a creative pursuit you loved as a child. A smart person like you can't be happy doing the same thing day after day. You've got to have an outlet for your imagination.
  .
Scorpio (Oct24/Nov22) Selling your creative work fills you with pride. It feels great to know people are willing to pay good money for your handiwork. You might want to sell your crafts on a website, so you can attract a huge customer base. There's no reason your work should be relegated to some obscure corner of a shop when it can be enjoyed by the world. If you need more money, find a way to make money doing something you love.
  .
Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21) You have to put on a show of bravery, even if you're het up and nervy. When you exude confidence, people will follow your lead. You may not realise it, but your words carry a great deal of weight, especially with your family. A relative who is worried about the future is depending on you for strength. If you have to go out and get work, take some time to rearrange your household. Delegate chores to others, even children. Work builds character.
  .
Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20) It's difficult to make a decision with so many options available. You're tempted to follow the path yielding the greatest pay. Ultimately you should choose the path that offers the most intellectual stimulation. Too much predictability is a waste of your talent. Taking a class, writing a story, or studying a subject will fuel your enthusiasm and give you a sexy glow. A love affair could take flower; keep it secret in the early stages, so it has time to grow.
  .
Aquarius (Jan21/Feb19) You're extremely popular, because you make everybody feel valued and special. This isn't an act. You have the rare ability to find worth in everyone you meet, no matter how talented or dull. By championing each person's strengths, you build confidence and cultivate excellence. Don't be surprised when you're asked to take the helm of a large organisation. Only accept this position if you get a handsome salary. You deserve to be paid well for such a high profile position.
  .
Pisces (Feb20/Mar20) A drive to succeed prompts you to go above and beyond the call of duty. The powers that be are glad you're at the helm of their organisation, because they know you'll never neglect your duties. If you're called in to handle an emergency, do it with energy and enthusiasm. Then, when word spreads of your efficiency, you can demand a promotion. It will be impossible to argue with your logic; the most valued member of the team should hold an important title.
.


Europe - The Robotville Festival will celebrate the most cutting-edge in European robot design and innovation

Uploaded by on Dec 2, 2011
The Robotville Festival will celebrate the most cutting-edge in European robot
design and innovation, and explore the cultural significance of robots.

China - Slower exports lead to cost-cutting and a third day of strikes in Shanghai / 中国 - 较慢的出口导致削减成本和在上海的罢工第三天

Published on Dec 2, 2011 by
http://www.euronews.net/ In a third day of strikes, more than 200 Chinese workers in Shanghai have protested outside the factory of Singapore-owned technology company, Hi-P International, blocking the entrance.

Earlier, violence had broken out between the police and workers who say they are being made redundant without getting any compensation as the company relocates to save on costs.

More than 1,500 workers, most of them women, refused to sign papers agreeing to the termination of their jobs by the end of the year without a payout.
.
罢工第三天在上海200多名中国工人抗议新加坡独资技术公司赫比国际封锁入口工厂

此前,暴力打破了与警方的工人他们没有得到任何赔偿该公司搬迁到节省成本冗余

超过1500名员工,其中大部分是妇女拒绝签署文件同意在今年年底终止他们的工作没有支付
.
罷工第三天在上海200多名中國工人抗議新加坡獨資技術公司赫比國際封鎖入口工廠

此前,暴力打破了與警方的工人他們沒有得到任何賠償該公司搬遷到節省成本冗餘

超過1500名員工,其中大部分是婦女拒絕簽署文件同意在今年年底終止他們的工作沒有支付

Germany - Merkel calls for euro fiscal union and more discipline / Deutschland - Merkel fordert für die Euro-Geschäftsjahr Gewerkschaft und mehr Disziplin

Published on Dec 2, 2011 by
http://www.euronews.net/ The German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told the Bundestag that there is a need for more moves towards fiscal union in the euro zone.
.
Die deutsche Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel hat den Bundestag, dass es einen Bedarf an mehr Schritte in Richtung auf das Geschäftsjahr Gewerkschaft in der Euro-Zone erzählt.
.


Uploaded by on Dec 2, 2011
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the euro was inseparable from European unity and said Berlin was on the right path towards ensuring a strong Germany within a strong European Union.
.
Deutsch Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel sagte der Euro war untrennbar mit der europäischen Einheit und sagte in Berlin war auf dem richtigen Weg zur Sicherstellung eines starken Deutschland in einer starken Europäischen Union.

Russian Carved Santa Figurines / Россия Резные фигурки Санта-


Russian Christmas Brooches Русское Рождество Броши




Brass Samovar

Price: 1,199.99
Height: 20-22'. Polished brass. Please contact us to enquire about the exact shipping cost before placing your order.


Hand-Carved 'Herons'

Price: 1,428.95
Size: 20 x 24.8 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.


'Gothic Castle'

Price: 401.80
Size: 8x12 inches. Unique hand-carved Russian wooden picture. Made solely by hand. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Outstanding gift idea. Ships within 7-12 business days.


Hand-Carved 'Cat & Mice'

Price: 3,470.59
Length: 12.8 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.


'Gothic Palace'

Price: 803.61
Size: 10x20 inches. Unique hand-carved Russian wooden picture. Made solely by hand. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Outstanding gift idea. Ships within 7-12 business days.


Hand-Carved 'Horseman'

Price: 1,999.95
Size: 10 x 14.8 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.


Hand-Carved 'Forest Animal'

Price: 99.95
Size: 5.2 x 4.8 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days. Price per item.


'Boot House'

Price: 53.65
Size: 4 x 4 x 6 inches. Ceramics is undoubtedly one of the oldest varieties of manufacturing. Many things around us are made of clay. Russian molders produce some of the world's finest ceramics. Never, industrially-made even come close in comparison with the handmade ceramics items (hand-molded, dried, hand-burnt, and hand-glazed). Such is this handmade item, produced of the Russian clay. Imported from Moscow, Russia.


Hand-Carved 'Ruff Fish'

Price: 299.95
Height: 14 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.


Hand-Carved 'Hog & Oak'

Price: 610.95
Size: 7.2 x 14 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.


1930 Tula Samovar Set

Price: 1,399.99
Volume: approx. 1.85 gallon / 7 liters Height: approx. 21.6' / 54 cm Type: coal Metal: nickel-plated brass, polished Condition: excellent (fully usable) Availability: ships within 5-12 business days Origin: Russian Federation Product Details The beautiful samovar set in front of you - large samovar, tray and rinser - has been manufactured at 'Tula Patronzavod' (Tula Bullet Factory) back in 1930. The characteristics of the samovar are fully outlined above. It is a nice 100% authentic Soviet samovar that would make a great gift to anyone interested in Russian culture. Please contact us to enquire about the exact shipping cost before placing your order. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: SAMOVAR HISTORY Samovar is a purely Russian invention. It is used for making tea. In the 17th century tea was delivered to Russia from the territory of West Mongolia and it was used as medicine among the nobility. Tea was a competitor of 'sbiten', the most favourite drink in Russia back then. Its components were: hot water, medicinal herbs and honey. In the 18th century in the Urals and Tula samovar-kitchens were invented. They were divided into three parts - two of them devoted to meals cooking, and the third one wholly devoted to tea-making. Sbitennik and samovar-kitchen were samovar prototypes. There were different ways of manufacturing the first samovars. Samovars were produced in the Urals, Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, Tula; and later in Vladimirskaya, Yaroslavskaya and Vyatskaya provinces. The first samovar factory was founded in Tula by Nasar Usitsin in 1778. This town of gunsmiths became famous throughout the world as the center of samovar manufacture. Tula had everything that was needed for such industry: rich ore mines, highly qualified masters skilled in working metals and location (Tula is situated only 200 kilometres south of Moscow). Samovar manufacture soon became to be very profitable. Handicraftsmen were quickly turning into manufacturers; workshops were transformed into samovar manufactures. In 1826 there were only eight samovar factories, whereas in 1896 there were already seventy. Samovars were made out of cupronickel, red and green copper, pinchbeck, and in special cases - out of silver. Some samovars were plated with gold or silver, but brass was always the basic metal. In the course of the centuries samovar shapes changed. By the end of the 19th century the number of samovar types reached 165. Yet, it was almost impossible to fully mechanize the samovars manufacture. Tools used for samovar making were not changing and by hand assembly allowed for only five-six samovars to be produced per day. The highest peak of samovar manufacture in Tula was reached in the 80s of the 19th century. Samovar was not only a feature of home comfort, the symbol of Russian hospitality, but also a kind of a mascot. Among articles of folk domestic art samovars occupy a special place. They are often viewed not only as domestic utensils, but also as real works of applied arts. Each true samovar master always wanted to astonish his customers by his creativity. Conservative design and durability in combination with decorative qualities draw interest to samovars of the people all over the world. Tula samovars were represented at many exhibitions in Russia and abroad. Manufacturers taking part at the exhibitions were constantly awarded with medals, the reprints of which often appeared on their samovars after that. Tula samovars were spread all over Russia. At the fairs one could find samovars of very different shapes: vase-shaped, pear-shaped, wine-glass-shaped, etc. Prices reduction in the process of manufacture caused standardization of samovar shapes. The so-called cylindrical samovars became widely spread. Originally Tula produced coal samovars (the water in them was heated up by charcoal), kerosene samovars and combined variants, the water in which could be heated up by any kind of fuel. Prices were set in direct dependence with shape, material and dimension of a samovar. Simple samovars were sold in bulk. Articles of complicated shapes (presents, samovars made to order) were sold by the piece. During the whole of the 19th century portable samovars were produced in Tula. As a rule, they were multi-sided, cubic and right-angled. Over the two hundred years, production technology improved considerably. Now presses and conveyor lines are widely employed. Casting under pressure is also widespread. At 'Shtamp' plant nickel-plating automatic line was introduced. Samovars here are decorated by art rolling. The plant produces samovars of different types: coal (of six versions) and - from 1956 - electrical (volume 2-3 litres; for buffets), combined and painted. Folk traditions keep on existing and developing. Gorgeous samovars - authentic works of art - are still produced in Russia. Samovars are still awarded with prizes and medals at national and international exhibitions.


'Wood-Grouses'

Price: 601.26
Size: 8x12 inches. Unique hand-carved Russian wooden picture. Made solely by hand. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Outstanding gift idea. Ships within 7-12 business days.


Hand-Carved 'Pegas'

Price: 149.95
Size: 5.6 x 9.6 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.


Hand-Carved 'Mountain Goat'

Price: 149.95
Size: 6 x 9.6 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.


'Wood-Grouses'

Price: 401.80
Size: 10x16 inches. Unique hand-carved Russian wooden picture. Made solely by hand. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Outstanding gift idea. Ships within 7-12 business days.


'Novgorod'

Price: 1,004.51
Diameter: 12 inches. Unique hand-carved Russian wooden picture. Made solely by hand. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Outstanding gift idea. Ships within 7-12 business days.


Hand-Carved 'Deer'

Price: 2,999.95
Size: 22.4 x 28 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.


'Kizhi'

Price: 1,004.51
Diameter: 12 inches. Unique hand-carved Russian wooden picture. Made solely by hand. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Outstanding gift idea. Ships within 7-12 business days.


'City House'

Price: 42.83
Size: 4 x 4 x 6 inches. Ceramics is undoubtedly one of the oldest varieties of manufacturing. Many things around us are made of clay. Russian molders produce some of the world's finest ceramics. Never, industrially-made even come close in comparison with the handmade ceramics items (hand-molded, dried, hand-burnt, and hand-glazed). Such is this handmade item, produced of the Russian clay. Imported from Moscow, Russia.


Hand-Carved 'Heron with Fish'

Price: 1,199.95
Size: 11.6 x 21.6 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.


'Struggle'

Price: 200.90
Diameter: 8 inches. Unique hand-carved Russian wooden picture. Made solely by hand. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Outstanding gift idea. Ships within 7-12 business days.


Beer Mug

Price: 53.65
Size: 4 x 4 x 6 inches. Ceramics is undoubtedly one of the oldest varieties of manufacturing. Many things around us are made of clay. Russian molders produce some of the world's finest ceramics. Never, industrially-made even come close in comparison with the handmade ceramics items (hand-molded, dried, hand-burnt, and hand-glazed). Such is this handmade item, produced of the Russian clay. Imported from Moscow, Russia.


Hand-Carved 'Hog' [small]

Price: 99.95
Size: 5.2 x 4.8 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.


Hand-Carved 'Lion' [large]

Price: 3,470.00
Size: 14.4 x 17.6 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.


'Kizhi'

Price: 1,004.51
Diameter: 12 inches. Unique hand-carved Russian wooden picture. Made solely by hand. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Outstanding gift idea. Ships within 7-12 business days.


Hand-Carved 'Mammoth'

Price: 1,835.95
Size: 10.8 x 14.4 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.


'Shoe House'

Price: 53.65
Size: 4 x 4 x 6 inches. Ceramics is undoubtedly one of the oldest varieties of manufacturing. Many things around us are made of clay. Russian molders produce some of the world's finest ceramics. Never, industrially-made even come close in comparison with the handmade ceramics items (hand-molded, dried, hand-burnt, and hand-glazed). Such is this handmade item, produced of the Russian clay. Imported from Moscow, Russia.


Hand-Carved 'Ram'

Price: 1,837.35
Size: 9.6 x 30 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.


'Mushroom House'

Price: 53.65
Size: 4 x 4 x 6 inches. Ceramics is undoubtedly one of the oldest varieties of manufacturing. Many things around us are made of clay. Russian molders produce some of the world's finest ceramics. Never, industrially-made even come close in comparison with the handmade ceramics items (hand-molded, dried, hand-burnt, and hand-glazed). Such is this handmade item, produced of the Russian clay. Imported from Moscow, Russia.


Hand-Carved 'Elks'

Price: 1,959.86
Size: 7.2 x 19.2 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.

x