Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Japan - China has been urged by Japan to assume a big role in ensuring North Korea avoids volatility

Published on Dec 28, 2011 by
http://www.euronews.net/ China is watching events in North Korea nervously, first in line to feel the effects of developments in its unpredictable, isolated ally.

As Kim Jong-il's funeral took place, there was tight security at the North Korean embassy in Beijing, where the flag flew at half-mast.

China has been urged by Japan to assume a big role in ensuring North Korea avoids volatility, and to share information about unfolding events.

The reaction in Beijing to Kim Jong-il's death and its aftermath has been polite and respectful.

Egypt - trial of ousted President Hosni Mubarak has resumed after 3 month break.

Published on Dec 28, 2011 by
http://www.euronews.net/ The trial of ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has resumed after a three month break.

The 83-year-old was stretchered into court in Cairo. He is being held under arrest in hospital where doctors say he has a heart condition.

Mubarak, his two sons Alaa and Gamal, the former interior minister and six senior police officers are in the dock. All deny charges including involvement in the deaths of protesters and corruption during Mubarak's three decades in office.

Finished Phase 1 of "el nuevo camino" (approximately 80 meters) to the BBQ area



21 December - last one an a half days work for a friend and myself - lost 1.2 kilos the first day






Russell Grant's Daily Horoscopes for Thursday 29th December 2011

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Aries (Mar21/Apr20) It's time to assert your authority at work. Although you don't have as much experience or training as other members of the team, your executive ability is far superior. A boss gives you the opportunity to take over a complicated assignment. Don't hesitate to rearrange the chain of command. Stop paying attention to people's job titles and start focusing on their abilities. Give an eager newcomer a chance to express their creative side with an advertising initiative.
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Taurus (Apr21/May21) A business trip will take you to a gorgeous country. This trip will radically alter your outlook. Suddenly you will realise your priorities are all out of whack. Adopting a new belief system or getting an advanced degree will cause your zest for life to come flooding back. Too often, you are preoccupied with practical matters. There's more to life than punching a clock and paying your bills. Integrate a spiritual practice into your daily routine.
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Gemini (May22/Jun21) An emotionally and physically rewarding relationship gives you the courage to change. You're tired of accepting second best. Take this opportunity to embark on a career that is truly meaningful. Any job involving writing, research, or education is favoured. You need work that is intellectually challenging. Repeating the same old routine day after day will drain your energy. Someone close will provide financial assistance while you make this transition.
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Cancer (Jun22/Jul23) Jealousy and possessive behaviour have taken a toll on your self esteem. Although you want to be loved, you are tired of being smothered. Getting some distance from someone who has been monitoring your every move will be liberating. Don't be surprised when your creative juices start to flow immediately following your separation. Now you're on your own, you'll feel a deep need to express yourself. Pick up a pen, paintbrush, or camera.
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Leo (Jul24/Aug23) Overhauling your routine will result in renewed health. Lately, you've been burning the candle at both ends. Take this opportunity to follow a nutritious diet, embark on an exercise routine, and create a relaxing bedtime ritual. Cut down on the partying and take a break from friends who lead you into temptation. You'll start feeling better almost immediately. Your increased vigour will help you cope with emotional problems that have been weighing on your heart. It's time to conquer a childhood demon.
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Virgo (Aug24/Sep23) You've been blessed with considerable creative talent and now is the time to develop it. In the past, you preferred to focus on your intellectual gifts, feeling they would serve you better as far as a career was concerned. Now you're starting to realise just how much you want to express your artistic side. Working with your hands is especially therapeutic and whatever you make will be beautiful and desirable. Stop telling yourself there isn't any time for creative expression.
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Libra (Sep24/Oct23) You're undergoing some tremendous psychological healing. Influences from the past have made a deep impact on you. Now you're older, you have the power to overcome this trauma. Don't be afraid to seek professional help. Confronting the source of your pain can also be helpful. Sadly, your bully will never admit to any wrongdoing, but at least you will have had the satisfaction of expressing your anguish. Getting these feelings off your chest will be liberating.
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Scorpio (Oct24/Nov22) Adopting a sunnier outlook will improve your career prospects. A pessimist is really a romantic who has had their heart broken. If you summon the courage to hope again, you'll reap impressive rewards. An authority figure who is impressed by your ability to get the most from a restricted budget will give you a promotion or award. If you're looking for work, seek opportunities related to property, domestic goods, or catering. You might even find a job that pays for further education.
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Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21) You're tired of letting money slip through your fingers. Finding a job that pays well is one thing, but having something to show for all of your hard work is another. Start putting a portion of your income into savings. Your nest egg will allow you to move to a part of the world you've always wanted to live. Stop pretending you want what everybody else wants and start satisfying your own needs. If you're in a committed relationship, explain your need for a radical overhaul.
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Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20) It's time to stop obsessing over a failed dream. You have the power to move onward and upward. Take this opportunity to develop a new interest. Studying with a respected teacher, taking up an artistic medium, and learning a language are among the possibilities. In the past, you avoided pleasurable pursuits, preferring to focus on practical matters. This has made you sad and dispirited. There's more to life than paying the bills. Consult your heart and find what makes it sing.
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Aquarius (Jan21/Feb19) You're breaking free of a restrictive arrangement. This rebellion will send shockwaves through your professional world, but you don't care. Sometimes it's more important to protect your dignity than maintain the status quo. Recently, you've been forced to do all the work while an authority figure took all the credit for it. Although you were paid handsomely for this arrangement, it no longer holds any charm. You need a job in which you will be recognised for your accomplishments.
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Pisces (Feb20/Mar20) You're ready to cut some dead wood from your social circle. A compassionate person like you attracts people who are down on their luck. As a general rule, you don't mind helping friends who are in trouble. There are certain relationships that are a drain of valuable energy. Keep your distance from people who create their own problems. Addicts, drama queens, and emotional vampires can go elsewhere for comfort. You've got better things to do with your time.
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Somalia - Italian-owned cargo ship with 18 crew on board has become the latest vessel to be hijacked

Published on Dec 28, 2011 by
http://www.euronews.net/ An Italian-owned cargo ship with 18 crew on board has become the latest vessel to be hijacked.

The Enrico Ievoli was carrying a shipment of caustic soda from the United Arab Emirates to the Mediterranean when it was seized off the coast of Oman in an area notorious for attacks by Somali pirates.

The son of the ship's captain appealed to everyone not to ignore the plight of his father and the crew and urged authorities to act quickly to bring them home. He said it was the second time the ship had been attacked.

"Zelig " trailer - in UK Cinemas Friday 30th December 2011 - Starring: Woody Allen, Mia Farrow, Patrick Horgan, John Buckwalter, Marvin Chatinover. Directed By: Woody Allen

Uploaded by on Jun 1, 2008

"Hannah and Her Sisters" trailer - in UK Cinemas Friday 30th December 2011 - Starring: Barbara Hershey, Carrie Fisher, Michael Caine, Mia Farrow, Dianne Wiest. Directed By: Woody Allen

Uploaded by on Nov 22, 2011

"The Lady" trailer - in UK Cinemas Friday 30th December 2011 - Starring: Michelle Yeoh, David Thewlis, Jonathan Raggett, Jonathan Woodhouse, Susan Wooldridge

Uploaded by on Oct 3, 2011
The story of pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi and the academic and writer Michael Aris; a true story of love set against political turmoil.