Friday, December 30, 2011

USA - Police: Arsonist torched car after car early today in Hollywood

Published on Dec 30, 2011 by
An arsonist torched car after car early Friday, sending firefighters scrambling to put out more than a dozen fires in Hollywood and neighboring West Hollywood. (Dec. 30)

Serbia - President Boris Tadic has spoken against Kosovan-Serb referendum

Published on Dec 30, 2011 by
http://www.euronews.net/ Serbia's president Boris Tadic has spoken against a referendum planned by north Kosovan Serbs to decide whether to recognise the Kosovo Albanian-dominated government.

Talks brokered by the European Union resulted in improved relations between Pristina and Belgrade, but Kosovo's 10 percent of ethnic Serbs may jeopardise the relationship with the referendum.

Afghanistan - Afghan police & British soldiers destroyed nearly one tonne of explosives in Helmand Province

Uploaded by on Dec 30, 2011
Afghan police and British soldiers have destroyed nearly one tonne of
explosives recovered during a major operation in Helmand Province,
Afghanistan.

Iran - launches seventh day of war games

Uploaded by on Dec 30, 2011
Iranian forces perform special airborne operations during a 10-day naval exercise as Tehran prepares to test-fire long-range missiles during the drill.

Spain - reveals that its budget shortfall for 2011 will be bigger than expected

Published on Dec 30, 2011 by
http://www.euronews.net/ Spain has revealed that its budget shortfall for 2011 will be bigger than expected as the new government announced tax increases on income and property as well as a freeze of civil servant's wages.

Facing a deficit of eight percent of GDP -- rather than the predicted six percent -- Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria outlined a further nearly nine billion euros worth of public spending cuts.

Russell Grant’s Weekly Horoscopes Saturday 31st December 2011

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Aries (Mar21/Apr20) You don’t have the experience or training to deal with a complicated work situation. This is one of those times when you must call in the experts. This is difficult for an independent character like you, but it must be done. Listen to the advice you’ve paid for, and follow it to the letter. You’ll be surprised by the results. To prevent a similar problem from occurring again, it might be wise to learn a foreign language or get to grips with new technology or computer software.
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Taurus (Apr21/May21) Joint income will be a source of disquiet and contention. You and your partner have very different financial priorities. It may be necessary to consult a money manager or other third party to iron out your differences. Having individual bank accounts, in addition to a joint fund, can help ease the tension. A secure job may be what you want to feel comfortable, but your friend requires work that is a little less predictable. Stop imposing your standards on their life.
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Gemini (May22/Jun21) A new friendship or relationship won’t please a relative who feels left out and slightly sidelined. Nothing you do or say will appease them so you might as well forge forward and accept the consequences later. If someone betrays an agreement, you will have to play hardball to recoup the loss. Threats of legal action won’t work; you might have to actually file papers to make an impact. Pent up anger will take a toll on your health; brisk exercise will help. 
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Cancer (Jun22/Jul23) Confusion abounds at work, when nobody is sure what they should be doing. Expect a lot of finger pointing and scapegoating. The only way to resolve this hassle is through good leadership. You might have to take the helm of a troublesome project, just to make sure it doesn’t fall apart at the critical moment. Some people will resent your forthright attitude, but most will welcome it. It’s about time someone took charge. A promotion could be in the works.
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Leo (Jul24/Aug23) An awayday or outing will prove more expensive than you planned so keep a little extra cash in reserve in case of emergency. These days, it feels like expenses are spiralling out of control. Review your budget to see where economies can be made. If you have to repair or replace some machinery, it can’t be helped. Still, it might be wise to take out a warranty or insurance policy. That way, you’ll be protected from any unforeseen problems down the road.
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Virgo (Aug24/Sep23) Your anxious behaviour is causing problems at home. No matter how much you want, you won’t be able to defy the laws of time and space. Let events unfold naturally, and focus on being in the moment. It’s almost as if you have to retrain your brain. You have to admit, worrying hasn’t solved anything. Why poison the atmosphere with unsubstantiated fear? You have a better use for your intellectual energy and you should focus on that in the times to come.
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Libra (Sep24/Oct23) Think twice before you hit the “send” button. Check all outgoing emails and texts to ensure messages are going to the proper people. It is also wise to wait a full day before expressing anger. Your rage may be justified, but putting it in writing is not a good move. You have a reputation to uphold. By couching your feelings in professional language, you’ll avoid trouble. Don’t worry; the winds of change are blowing strongly and things will be calm again soon.
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Scorpio (Oct24/Nov22) An error in billing or banking brings a little cash chaos into your life. Don’t make any big purchases before checking your balance. You don’t want to get hit with any overdraft fees. A friend who owes you money has all sorts of excuses for not paying you back. At this point, decide whether to forget the debt, give them more time or cut off your relationship. Either way, you can no longer afford to give this spendthrift any more of your hard earned cash.
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Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21) It’s hard to sit still because you’re bursting with nervous energy. This isn’t a good time to go on job interviews or auditions. You’re better off focusing on creative pursuits that give you peace. Keeping yourself busy will help take your mind off things. You don’t have to push yourself too hard; just enjoy everyday chores and routines. Eventually, your thoughts will slow and you’ll be back to your laid back self. Don’t make any promises it might be hard to keep.  
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Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20) Something you’ve done will be heavily censored, which really upsets you. Although you have no intention of offending people, you also hate to misguide them. The powers that be want a whitewashed presentation, and there’s little you can do to change their minds. Preserving your personal or professional integrity is critical at a time like this. Hidden enemies are poised to strike at the first sign of weakness. Don’t give them the chance they’re waiting for.
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Aquarius (Jan21/Feb19) A meeting or get together will be postponed or cancelled, perhaps after you arrive at the destination. This is infuriating. There’s nothing you hate more than having your time wasted. Protect yourself from disappointment by keeping your mobile charged and having your mp3 player or a book to read. If someone’s thoughtless behaviour costs you money, go ahead and present them with the bill. It’s only fair and they might think twice before they do it again.
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Pisces (Feb20/Mar20) Take care that all you say and do is above board. Cutting corners could result in a setback or disappointment. It’s a real drag to follow such precise rules, but they’ve been imposed for a very good reason. A colleague will try to take the easy way out and urge you to follow. Turn a deaf ear to these persuasive words. It may mean extra hours and missing a personal commitment, but that’s better than having to retrace your steps in times to come.

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Russell Grant's Daily Horoscopes for Saturday 31st December 2011

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Aries (Mar21/Apr20) Ring out 2011 with an unusual outing. Celebrating with a diverse group of people makes you excited about the future. It looks like your social life is heating up. These friends will take the pressure off an intimate relationship. Lately, your lover's attention has felt more smothering than supportive. If things get tense, head out with your friends. They'll give you good advice on forging a healthier path. Love shouldn't feel like a prison; it should be a method of empowerment.
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Taurus (Apr21/May21) All eyes will be on you at a glittering party, so be sure to wear something special. Normally, you opt for traditional styles. Tonight, choose something glamorous. A bright colour, daring cut, or bold accessory will serve as a proper showcase for your sex appeal. A new acquaintance will pay special attention to you. It seems that your charms have cast a spell on them. If you play your cards right, you could land a high profile position in their organisation.
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Gemini (May22/Jun21) You'll be surrounded by all sorts of exotic people this evening. One of them might invite you to visit their homeland. The prospect of a stimulating holiday is tempting. Breaking away from your routine will be a good way to start the new year. Even if you don't have the money to travel, you can always read about your dream destination. This will motivate you to put money into a savings account, until your nest egg is big enough to finance a trip.
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Cancer (Jun22/Jul23) An instantaneous sexual attraction will be too powerful to resist. Strange things happen on the final day of the year; it's as if everybody is eager to break out of their constraints. Lately, you've been bogged down with a lot of family responsibilities. Indulging physical desires seems decadent. Still, nobody can deny you have been loyal to your nearest and dearest. If anybody deserves a little pleasure, it's you. Just be sure to take precautions before getting intimate with a new person.
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Leo (Jul24/Aug23) You will forge an unusual partnership this evening. Someone has been trying to join forces with you for some time. Now 2012 is upon us, you're ready to take the plunge. One of the things you like most about your colleague is their ability to stay calm. You've always been prey to your emotions, which compromises your decision making abilities. Now that you have a partner to protect your interests, you won't fall prey to sob stories and pressure tactics.
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Virgo (Aug24/Sep23) Go to a new year party in an unusual setting. As a general rule, you prefer to stick to tried and tested venues, where you know what to expect. Now we're about to change calendars, you're open to something different. Fortunately, a colleague will be excited to take you to this hotspot, introducing you to all the regulars. You're about to meet some new people and you might want to take this opportunity to try a sexier look.
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Libra (Sep24/Oct23) You'll be the object of someone's obsession on this magical evening. This past year has been a challenging one for you, filled with heavy responsibilities. It looks like the new year will enact some exciting changes, starting at midnight. That's when your admirer will try to steal a kiss from you. Although you prefer a slower, more seductive style of courtship, you are flattered by the gesture. A fun fling may be just what you require to forget the challenges from 2011.
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Scorpio (Oct24/Nov22) An upsurge of emotion causes you to do something reckless. You're tired of keeping your feelings under wraps, especially with a hypersensitive relative. Telling this pest exactly what you think of their manipulative behaviour will be liberating. The new year will find you assuming more and more responsibilities. These duties will force you to be more discerning about the company you keep. You simply won't be able to tolerate time wasters any longer.
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Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21) The new year prompts you to adopt a healthier outlook. Lately, some overly serious friends have had a sobering impact on you. While you admire their accomplishments, you long for more upbeat company. Luckily, tonight brings an exciting opportunity to meet new people. You'll hit it off with a group that is involved with a humanitarian organisation. Hanging around with them will give you a new lease on life, and may even prompt you to revisit an abandoned dream.
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Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20) An exciting moneymaking opportunity will present itself at a glamorous new year party. Keep your eyes open for someone new to your neighbourhood or social circle. They have lots of irons in the fire, and you'll be able to develop some of their projects into lucrative ventures. Between their vision and your executive ability, you'll make a fortune. It feels good to have something to anticipate, especially in the professional realm. You're never happy unless you're building something of lasting value.
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Aquarius (Jan21/Feb19) 2012 gives you an exciting opportunity to make a fresh start. Be sure to show off a new image at a party. The reception will be electric. If there's anything you enjoy, it's causing a commotion. Some people will shake their heads in disbelief that you chose such a drastic style, while others will gasp with admiration. Get ready for several doors to swing open. People are looking at you in a whole different light, and one may hire you to represent their business.
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Pisces (Feb20/Mar20) Your freedom will be severely limited by a governing institution. You have a choice: Either let your frustration fester, or reconcile yourself to the situation. If you remain patient, you will fulfil your obligation and move on to greener pastures. Rebelling against this circumstance will only prolong it. Beware of confiding in casual acquaintances. These discussions could be used against you at a later date. Enjoy welcoming in the New Year, but don’t overdo it.


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China - A wild panda was videoed turning carnivore in Pingwu County, Sichuan Province.

Uploaded by on Dec 30, 2011
A wild panda was videoed turning carnivore and gnawing at the bones of a dead wildebeest in Pingwu County, southwest China's Sichuan Province.