Sunday, January 1, 2012

Italy - traditional New Year celebrations include diving into the River Tiber

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Italians plunge into Tiber river as part of their traditional New Year celebrations.

Vatican - Pope Benedict calls for peace at New Year mass

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In his New Year's Angelus, the Pontiff paid special attention to the young, many of who are struggling to build a future for themselves in a time of financial crisis.

Russell Grant's Daily Horoscopes for Monday 2nd January 2012

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Aries (Mar21/Apr20) Muddled instructions make it difficult to do your job. You'll need to ask for clarification. Don't be surprised when your superior is angered by your request. That's because they're not sure what to do, either, and just want to pass on the mess to you. Stick to your guns and keep asking for precise directions. You're not afraid of confrontation. Besides, you'll just have to begin again if you take the wrong tack. Why waste valuable time and energy just for the sake of keeping the peace?
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Taurus (Apr21/May21) Think twice before getting involved in a tempestuous love affair. Although you're attracted to a passionate lover, you aren't the type who enjoys constant emotional upheavals. Hold out for someone who wants to make life easier for you, rather than defy you at every turn. If you're already in a relationship, you will find your partner being extremely disagreeable. It's almost as if they want to start an argument. Don't take the bait.
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Gemini (May22/Jun21) Domestic squabbles make this a tiresome day. You simply can't get any relatives or roommates to cooperate. If you're looking to find someone to do repairs, you should wait for another few days, until an expert's schedule clears up. Hiring someone with a dodgy reputation will only end in disaster. This is not a good time to discuss moving in with a lover or applying for a home loan. Household matters are a source of annoyance. You're better off focusing on career prospects.
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Cancer (Jun22/Jul23) Take it easy while driving; if someone cuts you up, let them go their merry way. Displays of road rage will just escalate the problem. Leave plenty of time before embarking on a plane or train trip, and make sure to bring diverting reading materials. It's possible you could hit traffic en route to the airport or station. Alternatively, your flight or train could be delayed. It will be extremely difficult to get where you want in a direct, easy fashion. Postponing your journey altogether is your best bet.
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Leo (Jul24/Aug23) This is an unfavourable time to make expensive purchases or take even modest gambles. You're better off keeping your money in the bank, where it will be safe from wild changes of fortune. A child or lover is clamouring for a gift you can't afford. Instead of putting yourself deep in debt, explain the financial reality of your situation. Pretending to have more than you have will just create more unrealistic expectations. By exercising caution now, you can be generous later.
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Virgo (Aug24/Sep23) Be very careful when handling hot materials or sharp tools. Nasty accidents have a way of occurring, so it's best to wear as much safety equipment as possible. Friends and family will laugh at these precautions, but you'll be glad you took pains to protect yourself in the end. Keep a close eye on children, who have a tendency to put themselves in the path of danger now. Lots of supervised playtime will create a pleasant spirit of harmony. Youngsters love it when you lavish them with attention.
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Libra (Sep24/Oct23) It's hard to get any rest when you have so much on your mind. Try adopting some relaxation techniques at bedtime. Turn the computer off an hour before going to bed. Listen to soothing music. Wear earplugs and an eye mask if you need to. By creating a restful sleep environment, you'll soon be able to escape the stress that has been compromising your health. Once you get some sleep, it will be much easier to deal with the problems that have been plaguing you.
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Scorpio (Oct24/Nov22) Peers are pressuring you to do something you don't want. Now is not the time to go against your conscience. It's better to take a moral stand, even at the risk of losing friends. In the end, people will remember you took the noble route. Of course, taking a stance can be a lonely business. Be kind to yourself during this difficult time. Pamper yourself with a spa treatment, shopping spree, or movie marathon. Sometimes it's best to shut the world out.
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Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21) An oppressive authority figure is playing mind games with you. Stop defending your decisions all the time. The more indifferent you are to their criticisms, the less torment you will receive. It's hard for you to turn a deaf ear to complaints, since you're the type who likes finding solutions to problems. Does your boss want a row rather than resolution? Some people prefer stirring the pot than actually doing work. Remember this when you have to deal with them.
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Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20) Hidden enemies are trying to make trouble for you. Avoid legal entanglements like the plague. You're better off settling differences behind the scenes. The last thing you need is to make your private business public. If you're in a relationship, your lover's family will try your patience. It's time to establish some firm personal boundaries. Stop letting these interlopers run rampant over you. Don't think you must always be at their beck and call.
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Aquarius (Jan21/Feb19) Finances are a source of contention. You and a partner have very different attitudes towards money. The only way to reconcile this breach is to have a heart to heart conversation. Each of you will have to make concessions to each other. Establish a savings goal and schedule occasional indulgences. Maintaining separate bank accounts can ease the tension between you, too. Nobody likes to feel judged, especially when it comes to what they value.
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Pisces (Feb20/Mar20) Your best friend or lover is pressuring you to pursue an unappealing career opportunity. What they fail to realise is that you have very different ambitions. You want work that inspires and enlightens you. Sitting behind a desk and doing the same thing day after day will dull your spirit. Keep your eyes open for a job that reflects your interests. Alternatively, you may decide to take a steady position that gives you plenty of time to write, paint, dance, or draw.

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USA - President Obama signs Iran sanctions bill into law

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US President Barack Obama has signed into law a major defence bill including tough new sanctions against Iran.

The law cuts off from the US financial system foreign firms that do business with Iran's central bank.

But Mr Obama stressed that he had concerns about parts of the legislation dealing with the handling of foreign terror suspects.

Daniel Griffiths reports.

Iran - official Iranian news agency reports that the country has test-fired a medium-range surface to air missile

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It has been reported by the official Iranian news agency that the country has test-fired a medium-range surface to air missile.

Pictures from Iranian state TV showed naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran recently threatened to close the Strait - which is a major oil shipping route - sparking an angry response from Washington.

The BBC's Mohsen Asgari reports from Tehran.

Britain - Duke of Edinburgh is applauded on way to church service

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The Duke of Edinburgh was applauded by well-wishers as he walked to a New Year's Day church service, days after being discharged from hospital.

It was his first public appearance since leaving hospital after a four-night stay over Christmas.

Prince Philip, 90, walked with Prince Edward to the church on the family's Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

The BBC's Mark Worthington reports.
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Prince Philip walks to New Year's Day church service
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It was the first time The Duke of Edinburgh had appeared in public since leaving Papworth Hospital, Cambridgeshire, where was treated for a blocked artery after suffering chest pain.

Britain - London 2012 Olympics event-fixers are targeted

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Olympics organisers are to set up a dedicated intelligence unit to target betting syndicates at the London Games.

The specialist team will monitor suspicious betting patterns and share intelligence on those who attempt to bribe athletes into fixing events.

The BBC's Helen Fawkes reports.

Britain - Immigration goal is 'not being met' says think tank

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The government will not fulfil its vow to reduce net migration to the tens of thousands by 2015, a think tank has said.

The Institute for Public Policy Research says ministers will not be able to cut immigration as promised.

The BBC's Keith Doyle reports.