Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Greece - Blunt warning from Athens on euro future

Published on Jan 3, 2012 by
http://www.euronews.net/ Greece will have to leave the eurozone if it fails to reach a deal on a second, 130 billion euro bailout with its international lenders.

That unusually stark warning from government spokesman Pantelis Kapsis seemed to be aimed at building support among the Greeks for tough austerity measures.

Kapsis told Skai TV: "The bailout agreement needs to be signed otherwise we will be out of the markets, out of the euro. The situation will be much worse."

Britain - BP chases Halliburton for billions over oil spill

Published on Jan 3, 2012 by
http://www.euronews.net/ BP says it wants contractor Halliburton to pay all the clean up costs and expenses from the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill -- that is around 32 billion euros.

Halliburton installed the cement cap on the Deepwater Horizon well that failed leading to the United State's biggest offshore oil spill.

BP is locked in legal battles with Halliburton and Transocean, the owner and operator of the rig.

France - Firms sold 'industrial product' to breast implant company

Published on Jan 3, 2012 by
http://www.euronews.net/ At least two companies have admitted supplying products meant for industrial not medical use to the French firm at the centre of a health scare over breast implants.

PIP, which was shut down in 2010, has denied the allegations. Its lawyer insisted the substances used were not dangerous and said the firm's boss, who is wanted by Interpol, would break his silence.

But the German firm Brenntag, the world's largest chemicals distributor, said it supplied PIP with industrial-grade silicone. It is in contact with French health authorities.

China - City carved out of ice in Harbin

Uploaded by on Jan 3, 2012
Harbin in China creates an to host its annual festival of snow sculptures.

Iran - test-fired a surface-to-surface cruise missile in a naval drill

Uploaded by on Jan 3, 2012
Iran has test-fired a surface-to-surface cruise missile in a naval drill, after the country threatened to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the passageway for one-sixth of the world's oil supply.

Spain - jobless reaches record high (23%) since crisis began

blished on Jan 3, 2012 by
http://www.euronews.net/ Unemployment in Spain rose for the fifth month in succession in December to a new record since the crisis began.

The government says more than 4.4 million people were out of work; the national statistics body puts the figure at nearly five million.

Labour Ministry said the figures confirmed the deterioration in the country's economic situation over the second half of the year.

The overall percentage was not given but last month the new prime minister put the figure at 23 percent, more than twice the European Union average.

Russell Grant's Daily Horoscopes for Wednesday 4th January 2012

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Aries (Mar21/Apr20) A health regime is paying off and you're excited to display the results. This is a great time to go on a shopping spree. Adding sleek new items to your wardrobe fuels your excitement to go out. Go ahead and spend a little more money than usual; you've earned the right to a treat. Don't let a jealous friend's comments discourage you from continuing your program. The sight of your sleek physique makes many people feel guilty for not taking better care of themselves.
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Taurus (Apr21/May21) You're intent on enjoying yourself, and nobody had better get in your way! Too often, colleagues and neighbours conspire to ruin your fun, warning against the excesses you love most. Fortunately, you'll have a golden opportunity to enjoy all of your favourite vices without input from these pests. If you're looking for love, you'll find it a beautiful garden or park. Keep your eye open for someone wearing a spotless white shirt. Be ready to rescue them from an overly zealous dog.
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Gemini (May22/Jun21) Whipping your household into shape is just the sort of project you enjoy. You can't think clearly when you're surrounded by clutter. If you have difficulty letting go of sentimental objects, store them into decorative boxes and bins, and stack them where they'll be protected from the wear and tear of life. It's also important to understand the difference between junk and keepsakes. Hold on to a few mementoes from your past, and throw away anything that isn't useful or beautiful.
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Cancer (Jun22/Jul23) Someone from your past will drop you a line or call out of the blue. It's exciting and a little nerve wracking to reconnect. You're the type who prefers having a close circle of friends to a vast array of acquaintances. Making room for another person will be challenging. If your old friend asks for money, refuse. You've been burned too many times to fall for that old trick. Stick close to the people who have been loyal through good times and bad.
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Leo (Jul24/Aug23) Attending to financial matters makes you feel productive. It's time to take time out of your busy schedule to open a savings account, make a deposit, or juggle your portfolio. If you don't know how to manage your money, take a class. A business or romantic partner will feel threatened by your decision to become more financially savvy. You can't afford to be in the dark any longer. You'll sleep easier when you learn how to make your hard earned cash work for you.
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Virgo (Aug24/Sep23) The intellectual stimulation you crave is on the way. A teacher with a velvety voice will renew your passion for a subject that captivated you as a child. Cooking, pottery, and gardening are all areas worth exploring. Such activities give you a chance to express your creative side. A perfectionist like you can't help experimenting with new techniques. By taking careful notes on your progress, you'll perfect a method that becomes the standard for every beginner.
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Libra (Sep24/Oct23) Sneaking off to a private hideaway with a lover is strongly favoured. You long to escape the prying eyes of nosy colleagues and boisterous youngsters. When you're alone with your amour, the rest of the world drops away, as if by magic. It's as if you create a whole new Universe that is comprised just for the two of you. If you're single, it may be because admirers think you're inaccessible. Drop your dignified demeanour and let your passion for life shine through.
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Scorpio (Oct24/Nov22) Working on the behalf of friends is a great use of your energy. It's difficult for you to express your affection for people in words. Therefore, whenever you get a chance to demonstrate your loyalty, you grab it. Use your expertise to facilitate a deal, check a contract, or restore a broken appliance to its original lustre. If your home is hopelessly messy, hire a cleaner. This one time investment will save you lots of time and frustration.
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Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21) A new career opportunity is on the horizon. You've got to pursue it relentlessly, or a rival will steal your thunder. The competition for this position is fierce. Fortunately, your expert knowledge will put you towards the head of the pack. Don't rest on your laurels. Polish your interviewing skills with someone who has lots of experience hiring people. Their feedback will prove invaluable. Resist the urge to give someone false praise as a means to win their approval.
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Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20) Making changes to an outmoded institution is an exciting challenge. If there's anything you hate, it's waste. By streamlining this organisation, you'll prolong its life and make it more accessible to people who need it. Resist the urge to spend lots of money on cosmetic changes. Use the resources you have on basic infrastructure. This will increase productivity and profits, allowing you to perform a dramatic makeover down the line.
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Aquarius (Jan21/Feb19) You've got some romantic competition. Don't assume that your lover will remain steadfast and loyal. You've got to give them a reason to stay true to you. Spring for a beautiful gift, a candlelit dinner for two, or a relaxing break. You shouldn't need a reason to do something special for the one you adore. Single? Then take extra care with your appearance. Take note of the colours and styles that suit you best. If you're not sure, ask a fashionable Libra for guidance.
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Pisces (Feb20/Mar20) Your partner is working hard to help you; don't get in their way. You have to admit, you have a tendency to play when you should be toiling away. The chance to fulfil a childhood dream is looming ahead. It will elude you if you don't make basic preparations. Practice, rehearse, and create some compelling work samples. Advertise. Spread word of your intention. Dress the part of a professional. Leaving everything until the last minute will be a terrible waste of a great opportunity.

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Researchers unravel Dephotex technology your jeans/coat can generate enough energy to charge mobile phone

Published on Jan 3, 2012 by
http://www.euronews.net/ Picture a world where your jeans or coat can generate enough energy to charge the battery on your mobile phone or a future where the curtains in your living room help power your lamps. Well it could be closer than you think.

Portuguese researchers at the Center for Nanotechnology and smart materials (CENTI) are working to create new materials and devices to do just that the technology is called Dephotex.