News & Comments

http://www.euronews.net/ Spaniards rang in the new year with traditional gusto in spite of the economic forecasts getting worse. On each of the 12 strokes of midnight they struggle to down a grape; many can expect harder months ahead.

A celebrant in Puerta del Sol square, asked how the country was going to get out of the crisis, said: "By working, struggling and fighting."

On the second last day of 2011, the new centre-right government unveiled its vision of austerity to try to shrink the holes in Spain's public finances. Four ministers together put on a determined face.

ТИЗЕР! Влада Яковлева "Не враг" / Power Government "Not The Devil"

Chaikin Drives 'Suburgatory' Into the New Year

Published on Jan 3, 2012 by AssociatedPress

Actress Carly Chaikin talks about the upcoming new episode of 'Suburgatory,' and reveals that she's really good friends with her on-screen nemesis Jane Levy. (Jan. 3)

Syria - Free Army threatens to escalate campaign

Published on Jan 3, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ The commander of Syria's 'Free Army' -- made up of deserters -- has warned the regime his men are about to escalate their offensive against the regular army.

On Tuesday activists claimed at least 18 soldiers had been killed when they opened fire on heavily-armed former comrades in Deraa as they were deserting.

Gallup Reports Highest Economic Confidence in December Since June

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Jan 3, 2012

Gallup is reporting that Americans' economic confidence continued to improve in December. Gallup's Economic Confidence Index reached -38 as consumers expressed more optimism in December than at any time since June. However, the numbers show that consumers remain less confident than they were earlier in 2011 and in December of the previous two years. Gallup says U.S. economic confidence plummeted in August during debt ceiling debates in Washington. The Economic Confidence Index fell to -52, the worst since February 2009. Since then, the Gallup Index has improved but has not recovered to earlier 2011 levels.

Walgreens (NYSE:WAG) Announces "Tens of Thousands" Have Taken Advantage of January Promotion

Uploaded by FinancialNewsOnline on Jan 3, 2012

In the first days of the new year, tens of thousands of pharmacy patients have specifically chosen Walgreens (NYSE:WAG) and taken advantage of Walgreens January promotion of its Prescription Savings Club.

The PSC promotion offers one way for eligible patients under pharmacy benefit plans managed by Express Scripts (NASDAQ:ESRX) to avoid disruption caused by Express Scripts no longer offering network access to Walgreens pharmacies.

Walgreens President of Pharmacy, Health and Wellness Solutions and Services Kermit Crawford said, "We value each and every Walgreens customer and are frustrated with Express Scripts' decision to reject our very serious offer in December in an effort to avoid patient disruption. We apologize to our patients for the disruption caused by Express Scripts' stance and are offering a discount in the cost of enrolling in our Prescription Savings Club. In our stores, pharmacists are reporting that our customers covered by Express Scripts plans are responding in significant numbers and choosing to stay with Walgreens."

Walgreen (NYSE:WAG) has potential upside of 14-point-7 percent, based on a current price of 33 dollars and 6 cents, and an average consensus analyst price target of 37 dollars and 91 cents.

France - nuclear industry needs huge safety upgrade

Published on Jan 3, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ A French nuclear safety watchdog says tens of billions of euros need to be spent to improve security at the country's nuclear installations. It describes the necessary investment as 'massive' but says no facility needs to be shut down immediately.

The French Nuclear Safety Agency, (ASN), also told operators to come up with a list of measures to take to be able to deal with floods or earthquakes, such as building emergency generators and bunkers.