Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Britain - John Lewis sees 'outstanding' Christmas sales

Uploaded by on Jan 4, 2012

Strong sales of clothes and electrical items helped the department store, John Lewis, take more than half a billion pounds over Christmas.

It says like-for-like sales were up 6.2% in the final five weeks of last year.

However, John Lewis conceded that its performance was weaker in the first week of the post-Christmas sales period, down 4.8% from a year ago.

The managing director of John Lewis, Andy Street, says that despite their success he expects 2012 to be another difficult year.

Britian - Indian student Anuj Bidve murder: Accused remanded until March

Uploaded by on Jan 4, 2012
The man charged with murdering Indian student Anuj Bidve in Salford on 26 December will remain in custody until his next court hearing in March.

Kiaran Stapleton, aged 20, appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday via videolink from prison.

Japan - 'God help us' say business leaders have been making their tradition annual new year visit to pray

Published on Jan 4, 2012 by
http://www.euronews.net/ Japanese business leaders have been making their tradition annual new year visit to pray at a shrine in Tokyo which is considered to be lucky for business.

Amid concerns about the global economy and Europe's debt problems, the ancient Kanda Myoujin shrine is braced for more visitors than usual; 110,000 each day where they pray to Ebisu, the Japanese god of commerce.

USA - President Barack Obama remobilising Democrats

Published on Jan 4, 2012 by
http://www.euronews.net/ US Democratic President Barack Obama, fresh from a vacation in Hawaii, steps back into the campaign spotlight. Ohio is his priority today, a state considered crucial for his re-election chances.

Addressing Iowa supporters by video on Tuesday evening, Obama said his initial win there had made his later achievements possible:

Russell Grant's Daily Horoscopes for Thursday 5th January 2012

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Aries (Mar21/Apr20) Low tolerance for dullards gets you in trouble. It looks like you'll be thrown in with a group of bores. Smiling and nodding at their pointless stories seems hypocritical, but it's the only way to get a foothold to an important organisation. Naturally, everyone is drawn to your dynamic personality, and you'll find several admirers fighting for your attention. By maintaining your poise, you'll progress to the next level of success. Just grin and bear it; your future hangs in the balance!
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Taurus (Apr21/May21) You'll have to take a risk if you're going to fulfil your potential. You've been blessed with tremendous creative ability. By entering an artistic field like film, fashion, or music, you'll flourish. Of course, this means making some temporary financial sacrifices. You might even have to take a job with unconventional hours. Stop worrying what others will think of your unorthodox lifestyle, and start obeying your heart. It would be a shame to waste your gifts at a routine 9 to 5 job.
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Gemini (May22/Jun21) Your progressive views don't sit well with a conservative crowd. Although you enjoy being a provocateur, you must refrain from burning bridges. You've worked too hard to let all of your contacts go to waste. Be respectful with everyone, especially those with whom you disagree. By showing you are a valuable team player, you'll start to convert people to your views. It's all a matter of strategy. After all, it's easier to attract flies with honey than vinegar.
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Cancer (Jun22/Jul23) An unconventional financial arrangement is no longer working. Protect your interests, even if it means taking your money out of a joint account. This will put added strain on a relationship, but it can't be helped. You simply can't gamble with your long term security. Fortunately, a dynamic executive will help you take the plunge. Lean on this bigwig for support when your resolve starts to falter. It's time to begin a new chapter. The Crab who hesitates is lost!
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Leo (Jul24/Aug23) Is your partner a tad needy, making you feel nervous and claustrophobic. You've got a big heart with a tremendous capacity for love. That means you must spend time on the many people and activities you enjoy. Limiting your focus to a single admirer curtails your enthusiasm for life. Tell your amour of your need to spread yourself around. A temporary separation may be necessary to prove your point. Think about visiting an exotic country you've always wanted to see.
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Virgo (Aug24/Sep23) You want nothing more than to go your own way at work, but it simply isn't possible. Check with colleagues before making any changes to a project. Just because you're one of the most talented members of the group doesn't mean you're a free agent. If you want to exercise your independence, take up a creative project after hours. Writing a story or screenplay will prove engrossing. You may want to craft an unusual love story, based on the principle of opposites attracting.
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Libra (Sep24/Oct23) A love affair hits a snag. You're having a hard time letting go of your inhibitions. Lovemaking seems so undignified. The sooner you get in touch with your sensual side, the better. Let your partner guide you down some unconventional pathways. Pretend like you're playing a game. Pretty soon, you'll forget how you look and abandon yourself to pleasure. If you're single, think about making a bold pass at someone who has turned your head. Their response will be gratifying.
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Scorpio (Oct24/Nov22) It's hard to get a handle on your emotions. A loved one is playing hot and cold with you. While you enjoy a challenge, you can't be left in the dark for too long. If you don't get a firm commitment from your amour, move on to greener pastures. Luckily, you'll have a chance to meet new people after accepting a work assignment. Showing off your technical abilities will attract lots of admiring glances. Your star will rise even higher when you embark on a rigorous fitness routine.
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Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21) You're not thinking too clearly, thanks to an emotional work situation. A colleague has developed a crush on you, and you don't return the sentiment. Be very clear about your feelings, even at the risk of hurting your admirer. Sometimes it's kinder to be honest. Besides, you've developed an attachment to an exciting newcomer. Their adventuresome spirit and keen intellect are irresistible. You have no interest in leading a calm, predictable domestic life.
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Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20) You've got to be realistic about your income. Although you'd love to make a sizable donation to charity, you simply can't afford it. Think about volunteering instead. Every organisation needs people to keep it organised and productive. Don't balk if you're given seemingly menial tasks. Every contribution is meaningful. It may be necessary to move to a temporary abode while your permanent home is undergoing repair. Don't attempt to fix an electrical problem by yourself.
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Aquarius (Jan21/Feb19) An impersonal, detached manner is getting you in trouble. Your relatives don't know where they stand with you. It's not that you are ungrateful for their support; it's just that you don't like emotional displays. Still, it wouldn't hurt to issue a warm 'thank you' every now and then. Coming to a friend or relative's rescue is a good way to restore your reputation. Look for ways to protect them from the up and coming problems we will all have to face.
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Pisces (Feb20/Mar20) It's time to get your head out of the clouds and attend to practical matters. Review your bank balance, organise your work area and return phone calls. Follow up on a professional call, especially if you've been dreading this task. By devoting the entire day to necessary evils, you'll buy yourself a prolonged stretch of leisure time. An unexpected financial windfall allows you to take a friend along on a holiday. The two of you will benefit from some beautiful natural scenery.

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'Black people still second class citizens'

Uploaded by on Jan 4, 2012
The US civil rights activist says the "two trophies" convicted of
murdering Stephen Lawrence should not distract political leaders from the
wider problems of racism in the UK.

Australia - surfer survives shark attack at Avoca Beach Gosford

Uploaded by on Jan 4, 2012
A 28-year-old man survived an attack when a shark mounted his board while surfing at Avoca Beach, in the city of Gosford, 47 miles north of Sydney, Australia.

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