Jan
01

Senate Approves 'Fiscal Cliff' Deal, Sends to House

Two hours after a midnight deadline for action, the Senate passed legislation early New Year's Day to avert the so-called fiscal cliff with an overwhelming vote of 89-8.Senate passage set the stage for a final showdown in the House, where a vote could come as early as today."While neither Democrats nor Republicans got everything they wanted, this agreement is the right thing...
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In-depth 2012: The best long reads of the year

Read more: "2013 Smart Guide: 10 ideas that will shape the year" Dig deeper, look closer and think harder – these are the goals of New Scientist's in-depth articles. Each one is perfect for saving in your favourite read-it-later...
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Surge in demand for pet hotel service during year-end holidays

SINGAPORE: Pet hotels are becoming a hit with owners who want to ensure that their furry friends are in good hands while they are away.Some hotels said demand went up by about 30 per cent last year, compared with 2011 while occupancy rates are almost always full during the year-end holidays.From massages to soothe aching joints to customised spa sessions that come with a clay pack wrap...
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Senate passes fiscal cliff deal; House makes no promises

STORY HIGHLIGHTSThe measure now goes to the House where a vote could come TuesdayA statement from House leadership made no promisesUnder the Senate package, taxes would stay the same for most AmericansIt leaves a range of big issues unaddressed.As the fiscal cliff looms, what's your New Year's message to Washington? Go to CNN iReport to share your video.(CNN) -- A full two hours after a midnight deadline,...
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Dec
31

Conn. gunman Adam Lanza's remains claimed: report

HARTFORD, Conn. The body of the man who killed 26 people at a Connecticut elementary school has been claimed for burial. Connecticut Medical Examiner Wayne H. Carver II tells the Hartford Courant Adam Lanza's remains were claimed several days ago by someone who wanted to remain anonymous. Lanza's burial site also is being kept secret, the newspaper reports. A spokeswoman at Carver's office told...
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Deal or No Deal, 'Cliff' Debate Will Linger Into 2013

Dec 31, 2012 6:00am AP Photo/ Evan VucciAnalysisThe fiscal cliff is just the beginning.Regardless of whether Democrats and Republicans reach some kind of last-minute bargain to avoid the worst effects of tax hikes and spending cuts, the disaster that has been the fiscal cliff negotiations has broad implications for the Washington agenda in 2013 and beyond.The tone...
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2012 review: The year in the physical sciences

Read more: "2013 Smart Guide: 10 ideas that will shape the year" You may have thought that 2011 was the year of amazing physics, but 2012 soundly beats it. Whereas last year threw up intriguing questions, 2012 was a year of answers,...
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Taiwan upgrades dozens of fighter jets

TAIPEI: Taiwan plans to complete the first stage of an ambitious plan to upgrade its fighter jet force by the end of 2013, in an effort to maintain a credible deterrent against China into the 2030s.Some 60 of Taiwan's Indigenous Defence Fighters (IDFs) will be upgraded and ready for deployment within 12 months, according to a report submitted to parliament by the defence ministry.The aircraft...
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Secretary of State Clinton hospitalized with blood clot

From Elise Labott, CNN updated 7:38 AM EST, Mon December 31, 2012STORY HIGHLIGHTSThe clot was discovered in a follow-up exam related to her concussionClinton is expected to remain hospitalized for at least the next 48 hoursShe was scheduled to return to work this week after recovering from the concussion(CNN) -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was hospitalized Sunday after doctors discovered a...
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Dec
30

Storm dumps up to foot of snow in N.E.

BOSTON Weather watchers say up to a foot of snow fell in parts of southern New England as the latest winter storm moved through the Northeast.The storm had ended in the region by Sunday morning and dry weather was expected for days, although strong winds may chill the bone.Meteorologist Frank Nocera of the National Weather Service in Taunton, Mass., said six to 12 inches of snow fell from Saturday...
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