NZ HERALD - Residents urged to shelter from cyclone, Dec 25, 2011

"Residents on parts of the Northern Territory coast have been warned to take shelter immediately because the tropical depression has developed into a cyclone.
The Bureau of Meteorology says Tropical Cyclone Grant, currently a Category One, is slowly moving south and is expected to cross the coast east of Darwin on Boxing Day.
But the Territory Controller is warning residents west of Goulburn Island to Snake Bay, including Cape Don, to take shelter now.
The bureau says gales with gusts to 110km/h are expected to develop between Cape Fourcroy and Milingimbi, including the Tiwi Islands, Cape Don and Croker Island this morning."

ALEXANDER LANGUAGE SCHOOLS

PRAVDA - The adventures of the Russian language in Latvia, Dec 25, 2011

"Latvia is getting ready for a referendum on granting the Russian language the status of the second state language. Latvian politicians are strongly opposed to this initiative as the Parliament voted "no" on the issue, and President Andris Berzins is of the same opinion. However, neither the President nor the Parliament can cancel a popular vote.
On December 19 the Central Election Commission of Latvia was forced to announce a vote. According to him, over 187 thousand signatures (12 percent of the population) for holding a referendum have been collected. Signatures of 10 percent of the population are required in order to declare a referendum. This means that the organizers of the campaign "For mother tongue" commenced in the spring can celebrate an intermediate victory."

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FIJI LIVE - We have much to be thankful for: President, Dec 25, 2011

"We have much to be thankful for and much to look forward to in 2012, says Fiji's President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
In his Christmas message, Ratu Epeli said the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has made great strides in implementing the necessary reforms to modernise Fiji and provide sustained livelihood to all Fijians.
"It is under thus sound and consistent leadership that we celebrate with our families and friends this Christmas," he said."

ALEXANDER LANGUAGE SCHOOLS