Dieudonné M'bala M'bala - Controversial French comedian banned for anti-semitism.

Dieudonné, the French comic and social commentator who has been in the news much in the past month is back causing headlines again. He has been vilified for his reverse Nazi "Quenelle" salute which has been labelled as anti-semitic, although he claims it is anti-establishment. He is currently being questioned by French police, after bailiffs approaching his house to collect a series of unpaid fines were allegedly fired upon with rubber bullets. Dieudonné latest one man stand-up show "The Wall" has been banned because of the hateful nature of the language involved.

Sochi Winter Olympics 2014 – Threats a real and present danger

In a couple of weeks time the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia get underway with the opening ceremony. If you look on a map, Sochi is not so far from the very unstable region of  Chechnya and I would imagine that the authorities in Russia are very aware of the potential problems that this could pose. This was brought into very sharp focus as the Slovenian Olympic Association were sent a terrorist threat just today. Now I took the liberty of having a look at the moment for the start of the Games (the official website has a countdown clock) and I would suggest that the Russian authorities stay very much on their mettle.

Ukraine protests escalate again.

Ukraine is back in the news as a night of violence erupted in the capital city Kiev. Protesters still camped in Independence Square in the heart of the city clashed with riot police as they tried to get to the Parliamentary building after Viktor Yanukovych the Ukraine President enacted new laws designed to restrict basic public freedoms.

Venus conjunct Vega – Living the high life

This aspect is active now until 24th January and will occur again between 8th and 13th February, as Venus turns direct. It is exact at 15:30 degrees Capricorn.

This aspect is a truly lovely one between the planet of beauty and relationships and a star that is enchanting and mysterious. Vega is a stunning star in the constellation of Lyra, the harp. This star is one of the musical stars in the heavens and it contributes artistic talent at your fingers if it connects on an angle in your chart or on a personal planet. Vega itself is associated with Orpheus who the Greeks believed owned the Lyre in the skies. Orpheus was able to play beautiful music that could tame animals, so this star is not only associated with music but also representative of poetry, spells, magic and charisma. On a more negative note, the power of Vega can be used in a more unsavoury way in being able to con and deceive people. Elsbeth Ebertin mentions “Vega is supposed to give artistic talents especially for music and acting, but also a liking for good living. With eccentric artists, this may lead to a debauched life. Tied up with Venus, Vega is said to pave the way to riches and fame. However, if other influences play a part, this wealth may be lost again”

This is a very charismatic conjunction and this will be a few days where the arts, music and all kinds of creative activities can come to the fore. In a social sense those who can charm and create a buzz within the general population may stand up and rise in popularity and esteem, however there is the possibility that these people will also promise much but will eventually fail to deliver on what they claim they can achieve.

This is a time for living it up, for enjoying a glass of wine, eating good food, being creative and quite frankly enjoying yourself to the full. If you are out at a show or a social event, chances are that you will have a great time. Relationships should thrive in the second pass when Venus is direct, although you may spend a little more than you expect, so be wise to budget accordingly.