Are gun curbs just symbolism?

STORY HIGHLIGHTSGun violence recommendations are expected from Vice President Biden on TuesdayThe proposals are expected to contain substantive and symbolic ideas to curb gun violencePresidents use symbolism to shift public opinion or affect larger political or social changeWashington (CNN) -- The pictures told the story: Vice President Joe Biden looked solemn, patrician and in control as he sat at...

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Euro gains against US dollar in positive market

NEW YORK: The euro gained ground against the US dollar Monday as positive market sentiment spurred buying of riskier assets, such as the European currency.The euro fetched US$1.3376 around 2200 GMT, up from US$1.3341 at the same time last Friday. Earlier, the unit brushed US$1.3404, its highest level in almost 11 months.The euro continued to rise against the Japanese currency, to 119.65...

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Clarence Thomas ends seven-year silence

By Bill Mears, CNN Supreme Court Producerupdated 7:45 PM EST, Mon January 14, 2013Clarence ThomasJohn G. RobertsAntonin ScaliaAnthony M. KennedyRuth Bader GinsburgStephen G. BreyerSamuel A. Alito Jr.Sonia SotomayorElena KaganSTORY HIGHLIGHTSClarence Thomas known for remaining quiet during oral argumentsOn Monday, he joked about Yale lawyersCurrent Supreme Court known as 'hot bench' for the rhetorical...

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Newtown group aims to prevent violent tragedies

Updated 6:47 p.m. ETNEWTOWN, Conn. Nicole Hockley says she still finds herself reaching for her son's hand or expecting him to crawl into bed with her for a hug before school. "It's so hard to believe he's gone," said Hockley, whose son Dylan was among the 20 first-graders and six adults killed by a gunman a month ago at Sandy Hook Elementary School. She was among several parents to speak Monday...

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Arias Denied Guilt Despite Sex Photos, DNA

A defiant Jodi Arias insisted she was innocent of killing her ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander even after a detective told her that he had nude photos of them together on the day he died."Are you sure it's me? Because I was not there," Arias is heard saying in the police interrogation tape played for the Arizona jury today.When Detective Esteban Flores tells Arias she is seen in...

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Quest: U.S. economy to dominate Davos

The United States and the sorry state of its political and budgetary process will be the center of attention at Davos, writes QuestSTORY HIGHLIGHTSQuest: Davos is a chance to see where the political and economic landmines are in 2013Quest: People will be speculating about how dysfunctional the U.S. political process has becomeQuest: Davos has been consumed by eurozone sovereign debt crises for three...

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US played 'limited' role in botched French rescue bid

WASHINGTON: The United States said Sunday it played a limited support role in France's botched bid to rescue a kidnapped secret agent in Somalia."United States forces provided limited technical support to the French forces in that operation, but took no direct part in the assault on the compound where it was believed the French citizen was being held hostage," President Barack Obama said...

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Fleischer: Hagel is wrong about Israel

Former Sen. Chuck Hagel was nominated by President Obama for defense secretary.STORY HIGHLIGHTSIn 2006, Hagel said 'the Jewish lobby intimidates a lot of people up here'Ari Fleischer: The support for Israel isn't because of 'intimidation,' but meritPolls show most Americans view Israel favorably, but don't support Iran or PalestiniansFleischer: Israel is a steady friend of the U.S. and a tolerant...

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Golden Globe nominees celebrate at pre-parties

Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Jon Bon Jovi, Hugh Jackman and other Golden Globe nominees celebrated their good fortune with a cup of tea. They were the guests of honor at the annual British Academy of Film and Television Arts annual Awards Season Tea Party at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles, where the agenda was merely to mingle with the Hollywood elite while nibbling on finger sandwiches...

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Dreamliner Nightmare: Another 787 Fuel Leak

Japan Airlines said a Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet leaked fuel while undergoing tests today at the airport near Tokyo, marking the latest in a string of highly-publicized problems for the jetliner as it undergoes a safety review by the U.S. government.The Dreamliner being examined leaked around 25 gallons of fuel from a nozzle in the left wing, according to a spokesperson for Japan...

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