An abstract light installation replaces the traditional Christmas tree at the Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium. (Image: Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP)

HERE ARE THE things you need to know as we round off the day in three easy steps.

THINGS WE LEARNED

#BUDGET 2013: The first documents released for Budget 2013 reveal that Ireland’s tax take for 2012 is likely to miss its targets despite Exchequer income being head of monthly targets for most of this year.

#STABBING: Two men in their teens have been arrested today following a fatal stabbing in the early hours of this morning in Rialto, Dublin. Two men were injured in the altercation and one was later pronounced dead while the other remains in a serious but stable condition in St James’ Hospital.

#INSOLVENCY: Ireland’s tallest building, the Obel Tower in Belfast has been taken over by administrators after the companies in control of the building applied for insolvency. The 28 storyskyscraper was constructed in 2005 and cost £60 million to build.

#FRACKING: A study by a UK oil and gas exploration company has confirmed that a natural gas field in west Clare is a prospective sire for shale gas with a potential 3.86 trillion cubic feet of shale gas. The company, which would use the controversial process of fracking to extract the gas, will now apply for an Exploration License.

#NEIGHBOURS: President Michael D Higgins could be getting some illustrious new neighbours in the coming months according to reports in the United States. The former US President has been earmarked as the next ambassador to Ireland according to the reports, and may be joining President Higgins in the Phoenix Park in coming months.

This dog is having the absolute time of his life playing in the snow in the Scottish Borders, after snow fell across parts of the country. (Image: David Cheskin/PA Wire)

THINGS WE LOVED

• If you’re feeling despondent today Buzzfeed’s ‘33 dogs and cats that just don’t know anymore‘ probably know how you feel. Number 24 is our particular favourite…
• Movember is officially over, so fellas it’s time kill those moustaches. And this manly man will show you the best way to do it.

(Uploaded by Rhett & Link)

THINGS WE SHARED

• It’s mighty cold outside so we shared these ten totally reasonable ways to keep warm today.
• Remember The Dandy? Well today is the 75th anniversary and The Guardian has us all nostalgic with this slideshow of the comic.
• You can’t beat a good time lapse video and this one from the international space station titled ‘Further Up Yonder’ does not disappoint.

(Uploaded by Lasse Ericksen)

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