South Korean students stretch in a winter military camp for kids at the Cheongryong Self-denial Training Camp on Daebu Island in Ansan today. Some 50 students took part in the four-day camp to strengthen themselves mentally and physically. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

THINGS WE LEARNED

#EURO The worst of the euro crisis is ‘behind us’ the German finance minister has said. Wolfgang Shaeuble said that he believes the eurozone is already past the peak of its three-year-long debt crisis.

#COMMUNITY Over 1.1 million people have now paid the Household Charge, Minister for Environment Phil Hogan has said. However, he has been accused of ‘spin’ over the issue by Sinn Féin.

#PRIEST A priest in Italy has sparked outrage for saying that women who go around ‘scantily dressed and in provocative clothing’ “provoke the worst instincts, which end in violence or sexual abuse”, and that they should search their consciences and ask if they brought this on themselves. There have been protests from women’s rights and anti-violence campaigners in the wake of his comments.

#LIMERICK ‘Horse Outside’ star Madeline Mulqueen said on Twitter today that a man punched her in the face while she was out in Limerick City last night. The model also said she left the man a “nice happy Xmas mail” following the event.

#RYANAIR Politicians and diplomats will fly Ryanair during Ireland’s EU presidency, it was revealed today. The deal, which could save as much as €1.5 million for the State, was arranged through the government’s travel management services contract with Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

#TELLY Mrs Browns Boys saw a huge increase in UK viewers over Christmas week, with 8.78m people tuning in to watch the first part of its Christmas special on Christmas Eve, and 8.97m tuning in for the second part on Boxing Day (St Stephen’s Day).

Indian passengers look out through the window of a train that arrived 16 hours after its scheduled arrival time in Allahabad, India. Severe fog in northern India brought down visibility, causing air, rail and road traffic delays. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

THINGS WE LOVED

• Could Bo, the Obama’s dog, be any cuter? We think not, based on this adorable video of him jumping onto Michelle Obama’s lap as she read to children. He doesn’t have the greatest timing, we’ll admit, but could you say no to that cute face?
• Got a new iPhone or Android phone? Here are 15 tips and tricks for your iPhone and the same for your Android phone. You’re welcome.
• Wow – did you know that Santa was captured on video during a visit to a house in Ireland this week? Here he is…

(Stephen Coughlan/YouTube)

THINGS WE SHARED

• What is the fiscal cliff – and why does it matter? We explain it all.
• What were the greatest celebrity slapdowns of the year? The Guardian weighs in.
• Irish Travellers in Rathkeale are featured in the New York Times – but what is the Rathkeale rhino connection?
• This reaction to a Christmas present has to be the sweetest we’ve ever seen. It’s no surprise it has more than 4 million views.

(Daniel Buckhannan/YouTube)

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