Talking points
Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...
Hollywood's best films are celebrated at the 85th Oscars ceremony tomorrow in Los Angeles - but not before the year's biggest cinema turkeys are celebrated tonight. The Razzie Awards, now in their 33rd year, "honour" the worst film, director and actors of the year. More celebrities are expected to turn out for the Oscars, however, with as much attention paid to the clothes worn on the red carpet as to the actual winners.
A UN-mediated peace deal aimed at ending two decades of conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo is signed in Addis Ababa tomorrow - assuming there are no further delays. Presidents from DR Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Angola, Congo, South Africa and Tanzania are expected in the Ethiopian capital to sign the deal. But UN chief Ban Ki-moon warned this week that the conflict may reignite.
Italians go to the polls tomorrow in vital elections that could help decide the future of the euro. The likely outcome is a centre-left government led by Democratic Party leader Pier Luigi Bersani, possibly backed by Prime Minister Mario Monti's centrist slate. But polls suggest that former PM Silvio Berlusconi and his allies are gaining ground. Financial markets fear that an unclear outcome to the poll, which ends on Monday, could plunge Italy's economy back into crisis.
The Spring Lantern Festival, sometimes called Chinese Valentine's Day, is being held tomorrow and Ocean Park. Events include a free speed-dating event with a theme-park twist; instead of a bar or club, 100 singles will meet potential partners while taking a ride in the cable car. After an hour of getting to know each other, 10 couples will get to race each other to finish secret challenges around the park. Celebrity Chrissie Chau will help add romance to the event.
Hong Kong's first Eco-tour Festival will be held today at Aberdeen Country Park. Aimed at promoting Hong Kong's ecology and heritage, it will feature mini eco-tours, game booths, workshops, talks and performances themed on eco-tourism. Eight eco-heritage routes and the related "Green Hong Kong Green" app will be launched. The day-long event is open to the public free of charge.
Hong Kong's marathon men and women hit the streets tomorrow for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Some 72,000 people will take part in the marathon, half-marathon, 10 kilometre run and wheelchair race, all of which end in Victoria Park. The main event, which starts at Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, also serves as the Asian Marathon Championships.
