The committee said the current seasonal predictions from the Met Office "do not provide a firm basis on which decision-makers can act with confidence".

BBC: 'Snow supremo' needed to avert winter transport chaos

Such firings may not be fair, but they do not constitute unlawful discrimination under the Iowa Civil Rights Act, the decision read, siding with a lower court.

CNN: Iowa Supreme Court: OK to fire 'irresistible' worker

One of his unexplored functions, suggests the Brussels-based ambassador, is to act as gatekeeper for countries unhappy with a decision made under majority rules, who wish to kick the dossier up to the more consensual European Council.

ECONOMIST: The EU after the Irish vote

"He's supposed to act as if it's a difficult decision and then he has to be fitted with his vestments, " Baumgartner said, estimating the appearance might come about an hour after the smoke signal.

CNN: March 12, 2013 -- Updated 1404 GMT (2204 HKT)

As he showed in his decision upholding the Affordable Care Act earlier this year, Chief Justice Roberts does not always side with the conservative wing of the Court.

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On the eve of the decision, most observers thought it obvious that part or the entirety of the act would be found incompatible with the Constitution.

FORBES: When the Court Does Congress' Homework, Liberty Is at Peril