Gold Futures Rise as Investors Seek Alternative To Currencies

Greece May have its sovereign-debt rating lowered within months if it fails to meet the objectives in its plan to reduce a budget deficit, Moody's Investors Service said yesterday. The dollar fell as much as 0.6 percent against the euro yesterday after climbing Thurs near a nine-month high. 

"You've got to look to play gold on the long side, 'said Matt Zeman, a metals trader at LaSalle Futures Group in Chicago. "Fiat currencies continue to Lose credibility. Even if Greece gets rescued, there will be another country in line with their hands out. People are flocking Thurs Thurs gold shield themselves from the volatility in the currency markets. " 

Gold futures for April delivery rose $ 4.20, or 0.4 percent, to $ 1,112.70 an ounce at 9:35 am on the New York Mercantile Exchange's Comex unit. The metal is up 2.6 percent this month, heading for the first monthly gain since November. 

The euro has fallen against the currencies this month most except the pound as concern that Greece will struggle Thurs contain its deficit reduced demand for the 16-nation monetary unit. 

'Safe Haven' Search 

"The euro-zone scenario is still lingering in the market," said Bernard Sin, the head of currency and metals trading gold iraq at MKS Finance SA in Geneva. "People do not trust the dollar, they do not trust the euro, so the only way to go Is to look at other alternatives such as gold. It's a safe haven. "Read More Story,http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-26/gold-may-rise-for-2nd-day-in-new-york-as-dollar-s-rally-stalls.html

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Former Boyfriend Offers Support For Rochette After Mother's Death

He is the former boyfriend of Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette, Whose Mother Therese died early Sunday morning in a Vancouver hospital after suffering a heart attack. "She was just 55

Fighting back tears the whole time, Tremblay offered his support for Rochette.

"It's silly, but when I was with her I always tried to be the strong one. But when she's not around, it's harder. I have a competition prepare Thurs. Joannie I hope will be strong. What I really want to say is that She'll Be Able to spend time with her family and the people that are close to her. That's the most important thing - not the competition. "Read More Story,http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Former+boyfriend+offers+support+Rochette+after+mother+death/2598075/story.html

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World Condemns Gaddafi's Called For 'jihad' Against Switzerland

They Called for a boycott of Switzerland by the Islamic world. "Any Muslim in any part of the world who works with Switzerland is an apostate, is against Mohammad, God and the Koran," he said.

"The masses of Muslims must go to all airports in the Islamic world and prevent any Swiss plane landing, to all harbors and prevent any Swiss ships dock, inspect all shops and markets to stop any Swiss goods being sold."

Col Gaddafi's typically eccentric row with Switzerland, Which began when one of his sons was arrested along with his wife Because of allegations of abuse by two members of his domestic staff, has come as a blow Thurs western powers.

They thought that they had managed To Tame the Libyan leader after he voluntarily gave up a basic nuclear weapons program in 2003 and agreed a compensation deal over the Lockerbie Bombing.

Yesterday, both the European Union and the United Nations hit out at his speech.

"If these reports are correct, they come at an Unfortunate moment," a spokesman for Baroness Ashton, the European Union's foreign policy representative, said.

She said the EU was trying to negotiate a settlement of the disagreements between Libya and Switzerland, even though it is not an EU member.

Sergei Ordzhonikidze, the Director-General of the United Nations, said: "I believe that such declarations on the part of the Head of State are inadmissible in international relations." Mr. Ordzhonikidze is based at the UN's European headquarters in Geneva.Read More Story,http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/switzerland/7325539/World-condemns-Gaddafis-called-for-jihad-against-Switzerland.html

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Car, Gas Pump Catch Fire in Weather-Related Accident

Fox 8 News reports that appear Thurs slippery conditions have caused a motor Thurs Accidentally slide her vehicle into a gasoline pump, triggering a fire at a station is Cleveland's west side.

It happened Friday morning at the 7-Eleven is a Rocky River Drive.

The car slid when the driver attempted to turn into the gas station, hitting the pump, Which then fell over.

Despite both the car and gas pump catching fire, nobody was injured. EMS was called as a precaution, however.Read More Story,http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-news-cleveland-gas-pump-car-fire,0,5589303.story

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Militants Strike Central Kabul, Attack Hotels

A Spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Health said that nine bodies and at least 25 injured people have been brought to local hospitals. Foreigners were among the dead and wounded, they said. A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed responsibility and said five Taliban Suicide Bombers took part in the operation.

Friday's coordinated attack was the second large insurgent strike is central Kabul this year. In January, a Handful of gunmen set off bombs and attacked buildings near the presidential palace in downtown Kabul, firing rockets at another hotel favored by westerners and diplomats. In October, insurgents managed Thurs Seize a guesthouse housing United Nations electoral workers, killing several guests.

The latest attacks, aimed at spreading mayhem throughout the center Afghanistan's capital, come days after coalition forces took over the Taliban stronghold of Marjah in southern Afghanistan, and Pakistan, detained on several high-level Taliban Commanders.Read More Story,ttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704479404575088402993539756.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENext

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We Have To Win Against India: Pak Captain

"The first match against India is very crucial. If we win that match it will not only be a confidence boost for the boys but also give us psychological advantage going into the tournament," Zeeshan told Reporters here.

"In Pakistan, everybody wants us to win against India, come what may. Back home it does not matter Whether we win the World Cup or not but winning against India is what everybody is looking for," he conceded.

"It would be one of the most important matches of my life," said the experienced full-back, who will celebrate his 34th birthday on the match day.

Admitting that India would enjoy the home advantage going into the much-awaited encounter, Zeeshan said pressure would be similar is both the sides.

"The match is crucial for both the sides, so will pressure on Both Sides.

"Even though India are playing at their home we expect some support. If we play well I hope we will get support," he said.Read More Story,http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/hockey-world-cup/top-stories/We-have-to-win-against-India-Pak-captain/articleshow/5621098.cms

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Surf Hotel at Hampton Beach, NH Burns

I woke to a glow that seemed to grow by the second. My scanner police informed me that the Surf Hotel was on fire. By the time I grabbed my camera (wish I had my Nikon with me) and ran out the door, the building was fully engulfed. The wind was so powerful, it took the whole building in no time at all. Here is some video I shot. Sorry the quality is not great but I was shooting at night into wind and rain. This is the most amazing storm I have seen in some time. The surf was up over the wall tonight (I'll post that tomorrow if I get my power back). I'm currently running is battery power. I do not know how many alarms this but Went to Mutual Aid came in from Salisbury, Hampton Falls and several other stations to help. So sad to see this landmark gone.Read More Story,http://cs.newhampshire.com/blogs/live_free_and_blog/archive/2010/02/26/Surf-Hotel-at-Hampton-Beach_2C00_-NH-burns-.aspx

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Eyewitnesses: Kabul Suicide Attacks

I was in the Safi Landmark Hotel on the explosion side of the building at the time of the attack. At 0630 I woke up to shattered glass and smoke. All my windows had been blown out.

The damage was so extensive that I imagine it must have been a car bomb. This was followed by further explosions and gunfire extensive.

For 30 minutes I stayed in my room not knowing Whether I should stay or go.

Compliant, I'm the sort of person who puts the emotion to one side at times like these, I really did not know what to do.

I eventually for decided to leave, passing broken glass and blood in the lobby. My hand was gashed and I wanted to get it treated.

But a soldier Jumpy screamed and almost shot me Because they saw my backpack and thought for 10 seconds that I was a suicide bomber. Luckily, they calmed down and I was allowed to leave.

I'm now safe in my boss's house not far from the scene.Read More Story,http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8538164.stm

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Multiple Medications Led To Brittany Murphy’s Death

: "Multiple medications were present in the blood, with elevated levels of hydrocodone, acetaminophen, and chlorpheniramine. L-methamphetamine was also present. "

The 32-year-old actress had been taking a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications in the weeks leading up to her death to treat what she believed was a bout of influenza, Contactmusic.com reported.

The report further says: "It should be noted that the pattern of use of these medications suggests treatment of symptoms of a cold or other respiratory infection. Acetaminophen and hydrocodone are components of Vicodin. Chlorpheniramine is the active ingredient in some over-the-counter medications. L-methamphetamine is a component of some inhalers.Read More Story,http://blog.taragana.com/e/2010/02/26/multiple-medications-led-to-brittany-murphys-death-94506/

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'Growing Pains' Actor Andrew Koenig Found Dead

The family was close by when the discovery was made.

The cause of death is currently being investigated by the Coroner and there was no indication of any foul play, but due to the sensitivity of the subject the police declined Thurs release any further details.

Walter Koenig also spoke at the conference and said that his son "took his own life" and "was in a lot of pain." Koening's mother asked everyone To respect their family.

In addition to starring in "Growing Pains" from 1985-1989, Koenig also appeared as The Joker in the fan film "Batman: Dead End," starred as the MC in the 2007 interactive theater play "The Boomerang Kid," and performed with The improv group "Charles Whitman Reilly and Friends."

SLIDE SHOW: "Growing Pains: Now / Then"

His most recent project, "Daze: Vol Too (sic) - Nonsense" with Gary Busey is currently in post-production and slated for release later this year.

And although the Los Angeles-born child star STEPPED away from a full-time career in front of the lens on "Growing Pains" wrapped in 1989, they continued Thurs Pursue various passions in the arts industry.

"Koenig is an inward person, but he is smart, bright, creative, artistic," Walter Koenig's long-time agent and family friend David Moss told FoxNews.com earlier this week. "He enjoys directing and cinematography, he's very Introspective."Read More Story,http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/02/25/growing-pains-star-andrew-koenig-reportedly-dead/?test=faces

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American Idol Results Show Recap, Semifinals Top 24 to 20

My Predictions were Tim Urban, Paige Miles, Lacey Brown and Tyler. I only got one out of four right.

I'm going to miss Joe and Jane. Both certainly deserved another shot over other contestants.

There were 24 million votes cast last night. I'd have to check if that's much different from a year ago but it's hard to compare "Because they were using the top 36 set up. I doubt it's a record for the semifinals, Ryan else would have said so.

Allison Iraheta, who is signed to 19 Entertainment, got to sing "Scars," her latest single. I'm not sure if it's going to do well since her first single stiffed, but you never know. I'm rooting for her. She was a great singer from day one and clearly what has a future.

Kris Allen talked about Haiti and did a cover of "Let It Be," reminding us a bit why we voted for him.Read More Story,http://blogs.ajc.com/american-idol-blog/2010/02/25/american-idol-results-show-recap-semifinals-top-24-to-20/?cxntlid=thbz_hm

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