Media summit in Abu Dhabi highlights efforts by Dubai’s oil-rich neighbor to boost its clout

Abu Dhabi pumps oil riches into media projects

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – With an economy based on pumping oil and landmarks that include one of the Mideast’s grandest mosques, buttoned-down Abu Dhabi has little obvious in common with freewheeling media magnets like Hollywood or midtown Manhattan.
This week, the Arab emirate is hoping the world …. Original source  : Media summit in Abu Dhabi highlights efforts by Dubai’s oil-rich neighbor to boost its clout.

Oil rises above $82 in Asia, extending Friday’s gains as global economy shows improvement

Oil rises above $82, extending Friday’s gains

SINGAPORE – Oil prices rose above $82 a barrel Monday in Asia, extending gains from Friday amid signs the global economy may be improving.
Benchmark crude for April delivery was up 67 cents to $82.17 a barrel at late afternoon Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Oil rises above $82 in Asia, extending Friday’s gains as global economy shows improvement.

With outcome of health care reform uncertain, President Obama to appeal for public support

Obama to appeal for public support on health care
WASHINGTON – With the fate of his signature legislative initiative far from certain, President Barack Obama is taking his last-ditch push for health care reform on the road.
In a speech Monday in Philadelphia, Obama will try to persuade the public to back his … Read more »».

Asian stock markets gain as US jobs report boosts recovery hopes; Europe opens higher

World stocks up as US job data lift recovery hopes

HONG KONG – World stock markets gained Monday as a better-than-expected report about the U.S. job market lifted confidence in the economic recovery.
Major Asian bourses added as much as 2 percent in the region’s second day higher. The euro got a boost after France voiced support … Read more : Asian stock markets gain as US jobs report boosts recovery hopes; Europe opens higher.

Cities not on track with California’s plan for high-speed rail system

Cities not on track with Calif high-speed rail
BUENA PARK, Calif. – Mayor Art Brown spent years pushing for a commuter train station combined with nearby housing in his community. But as townhouses are being finished around the $14 million Metrolink station, he’s facing the prospect that California’s high-speed rail line may plow right …. Read the original article  : Cities not on track with California’s plan for high-speed rail system.

Money Market Operations as on March 6, 2010

…. Source  : Money Market Operations as on March 6, 2010.

Moral of the story at Oklahoma Capitol: Conservatives say colleagues can’t legislate morality

Okla. conservatives debate divorce legislation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Touching on a sensitive issue among conservatives nationwide, the Republican-controlled Oklahoma Legislature is embroiled in a dispute over whether lawmakers should remain focused on the state’s budget problems and other fiscal priorities or delve into family issues, especially the state’s chronically high divorce rate.
Republican members proposed three pieces … Read : Moral of the story at Oklahoma Capitol: Conservatives say colleagues can’t legislate morality.

Federal regulators begin unprecedented set of hearings on competition in US agriculture system

Federal regulators launch probe of big agriculture

ST. LOUIS – Some Obama administration officials have made clear their unease with the increasing control a handful of corporations have over the nation’s food supply, and this week in Iowa they could show whether they are serious about changing the system.
The first joint workshops on agriculture by regulators …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Federal regulators begin unprecedented set of hearings on competition in US agriculture system.

Israel lets West Bank settlement build 112 new apartments despite slowdown pledge

Israel OKs new settlement work despite slowdown

JERUSALEM – Israel authorized the construction of 112 new apartments in the West Bank despite a pledge to slowdown settlement building, the government disclosed Monday – a decision that enraged the Palestinians a day after they reluctantly agreed to resume peace talks.
Word of the new construction in the Beitar … Original source on Gaea Times at : Israel lets West Bank settlement build 112 new apartments despite slowdown pledge.

Israel lets West Bank settlement build 112 new apartments despite slowdown

Israel OKs 112 new apartments in settlement

JERUSALEM – Defense Minister Ehud Barak authorized a West Bank settlement to build 112 new apartments despite Israel’s settlement slowdown, his ministry confirmed Monday.
Barak says the new construction in the Beitar Illit settlement is necessary because of safety issues.
The 10-month settlement slowdown declared in late November was to have … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Israel lets West Bank settlement build 112 new apartments despite slowdown.

South Korean finance minister says still too early for central bank to raise interest rate

SKorean finance chief warns against rate increase

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s finance minister warned Monday the country’s economic recovery remains too fragile to withstand an increase in borrowing costs from a record low, cautioning the central bank just days ahead of a rate-setting policy meeting.
“It is the view of the Korean government that we … Read more >>>.

‘Hurt Locker’ earns best-picture Oscar; Bigelow wins directing prize

‘Hurt Locker’ earns best-picture Academy Award

LOS ANGELES – The Iraq War drama “The Hurt Locker” won best picture and five other prizes Sunday at the Academy Awards, its haul including best director for Kathryn Bigelow.
Bigelow is the first woman in the 82-year history of the Oscars to earn Hollywood’s top prize for filmmakers.
“There’s no other …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Oil rises to near $82 in Asia, extending Friday’s gains as global economy shows improvement

Oil rises to near $82, extending Friday’s gains

SINGAPORE – Oil prices rose to near $82 a barrel Monday in Asia, extending gains from Friday amid signs the global economy may be improving.
Benchmark crude for April delivery was up 45 cents to $81.95 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Oil rises to near $82 in Asia, extending Friday’s gains as global economy shows improvement.

Asian stock markets gain as US jobs report boosts recovery hopes; Tokyo up nearly 2 pct

Asia stocks up as US jobs data lift recovery hopes

HONG KONG – Asian stocks gained Monday as a better-than-expected report about the U.S. job market lifted confidence in the economic recovery.
Major markets added as much as 2 percent in the region’s second day higher. The euro got a boost after France voiced support for debt-laden … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Asian stock markets gain as US jobs report boosts recovery hopes; Tokyo up nearly 2 pct.

Money Market Operations as on March 05, 2010

[..] Read the original article: here.

‘Precious’ co-star Mo’Nique, ‘Basterds’ co-star Waltz win supporting-acting Oscars

Mo’Nique, Waltz win supporting-acting Oscars

LOS ANGELES – Villainous roles snatched the supporting-acting prizes Sunday at the Academy Awards: “Precious” co-star Mo’Nique as a contemptible mother and “Inglourious Basterds” co-star Christoph Waltz as a sociable Nazi fiend.
Both performers capped remarkable years, Mo’Nique startling fans with dramatic depths previously unsuspected in the actress known for lowbrow comedy … Read : ‘Precious’ co-star Mo’Nique, ‘Basterds’ co-star Waltz win supporting-acting Oscars.

The old dilemma plays out at Paris fashion week: Practical vs. extravagant garments

In Paris: Practical clothes vs. crazy ones

PARIS – Sober workaday chic and theatrical extravagance battled for the hearts and minds of the fashion glitteratti on Sunday, day five of Paris’ marathon fall-winter 2010-11 ready-to-wear displays.
Celine designer Phoebe Philo – a critical darling whose return to fashion after a yearslong hiatus was the event of last … Original article on : The old dilemma plays out at Paris fashion week: Practical vs. extravagant garments.

Kansas State and basketball coach Frank Martin reach agreement on contract extension

Martin agrees to contract extension with K-State

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Frank Martin’s grandmother sat in a small room for 12 hours a day and sewed. His uncle worked the docks in the hot Miami sun. His grandfather died of a heart attack while helping the family escape communist rule.
On Sunday, the son of impoverished Cuban … Read more >>>.

Workers OK Stop & Shop agreement, boosting wages, maintaining pension, health benefits

Supermarket workers approve Stop & Shop contract

HARTFORD, Conn. – Supermarket workers at Stop & Shop in southern New England have ratified a contract that ends weeks of difficult negotiations over wages and benefits.
Local 328 secretary-treasurer Jim Riley says members of five locals of the United Food and Commercial Workers overwhelmingly approved the contract in voice …. Source article  : Workers OK Stop & Shop agreement, boosting wages, maintaining pension, health benefits.

Lawmakers overcome budget hurdle for 2010, but daunting task remains for next year’s budget

Budget outlook for 2011 remains bleak
OKLAHOMA CITY – Despite a last-minute maneuver by Senate Democrats that threatened to derail a plan to plug a massive hole in Oklahoma’s budget this year, an agreement was worked out that sent the budget bills to Gov. Brad Henry, who signed the package late last week.

Now, an even more … Read : Lawmakers overcome budget hurdle for 2010, but daunting task remains for next year’s budget.