European shares edge higher, euro flat ahead German data

LONDON (Reuters) - European shares edged higher and the euro was steady on Tuesday ahead of German economic sentiment data, while the yen rose after Japanese ministers played down talk the Bank of Japan might buy foreign bonds to loosen credit. Following last week's GDP figures showing that the euro zone saw a weaker end to 2012 than expected, forecasters see a pick-up in Germany's ZEW...

Read More..

Danica Patrick wins pole for NASCAR's Daytona 500

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Danica Patrick is at her best in the spotlight.Good thing, too, because she's going to be there all week.Patrick won the Daytona 500 pole Sunday, becoming the first woman to secure the top spot for any race in NASCAR's premier circuit. It's by far the biggest achievement of her stock-car career. She's braced for the attention that will follow."I think when pressure's on...

Read More..

Model: Getting what I don't deserve

STORY HIGHLIGHTSModel Cameron Russell's TED Talk has been viewed more than a million timesShe says, as winner of "genetic lottery," she has been able to have a modeling careerHer looks fit a narrow definition of beauty, she saysRussell: I work hard but my modeling career gives my views undeserved attentionEditor's note: Cameron Russell has been a model for brands such as Victoria's Secret, Calvin...

Read More..

Japan shares up on weaker yen hopes

18 February 2013 Last updated at 02:04 ETContinue reading the main story Japanese shares have risen after finance ministers of the G20 group of nations avoided singling out Japan for criticism over the recent yen weakness.The yen has dipped nearly 15% against the US dollar since November amid Japan’s efforts to stoke inflation.There were concerns that a criticism from G20 may prompt Japan to alter...

Read More..

Take advantage of the sales tax deduction

Taxes » Tax Deductions » Take Advantage Of The Sales Tax DeductionMost states and cities get a good portion of their operating revenue from sales taxes tagged onto just about everything you buy. But on the federal level, Uncle Sam lets taxpayers use those taxes to help reduce their IRS bills.The sales tax deduction is particularly welcomed by taxpayers in states that do not collect income taxes but...

Read More..

Euro, dollar up after G20, stocks ease on growth concern

LONDON (Reuters) - The euro and the dollar rose against the yen on Monday after the G20 decided not to criticize Japan for its expansionist policies, but shares eased as Europe's weak growth outlook weighed on sentiment. Financial leaders from the world's 20 biggest economies promised on Saturday not to devalue their currencies to boost exports, aiming to defuse talk of currency wars...

Read More..

No. 2 Duke falls to Maryland 83-81

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — As the final horn sounded and Maryland fans rushed the court to celebrate a rare victory over its bitter rival, weary Duke had just enough energy left to escape the mayhem for the safety of its locker room.Seth Allen broke a tie by making two free throws with 2.8 seconds left, and the Terrapins stunned the second-ranked Blue Devils 83-81 Saturday night to end a six-game skid...

Read More..

Afghanistan's future: Five questions

STORY HIGHLIGHTSPresident Obama has revealed new details about the troop withdrawal in AfghanistanBut there are several key issues that still must be resolved in the coming monthsThe Afghan military has its critics, but the U.S. has praised its progressThere are fears that Afghanistan's advancements might be at risk after 2014(CNN) -- In his State of the Union address, President Obama reaffirmed that...

Read More..

Al Franken’s Fanciful Post Office Fix

The U.S. Postal Service has another would-be savior: Al Franken, the U.S. senator from Minnesota and former Saturday Night Live cast member. On Thursday, he and seven Democratic colleagues introduced a bill to “modernize” the financially troubled agency, which is losing $ 25 million a day.By “modernize,” Franken and his allies mean expand the Postal Service’s operations. This is from his press release:...

Read More..

Dubai’s Nakheel in talks to extend $2.2 billion loan: report

(Reuters) – Nakheel (NAKHD.UL), builder of man-made islands in the shape of palms, is in talks to extend an 8 billion dirhams ($ 2.18 billion) loan due in 2015, the indebted developer’s chairman was quoted in a local newspaper as saying on Sunday.Ali Rashid Lootah dismissed concerns over Nakheel’s ability to repay its debts, which also includes a 3.8-billion dirham sukuk, or Islamic bond, due in August...

Read More..