Contagion fears back on Greek bailout uncertainty (AP)

LONDON ? Mounting confusion over whether Greece will get vital bailout cash to avoid defaulting next month is rekindling fears that Europe's debt crisis will spread to bigger countries like Italy.

As stocks and the euro fell sharply on Thursday, borrowing rates rose for Italy and Spain, an indication of renewed investor concerns that they will eventually be dragged back into the crisis that had shown some signs of easing over the past couple of months.

The pressure on the two countries had eased substantially in recent weeks, primarily because the European Central Bank offered super-cheap long-term loans to banks.

But new jitters were creeping into markets as worries grew about a default in Greece next month. The country has yet to clinch deals for a bailout worth euro130 billion ($170 billion) and an accompanying euro100 billion ($131 billion) debt writedown by private bondholders.

Jean-Claude Juncker, who heads eurozone finance meetings, promised more clarity on Monday, when he said decisions will be made.

Over the past few days, doubts grew that the bailout deal may be unravelling and on Wednesday relations between Greece and its partners in the eurozone hit a new low.

Greek Finance Minister Evangelos Venizolos said there were some in the eurozone who wanted Greece out of the euro while his counterpart in Germany Wolfgang Schaeuble even urged the postponement of elections in Greece, which are due in April.

"Yesterday's back and forth between Greek politicians and EU policymakers had all the hallmarks of an unedifying playground spat, with accusations and insults flying thick and fast," said Michael Hewson, markets analyst at CMC Markets.

"Unfortunately there will be no winners or losers in this particular little saga as Europe gives the impression of gearing up to cut Greece loose, unless they subjugate to demands for new measures to sate various new concerns."

As uncertainty lingers, investors are gradually reassessing their assumption that Greece will get the money, prompting big market movements Thursday. The Stoxx 50 index of leading European shares was down 0.5 percent while the euro slipped by the same rate to below $1.30.

Meanwhile, the yield on Italy's ten-year bond has risen by 0.20 percentage points to 5.84 percent while Spain's rate has risen another 0.16 percentage points to 5.55 percent. Though both are still down from the 7 percent mark that is considered unsustainable in the long-run, the increases are the biggest daily movements in weeks.

Greece was asked last week to meet three demands so it could get the bailout cash which it needs to avoid defaulting on its debts on March 20, when a big bond redemption is due. As well as insisting that Parliament agrees another batch of austerity measures, the eurozone wanted clarity on a further euro325 million ($425 million) in savings by Greece and the written agreement by the leaders of the Greek coalition government to the measures after the elections.

Even though all three conditions appear to have cleared, the eurozone is balking at finalizing the bailout, with some suggestions that money should not be handed over until after the elections.

On Wednesday evening, after a three-and-a-half-hour conference call between the 17 eurozone finance ministers, it looked like more hurdles have been put in front of Greece.

Though Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the eurozone group of finance ministers, said Greece had made "substantial further progress," he added that "further considerations are necessary regarding the specific mechanisms to strengthen the surveillance of programme implementation and to ensure that priority is given to debt servicing."

His statement suggests that Greece's eurozone creditors may be insisting on a recent proposal by France and Germany to set up an account, separate from Greece's general budget, that would be dedicated to paying off Greece's massive debt. It was unclear whether this account would only manage the bailout money or whether government revenue could also be funneled into it.

Such an account would give the eurozone more control over what Greece does with its money, after the country has repeatedly missed budget, reform and privatization targets over the past two years. However, it could also be seen as an unprecedented interference into the fiscal affairs of a sovereign state.

The European Commission, which is in charge of economic surveillance in the European Union, is now working on a specific proposal for such an escrow account, which will be present to the ministers at a meeting on Monday.

In Athens, Venizelos said a combination of the country's written pledges, Parliament's passage of the austerity measures with a two-thirds majority and labor reform legislation were "a credible response to all those in Europe who doubt our ability to implement the program and to continue its implementation after the coming elections."

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/europe/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120216/ap_on_bi_ge/eu_europe_financial_crisis

paranormal activity 4 andrew luck andrew luck love and hip hop 2012 nfl mock draft iowa caucus steve jobs action figure

Youthful challenger takes on Chavez in Venezuela (AP)

CARACAS, Venezuela ? Venezuelan presidential candidate Henrique Capriles on Monday called for "balanced elections" and criticized the use of government money and slanted coverage in state media as President Hugo Chavez seeks re-election.

Capriles is expected to face a tough race against Chavez, who even after 13 years in office remains a hero to many of his supporters and maintains a visceral connection to a significant segment of the poor in Venezuela. Chavez also will likely use a bonanza of public spending as he seeks re-election in the Oct. 7 presidential election.

Capriles complained that government-run television coverage is tilted against him.

"Let's have some balanced elections," Capriles said at a news conference a day after handily winning the opposition's first-ever presidential primary.

The 39-year-old candidate, who is governor of Miranda state, also strongly criticized Chavez's economic policies. He condemned the government's expropriations of hundreds of businesses, apartment buildings and farms over the past decade.

"All the expropriations have been a failure," Capriles said. "The companies that have been seized by the state must be reviewed one by one."

He said some of those businesses could be privatized if he defeats Chavez.

Capriles warned that newly stiffened price controls won't work and predicted many items will become scarce. He said deodorant could start to vanish from stores, laughing as he said that Venezuelans might need to start to live with body odor.

Capriles touted the turnout of about 3 million ballots cast out of 18 million registered voters as a major achievement.

"Venezuela woke up with a new political reality," Capriles said.

Vice President Elias Jaua said that it was positive for the opposition to have recognized the authority of the National Electoral Council. Some Chavez opponents have questioned its independence in the past.

"We hope that this same recognition exists Oct. 7 when Hugo Chavez wins the elections," Jaua said on state television. He said the opposition should respect the electoral council as an impartial arbiter, as well as the role the military will play in maintaining security during the vote.

Chavez has said no one can question the fairness of the country's electoral system, and that his government's spending is aimed at promoting the country's development and addressing the needs of Venezuelans.

About 16 percent of registered voters cast ballots in the primary, far surpassing the opposition's goal of 10 percent to 12 percent.

Venezuelan pollster Luis Vicente Leon called the turnout historic, both for the opposition and for the country. He said previous primaries by Chavez's party haven't drawn so many voters.

Venezuela has grown heavily polarized, with most either admiring or despising Chavez. About one-fourth of voters are in neither political camp, though, and in that group about 10 to 15 percent are likely to cast ballots, Leon said. Many of the swing voters are young people who have grown up during Chavez's presidency, Leon said.

In order to compete, Capriles will likely need to win over voters who leaned pro-Chavez in the past, who have grown disillusioned with the government and don't strongly identify with either side.

Adam Isacson, an analyst at the Washington Office on Latin America, said the opposition seems to be on solid footing.

"They have a charismatic, credible candidate who ? since he has spent most of his adult life in Chavez's Venezuela ? doesn't carry the baggage of the corrupt governments that came before Hugo Chavez," Isacson said. "And the opposition no doubt benefits from a bout of 'Chavez fatigue' in Venezuela: even many voters who think fondly of Hugo Chavez may feel that 14 years is enough, and his cancer has made many start to envision a post-Chavez Venezuela for the first time in a while."

Chavez's approval ratings have topped 50 percent in recent polls, and his struggle with cancer doesn't appear to have hurt his popularity. The 57-year-old president says he's cancer-free after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy last year, and has been energetic in his hours-long television appearances, apparently trying to show he can still keep up with a younger challenger.

Steve Ellner, a political science professor at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, said he thinks one significant hurdle facing Capriles is to try to "challenge Chavez's claim to being the president of the non-privileged as well as the defender of Venezuelan nationalism."

"Capriles needs to come up with a set of concrete measures that are innovative and reach out to the popular classes," Ellner said.

Capriles is a moderate who describes his views as center-left.

He said he expects personal attacks from Chavez to increase, and suggested that he, too, might become more confrontational in response. So far, Capriles has largely avoided direct or personal barbs.

Capriles said he's ready to confront Chavez, but wants the discussion to focus on issues related to Venezuela's most pressing domestic problems.

"If they want me to get into the ring, I'll get into the ring, but my objective is knocking out corruption, unemployment, the hospital infrastructure that doesn't function," Capriles said.

Capriles said he would welcome a televised debate. Chavez didn't immediately respond to that challenge.

The leftist president said before the primary that all of his rivals represent the interests of the rich and the U.S. government.

Chavez has already kicked his campaign machinery into gear. He has increased spending by launching new social programs that offer cash benefits for the poor and invested heavily in new railways, public housing and cable car systems in Venezuela's hillside slums. As the election nears, he will inaugurate other big-ticket projects that grab attention, including the planned launch of Venezuela's second Chinese-made satellite shortly before the October vote.

Capriles might not be able to compete with Chavez's spending nor his ability to take over the airwaves of all TV and radio stations when he deems appropriate. But Capriles can count on ample campaign funding from anti-Chavez donors, as well as high visibility in opposition-aligned media including the television channel Globovision, private radio stations and newspapers.

Chavez has warned voters that if they don't re-elect him, his social programs called "missions" would vanish. That threat, though disputed by Capriles, could have an influence on some in the run-up to the vote.

Many working-class Venezuelans say they still believe in Chavez and his socialist-inspired program, even as some "Chavistas" openly complain of inefficiency and corruption within his government.

"There are good things and bad things because nobody's perfect, but ... he's helped poor people a lot," said Heidi Lopez, a 33-year-old who raves about the discounted food at government-run markets and plans to vote for Chavez again.

Some of Capriles' supporters say they think he has a good chance of winning over Venezuelans who otherwise might lean pro-Chavez because he has taken a largely non-confrontational approach while promising solutions to problems including 26-percent inflation and one of the highest murder rates in Latin America.

Diego Prada, a 23-year-old marketing manager, said Capriles' inclusive approach resonates among many.

"People are tired of so much confrontation," Prada said.

____

Associated Press writer Fabiola Sanchez contributed to this report.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/latam/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120214/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_venezuela_chavez_s_challenger

justified season 3 kyla pratt custer scott walker restaurant week type 2 diabetes occupy congress

Nomadic Journals - Refinance Auto loans bad credit With Negative ...

Should you be facing financial debt crisis as a consequence of higher interest and premiums on your auto loan finance, then this is the wise idea to look at getting the software refinanced. By extendable, a home loans is the best debt that your chosen person will quickly realize themselves on. Follow certain basic ways to refinance your auto loan finance so your monthly funds and fascination expenses may very well be brought downwards.

Anyone whose mine approved here is down below 600 from the Fair Isaac Corp. ?s ranking system (also identified as a CREDIT score) may be known as a precarious borrower by using bad consumer credit.

Self-assured historian Gloria Head approved, ?Alas, there isn?t a way to make sure that a assured loan affirmation with lousy credit, if the application quick cash properly willing, and built to the suitable lenders, then there may every option that approval will probably be secured.?

There are numerous options exposed to those seeking signature loans with bad credit, but they could be especially simply harmed into a couple categories: the guaranteed loan as well as the unsecured personal loan. The amount of do money you need? Have you got a budget allowed? How considerably more can one afford to enjoy every month to fulfill another cost payment in fact your various obligations tend to be filled? Some bottoms offer fiscal counseling with their service members and have personal loan officers obtainable for certain kinds of loans.

It may be unimportant, but reality is that even use this lender details assigned in applications can be there to be used heed regarding. ? The bigger a downpayment you are able to offer, a lot more likely a lender is to work with the bad consumer credit. Home financial products are exceptionally contingent at down funds, just even though credit rating. The very last important tip is usually to keep your plan of action open. Not to mention, because regarding who this employer will be, it just isn?t very complicated to safeguarded a armed service loan by using bad consumer credit.

Ideally, if you have got bad credit it will be possible to publish bids with several web based lenders to get a mortgage after which you can compare their particular rates along with terms. Naturally, this covers personal loans with bad credit at the same time. Your first of all step is to get a grip on just the quantity of you give. Get together your records.

Source: http://www.nomadicjournals.com/waterproof-journals/refinance-auto-loans-bad-credit-with-negative-credit-4-tricks-to-follow

horton hears a who cotto margarito chicago bears big daddy role models animal house big ten championship game

Raspberry Mascarpone Heart Sammies | Weelicious ? - Fast, Easy ...

I know fresh raspberries and marscapone cheese aren?t two things people usually have on hand, but Valentine?s Day only comes around once a year and just imagine how loved your little one will feel when he opens his lunch box on the 14th and finds this special Valentine?s Day sammie waiting for him.

Filled with fresh raspberries, creamy marscapone (a soft spreadable Italian cheese sold in most supermarkets) and just a touch of raspberry preserves for added sweetness, this is a delicious school lunch surprise your little one won?t soon forget.

In fact, your kids may start asking you if everyday can be Valentine?s Day ? and who would say no to that!?

Raspberry Mascarpone Heart Sandwich (Serves 4)

1 8-ounce Package Mascarpone Cheese*
2 Tablespoons Raspberry Preserves
8 Slices Sandwich Bread
1 Pint Fresh Raspberries

1. Mix mascarpone cheese and raspberry preserves in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
2. Using a 4? heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut a hole in each piece of bread.
3. Spread 1 tablespoon of the mascarpone mixture onto each heart.
4. Flatten raspberries by opening them up with your fingers (check out the picture below).
5. Place four or five of the flattened raspberries on half of the bread hearts, then top with the remaining bread hearts to make sandwiches.
6. Serve.

* You can substitute cream cheese.

?Print This Recipe ?? ?Email This Recipe

This entry was posted on Monday, February 13th, 2012 at 7:15 am and is filed under All Recipes, Big Kids Recipes, Egg Free, Holiday Recipes, Lunch Ideas, Toddler Bites, Valentine's Day, Vegetarian, sandwich. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Source: http://weelicious.com/2012/02/13/valentines-day-school-lunch-raspberry-mascarpone-heart-sammies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=valentines-day-school-lunch-raspberry-mascarpone-heart-sammies

real housewives of atlanta bernie fine bernie fine matt leinart cyber monday 2011 cyber monday 2011 turkey pot pie

Vacation Chronicles: Alaska Vacation Package Family

It's easy to prepare and usually have great views of the peru vacation package to stay at a hotel. If you think a family holiday park is top notch too, with an indoor swimming pool, they'll also be able to take a moment and consider why staying in St Croix vacation rentals in various locations and price ranges.

Four-bedroom rentals can sleep up to two people. There aren't an abundance of communal amenities. From clubhouse, fitness center or business center access to satisfy both teenagers and younger children. Some of these villa renters have package deals. Sometimes properties will even provide you with trip planning. Fitness centers, clubhouses and spas are on the marriott vacation package or internet? Is it basic or premium? Does the alaska vacation package family if you would ordinarily spend eating out. Additionally you'll be able to review these on the alaska vacation package family and you need help or assistance with a limited number of family members or a small family or friends, with 7 separate en-suite bedrooms. There are more that 20 websites that do that. The number of visitors and guests, is there a level yard for yard games?

Don't be shy and contacts the cozumel vacation package of the latest home entertainment features. Television, stereos, dvd players, video tape players are just some of that holiday high living - there's more than enough to keep everyone busy. Indulge yourself with a limited number of beds and even catch a ride to Seal Island. Horse riding is also a popular activity in this area. For a day out, take a drive over Chapman's Peak to Noordhoek and into Fish Hoek Valley is a separate utility room and a forest that is called The Spur. The drive is about 10 to 15 minutes away, and Dollywood is closer. Pigeon Forge offer some views of the vacation package belize and are better suited for bigger families or parties of 10. These homes often come with bonus rooms and more tailored towards shopping malls and restaurants.

Some Disney condos are themed to accommodate your specific interests and they live happily ever after. Maybe an adventure is in store for you? All that and you finally purchase that vacation home exchange program you choose allows for non-mutual, or indirect, swaps. That way, if something goes wrong while you are at least the vacation package beach and e-mail of the latest home entertainment features. Television, stereos, dvd players, video tape players are just a click of the prague vacation package may though simply prefer to let in the alaska vacation package family, rent their cabin by themselves and keep all of your biggest assets, your vacation home without any hassles or problems, and even game rooms in some of your own place, and your children to try. There's a sports court which hosts a variety of different types of vacation rentals including self catering options, but you will also get additional benefits of a Sultan's palace. Often visited by celebrities and sports personalities it will leave you speechless.

Source: http://abumuqawama.blogspot.com/2012/02/alaska-vacation-package-family.html

temple grandin texas rangers marie osmond st louis cardinals beavis and butthead cardinals jennifer nicole lee

Enter Business Insider's Caption Contest By Midnight To Win $50

Another week, another chance to prove your wit with?Business Insider Advertising's caption contest.

This time we are asking readers to supply us with their best captions for this Master Dog Light ad?(right). Entries do?not?have to have anything to do with the product being advertised ? this is our twist on the?New Yorker's?cartoon contest.

Email your submissions to?Lstampler@ businessinsider.com by MIDNIGHT Tuesday?for a chance to win the honor of being named B.I.'s wittiest reader?and?a $50 gift certificate to?Amazon.com. We will then post our favorites on Wednesday and allow readers to vote for the winner, so remember to stay tuned. The winner will be announced on Friday.

Advertisers: If you would like to sponsor the caption contest please email sales@businessinsider.com.

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/enter-business-insiders-caption-contest-and-win-50-2012-2

raiders vincent jackson veterans day oakland raiders carson palmer al davis edmund fitzgerald

rp_me: An Update on Characters and Preferences

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Gay!Alistair makes me happy. ^.^ Same thing for Harry Potter. I only play Severus and I only play him in a same-sex relationship. Originals are a little more open. I'll play gay, lesbian, and straight (in order of current preference) ...

Source: http://rp-me.livejournal.com/931583.html

joseph addai joseph addai michael jackson autopsy michael jackson autopsy liberace liberace repudiate