Saturday, August 18, 2007
Deustche Bank Building on Fire in Lower Manhattan
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Fire Hits Lower Manhattan Skyscraper
The Deustche Bank skyscraper, heavily damaged during the Sept. 11
terrorist attacks, is on fire Saturday afternoon in Lower Manhattan.
Hurricane Dean Tears Through Caribbean
August 18, 2007
Hurricane Dean Tears Through Caribbean
Forecasters say Hurricane Dean's 150 m.p.h. winds could build to a
monster Category 5 storm. With the possibility of Dean striking the U.S.
mainland sometime Wednesday, officials in Gulf Coast states are
preparing for the worst.
Two suspects in Newark schoolyard shooting arrested
August 18, 2007
Two suspects in Newark schoolyard shooting arrested
Federal marshals this morning arrested two suspects in the deadly
schoolyard shootings two weeks ago. Rodolfo Godinez described as a
"principal player in the case? and a 16-year-old described as a possible
relative of Godinez's were arrested in Prince George's County,
Maryland.
Friday, August 17, 2007
What the Fed cut means for consumers
What the Fed cut means for consumers
The Federal Reserve announced Friday that it's cutting its discount rate
temporarily by a half percentage point to 5.75 percent, but the move
won't have a major effect on consumer interest rates.
The central bank is responding to fears about the meltdown in loans to
people with poor credit, plus it's concerned about the big swings in the
stock markets.
The discount rate is the rate that Federal Reserve banks charge
borrowers - like commercial banks - for loans.
The central bank did not change its more closely-watched federal funds
rate which affects rates that consumers pay on various types of loans.
That rate remains at 5.25 percent.
The discount rate move eases the pressure on banks who are having
trouble borrowing to offer loans to consumers and business.
It's symbolic. The Central bank is trying to inject some confidence in
the banking business. Fed bankers are saying "We're not going to sit
idly by and watch the credit crunch stop lending and cause the economy
to seize up."
The Fed's move doesn't directly impact interest rates that consumers pay
on credit cards or mortgages.
However, by instilling confidence - and sending a message it's willing
to act in this crisis - lenders are likely to weather the credit crunch
better and that means consumers are more likely to the get the loans
they need.
In fact, one mortgage broker told me today that he expects the spike in
interest rates on large loans - what they call jumbo mortgage loans - to
come down quickly. Who said bankers were immune to emotions?
Typically the Fed cuts the discount rate and the federal funds rate at
the same time. So, if this cut does the trick - stabilizes the market
and injects confidence into the system - we may not get a follow-up rate
cut.
Breaking News: Search for trapped miners suspended indefinitely
HUNTINGTON, Utah (AP) - The desperate underground drive to reach six
trapped
miners was suspended indefinitely Friday after a catastrophic cave-in
killed three rescuers inside a mountainside mine that keeps shaking.
U.S. stocks soar after Fed steps in
DJIA
13,013
+168.19
S&P
1,435
+23.86
NASDAQ
2,494
+43.50
10Yr
4.68%
+0.077
U.S. stocks soar after Fed steps in
NEW YORK
U.S. stocks remained higher Friday but significantly pared gains as
investors mulled the impact of the Federal Reserve's move to cut its
discount interest rate in an attempt to ease concerns over liquidity.
The Fed: CORRET: Fed cuts discount rate to ease credit crunch
WASHINGTON
In a move wildly applauded by financial markets on both sides of the
Atlantic, the Federal Reserve announced Friday that it's cut the
discount rate by a half percentage point to 5.75%.
The Ratings Game: Countrywide upgraded as analysts say lender can
weather the storm
BOSTON
An analyst at Banc of America Securities upgraded shares of troubled
mortgage lender Countrywide Financial Corp. to neutral from sell Friday,
saying that tapping its $11.5 billion credit facility should provide
Countrywide the time needed to address liquidity and capital concerns.
London Markets: British stocks jump after Federal Reserve discount rate
cut
LONDON
British stocks surged on Friday after the U.S. Federal Reserve stepped
in with a half-point cut to a key lending rate, led by financial
services firms on hopes for a full-fledged rate cut.
Whole Foods, Wild Oats shares zoom; deal gets legal boost
NEW YORK
Shares of Whole Foods Market Inc. and Wild Oats Markets Inc. soared in
Friday morning trading after a federal judge rejected a U.S. Federal
Trade Commission request to block the combination of the two companies.
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上合組織加強合作是否有利于地區乃至世界局勢的和平和穩定?上合組織將來是否有可能制約世界最大的軍事聯盟北約?
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News Alert! Dow Jones Up 300 Points
After a rough week of losses, the Dow Jones industrial average has
soared more than 300 points. Earlier this morning, the Federal Reserve
cut by half a percent the rate it uses to loan money to banks.
Fed cuts discount rate by one-half percentage point to 5.75%, leaves fed funds rate alone.
Fed cuts discount rate by one-half percentage point to 5.75%, leaves fed
funds rate alone.
News Alert! Fed Lowers Key Interest Rate That Fed Uses For Banks
In an effort to calm recent market turmoil, the Federal Reserve has
lowered by .5 percent the rate it uses to loan money to banks. The Fed
did not change its target for the more important federal funds rate,
which has remained at 5.25 percent for more than a year.
Three rescue workers dead, at least six injured in Utah mine
NEWS
Officials: 3 mine rescue workers dead, 6 others injured
---------------------------------------------
Officials said three rescue workers died and at least six others were
injured Thursday night trying to find six trapped miners on the 11th day
of the rescue effort.
Hastert united the GOP after unlikely ascension
---------------------------------------------
Following in the footsteps of Joseph Cannon, Sam Rayburn, Tip O'Neill
and Newt Gingrich, former high school wrestling coach Dennis Hastert was
an unlikely speaker of the House.
Trial opens in 35 nursing home deaths
---------------------------------------------
The owners of a New Orleans-area nursing home ignored televised and
government warnings of the growing strength of Hurricane Katrina and
failed to evacuate 59 frail, elderly residents which resulted in the
deaths of 35, a prosecutor told a jury Thursday.
MONEY
U.S.-led global selloff continues: Japan index dives 5.4%
---------------------------------------------
Asian shares tumbled again Friday, with the Tokyo benchmark nose-diving
5.4%, as the region showed little sign of staging a recovery amid a
global sell-off over U.S. credit fears. European stocks, meanwhile, were
mixed in early trade.
Stores work hard to stay on top of recalls
---------------------------------------------
Secondhand stores and organizations that take donated goods, such as
Goodwill, are scrambling to remove recalled Mattel toys from their
shelves.
SPORTS
Tough calls fill Goodell's 1st year as NFL commish
---------------------------------------------
Munching M&M's as he unwinds inside a private jet carrying him from a
morning visit to the Detroit Lions training camp to an afternoon meeting
with the Cleveland Browns, Roger Goodell conveys the vibe of the
regular-guy commissioner, dressed in khakis, sneakers and a blue golf
shirt with the NFL's shield logo.
Donaghy's NBA bets might be revealed
---------------------------------------------
Though it wasn't revealed which games Tim Donaghy bet on when the former
NBA
referee pleaded guilty Wednesday to felony gambling charges, that
information
is likely to come to light eventually. That could happen if Donaghy's
alleged
co-conspirators in the betting scheme are indicted.
Breaking News: Fed cuts discount rate by 0.5%
Breaking News
WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve, declaring that increased economic
uncertainty poses risks for U.S. business growth, announced Friday that
it has approved a half-percentage point cut in its discount rate on
loans to banks.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Dow industrials make a stunning comeback, closing up 8 points after plummeting 341 points earlier in the session.
Dow industrials make a stunning comeback, closing up 8 points after
plummeting 341 points earlier in the session.
Breaking News
President Bush's daughter, Jenna, is engaged to be married, the White
House says.
Breaking News: Padilla guilty on all counts
Breaking News
Jose Padilla, a U.S. citizen and onetime Chicago gang member, was
convicted Thursday in a Miami federal courtroom on charges of operating
a support cell for Islamic terrorists, including al-Qaeda.
Trouble in the toy box
Trouble in the toy box
Mattel's massive recall has set parents on edge about health risks to
their children. Here's how to keep your child safe.
Mattel announced another major recall of toys made in China, feeding
international worries about the safety of products made in China. What
can you do to keep your child safe?
To get the full list of toys that have been recalled, log onto the
recall section of Mattel's web site or the Consumer Product Safety
Commission's web site.
The company recalled 18.2 million Polly Pocket, Doggie Day Care, Batman,
Barbie and One Piece toys that can shed small, powerful magnets that may
harm kids.
"Sarge" die-cast miniature toy vehicles were also recalled because their
paint may be toxic. Go through the toy box carefully. Keep in mind these
toys were produced between May 2003 and November 2006. Those made after
November 1, 2006, are not affected.
To find the model number, look on the bottom of the item. If you can't
find a model number, contact Mattel at (888) 597-6597.
If you do find one of the recalled toys, take it away immediately and
contact Mattel to receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the same
value. Even if you don't have the original receipt, some big box
retailers may be giving refunds.
The company recalled its toys for both lead paint risk and loose
magnets. Experts say that lead can't be absorbed through the skin, so
just touching the toy won't pose much of a health hazard.
But if your child chews on the toy and the paint is eaten away, that
could be a sign your child has ingested lead. Get on the phone to your
pediatrician to have a blood sample taken.
If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other
and cause severe problems. Request an X-ray exam if you suspect that
your child has swallowed a loose magnet.
Read the packaging to find out what age child the toy is meant for. For
small children, avoid toys with small parts which could pose a fatal
choking hazard. Keep up with the CPSC's toy recall list.
And for more guidelines on toy safety, check out the American Academy of
Pediatrics.
Breaking News Thu., August 16, 2007
DOW FALLS BELOW 12,600, DURING AFTERNOON TRADING MARKING A 10 PERCENT
LOSS FROM MOST RECENT HIGH -- THIS IS THE FIRST TIME SINCE LATE 2002
THAT THE MARKET HAS SEEN A 'CORRECTION'
Breaking News Wed., August 15, 2007
UTAH MINE OWNER BOB MURRAY SAYS CAMERA SENT DOWN THIRD HOLE FINDS NO
SIGNS OF LIFE
Daily Briefing: 7.9 quake kills at least 135, injures 1,300 in Peru
NEWS
7.9 quake kills at least 135, injures 1,300 in Peru
---------------------------------------------
A powerful earthquake shook Peru's central coast, terrifying the
capital's residents and killing at least 135 people in cities farther
south, Health Minister Carlos Vallejos said early Thursday. More than
1,300 others were injured, he said.
Bomb kills 9 as toll of bloodiest attack hits 250
---------------------------------------------
A day after the bloodiest attack since the U.S. invasion in Iraq, a car
bomb struck a market district during rush hour in central Baghdad
Thursday, killing at least nine people and wounding 17, police said.
Rescuers used bare hands and shovels Wednesday to claw through clay
houses shattered by an onslaught of suicide bombings that killed at
least 250 and possibly as many as 500 members of an ancient religious
sect in the deadliest attack of the Iraq war.
Trauma shapes Katrina's kids
---------------------------------------------
The youngest children find it hard to bounce back two years after their
lives were disrupted by the storm that leveled New Orleans.
MONEY
Markets this morning: Asian stocks' slide follows U.S. cue
---------------------------------------------
Asian stocks fell to their lowest in months Thursday, battered by
persistent jitters over U.S. housing loan problems and their possible
damage to global financial markets.
Wall Street gives back 2007 gains; Dow below 13,000
---------------------------------------------
Stocks fell sharply Wednesday as the Dow Jones industrial average
dropped below 13,000 for the first time since April 24, after the
Federal Reserve
added more cash to the banking system but failed to quash investors'
jitters about problems in lending. The sell-off wiped out all of the S&P
500's gains for the year.
SPORTS
Former ref Donaghy pleads guilty; bets began in 2003
---------------------------------------------
Former NBA official Tim Donaghy, 40, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two
felony charges in the gambling scandal that has stunned the sports
world. Released on $250,000 bond from federal court in Brooklyn, he
faces up to 25 years in
prison when he is sentenced Nov. 9.
Hamms make event finals at gymnastic championships
---------------------------------------------
Welcome back to gymnastics, Paul and Morgan Hamm. After a three-year
layoff,
the twins from Waukesha, Wis., came flying back to the sport with a
vengeance
Wednesday night at the Visa Championships at the HP Pavilion, showing
plenty
of glimpses of the impeccable form that made them two of the best
athletes to
ever compete for the US.
More Than 300 Die In Peru Quake
The earth shook for as long as two minutes Wednesday night as a 7.9
earthquake hit Peru, collapsing buildings and sending terrified crowds
fleeing into the streets. Officials say at least 337 people have been
killed and 827 more injured.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Tsunami reported after strong quake in Peru
August 15, 2007
Center: Tsunami reported after strong quake in Peru
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says a tsunami has been generated by
the strong earthquake that hit Peru.
Toll In War's Deadliest Bombing Hits 250
August 15, 2007
Toll In War's Deadliest Bombing Hits 250
Rescuers dug through the wreckage of collapsed clay houses in northwest
Iraq, uncovering at least 250 bodies from four near-simultaneous suicide
truck bombings the U.S. military blamed on al Qaeda. It was the
deadliest attack since the war began.
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論壇:日本戰敗62周年
8月15日是日本投降日和中國抗戰勝利日,中日兩國應該如何以史為鑒? More...go to
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NYPD releases report on homegrown terror
NYPD releases report on homegrown terror
Officials say clusters of young Muslim men in the northeast U.S. pose
the most serious threat to homeland security.
News Alert! Ex-NBA Referee Pleads Guilty
Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy has pleaded guilty to two felony charges
in connection with the NBA betting scandal.
Spreading bad news wallops Wall Street
NEWS
Iraqi military: 4 bombs kill 200, wound 300
---------------------------------------------
Four suicide bombers struck nearly simultaneously at communities of a
small Kurdish sect in northwestern Iraq late Tuesday, killing at least
200 people and wounding 300 more, Iraqi military and local officials
said.
Mattel's stellar reputation tainted
---------------------------------------------
Mattel (MAT), one of the most trusted names in toys, suddenly finds its
consumer trust in a free fall. On Tuesday, the toy giant recalled 18.2
million Chinese-made toys worldwide - 9.5 million in the USA - and more
recalls may be on tap.
Crackdown on corrupt Iraq contracts yields record caseload
---------------------------------------------
A federal crackdown on corruption involving U.S. contracts in Iraq
produced a record number of criminal and administrative cases last month
including the largest bribery case.
MONEY
Asian, European markets slide on U.S. credit worries
---------------------------------------------
Asian and European shares dipped Wednesday as markets continued to
battle jitters over a credit crunch started by problems in the U.S.
subprime credit sector and as broader concerns emerged about the U.S.
economy.
Spreading bad news wallops Wall Street
---------------------------------------------
Stocks skidded Tuesday on fresh signs that global credit markets were
seizing up, while a lower profit forecast from Wal-Mart Stores renewed
worries about consumer spending. The Dow Jones industrial average
tumbled 207.61 points to 13,028.92
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
MarketsTuesday, 08/14/2007
| Dow : 13028.92 down 207.61
| S & P : 1426.54 down 26.38
| NASDAQ: 2499.12 down 43.12
| Bond (10Y): 4.72%, 100.16
MARKETS:
Wall Street's terrible Tuesday
Dow sinks 207 as investors worry about the consumer and credit jitters
persist.
Breaking News
Three suicide bombings in a northern Iraqi town left at least 100 people
dead and 150 wounded, police officials said.
NYC gets $354 million for traffic-toll plan
BREAKING NEWS
Breaking News: NYC gets $354 million for traffic-toll plan
The federal government has agreed to pay $354 million to New York City
to help install tolls Mayor Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan when
entering the busiest parts of Manhattan.
Noon Update
Yankee great Phil Rizzuto dies at age 89
Breaking News
Mattel recalls 9 million toys because of hazards to children
Foreign roads can be deadly for U.S. travelers
NEWS
31 civilians dead in 1 day in Mogadishu
---------------------------------------------
Fighting in Somalia's capital has killed 31 civilians in the past 24
hours, a local human rights group said Tuesday.
Report: Chinese bridge collapse kills 22
---------------------------------------------
A bridge under construction as a tourist attraction in central China
collapsed, killing at least 22 people and leaving 46 missing, China
Central Television reported Tuesday.
MONEY
Stocks stabilize as facts get out
---------------------------------------------
Stocks gave up a moderate gain in late trading and closed marginally
lower Monday after the Federal Reserve and other central banks added
more cash to their banking systems, helping investors set aside some
concerns about credit tightness.
Stockton, Calif.: Housing market is 'still sliding'
---------------------------------------------
For evidence of what is spooking Wall Street and wreaking havoc on the
mortgage industry, one need only look at the housing market in
Stockton,
Calif., 40 miles south of Sacramento.
Monday, August 13, 2007
NASA Mulls Risky Shuttle Repairs
NASA Mulls Risky Shuttle Repairs
Two Endeavour astronauts began a spacewalk to replace equipment on the
international space station, while NASA officials studied whether the
space shuttle's crew would need to repair a gouge on the ship's belly
later this week.
Socialite Brooke Astor has died
Socialite Brooke Astor has died
Socialite, civic leader and philanthropist Brooke Astor has died at age
105, according to a family lawyer.
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Hotel toothpaste recalled
Hotel toothpaste recalled
A leading supplier of toiletries for hotels is recalling complimentary
tubes of toothpaste after tests showed some may contain a toxic
chemical.
Workers' pay raises won't be much in '08
NEWS
U.S., N. Korea nuke envoys to meet
---------------------------------------------
U.S. and North Korean envoys were meeting in Beijing on Monday ahead of
six-
nation talks aimed at ending Pyongyang's nuclear programs.
Gunman kills pastor, 2 others at Mo. church
---------------------------------------------
A gunman opened fire in the sanctuary of a southwest Missouri church
Sunday,
killing three people and wounding several others, a city spokeswoman
said.
Rove to resign from White House
---------------------------------------------
Karl Rove, President Bush's close friend and chief political strategist,
plans to leave the White House at the end of August, joining a
lengthening line of
senior officials heading for the exits in the final 1 1/2 years of the
administration.
MONEY
Chinese maker of recalled toys kills self
---------------------------------------------
The head of a Chinese toy manufacturing company at the center of a huge
U.S. recall has committed suicide, a state-run newspaper said Monday.
Qwest picks former Williams-Sonoma chief as new CEO
---------------------------------------------
Qwest said late Sunday it has named former Williams-Sonoma CEO Edward
Mueller
to succeed retiring Chairman and CEO Richard Notebaert.
Workers' pay raises won't be much in '08
---------------------------------------------
Workers hoping for big raises next year are in for disappointment.
Employers will be holding the line on pay increases, following a trend
of reining in
compensation costs to stay competitive.
Breaking News: Top Bush strategist Rove leaving White House
Karl Rove, President George Bush's close friend and chief political
strategist, plans to leave the White House at the end of August, joining
a lengthening line of senior officials heading for the exits in the
final 18 months of the administration.
Breaking News Mon., August 13, 2007
BUSH ADVISOR KARL ROVE WILL RESIGN AT THE END OF AUGUST
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Breaking News Sat., August 11, 2007
ROMNEY WINS IOWA GOP STRAW POLL WITH 31.5 PERCENT OF THE VOTE; HUCKABEE
FINISHES SECOND
Merv Griffin, the entertainer and multimillionaire entrepreneur, has
died at 82, AP reports.