Yen off lows vs dollar, Asian shares ease in subdued trade

TOKYO (Reuters) - The yen recovered from lows against the dollar and Tokyo stocks jumped closer to a 33-month high on Tuesday after markets took comments from a U.S. official as approval for Japan to pursue anti-deflation policies that weaken the yen. U.S. Treasury Undersecretary Lael Brainard said on Monday the United States supports Japanese efforts to end deflation, but she noted that...

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Mullens, Bobcats end Celtics' win streak 94-91

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — All in all, Monday proved to be a painful night for the Boston Celtics.Not only did the Celtics have their seven-game losing streak snapped at the hands of the NBA's worst team, but they might have suffered yet another costly injury in their 94-91 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats.Backup guard Leandro Barbosa, who has seen increased playing time since the season-ending injury to...

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Why pope will long be remembered

Tim Stanley says Pope Benedict will be seen as an important figure in church history.STORY HIGHLIGHTSTimothy Stanley: Benedict XVI's resignation is historic since popes usually serve for lifeHe says pope not so much conservative as asserting church's "living tradition" He backed traditionalists, but a conflicted flock, scandal, culture wars a trial to papacy, he saysStanley: Pope kept to principle,...

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Cardinal George likely to play key role in picking next pope

As he nears his own retirement, Cardinal Francis George will head to Rome likely to play a powerful role in choosing Pope Benedict...

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North Korea conducts third nuclear test, sparks condemnation

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea conducted its third-ever nuclear test on Tuesday, a move likely to anger its main ally China and increase international action against Pyongyang and its new young leader, Kim Jong-un. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned North Korea's test, saying it was a "clear and grave violation" of U.N. Security Council resolutions. South Korea said...

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Equities, oil steady; euro dips in holiday-thinned trade

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil and equities dawdled on Monday near multi-month highs scaled after robust Chinese trade data last week, while the euro slipped to a two-week low as uncertainty surrounded a political scandal in Spain and a looming election in Italy. With the Lunar New Year holiday shutting most Asian financial centers, including those in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and...

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Celtics outlast Nuggets in 3 OTs with 118-114 win

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics relied on their veterans to help them win the matchup of the NBA's two hottest teams.Paul Pierce had 27 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists and the Celtics extended their winning streak to seven games with a 118-114 triple overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.Boston's win also ended Denver's winning streak at nine games.Pierce made a tying 3-pointer in...

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What beats Grammy? Immortality

Legends beyond their own timeLegends beyond their own timeLegends beyond their own timeLegends beyond their own timeLegends beyond their own timeLegends beyond their own timeSTORY HIGHLIGHTSBob Greene: Grammy nominated acts should remember the real prize comes later in lifeHe says at a hotel he ran into a group of singing stars from an earlier era, in town for a showHe says the world of post-fame...

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Obama coming to Chicago to 'talk about the gun violence'

President Barack Obama will visit Chicago on Friday, when he will discuss gun violence as he focuses on his economic message...

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Gunbattle rocks Gao after rebels surprise French, Malians

GAO, Mali (Reuters) - Islamist insurgents launched a surprise raid in the heart of the Malian town of Gao on Sunday, battling French and local troops in a blow to efforts to secure Mali's recaptured north. Local residents hid in their homes or crouched behind walls as the crackle of gunfire from running street battles resounded through the sandy streets and mud-brick houses of the ancient...

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