World stocks up as Europe stabilizes, Japan grows (AP)

BANGKOK ? World stocks rose Monday after Japan's economy grew for the first time in four quarters and Europe moved closer to resolving a debt crisis that threatens to hurl the region into recession.

Benchmark oil hovered near $99 per barrel while the dollar gained against the euro but fell against the yen.

European stocks were higher in early trading. Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.1 percent at 5,551.35, while Germany's DAX gained marginally to 6,059.49. France's CAC-40 added 0.1 percent to 3,154.03.

Wall Street was headed for a higher opening, with Dow Jones industrial futures gaining 0.2 percent to 12,141 while S&P 500 futures rose 0.1 percent at 1,263.30.

Asian markets posted solid gains earlier in the day. Japan's Nikkei 225 index added 1.1 percent to close at 8,603.70. Hong Kong's Hang Seng surged 2 percent to 19,508.18 and South Korea's Kospi climbed 2.1 percent to 1,902.81

On mainland China, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index gained 1.9 percent to 2,528.71 while the smaller Shenzhen Composite Index jumped 2.5 percent to 1,083.04. Benchmarks in Singapore, Australia, and Indonesia were also higher.

Hopeful signs emerged over the weekend from Europe after Silvio Berlusconi reluctantly bowed to market pressure and resigned as Italy's premier. His successor, economist Mario Monti, faces the monumental task of enacting profound reforms aimed at preventing Italy from defaulting on its huge debts.

Unlike Greece, Portugal and Ireland ? which have received emergency financial help from international lenders ? Italy is considered much too big to bail out. Its next government must push through austerity measures to deal with euro1.9 trillion ($2.6 trillion) in debt.

"There is a silver lining from the past two weeks of political uncertainties in Greece and Italy," analysts at DBS Bank Ltd. in Singapore said in a report. "Both countries now have leaders who are not only closer to the European Union, but are also moving towards forming technocratic governments better suited to implement much needed reforms."

Investment confidence was also boosted after Japan released data showing its economy ? sent into recession by a record earthquake ? had surged in the latest quarter. The economy jumped 6 percent, the first expansion for the world's No. 3 economy in four quarters.

The surge comes as Japan claws its way out of a crisis stemming from an earthquake and tsunami that decimated factories across the country's northeast on March 11.

Since then, the country has steadily restored its factories, helping the economy rebound despite the threats of a financial crisis in Europe, slowing global economy and a strong yen.

In Greece, there was good news Friday, as former central banker Lucas Papademos was sworn in as interim prime minister following a political crisis that jeopardized the country's ability to continue receiving emergency loans.

Papademos must now get his government to agree to a debt deal that will net the country billions of euros in acutely needed rescue money ? provided that it enacts painful austerity measures including tax hikes and sharp cuts in public spending.

Without the rescue money, Greece's faces insolvency and a massive default on its debts ? an event that experts believe could set off a banking crisis and eventually blow up into an all-out European recession.

But some analysts suggested Europe's crisis was already beyond repair and that no realistic amount of budget-cutting or aid could revive Greece's comatose economy or relieve Italy of the mountain of IOUs that it is sitting on.

"I am not very optimistic. All those who think the euro has stabilized or that Europe has stability, I think they are wrong," said Tom Kaan of Louis Capital Markets in Hong Kong. "The risk is still very much out there."

Rising energy prices helped lift resource shares. Hong Kong-listed China Coal Energy Co. rose 4.6 percent. China National Offshore Oil Corp. gained 2.3 percent.

High-tech shares also advanced. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing rose 3.4 percent and South Korea's Hynix Semiconductor, the world's second-largest memory chip maker, added 3.5 percent.

A resumption of service by bullet trains that had been recalled following a deadly crash in July sent Chinese rail shares bounding. Hong Kong-listed China Railway Group soared 8.6 percent and China Railway Construction Co. surged 9.3 percent.

State-owned Xinhua news Agency quoted a Ministry of Railways official as saying that the trains have been repaired and would start entering service on Wednesday.

Still, plenty of uncertainty hangs over financial markets as traders await U.S. economic data. Reports on October retail sales, inflation and housing data are due this week, starting Tuesday.

Despite its 2.5 percent growth rate last quarter, the U.S. economy remains fragile. The Federal Reserve recently lowered its economic outlook for 2012. The central bank predicted that the economy will grow at a rate of about 2.7 percent next year. That is a full percentage point below a forecast from June, and below the 3 to 5 percent annual growth rate that is considered healthy.

On Wall Street, stocks surged Friday after Italy and Greece moved closer to getting their financial crises under control.

The Dow Jones industrial average jumped or 2.2 percent to 12,153.68. The S&P 500 rose 1.9 percent to 1,263.85. The Nasdaq composite rose or 2 percent to 2,678.75.

Benchmark crude for December delivery was down 10 cents at $98.89 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract rose $1.21 to settle at $98.99 in New York on Friday.

In currency trading, the euro fell to $1.3726 from $1.3747 late Friday in New York. The dollar fell to 77.01 yen from 77.17 yen.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/europe/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111114/ap_on_re_as/world_markets

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Iran exile group claims blast hits missile base (AP)

WASHINGTON ? An Iranian exile group claims that a blast at a military installation near Tehran has resulted from the explosion of rockets at a base for the missile forces of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.

A former spokesman for the Mujahedin-e Khalq or MEK in Washington, citing reliable sources inside Iran, said Saturday that the explosion hit the Modarres Garrison of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps west of Tehran. Alireza Jafarzadeh said the garrison belongs to the IGRC's missile unit and the blasts "resulted from the explosion of IRGC missiles."

Iranian officials said the blast was the result of an accidental explosion at an ammunition depot. They said it killed at least 27 soldiers.

Iran has been hit by several mysterious explosions in recent years but an Iranian lawmaker ruled out sabotage.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/iran/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20111112/ap_on_re_us/us_us_iran_explosion

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Jobs report hints at some improvement (Reuters)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) ? U.S. hiring slowed in October but the unemployment rate hit a six-month low and job gains in the prior two months were stronger than previously thought, pointing to some improvement in the still-weak labor market.

The employment report on Friday was the latest data to suggest the economy was gathering a bit of momentum and a further indication recession risks were fading.

Nonfarm payrolls rose a tepid 80,000 last month, the Labor Department data showed, below economists' expectations for a gain of 95,000 and a slowdown from September.

But employers added 102,000 more jobs than previously estimated in August and September, and the jobless rate edged down to 9 percent from 9.1 percent, taking the sting out of the report.

"Hiring is not booming, but I don't think there is any sign of recession. The risk of the economy falling into a second recession over the next six to 12 months has been reduced, but we still have a very long way to go," said Ryan Sweet, a senior economist at Moody's Analytics in West Chester Pennsylvania.

The household survey, from which the unemployment rate is derived, showed strong job gains for a third straight month, more than offsetting an increase in labor force as more Americans resumed the hunt for work.

For financial markets, the report was overshadowed by developments in Europe where rich nations appeared to back away from a plan to broaden a euro zone bailout fund. Stocks on Wall Street were down more than 1 percent in morning trade.

Prices for U.S. Treasury debt rose and the dollar firmed across the board, tapping flight to quality bids.

SLOW PROGRESS

The labor market remains the Achilles heel of the U.S. recovery, and progress putting the 13.9 million unemployed Americans back to work remains painfully slow.

The slight improvements in the labor market hinted at by Friday's report will likely do little to take the pressure off President Barack Obama, who faces a tough fight for re-election next year.

However, they may be enough to keep the Federal Reserve on the sidelines as it considers whether the economy could benefit from a further quantitative easing of monetary policy.

"The labor market data suggest that growth may be strengthening even as Europe may be slipping into recession," said John Ryding, chief economist at RDQ Economics in New York. "As impatient as the Fed may be, it will be difficult to round up a consensus for QE3 as long as the employment data are pointing to an improving economy."

The U.S. central bank on Wednesday lowered its growth forecasts, raised projections for unemployment, and said it was considering additional mortgage debt purchases. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said officials were eyeing Europe warily.

LACKLUSTER JOB GROWTH

Even though the economy is in its second year of recovery, only about a quarter of the more than 8 million jobs lost during the recession have been recovered.

The economy needs to expand at an annual rate of at least 2.5 percent over a sustained period and consistently add roughly 125,000 jobs a month to keep up with new people entering the workforce.

The Obama administration has struggled to come up with policies to generate sufficient employment amid stiff opposition from Republicans over more spending.

Bernanke took lawmakers to task on Wednesday. "It would be helpful if we could get assistance from some other parts of the government to work with us to help create more jobs," he said after a two-day Fed meeting.

There are signs of progress. A broad measure of unemployment, which includes people who want to work but have given up looking for jobs and those working only part time for economic reasons, fell last month after scaling a nine-month high in September.

The average duration of unemployment retreated from a record high of 40.5 weeks hit in September.

Last month, private employers added 104,000 workers, more than offsetting a drop in government payrolls of 24,000. Public employment has fallen nearly every month this year as state and local governments grapple with budget constraints.

In the private sector, job gains last month were almost across the board, though construction fell 10,000 after a surprise addition of 29,000 jobs in September.

Manufacturing payrolls rose 5,000 after a slight decline in September. In the service sector, retail employment added to the prior month's gains.

There were also gains in professional and business services, and temporary employment, which rose 15,000. Economists often look to temporary hiring as a harbinger of increased permanent employment.

Hiring in the healthcare and social assistance sector, which has been boosted by the swelling ranks of retirees, rose 16,300. However, the gain was less than the prior months.

The average workweek was steady at 34.3 hours and hourly earnings rose 5 cents.

(Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Neil Stempleman)

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/economy/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20111104/bs_nm/us_usa_economy

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Watchdog group: Cain campaign broke campaign-finance laws

By NBC's Michael Isikoff

In a legal complaint filed today, a public watchdog group charged that Herman Cain's top campaign aide illegally used corporate funds to pay for iPads and charter flights for Cain's fledgling presidential campaign.

The charges are based on documents -- first disclosed this week by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel -- showing that funds from a non-profit founded by Cain campaign Chief of Staff Mark Block (called Prosperity USA) were used to pay early expenses for Cain's presidential campaign.

Non-profit groups are barred by law from contributing to political campaigns.

The Cain campaign has said it has retained an outside counsel to investigate the allegations. Cain's campaign lawyer told NBC this week, "We take these allegations very seriously," but declined further comment or to identify the outside counsel.

The complaint alleging election law violations was filed with the Federal Election Commission by the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics (CREW) in Washington. Melanie Sloan, the group's executive director, said:

"As hard as Mr. Cain is trying to prove himself a different kind of candidate, he still has to play by the same rules as everyone else. It is not sufficient for the Cain campaign to investigate itself. Rather, the FEC-- the federal agency charged with enforcing campaign finance laws -- must look into the matter."
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Non-profit groups like Prosperity USA are not required to disclose their donors. But Americans for Prosperity, the conservative advocacy group for whom Block once worked, said Thursday it is reviewing "financial dealings" it had with Prosperity USA.

Americans for Prosperity -- at whose annual meeting Cain is speaking today -- also does not disclose its donors. It was founded by David and Charles Koch, of Koch Industries, and it's closely affiliated with the Tea Party.

Source: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/04/8635639-watchdog-group-cain-campaign-broke-campaign-finance-laws

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Strategies Your current Auto Insurance Business Doesn't Want One ...

Many motorists rely on good faith and may certainly not expect to be required to take legal action against his or her car insurance organization in order to receive payment with regard to expenditures as a result of an accident. Generally, nearly all simply want to have their own auto restored along with their medical bills paid.

Regrettably, the actual auto insurance Temecula ca legal professionals regarding Mich Automobile Legislation deal with many automobile insurance firms on a regular basis that take advantage of their potential customers by reducing their benefits without having reason or recognize. Some insurance agencies additionally place individuals ?under investigation?- the actual reason with regard to ending payment coming from all medical bills and salary reduction. Folks are becoming dismissed, endangered, unnerved and in many cases lied to by their particular insurance coverage statements adjusters.

The following are typical techniques used by many auto insurance businesses to either steer clear of as well as reduce their own affiliate marketer payouts in order to consumers. Tips tend to be included about how you?ll be able to shield you to ultimately stay away from or even lessen issues with your car insurance provider.

One. Many constraints along with restrictions are usually laid to rest inside your policy?s details in it

Understanding how to see as well as understand the fine print regarding vehicle insurance guidelines isn?t simple. Vechicle accident attorneys have observed too many people forget critical benefits because they had been not aware of crucial declaring requirements smothered in their plans. As an example, several auto insurance plans cause stringent notice specifications, including 30 days observe with regard to hit-and-run injuries. A lot of legal agreements have got individual circumstances with regard to without being insured and also under-insured cars protection requiring really quick recognize, and also insurance carriers can alter his or her policy declaring requirements anytime. While motor vehicle accident sufferers tend not to reply to notice demands punctually, they could drop his or her insurance coverage.

The best way to shield on your own:

Inform your current insurance company right after any kind of crash. Ensure you get your total car insurance plan, which include just about any notification associated with insurance coverage adjustments coming from year upon year. This may also include catalogues as well as records which might be mailed along with restoration claims, exhibiting any kind of insurance plan conditions as well as changes. Nearly all policies incorporate terms, problems, protecting contracts along with relegations together with situations.

It?s also important to check out insurance policies for virtually any rewards in which overlap with your own health and impairment insurance policy; also to evaluate any extra insurance (including without insurance and also under-insured cars insurance coverage). Whenever obtaining continuous medical care regarding motor vehicle accident accidental injuries, having a reliable understanding of insurance policies can help make sure that health care providers expenses correctly.

If you are mistaken for your own automobile insurance coverage and have questions, make sure you speak to a legal professional that concentrates on auto accidents the majority are happy to provide advice along with direction for the defense.

Only two. Insurance providers don?t usually recommend the very best insurance coverage

Carrying out a car crash, there is several concerns along with difficulties moving medical insurance strategies, been able care ideas, retirement living strategies including ERISA, and coordinated/uncoordinated policies. In addition, insurance coverage agents may well prevent mentioning essential insurance coverage alternatives and applicable savings due to payment deficits or even lower monthly premiums which decrease their commission rates.

Lots of people choose to have far more insurance plan in order that they are not privately accountable should they create a severe car accident. Nevertheless, some individuals pay only the actual lowest insurance coverage high quality to resume his or her licenses denture every year, and then permit the automobile insurance mistake. With no uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance plan, a person or perhaps loved ones greatly injured by simply a good without being insured motorist could have absolutely no way to obtain legitimate restoration for their accidents besides processing a case up against the uninsured motorist for his or her personal belongings. Most of the people would not have ample individual net worth to compensate somebody who they?ve got significantly harmed.

The way to guard your self:

In case you are hurt in an vechicle accident, contact an seasoned vechicle accident attorney at law that is most qualified to deliver guidance on troubles of which insurance coverage is major, along with who is financially responsible medical bills which can be sustained from a lock up.

In case you have ERISA health insurance, uncoordinated or main coverage may be the safe and sound shift. An covered with insurance particular person along with both ERISA along with coordinated insurance may end upwards recovering nothing at all for their pain and suffering in the eventuality of an accident.

Check your insurance policies pertaining to uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage of at least $100,000 every particular person as well as $300,Thousand for each incident. If this type of coverage can be lacking, speak to your insurer to incorporate the idea the charge is minimal as well as recommended to guard you and your family.

Elevating your deductibles in order to at the very least $500 or higher can also lessen your automobile insurance payments by simply 15 % to Forty percent. Consider dropping impact and/or complete protection about elderly vehicles. Should your vehicle may be worth less than 10 x the particular high quality, reducing individuals insurance coverages could help you save income, if you don?t even now must pay back cash for your automobile. Last but not least, if there is any kind of decrease in the quantity of a long way a person generate every year, get hold of your insurer with regard to estimates about reduced usage special discounts.

Three or more. Accident Pay out Offers Will almost always be Lacking

Think about you only experienced destructive accidental injuries from the car accident and are now recuperating in your house, in pain, and also being concerned about how exactly you?re going to pay your bills. A coverage agent knocks on your door having a look for $100,500 on your crash. With all the physical and emotional trauma after a car accident, a great deal of income appears excellent, and a few patients hurry straight into accepting the 1st negotiation supply. Nevertheless identifying the need for an auto accident circumstance will go beyond an easy calculation of injury kind, upcoming expenditures not really protected by no-fault insurance coverage as well as the wrongdoer?s coverage limit. Supplying to be in is actually the backdoor approach by simply insurance agencies to conserving lawsuits costs on the expense of a car accident victim?s to the full restoration.

How to guard on your own:

This never is painful in order to get in touch with a car accident attorney at law and ask for advice. Many lawyers could describe automobile accident legislations, what you are eligible to and be sure your individual insurance carrier will be paying almost everything these are supposed to * without fee or even duty.

Several. Releases and Registered Claims Are generally Sent Ahead of time in order to Overwhelm Automobile accident Subjects

Several sufferers hurry directly into signing adjusters? papers without having the language analyzed simply by a vehicle accident legal professional, thinking these are simply simple verifications of the automobile accident. As a result, they will often get rid of their particular to prosecute any negligent new driver for accident-related injuries. Boasts adjusters typically try to obtain documented assertions earlier, hoping to lessen your individuals discomfort and accidental injuries for later in the courtroom. Perhaps car or truck damage produces can contain not related words that may endanger the various other statements.

How you can protect your self:

Never ever give statements to a incident promises insurance adjuster and never indicator a new release or even allow the claims adjuster to check out the automobile damage. Simply explain to the insurance adjuster you?ll want to evaluate the paperwork with your criminal defense attorneys in los angeles and will return to these with the reply. Regardless of how desperate you may sense after suffering your economic problem regarding healthcare expenses, lost pay and also disabling soreness, including a car accident legal professional will guarantee your current rights are protected. Remember that the actual boasts adjuster utilizes the insurer, and it has the welfare in mind ? not your harmed victim.

Your five. Standard practice is always to refuse or perhaps delay claim affiliate marketor payouts

Most of the people suffering accidental injuries coming from a car wreck get in touch with his or her car insurance company to learn what to do up coming. That they feel that whenever they follow the method, they?re going to get honest, timely pay out pertaining to accidents resulting from your vehicle automobile accident. In the end, these people taken care of your vehicle insurance plan because of this ? being coated in case of an accident.

Nevertheless numerous insurance providers take part in common delay methods which includes denying boasts, not necessarily going back calls, positioning folks on hold pertaining to considerable times, necessitating any target for you to frequently accumulate information, along with moving you against one insurer to another location. Shortly the fiscal problem of time off operate and also installation health care bills drives not guilty motor vehicle accident patients to call a lawyer. Or even more serious, commemorate these people eager ample to just accept an extremely lower pay out supply, decreasing any future recuperation regarding damage.

The best way to protect your self:

In case you are encountering these typical hold off techniques, contact an car crash criminal lawyer Chicago who are able to assist you with getting your assert prepared and the benefits you are eligible to beneath your state legislations.

Bottom Line:

If the auto accident requires accidental injuries to you and/or all your family members (also apparently minimal incidents), check with an accident attorney immediately. You won?t just better understand what advantages you might be eligible for, but you will have the comfort realizing that an individual acquired the entire valuation on advantages and also pay out accessible to harmed drivers.

Source: http://thegoodeggproject.com/strategies-your-current-auto-insurance-business-doesnt-want-one-to-recognize/

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Jury begins considering fate of Jackson doctor

Dr. Conrad Murray listens as defense attorney Ed Chernoff, not pictured, gives the defense's closing arguments during the final stage of Conrad Murray's defense in his involuntary manslaughter trial in the death of singer Michael Jackson at the Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. Murray has pleaded not guilty and faces four years in prison and the loss of his medical licenses if convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, Pool)

Dr. Conrad Murray listens as defense attorney Ed Chernoff, not pictured, gives the defense's closing arguments during the final stage of Conrad Murray's defense in his involuntary manslaughter trial in the death of singer Michael Jackson at the Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. Murray has pleaded not guilty and faces four years in prison and the loss of his medical licenses if convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, Pool)

Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney David Walgren delivers his closing arguments during the final stage of Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial in the death of singer Michael Jackson at the Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 in Los Angeles. Murray has pleaded not guilty and faces four years in prison and the loss of his medical licenses if convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. (AP Photo/ Kevork Djansezian, Pool)

Defense Attorney Ed Chernoff addresses the jury during the defense's closing arguments during the final stage of Conrad Murray's defense in his involuntary manslaughter trial in the death of singer Michael Jackson at the Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 in Los Angeles. Murray has pleaded not guilty and faces four years in prison and the loss of his medical licenses if convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, Pool)

Dr. Conrad Murray prepares to leave for lunch recess after the prosecution had delivered its closing arguments during the final stage of Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial in the death of singer Michael Jackson at the Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 in Los Angeles. Murray has pleaded not guilty and faces four years in prison and the loss of his medical licenses if convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. (AP Photo/ Kevork Djansezian, Pool)

Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney David Walgren projects a calendar on screen to chronicle events for the jury during his closing arguments during the final stage of Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial in the death of singer Michael Jackson at the Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 in Los Angeles. Murray has pleaded not guilty and faces four years in prison and the loss of his medical licenses if convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. (AP Photo/ Kevork Djansezian, Pool)

LOS ANGELES (AP) ? After six weeks of listening, jurors in the involuntary manslaughter case of Michael Jackson's doctor began deliberations Friday morning.

Their discussions behind closed doors in a downtown Los Angeles courthouse could lead to the conviction or acquittal of Dr. Conrad Murray, whom the panel has heard described alternately as an inept and opportunistic physician or a na?ve outsider granted access into Jackson's inner realm.

The seven-man, five-woman panel listened intently Thursday as prosecutors and defense attorneys argued over whether Murray should be convicted of involuntary manslaughter for Jackson's death in June 2009. The physician's attorneys attacked prosecutors and their witnesses, saying they had over time developed stories and theories that placed the blame for Jackson's death squarely on Murray.

Media were camped outside the courthouse and in the courtroom where the jury's decision will eventually be read. There was no sign of Murray or attorneys handling the case, but they will receive a two-hour notice when a verdict is reached. Murray waived the need for his presence if the panel asks any questions, but must be present when a verdict is reached.

Jackson died from a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol; Murray has acknowledged giving Jackson propofol to help him sleep.

The real reason Jackson died, defense attorney Ed Chernoff argued, was because he craved the powerful anesthetic so much that he gave himself a fatal injection when Murray left his bedside.

"They want you to convict Dr. Murray for the actions of Michael Jackson," Chernoff said.

"Poor Conrad Murray," prosecutor David Walgren replied in his final speech to jurors. "Michael Jackson is dead. And we have to hear about poor Conrad Murray and no doctor knows what it's like to be in his shoes."

Walgren noted that several doctors who testified ? including two who were called by Murray's attorneys ? said they would have never given the singer anesthesia in his bedroom.

Murray is solely to blame for Jackson's death, Walgren argued, saying Murray had purchased more than four gallons of propofol to administer to Jackson and had been giving him nightly doses to help him sleep.

Walgren repeatedly described Murray's treatments on Jackson as unusual and called his actions on the day of the singer's death ? including not calling 911 and not mentioning his propofol doses to paramedics or other doctors ? "bizarre."

Murray was essentially experimenting on Jackson, Walgren said. Murray should have known Jackson might die from the treatments, yet he lacked the proper life-saving and monitoring equipment.

"What is unusual and unpredictable is that Michael Jackson lived as long as he did under the care of Conrad Murray in this situation," Walgren said.

The prosecutor repeatedly invoked the singer's children, Prince, Paris and Blanket, and said Murray's actions left them without a father. The children, who range in ages from 9 to 14, were not present, but Jackson's parents and several of his siblings attended closing arguments.

The Houston-based cardiologist's culpability will be decided by jurors, who heard from 49 witnesses and have more than 300 pieces of evidence to consider. They were given lengthy instructions about how to deliberate and interpret the case.

If Murray is convicted, he faces a sentence that ranges from probation to four years behind bars, and he would lose his medical license. The sentence will be decided by Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor and not the jury; the judge will receive input from attorneys for both sides and probation officials if necessary. A recent change in California law means that Murray, 58, might serve any incarceration in a county jail rather than a state prison.

If acquitted, Murray would be free from criminal prosecution, but will likely be pursued by medical licensing authorities in the states of California, Nevada and Texas.

In order to convict Murray, jurors will have to determine the cardiologist was substantially responsible for Jackson's death.

Despite days of scientific testimony about what likely happened in Jackson's bedroom from experts for Murray and the prosecution, Walgren acknowledged that some things about the events in the King of Pop's bedroom that led to his death will never be known.

"The people won't prove exactly what happened behind those closed doors," he said. "Michael Jackson could give answers, but he is dead."

___

AP Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch contributed to this report.

___

McCartney can be reached at http://twitter.com/mccartneyAP

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2011-11-04-Michael%20Jackson-Doctor/id-4d3fae52d0d34e93ada288e2fd8c816c

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Video game playing tied to creativity

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Both boys and girls who play video games tend to be more creative, regardless of whether the games are violent or nonviolent, according to new research by Michigan State University scholars.

A study of nearly 500 12-year-olds found that the more kids played video games, the more creative they were in tasks such as drawing pictures and writing stories. In contrast, use of cell phones, the Internet and computers (other than for video games) was unrelated to creativity, the study found.

Linda Jackson, professor of psychology and lead researcher on the project, said the study appears to be the first evidence-based demonstration of a relationship between technology use and creativity. About 72 percent of U.S. households play video or computer games, according to the Entertainment Software Association.

The MSU findings should motivate game designers to identify the aspects of video game activity that are responsible for the creative effects, Jackson said.

"Once they do that, video games can be designed to optimize the development of creativity while retaining their entertainment values such that a new generation of video games will blur the distinction between education and entertainment," Jackson said.

The researchers surveyed 491 middle-school students as part of MSU's Children and Technology Project, which is funded by the National Science Foundation. The survey assessed how often the students used different forms of technology and gauged their creativity with the widely used Torrance Test of Creativity-Figural.

The Torrance test involved tasks such as drawing an "interesting and exciting" picture from a curved shape, giving the picture a title and then writing a story about it.

Overall, the study found that boys played video games more than girls, and that boys favored games of violence and sports while girls favored games involving interaction with others (human or nonhuman).

Yet, regardless of gender, race or type of game played, greater video game playing was the only technology to be associated with greater creativity.

The study appears online in the research journal Computers in Human Behavior.

###

Michigan State University: http://www.newsroom.msu.edu

Thanks to Michigan State University for this article.

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Source: http://www.labspaces.net/114869/Video_game_playing_tied_to_creativity_

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