Italian police seize assets estimated to be worth about 330m euros (£253m) from convicted businessman Gioacchino Campolo.

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Italian fraudster’s assets seized

The taxpayer could lose about £2bn once the assets of collapsed bank Northern Rock are wound down, the National Audit Office estimates.

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N Rock rescue ‘could cost £2bn’

President Obama plans to issue an executive order Wednesday giving the Treasury Department authority to freeze the U.S.-based assets of anyone who “obstructs” implementation of the administration-backed political transition in Yemen. Read full article > >

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Obama executive order will give Treasury authority to freeze U.S.-based assets in Yemen

President Obama’s 2011 assets include anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million held in a JPMorgan Chase checking account, according to annual financial disclosure forms released by the White House on Tuesday. Read full article > >

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Obamas’ 2011 assets valued at as much as $8 million; includes up to $1 million in JPMorgan Chase account

5@5 is a daily, food-related list from chefs, writers, political pundits, musicians, actors, and all manner of opinionated people from around the globe. It'd be a tragedy for you not to try the wines of Greece, that is if Andrea Englisis has a say in it. Englisis is co-owner of Athenee Importers , the largest importer and distributor of wine, spirits and beer from Greece and Cyprus in the United States. She also holds the Diploma in Wine and Spirits (DWS). Five Greek Wine Alternatives: Andrea Englisis 1. If you like Albariño, try Assyrtiko (ah-SEER-tee-ko) “Assyrtiko is a mineral driven grape with honeysuckle, mineral and citrus aromas and crisp acidity. Predominately grown on and originally from the crescent-shaped volcanic island of Santorini. Interestingly, Santorini is one of the most inhospitable places to grow grapes; the soil is virtually nutrient-free, rainfall is almost nonexistent and the hot winds throughout the summer can blow away anything not tethered to the ground. For all these reasons, all vineyard work including harvesting is done by hand.” Pairings: Seafood, shellfish and sushi Brands to look for: GAI'A (yeai-ah) and Argyros (ar-yee-ros) 2. If you like Pinot Gris or crisp floral whites, try a Moschofilero (mo-sko-FEE-le-ro) “It is a deep pink-skinned grape that makes very aromatic whites and rosés. The grape has beautiful floral notes and a lingering minerality. It is the only grape allowed in the region of Mantinia in the Peloponnese, which is surrounded by mountains, offering a cool climate and longer ripening periods.” Pairings: Shrimp scampi, fish tacos and Asian cuisine Brands to look for: USDA organic Domaine Spiropoulos 3. If you like southern Italian reds or Merlot, try Agiorgitiko (ai-your-YEE-tee-ko) “This variety produces a range of different wines, light rosés up to age-worthy reds. They are medium-bodied wines with softer tannins, making them very food friendly and perfect for summer. Grown in the Peloponnese, it is the principal grape of the Nemea region, and is Greece's most planted red grape variety.” Pairings: The rosés and lighter reds match well with a grilled meats and barbecue, or chilled for a picnic. Brands to look for: GAI'A and Domaine Spiropoulos 4. If you like Nebbiolo or northern Italian reds, try Xinomavro (ksee-NO-mav-ro) “The grape is intense, full-bodied, with hints of ripe black fruit and a lot of tannin. It also has a good acidity level, actually the name literally means 'acid black.' Xinomavro is found in the Naoussa and Amyndeon appellation zones in northern Greece. They are grown at altitudes ranging from 500 to 1,300 feet.” Pairings: Pasta Bolognese, venison, steak and other richly flavored dishes Brands to look for: 100% biodynamic Thymiopoulos Vineyards 5. If you like dessert wines, try a Muscat from Samos “The Muscat grape is a fairly popular around the Mediterranean; however, only in Samos does it produce luscious wines. The notes that prevail are fruity and floral with a pure aroma of grape. Muscat blanc à petits grains is the only grape that grows on the verdant island of Samos in the eastern Aegean Sea. The vineyards rest on terraced perches and harvest is done entirely by hand. Comparable to French Muscat appellations like Beaumes-de-Venise, these wines are half the price.” Pairings: Known as the ultimate dessert wine, they also pair extremely well with rich cheeses and nuts for a Greek happy hour Brands to look for : UWC of Samos Is there someone you'd like to see in the hot seat? Let us know in the comments below and if we agree, we'll do our best to chase 'em down.

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5@5 – Get to know Greek grapes

The Treasury Department said it would freeze the American-based assets of Japan’s largest yakuza, the syndicates whose criminal activity has become a concern in Washington.

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U.S. Penalizes Japan’s Largest Organized-Crime Group

Investors in money market funds “have been given a false sense of security,” and the industry needs more regulation because it is “working without a net,” the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission said Friday. Read full article > >

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SEC chief wants more rules for money market funds

Dozens of state attorneys general on Wednesday wrote Google’s chief executive to express “strong concerns” that the company’s new privacy policies starting next week will violate consumer privacy. In a letter to CEO Larry Page, the state attorneys general said the plan to begin sharing consumer data across Google’s services on March 1 “forces these consumers to allow information across all of these products to be shared, without giving them the proper ability to opt out.” Read full article > >

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State attorneys general: Google privacy changes appear to harm consumers

BRUSSELS — Europe banned the import of Iranian oil Monday and froze Europe-based assets of the Central Bank of Iran, intensifying an international campaign to choke Iran’s economy and force the radical Islamic government to dispel fears that it is working to develop nuclear weapons. Read full article > >

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Europe bans Iranian oil imports in push to curtail nuclear program

The prices of financial assets, which in normal conditions move in unpredictable directions, are increasingly surging up or down in lockstep.

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When Investors Rush In, and Out, Together

European regulators have ordered banks to raise capital and shrink their balance sheets, leading to the sale of assets to American businesses and financial firms.

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U.S. Firms See Europe Woes as Opportunities

As U.N. unfreezes assets.

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Leon Panetta Visits Libya

To acquire Chris Paul, Los Angeles is sending the Hornets four of its top assets: guard Eric Gordon, forward Al-Farouq Aminu, center Chris Kaman and a 2012 first-round draft pick.

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With N.B.A’.s Approval, Chris Paul Is on Way to Clippers

Even had it succeeded, the supercommittee would have failed. Ultimately, the only way to control federal spending and deficits is to suppress the upward spiral of health costs. These are already the budget’s largest single expense ( 27 percent in 2010, compared with 20 percent for defense), and their continued rapid growth, combined with the scheduled introduction of Obamacare, will soon bring them to nearly one-third. The supercommittee didn’t have the time or staff to solve a problem as contentious and complex as health care. Read full article > >

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A grim diagnosis for our ailing health care system

Government assets will be frozen.

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Arab League Sanctions Syria