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Neil Patrick Harris brings magic to new Oscars promo
Academy Awards host Neil Patrick Harris proves he's larger than life in the latest promo for the star-studded Academy Awards show.

In the clip, the 41-year-old star appears to be polishing a huge Oscar statue that he can only reach by standing on a ladder. Then just like magic, he walks toward the camera, picks up the award in his hand and flicks the tiny ladder off the screen.

"It's looking like it's going to be an amazing show," he says in the clip. "Anything can happen ... anything."

In October, the award-winning actor said it was "truly an honor and a thrill to be asked to host this year’s Academy Awards.”

“I grew up watching the Oscars and was always in such awe of some of the greats who hosted the show,” he added.

Watch Harris host the Academy Awards on ABC Feb. 22.

ON A MOBILE DEVICE? WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.
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Academy Awards host Neil Patrick Harris proves he's larger than life in the latest promo for the star-studded show.
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ANZ to ‘vigorously defend’ interest rate rigging case
ANZ has rejected allegations by the corporate watchdog that it was involved in interest rate rigging and says it will “vigorously” defend legal action.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission started federal court proceedings on Friday for “unconscionable conduct and market manipulation” by ANZ in relation to the rate at which banks lend each other money.

Related: ANZ faces legal action by regulator over alleged interest rate rigging

ASIC has been investigating major banks over the integrity of their past bank bill swap rate (BBSW) submissions since 2012, suspecting traders of manipulating the rate to make more money.

ANZ is the first of Australia’s major banks to face action.

“We believe the Commission’s statement of claim is based on a misunderstanding of how bank bill issuance and interest rate risk management operates and the limited case law which applies to this area,” ANZ chief risk officer Nigel Williams said in a statement.

“Our practices in the BBSW market were consistent with Australian market practices in wholesale financial markets and we reject ASIC’s characterisation of the transactions in question.”

UBS, BNP Paribas and Royal Bank of Scotland have already acknowledged what ASIC called evidence of conduct seeking to influence the BBSW.

The trio of international banks also donated a total $2.6 million to independent financial literacy projects after agreeing to enforceable undertakings in relation to potential misconduct.

“We have cooperated fully with ASIC’s investigation over many months, at a cost of many millions of dollars,” Williams said.

“It is now for the courts to provide clarity on trading practices.”
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Australian Securities and Investments Commission starts federal court proceedings for ‘unconscionable conduct and market manipulation’ by ANZ
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$10 million upgrade extends Embarcadero promenade into heart of wharf
The old Pier 43 parking lot was closed in 2008 because of deteriorating structural conditions. (Courtesy Port of San Francisco)

It might just look like a nice sidewalk with benches, historically designed street lamps and first-rate views of the bay. But you should have seen it before.

The new Pier 43 promenade in Fisherman’s Wharf used to be a dilapidated parking lot, albeit with the best view in town for your empty car. Then it became so rundown it couldn’t even serve as a parking lot for the last several years, a port official said.

On Monday, city officials cut the ribbon on the $10 million rehab that essentially extended the Embarcadero promenade another 880 feet, creating a waterfront pedestrian link between Pier 39 and the Taylor Street crab sellers. The work included installing picnic tables and 57 benches with fine views of the historic Pier 43 Ferry Arch and Alcatraz.

“We actually have a new front yard here at Fisherman’s Wharf,” said Planning Commission President Rodney Fong, whose family owns the nearby Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf.

The promenade project, funded by a 2008 parks bond, port bonds, a homeland security lighting grant and the San Francisco Bay Trail Program, included repairing a 110-year old seawall that is hidden below the new walkway.

It’s one of a series of improvements along or near the water, including overhauling the streetscape along Jefferson Street in Fisherman’s Wharf, that the city hopes to have done in time for the America’s Cup regatta next summer.

The new promenade. (Courtesy Port of San Francisco)
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Answer: $10 million upgrade extends Embarcadero promenade into heart of wharf