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cious financial crisis the country has seen in half a century.
• It has been three years since Greece's government informed its fellow members in the 17-country group that uses the euro that its deficit was far higher than originally reported. It was the fuse that sparked financial turmoil still weighing heavily on eurozone countries. Countless rounds of negotiations ensued as European countries and the International Monetary Fund struggled to determine how best to put a lid on the crisis and stop it spreading.
• The result: Greece had to introduce stringent austerity measures in return for two international rescue loan packages worth a total of €240 billion ($312.84 billion), slashing salaries and pensions and hiking taxes.
• ___

• LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Britney Spears was coolly composed on the first live episode of "The X Factor." The same can't be said for new host Khloe Kardashian Odom and her microphone.
• Odom, adding to her reality TV credentials, was paired with Mario Lopez to emcee "X Factor" as the singing contest shifted Wednesday from taped to live broadcasts.
• Lopez, host of "Extra," performed like the pro he is. Odom came across like the novice she is, shouting her lines despite the mic clutched in her hand and making awkward small talk with contestants and judge and executive producer Simon Cowell.
• When Lopez teased 13-year-old singer Diamond White about having a boyfriend, the girl replied, "No, we're friends. My mom would kill me."
• "Don't let your mom kill you," exclaimed Odom, drawing a confused smile from White.
• ___

• SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A Halloween treat came hours early for San Francisco Giants baseball fans who turned out by the thousand -- many climbing trees and rooftops -- to cheer on the World Series champions during a confetti-drenched parade through the heart of town.

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