I've got to remember this little gimmick. Everytime you have an agenda to push or a rumor to ignite just begin your sentence with, "Likely to fuel speculation," and then say whatever outlandish thing you want to. For instance, "Observers noted that Dan Rather has had a new lily pond garden area installed in his back yard. This is likely to fuel speculation that he will use it to drown puppies and kittens."
My, my, my. That is a nifty little trick, isn't it?