| International-program leader to leave county school system
The recent graduation ceremony for the fourth class in the Howard County schools' International Parent Leadership Program was bittersweet, because it also marked the departure of its coordinator, Young-chan Han.
Han -- who has accepted a job as parent-involvement specialist with the Program Improvement and Family Support Branch of the Maryland State Department of Education -- will work with families in Maryland's Title I schools, which serve large numbers of low-income children.
"I was ready for a challenge and something different," Han, 46, said. "I think that it is a good match."
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CORNER CUBE FRIDAY: TNA Impact review - a money match is taking shape
Jericho via DQ. Updated Wednesday, January 23 10:25 a.m. Last night's ECW had all the glitz and glamour of a big-feel show, but it ended on a downer note with the heels conspiring for an ECW Title change and a lackluster debut from Kofi Kingston. Colin D. remains great in the Big Three of mid-card excellence - Santino (Raw) and Jamie Noble (SD) being in his peer group. The Rumble video package was a nice touch to give ECW something tangible - anything! - to call their own in selling the PPV. But, without the usual filler ECW Title match for the PPV, it came down to booking a five-man battle royale that was too short to give viewers a real taste for the PPV. The production value to last night's show was a major upgrade over the previous ECW set. The previous set was designed to give ECW an "alternative" feel, but over time, "alternative" become second-rate and drab.
Republicans Push Tax Cuts In Florida Debate
Senator McCain voted against them," he said of the Bush tax cuts. "He now says they should be made permanent." Romney didn't say so, but he initially sidestepped questions about the tax cuts when he was governor. He told reporters earlier in the week that it wasn't often his habit to comment on federal legislation while he was governor. Huckabee offered qualified support for the stimulus package, saying he was concerned the Bush tax rebates would be financed by borrowing from foreign lenders such as China, and that consumers would then turn around and spend the money on Chinese products. "I have to wonder whose economy is going to be stimulated the most by the package," said the former Arkansas governor. The fifth candidate, Paul, said, "the government does have a responsibility, but it's supposed to lower taxes, get rid of regulations and devise a monetary policy that makes some sense." For McCain and Romney, the debate presented a chance to step out smartly in the struggle for victory in next week's Florida primary.
Bucking the Tide on Private Loans
As the scandals and debates over private lending have grown in recent months, conventional wisdom has held that private loans are a necessary evil. Sure, students and their families are taking on debt that is typically more expensive and more risky than federally backed loans. But as long as families feel that college costs are otherwise beyond their reach, private loans will continue to become more popular. .
Overview: Equities rebound but money market strains persist
New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.8 per cent, the S&P 500 was 0.9 per cent higher and the Nasdaq Composite was up 1.2 per cent. European stocks also powered ahead as the energy sector was boosted by a rise in oil prices. The FTSE Eurofirst 300 index rose 1.2 per cent but failed to pull back above the 1,483 level at which it started the year. Asian markets recovered from an early sell-off to end broadly higher. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 Average rose 1.1 per cent, Hong Kong gained the same amount – snapping a three-day losing run – and Singapore gained 0.8 per cent. On the money markets, interbank lending rates continued to rise, with the three-month sterling Libor rate hitting a two-month high – its eighth successive increase. The two-month euro Libor rate hit its highest since May 2001, reflecting the strong demand for cash over the new year period.
Payday lending group tries clearer disclosure
The payday lending industry has been under a lot of scrutiny in Ohio and around the country in recent months. On Thursday, a group representing about 60 percent of the country's payday lenders announced a new initiative it believes will address the criticism. The Community Financial Services Association of America will now require each member of its organization to post their fees and rates on posters at least 18 inches by 22 inches in area with type at least half an inch tall. “We have an obligation to make sure our customers understand how much the payday advance will cost before they enter into the transaction," said D. Lynn DeVault, the president-elect of the association. Payday lenders always have been required to provide that information, but the new requirements will make it even more obvious to potential borrowers, DeVault said.
Binmen to decide next move
Once these latest negotiations are over union chiefs will speak to the crews and hold a mass vote to decide what action should be taken next. Unison branch secretary Dave Smith believes the talks could go either way, saying that there is a 50-50 chance of further strikes. Mr Smith said: "Whatever happens today a decision will be made. Realistically I'd say there was a 50-50 chance of us having to strike again but lets hope we can resolve this without having to do that." Binmen have already taken to the picket line for a total of three days following the introduction of changes to work practices by Eastleigh Borough Council. .
MITCHELL THE FORGOTTEN MAN
The West Ham star might be about to make the leap into our top ten sooner rather than later with promoter Frank Warren claiming after the fight that he wants to keep Mitchell busy and see him box at least five times this year. Mitchell, a classy, accurate box-puncher who has been forgotten somewhat due to the emergence of Amir Khan, is also setting his sights high in 2008. "I want to win the British, European and world titles this year," he explained after the fight. I'm not sure that he'll earn a world title crack in the 11 and a bit months that remain in 2008 but there is every chance he could lift the British belt as his rescheduled clash with Johanesson could take place on March 8 when David Haye and Enzo Maccarinelli collide. On the British beat this month former British, European and Commonwealth super-bantam ruler Esham Pickering scored an exciting stoppage win over Sean Hughes at Burton's Meadowside Leisure Centre.
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