| Swan blames inflation rise on previous govt
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has used today's inflation figures to attack the previous Howard Government's economic record. The Consumer Price Index has risen a slightly higher than expected 0.9 per cent, driven by petrol prices, banking costs, rising rents and domestic holidays. That takes annual inflation to 3 per cent, which is right on the Reserve Bank's upper limit. Perhaps more importantly, the central bank's own two underlying measures have surged to 3.8 and 3.4 per cent. Today's cost of living figures from the Bureau of Statistics are seen as crucial ahead of next month's interest rates decision from the Reserve Bank. Mr Swan says elevated inflation is the Liberal Party's parting gift to Australian families. "Now it's pretty clear when you look at underlying inflation that these pressures have taken a long time to build," he said.
Students targeted by new file-sharing bill
This is a big deal, folks! A number of student bodies have already blanketed their Congressional delegations with letters and phone calls, citing their frustration with the proposed legislation. Would be great if Yalies did the same (read: it does actually make a difference... sometimes). While you are home for the holidays, thinking of ways to amuse yourself - let both your hometown's congressional delegations and New Haven's delegates know that this type of legislation is NOT the solution to the MPAA's current war on piracy. The US music/movie industry needs a facelift, regardless - putting the onus on unemployed college students is irresponsible. - DC-based alum .
Fitch Rates Alaska HFC $80.9MM Home Mtge Revs 2008 A 'AA+'
A bonds is affirmed. The current offering is the tenth series of bonds issued under a master trust indenture dated May 1, 2002 that pledges mortgage revenues, investment earnings, reserves and other funds to the bonds. The bonds' 'AA+' rating reflects the amounts on deposit in funds and accounts including a loan loss fund held under the indenture, the strong credit quality of the expected underlying collateral and related credit enhancements, the adequacy of projected pledged revenues to pay debt service, and the strong management capabilities and financial strength of AHFC. Credit concerns include the geographic concentration of the loan portfolio and vulnerability of the state's real estate market to the limited, oil-dependent economy. Additionally, the bonds are general obligations (rated 'AA+') of the corporation.
Anti-War Groups Retreat
Tom Andrews of the group Win Without War. "We're spending $8 [billion] to $10 billion a month." During Tuesday night's presidential debate, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) referenced the kind of legislation that the anti-war crowd will be backing when she asked Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) if he would co-sponsor a bill to prevent the president from entering into any long-term agreements with the Iraqi government without consulting Congress. Obama spokesman Ben LaBolt said Obama will "support all common-sense efforts to ensure that President Bush does not tie the hands of future presidents through agreements with the Iraqi government." In December, Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) sent a strongly worded letter to Bush asking for information about what types of agreements the president planned to enter into and urging that he consult with Congress first.
Bank of America to buy struggling mortgage provider
Bank of America announced yesterday that it is buying Countrywide Financial Corp., the largest mortgage broker in the United States, in an all-stock transaction worth about US$4 billion. The takeover by the largest US consumer bank could help save the California-based company from bankruptcy, but possible impact on jobs was not immediately detailed, observers said. A statement from Bank of America's headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, said the acquisition will make it the nation's largest mortgage lender and loan service provider. Countrywide, the subject of widespread talk about possible impending bankruptcy in recent days, "will benefit from the stability of being part of the largest and one of the most financially strong financial institutions in the United States," the bank said in the statement.
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. .
Megson is the man for Gartside
Several shrewd moves in the transfer market helped. He is a good manager & he signed Kanu. KANU at ALBION !!!! We couldn't beleive it. It's only under Robson & Mowbray that Megson's signings have gone onto better things. He will get the Foxes results & make them difficult to beat like he did with the Baggies. As for Forest, there are so many problems at that club it does'nt matter who the manager is. comment by dibbdroid posted 5 Weeks Ago You can never tell how successful/unsuccess ful a manager will be. Megson did well for a while but the wheels fell off at Forest, so what. Let's judge the guy on what he does at Leicester in the future. One thing's for certain, he know's more about the job than any of us. comment by metallicheatman posted 5 Weeks Ago When I read that Warnock was in line for the position I thought that was bad enough- but Megson is a complete waste of time.
Whites need fans' support, says Gudni
I dare say he wouldnt pay to watch us either along with thousands of others if hed seen us play. Add this to the fact that we are now managed by someone who the fans didnt want you dont need to be a brain surgeon to see why nobody is going to the Reebok. .
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