| US pawnbrokers benefit from hard times
Hard times in the US are benefiting pawnbrokers as beleaguered consumers pledge jewels, electronics and other goods in return for loans with interest rates running as high as 300 per cent a year. Dave Adelman, president of the National Pawnbrokers Association, said the number of loans at US pawn shops had risen 15-20 per cent since October. He attributed the increase to rising fuel prices and deteriorating economic conditions – an assessment echoed by other industry executives. “Brief and shallow downturns in the economy may benefit our business model," said Daniel Feehan, chief executive of Cash America, the biggest US pawnbroker chain, with 942 locations. Pawnbrokers offer loans in return for personal items. Customers can buy back their property for the value of the loan plus a fee, which works out to an interest rate that can reach 300 per cent on an annualised basis, according to the NPA.
Japan stocks tumble more than 4 pct to new 2-yr low
Bush has called for an economic stimulus plan worth up to $150 billion in tax cuts and other measures, but world sharemarkets have plunged on fears it is not enough to stave off a recession in the world's largest economy. At 0045 GMT the Nikkei was down 4.39 percent at 12,740.34, below the 13,000 level to its lowest since September 2005. Continued... .
Megson reveals transfer frustration
I have been in this situation with West Brom. You know the players you want, but you don't always get the ones you actually need." For full story see Tuesday's The Bolton News. 6:36am Tuesday 15th January 2008 Print Email this Comment .b_box { border: 1px solid #D7D7D7; background-color: #EEEEEE; color: #000000; padding: 5px; width: 307px; } .b_box img { border: 1px solid #D7D7D7; padding: 5px; background-color: #ffffff; } .b_box a, .b_box a:visited .b_box a:active { color: #000000 !important; } .b_box a:hover { color: #FF0000 !important; } .msg_div { padding: 0px; width: 307px; clear: left; } .entry { border-left: 1px solid #D7D7D7; border-right: 1px solid #D7D7D7; padding: 5px; width: 307px; } .entry2 { border-left: 1px solid #D7D7D7; border-right: 1px solid #D7D7D7; padding: 5px; min-height: 80px; } .b_entry { border-left: 1px solid #D7D7D7; border-right: 1px solid #D7D7D7; border-bottom: 1px solid #D7D7D7; padding: 5px; width: 307px; } fieldset { margin-top: 10px; border: 1px solid #D7D7D7; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding: 0px; } legend { padding: 2px 6px; color: #000000; background: #EEEEEE; border: 1px solid #D7D7D7; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 10px; } .headcell { text-align: center; color: #000000; background: #EEEEEE; border-bottom: 1px solid #D7D7D7; } .headcell a:link, .headcell a:visited, .headcell a:active { color: #000000; } .headcell a:hover { color: #FF0000; } .caltab { border: 1px solid #D7D7D7; margin-top: 5px; } .year_daycell { text-decoration: underline; text-align: center; } .year_fullcell { background: #EEEEEE; border: 1px solid #D7D7D7; } blockquote { border: 2px outset #D7D7D7; } .buttonclass { background: #EEEEEE; color: #000000; } .
50 WAYS TO MAKE YOURSELF RICHER
Tap into your talents as a writer, artist, photographer, woodworker, even. You might be surprised at what you can produce – and how much money you can save, especially around Christmas.Starting your own dating agency? Begin with your friends, keep details of them, and then set free your matchmaking talents. Charge a small annual membership fee and you never know where it might lead. Using the skills that you have to teach? Can you draw well? Teach it. Can you play the piano? Teach it. Are you good at book-keeping? Teach it. Great at yoga? Teach it. Good on computers? Teach "how-to" courses. Are you good at interior design? Help out friends and offer your services. Or needlework? There is a shortage of seamstresses now, why not teach it – or set yourself up to mend things (for a small fee)?Buying protection .
Skepticism of Faculty and Tenure
Neal, president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, said that the various polls being conducted by the AAUP, Zogby and others are actually consistent in finding skepticism among members of the public about higher education. She urged academe to view these polls as a "wake up call" to pay attention to critiques that her group and others have made. "Clearly, studies by ACTA and others — indicating declining academic quality and pervasive politics — have made their way into the public consciousness," Neal said. "Yet the higher ed establishment seems to think that if it invokes ‘Academic freedom! Give us your money and leave us alone,’ nothing will come of it." Colleges should respond by taking "immediate steps to be publicly accountable," said Neal.
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