| Banks treating Swan like a 'mug'
Opposition treasury spokesman Malcolm Turnbull backed comments by former Coalition treasurer Peter Costello last week that the banks were taking advantage of Treasurer Wayne Swan's inexperience. "Wayne Swan is being treated like a mug by the banks, no question," Mr Turnbull said on ABC radio today. He described as "absolutely dismal" Mr Swan's performance on interest rates. "When the NAB came out and put up rates the first time, Wayne Swan defended them with an eager enthusiasm that made him sound like a public relations officer for the Australian Bankers Association," Mr Turnbull said. The threat of the banks raising mortgage rates independently of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) was "always coming up in the lift". "Wayne Swan did nothing to get ready for it.
Carl Junction to consider new turf for football field
Carl Junction is a member of the Committee for Educational Equality, one of the groups suing the state over its funding formula for education. The committee was dealt a loss by Cole County Circuit Court Judge Richard Callahan, who dismissed all of the committee's claims earlier this year. .
Determined attitude
A yoga instructor teaches that calmness can come when thoughts are recited and gratitude is expressed. By KELLIE DIXON, Times Staff Writer Published January 15, 2008 Say what? Sankalpa. It's a Sanskrit word that means resolution, free will or determination, according to Sankalpa.org.in. Reisen said the practice, which is a way to reprogram oneself from the self-conscious, can empower a person to change his or her life. How it works: The sankalpa is a phrase or collection of phrases that are recited after a person meditates. Reisen said meditation and reciting her sankalpa is the first thing she does in the morning - even before that first cup of coffee. She'll wake up and then lie on her bed, often listening to a CD created by her instructor.
New mental health centres for youth
The Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon has announced the establishment of 20 new treatment centres for young people with mental illness. The centres will be located mostly in regional and rural areas and will help young people at risk of mental health, drug and alcohol problems. The Government says as many as one-in-four young people have a mental health problem. The Minister says the need for more youth services is particularly urgent in regional areas where communities continue to struggle with the impact of drought and high unemployment. Young people have welcomed the announcement. 21-year-old Carla Frost of Melbourne was treated in an adult facility several years ago and she says it was a frightening experience. "I sort of thought oh my God that could be me," she said.
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