Government Grants for All

Daily Border Bulletin: “The magic of diasporas,”AL Nabs Mercedes Benz Executive, Florida in a fight over detention centers

Immigrant networks are a bright spot in the world economy – The Economist takes a look at how migrants all over the world are contributing to the global economy: Diaspora networks—of Huguenots, Scots, Jews and many others—have always been a potent economic force, but the cheapness and ease of modern travel has made them larger and more numerous than ever before. There are now  215m first-generation migrants around the world: that’s 3% of the world’s population. If they were a nation, it would be a little larger than Brazil.

Alabama immigration crackdown nabs Mercedes executive – One of the unintentional consequences of Alabamas immigration law is that citizens and people who are in the country legally are being arrested for not having drivers license on suspicion of being in the country illegally. This was the case with a foreign born Mercedes Benz executive: Under Alabama’s new immigration law, considered the toughest in the nation, everyone in Alabama must carry a valid identification card, including U.S. citizens. Before the new law, a citation would have been issued and the driver would have been sent on his way. Now offenders are taken to jail,Anderson said.

“It is really ironic and showed the absurdity of this law. Here you have a foreign employer who has brought many workers jobs … caught in this web that is supposed to bring jobs,” said Mitch Ackerman, executive vice president of Service Employees International Union. Ackerman was in Birmingham with 11 U.S. Congressmen to protest the immigration law. Due to a number of unintended consequences including this incident, Republican Governor Robert Bentley,  a strong supporter of the bill, was considering revisions, Canfield said.

Florida town in fight over immigration prison – A small town in Florida finds itself at the center of
a fight over what to do with the record number of immigrants who are being detained by the federal government: In one of South Florida’s upscale, rural enclaves, where peacocks roam and horse trails are as
common as sidewalks, town leaders decided to bring in much of their money from an unusual business:
 a prison. Only the leaders of Southwest Ranches kept their plans quiet from residents for almost a decade, and the project has now ballooned into what would be among the federal government’s largest immigrant detention centers. Many residents finally caught wind of the idea this year, when U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement announced a tentative deal, and they’re angry. They’ve held protests at public meetings, contemplated whether to recall the mayor before his March election and whether to amend the town charter to make it easier to fire the city attorney pushing the deal.

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Tags: Benz, Border, Bulletin, Centers, Daily, detention, diasporasAL, executive, Fight, Florida, Magic, Mercedes, Nabs, Over

The Student Loan Scam: The Most Oppressive Debt in U.S. History – and How We Can Fight Back

The Student Loan Scam: The Most Oppressive Debt in U.S. History - and How We Can Fight Back

Alan Collinge never imagined he would become a student loan justice activist. He planned to land a solid job after college, repay his student loan debt, and then simply forget the loans ever existed. Like millions of Americans, however, in spite of working hard, Collinge fell behind on payments and entered a labyrinthine student loan nightmare.

High school graduates can no longer put themselves through college for a few thousand dollars in loan debt. Today, the average undergraduate borro

List Price: $ 22.95 Price: $ 32.74

Find More Loans For The Unemployed Products

Tags: Back, Debt, Fight, History, Loan, Most, Oppressive, Scam, Student, U.S.

As The Economy Recovers, The Republicans Fight for Less Growth, Fewer Jobs, More Debt

Released the following statement to the media this morning:

“The new, encouraging jobs report will force a new round of conversations in the coming weeks about where the American economy is today, and what the right national policy should be this year. 

As we prepare for this discussion, it is important to note that that plans the Republicans are currently promoting – hundreds  of billions of cuts to domestic discretionary spending, repeal of current health care law, permanent extensions of the Bush tax cuts and current estate tax rates – would lead to less growth, fewer jobs and more debt.

I think the country wants the opposite of this approach – more growth, more jobs, less debt.  The President’s new budget proposed such a plan, and Congress should work with him to enact it in the months ahead.”

NDN blogs

Tags: Debt, Economy, Fewer, Fight, Growth, Jobs, Less, More, Recovers, Republicans

Women Fight to Get Softball Restored for London Olympics

A campaign to get the sole women-only Olympic sport reinstated for the London 2012 games is gathering momentum and significant support.

Softball, which is played by 50 million people in 125 countries and is growing in popularity in Britain, became the first sport to be dropped from the Olympics since polo was removed in 1936. But the sport’s supporters, campaigning under the slogan “Let the women play!” are increasingly hopeful that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will reverse its decision.

Softball, which was introduced to the Olympics at Atlanta in 1996, is the one sport in the games open to women only. Although the IOC’s mission statement includes a pledge to increase female participation in the games, the removal of softball is likely to reduce the number of women competing by about 200.

The new chairman of the British Olympic Association (BOA), Lord Moynihan, has pledged support for softball. “We should look at all the opportunities to encourage women’s participation in sport. To have softball as the one women-only sport reinstated for London 2012 would send out a very positive signal,” he said.

Softball, together with baseball, was dropped from the 2012 programme following a vote by the IOC in Singapore in July. Softball needed 53 votes to be retained but the vote of IOC delegates was tied at 52-52, with one abstention.

Now Jacques Rogge, the IOC president, has indicated the matter could be reconsidered at the IOC’s next meeting in Turin during the Winter Olympics in February. It would require 35 IOC members to call for a fresh vote. A simple majority would then be required for its reinstatement.

The campaign has included a Europe-wide website petition and lobbying of IOC delegates. Juan Antonio Samaranch, the former IOC president, has already indicated that he believes both softball and baseball could be reinstated for London. If they are, they will be played in a £17m temporary venue in Regent’s Park.

Bob Fromer, general manager of the national team, said: “Our schools programme has been enormously popular. The sport is a well-kept secret, but once they [children] are introduced to it, they love it. Most women give up sport when they leave school – but softball attracts those who are not that athletic and have had bad experiences with sport at school.”

There are more than 20 leagues and 500 teams in cities and towns all over the country. In London during the summer, Regent’s Park is taken over four nights a week for after-work matches.

Mr Fromer said: “Taking part in 2012 would mean a great deal – for a sport with no media coverage, it would mean having matches televised live in primetime on BBC and we would have public money. It would wind up with thousands more people playing the sport.”

Stephanie Jardine, 35, a member of the British team, hopes to compete at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. The success of the team, now ranked fourth in Europe, has resulted in a £528,000 grant from UK Sport to fund qualification.

She said: “Up until now the team has been self-funding and we have to rely on players with British passports based in the US and Australia. If we had 2012 in our sights, we would get longer term funding to encourage more kids to play at the grassroots in this country – and spot those aged 12 to 15 now who have the potential to compete in 2012.”

She said it was devastating to find the sport removed from the London games. “I do not think the IOC realised how big a sport it is worldwide – there has been a massive campaign, not just in the US, but in Europe, particularly from Italy, France and Holland … Hopefully they will see sense.”

The rules of the game

Softball is played on grass on a diamond-shaped pitch. There is a pitching mound inside the diamond and bases at each of the corners – home, first, second and third. Nine players a side take it in turns to bat, using a wooden bat. The ball, which is thrown underarm by the pitcher, is heavier and larger than a baseball – and not soft, as the sport’s name suggests. Runs are scored by circuiting the bases, while players can be caught or tagged out.

The innings is over when three batters are dismissed. The match is played over seven innings.

Slowpitch softball is the form commonly played around the UK by mixed teams. Fastpitch softball is the Olympic version of the game.

Tags: Fight, London, Olympics, Restored, Softball, Women

Obama’s Way to Fight Recession – Scholarship for Mothers

You hate your dead end job but you need it to support you family. Don’t be frustrated because you are in a situation experienced my almost all single parents – a segment which accounts to more than 50% of the United States population. The only obstacle standing in front of you to get a good job with better financial prospects is a graduation certificate.

A graduation is the minimum qualification required to get a decent job in any part of the world. In your current situation Obama’s scholarship program can help you complete your graduation. If you are thinking “I don’t have the time or the money to pay for an education” then you are mistaken.

First, you need to identify a good institute which provides online classes and offers the course you want to graduate in. You can then take online classes and some institutes even have online study groups that you can join. Once you have decided on the institute you just have to fill the “FAFSA” form and wait for the approval to come from the institute.

The selection depends on a few factors like your financial condition the household income if you are staying with your parents etc. The main idea is to confirm that you are in dire need of funds to complete your education.

The screening process is tough as the money availed through grant need not be paid back. If you are looking to get an education loan then think again. A grant is a much better option considering all the factors that come in a loan package.

Did you know you can get a $10,000 scholarship for Moms just for registering? Apply right now for free: Scholarships for Moms

Tags: Fight, Mothers, Obama's, Recession, Scholarship

Fight Recession President Obama’s Way

Obama’ scholarship for single moms is a grant provided to single moms who are looking to complete their graduation. A well educated country makes for a stronger country. This scholarship is intended to encourage the public to continue their higher studies.

Single mothers end up living their lives working for minimum wages trying to make ends meet. Even if they want to continue with their studies, there are several financial constrains and the availability of time is seldom there. Attending regular classes becomes impossible as they have to take care of their family and work as well.

Now the institutes allow you a choice of studying fulltime or taking online classes from your homes. This way you can study as well as take care of your baby. The “Federal Pell Grant” money has also been increased to five thousand one hundred dollars. The best part about taking a grant to continue your studies is you don’t have to pay the money back. As per the “American opportunity Tax Program” the first four thousand dollars of your grant are free of cost. So if you are looking to become a graduate and find a job that pays you well then apply for the grant by filling the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” form.

Your future lies in your own hands. It is up to the decisions you make today that will create your future. So if a grant from your government can help you built a better future, don’t waste the opportunity. Obama’s grant for single mothers is the way to go to create a better tomorrow.

Did you know you can get a $10,000 scholarship for Moms just for registering? Apply right now for free: Scholarships for Moms

Tags: Fight, Obama's, President, Recession

We Cuddle Up to Nelson, But Fight Shy of Ending Discrimination

Ironic perhaps that Asian BBC board member Samir Shah chose last week to tell the Royal Television Society there were ‘too many’ black and Asian people presenting and acting on television, all indicative, in his view, of a ‘tick-box culture’ that was embarrassing to the very cultures it aimed to appease. I say ironic because at the week’s biggest event – Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday party in Hyde Park – there definitely weren’t ‘too many’ black or Asian people. Indeed, they could have done with a few more.

Yes, we saw Lewis Hamilton, Forrest Whitaker, Will Smith, even Oprah, but black people seemed grossly outnumbered by the heaving sea of white celebrities, mostly concerned with posing for the cameras or hugging each other in self-congratulatory glee. Or so it seemed, as I scanned the photos, pausing occasionally to retch into a wastepaper basket, surely the only appropriate response to a bout of prolonged social canoodling between Bill Clinton and Cherie Blair.

Somewhere amid the snaps of Bill, Cherie, Uma Thurman, Pierce Brosnan and Elton John, it was revealed that Naomi Campbell had been thrown off the following night’s concert after organizers found out she was black. Of course this isn’t true. Nelson had felt ‘let down’ by Naomi’s recent air-rage debacle, though perhaps he should have saved his disappointment for what was, fundraising or not, one of the tackiest-looking celebrity bun fights of recent times, one that couldn’t have been further removed, in terms of purity of spirit, from the Jerry Dammers-inspired Free Nelson Mandela concert 20 years before.

Or could it be that Mandela’s birthday bash is part of a wider spiritual malaise, in that such events (paparazzi-friendly scrums of celebrities getting misty-eyed over ‘their mate Nelson’) represent the only acceptable face of political correctness in Britain 2008? That it is actually non-PC culture that has us in a stranglehold these days?

Certainly one cannot help but get suspicious in a week when Harriet Harman’s Equality Bill, designed to promote positive discrimination and a culture of fairness in the workplace for women, black, gay and older workers was all but drowned out by raspberries from all sides. Why? Because it was generally felt that Harman (or, indeed, ‘Harperson’) was being just a tad too earnest – Our Lady of PC.

One accepts that Harriet would never pass the wouldn’t-mind-taking-her-down-to-the-pub test; the poor woman seems to have the dial permanently stuck at ‘social chloroform’. However, what has this got to do with the Equality Bill, which merely seems to suggest that it would be nice if the boardrooms of the future weren’t 99 per cent full of middle-aged white guys arranging their golf schedules? What’s so appalling or risible about that?

It seems to say something that, as evidenced by Shah’s speech to the RTS, even minorities want in on anti-PC. In his talk, he made a credible point about the numerous black and Asian presenters serving to mask the reality of the BBC’s white ‘liberal elite’. However, was he entirely serious about ethnic communities being embarrassed by being over-represented on our TV screens? Are we to believe that all over the UK there are Asian families screaming: ‘Oh no, not bloody Konnie Huq again! How culturally embarrassing!’

Moreover, even if, as Shah says, the nation is 90 per cent white, does he truly believe that black or Asian presenters aren’t valuable cultural touchstones for the remaining 10 per cent, in particular the young in predominantly white areas who may feel sorely in need of representation? Or am I being boring now? Too PC? Should I just shut my stupid non-racist, anti-ageist, non-homophobic gob and get down to the pub with Harriet Harperson?

Alternatively, maybe it is time to acknowledge a bizarre cultural shift. That far from being a nation of politically correct scaredy-cats, we have all gone too far in the other direction, becoming so kneejerk anti-PC that any legislation to give minorities a much-needed boost is rubbished before it is given a fair hearing. That in our quest to pooh-pooh ‘positive discrimination’, we have forgotten that negative discrimination, otherwise plain old discrimination, can be quite a lot worse.

In 20 years, we appear to have gone from Artists Against Apartheid putting mind body and soul into their Free Nelson Mandela concert at Wembley stadium to the air-kissing celebathon in Hyde Park.

Perhaps even sadder, we seem to have come to the conclusion that the only political correctness worth having is the sort you can bleed of all meaning and disguise with a big party.

And it was all going so well between me and John McEnroe …

You might be watching Wimbledon, but some of us are living it. This being my locale, I spent the last week giving various lost souls (tennis tourists) directions, like an overgrown, begrudging ball girl.

Saying that, hasn’t it been eventful? Maria Sharapova could not have known that wearing shorts instead of a skirt would provoke a state of tabloid mourning.

Similarly, who could have predicted Briton Chris Eaton (number six million seed or something) getting through? He’s now out, but even Andy ‘surely due a full refund from charm school’ Murray seemed to be aware of the national relief at having someone else (ie not him) to root for.

For me though, there’s an added piquancy to all those girls screaming: ‘Come on Andy!’ on Mount Murray. It takes me right back to when I stalked John McEnroe.

Yes, you did read right. Having developed a tragic schoolgirl crush on his hot-tempered, talented headband-ness, I took to writing sprawling weekly letters, which dwelt enthrallingly on such matters as whether my future husband (John) thought I should get a demi-wave or not.

After several tense months, I finally received a postcard inscribed with the legend ‘Best wishes John McEnroe’. Thrilled that we were now an item, I upped the letters to almost one a day, but, astonishingly, got no reply. Damn you, Tatum.

Not that I’m bitter; John will have always have a special place in that corner of my heart which doesn’t quite know when to stop. My point is that those girls can scream on Mount Murray all they like and it being local I may even join them.

However, it will only be when Murray or Eaton manage to inspire the love and devotion (and possible clinical psychosis) I had for John McEnroe that they’ll really know they’ve made it.

For all of us in this marriage, let’s hope for a smooth separation

What a relief that Madonna and Guy Ritchie look set to get divorced. What do you think drove him away – the Angelina-style adoption drive, the 24/7 exercising, dreary old kabbala?

As for her, the flat caps, the self-conscious ale drinking, the fact that he himself hasn’t had a hit movie since Swept Away, which was actually a huge flop, but not in my house, where its brazen badness has elevated it to cult status.

Of course it’s sad (I remember how she held his hose and cleaned his car – and no, these aren’t filthy metaphors). However, while celebrity is magnified by coupledom, so is the aggro. The Ritchie-Ciccones also came to encapsulate the dangers of celebrity marriage, namely, the Diana effect, in that there are always ‘three, even four, of them in the relationship’ – the couple, the press and the public.

Maybe that’s why there’s such relief that they’re splitting up. Having been in this volatile (exhibitionist-speak for failing) relationship with them all this time, it means we can split up too. With them, that is. So, Madge and Guy, if you’re reading, please don’t make up. The public wants out. It’s not us, it’s you! – we’re exhausted.

Broke of Windsor has moaning rights

It comes to something when the Queen starts whingeing about the credit crunch. They’re saying Liz is indignant about the rising cost of living, unable to meet the soaring cost of royal travel, entertaining or maintain the royal residences, when only last year a lump of falling masonry narrowly missed Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace.

What a shame. Not about the masonry missing, you terrible people, I mean the Queen’s worries. The obvious line is of the poor struggling pensioner scrabbling to get by on her paltry £12.7m from the civil list, forced to serve up cheese toasties at state banquets, perhaps eating a couple of corgis to survive.

But you can’t open a paper or turn on the television these days without some middle-class pundit sobbing about how they’ve had to exchange M&S for Tesco. Far from being tasteless or out of touch, the Queen appears to be chiming with her people like never before.

Tags: Cuddle, discrimination, Ending, Fight, NELSON

Fight Recession President Obama’s Way

Obama’ scholarship for single moms is a grant provided to single moms who are looking to complete their graduation. A well educated country makes for a stronger country. This scholarship is intended to encourage the public to continue their higher studies.

Single mothers end up living their lives working for minimum wages trying to make ends meet. Even if they want to continue with their studies, there are several financial constrains and the availability of time is seldom there. Attending regular classes becomes impossible as they have to take care of their family and work as well.

Now the institutes allow you a choice of studying fulltime or taking online classes from your homes. This way you can study as well as take care of your baby. The “Federal Pell Grant” money has also been increased to five thousand one hundred dollars. The best part about taking a grant to continue your studies is you don’t have to pay the money back. As per the “American opportunity Tax Program” the first four thousand dollars of your grant are free of cost. So if you are looking to become a graduate and find a job that pays you well then apply for the grant by filling the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” form.

Your future lies in your own hands. It is up to the decisions you make today that will create your future. So if a grant from your government can help you built a better future, don’t waste the opportunity. Obama’s grant for single mothers is the way to go to create a better tomorrow.

Did you know you can get a $10,000 scholarship for Moms just for registering? Apply right now for free: Scholarships for Moms

Tags: Fight, Obama's, President, Recession

Fight Recession with Obama’s Scholarship Programs for Single Working Moms

With the new administration of Obama, there are funds made available for education and trainings particularly for moms. There are mothers and single mothers who are currently working but their present job do not sustain all their family’s needs.

Some moms are planning to enhance their education to have qualifications they can take hold for employment. And there are moms as well that were laid off from their jobs because of the present economic condition. With the support the government is giving, moms could fight all of these problems by applying for the program.

The president included this program as one of his priority to help moms since he experienced and witnessed personally what mothers can do when they become professionals. Not only that educated moms are being looked up to by their kids but also their contributions to the society in general make a difference. It has been observed and shown that mothers who are in better condition because they were able to complete their studies become more involved and concern with the community they belong and with the society in general.

By earning a college degree, you will become competitive at the time you are ready to join workforce and you have a higher chance of getting into a nicer position with salary that will bring comfort to your family’s lives.

For mothers who are interested to study and be involved in the field of medical technology, they can apply for the $2 billion endowment and loans offered by the Health Information Technology Economic and Clinical Health.

Financial assistance from certain private and public groups for your education could be found if you just spend some of your time looking for them. It is important to consider several grants since you may not be qualified to some scholarship programs you have applied, however, finding these grants can be easy if you are determined to step into college and experience the joys of having a college diploma.

Don’t procrastinate. Take advantage of a $10,000 scholarship drawing. Registration is free if you visit http://www.scholarshipsformomsfinder.info/.

Tags: Fight, Moms, Obama's, Programs, Recession, Scholarship, Single, Working

Home For Sale – Adopting Good Practices To Fight Real Estate Slowdown

The US economy is slowly inching out of the recession pit and the complete recovery will take some more time. The real estate sentiment is not yet optimistic and people involved in this business are bit cautious. However there are still many people who are looking buy a home for sale.

Anyone who wants to put his or her home on sale should make sure that the house looks attractive. All the basic repairs like loose hardware and railings, poor air conditioning, torn screens, leaky bathrooms, creaking doors and windows should be completed, before showing the home to a prospective buyer. These small repairs do not cost much but are good enough to turn off a buyer. These small but vital details help the prospective buyer judge the condition of the home on sale. In short, the buyer makes up his or her mind to look more into the home once he or she is satisfied with initial judgment.

The real estate business has shifted to internet. There are many realtor sites that list the property of the sellers. The site is frequented by many buyers who are searching, homes on sale. The prospective seller should display his or her house on well known realtor site so that maximum of buyers gets the opportunity to view the property. This increased visibility, increases the probability of finding the buyer who is ready to pay the right sum for the home on sale.

The seller should ensure that, home for sale is always kept clean, so that real estate agent can arrange a visit of a prospective buyer at short notice. The realtor should have easy access to the home for sale, so that he or she can easily show it to any buyer who shows interest in the property.

The home for sale should have clear title. All the information displayed on the site regarding the property should be true and there should not be any attempt to hide any details. Transparency helps the buyers to make up their minds. A clear and fair display of, home for sale, boosts the image of the property. The inquiries from the interested buyers gradually pick up and more visits take place to the property.

The seller should not overprice the home on sale. A very high price tag can discourage an interested buyer. The seller should consult an experienced and professional real estate agent before fixing the price of the house. The real estate agent is well versed in fluctuations in real estate business and is aware of the current rates of the property. He or she has good knowledge of the likes and dislikes of the buyers and provides a valuable advice to the seller.

These are all good practices that help the buyer to sell his or her home at a good price, even when the real estate business has slowed down. It is still in the woods and full recovery appears to be distant. A right approach and professional guidance helps the seller strike a good deal with the buyer in a recovering economy.

Tags: Adopting, Estate, Fight, Good, Home, Practices, Real, sale, Slowdown