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While at Oxford, he wrote and performed his own songs, which brought him to the attention of manager Larry Parnes (who handled Tommy Steele and other British pop stars). Signing with Parnes, he made recordings for Top Rank Records produced by Tony Hatch (apparently never released) and performed under the name Kris Carson, but he was not successful. After earning a master's degree in English literature from Oxford in 1960, Kristofferson intended to continue his studies there. But during a Christmas break back home in California, he resumed his relationship with an old girlfriend, Fran Beir, and they married. Instead of returning to Oxford, he joined the Army. Like his father, he became a pilot, learning to fly helicopters. He was assigned to West Germany and went there with his wife and their daughter.
S.C. or else for Thompson
The issue that he hears about most on the campaign trail is illegal immigration. But voters also are concerned about a variety of other issues, such as the war in Iraq, radical Islam, health care, the nuclear threat posed by Iran and the political turmoil in Pakistan, he said. Wherever he goes, his message is the same - that he is the only candidate who has fought consistently for the issues that matter to conservatives, things such as national security, tax cuts, balanced budgets and gun owners' rights. "I've been fighting for these things for a long time," Thompson said. The other Republican candidates "have had to adapt their positions, bring them up to date, shall we say. Where they have been in times past, I have not." Judging from the size and enthusiasm of the crowds that show up at his events, Thompson is convinced that his message is getting through.
Stocks Fall After Bush Announces Plan
Investors had already pulled back from a big early gain, with the major indexes trading mixed as Bush began to speak. By the time the president finished announcing a plan for about $145 billion worth of tax relief, the indexes were well into negative territory. "It's disappointed in the size of the economic growth package. Wall Street's showing its displeasure," said Kim Caughey, equity research analyst at Fort Pitt Capital Group in Pittsburgh. "Honestly, I think the institutional investors understand the limits to the government's ability to enact economic change." The Dow Jones industrial average, up more than 180 points in morning trading, was down 85.11, or 0.70 percent, at 12,074.10. The Dow plunged 306 points Thursday amid deepening pessimism about the economy.
Gardner faces builders over moratorium
It could have been a case of Daniel walking into the lions' den, but Frederick County Commissioner Jan Gardner received a cordial reception Friday in an address to the Frederick County Builders Association. Gardner said when she was invited to speak some time ago to the group, she expected to give an update on the state of the county. Instead, she found herself explaining the county's initiative to put a halt to new residential construction for the next two years. The commissioner emphasized that the reason for the initiative was driven by transportation issues. "I get 200 e-mails a day," she said, "and every single day some of those are on traffic problems." She said the county has made progress on school construction, but the needs of transportation is the overwhelming issue.
Security Benefit Completes Acquisition of Rydex Investments
TOPEKA, Kan., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Security Benefit today announced that it has closed its acquisition of Rydex Investments, a Maryland-based investment management company that is a leader in bringing institutional-style investment products to the retail market. "Today's action is a significant milestone for both Security Benefit and Rydex Investments and provides important benefits for all of our key stakeholders," said Kris Robbins, Security Benefit chairman of the board and chief executive officer. "In addition to diversifying our business -- a critical element of success in today's often volatile financial marketplace -- it enables Security Benefit to continue its history of providing broader solutions through sophisticated asset and risk management skills; comprehensive products, options and choices; and a growing array of traditional and non-traditional capabilities." The combined organization has approximately $35 billion in assets under management resulting in approximately $52 billion of assets under administration.
Sub super against 'Dogs
Wright finished off Fresno State with nine seconds left, scoring his final two points at the foul line."We're not looking for any particular players to score," said Spartans coach George Nessman. "So when the opportunities are there, you're in rhythm, you knock them down."Hill and Wright did just that, catapulting Fresno State to its next road game, Saturday night at Hawaii.A ready replacementGraham, San Jose State's redshirt freshman, fractured his right elbow during Monday night's loss at Hawaii. Hill, the only San Jose State player to start all 30 games last season, hadn't started in 2007-08 since Dec. 19."I knew I had to step up," Hill said.The arc unkind to 'DogsEddie Miller struggled from the field, scoring eight points on 3-of-15 shooting. He also missed all but two of his 11 attempts from behind the arc, leading to a Fresno State's 18.5% shooting on 3-pointers (5 of 27).
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