WASHINGTON - THE number of US workers filing new claims for jobless benefits fell more than expected last week, a government report showed on Thursday, but remained at high levels consistent with a severe recession.

The Labor Department said initial claims for state unemployment insurance benefits fell by 31,000 to a seasonally adjusted 639,000 in the week ended Feb 28 from an upwardly revised 670,000 the prior week. Analysts had forecast new claims at 650,000 last week.

CROWDS thronged the Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands Resorts booths on the first day of Career 2009 and Education 2009 on Thursday.

Despite more than 400 other exhibitors, the two integrated resorts remained the main draw for most of the visitors.

Making a beeline for the two booths were Singaporeans and foreigners, young and old, and even those who are employed.

LONDON - THE Bank of England said Thursday it will create US$106 billion (S$165 billion) via extraordinary measures to boost lending after cutting interest rates to a record-low 0.5 per cent.

In a bid to lift Britain out of recession, the BoE said it would create 75 billion pounds via so-called 'quantitative easing' measures. It plans to buy government bonds over the next three months from commercial banks, which would use the new money to ease the credit crunch.

WHEN they met on the internet in December two years ago, he was almost 17 and she had just turned 10.

After three months of calls, SMSes, one date and a Valentine's poem that made her 'feel love', they became an item.

Eight months later in November 2007, their relationship turned sexual.