The airline took a big step recently when it converted $290m of debt (mostly owed to Richard Branson's Virgin Group) into conditional equity that the debt-holders will own after an IPO, providing the stock hits predetermined targets.
Iraq's Parliament also took an important political step recently by calling for provincial elections to be held in most parts of the country by the end of January.
In response to rising demand, the annual "Good Schools Guide", the bible for middle-class parents choosing their children's next academic step, recently added a chapter on finding a good tutor to its usual analyses of state and private schools.Underlying this demand is increasing competition to get into the most prestigious universities.
That's all good for the future, but there's been a spring in the Queen's step recently too.
Further down the line could be a UN security council resolution recognising a Palestinian state – a step taken recently by Brazil and Argentina, with Uruguay to follow.
The program took a step forward recently with a catapult launching from the U.S. aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush, following successful on-shore tests of landings using arresting wires.
East Bay writer J.D. Lasica went a step further recently and created a Web site (www.darknet.com) where anyone can edit the chapters of his new book, Darknet: Remixing the Future of Movies, Music & Television," reports Michael Bazeley in the Mercury News.
WARREN WOLF A driving, expressive young vibraphonist from Baltimore influenced by Milt Jackson, Mr. Wolf took a step forward recently with his second record, "Wolfgang"; he's also on the way to finding a strong group sound with his quartet, Wolfpack.
(Chinen) Warren Wolf and Wolfpack (Thursday through Sept. 22) A driving, expressive young vibraphonist from Baltimore and influenced by Milt Jackson, Mr. Wolf took a step forward recently with his second record, "Wolfgang".
