When the yield curve is inverted or relatively flat, it is a sign that investors are so afraid of future economic weakness that they are willing to take low interest rates on long-term holdings for fear that returns will become even less attractive later on.

FORBES: The Street Is Paved With Bonds

The House has called for a block-grant system that would allow states to use their federal education dollars as they see fit, as long as they sign pledges guaranteeing that state test scores will demonstrate a steady curve upward.

CNN: Bush impatient with Congress on education bill