Walking into a tax-preparation office and picking up a refund check there just a few days or hours later sounds good to a lot of cash-strapped people. More here: Refund loans a costly option (The Columbus Dispatch)

PUTRAJAYA: The government will review the loan conditions set by the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) to ensure money is made available only to those who really need them. Read the original here: PTPTN loans only for the needy (The New Straits Times)

Step right up and see exotic camels grazing on tender grass before the show. Or giraffes, zebras and elephants forced to travel a circuitous route on their way to the night’s engagement. Such images and others from early-20th-century traveling circuses are found in “Sawdust & Spectacle: Under the Big Top in Small Town America,” opening Thursday in the Riffe Gallery. Continued...

Malaysia needs vibrant stock market for islamic finance growth Follow this link: Malaysia needs vibrant stock market for islamic finance growth (MENAFN)

Jan. 31 (Bloomberg) — Business confidence in Saudi Arabia increased “cautiously” on expected business and revenue growth in the first half of this year as economic conditions improve in the Arab world’s biggest economy. Excerpt from: Saudi Business Sentiment Improves on Economic Outlook, BSF Says (Bloomberg)

256 Devonshire Blvd., San Carlos: $2.495 million The basics: This remodeled Mediterranean home was built in 1928. Its grounds feature multiple gardens on a level lawn with a waterfall that flows through front foliage to a koi pond and tile water fountain in… Continued here: San Carlos home features ‘entertainment casita’ (San Francisco Chronicle)