Latinos take on more prominent role in Obama inauguration

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Latinos are taking a more prominent role in President Barack Obama's second inauguration, from the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice swearing in the vice president to a star-studded concert celebrating Latino culture.

Eva Longoria, a co-chairwoman for Obama's campaign, hosted "Latino Inaugural 2013: In Performance at the Kennedy Center" as a salute to the president Sunday evening ahead of his public swearing-in Monday. Jose Feliciano, Chita Rivera, Rita Moreno and Latin pop star Prince Royce all performed. The lineup also included Mario Lopez and Wilmer Valderrama.

Vice President Joe Biden and his family appeared onstage, drawing big cheers, to help open the show. He said he wanted to thank Latinos for their support in last year's election.

Biden said something profound happened with the enormous Latino support for Obama, and he said the Latino community underestimates its power.

"One thing that happened in this election, you spoke. You spoke in a way that the world, and I mean the world, as well as the United States, could not fail to hear," Biden said, calling the Latino vote decisive. "This is your moment. America owes you."

Feliciano opened the show by singing the national anthem.

Marc Anthony later drew big cheers when he applauded Latinos' growing political influence.

"Our united voice got us all here tonight and got the best man for the job in the White House," Anthony said.

San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, who gave the keynote speech at last year's Democratic National Convention, recalled the admiration Latinos held for another president more than 50 years ago. Portraits of President John F. Kennedy still hang in many homes, he said.

"As we said 'Viva Kennedy' 50 years ago, today we say 'Viva Obama,'" Castro said.

A children's choir from San Juan, Puerto Rico, closed out the show, singing "This Land is Your Land." They were joined by a larger Latino choir, including Hispanic members of the U.S. military, in singing "America the Beautiful."

Earlier Sunday, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, an Obama appointee who is the first Hispanic justice on the highest court, administered the oath of office to Biden. And Richard Blanco, a son of Cuban exiles, is Obama's inauguration poet.

Latinos have a distinct presence at this inauguration after raising funds and turning out the vote for Obama in the 2012 election. Hispanics voted 7 to 1 for Obama over his challenger, Republican Mitt Romney, whose Hispanic support was less than any other presidential candidate in 16 years. Analysts said Romney's hardline stance on immigration was a factor.

San Antonio philanthropist and business leader Henry Munoz III, who coordinated the Latino inauguration event with Longoria and other Obama supporters, said this is a special moment when the Latino community is positioned to take an expanded role in shaping the country's future.

"Without question, the presidential election of 2012 proves that Latinos are perhaps the most important influence from this point forward in the election of the president of the United States," Munoz said. "It's important that the leadership in Washington view us not as a narrow interest group but as a vibrant political force" that carries not just votes, but influence and financial resources.

Organizers planned a series of symposiums, dinners and events ahead of the inauguration to keep people talking about issues that matter to Latinos, from immigration reform to building a Latino history museum on the National Mall. Munoz led a presidential commission that called on Congress in 2011 to authorize such a museum within the Smithsonian Institution, but Congress has not yet passed such a bill.

Munoz said it's important to keep Latinos engaged through the inauguration and beyond.

"Our work is not done. It doesn't end," he said. "We have a tendency to look at this phenomenon as ending on Election Day, when the reality is now it's time to get to work."

Longoria said this is her first inauguration. She has taken on a new role as political advocate since her days on "Desperate Housewives," pushing for a Latino history museum in Washington and raising funds for Obama's re-election.

Even though this is Obama's second inauguration, Longoria said there is still much to celebrate, including Sotomayor's role swearing in the vice president.

"There's something special about seeing a president recommit himself to the people of this great nation," she said before the show.

Longoria said she hopes to help influence policies, including immigration reform, and hopes Obama will make that his top priority as an economic issue. She called the Latino fundraising effort for the president a historic turning point.

"I think we have a permanent seat at the table, and now we're going to be able to have influence on what affects our communities," Longoria said. "I take civic responsibility very seriously, and I want to do what I can to help my country."

___

Follow Brett Zongker at https://twitter.com/DCArtBeat

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/latinos-bigger-role-obama-inauguration-202248106--politics.html

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The Ins And Outs Of Taking A Payday Loan - Finance

A lot of people find themselves in need of fast cash and get cash advances. Due to the tough economy and increasing product prices, people are being forced to sacrifice some things. Tough financial problems is one of the primary reasons to get a payday loan. The following article offers many tips and techniques concerning cash advances.

Opt for a company that posts all fees along with their interest rate. If you feel that a company is not being clear and honest about their fees, seek out another company that will carefully explain their procedures. You will pay hefty fees if you do not have enough money in your account on the due date. So, if this is the case, call the loan company beforehand and ask for an extension.

Cash advances normally need to be paid back in two weeks. If you find yourself unable to repay your loan within that time frame, then you should contact the lender as soon as possible. A lot of establishments use a roll over option that could allow you to pay the loan at a later date but you may incur fees.

Verify any guarantees your payday lending company may put forth. Many cash advances companies have unscrupulous policies. They know you can?t pay off the loan, but they lend to you anyway. Many times the guarantees that you are promised come with fine print that allows the company to easily get out of their promise.

Payday loans are, by design, granted quickly and with relatively little hassle. The downside is the expense of the loan. To get money for a smaller fee or for free, it?s a good idea to ask your loved ones if they have money to spare. Doing this can save you some money and get the money you need.

Steer clear of lenders that charge fees in excess of 20 percent of your loan principal. Payday loan fees are higher than fees for other loan products, but more than 20% is highway robbery, even for payday cash advances.

As you contemplate whether or not you need the payday loan, make sure you?re positive you can repay the amount within three weeks. If you require more money that what you can repay in that period of time, find out what other choices you have. There may be other companies that are willing to give you extra time to repay the money you owe.

Payday Loan

Getting a payday loan can be quite serious. If mishandled, you can cause problems with your credit or your bank. Never think of a payday loan as instant money. Payday loans should not be thought of as extra cash, as you can go to other places for this.

When you are completing an application for a payday loan, be sure to include all the necessary documents for them to complete the transaction. Forgetting a single document can delay the entire process. A two day delay can make the difference for you, as time is essential.

Consider all your alternatives prior to signing up for payday lending. Maybe a friend can loan you some money or perhaps you can negotiate payment flexibility with creditors. Cash advances are best viewed as emergency last resorts. Of course, it is best to have emergency reserve funds built up instead.

Anyone who is considering getting a payday loan would be wise to ensure that the lender is licensed by the state. Every state has their own laws and licensing. For whatever state you reside, the lender you choose must be licensed in that state.

Payday Loan

Take caution when using automatic bill pay systems if you are using payday loan services. Some lenders will automatically renew your payday loan to cover what has not been paid yet; fees will quickly add up and ruin you. The initial contract of your loan may allow for this. By your loan automatically rolling over each due date, it can be easy to forget to repay the loan, resulting in extremely high fees. Educate yourself about payday cash advances.

Pay attention to the fees that you will be charged if you get a payday loan. You may be in a hurry to get the money, but to save yourself from further debt down the road, be sure to check into the fees before signing anything. Make certain that you?ll be able to pay back the principle as well as any accumulated fees.

Don?t do business with payday lenders who do not make direct deposits. Generally, the funds will show up into your bank account within one day. This is extremely convenient, and it prevents the risk of losing tons of borrowed money.

Besides the interest charges and possible penalty fees that could be assessed by your lender, remember that a payday loan is also capable of overdrawing your bank account. Bounced checks can be very expensive when added to the high cost of payday loans on their own.

Payday Loan

If you are like most people, using a payday loan service is your only option to avoid financial problems. Be aware of your options now and later so that you can look into payday loans. Apply the advice from this article to help you decide if a payday loan is the right option for you.

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Source: http://www.moneytradingnews.com/2013/01/21/the-ins-and-outs-of-taking-a-payday-loan/

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1 shot dead, 1 stabbed after punk rock brawl

By Robert Henry, Olsen Ebright and Antonio Castelan, NBC LosAngeles.com

LOS ANGELES -- A brawl at a punk rock concert spilled out into the parking lot and ended with one man fatally shot and another man stabbed, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The incidents happened about 12:15 a.m. Sunday (3:15 a.m ET) at Alpine Village Center in Torrance, Calif., Deputy Irys Alvarez said.

"These two incidents of violence are likely separate crimes occurring at the same venue. Each incident is believed to involve a separate suspect," according to an LASD update released Sunday.

More news from NBCLosAngeles.com

According to deputies, Oxnard-based punk band Agression was headlining the event.?

Alpine Village Center offers dining, concerts, swap meets and other entertainment.

Source: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/21/16619175-brawl-at-punk-rock-gig-ends-with-1-shot-dead-1-stabbed?lite

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Caring For A Flu Patient? How To Stay Healthy

General wisdom tells us to steer clear of the walking sick, especially given the severity of this year's flu season.

But when that sniffling, coughing person is someone you hold near and dear -- whether it's a friend, a spouse or a child -- there are some decisions to make. If you're spending time at home helping to take care of someone with the flu, how do you stay healthy yourself?

Experts are quick to recommend getting a flu shot, even if someone at home is already sick. While it's true that the vaccine takes a couple of weeks to kick in, flu season could continue on for several more. You won't get sick from the shot. Getting vaccinated when someone you're in close proximity to is already sick might not offer much protection, but at the very least it can serve as a reminder to get vaccinated, says Natasha Withers, D.O., of One Medical Group in New York City.

Vaccination aside, some general rules can help to avoid flu infection. Public health experts recommend staying about six feet away from someone with the flu. Any closer, and you're in prime range for inhaling the droplets that can make you sick as they expel into the air via coughs and sneezes. "Social distancing will help prevent infection," says Pritish Tosh, M.D., an infectious diseases physician at the Mayo Clinic, "[but] I'm never going to recommend that people don't spend time with their loved ones." That said, "avoiding unnecessary close contact with people who are clearly sneezing and coughing can help to prevent you from getting infected," he says.

The best way to limit contact with a family member or roommate might be to create what the CDC calls a "sick room," a separate room where the sick person should stay to help reduce the spread of germs. If your house has more than one bathroom, the CDC even recommends designating one for the sick person to use. As much as possible, caretakers should limit visits to the sick room, and keep a window cracked or a fan blowing to circulate fresh air into the room. For some, this might even mean sleeping apart from a spouse, or taking a little break from kissing until the sick party is symptom-free.

Of course, keeping a certain distance might not even be an option, especially if you're taking care of a young child. (The CDC recommends holding small children with their head on your shoulder, so their coughs are directed away from your face.) That's why certain preventive measures, like frequent hand washing, become even more important. "I will always encourage good hand hygiene for general prevention of infections," says Tosh. That means washing before eating, drinking or touching your face, especially after touching shared surfaces in your home. And don't cheat -- sing "Happy Birthday" in your head twice through while scrubbing.

It also can't hurt to keep disinfecting sprays or wipes on hand to clean those surfaces, says Tosh. "Influenza can survive on surfaces for several hours, potentially days," he says. Start with places like the bathroom faucet or the refrigerator door that get handled frequently by sick and healthy parties. Withers recommends cleaning the surfaces in the sick room and the designated bathroom daily. Wash any dishes and utensils the sick person has used sooner rather than later. Sheets and towels should be cleaned in hot water, and as you throw in the load, try not to "hug" those dirty linens close to the body, says Withers.

Other general immune-boosting practices are important to follow as well, like avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, which are prime pathways for germs to enter the body.

Some caregivers might consider wearing a mask -- or asking the "patient" to, but there's actually little evidence to prove that doing so prevents spread of the flu. The CDC doesn't currently recommend wearing one outside of a healthcare setting, and doing so may only feed into the hysteria and panic that this year's flu outbreak seems to be spreading, Tosh says.

Not that the flu shouldn't be taken seriously. It's important to know when a loved one in your care requires greater medical attention, Tosh says. Children under two, adults older than 65, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions are at significantly greater risk for complications from the flu, he says, and should be monitored closely for symptoms like dizziness, difficulty breathing, a worsening cough after it had seemed to improve earlier and a lingering fever, among others.

But it's also important to take care of yourself, he stresses. Ramp up your fluid intake, get plenty of rest, try to maintain a regular exercise routine and continue to eat a diet rich in a wide variety of vitamins and nutrients. Caretakers who themselves meet the criteria for being at higher risk of flu complications -- namely, they are over 65, have young children at home or have certain chronic medical conditions -- need to be extra cautious. In some cases, a prophylactic antiviral medication might be appropriate, says Withers. Talk to your doctor if you think you or your household might fall into this category.

And don't forget to offer the patient a few helpful tips. Encourage sick friends and family members to cough and sneeze into a disposable tissue whenever possible, or into their elbow instead of their hands when a tissue is out of reach, and to keep hand alcohol-based hand sanitizer nearby for those moments when they don't feel like washing up with soap.

Are you caring for anyone with the flu? What steps do you take to make sure you stay healthy?

For more on flu prevention, check out these natural immunity boosters:

• Hand Washing

  There may be no more promoted solution to avoiding the flu this year (besides the flu shot, of course) than diligent hand washing. As many as 80 percent of infections are transmitted via contact like sneezing, coughing or touching surfaces that have been sneezed or coughed on, says Tierno, and then touching "your mouth, eyes or nose, which are the conduits of viruses into the body." He recommends scrubbing before eating, drinking or touching your face, and disinfecting shared surfaces in the home (like the bathroom) and the office, like phones, computers and fridge door handles.

• Sleep

  While you're off in dreamland, your body gets to work repairing cells and injuries you may have incurred during the normal day's wear and tear, says Tierno. Getting your seven to nine hours a night means your body can repair and heal itself and ward off infections. "If you don't get the appropriate sleep, that system is not operating and you're on a steady decline over time," he says. In fact, skimping on sleep is <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/16/circadian-rhythms-immunity-immune-system_n_1281654.html">as disruptive to the immune system as stress</a>, according to a 2012 study. And earlier research suggested that sleep patterns may play a role in a gene that helps fight off bacteria and viruses.

• Exercise

  Getting your blood pumping regularly can <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/07/exercise-immunity_n_1190296.html">increase the activity of a type of white blood cells</a> that attacks viruses. Shoot for an hour a day, says Tierno -- but not necessarily all at once. "Even if it's walking around the office, up stairs, down stairs, to and from work -- it doesn't have to be continuous," he says.

• Zinc

  Getting the proper amount of the right nutrients and minerals as part of a healthy diet "leaves the body in optimal condition to fight the battle," says Tierno. This means cutting back on sugary, fatty foods and upping your intake of vegetables, fruit and lean protein, he says. One of those nutrients that gets a particularly healthy reputation during cold and flu season is zinc, and for good reason. "Zinc interferes with viruses gaining full access to our cells," he says. "Zinc may block certain metabolic activity." While it's <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/07/zinc-cold-symptoms_n_1497827.html">not the end-all cure</a>, foods rich in zinc, like <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-turner/cold-prevention_b_2124507.html#slide=1771069">oysters</a> and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/04/immune-boosting-superfood_n_1181192.html#s585162&title=Wheat_Germ">wheat germ</a>, may offer some protection.

• Garlic

  The anti-microbial properties of this pungent bulb (and its relative, the onion) can fight off certain bacteria and viruses, says Tierno, as can the compounds in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/08/healthy-herbs-spices-healthiest_n_2089007.html">other herbs and spices</a>, like thyme. It's likely due to the compound <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/health/20real.html?_r=0">allicin, which seems to block infections</a>. Try it in your next bowl of soothing chicken soup!

• Water

  Thankfully, most of us are inhabiting cozy-warm homes this winter, but those cranking radiators come with a downside. Indoor winter air is much dryer than our bodies would like. Without sufficient moisture, says Tierno, "immune system cells can't optimally work," so it's important to stay hydrated. (A <a href="http://articles.cnn.com/2009-02-11/health/healthmag.humidifier.flu_1_humidity-water-vapor-winter-flu-season?_s=PM:HEALTH">humidifier can also help</a>.)

• Skipping Happy Hour

  <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/28/alcohol-effects-body-infographic_n_2333328.html">Alcohol suppresses both the part of the immune system</a> that protects you from coming down with something and the part that fights off the germs already in your system, so knocking a few too many back can put you at increased risk for catching the bug going around -- and having trouble kicking it.

• Laughter

  A positive attitude can take you far -- even, maybe, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/06/personality-longevity_n_1652685.html#slide=1190731">to age 100</a>. But along the way, a life of laughter and optimism could also help you sniffle through fewer bouts of the flu or colds. While there's much that's still not well understood about the process, it seems that <a href="http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/give-your-body-boost-with-laughter">certain immune cells are produced</a> by a big belly laugh, says Tierno.

• Massage

  A <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/08/massage-benefits-health_n_1261178.html">favorite solution for de-stressing</a>, massage can also help you stay physically healthy. While there's been <a href="http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/090110.htm">little research into exactly how it works</a>, massage certainly increases circulation, which may help promote the general "state of wellness in the body," says Tierno. "Nutrients are passed around better, the blood flow is better," he says. "It's a very useful thing to get a massage."

• Sex

  A 1999 study found that getting frisky a couple of times a week can <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/319070.stm">boost immunoglobin A</a>, an antibody that fights off colds. Just make sure your partner isn't already sick!

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/20/caring-flu-patient-prevention-tips_n_2505000.html

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'The Bachelor': Who Failed to Get a Rose?

See which ladies Sean decided to send home and who still has a chance at winning his heart

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/bachelor-sean-lowe-meet-contestants/1-b-489659?dst=iv%3AiVillage%3Abachelor-sean-lowe-meet-contestants-489659

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Oil slides on concerns about debt-ceiling debate

Posted on January 15, 2013 at 6:26 pm by Associated Press in Crude Oil Prices, Oil

(Photo: Julien Tromeur, Flickr)

Oil fell the most in three weeks as traders worried about another heated fiscal debate in Washington and slowing demand for gasoline.

Benchmark crude dropped 86 cents to finish at $93.28 a barrel in New York. That?s the largest decline since Dec. 21.

President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans are headed for another showdown over the debt ceiling. Oil investors fear a reprise of the standoff in the summer of 2011. Standard & Poor?s cut the U.S. credit rating that August and oil dropped about 7 percent for the month.

Obama warned of dire consequences if Congress fails to increase the government?s borrowing authority. ?Investors around the world will ask if the United States of America is in fact a safe bet. Markets could go haywire,? the president said.

Traders also saw signs that gasoline demand is declining. Jim Ritterbusch, president of energy consultancy Ritterbusch and Associates, said the difference between what refiners pay for crude oil and what they charge for refined products ? known in the industry as the crack spread ? has been shrinking. It?s a sign ?that gasoline demand is still falling appreciably short of prior expectations,? he wrote in a note to clients.

Brent crude, used to price international varieties of oil, dropped $1.58 to end at $110.30 per barrel on the ICE Futures exchange in London.

In other energy futures trading in New York:
? Wholesale gasoline fell 5 cents to finish at $2.71 a gallon.
? Natural gas rose 8 cents to end at $3.46 per 1,000 cubic feet.
? Heating oil fell 5 cents to finish at $3.01 a gallon.

Source: http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/01/15/oil-heads-for-first-monthly-gain-since-august-on-economy/

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