Travel photo of the day: golden dragon for the new year

Thousands of people visit the lantern festival to celebrate the Chinese new year Dragon in Shanghai on January 23, 2012. Chinese new year begins on January 23, and early Spring Festival holidays.

Monday marks the beginning of Chinese new year, which is celebrated by millions of people around the world. The celebration was involved in a two-week long celebration that makes some great photography opportunities. From dragons to Fireworks, lanterns for the Chinese new year brings not just luck, but also stunning pictures. View slideshow for just a few examples below.

You don’t have to stay in Asia to take part in the celebrations, either. The following is a list of cities where You can celebrate in the United States

If You take a photo of the Chinese new year celebrations, or just have photos of the purpose for which you want to share, click here to submit them.

You can also join it’s Snap Facebook community and share your photos with others by clicking here.

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The High Court threw out the Texas election map

WASHINGTON (AP)-The Supreme Court handed the Republic of Texas partial victory Thursday, throwing the election Court expansion plan drawn which favored minority and Democratic but left the future of the country’s political map-and perhaps control of U.S. HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES-in the hands of two federal court with Texas ‘ April Primaries looming.

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ordered a three-judge court in San Antonio to craft a new map that pays homage to one of the more initially drafted by the Texas ‘ GOP-led legislature. Direct effect is to scrap the map while the Court of San Antonio are arranged to be favored Democrat to take four new Texas Congressional seats will be added in the year 2012.

Republicans, led by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, heralded as a clear ruling a victory for the country.

“The Court made it clear that the Court should be worded to give homage to the elected leaders of this country, and it was clear by the Supreme Court’s ruling that the District Court abandoned these principles,” he said in a statement.

But the Court did not go as far as Texas want, which is to implement the map interesting for legislative elections this year. Doing so will rewrite the existing election law and voting rights ACT. Only Justice Clarence Thomas said he will go that far.

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REAL ESTATE: fewer modifications of loans granted

Even as experts brace for surge in foreclosures this year, part of the borrower is eligible for a modification of their mortgage to help them keep their home is shrinking, according to the federal agency that regulates National Banks.

Most of the applicants who meet income and other qualifications loan modification that would make their homes more affordable already had received assistance. The result was that a wave of home owners who do not qualify for a loan modification or other foreclosure alternative to, the U.S. office of the Comptroller of currency.

Rejected including those who do not have enough income to buy their home even if their modified loans, housing counselor said. Others were turned away are the ones who can afford their existing loans but would like a reduction in loan balance them just because they owe more on your home than it’s worth.

The number of financially troubled homeowners their monthly mortgage payments are derived in ways such as lower interest rates or extend the length of the loan dropped significantly last year. Which, Ironically, at the same time that housing counselors report application process after a nightmare becomes easier, friendlier and more efficient for the applicant and the main loan servicers, such as Bank of America and Chase, has reached out to help struggling borrowers.

The Bank has opened a mortgage Help Centers and set National case manager to work with individual borrowers one-on-one during the loan modification process. In the Centre and on the weekend of the exhibition the homeowner can meet face to face with representatives of the bank.

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A Trio of sports car at the Detroit auto show: TV

From the Detroit auto show, information about Mercedes-Benz SL, Lexus LF-LC, Acura NSX, Audi Allroad and Smart Forus.

Hi, this is Julie Alvin with Autoweek TV. I’m here at Cobo Hall in Detroit with the release of the second day of the North American International Auto Show.

We have a lot of great things happening here today, including news about the Mercedes-Benz SL, Lexus LF-LC and Acura NSX. This is Dale with more.

New production cars from Cadillac, Dodge, and Ford was down this year’s Detroit auto show launch of the strong.

But for fans, the show shifted into high gear with the debut of a trio of sports cars.

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Your fast food lunch may end up in your lap!

With our fast paced lifestyle and the availability of fast food drive thru service, eating in our car has become the norm for many Americans. Eating while you are driving is one of many distractions that can be responsible for traffic accident. It can be a costly habit if you have an accident and have to pay the deductible on a CA auto insurance claim.

Many people eat or drink while driving. Along with using a mobile phone, it is today more than ever, a major concern to other drivers. Anything that distracts a driver from the responsibility and attention needed in handling a motor vehicle is to be vigorously discouraged. The fact that a driver needs two hands on the wheel means their ability to control his or her vehicle when holding a hamburger or chips, or even something healthy like an apple, can impair a driver’s reactions in the event of a sudden decision having to be made.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 80% of accidents involve an element of driver distraction. Apart from that, with our national obesity crisis, eating ‘fast’ is not always healthy, so instead of driving thru for a fast lunch in your car, plan your day so that you can enjoy your meal slowly and safely. Pull over when you can, take in a breath of air and stretch your legs while you eat.

The result will be:

•         You’ll feel more refreshed
•         No messy food spills on you or your vehicle
•         No danger to other motorists from your inattention
•         Better digestion of your food

Taking a minute to plan a break off the road for lunch could save you the inconvenience of a CA auto insurance claim. What can be more important than taking a little time to enjoy the sustenance of life in a way that’s healthy?

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