Analysis: In era of gridlock, Congress "created a monster"

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Setting a looming deadline to avert self-created calamity has become a frequent device for the U.S. Congress to get things done in recent years. When all else fails, as it often does, it's supposed to frighten members into action. That was the idea when Congress created the "fiscal cliff" in August, 2011 to resolve a partisan struggle, also with a deadline and also self-created, over raising the federal debt ceiling. ...

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Gambian leader says to build herbal AIDS-cure hospital

Gambian leader says to build herbal AIDS-cure hospital

BANJUL (Reuters) - AIDS patients would be offered an herbal cure at a 1,111-bed hospital in Gambia that the president said on Tuesday he plans to build despite medical concerns the treatment is dangerous. President Yahya Jammeh said in 2007 he had found a remedy of boiled herbs to cure AIDS, stirring anger among Western medical experts who claimed he was giving false hope to the sick. ...

Source: news.yahoo.com

Analysis: Economy would dodge bullet for now under fiscal deal

Analysis: Economy would dodge bullet for now under fiscal deal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A deal worked out by Senate leaders to avoid the "fiscal cliff" was far from any "grand bargain" of deficit reduction measures. But if approved by the House of Representatives, it could help the country steer clear of recession, although enough austerity would remain in place to likely keep the economy growing at a lackluster pace. The Senate approved a last-minute deal early Tuesday morning to scale back $600 billion in scheduled tax hikes and government spending cuts that economists widely agree would tip the economy into recession. ...

Source: news.yahoo.com

Start the New Year With a Revamp of Your Fitness Wardrobe

When was the last time you refreshed your fitness wardrobe? If you just hesitated, it's probably time for a New Year's cleaning - involving your workout drawer! Before you head to the gym in 2013, take the time to go through your gear: rearranging, revamping, and finding a new purpose for a few of those, ahem, stained white tees. Before you know it, you'll be rocking some of your old favorites and feeling like you just scored at a Lululemon sale - without spending a dime.

Keep these pieces in mind when you go to do a closet cleaning:

• Running shoes: Although there is nothing like a broken-in pair of kicks, a worn-down pair doesn't offer you the proper cushion or support needed for a long run. If you have a few old pairs around the house, put them to good use by recycling them through Nike Reuse-a-Shoe or donating them to a charitable organization like Goodwill. If your shoes aren't ready to be retired, simply give them a wash, and they'll look like new in no time!
• Sports bras: Don't forget to consider undergarments, especially sports bras that stretch over time. Consider passing up bras that no longer fit - a truly supportive bra is essential! If you're still searching for a bra with a better fit, turn to this guide.
• Tops and bottoms: This is where the cleaning gets serious. Consider everything you wear on a regular basis and the pieces you don't. Those worn-down leggings, holey socks, and sweat-stained tees make excellent rags for cleaning. If you just scored some new pieces over holidays, donate what you don't use to friends, family, or charity. Can't let go of those race shirts? Take your favorites and turn them into a quilt. Remember confidence is key. When you look good and feel good, it will reflect in all aspects of life - even your workouts.
• Gym bag: Clean out your gym bag, too! Toss those unwanted wrappers and organize those extra hair ties. When all is said and done, give it a few spritz with this DIY cleaner.

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Senate approves 'fiscal cliff' deal, crisis eased

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Senate moved the U.S. economy back from the edge of a "fiscal cliff" on Tuesday, voting to avoid imminent tax hikes and spending cuts in a bipartisan deal that could still face stiff challenges in the House of Representatives. In a rare New Year's session at around 2 a.m. EST (0700 GMT), senators voted 89-8 to raise some taxes on the wealthy while making permanent low tax rates on the middle class that have been in place for a decade. But the measure did little to rein in huge annual budget deficits that have helped push the U.S. debt to $16.4 trillion. ...

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