Before and After Pictures: A Look At How President Barack Obama Aged in Office

By Michael Hudgen

President Barack Obama was officially inaugurated for his second term as 44th President of the United States on Monday morning (January 21, 2013). The Commander-in-Chief was sworn into office by Chief Justice John G. Roberts in an intimate ceremony witnessed by family and friends in the White House’s Blue Room. After taking the oath of office with two bibles - one belonging to Abraham Lincoln, the other to Martin Luther King Jr, President Barack Obama addressed the crowd of supporters in an impassioned speech at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Obama delivered his second inaugural address in front of 600,000 people, including Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Beyonce Knowles, John Mayer, and Eva Longoria. After that, Barack Obama participated in the traditional parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, following his wife Michelle and daughters, Sasha and Malia, who were dressed smartly in brightly-coloured winter coats. The 45th president was also joined by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, Senators and other officials during the Inauguration Parade. Enjoy the before and after pictures of President Barack Obama below.

President Barack Obama holds a wide grin in his official portrait for his second term in office (2013-2017). The portrait is taken by White House photographer, Pete Souza from the Oval Office with the American and presidential flags on either side of the president.

Barack Obama looks much younger before his presidency (left). The president delivers his second inaugural address on January 21, 2013 (right).

Obama takes part in the traditional parade after being sworn into office on January 21, 2013 (left). He is all smiles in a picture before his presidency (right).

After four years in office, Obama’s black mane gets more and more of a silver glow.

Barack Obama ages from the 36th NAACP Image Awards in 2005 to August of 2011.

See more pictures:

» U.S. Presidents: Before and after leaving White House

» Barack Obama & Michelle Obama: The First Couple's public kisses through the years

» Valeria Lukyanova: Real-life Barbie Before and After Plastic Surgery (Photos)

About the Author:

I am fond of joining social activities in my free time. My goal is to provide up-to-date news and articles on society and culture.

Articles Source: Before and After Pictures: A Look At How President Barack Obama Aged in Office

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Top Five Most Sleep Deprived Occupations in U.S (Pictures)

By Groshan Fabiola

Among  the most sleep-deprived occupations in US, home health aides rank first.

According to a recent research "The National Heath Interview Survey" conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, home health aides, police officers, physicians are the shortest sleepers in US. Base on analyzing individual sleep habits and job requirements, the survey shows  that none of them sleep 8 - hours which we were all taught to be the least for our healthy life.

Home Health Aides (6 hours, 57 minutes)

Not only is home health aid the most sleep - deprived employers, but also among the lowest paid ones  in America. Their hands are really full because of overload tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming or cooking to elderly  or disabled patients. Therefore, if you would like to apply for this possition, lets question yourself "Am I painstaking enough to take it?"

Home health aide is the most sleep-deprived occupation in the nation

Lawyers (7 hours)

 

To make rightful judgement, lawyers often bring their uncompleted tasks and stay up late which makes them feel exhausted.  This is the reason why they just sleep 7 hours on the average. 

Being a lawyer, sleeping at the office is inevitable. Working long hours, lawyers also make the list of sleep-deprived occupations

 

Police Officers (7 hours, 1 minute)

In order to protect and serve the public all day and night, almost police officers in the United States are facing serious lack of sleep. Many of them even sleep like a log although on duty.

Lots of police officers fall asleep while on duty

 

Physicians, Paramedics (7 hours, 2 minutes)

 

Sudden mid-night pain of patients always need physicians and paramedics' timely presence no matter what they are doing. The same to home heath aides, physicians would be quick to dismiss themselves unless they have job devotion as well as skillful knowledge and experience.

 

Economists (7 hours, 3 minutes)

Lots of economist says that sound sleeps seem to be a big wish to them because they have to research, analyse, counsel economic development plans or  monetary policies for  state and private enterprises.  Besides, forecasting  business trends also makes them hard to sleep every night. 

 

 

Apart from that, social workers, computer programmes and financial analysts are also among the most sleep-deprived careers respectively.

 

 

Related links:

Sleep Deprivation: Eyes Without Dreams

Herbal Sleeping Pills Can Help You Sleep Better

A Good Night Sleep - Easy Tips to Help You Sleep

About the Author:

Chris Jacken used to work as a doctor of a general hospital in February 1998. Currently, Chris is a writer specializing in weight loss related issues. He posts his articles on a number of different directories.

Articles Source: Top Five Most Sleep Deprived Occupations in U.S (Pictures)

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How To Stay Awake While Driving

By Rooney Shelton

Driving when you are sleepy or tired is dangerous, especially at night. In fact, some studies have shown that a drowsy driver can be as dangerous as a drunk driver. If you are driving long distances, here are 10 tips that help you stay awake and feel fresh on the road trip.

1. Plan ahead with caffeine and a nap

Ingesting highly-caffeinated substances is the obvious, most well-worn method used to keep millions of dreary drivers awake. So you should drink a cup of coffee if you are driving for long enough to get sleepy. You also should take a 15-minute nap before you go because the boost from the nap will give you an extra level of energy.

2. Bring along road-friendly snacks to munch on

If you have a snack that comes in small pieces, eat them one at a time. Crunching on ice chips is great because it keeps you engaged but not distracted from the road. Eating sunflower seeds is also another way to stay awake because the action of cracking the seed, manipulating the seed in your mouth, removing the seed and discarding the shell will keep your mind active.

3. Chew gum to keep your mouth busy

Chewing gum will stop the yawning, which stops the dozing off. In fact, a lot of drivers agree that chewing gum improves their concentration at the wheel. So just make sure you keep chewing, even if your mouth gets tired of chewing.

4. Talk to another person

If you're traveling with someone, make them talk to you, which is the easiest and cheapest way to keep awake when driving. The give and take of the conversation will help keep you focused. This also will help both stay awake anytime the car is moving .

5. Sing

Avoid talking on a cell phone as it's both dangerous and illegal in many places in the world. Instead, you should sing along with the radio or even without the radio. Singing a real song you remember or singing anything will keep your brain a little bit more active but not interfere with your driving.

6. Listen to music that you hate

While you are driving, you shouldn’t listen to music you like, especially if it's rhythmic and soothing because you will go into your happy zone easily and start to nod off. Instead, tuning to a station that you normally can't stand and putting the volume up high will help you stay awake during your road trip.

7. Drink an energy drink

This may raise your level of alertness for a reasonable amount of driving time. Suck or munch on an apple, orange, or even a lemon to keep taste buds awake.

8. Use an electronic device or app to alert you of your tiredness

There are some innovative technologies to help make sure you are able to stay awake while driving. The least expensive options are apps for your smartphone. The Anti Drowse app, which is free, and the Anti Sleep Pilot, which is $20, are two options. The Anti Sleep Pilot also comes as a device, sitting on the dashboard and costing about $200. Another device is the NoNap, which sits on your ear and sounds a buzzer if you nod off.

9. Wipe your face and neck with a wet cloth.

This action will keep you refreshing during your trip.

10. Avoid sugar

You should avoid sugar because it causes several responses in your system which result in drowsiness and brain fog some time later.

Read more:

» Tips for Staying Awake Without Caffeine

» Top Safety Tips for Holiday Travelers

» How to Stay Awake All Night

About the Author:

I am currently a lecturer at a college in California. In my free time, I am fond of reading articles and joining social activities.

Articles Source: How To Stay Awake While Driving

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One Direction 2013: UK boy band share their experience during their trip to Ghana

By Brittany Stone

One Direction confirmed that they recently made an amazing trip to an impoverished region of Ghana a few days ago as part of their involvement with the Comic Relief. The talented British boy band members including Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles were said to visit the town of Accra and spend the past few days to help raise money for the U.K. charity organization. The handsome heartthrobs also met with the families who would receive financial assistance using the money earned from the charity during the visit. Apart from travelling to various locations, the chart-topping singers recorded the organisation's official “Red Nose Day” single, a cover of Blondie's One Way Or Another, which goes on sale in February 2013. The trip to Africa clearly made an impact on One Direction stars as they took to Twitter to detail their eye-opening experience. "Just arrived back from Accra,Ghana! Best life experience ever! This @rednoseday please get involved!," Niall Horan shared his experiences in the impoverished country. Meanwhile, Harry Styles tweeted: "Today was the most amazing day I've had so far.. In my life ever. @rednoseday Thank you so much for having us. It was amazing and we'll see you soon xx."

Niall Horan is spotted at a DVLA driving test centre after completing his test. The One Direction singer reportedly splashed out on a £70,000 black Range Rover to celebrate receiving his full licence on Friday (January 11, 2013).

Niall Horan carries a Lucozade bottle to keep him alert while chatting with his driving examiner.

Niall Horan keeps himself warm in a scarf while making his way to a recording studio in London, England on Tuesday, January 8, 2013.

Liam Payne heads into the studio on Tuesday afternoon (January 8, 2013).

Harry Styles looks grown up in his suit at the party, where he is joined by fellow British artists Jessie J, Tinie Tempah and comedian James Corden.

Harry Styles of One Direction attends GQ’s London Collections: Men Celebration at the Martin Creed Gallery Restaurant at Sketch in London, England on Wednesday (January 9, 2013).

See more pictures:

» New Year’s 2013: Harry Styles and Taylor Swift share a romantic kiss at Times Square in New York

» Harry Styles looks like a young gent at the Burberry Prorsum spring/summer 2013 fashion show

» One Direction team up with Olivann Beauty to release their new perfume in 2013

About the Author:

My hobby is traveling. I like writing about beautiful destinations and tourism events.

Articles Source: One Direction 2013: UK boy band share their experience during their trip to Ghana

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Best new cars for 2013

By Groshan Fabiola

Today, when speaking about the modern global automotive industry, almost all people will name the principal manufacturers such as General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen, Nissan, Toyota, Honda and DaimlerChrylse. The giant multinational automakers have operated in a global competitive marketplace but still maintained the leadership in many areas of manufacturing, purchasing, product development and logistics for the past years. In 2012, these manufacturers provided shoppers with new cars with a smattering of hybrids and eco-friendly options. However, 2013 is a leap year when prospects for new autos for consumers will be more plentiful than the 2012 new cars. There will be many complete redesigns of quite a few of the more popular cars formerly available. Here's an introduction to best new cars for 2013 that are highly recommended.

1. 2013 Ford Fusion

The 2013 Ford Fusion was recently named the Green Car of the Year at Green Car Journal which took place on the floor of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Going on sale in the U.S market in late September, the new model is considered one of the company's most crucial new products. It is edgy and transformative by design and wears its tech on its sleeve. The 2013 Ford Fusion offers three four-cylinder engines with a range of horsepower and fuel economy ratings. It returns an EPA-estimated 29 mpg when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine. The 2013 Fusion hybrid also claims best-in-class fuel economy, achieving 47 mpg in city, highway and combined driving. The car is expected to be priced between $22,000 to $30,000.

2. Chevrolet Spark

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark combines a well-equipped interior, expressive exterior design and many smart features. The Spark has a spacious cabin that seats up to 5 adults. Its interior is relatively spacious and neatly laid out with a complete instrument cluster and a “connectivity” package. It comes with a big, 7-inch touch screen showing a menu with options for video, telephone, digital audio and apps. Additionally, the all new Chevrolet Spark has an aerodynamic design that improves fuel efficiency and makes it a sleek and modern-looking ride. The car starts at $13,745.00.

3. 2013 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is unquestionably one of the most popular and recognizable vehicles on the road today. The vehicle gets a clean-sheet redesign that overhauls the Accord's engines, styling, transmissions and size. It continues to be offered in both sedan and coupe form. The 2013 version of Honda's venerable mid-size sedan is 3.5 inches shorter despite interior dimensions staying nearly the same. This model is powered by a gasoline-injected 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine expressly designed for people seeking economy in a midsize sedan. It also comes with an array of hi-tech standard features, including a rearview camera, Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone interface, SMS text messaging function, Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and Pandora Internet Radio interface. The 2013 Honda Accord has a starting price of $21,680.

4. 2013 Cadillac ATS

The 2013 Cadillac ATS is made to compete with BMW's 3 Series. This model features a front-engine, rear-drive layout and four-wheel independent suspension. It also comes with the latest ZF electric power steering and four-wheel disc brakes. The ATS has an 8.0-inch LCD touch screen for the new CUE (Cadillac User Experience) system that looks great and remains highly visible even when hit by direct sunlight. Additionally, the Cadillac ATS is designed with the base engine, a 202-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with direct injection. The car is priced at $33,990.

5. 2013 Ford C-Max hybrid

The 2013 Ford C-Max hybrid has a gasoline-electric powertrain that delivers decent power and excellent fuel economy ratings of 47 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway. Its battery is a compact, air-cooled 1.6-kWh lithium-ion pack mounted under the cargo-area floor. The new model also uses a 141-horsepower, 2-liter gasoline engine and 118 horsepower electric motor that helps the car drive under electric power at speeds up to 62 mph. Additionally, the driver's seat of the C-Max takes a little getting used to and the steering on the model feels more precise with the electric power-steering unit. The 2013 has a price of $25,200.

6. Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

The Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid delivers good driving characteristics and uses a small, 150-horsepower, 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. The car has a single 20-kilowatt (27-hp) electric motor between the engine and a modified version of VW's excellent seven-speed direct-shift automatic gearbox. The new model is rated at a combined 45 mpg (42 mpg city, 48 mpg highway), making it stand among the top fuel sippers. Moreover, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is designed with a 20-kilowatt electric motor and 1.1 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack, so we are able to drive the car under electric power. The model sells for $31,180.

7. 2013 Tesla Model S

The 2013 Tesla Model S is the second electric car developed by Elon Musk's Tesla Motors. The car is available with three battery sizes, with a range of 160 to 300 miles on a single charge, and a top speed 110 to 130 miles per hour. It uses a liquid-cooled AC motor producing 362 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The Model S has a 17-inch touchscreen display and comes standard with an onboard 10-kW charger. Besides, the car seats 5 adults, plus two small children in rear-facing jumpseats. It sells for $49,900.

8. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is designed with a 2.5-liter, inline four-cylinder engine. It also has 10 standard airbags and an infotainment system that integrates satellite radio, Bluetooth phone and audio as well as Internet audio apps such as Pandora. Especially, a mild hybrid four-cylinder Eco model joins the Malibu lineup for 2013 that trims consumption and boosts highway mileage from the base car's 34 mpg to 37 mpg. The Malibu has a price of $27,830.

9. 2013 Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima is a good choice among midsize cars. It comes with a choice of two engine options, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V-6. The car also includes niceties such as a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, 17-inch aluminum wheels, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and remote start. Moreover, the Altima has optional safety features, like moving object detection , lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring, which are often found only on more expensive cars. The 2013 Nissan Altima is priced at $30,500.

10. 2013 Scion FR-S

The Scion FR-S is a balanced, nimble sports car and the second most popular vehicle in America. The cabin of the car is very comfortable and spacious--for front-seat occupants. The new model is also loaded with safety features and gets an impressive 38 miles per gallon on the highway. Besides, the 2013 FR-S is designed with USB, keyless entry, Bluetooth, and automatic climate control. Optional upgrades are included such as a 5.8-inch touch-screen LCD display, a BeSpoke premium audio system with apps compatibility and a range of appearance accessories. The 2013 Scion FR-S has a starting price of $24,955.

Related articles:

» Rarest and Expensive Cars in the World

» Top 5 New Cars For 2011

» Top Best-selling Cars in the World

About the Author: Groshan Fabiola is a 23-year-old blogger who loves technology and has a passion of writing articles on this field. In her spare time, she likes listening to music and playing games with her friends.
Articles Source: Best new cars for 2013

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Mikhail Prokhorov: Fabulous Life in Pictures

By Elisa Wasson

Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov is known for spending so much money for his fabulous life. He currently owns the New Jersey Nets basketball team, the island called North Island, two planes and a large yacht.

 

Mikhail Prokhorov is the third richest man from Russia and the 39th richest man in the world according to the 2010 Forbes list with a fortune estimated at $18 billion as per the Forbes Billionaire List. Despite being a billionaire, Mikhail Prokhorov only works two hours a day, the rest time he plays boxing, skiing and going to bed around 3am. Like most Russian leading industrialists, the youthful and Internet-savvy Mr. Prokhorov made his fortune in raw materials. While he was running Norilsk Nickel, this company became the world's largest producer of nickel and palladium in the early 1990s. He is currently chairman of Polyus Gold, Russia's largest gold producer, and President of ONEXIM Group which has weathered the crisis well. He owns the NBA's New Jersey Nets basketball team. He was No. 2 in last year's rankings.

Mikhail Prokhorov, the third richest man in Russia and 39th richest man in the world with an estimated fortune at $18 billion according to the Forbes magazine in 2010

His Moscow home has an indoor pool, party room, and massive gym

The close-up of the party room in the billionaire’s Moscow house

And here is the gym, completed with virtual ski machine

Mikhail Prokhorov always keeps a model of Solemar yacht in his home

The scene of Prokhorov’s real yacht which reportedly costs $45 million is used for jet skiing

Mikhail Prokhorov also owns two private jets, a $45 million Gulfstream V...

…and a $30 million Falcon 990

His watch, a Pierre Kunz Red Gold Tourbillon costs $138,000

In 2010, Mikhail Prokhorov spent $150 million to launch Snob magazine, the new Russian-language luxury magazine

In March 2011, Mikhail Prokhorov bought North Island in the Seychelles chain, off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean for around $35 million

In 2008, the third richest man in Russia almost succeeded in buying this $750 million French estate but backed out and set him back $55 million

Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov has agreed to purchase the basketball team New Jersey Nets for a reported $200 million

 

Mikhail Prokhorov: Fabulous Life in Pictures

 

Related links:

Mikhail Prokhorov: Properties and Girlfriends of Russian President Candidate

Ways Tech Billionaires Spend Their Properties

Billionaires’ Exotic Private Islands

About the Author:

John Stevens is an Internet marketer and freelance photographer. He likes collecting photographs of celebrities, posting breaking news and writing articles to comment on outstanding events in the field of entertainment.

Articles Source: Mikhail Prokhorov: Fabulous Life in Pictures

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Top Ten Unique Mind-Bending Watches

By Vanessa Ford

We began learning to read time from a dial with an hour hand, minute hand and second hand in primary school, even we could read it earlier using a digital watch. However, because human beings are now living in the era of haute horlogerie and “gadget” watches, more innovative ways are used to show time.

Below are top ten unique mind-bending watches that make you look at least twice to know what time it is. These works of art range from affordable to very expensive and are always center of conversations.

Let's see these mind-bending devices and discover why they can change our mind.

 

Urwerk UR-110 "Torpedo"

Like a real Autobot, the Urwerk UR-110 "Torpedo" includes an oil-service indicator on the dial as well as the actual time

 

Harry Winston Opus XI

With the Opus XI, Harry Winston finds it complicated to show hours and time only though it could be a Decepticon

 

Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical

Despite looking like a Spanish-built SUV, this watch can bend mind with all the chains and gears in plain view. At least 1,352 tiny parts were used to show three drums that tell you hours, minutes, seconds, and the power reserve

 

Audemars Piguet Star Wheel

The Star Wheel timepieces by Audemars Piguet are appropriate to those who want to work for them

 

MCT Sequential One

The way MCT Sequential One shows time is very different but still unique thanks to its rotating shutters and rotating discs

 

Dingemans Mechanische Horloges Jumping Hour

As for those who are interested in mechanics, the Jumping Hour watch from Dutch watchmaker Fred Dingemans is considered as the center of conversations and discussions

 

Seiko Active Matrix EPD e-Ink

Having less plastic and a sharper display, the Seiko Active Matrix EPD e-Ink shows the time with playing cards on the e-Ink screen, along with a whole bunch of other features

 

Devon Works Tread 1

The Devon Works Tread 1 is described as a piece of art, using a lot of moving belts to show hours, minutes, seconds and the power reserve left in the battery. It can run for two weeks being fully charged

 

Kisai Sensai Pure Led

Featuring a unique design, the Kisai Sensai Pure Led displays time through a bunch of red, yellow and green LEDs

 

Seiko Think the Earth Wn-2

The Seiko Think the Earth Wn-2, whose small globe is a replica of the real globe at a scale of 1:580 millionth of the actual planet Earth, rotates at the same speed as the real Earth. Its two small indicators display hours and minutes

 

 

About the Author:

I am a web developer. I love technology and have a passion of writing articles about technology news, especially new products.

Articles Source: Top Ten Unique Mind-Bending Watches

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