Tax Help Available For Those Facing Financial Hardship by State of CA Franchise Tax Board

Logo graphic courtesy of State of CA Franchise Tax Board

Sacramento –4-3-2013, With the April 15 tax deadline looming, the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) today advised taxpayers who face financial hardship to contact FTB for assistance. FTB has many options to help taxpayers handle their tax bills.

FTB assists those with financial hardships by establishing payment plans and sometimes delaying collection activities. The number of taxpayers seeking relief through payment plans has remained the same as last year but has increased by 126 percent over the last five years.

File Your Tax Return 
First and foremost, taxpayers should file their state tax return on time and pay what they can. This can reduce the penalties and interest down the road. FTB will send a Statement of Tax Due when a tax return is submitted without full payment. Once taxpayers receive that statement, they can begin to look at other assistance from FTB.

Payment Plans
FTB generally approves monthly payment plan requests if the balance owed is less than $25,000 and can be paid within 60 months. Liens are not typically filed on taxpayers paying their state tax through payment plans. Taxpayers can request payment plans online atftb.ca.gov by selecting “installment arrangement” under Online Services or by calling our automated phone line at 800.689.4776. Service is available in both English and Spanish.

Offer in Compromise
The Offer in Compromise (OIC) Program is for taxpayers who do not have, and will not have in the foreseeable future, the income, assets, or means to pay their tax liability. An OIC is an agreement between a taxpayer and FTB that settles the taxpayer’s tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed. FTB looks at the taxpayer;s income and assets to make a determination regarding the taxpayer’s ability to pay. Absent special circumstances, FTB will not accept an offer if FTB believes the liability can be paid in full as a lump sum or through an installment agreement. For more information go to ftb.ca.gov and search for “Offer in Compromise.”

Help with State Tax Liens
If you have a state tax lien and are trying to sell or refinance your home, FTB can help. State tax liens must typically be paid before real estate can be sold or refinanced. If a taxpayer suffering a financial hardship is selling or refinancing a home for less than the loan balance, FTB can remove the tax lien to allow the homeowner to complete the sale. This can generally occur within two weeks of the taxpayer submitting the required documents. However, the tax lien remains in effect on any other property the taxpayer currently holds or later acquires. For more information go to ftb.ca.gov and search for “Lien.”

About State of CA Franchise Tax Board:
They are responsible for administering two of California’s major tax programs: Personal Income Tax and the Corporation Tax. They also have responsibility for administering other nontax programs and delinquent debt collection functions, including delinquent vehicle registration debt collections on behalf of the Department of Motor Vehicles, and court–ordered debt. For more information visit https://www.ftb.ca.gov

Source: FTB Newsroom

About News Desk

About Diversity News Magazine: Diversity News Magazine is an independent multi-media outlet own by Minority-Owned Business who works with everyone and it is published by Diversity News Publications. Diversity News Magazine executive editor-in-chief is Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar an award winning honored and respected Journalist. Diversity News Magazine is a consumer news magazine covering news, entertainment, features, awards, sports, events and much more. DiversityNewsMagazine.com, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by more than two million visitors a month, it is another venue for advertisers to showcase their products, brands or services on the classified and display pages. The purpose of the magazine is to educate and inform the diverse community worldwide. It focuses on local, national and international news, entertainment, features, sports and more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our diverse cultures. For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at http://www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

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State of CA Franchise Tax Board Reports Statewide Median Income Up In 2011

Logo graphic courtesy of State of CA Franchise Tax Board

Sacramento – April 2, 2013, The statewide median income for all 2011 individual tax returns was $34,684, an increase of 2.2 percent over 2010’s median income amount.  For joint returns, the statewide median income was $68,122, an increase of 3.6 percent over 2010, according to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB).

“Median income” is the point where one half of the tax returns are above and one half is below the midpoint of the range of values.  Median income represents the income reported by a typical California individual or couple.

Californian taxpayers filed 15.8 million 2011 state income tax returns, reporting $1.1 trillion of adjusted gross income.  This is an increase of 5.7 percent from tax year 2010 figures. Adjusted gross income is a tax term that means the total income increased or reduced by specific adjustments, before taking the standard itemized deduction.

Over the past 40 years, the Bay Area counties of Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Contra Costa have consistently reported the highest median incomes. Marin County still has the highest median income for joint returns, reporting $120,170, an increase of 5.4 percent over 2010.  Santa Clara County ranked second with $103,019, while San Mateo County ranked third with $102,793 and Contra Costa County ranked fourth with $89,924.

Los Angeles County taxpayers filed 25.4 percent of all 2011 income tax returns in California. They reported median incomes of $30,255 for all individual returns, and $58,859 for joint returns, ranking 38th and 26th respectively.


The largest percentage gain in median income for all counties was 8.2 percent, reported in Alpine County. For joint filed returns the largest increase was in Trinity County, with a 7.0 percent increase.

About State of CA Franchise Tax Board:
They are responsible for administering two of California’s major tax programs: Personal Income Tax and the Corporation Tax. They also have responsibility for administering other nontax programs and delinquent debt collection functions, including delinquent vehicle registration debt collections on behalf of the Department of Motor Vehicles, and court–ordered debt. For more information visit https://www.ftb.ca.gov

Source: FTB Newsroom

About News Desk

About Diversity News Magazine: Diversity News Magazine is an independent multi-media outlet own by Minority-Owned Business who works with everyone and it is published by Diversity News Publications. Diversity News Magazine executive editor-in-chief is Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar an award winning honored and respected Journalist. Diversity News Magazine is a consumer news magazine covering news, entertainment, features, awards, sports, events and much more. DiversityNewsMagazine.com, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by more than two million visitors a month, it is another venue for advertisers to showcase their products, brands or services on the classified and display pages. The purpose of the magazine is to educate and inform the diverse community worldwide. It focuses on local, national and international news, entertainment, features, sports and more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our diverse cultures. For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at http://www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

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Presidential Inaugural Committee Announces Inaugural Parade Participant Lineup

Photo credit: Wikipedia

WASHINGTON, DC – (Saturday, January 19, 2013) Today, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) released additional details about the Inaugural Parade including the list of groups planned to participate in the parade and the marching order.

The Inaugural Parade will feature eight official inaugural floats, sixty groups – including marching bands, mounted units, cultural organizations, and more – along with military units representing our nation’s Armed Forces. In total, more than 8,800 people and close to 200 animals will take part in the parade that follows President Obama and Vice President Biden from the Capitol down Pennsylvania Avenue after the swearing-in ceremony.

The President, Vice President, and their families will watch the processional from the reviewing stand in front of the White House. The parade is scheduled to begin at about 2:30 PM.

Prior to the start of the parade, there will be several opportunities for media coverage of parade participants and floats. On Sunday, members of the media are invited to attend the arrival, assembly, and preparation of the floats. On Monday, members of the media are invited to interview parade participants in the Pentagon Staging Area and the Mall Assembly Area before the parade begins. RSVP is required to attend any of these events. Additional information is available at the bottom of this release.

Members of the public attending the parade should click HERE to find maps and additional information on entry points. Parade attendees cannot bring the following items to the parade: aerosols, animals (guide dogs will be allowed), backpacks, bags larger than 6”x4”x8”, balloons, bicycles, coolers, glass or thermal containers, horns, laser pointers, mace/pepper spray, packages, structures, sign supports, weapons, and any additional items deemed a safety hazard by security.

The list below reflects the planned order for the Inaugural Parade. Please note that the participants and their order in the Inaugural Parade are not considered final until the parade begins. For additional information on the parade and participants, you can find the full media guide HERE.

Planned Order for the Inaugural Parade

• The Presidential Escort
• The Presidential Escort is a military and civilian formation that escorts the President, Vice President, and their families from the Capitol to the White House following the swearing-in ceremony. The escort will include representatives from the five branches of the United States Military, elected officials, and local and national law enforcement organizations.
• Division One
• United States Army Staff
• United States Army Field Band
• United States Military Academy
• United States Army 1^st Battalion, 319^th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment
• United States Army Color Guard
• District of Columbia Army National Guard
• United States Army Reserve 200^th MP Command
• Punahou High School Marching Band and JROTC Color Guard, Hawaii
• Hawaii Home State Float
• Isiserettes Drill & Drum Corps, Iowa
• Caisson Platoon, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment
• Miami University Marching Band, Ohio
• Illinois Home State Float
• South Shore Drill Team, Illinois
• Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission, South Carolina
• Kamehameha Schools “Warrior” Marching Band, Hawaii
• Ambulance 255 Project, Connecticut
• 81st Regional Support Command Wildcats, South Carolina
• Jackson Memorial High School “Jaguar” Band, New Jersey
• Seguro Que Si, Florida
• Kansas University Trumpet Ensemble, Kansas
• Division Two
• United States Marine Corps Staff
• United States Marine Band “The President’s Own”
• United States Marine Corps Active Company
• United States Marine Corps Color Guard
• United States Marine Corps Reserve Company
• Chinese American Community Center Folk Dance Troupe, Delaware
• Delaware Home State Float
• University of Maryland “Mighty Sound of Maryland” Marching Band, Maryland
• Pennsylvania Home State Float
• Boy Scout Troop 358, Germantown, Pennsylvania
• Palm Springs High School “Spirit of the Sands” Marching Band and Visual Corps, California
• Ballet Folklórico De La Raza, Colorado
• 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company A, Massachusetts
• Utuqqagmiut Dancers, Alaska
• A Therapeutic Equine Assisted Self-Confidence Experience (A.T.E.A.S.E.), Wisconsin
• Palmview High School Mariachi and Folkloric Group, Texas
• NASA – Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and Curiosity Rover
• Dobyns-Bennett High School Band, Tennessee
• 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company B, Maryland
• Boston College “Screaming Eagles” Marching Band, Massachusetts
• Division Three
• United States Navy Staff
• United States Navy Band
• United States Naval Academy
• United States Navy Active Company
• United States Navy Color Guard
• United States Navy Reserve Company
• Georgia State University Marching Band, Georgia
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Float
• Ballou Senior High School “Majestic” Marching Knights, District of Columbia
• Multi-Jurisdictional Mounted Police Drill Team and Color Guard, Michigan
• Calera High School “Eagle” Marching Band, Alabama
• Gym Dandies Children’s Circus, Maine
• Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps, Massachusetts
• Civil Rights Float
• Lesbian and Gay Band Association
• Native American Women Warriors, Colorado
• Little Rock Central High School Band, Arkansas
• Utah Hispanic Dance Alliance, Utah
• Central Valley High School Marching Band and Color Guard, Washington
• Division Four
• United States Air Force Staff
• United States Air Force Band
• United States Air Force Academy
• United States Air Force Active Company
• United States Air Force Color Guard
• District of Columbia Air National Guard
• United States Air Force  Reserve Company
• Grambling State University “Tiger” Marching Band, Louisiana
• Tuskegee Airmen Float
• Norwich University Regimental Band, Vermont
• Montana Delegation, Montana
• Wind River Dancers, Wyoming
• Canine Companions for Independence
• Navajo Nation Band, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico
• United War Veterans Council, New York
• Pearl River Community College Marching Band, Mississippi
• Union High School Air Force JROTC, Oklahoma
• Fergus Falls High School Marching Band, Minnesota
• Northwest Dragon and Lion Dance Team, Oregon
• Asheville High School Marching Band, North Carolina
• Division Five
• United States Coast Guard Staff
• United States Coast Guard Band
• United States Coast Guard Academy
• United States Coast Guard Active Component
• United States Coast Guard Color Guard
• United States Coast Guard Reserve Component
• United States Merchant Marine Academy Staff
• United States Merchant Marine Academy Band
• United States Merchant Marine Academy Color Guard
• United States Merchant Marine Academy Company
• Northern State University “Marching Wolves,” South Dakota
• Military Spouses of Michigan, Michigan
• Londonderry High School Marching Band and Color Guard, New Hampshire
• Culver Academies, Indiana
• Portsmouth High School “Patriots” Marching Band, Rhode Island
• The Native American Tribes of North Dakota, North Dakota
• Liberty North High School Band, Missouri
• Sarpy County Nebraska Metro Area Law Enforcement Honor Guard, Nebraska
• Frankfort High School Marching Band, West Virginia
• Comparza Morelense, Nevada
• Letcher County Central High School Marching Band, Kentucky
• Our People, Our Future Float & Citizen Co-Chairs
• Firefighters of Idaho, Idaho
• Virginia Military Institute, Virginia

Source: PIC

About News Desk

About Diversity News Magazine: Diversity News Magazine is an independent multi-media outlet own by Minority-Owned Business who works with everyone and it is published by Diversity News Publications. Diversity News Magazine executive editor-in-chief is Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar an award winning honored and respected Journalist. Diversity News Magazine is a consumer news magazine covering news, entertainment, features, awards, sports, events and much more. DiversityNewsMagazine.com, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by more than two million visitors a month, it is another venue for advertisers to showcase their products, brands or services on the classified and display pages. The purpose of the magazine is to educate and inform the diverse community worldwide. It focuses on local, national and international news, entertainment, features, sports and more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our diverse cultures. For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at http://www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

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First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to Honor Military Families at Kids’ Inaugural

Photo credit to: The White House

Feature performances by Katy Perry, Usher, Glee! and more.

WASHINGTON, DC – (Saturday, January 19, 2013) Today, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced additional program details about First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s concert honoring military families, including its official title, “Kids’ Inaugural: Our Children. Our Future.” Tonight’s event will feature performances from some of America’s top artists. Attendees will include the families of active duty, reserve and retired service members. The full concert will be streamed online at 2013pic.org/live.

“The Kids’ Inaugural is about celebrating who we are as Americans and the people who make our country great – our men and women in uniform, our military spouses, and our amazing military kids. So it’s no surprise that when Jill and I decided to host this event, everyone wanted to join us – from Katy Perry to Glee, from Nick Cannon to Usher.

They know that military kids serve this country right alongside their moms and dads, and we’re really looking forward to celebrating our military families this weekend,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. The First Lady recorded a video message encouraging everyone, no matter where they live, to view the concert online.

The concert is part of the ongoing work of the First Lady and Dr. Biden’s Joining Forces initiative to rally all Americans to recognize, honor, and support our troops, our veterans, and our Gold Star and Blue Star families.

Photo Credi to:Ralph Alswang

“For the last four years, the First Lady and Dr. Biden have shown that they understand that every member of the family serves a deployment and that it’s not just the service member that must spend time away from loved ones,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “The Kids’ Inaugural is recognizing this sacrifice by giving these families a way to participate in the weekend’s historic events and simply enjoy a night of fun.”

PIC also announced the full list of talent for the Kids’ Inaugural. The concert will feature performances by Black Violin, Far East Movement, Glee! cast members Amber Riley, Darren Criss and Naya Rivera, iLuminate, Katy Perry, Mindless Behavior, The Soul Children of Chicago and Usher. Nick Cannon will host the event, with D-Nice as DJ and Rocsi Diaz and J.R. Martinez as presenters.

“Kids’ Inaugural: Our Children. Our Future.” will be held at the Washington Convention Center, located at 801 Mount Vernon Place NW in Washington, D.C. Doors will open at 4:00pm and the program will begin at 6:00pm. The event is invitation-only and a ticket is required for entry.

More information on the Kids’ Inaugural and all Official 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee events can be found at www.2013pic.org and on Twitter @obamainaugural.

Source: PIC

About News Desk

About Diversity News Magazine: Diversity News Magazine is an independent multi-media outlet own by Minority-Owned Business who works with everyone and it is published by Diversity News Publications. Diversity News Magazine executive editor-in-chief is Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar an award winning honored and respected Journalist. Diversity News Magazine is a consumer news magazine covering news, entertainment, features, awards, sports, events and much more. DiversityNewsMagazine.com, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by more than two million visitors a month, it is another venue for advertisers to showcase their products, brands or services on the classified and display pages. The purpose of the magazine is to educate and inform the diverse community worldwide. It focuses on local, national and international news, entertainment, features, sports and more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our diverse cultures. For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at http://www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

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Chelsea Clinton Named Honorary Chair of the National Day of Service for Presidential Inaugural

Photo credit: Facebook

WASHINGTON – Tuesday, January 15, 2013, Today the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced that Chelsea Clinton will serve as Honorary Chair of the 2013 National Day of Service, which will kick off the Second Inaugural weekend of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

“We are thrilled that Chelsea Clinton will play such a critical role in mobilizing Americans across the country to take part in the National Day of Service,” said PIC President and CEO Steve Kerrigan. “Through her work with the Clinton Foundation and her recent efforts to help communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy, Chelsea sets a remarkable example for serving and strengthening our country. As Honorary Chair, she will be instrumental in helping lead the President’s call to service and growing this important tradition.”

Chelsea Clinton will join Americans in all 50 states to participate in service events on Saturday, January 19 and will headline the Service Summit on the National Mall. The First and Second Families will also be participating in service events in the D.C. area on Saturday.

“There is no more fitting way to mark a presidential inauguration than a day of service,” said Chelsea Clinton. “Coming together as a country to strengthen our communities has always been part of the American spirit.  I am deeply grateful that President Obama and his administration have put service at the center of the Inauguration weekend and I am proud to be part of a nation-wide service effort, honoring the service and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and building a brighter future for all of us.”

More information on the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee can be found at www.2013pic.org and on Twitter @obamainaugural.

Chelsea Clinton
Chelsea Clinton has worked at McKinsey & Company and Avenue Capital and studied at Stanford, Oxford and Columbia Universities. She is currently pursuing a doctorate at Oxford, working at New York University and working with the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative and is a special correspondent for NBC News. Chelsea currently serves on the boards of the Clinton Foundation, the Clinton Global Initiative, the School of American Ballet, Common Sense Media and the Weill Cornell Medical College. She and her husband, Marc, live in New York City. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/chelseaclinton

About News Desk

About Diversity News Magazine: Diversity News Magazine is an independent multi-media outlet own by Minority-Owned Business who works with everyone and it is published by Diversity News Publications. Diversity News Magazine executive editor-in-chief is Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar an award winning honored and respected Journalist. Diversity News Magazine is a consumer news magazine covering news, entertainment, features, awards, sports, events and much more. DiversityNewsMagazine.com, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by more than two million visitors a month, it is another venue for advertisers to showcase their products, brands or services on the classified and display pages. The purpose of the magazine is to educate and inform the diverse community worldwide. It focuses on local, national and international news, entertainment, features, sports and more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our diverse cultures. For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at http://www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

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Presidential Inaugural Committee to Use Amalgamated Bank for Banking Services

Photo courtesy of Amalgamated Bank

“We are proud to partner with Amalgamated Bank, an organization that shares our commitment to supporting America’s working families and small businesses,” said Steve Kerrigan, President and CEO of the Presidential Inaugural Committee. “Amalgamated’s reputation for strong customer service will be a valuable asset to the Committee as we work to host the historic second Inauguration of President Obama.”

Amalgamated Bank was founded in 1923 by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America so that workers, labor union and progressive social organizations could bank with an institution that represents their interests. Today, Amalgamated Bank’s largest shareholder is Workers United, an SEIU affiliate.

In welcoming the Committee to Amalgamated, Edward Grebow, the Bank’s President and CEO, said, “We are honored that the Presidential Inaugural Committee has selected our bank to play an important role in the President’s second inaugural ceremonies. The Committee joins with other bank clients, including the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Governors Association, in choosing to bank with an institution that understands and is fighting for the values of hardworking American families. We are very proud to play a role in marking this important date in American history.”

About Amalgamated Bank:
Established in 1923 by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America and now owned by its successor Organization, Workers United, Amalgamated bank continues the progressive traditions of its founders as the only union-owned bank in the United States. Chartered by New York State, Amalgamated bank is an FDIC-insured commercial bank. In addition to providing a full range of commercial banking services, Amalgamated’s business including trust and investment management services, commercial real estate finance and retail banking. The Bank operates retail branches in New York, New Jersey, California, Nevada and Washington, DC. The Bank’s customers include hundreds of labor unions, non-profit organizations and political organizations. For more information visit https://www.amalgamatedbank.com/home/home

About News Desk

About Diversity News Magazine: Diversity News Magazine is an independent multi-media outlet own by Minority-Owned Business who works with everyone and it is published by Diversity News Publications. Diversity News Magazine executive editor-in-chief is Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar an award winning honored and respected Journalist. Diversity News Magazine is a consumer news magazine covering news, entertainment, features, awards, sports, events and much more. DiversityNewsMagazine.com, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by more than two million visitors a month, it is another venue for advertisers to showcase their products, brands or services on the classified and display pages. The purpose of the magazine is to educate and inform the diverse community worldwide. It focuses on local, national and international news, entertainment, features, sports and more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our diverse cultures. For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at http://www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

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Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor Selected to Perform at the 57th Presidential Inauguration

WASHINGTON, DC –  The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced today the musical artists selected to perform at the 57^th Presidential Inauguration.  Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson, and James Taylor will all perform at the inauguration, which will take place on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2013.

“Vice President Biden and I are honored to have these wonderfully talented musical artists perform at the Inaugural ceremony,” President Obama said today. “Their music is often at the heart of the American story and speaks to folks across the country.”

Beyoncé will sing the National Anthem, Kelly Clarkson will perform “My Country Tis of Thee,” and James Taylor will sing “America the Beautiful.”

President Obama was involved in the selection of participants in the Inaugural program, including the musical performers. Other ceremonial participants include Myrlie Evers-Williams, who will give the invocation; Richard Blanco, who will serve as the Inaugural poet; and Reverend Louie Giglio, who will deliver the Benediction.

Participant Biographies:
Beyoncé has become one of the most widely recognized and highly respected women in pop culture. She emerged as a founding member and lead singer and songwriter of Destiny’s Child and later developed into an iconic solo artist, actress, philanthropist and businesswoman. She has released four #1 solo albums  and has sold over 75 million albums worldwide. Her work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including 16 Grammy Awards.  Billboard named her the Top Female Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist of the 2000s decade. The Recording Industry Association of America also recognized Beyoncé as the Top Certified Artist of the 2000s.

James Taylor’s music embodies the art of songwriting in its most personal and universal form.  In a career spanning four decades, with close to 100 million albums sold and five Grammy Awards, his immediately recognizable warm baritone, introspective lyrics and unique guitar playing still blaze a path to which musicians throughout the world aspire.  In 2011 James was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Obama at The White House and in 2012 he was awarded the distinguished Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government.  Both medals are their nation’s highest honors for artistic excellence recognizing outstanding achievements and support of the arts.

Kelly Clarkson has released five studio albums and one greatest hits album, sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and has had 10 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. A global superstar, Clarkson has won two Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, two ACM Awards, a CMA Award and 12 Billboard Music Awards. Her most recent studio album, Stronger, is certified Platinum by the R.I.A.A. and was recently nominated for four 2013 Grammy Awards.

About Entertainment Desk

About Diversity News Magazine: Diversity News Magazine is an independent multi-media outlet own by Minority-Owned Business who works with everyone and it is published by Diversity News Publications. Diversity News Magazine executive editor-in-chief is Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar an award winning honored and respected Journalist. Diversity News Magazine is a consumer news magazine covering news, entertainment, features, awards, sports, events and much more. DiversityNewsMagazine.com, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by more than two million visitors a month, it is another venue for advertisers to showcase their products, brands or services on the classified and display pages. The purpose of the magazine is to educate and inform the diverse community worldwide. It focuses on local, national and international news, entertainment, features, sports and more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our diverse cultures. For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at http://www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

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Jacob Lew Nominated as Treasury Secretary by President Barack Obama

President Obama Nominates Jacob Lew as Treasury Secretary (via The White House)

President Barack Obama announces Chief of Staff Jack Lew is his nominee for Treasury Secretary to replace Timothy Geithner, right, in the East Room of the White House, Jan. 10, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy) Today, in an event President Obama nominated Jacob Lew — the current…

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About News Desk

About Diversity News Magazine: Diversity News Magazine is an independent multi-media outlet own by Minority-Owned Business who works with everyone and it is published by Diversity News Publications. Diversity News Magazine executive editor-in-chief is Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar an award winning honored and respected Journalist. Diversity News Magazine is a consumer news magazine covering news, entertainment, features, awards, sports, events and much more. DiversityNewsMagazine.com, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by more than two million visitors a month, it is another venue for advertisers to showcase their products, brands or services on the classified and display pages. The purpose of the magazine is to educate and inform the diverse community worldwide. It focuses on local, national and international news, entertainment, features, sports and more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our diverse cultures. For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at http://www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

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VIDEO: AP Latest Top News Stories

Here’s the latest news for: Thursday, January 10th. Biden to meet with NRA; Lew could be nominated today; Venezuela welcomes visiting Latin American leaders; Ice castles delight Minneapolis-area residents.

Read more

About News Desk

About Diversity News Magazine: Diversity News Magazine is an independent multi-media outlet own by Minority-Owned Business who works with everyone and it is published by Diversity News Publications. Diversity News Magazine executive editor-in-chief is Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar an award winning honored and respected Journalist. Diversity News Magazine is a consumer news magazine covering news, entertainment, features, awards, sports, events and much more. DiversityNewsMagazine.com, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by more than two million visitors a month, it is another venue for advertisers to showcase their products, brands or services on the classified and display pages. The purpose of the magazine is to educate and inform the diverse community worldwide. It focuses on local, national and international news, entertainment, features, sports and more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our diverse cultures. For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at http://www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

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The 57th Presidential Inaugural Committee Launches Official Store

Photo credit to: Presidential Inaugural Committee Press Office

WASHINGTON – Today, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) launched its online store and announced the upcoming opening of a Washington, DC retail location offering official memorabilia to celebrate the second inauguration of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. These official outlets, offering unique pieces from mugs to t-shirts to blankets, will ensure that every American can celebrate this historic event.

“We are excited to announce the launch of the Presidential Inaugural Committee 2013 Official Store,” said Presidential Inaugural Committee spokeswoman Addie Whisenant. “This inauguration is an historic moment for all Americans to come together and celebrate. Whether it is a tote bag or a sweatshirt, this official memorabilia helps Americans across the country share in this special event.”

In Washington, DC, the Presidential Inaugural Committee will open an official retail location for the local community and those traveling to the nation’s capital for inaugural events. The memorabilia will reflect the PIC’s official theme for the 57^th Presidential Inauguration: “Our People. Our Future,” which expresses the belief that this inauguration is not just a celebration of a president, it’s a celebration of the American people.

The retail store will open at 1155 F St. NW later this month. Official PIC merchandise will also be available for sale at select hotels throughout Washington, DC. The PIC operated a similar retail outlet in 2009, also located in downtown Washington, DC.

The PIC also unveiled a special edition poster designed by celebrated artist and long-time supporter Chuck Close.

To visit the online store, click HERE or visit store.2013pic.org. As part of the store’s launch, PIC is offering a 10 percent discount for first-time purchases with promo code “PIC10”.

Source: Presidential Inaugural Committee Press Office 

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