Six hottest kitchen trends for 2013

Need a recipe to spice up your boring kitchen? Design experts dish up the seven most popular kitchen remodeling trends for 2013.

Is your kitchen begging for an update? Does that green and purple tile make you cringe on every trip to the fridge? If so, now might be the time to explore the latest trends in kitchen remodeling.

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry's website, planning out exactly what you want out of your kitchen remodel will help you set realistic budgets.
And if you're still not sure what you want or even where to begin, don't panic. Here are some ideas from our country-wide panel of design and contracting experts who agree these are the six hot kitchen remodel trends for 2013.

Trend #1: Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Do you want a fresh look for your kitchen cabinets, but don't want to go through the hassle of actually replacing them?
Good news: Kathleen Donohue, an award-winning designer with Neil Kelly Designs, says that refacing cabinets - not replacing - is in. Donohue says this trend is in because people are watching how they spend their money. And since refacing is the process of just changing cabinet doors while maintaining the original cabinet structure, it's a much less expensive option.
[Get help with your cabinet refacing project. Click to find the right contractor.]
And when it comes to cabinet refacing, think simple and sleek, says Donohue.
"When refacing cabinets, a clean, simple contemporary look is winning out, both from an updating standpoint, and a trend to eliminate unnecessary clutter and fussy details that equate to high maintenance and complicated living - both unpopular trends," says Donohue.

Trend #2: Stone and Solid Countertops

Are you dreaming about a gleaming new countertop to spruce up your kitchen? Consider quartz countertops, which experts say will be the material of choice in 2013 due to its durability.
"Stone countertops are losing ground to quartz composite countertops that are no-maintenance and the closest thing to bullet-proof countertop materials available today," says Donohue.
[Want help installing those new counter tops? Click to find contractors now.]
Florida-based kitchen and bath designer, Patricia Davis Brown, says another reason for quartz's popularity is that it has less fussy patterning than granite.
But quartz isn't the only trendy material for counters in 2013, according to Mark Fies, board of directors member for the Metro D.C. chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
Fies says more homeowners are asking for concrete countertops to create a custom and eye catching look. "With concrete you have endless colors to choose from, the ability to shape the surface as you see fit, and you can even embed materials and/or designs right into the surface," he says.

Trend #3: Hardwood Floors

Are you thinking about replacing your worn and ripped kitchen linoleum with gleaming hardwood floors?
Good, because our kitchen experts agree that hardwood floors remain a hot kitchen remodeling trend for 2013, with a few new developments.
For example, "I am starting to see lighter shades of wood floors again - something that hasn't been seen in a while," says Chappaqua New York interior designer, Cami Weinstein.
And Brown sees the same trend in Florida. "The washed wood floors are back but, with a twist - wider planks and hand scraping, giving a beachy feel," she says.
[Need help installing those new floors? Click to find the right contractor now.]
But hardwood floors can be a lot of work in terms of both installation and maintenance. Luckily, there are some options to give you that classic wood floor look - without the hassle.
For example, Goldberg and Donohue are seeing a trend in hardwood-looking floors made from durable and easier-to-install materials, such as engineered wood flooring, which is made from a plywood base with a real hardwood veneer.
"Engineered wood continues to be popular, but so is porcelain tile that looks like wood, with less maintenance and better water tolerance," says Goldberg.

Trend #4: Stylish Sink

Adding a stylish sink can drastically change the look of your kitchen. So what will be trending in 2013? Fies says the answer is deep bowl sinks.
"Deep bowls are still the rage," he says. "Although there are endless possibilities with today's sinks, our homeowners want large, deep sinks to accommodate their larger pots and pans. The debate between single or double bowl is still in full effect, but we tend to see homeowners choosing the one bowl option."
[Planning to remodel your kitchen? Click to find the right contractor now.]
After you've decided on the style, the next thing to consider is the material of the sink. And in terms of what will be trending for 2013, Weinstein believes stainless steel sinks will be hot due to their durability and flexibility.
"They just look great for a very long time and work with both modern and traditional cabinetry," he says.

Trend #5: Appliances

If you've been thinking about investing in new appliances, this could be the year to justify buying that commercial stove. According to Weinstein, incorporating commercial-style stoves and other useful built-in appliances in kitchen remodeling projects is a hot trend for 2013.
"Commercial stoves and stainless steel appliances continue to be used and enjoyed," she says. In addition, features that save homeowners time and space are becoming increasingly popular. "One of her favorites is a hot water dispenser. "They are great for a quick cup of tea, hot cocoa, or mixing with boullion cube for a stock," she says.
Adding to that concept, Goldberg says kitchen features that do double-duty and save valuable kitchen space are also must-haves for 2013.
This includes microwaves that double as second ovens and warming drawers, and refrigerators with convertible drawers that can act as the fridge, freezer, or wine fridge.
"Multi-taskers that serve more than one need are hot," says Goldberg.

Trend #6: Mixing Cabinet Colors

Is dark brown too bland, but red too vibrant? Will white cabinets turn a dull shade of gray after the kids put their hands on them? If you can't decide on a color for your kitchen cabinets, never fear - our experts say it isn't just one color that will be trending in 2013, but rather a combination of colors.
"Homeowners no longer need to choose between white, medium, or dark tone cabinetry," says Fies. He adds that a variety of colors will provide visual interest, and can immediately give your kitchen an updated, modern look.
So what are some ways you could incorporate a combination of colors into your own kitchen?
"I am starting to see kitchen cabinetry painted in shades of cream, taupe and gray, often mixing in a darker wood for an island or the lower cabinets," says Fies.

2012 NatGeo Photo Contest winners

National Geographic has announced their winners from the 2012 National Geographic Photo Contest. More than 22,000 entries were submitted from over 150 countries, with professional photographers and amateur photo enthusiasts across the globe participating.

Grand-Prize: The Explosion!
The subject's name is Busaba, a well cared for Indochinese Tigress whose home is at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Thailand. I had taken many portraits of Busaba previously and it was becoming more and more difficult to come up with an image that appeared any different to the others. Which is why I took to observing her more carefully during my visits in the hope of capturing something of a behavioural shot. The opportunity finally presented itself while watching Busaba enjoying her private pool then shaking herself dry. In all humility I have to say that Mother Nature smiled favourably on me that day!

 

First Place for Places: The Matterhorn
The Matterhorn 4478 m at full moon.

 

First Place for People: Amongst the Scavengers
At the end of the day women are allowed to pick through the dumpsite.

 

Viewers’ Choice for Places: Iceberg Hunters
Chipping ice off an iceberg is a common way for the Inuit community to retrieve fresh drinking water while on the land. During a weekend long hunting trip, we came upon this majestic iceberg frozen in place. It was a perfect opportunity to grab enough ice and drinking water for the remainder of the trip. 

 

Viewers’ Choice for People:  Expedition Amundsen
A race that follows in the path of the famous explorer Roald Amundsen brings the contestants to the Hardangervidda Mountainplateu, Norway. 100km across the plateau, the exact same route Amundsen used to prepare for his South Pole expedition in 1911 is still used by explorers today. Amundsen did not manage to cross the plateau and had to turn back because of bad weather. He allegedly said that the attempt to cross Hardangervidda was just as dangerous and hard as the conquering of the South Pole.

 

Viewers’ Choice for Nature: Tender Moment
Everyday in Mara starts with something new and different and day ends with memorable experiences with spectacular photographs. I was very lucky of sighting and photographing Malaika the name of female Cheetah and her cub. She is well known for its habit to jump on vehicles. She learned that from her mother Kike, and Kike from her mother Amber. Like her mother she is teaching lessons to her cub. Teaching lessons means addition of another moment for tourist. This is one of the tender moments between Malaika and her cub. I was very lucky to capture that moment. 

 

Honorable Mention: Red Fox catching mouse under snow
With his exceptional hearing a red fox has targeted a mouse hidden under 2 feet of crusted snow. Springing high in the air he breaks through the crusted spring snow with his nose and his body is completely vertical as he grabs the mouse under the snow

 

Honorable Mention: Chinese traditional dragon boat racing
Dragon boating is a Chinese traditional entertainment. As an aquatic sport to commemorate Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet in ancient China, it is usually held in festivals, which can be traced back to 2,000 years ago. 

 

Honorable Mention: East of Iceland
Glacial ice washes ashore after calving off the Breiamerkurjˆkull glacier on Iceland's eastern coast. During the waning light of summer this image was created over the course of a 4 minute exposure while the photographer backlit the grounded glacial ice with a headlamp for 2 of those 4 minutes. 

 

Honorable Mention: Captive
Yayasan Galuh Rehabilitation Center is and impoverished mental health facility based in Bekasi, Indonesia that hosts over 250 patients. Most come from poor families no longer interested in managing their condition, or are unable. Some patients are homeless, deposited after being taken off streets by police. The only medical treatment received is for skin conditions. No assessments, psychotherapy or psychiatric medications is available. Over one third of the patients are shackled in chains. These measures are implemented to those thought to be violent, uncontrollable and dangerous.

 

Honorable Mention: Eerie Eiffel
The winter gloomy day worked to my advantage to create this eerie feeling of the famous landmark Eiffel tower. 

 

Honorable Mention: Predation up close and personal
I was surrounded by thousands of fish that moved in synchrony because of the predation that was happening. It was an incredible experience.

 

Honorable Mention: Ursus arctos horribilis
This photo of a wild, Alaskan, brown bear digging on a game trail was taken with a home made motion controlled triggering device hooked up to my DSLR. 

 

Honorable Mention: Stilt Fishing
Stilt fishing is a typical fishing technique only seen in Sri Lanka. The fishermen sit on a cross bar called a petta tied to a vertical pole planted into the coral reef. This long exposure shot shows how unstable their position is.

Raging Airplane Passenger Duct Taped to Seat

The pitfalls of apparently mixing alcohol and air travel were taken to a new level when an evidently intoxicated man was constrained to his seat with duct tape on an international flight.

Iceland Air said the man went on a rampage on a New Year's Eve flight from Reykjavik to New York, hitting, screaming at and spitting on other passengers.

Passengers took matter into their own hands, taping the man to his seat.

Andy Ellwood, who was on board the flight, snapped a picture of the disruptive passenger and wrote on his blog that the man became unruly after drinking all of the duty-free liquor on board.

"He was restrained by passengers and crew and was monitored for his own safety for the duration of the flight," Iceland Air said in a statement to ABC News.

The man, who has not been identified, was taken by police to an area hospital where he was treated for alcohol poisoning. Port Authority police wouldn't confirm that the man in the picture was the person they took into custody, but said he had not been charged.

World's best shopping cities

Tired of visiting the same designer boutiques, venerable chains, and fluorescently-lit retail centers? So are we. That's why we decided to scour the globe for unique shopping spots; in these retail heavens, you'll find an eclectic array of boutique haunts, stylish department stores, and secret discount venues.

But to be a true fashion capital, a city has to do more than just provide shoppers with a wide range of options. In compiling this list, we took a variety of characteristics into account, including versatility, culture, location, and budget-friendliness. If indoor shopping centers are more your scene, then head to Dallas, Houston, or Minneapolis; because we believe shopping is an experience meant to be savored, you won't find America's megamalls on our list. But if you would rather embark on a shopping spree to be remembered, keep reading to discover the world's top shopping cities.
Tired of visiting the same designer boutiques, venerable chains, and fluorescently-lit retail centers? So are we. That's why we decided to scour the globe for unique shopping spots; in these retail heavens, you'll find an eclectic array of boutique haunts, stylish department stores, and secret discount venues.
But to be a true fashion capital, a city has to do more than just provide shoppers with a wide range of options. In compiling this list, we took a variety of characteristics into account, including versatility, culture, location, and budget-friendliness. If indoor shopping centers are more your scene, then head to Dallas, Houston, or Minneapolis; because we believe shopping is an experience meant to be savored, you won't find America's megamalls on our list. But if you would rather embark on a shopping spree to be remembered, keep reading to discover the world's top shopping cities.
Seattle
Seattle's shopping scene is just as rich and bold as its coffee. Home to iconic national chains (like Nordstrom and R.E.I.), independent boutiques, and cozy bookstores, there's plenty to purchase in this hip city. A jumbled array of eclectic neighborhoods, Seattle boasts a diverse array of shopping haunts. The intersection of Pine Street and Fifth Avenue makes a great place to start hitting the racks, with upscale department stores like Macy's and Coach anchoring a smattering of local shops. For souvenirs, knick-knacks, and exuberant window displays, head to Pike Place Market. And for one-of-a-kind vintage items and unique crafts, visit Fremont and nearby Ballard, both hot spots for retro items, artsy galleries, and independent breweries.

Tokyo

Japan's epicenter features everything from cutting-edge electronics emporiums to budget-friendly designer warehouses. Just keep in mind you won't be able to take in all of Tokyo's retail institutions in one trip. So, you'll have to pick and choose where you want to go according to your shopping style. For designer labels, you'll want to follow the neon lights to Ginza. Here you'll come across recognized brands like Chanel and Cartier, as well as massive department stores like Matsuya and Hankyu. Still haven't met your label quota? Check out Omotesando, a six-story shopping complex which features a melting pot of independent boutiques and iconic brand names like Harry Winston and Yves Saint Laurent. If you would prefer to shop among a younger set, head to Harajuku, which boasts a smorgasbord of high-end retailers along with bargain shops. For Harajuku's high-fashion scene, head to Kyu Shibuya-gawa Hodo (also known as "Cat Street"). To get more for your money, head to Ameyoko Arcade, a pedestrian market filled with knock-offs, exotic spices, and discounted garments and shoes.

Los Angeles

In winter, when most of the country is hibernating from icy temperatures, Los Angeles beckons to shoppers with its warm weather, sparkling sands, and sun-drenched boulevards. Whether you're looking to lighten your wallet at the ultra-luxurious designer retailers lining Rodeo Drive or partake in a shopping spree at chic vintage boutiques, L.A. offers an eclectic spectrum of possibilities. To pick up eccentric, retro finds at discounted prices, head to West Hollywood, where stylish stores line the Sunset Strip and West 3rd Street. To marvel at impeccably dressed mannequins sporting designs straight off the runway, venture to Melrose Avenue. For more eclectic boutiques and scantily-clad sun-seekers, head to Venice Beach. And for a mish-mash of charming boutiques and New York-style department stores, take a drive to Old Pasadena.

Paris
The City of Light is home to upscale chains, charming boutiques, and haute-couture. And while it's easy to put your pocketbook to work on the elegant Champs-Élysées—where you'll find famous designers like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior—you'll get more bang for your buck in the budget-friendly shops found in the Sixth Arrondissement's stylish St-Germain neighborhood. Here, you'll spot fashion-forward retailers like Des Petits Hauts, André, and Cyrillus. If you're looking for a piece of vintage couture heaven, head to the Upper Marais in the Third Arrondissement, where you'll find cutting-edge garments inside chic boutiques, like Merci. And there's plenty more than the eye can see happening below Paris' uber-trendy city blocks. If you've never been before, head to Les Halles, an underground mall filled with upscale stores and cafés.

New York City
It's probably no surprise that the Big Apple—which houses more than 8 million stylish city-dwellers within its five boroughs—has made our list of shopping hotspots. Flagship stores, bustling marketplaces, funky boutiques … Manhattan boasts versatile shopping scenes that cater to fashion-forward shopaholics and chic New Yorkers alike. For designer labels and twinkling window displays, take a stroll along Fifth Avenue, between 34th and 59th streets, where you'll find institutions like Tiffany & Co., Macy's, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks. If you would rather shop somewhere that's kinder to your wallet, head to the independent boutiques that mingle with trendy urban retailers in SoHo. Those willing to spend a little more coin should visit bohemian Nolita, where window displays showcase vintage designer goods and one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories. And for knock-offs and knick-knacks, head down to Chinatown.

Melbourne

The fashion nexus of Australia, Melbourne appeals to world-class shoppers and bargain-hunters alike. Rows upon rows of upscale designer storefronts line the eastern side of Collins Street, often called the "Paris End" by Melbournians for its high-end retailers. To continue draining your souvenir budget, venture to Chapel Street in South Yarra-Prahran, where posh boutiques rub elbows with charming cafés and exquisite art galleries. For a more bohemian selection, head to Fitzroy, just north City Center, which teems with eclectic, funky boutiques, cozy cafés, and art galleries by the dozen. Or make a trip to Flinders Lane and Swanton Street, both of which house chic venues filled with Australian designer labels and fanciful accessories.

 

Santa Fe

No, you won't stumble upon the exquisite designer stores like those featured on Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive. However, you will find Santa Fe's cobbled streets teeming with eccentric shops specializing in locally crafted items like silver jewelry, turquoise, and pottery. If you came here to gallery-hop, head to Canyon Road, where more than 100 galleries and studios display contemporary and abstract works from distinguished local artists. Along this premiere shopping street, you'll also spot hand-woven Navajo rugs and wood carvings galore. Afterwards, check out the vibrant Santa Fe Arcade, which oozes Southwestern charm from its rich array of silver souvenirs and festive eateries.

London
London's diverse mix of sprawling department stores, antiques-filled markets, and cutting-edge boutiques offer a pleasant experience for all. Whether you're looking for extravagant must-have items or marked-down merchandise, London has it. There's Harrods, the Knightsbridge landmark that teems with designer labels and elaborate window displays. And then there's Oxford Street, the vibrant shopping strip filled with popular clothing chains like Selfridges and TopShop. Prefer something a little more unique? Head to posh Soho, where eccentric (and high-fashion) pieces dangle from clothing racks. If you happen to be visiting over the weekend, make sure to stop at Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill: The usually peaceful street sees a flurry of activity on Sundays, when the area fills with vendors selling everything from antique silver teapots to retro vinyl.

Chicago
As its name aptly suggests, Chicago's "Magnificent Mile" features a brilliant mile-long stretch filled with top-notch boutiques and designer chains like Neiman Marcus, Chanel, Nordstrom, and more. For those of you looking for bargain-basement finds, you'll find less costly chains, like H&M, Filene's Basement, and Gap perched on the north end of Michigan Avenue. Prefer meandering through less-packed shopping enclaves? Venture to Bucktown and Wicker Park for antique-filled furniture shops, funky boutiques, and trendy art galleries. (Begin your journey on Damen Avenue and stroll north to Armitage Avenue for the top shops.) Just be prepared to leave with significantly depleted funds after hitting the racks here—the West Side may boast more bohemian shops than the Mag Mile, but the prices are just as steep.

Copenhagen
This cosmopolitan city offers plenty in the way of supreme shopping blocks. For example, this is where you'll find Europe's longest pedestrian shopping street, Strøget, brimming with stylish boutiques and cafés. If you're planning on spending most of your time near the intersection of Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn (the eastern end of Strøget's vast shopping network), pack a thick pocketbook: Here, high-end international brands like Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel occupy a large portion of the sidewalks. Looking for bargains? Stroll toward City Hall Square, where you'll have access to numerous European chains, including Bik Bok and Vero Moda. Another bonus of shopping in Copenhagen: the sights. As you hit the racks, be sure to stop and look around every once in awhile to marvel at the majestic Stork Fountain (Storkespringvandet), Royal Danish Theater, and Christiansborg Palace.

Charleston
If your ideal shopping spree involves strolling along quaint streets peppered with antique shops, art galleries, and cutting-edge boutiques, then make a bee-line for Charleston. King Street stands as the artery of the city's retail scene, boasting a rich assortment of local high-end home décor stores (as well as larger chains, such as Pottery Barn). For the best antique outlets, head to lower King Street, between Broad and Market. Looking for fashion-forward brands? Take a stroll to middle King Street where national chains, like Banana Republic, reside. Looking to stretch your dollar further? Visit the Charleston City Market on South Market Street, which sells everything from hand-crafted pottery to paintings to woven sweetgrass baskets.

Dubai
Move over Las Vegas. In Dubai, everything is bigger and better, from the massive Dubai Mall to the bustling Gold and Spice Souks. In this Emirati metropolis (and major trading hub), you can find designer labels without the sticker-shock of American stores, thanks to tax-free price tags. Start your jaunt through the bustling bazaars for precious gems, Oriental silks, and savory spices—all for a much lower rate than they go for other parts of the world. Afterwards, work your way back to the world's largest shopping center, where more than 1,000 stores reside at the foot of the towering Burj Khalifa. And when you need a break for all the retail therapy, unwind by the Dubai Fountains, which feature an immense 900-foot-long pool.

Republican Party seems as divided, angry as ever

BOSTON (AP) — The Republican Party seems as divided and angry as ever.

Infighting has penetrated the highest levels of the House GOP leadership. Long-standing geographic tensions have increased, pitting endangered Northeastern Republicans against their colleagues from other parts of the country. Enraged tea party leaders are threatening to knock off dozens of Republicans who supported a measure that raised taxes on the nation's highest earners.

"People are mad as hell. I'm right there with them," Amy Kremer, chairman of the Tea Party Express, said late last week, declaring that she has "no confidence" in the party her members typically support. Her remarks came after GOP lawmakers agreed to higher taxes but no broad spending cuts as part of a deal to avert the "fiscal cliff."

"Anybody that voted 'yes' in the House should be concerned" about primary challenges in 2014, she said.

At the same time, one of the GOP's most popular voices, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, blasted his party's "toxic internal politics" after House Republicans initially declined to approve disaster relief for victims of Superstorm Sandy. He said it was "disgusting to watch" their actions and he faulted the GOP's most powerful elected official, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.

The GOP's internal struggles to figure out what it wants to be were painfully exposed after Mitt Romney's loss to President Barack Obama on Nov. 6, but they have exploded in recent days. The fallout could extend well beyond the party's ability to win policy battles on Capitol Hill. It could hamper Republicans as they examine how to regroup and attract new voters after a disheartening election season.

To a greater degree than the Democrats, the Republican Party has struggled with internal divisions for the past few years. But these latest clashes have seemed especially public and vicious.

"It's disappointing to see infighting in the party," said Ryan Williams, a Republican operative and former Romney aide. "It doesn't make us look like we're in a position to challenge the president and hold him accountable to the promises he made."

What's largely causing the dissension? A lack of a clear GOP leader with a single vision for the party.

Republicans haven't had a consistent standard-bearer since President George W. Bush left office in 2008 with the nation on the edge of a financial collapse. His departure, along with widespread economic concerns, gave rise to a tea party movement that infused the GOP's conservative base with energy. The tea party is credited with broad Republican gains in the 2010 congressional elections, but it's also blamed for the rising tension between the pragmatic and ideological wings of the party — discord that festers still.

It was much the same for Democrats in the late 1980s before Bill Clinton emerged to win the White House and shift his party to the political center.

2012 presidential nominee Romney never fully captured the hearts of his party's most passionate voters. But his tenure atop the party was short-lived; since Election Day, he's disappeared from the political world.

Those Republican leaders who remain engaged — Christie, Boehner, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus — are showing little sign of coming together.

Those on the GOP's deep bench of potential 2016 presidential contenders, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, have begun staking out their own, sometimes conflicting ideas for the party.

Over the short term at least, the party's divisions probably will continue to be exposed.

Obama has outlined a second-term agenda focused on immigration and gun control; those are issues that would test Republican solidarity even in good times. Deep splits already exist between Republican pragmatists and the conservative base, who oppose any restrictions on guns or allowances for illegal immigrants.

It's unclear whether Obama can exploit the GOP fissures or whether the Republican dysfunction will hamper him. With Boehner unable to control his fractured caucus, the White House is left wondering how to deal with the House on any divisive issue.

Fiscal issues aren't going away, with lawmakers were agree on a broad deficit-reduction package. The federal government reached its borrowing limit last week, so Congress has about two months or three months to raise the debt ceiling or risk a default on federal debt. Massive defense and domestic spending cuts are set to take effect in late February. By late March, the current spending plan will end, raising the possibility of a government shutdown.

Frustrated conservative activists and GOP insiders hope that the continued focus on fiscal matters will help unite the factions as the party pushes for deep spending cuts. That fight also may highlight Democratic divisions because the party's liberal wing vehemently opposes any changes to Social Security or Medicare

"Whenever you lose the White House, the party's going to have ups and downs," said Republican strategist Ron Kaufman. "My guess is when the spending issues come up again, the Democrats' warts will start to show as well."

The GOP's fissures go beyond positions on issues. They also are geographical.

Once a strong voice in the party, moderate Republicans across the Northeast are nearly extinct. Many of those who remain were frustrated in recent days when Boehner temporarily blocked a vote on a disaster relief bill.

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., said campaign donors in the Northeast who give the GOP after the slight "should have their head examined."

Boehner, who just won a second term as speaker, quickly scheduled a vote on a narrower measure for Friday after the new Congress convened, and it rushed out a $9.7 billion measure to help pay flood insurance claims.

Weary Republican strategists are trying to be hopeful about the GOP's path ahead, and liken the current situation to party's struggles after Obama's 2008 election. At the time, some pundits questioned the viability of the Republican Party. But it came roaring back two years later, thanks largely to the tea party.

"If we have learned anything from the fiscal cliff fiasco, conservatives discovered we need to stand firm, and stand together, on our principles from beginning to end," said Republican strategist Alice Stewart. "It's frustrating to see the GOP drop the ball and turn a position of true compromise into total surrender. The Democrats succeeded in their strategy of divide and conquer."