Mexico's top diplomat said here Thursday that his nation wants to see Washington undertake an immigration reform extending legal status to "all the Mexicans in the U.S."

The tortilla, which has been a staple in Mexican homes for thousands of years, is swimming in the mainstream now.

Advertising Age reports that 80.1 percent of the 479 marketers, ad agencies, and media buying executives they surveyed in September 2005 plan for increased spending in the Hispanic market during 2006.

The unemployment rate for Hispanics increased to 6.0 in November from 5.8 percent in October, according to data released today by the U.S. Department of Labor. The overall U.S. unemployment rate remained the same as in October at 5.0 percent, thereby increasing the Hispanic unemployment gap to 1 percentage point.

Staffing is the biggest issue for 29 percent of CEOs, followed by the cost of business (24 percent), and economic uncertainty (15 percent). Also, a clear majority of CEOs (81 percent) expect increased revenues in 2006.

Small and mid-size businesses (SMBs) are facing the future with tremendous optimism and increased confidence in the power of online marketing.

I've had a great business idea for five years, and I've sought assistance from consultants and government agencies about it. They all tell me to make a business plan and protect the idea legally, but I don't have the skills, background, or funds to do that. I really don't want much, just someone who will listen to my idea, see my vision, and then take it to market. Can you tell me where to turn?

Right now is the time to apply for some of the new and very profitable federal, state and local government contracts. There are also special opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses. Be sure to ask.

While the U.S. median age continues to rise, from 35.3 years in 2000, the median age of Hispanics remains the lowest of all groups. Demographers predict faster growth among young Hispanics than among other young ethnic groups for the next decade.

More than 20 percent of Cubans are 65 or older, while a scant 4 percent of Mexicans are in that age bracket. On the other hand, 37 percent of Mexicans and 31 percent of Puerto Ricans are younger than 18.

A flurry of deal-making reconfigures the Hispanic publishing sector.