June 2008 Archives
The Manolo he recommends the shoes for Congressional pages
Dear Manolo,I am a Congressional page and I’m in need of comfortable, yet stylish, black shoes. Our uniform is a navy blazer with grey slacks or a skirt (with which we have to wear nude or black hose). I’m open to almost anything that looks cute.
Caitlin
Manolo says, ayyyyy! One minute you are sitting in your sophomore social studies class, reading about the founding geniuses, John Adams and George Washington, and the next, thanks to the help of your Uncle Don the politically active scrap metal baron, you are in the Senate cloakroom fighting off the inappropriate fumblings of the senior senator from the Great State of Inebriation.
Read the whole thing: "Manolo the Columnist," Manolo’s Shoe Blog, May 2, 2008
More About Congressional Pages
- "Guide for Congressional Pages"
- T-shirt: Congressional Totem Pole (as Drawn by a Former House Page)
- What's the deal with . . . Congressional Pages?
- Senate Pages
- The U.S. House of Representatives Page Program
- "Pages of the United States Congress: Selection, Duties, and Program Administration," by Mildred Amer, CRS Report for Congress 98-758, May 21, 2008 (3-page pdf
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- "Pages of the United States Congress: History, Background Information, and Proposals for Change," by Mildred Amer, CRS Report for Congress RL33685, February 6, 2007 (13-page pdf )
- United States House of Representatives Page Program - from Wikipedia
- United States Senate Page Program - from Wikipedia
June 30, 2008 07:57 PM Link Caught Our Eye Comments (0)
Recommend Books for Children about Washington, DC and our Government
Children's Books that have been popular with our readers the last few months:
Also see Recommend Books for Children about Washington, DC and our Government
June 30, 2008 02:47 PM Link Fun Comments (0)
True calling ... and standard of living.
If one of the disadvantages of an elite education is the temptation it offers to mediocrity, another is the temptation it offers to security. When parents explain why they work so hard to give their children the best possible education, they invariably say it is because of the opportunities it opens up. But what of the opportunities it shuts down? An elite education gives you the chance to be rich--which is, after all, what we’re talking about--but it takes away the chance not to be. Yet the opportunity not to be rich is one of the greatest opportunities with which young Americans have been blessed. We live in a society that is itself so wealthy that it can afford to provide a decent living to whole classes of people who in other countries exist (or in earlier times existed) on the brink of poverty or, at least, of indignity. You can live comfortably in the United States as a schoolteacher, or a community organizer, or a civil rights lawyer, or an artist--that is, by any reasonable definition of comfort. You have to live in an ordinary house instead of an apartment in Manhattan or a mansion in L.A.; you have to drive a Honda instead of a BMW or a Hummer; you have to vacation in Florida instead of Barbados or Paris, but what are such losses when set against the opportunity to do work you believe in, work you’re suited for, work you love, every day of your life?
Yet it is precisely that opportunity that an elite education takes away. How can I be a schoolteacher--wouldn’t that be a waste of my expensive education? Wouldn’t I be squandering the opportunities my parents worked so hard to provide? What will my friends think? How will I face my classmates at our 20th reunion, when they’re all rich lawyers or important people in New York? And the question that lies behind all these: Isn’t it beneath me? So a whole universe of possibility closes, and you miss your true calling.
"The Disadvantages of an Elite Education: Our best universities have forgotten that the reason they exist is to make minds, not careers." by William Deresiewicz, The American Scholar, Summer 2008
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How to Find a Job in Washington, DC
Capitol Learning Audio Course Includes seminar materials. Audio Course on CD: $47 plus shipping and handling  |
June 29, 2008 08:27 PM Link Career Comments (0)
Congressional Deskbook: "Quorum"
Quorum: Minimum number of members required for the transaction of business.
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This definition is from our Congressional Deskbook. Perfect reference tool of Congressional jargon and procedural terms. The cover and inside pages of this booklet can be customized with your logo and information. For more information, see our Booklets page. The Pocket Dictionary is based on the Congressional Deskbook, by Michael Koempel and Judy Schneider. |
TheCapitol.Net offers training and a Certificate Program in Congressional Operations and Federal Budgeting, we show you how Washington and Congress work. TM
June 27, 2008 11:17 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Drafting Effective Federal Legislation and Amendments
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Drafting Effective Federal Legislation and Amendments |
This 1-day course in Washington, DC, helps anyone draft and revise bills and amendments, with lessons especially useful to those who prepare reports, legislation and other documents. In this course, instructors explain the role of the OMB, examining various formats and exploring ways to choose the most appropriate one for your issue.
We discuss how to:
- Define your audience and broaden your measure's appeal
- Assess existing law and policy objectives before putting pen to paper
- Structure bills and amendments to streamline the drafting process
- Comply with the U.S. Code rules of construction, style, grammar and punctuation guide
- Use drafting styles that work in your favor
- Apply drafting language to your ideas and goals via hands-on exercises
Course materials include the Training Edition of "Legislative Drafter's Deskbook," by Tobias A. Dorsey.
- Tuesday, July 29, 2008
- 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
- More information here
June 24, 2008 02:07 PM Link Congress ~ Legislative Drafter ~ Training Comments (0)
SOLD: Gas powered Bike, up to 200 mpg, top speed 27-28 mph. Golden Eagle Bike Engine Kit (Subaru 4-stroke), mounted on Charger bike (whizzer)
SOLD: Charger bike with Golden Eagle Gas Bike Kit.
Beat the high price of gas and commute in style and comfort.
- Bike: Charger bike (black comfort model)
- Gas: Golden Eagle Bike Kit, Robin/Subaru 35cc four-stroke gasoline engine, centrifugal clutch, and belt drive (up to 200 mpg, top speed 27-28 mph)
Runs great, very sturdy.
- Has been ridden less than 25 miles - basically new
- 18" unisex Cro-Moly frame size (accommodates riders from 5'-3" to 6'-3")
- Can be ridden as a regular 7-speed bike with no power assist, just release the clutch on the gas engine (a simple lever with a knob on the side of the gas engine), and turn engine off.
- Gas:
- Tires are Kenda 26 x 2.10 (40-65 pounds psi) Nylon-Kevlar tires on double wall aluminum Weinmann Zack-16 rims
- Fenders with mud flaps
- Front reflector, rear flashing LED
- Bike weighs 56 pounds without battery box
- Battery box weighs 23 pounds
- Bike is very sturdy
- First 10 miles were ridden human/electric, last 15 miles human/gas (without the battery box on the bike)
- Ready to ride pedaling or gas (electric needs adjustment of sensor on rear wheel)
- The gas engine is separate from and does not power the electric motor (the electric motor has not been used since installing the Golden Eagle Bike Gas Kit at about 10 miles).
- No regenerative braking
- More details below
SOLD (the Golden Eagle Bike Engine Kit sells for $629 by itself, the Charger sells for $775). Email to hobnobblog -at- gmail.com
 Left side without battery - Golden Eagle kit is mounted on back |
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 Left side with battery on bike |
 Right side with battery on bike |
 Right side without battery |
 Left handlebar: rear brake lever and gas engine accelerator |
 35cc 4-stroke engine attached to wheel with drive belt (clutch is in the black enclosure on side of engine) |
 Right handlebar: front brake lever, shifter, and kill switch |
 Battery pack on ground next to bike |
 Battery pack with on-board charger |
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This is a Charger electric bike (color: black) that has the Golden Eagle Bike Engine Kit added. (We're selling this as we got a Piaggio MP3 scooter.)
We're not particularly mechanically inclined anymore and we never got the electric part of the bike working at top speed because we could not keep the wheel sensor properly aligned. We could get it up to about 17 mph on flat streets using electric and human pedaling only (properly aligned it should have done 20 mph). With the gas engine, the bike does get up to almost 30 mph on flat streets.
Have not used the electric since putting on the gas engine. Battery does not need to be on bike to operate as a bike or with the Robin/Subaru gas engine. We left all electrical components on the bike but you can take them off and will not effect rideability.
Bike can be ridden as
- Regular 7-speed bike
- Gas bike getting up to 200 mpg at 27-28 mph
- Electric bike if you adjust sensors and put snap-on battery on bike
For more information:
- Charger bike (this is the black comfort model)
- Golden Eagle Gas Bike kit with 350R/S 35cc Robin/Subaru 4-Stroke Engine
- Electric bike
This is a sturdy bike.
Charger Electric Bike
Charger Electric Bicycle (Electroportal:seller's page | Charger FAQs)
- Four power levels of assist
- Recharges on regular 110 volt power
- Electrically-assisted (stop pedaling, and the assist stops immediately)
- 2-chain drive system to ensure positive drive in all conditions
- 24-volt drive system
- On-board charging system (Smart 115 VAC to 24 VDC battery charger, 4 to 6 hr. charge.1st hr. to 80% capacity.)
- Battery-and-electronics pack is completely removable
- 20 miles per charge, 4 hour charge time
- Membrane key-pad: state of charge indicator, PIN power-up code, 4 level assist selector
- DC permanent magnet motor runs through pedal gearing for higher efficiency and power
- 0.5 Horse Power motor (sustained rating), peaks at 36 Amps (864 Watts)
- 7 speeds: Shimano Nexus 7 Speed Internal Gear Hub, with high power roller brake, Revo speed selector
- Dual purpose Nylon-Kevlar tires on double wall aluminum Weinmann Zack-16 rims
- 18" unisex frame size (accommodates riders from 5'-3" to 6'-3")
- Cro-Moly frame: stronger and more flexible than aluminum, yet just as light
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Eagle Bike Engine Kit A. Drive Ring B. Belt C. Lower Mount Strap D. Safety Cover E. Front Mount Strap F. Engine w/mount bracket & drive assembly G. Trigger Throttle, cable attached H. Kill Button, wire attached I. Oil - for 2-strokes only J. 4in1 Ring/Spoke/Gear Key K. Nuts, bolts, washers, Clutch Knob & Zip-Ties |
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Equipped with Golden Eagle Bike Engine Kit, "the first and only geared belt drive bicycle assist engine on the market."
EHO35 35cc Robin/Subaru Mini-4 4-Stroke gasoline engine ($629 new). Includes Trail Gear ($25)
- 4-Stroke Robin Subaru engine, 35cc (highest quality and most reliable gas engine available)
- Belt Driven, with clutch
- Advanced Micro 4-Cycle OHV Design
- Because this is a 4-stroke engine, you do NOT mix oil
- Brand new, only driven a few times
- Up to 200 miles per gallon
- Top speed of 27-28 miles per hour
- Easy Starting: The Micro 4-cycle OHV design combined with an automatic decompression system provides an easy pull and reliable starting.
- Smooth Running: The unique lubrication system with a separate oil chamber ensures a smooth running engine
- Light and Compact: Introduced as the lightest and most compact 4-cycle engine its class. Robin SUBARU advanced technology pioneers compact engine design.
- Powerful and Responsive : The Micro 4-cycle OHV design delivers high torque and horsepower. Smooth throttle response and wide RPM range produces low end torque at Low rpm's.
- Clean and Fuel Efficient: The advanced Micro 4-cycle OHV design provides low emissions and high efficiency to meet both EPA phase2 and CARB tier II emission regulations.
- Quiet, Low Vibration: The Micro 4-cycle OHV design delivers smooth power with greatly reduced noise and lower tone. The well balanced design reduces vibration.
More
- "Golden Eagle Bike Engine: 250 mpg bicycle assist motor," Cool Tools, August 28, 2006
- "A bike, an engine and a man who doesn't have to pedal," by Jason Schreiber, New Hampshire Union Leader, May 30, 2008
- "Less than one dollar to fill his tank," by Jeanne Visser, Sioux County Index-Reporter, May 21, 2008
- "Geekfuelery: Saving Gas Update," January 22, 2008
- "Charger Electric Bike: Product Review," by Jay L., Associated Content, April 17, 2007
- "Bike built for mileage," by John Miller, The Nashville News, June 9, 2006
- "The 175 Watt Solution," by Forbes Bagatelle-Black, EV World, October 10, 2006
- "How To Install A Motor On A Bike," Popular Science, March 2004
- "Golden Eagle cyclemotor," by Frank Auton, The Moped Archive, February 2004
- Motorbicycling.com - Motorized Bicycle Forum
- MotoredBikes.com - "The internet's largest motorized bicycle forum."
- Motorized bicycle - from Wikipedia
- "Electric Bikes," Hobnob Blog, September 9, 2007
- Bicycle-Power.com
- Whizzer Motorbikes
- Golden Eagle Bike Engine Motor For Bicycle - blog
June 22, 2008 03:37 PM Link For Sale Comments (1)
Piaggio MP3 - article roundup
"No Age Limit: The Lincoln Highway Ride," Bernard Rosenbaum and Bob Chase cross the USA, from San Francisco to Times Square, on MP3 500s June 13 - June xx, 2008."First Ride: Piaggio MP3 400 and 500," by Jeremy Korzeniewski, AutoblogGreen, May 27, 2008
"Piaggio MP3 400: Not just a third wheel," by The Car Family, May 19, 2008
"2008 Piaggio MP3 400 Review: Three-wheeled scoot always draws a crowd," by Brad Puetz, Motorcycle.com, May 15, 2008
"Piaggio MP3 500ie: MD Ride Review . . .The Italians Trike Back," by Barry Winfield, Copyright Motorcycle Daily, April 10, 2008
"Piaggio MP3 Scooter...not your father's Vespa," by Adam Richardson, cnet, March 12, 2008
"2008 Piaggio MP3 500: Legendary scooter manufacturer launches two new three-wheelers," by Arv Voss, SFGate, March 8, 2008
"Review: Piaggio MP3 Scooter," by Brett Solomon, e-Gear, March 7, 2008
"2008 Piaggio MP3 500 Test Drive: Clever Trike Delivers 60 MPG, Tons of Fun," by Basem Wasef, Popular Mechanics, February 27, 2008
"Piaggio MP3 400 Test ride," Cafe Moto Vespa Club, February 8, 2008
"Piaggio MP3 Three-Wheel Scooter Review," by Jess, Modern Vespa, December 18, 2006
"Piaggio MP3: the hooligan scooter?" The Biker Gene, December 4, 2007
"2007 Piaggio MP3: Italian scooter is three-wheeled wonder," by Arv Voss, San Francisco Chronicle, December 1, 2007
"Gilera Fuoco - Sex On Three Wheels - First Ride: Piaggio's Wet Dream," by Roland Brown, Motorcyclist (July 2007)
"Piaggio MP3 400 ie," 2 Stroke Buzz, June 13, 2007
"Review of the Piaggio MP3," by David L. Harrington, JustGottaScoot.com, June 2007
"Piaggio MP3 400," by Brad Puetz, Two Wheel Freaks, May 5, 2008
"Piaggio MP3: A love triangle you can live with," Jim Palms, Sound Rider, Spring 2007
"Piaggio MP3 Scooters Getting Good Reviews," by Paul Crowe, The Kneeslider, April 30, 2007
"A three-wheeled extravaganza! Piaggio MP3, VentureOne, KTM X-Bow and Can-Am Spyder," AutoblogGreen, February 23, 2007
"The Can-Am Spyder and Piaggio MP3 are trikes for the big kids," by Susan Carpenter, Los Angeles Times, February 14, 2007
"Piaggio's MP3 Positioned As Practical Scooter For Earth-Lovers," Marketing Daily, January 23, 2007
"The Piaggio MP3: The Three Wheeler, With Two Front Wheels!" by Tasha Crook, LondonBikers.com, January 10, 2007
"Three-Wheeled Suspense," by Matthew Conkley, Popular Science, 2007
"Piaggio MP3 Three-Wheel Scooter Review," by Jess, Modern Vespa, December 18, 2006
"3-wheel scooter for the young and hip: Piaggio's new scooter puts two wheels in front for better stability and handling." By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com, September 26, 2006
"Piaggio MP3: Three Wheels Better Than Two," Gizmodo, May 17, 2006
"Piaggio 3 Wheel MP3 Scooter," by Paul Crowe, The Kneeslider, May 11, 2006
More
- Piaggio USA web site
- Little Cars - Jonathan Brickman
- Motorcycle Rider Training Program at NVCC
- Dealers: Vespa of Arlington (VA), 703-243-8377 | Eastside Vespa (WA), 425 485-7711 | Vespa of DC, 202-333-8212
- Wikipedia article
- Piaggio MP3 250 - 3 wheel scooter on Hobnob Blog
- 2005 MP3 Manual (329 page pdf )
- 2007 MP3 Manual (335 page pdf )
- Mid-Atlantic Italian MotoFest
- MP3 Forum on ModernVespa
- Royal Bastards Scooter Club | forum
- JustGottaScoot.com
- DC Scoots
- Washington Metro Area Scooter Authority (WMSA)
- MP3 Scooter Club (UK)
- Piaggio MP3 250 on Scooter Community (AU)
- webBikeWorld
- ScooterTrap Performance Parts & Accessories
- MotorSport Scooters - Scooter West
- Corbin - seats
- Kisan motorcycle safety electronics
- Comagination head- and tail-light modulator
- Biker Hiway
- CBXMan
- ToolMonger | Siren Padlock (biz home)
- Custom Dynamics - LEDs
- Scooter Trap
- Black Stebel Nautilus Compact Motorcycle Air Horn - installing
- PJ's Parts - Fabbri Windscreens (fitting the Fabbri)
- RAM Mount for scooters - RAM mount for Brake Reservoir cover
- Posi-Tap tap connector
- Powelet
- Electrical Connection Universal Power Plate 02202 - from California Sport Touring
- Garmin Zumo 450 Portable GPS Motorcycle Navigator
- Garmin Zumo 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Motorcycle Navigator
- TomTom Rider 2 GPS Navigator for Motorcycles and Scooters
- Akuma helmets
June 21, 2008 01:37 PM Link Fun ~ Piaggio MP3 ~ Technology Comments (0)
How to Research and Compile Legislative Histories: Searching for Legislative Intent
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How to Research and Compile Legislative Histories: Searching for Legislative Intent |
This full-day course in Washington, DC, explores effective, professional methods for locating and compiling legislative histories of federal laws.
Our experienced, up-to-date, and independent faculty demonstrate and discuss:
- Various document types necessary to research and compile legislative histories including enacted laws, bills and resolutions, floor debates and committee reports with a focus on federal (not state) legislative history research methodologies
- The fastest ways to find and use print and online documents
- Professional secrets and tips
Also see our web page, "Legislative History Reference and Research Tools."
- Friday, June 27, 2008
- 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- More information here
June 21, 2008 09:37 AM Link Legislative Process ~ Real World Research ~ Research ~ Training Comments (0)
Congressional Deskbook: "'Bigger Bite' Amendment"
"Bigger Bite" Amendment: Although an amendment cannot amend previously amended language under House rules, a “bigger bite” amendment can be offered because it changes more of the measure or amendment than the original amendment.
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This definition is from our Congressional Deskbook. Perfect reference tool of Congressional jargon and procedural terms. The cover and inside pages of this booklet can be customized with your logo and information. For more information, see our Booklets page. The Pocket Dictionary is based on the Congressional Deskbook, by Michael Koempel and Judy Schneider. |
TheCapitol.Net offers training and a Certificate Program in Congressional Operations and Federal Budgeting, we show you how Washington and Congress work. TM
June 20, 2008 09:17 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
How to Find a Job in Washington, DC - Useful Web Sites
This is a list of web sites useful for job seekers and career changers in the Washington, DC area.
These web sites were discussed in the Capitol Learning Audio Course, "How to Find a Job in Washington, DC" taught by Derrick Dortch.
- The Washington Post - jobs
- Washington City Paper
- Monster
- Career Education Center at Georgetown University
- Google
- Yahoo
- USAJobs - "Official job site of the United States Federal Government"
- Avue Central - "A federal employment service provided absolutely free to the public. It’s the fastest and easiest way to find and apply for federal employment."
- USA.gov
- U.S. Senate Employment
- Almanac of Policy Issues - "Background information, archived documents, and links on major U.S. public policy issues."
- C-SPAN
- Policy Experts - "single-source directory for locating knowledgeable authorities and leading policy institutes actively involved in a broad range of public policy issues, both domestic and foreign."
- HillZoo.com - jobs on and off The Hill
- Governing.com Executive Marketplace - from Governing magazine
- National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
- careerbuilder.com
- indeed.com - "Search job sites, newspapers, associations and company career pages."
- dcjobs.com
- idealist.org - "Over 57,000 nonprofit organizations from more than 180 countries have created profiles on Idealist.org"
- IntelligenceCareers.com
- BankingBoard.com - "The Banking and Finance Career Center"
- Recruiters Network - The Association for Internet Recruiting
- International Association of Employment Web Sites - "The trade association for the global online employment services industry"
- RCjobs, from Roll Call
- PoliTemps
- financialcareers.com - "Specialists in the recruitment of financial and accounting professionals"
- The Ladders - "The most $100k+ jobs"
- PublicHealthJobs.net - "the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) Employment Council"
- JournalismJobs.com - "The largest and most-visited resource for journalism jobs"
- Policy Jobs - "A job advertising website specialising in public policy jobs: covering research, policy making, and academic jobs in many fields including: foreign policy, economics, social policy, family policy, legal affairs and fiscal policy."
- Foriegn Policy Association, Job Board
- The Development Executive Group - The "source for NGO recruiting and international development jobs"
- ALISE (Association for Library and Information Science Education) Job Placement
- American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA)
- American Public Health Association (APHA) CareerMart
- Leadership Directories
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How to Find a Job in Washington, DC
Capitol Learning Audio Course Includes seminar materials. Audio Course on CD: $47 plus shipping and handling |
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June 18, 2008 02:07 PM Link Career ~ Training Comments (0)
Research Skills for the Real World: Going Beyond Google
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Research Skills for the Real World: Going Beyond Google |
This 1-day course in Washington, DC, helps anyone responsible for research at any Washington-area organization, whether an agency, association, business, elected official or nonprofit. It is designed for anyone who wants to improve their research skills.
Are you among the 80 percent who haven’t received research skills training? Our faculty offer a minimum of 10 years' experience in performing research in Washington.
You'll gain:
- An overview of online searching, telephone and email research
- A review of legislative, judicial, regulatory, factual and international research
- A review of public and private information sources
Course materials include your personal copy of Real World Research Skills by Peggy Garvin.
- Wednesday, June 25, 2008
- 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- More information here
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June 18, 2008 10:37 AM Link Real World Research ~ Research ~ Training Comments (0)
Researching Federal Legislative Histories: Statutory and Code Research
Researching Federal Legislative Histories: Statutory and Code Research
If you are researching legislative histories, you need a thorough understanding of the sources and publication of laws, i.e., statutes and codes. During this program, you will:
- Learn about the "print and selected electronic" sources and publications of "Federal" laws in layperson's terms
- Examine the U.S. Statutes at Large and U.S. Code, and other compilations of laws
- Learn the fastest ways to find these documents in print and online
- Be apprised of other research aids
Open Q&A with the faculty included: Bob Gee.
- Wednesday, June 18, 2008
- 2 pm ET/1 pm CT/12 noon MT/11 am PT
- More information here
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Researching Federal Legislative Histories: Statutory and Code Research
Capitol Learning Audio Course Includes seminar materials. Audio Course on CD: $47 plus shipping and handling |
June 17, 2008 06:17 PM Link Legislative Process ~ Research ~ Training Comments (0)
Media Tip 83
Media Tip 83: Identify sources within your organization who will provide you with the information essential to doing your job. Set up information flow systems to ensure you are kept apprised of important developments within your organization.
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This tip is from our booklet, Media Relations Tips: 102 Secrets for Finding Success in Public Relations. Practical tips for anyone who works with the media, works with someone who works with the media, or who works at an organization that is covered in the media. An easy handout for everyone in your group to make sure that they are prepared and confident if they ever have to deal with the media. Based on the Media Relations Handbook, by Brad Fitch. The cover and inside pages of this booklet can be customized with your logo and information. For more information, see our Booklets page. |
TheCapitol.Net offers Media Training and Communication and Advocacy Training, and is the exclusive provider of Congressional Quarterly (CQ) Executive Conferences.
June 17, 2008 12:07 PM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Keys to Effective Presentations: Invigorate Your Delivery and Increase Your Confidence
Keys to Effective Presentations: Invigorate Your Delivery and Increase Your Confidence
Jill Kamp Melton explains how to deliver a memorable presentation.
- Tips to project your voice and use breathing to help reduce anxiety. Your voice can help or hurt you. Learn how to change it.
- Techniques to increase your confidence and become a dynamic presenter. Turn your lack of confidence into an asset.
- Use content to engage your audience.
- Handle Q & A strategically. Change hecklers into helpers.
- Manage visual aids to add value.
- Practical "Do's and Don'ts".
Open Q&A with the faculty included.
- Tuesday, June 24, 2008
- 2 pm ET/1 pm CT/12 noon MT/11 am PT
- More information here
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Keys to Effective Presentations: Invigorate Your Delivery and Increase Your Confidence
Capitol Learning Audio Course Includes seminar materials. Audio Course on CD: $47 plus shipping and handling |
June 16, 2008 07:47 AM Link Career ~ Training Comments (0)
Legislating in the U.S. Senate
Legislating in the U.S. Senate
Martin Gold, a former floor advisor and counsel to Majority Leader Bill Frist will analyze how legislating in the U.S. Senate differs from legislating in the House of Representatives. He will share his personal experience and knowledge of the history of the Senate during this program. Mr. Gold will focus on the four pillars of Senate procedure:
- Rules
- Precedents
- Rule-Making Statutes
- Unanimous Consent Orders
Open Q&A with the faculty included.
- Thursday, June 19, 2008
- 2 pm ET/1 pm CT/12 noon MT/11 am PT
- More information here
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Legislating in the U.S. Senate
Capitol Learning Audio Course Includes seminar materials. Audio Course on CD: $47 plus shipping and handling |
June 15, 2008 09:47 AM Link Legislative Process ~ Senate ~ Training Comments (0)
How to Find a Job in Washington, DC
How to Find a Job in Washington, DC
- Where to start--developing your game plan
- When to come to Washington
- How to build a Washington network
- Online websites
- How to get a job on the Hill
- How to interview effectively--telephone and in person
- Following up on meetings and interviews
- Reality check
Open Q&A with the faculty included: Derrick Dortch.
- Tuesday, June 17, 2008
- 90 minutes: 2 pm ET/1 pm CT/12 noon MT/11 am PT
- More information here
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How to Find a Job in Washington, DC
Capitol Learning Audio Course Includes seminar materials. Audio Course on CD: $47 plus shipping and handling |
June 13, 2008 09:37 AM Link Career ~ Training Comments (0)
Congressional Deskbook: "Conference Report"
Conference Report: Document containing a conference committee’s agreements and signed by a majority of conferees from each chamber.
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This definition is from our Congressional Deskbook. Perfect reference tool of Congressional jargon and procedural terms. The cover and inside pages of this booklet can be customized with your logo and information. For more information, see our Booklets page. The Pocket Dictionary is based on the Congressional Deskbook, by Michael Koempel and Judy Schneider. |
TheCapitol.Net offers training and a Certificate Program in Congressional Operations and Federal Budgeting, plus a Capitol Learning Audio Course bundle in Congressional Operations, we show you how Washington and Congress work. TM
June 13, 2008 06:37 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Amazon down since Monday? 3-day Amazon outage?
Is it just us or has Amazon.com been down since Monday morning, June 9, 2008 (it's now 2 pm ET, Wednesday, June 11, 2008)?
Since Monday, during the day, we have been able to reach Amazon less than 1 hour each day. We've tried 2 different locations using 2 different access providers, and can't reach Amazon from either.
Is this Amazon outage occurring anywhere else other than in the DC area? Anyone else having these problems?
June 11, 2008 02:07 PM Link Caught Our Eye Comments (0)
Senate Privatises Cafeteria
In a story rich with irony the Senate, led by Democrat Diane Feinstein, has voted to privatize its restaurants and food services. The House privatized twenty years ago. The result? Sort of like East and West Berlin.
"Food Fight," by Alex Tabarrok, Marginal Revolution, June 10, 2008
In a masterful bit of understatement, Feinstein blamed "noticeably subpar" food and service. Foot traffic bears that out. Come lunchtime, many Senate staffers trudge across the Capitol and down into the basement cafeteria on the House side. On Wednesdays, the lines can be 30 or 40 people long.
House staffers almost never cross the Capitol to eat in the Senate cafeterias.
"Senate Votes To Privatize Its Failing Restaurants," by Paul Kane, The Washington Post, June 9, 2008
More
- "Financial Audit: Senate Restaurants Revolving Fund for Fiscal Years 2007 and 2006," GAO Report GAO-08-463, March 7, 2008 (23-page pdf )
- "Financial Audit: Senate Restaurants Revolving Fund for Fiscal Years 2006 and 2005," GAO Report GAO-07-462, March 13, 2007 (20-page pdf )
- "Financial Audit: Senate Restaurants Revolving Fund for Fiscal Years 2004 and 2003," GAO Report GAO-05-297, March 10, 2005 (also available as a 19-page pdf )
- "Senate Dining Room: Where the elite meet," by The Hill Staff, July 16, 2003
- Senate Bean Soup
- The Members' Dining Room
- Capitol Dining Areas Open to the Public: House | Senate
- Restaurant Associates
- Capitol Hill: Map, Buildings, Hotels, Restaurants - from TheCapitol.Net
- Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide
- Some of the places our faculty and authors like in "Faculty Favorites" on Hobnob Blog
- Washington Post restaurant reviews
- Washington City Paper restaurant finder
- Washingtonian magazine restaurant reviews
June 11, 2008 07:37 AM Link Congress ~ Dining ~ Senate Comments (0)
Media Tip 27
Media Tip 27: Strive to be timely with op-ed pieces, making sure that they add value to the debate. The best are written by those who have some unique qualifications to comment on the subject, or are excellent writers.
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This tip is from our booklet, Media Relations Tips: 102 Secrets for Finding Success in Public Relations. Practical tips for anyone who works with the media, works with someone who works with the media, or who works at an organization that is covered in the media. An easy handout for everyone in your group to make sure that they are prepared and confident if they ever have to deal with the media. Based on the Media Relations Handbook, by Brad Fitch. The cover and inside pages of this booklet can be customized with your logo and information. For more information, see our Booklets page. |
TheCapitol.Net offers Media Training and Communication and Advocacy Training, and is the exclusive provider of Congressional Quarterly (CQ) Executive Conferences.
June 10, 2008 01:57 PM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Diplomas Count 2008 - Dropping Out of High School
As the nation struggles to close its graduation gap, Diplomas Count 2008 examines states' efforts to forge stronger connections between precollegiate and postsecondary education.
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Nationwide, about 71 percent of 9th graders make it to graduation four years later, according to data from 2005, the latest available. And that figure drops to 58 percent for Hispanics, 55 percent for African-Americans, and 51 percent for Native Americans.
Those rates improved slightly from 2004 to 2005 for all groups, but large gaps remain across states. While more than eight in 10 students graduate on time in Iowa, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin, for example, the proportion drops to fewer than six in 10 in the District of Columbia, Georgia, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, and South Carolina.
Analyses conducted for Diplomas Count by the EPE Research Center also continue to show wide disparities between state-reported graduation rates and the center’s estimates. Such disparities are one reason that the U.S. Department of Education proposed new rules this spring that would require all states to calculate graduation rates based on a uniform method that tracks cohorts of students as they progress through high school.
"Executive Summary," Diplomas Count 2008, by Education Week and the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center
More
- Diplomas Count 2008
- Table of Contents
- Interactive Map of U.S. Congressional Districts
- Graduation Briefs
- Mapping Tool - A geographical Web interface where users can create interactive maps and download special reports for any school district in the country that includes comparisons to state and national statistics.
- High School Dropout Rates - from Child Trends DataBank
- "They made it!," by Joanne Jacobs, June 7, 2008
- Mapping Educational Progress 2008 - from the U.S. Dept. of Education
- Famous High School Dropouts: Part 1 | Part 2
- High School Dropouts In Their Own Words - Susan Lulic Enholm
- "High School Graduation Rates in the United States," by Jay P. Greene, Manhattan Institute, April 2002
- "High School Graduation, Completion, and Dropouts: Federal Policy, Programs, and Issues," by Jeffrey J. Kuenzi, CRS Report for Congress RL33963, July 24, 2007 (26-page pdf ) (also available from Open CRS)
- "Vulnerable Youth: Federal Mentoring Programs and Issues," by Adrienne L. Fernandes, CRS Report for Congress RL34306, January 4, 2008 (38-page pdf )
- "What You'll Wish You'd Known," by Paul Graham, January 2005 (I wrote this talk for a high school. I never actually gave it, because the school authorities vetoed the plan to invite me.)
June 8, 2008 10:07 AM Link Career ~ Caught Our Eye Comments (0)
Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Jack Schenendorf
We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite things about living in our nation's capital. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites"
Jack Schenendorf (bio) shares his favorites.
Five most interesting places to visit
- The Capitol, web site, 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC.
- National Archives, web site, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 202-357-5450.
- The National Portrait Gallery, web site, 8th St NW and F Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-633-8300.
- The Holocaust Museum, web site, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW Washington, DC, 202-488–0400.
- Union Station, web site, 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC, 202-289-1908.
Five most favorite “fun” things to do
- Paddle Boats on the Tidal Basin, web site, 1501 Maine Ave, SW, Washington, DC, 202-479-2426.
- Attend a Nationals game, web site, Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC.
- Go to the Verizon Center for any sporting event. web site, 7th St NW & F St NW, Washington, DC, 202-628-3200.
- Take a tour of Georgetown. web site, Georgetown, Washington, DC.
- Walk along the National Mall. web site, National Mall, Washington, DC.
Five favorite restaurants
- Old Ebbitt Grill, web site, 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 202-347-4800, [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
- Bullfeathers, web site, 410 1st St SE, Washington, DC 20003, 202-543-5005 [WaPo | Yelp]
- Oceanaire, web site, 1201 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, 202-347-2277 [Hobnonb Blog | WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
- Clyde's Georgetown, web site, 3236 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007, 202-333-9180 [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
- Clyde's Gallery Place, web site, 707 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202-349-3700 [WaPo | Washingtonian | Yelp]
For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages
June 6, 2008 07:37 AM Link Dining and Things to Do & See ~ Faculty Favorites ~ Faculty and Authors Comments (0)
Congressional Deskbook: "General Debate"
General Debate: Term for period of time at the beginning of proceedings in the Committee of the Whole to debate a measure. The time is generally divided equally between majority and minority floor managers.
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This definition is from our Congressional Deskbook. Perfect reference tool of Congressional jargon and procedural terms. The cover and inside pages of this booklet can be customized with your logo and information. For more information, see our Booklets page. The Pocket Dictionary is based on the Congressional Deskbook, by Michael Koempel and Judy Schneider. |
TheCapitol.Net offers training and a Certificate Program in Congressional Operations and Federal Budgeting, plus a Capitol Learning Audio Course bundle in Government Affairs, we show you how Washington and Congress work. TM
June 5, 2008 10:17 PM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Media Tip 72
Media Tip 72: Deal with the “media mouse” by suggesting formal media training. You also must convince the principal that a public relations strategy is essential to achieving public policy goals.
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This tip is from our booklet, Media Relations Tips: 102 Secrets for Finding Success in Public Relations. Practical tips for anyone who works with the media, works with someone who works with the media, or who works at an organization that is covered in the media. An easy handout for everyone in your group to make sure that they are prepared and confident if they ever have to deal with the media. Based on the Media Relations Handbook, by Brad Fitch. The cover and inside pages of this booklet can be customized with your logo and information. For more information, see our Booklets page. |
TheCapitol.Net offers Media Training and Communication and Advocacy Training, plus a Media Relations Audio Course bundle, and is the exclusive provider of Congressional Quarterly (CQ) Executive Conferences.
June 3, 2008 08:57 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
"China’s Cyber-Militia"
Computer hackers in China, including those working on behalf of the Chinese government and military, have penetrated deeply into the information systems of U.S. companies and government agencies, stolen proprietary information from American executives in advance of their business meetings in China, and, in a few cases, gained access to electric power plants in the United States, possibly triggering two recent and widespread blackouts in Florida and the Northeast, according to U.S. government officials and computer-security experts.
"China’s Cyber-Militia: Chinese hackers pose a clear and present danger to U.S. government and private-sector computer networks and may be responsible for two major U.S. power blackouts." By Shane Harris, National Journal, May 31, 2008
Hat tip, Slashdot
More
- "Chinese hackers: No site is safe," by John Vause, CNN, March 11, 2008
- "Hackers exploit China earthquake to punt Trojan," by John Leyden, The Register, May 22, 2008
- "Cyber officials: Chinese hackers attack 'anything and everything'," by Josh Rogin, FCW, February 13, 2007
- "Botnets, Cybercrime, and Cyberterrorism: Vulnerabilities and Policy Issues for Congress," by Clay Wilson, CRS Report for Congress RL32114, November 15, 2007 (43-page pdf )
- "Information Operations, Electronic Warfare, and Cyberwar: Capabilities and Related Policy Issues," by Clay Wilson, CRS Report for Congress RL31787, March 20, 2007 (17-page pdf )
- "Critical Infrastructure: Control Systems and the Terrorist Threat," by Dana Shea, CRS Report for Congress RL31534, January 20, 2004 (22-page pdf )
- "Banking and Financial Infrastructure Continuity," by N. Eric Weiss, CRS Report for Congress RL31873,
January 31, 2008 (24-page pdf )
- "High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) and High Power Microwave (HPM) Devices: Threat Assessments," by Clay Wilson, CRS Report for Congress RL32544, March 26, 2008 (24-page pdf )
June 1, 2008 06:37 PM Link Caught Our Eye Comments (0)
Capitol Hill Workshop
From Congressional Quarterly (CQ) and TheCapitol.Net
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Capitol Hill Workshop: Politics, Policy, and Process Intensive 3-day congressional operations workshop Learn how Capitol Hill really works. |
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This Congressional Quarterly Executive Conference is offered exclusively by TheCapitol.Net |
Congressional decision-making is driven by politics, policy and process. In this engaging workshop, Washington-based experts discuss these 3 P's and help you understand the complete policy-making process.
Our next Capitol Hill Workshop, scheduled for June 11-13, 2008, is for anyone whose work requires that they have a broad understanding of Congress and Capitol Hill.
In 3 days, this workshop covers
- Congressional operations and the legislative process
- How public policy and foreign policy become law
- Congressional politics and leadership
- Congressional budgeting today
- The role of OMB in the legislative process
- Effective communication with Congres
- The current trends in campaigns and elections
- How personal and committee staff work
- How you can build win/win relationships with staffers
Q&A with all faculty throughout.
- June 11-13, 2008
- 8:30 am to 4:00 pm each day
- See web site for locations.
For more information, see www.CapitolHillWorkshop.com.
June 1, 2008 08:47 AM Link Capitol Hill Workshop ~ Training Comments (0)
