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February 2009 Archives

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Assorted Links 2/28/09





Loewe Commercial. Made me smile. (Loewe US, Loewe UK)




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February 28, 2009 07:17 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Glossary of Legislative Terms: "Germaneness"

Germaneness: Rule in the House requiring that debate and amendments pertain to the same subject as the bill or amendment under consideration. In the Senate, germaneness is not generally required.

Congressional Deskbook

This definition is from the Glossary in our Congressional Deskbook.

Perfect reference tool of Congressional jargon and procedural terms.

Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress, by Michael Koempel and Judy Schneider.

TheCapitol.Net offers training and a Certificate in Congressional Operations and Federal Budgeting. We show you how Washington and Congress work. TM


February 27, 2009 04:17 PM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/27/09





Reason.tv: The John Stossel Interview




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February 27, 2009 06:17 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/26/09





KCET: The Trashout Squad





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February 26, 2009 06:57 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/25/09





Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?




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February 25, 2009 07:07 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/24/09





Samsung: Chicks dig it. Puppies, hedgehogs, and hamsters as well





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February 24, 2009 06:57 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Racist Cartoons

This week's now-notorious New York Post "monkey" cartoon -- the one showing two policemen standing over a dead monkey they've just shot and saying "They'll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill" -- has raised storms of protest. Whether the artist intended the monkey as Obama or not, the implication is hard to miss.

The controvercy raises a deeper fact. Political cartoons in America have a long history of treading into racism, zenophobia, and bigotry. And some of the worst have come from our most celebrated, main stream journals.

Thomas Nast, for instance, is celebrated as the (continue)

Post by Ken Ackerman, author of the Federal Regulatory Process Poster and numerous books.




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February 23, 2009 02:11 PM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/23/09





It's hard to believe they're both of the same species




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February 23, 2009 07:07 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/22/09





Daily Show: Fixing the Economy with John Hodgman




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February 22, 2009 08:57 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

February - March 2009 Legislative, Communication, and Media Training from TheCapitol.Net

Our latest email update:
http://www.thecapitol.net/PublicPrograms/email2009/email_2009_February17.html

Also see our Audio Course Bundles, money-saving packages of our popular Capitol Learning Audio Courses.

TheCapitol.Net, Inc.
>> Exclusive provider of Congressional Quarterly Executive Conferences.
>> Non-partisan training and publications that show how Washington works. TM

February 21, 2009 11:37 AM   Link    Training    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/21/09





Laura Nyro - It's Gonna Take A Miracle (1971)




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February 21, 2009 08:37 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Easy Chicken Stew - for people who don't "cook"

Take 1 whole chicken, place it in a large pot of water until the entire chicken is covered. If desired put in Italian seasoning until it seems right - probably 2 tablespoons.

Put on low boil for 2 to 3 hours. (Go watch a game on TV, read a book, blog, go out, whatever, the time is approximate here. Some people who "cook" say that the longer the chicken cooks the tougher it gets. Good!)

Remove chicken from broth - those of you who don't "cook": careful, it's hot. Remove the organs, neck, all skin and bones and put chicken meat in a bowl - cover and refrigerate. Discard the neck and all skin, fat and bones - don't give to your dog or your cat. You can give the organs to your cat if you want it to get high cholesterol.

Place large pot with broth in refrigerator for 24 hours. Then remove all fat and grease floating on top of the water. You can use a large spoon and paper towels at the end - get as much fat out as you can. Discard or turn into bio diesel.

Put large pot of broth on stove and simmer. When the broth is simmering, put into the pot

1 white onion, chopped up
1/2 head of cabbage, chopped up
1 10 oz (standard size) package of frozen cut green beans
1 10 oz (standard size) package of frozen chopped spinach
2 small cans of mushrooms - drain then dice if desired
1 16 oz can of diced tomatoes - get the ones in chili if you want a little kick
8 ounces of dry chickpeas or 1 16 oz can of garbonzo beans (rinsed)
Couple of stalks of celery, chopped up
Couple of carrots, chopped up
Some baby lima beans, 4 ounces or so, whatever seems good
Some wild (or brown) rice - probably 1/2, whatever seems good
Some garlic if desired
More Italian seasoning if desired

For those of you who don't "cook", don't be intimidated, all of this chopping goes very quickly and is so easy even you can do it. With no help from your mother.

And try other vegetables if you're so inclined. Experiment! Live it up!

Last, after 30 minutes or so of simmering, take the bowl of chicken meat out of the fridge. Pull apart, slice or chop the chicken meat as desired, then put the meat into the simmering pot if you want the meat for texture and protein, otherwise give the chicken to your dog. Or your cat.

Simmer for an hour or so. Or two. Whatever.

Season as desired. Enjoy. And amaze everyone who thought you couldn't "cook" including yourself and your dog. If you have a cat, your cat will not be impressed or amazed. Your cat knew you could "cook" all along.

Makes a large pot, enough for 15 large bowls of very hearty stew. Stays good in the refrigerator for 5 or 6 days. Can also be frozen, but warning: Penny, who does cook, says freezing changes the texture of the vegetables.

The result is a very hearty, very fast, microwavable lunch or dinner with lots of vegetables. Your mother would be proud of you. And if your mother is still alive, call her! And thank her for raising such an adventurous spirit.

2 whole chickens at Costco run about $8 (as of February 2009).

The rest of the ingredients cost $4 to $8, which works out to lots-o-meals of very economical hearty stew.

Thanks Penny and other Alexandria, VA, Toppers!


Also see "Make Chicken Stock Like a Pro," with video.

"Cooking is a human universal." Except for many singles for whom microwaving, not "cooking", is the norm.
"What's cooking? The evolutionary role of cookery," The Economist, February 19, 2009

February 20, 2009 07:57 PM   Link    Dining    Comments (0)

Glossary of Legislative Terms: "Chairman's Mark/Staff Draft"

Chairman's Mark/Staff Draft: Recommendation by committee (or subcommittee) chair of the measure to be considered in a markup, usually drafted as a bill.

Congressional Deskbook

This definition is from the Glossary in our Congressional Deskbook.

Perfect reference tool of Congressional jargon and procedural terms.

Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress, by Michael Koempel and Judy Schneider.

TheCapitol.Net offers training and a Certificate in Congressional Operations and Federal Budgeting. We show you how Washington and Congress work. TM


February 20, 2009 04:27 PM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/20/09





Roubini: Housing, Stimulus and Nationalization




February 20, 2009 08:47 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/19/09





Roiling Mass of Snakes To Receive $160 Billion in Government Stimulus







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February 19, 2009 06:07 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/18/09





When Bernie Met Milton Or, In Case You Were Wondering If Bernie Sanders Is Still a Socialist




February 18, 2009 08:07 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/17/09





Don't Miss: Supercool Video Explains New F1 Rules




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February 17, 2009 07:47 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/16/09





"Theme and Variations, Op. 9" - Andres Segovia




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February 16, 2009 08:17 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Stunning - Torvill and Dean skating Bolero

A Valentine trip down memory lane

February 15, 2009 11:27 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/15/09





Where the Hell is Matt? (2008)





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February 15, 2009 08:47 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Finally…Lobbying Explained Clearly From A-Z

Former President of American League of Lobbyists Releases Definitive Step-By-Step Instruction Manual, Debunks Old Myths

When the stakes are as high as they are in lobbying, there's no room for error. Deanna R. Gelak, former President of the American League of Lobbyists, has just published the definitive manual for would-be lobbyists: an essential resource for anyone involved in lobbying from the corporate, government, academic, or librarian perspective.

In 514 pages of well-researched, clearly-written, hands-on material, existing and prospective lobbyists (and those who work with them) will learn (among many other things):

Using diagrams, graphics, checklists, call-outs and other features to humanize this complex material, Lobbying and Advocacy is a one-volume course containing everything a lobbyist, agency employee, or Congressional staffer needs to know about lobbying.

Along with all the practical information, the book also looks at the history of lobbying, and debunks several long-held myths--including the much-told story about the origin of the term in President Ulysses S. Grant's frequent sojourns to the lobby of the Willard Hotel. Gelak proves (and shows the documents) that the term goes back at least to 1820, two years before Grant's birth--and the practice is far older than that.

Lobbying And Advocacy: Winning Strategies, Recommendations, Resources, Ethics and Ongoing Compliance for Lobbyists and Washington Advocates: The Best of Everything Lobbying and Washington Advocacy, by Deanna R. Gelak

ISBN: 978-1-58733-104-6 (cloth, $67); 978-1-58733-100-8 (paper, $57)
Publisher: TheCapitol.Net

More information at LobbyingandAdvocacy.com




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February 15, 2009 08:37 AM   Link    Lobbying and Advocacy    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/14/09



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February 14, 2009 09:57 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Glossary of Legislative Terms: "Five-Minute Rule"

Five-Minute Rule: House limit of debate on an amendment offered in the Committee of the Whole to five minutes for its sponsor and five minutes for an opponent. In practice, the Committee of the Whole permits the offering of pro forma amendments, each pro forma amendment allowing five more minutes of debate on an amendment.

Congressional Deskbook

This definition is from the Glossary in our Congressional Deskbook.

Perfect reference tool of Congressional jargon and procedural terms.

Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress, by Michael Koempel and Judy Schneider.

TheCapitol.Net offers training and a Certificate in Congressional Operations and Federal Budgeting. We show you how Washington and Congress work. TM


February 13, 2009 12:17 PM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/13/09





Muslim Cleric: Valentine’s Day More Dangerous than AIDS, Ebola, and Cholera




February 13, 2009 06:57 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/12/09





Twelve Girls Band - Freedom




February 12, 2009 07:47 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/11/09





Riccardo Patrese drives wife crazy in Civic Type-R (after watching above, see subtitled version here) - and don't watch her, watch him




February 11, 2009 07:07 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Media Tip 53

Media Tip 53:Make your pitches to television stations fast (fifteen to thirty seconds) and include recommendations for visual components to the story.

Congressional Deskbook

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.
4 x 9 inches, 15 pages

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.


February 10, 2009 01:07 PM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/10/09





Pallywood 1948




February 10, 2009 06:07 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

The 56 signatures on the Declaration appear in the positions indicated:

Column 1
Georgia:
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton

Column 2
North Carolina:
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn
South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton

Column 3
Massachusetts:
John Hancock
Maryland:
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia:
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton

Column 4
Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross
Delaware:
Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKean

Column 5
New York:
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris
New Jersey:
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark

Column 6
New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple
Massachusetts:
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery
Connecticut:
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott
New Hampshire:
Matthew Thornton


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February 9, 2009 03:17 PM   Link    U.S. Constitution    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/9/09





Ready or not, here I come!




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February 9, 2009 08:07 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/8/09





Save the tree octopus!




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February 8, 2009 09:27 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/7/09





A penny saved is a penny earned.




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February 7, 2009 10:57 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Glossary of Legislative Terms: "Federal Funds"

Federal Funds: All monies collected and spent by the federal government other than those designated as trust funds.








Congressional Deskbook

This definition is from the Glossary in our Congressional Deskbook.


Perfect reference tool of Congressional jargon and procedural terms.


Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress, by Michael Koempel and Judy Schneider.

TheCapitol.Net offers training and a Certificate in Congressional Operations and Federal Budgeting. We show you how Washington and Congress work. TM


February 6, 2009 06:27 AM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/6/09





What Would John Thain Do?




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February 6, 2009 06:17 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/5/09 - Special "living in your car" edition





VanDwellers - The basics of living in a car




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February 5, 2009 06:37 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

How to Get the Executive Branch On Your Side: Two-Day Conference Explains Inner Workings of White House, OMB, March 3 & 4, 2009

As the new administration settles in, staffers in federal government and private sector governmental affairs offices and foreign delegations in Washington and around the country are staking their future on what will change, what will remain the same, and how to advance their agenda. TheCapitol.Net presents a nuts-and-bolts look at how to get through the bureaucracy and get what you need accomplished: White House Workshop: Players, Politics & Policy.

Aimed at those with some experience navigating the Washington labyrinth, the two-day intensive workshop at the Goethe-Institut in downtown Washington, DC, March 3-4, 2009, offers an intimate, small-group setting to participate in informative and action-oriented sessions on such topics as…

All faculty are subject matter experts on specific aspects of Executive Branch policies and procedures. As a special bonus, a representative from a federal agency’s congressional liaison office will discuss the role of this office and how to build positive working relationships with Congress.

You Will Learn How To:

The conference is approved for 1.2 CEU credits from George Mason University. Fee includes all course materials, two breakfasts, and two networking lunches. To preserve the small-group, hands-on atmosphere, seating is limited. To register, learn more, or view the complete agenda, please visit http://www.WhiteHouseWorkshop.com or call TheCapitol.Net directly at 703-739-3790.



February 4, 2009 02:37 PM   Link    Training    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/4/09





JetLev Water Powered Jetpack




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February 4, 2009 07:47 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/3/09





Reel Geezers- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button




February 3, 2009 07:47 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/2/09





New Media Douchebags in Plain English (from Cinnamon Pants)


First and foremost, we believe that politics--a rotten, zero-sum game in which the winners rub the losers' face in dog shit like a schoolyard bully--should not be the primary focus of human activity. It should be squeezed into the smallest box possible so that individuals and the communities they form can get on with far more interesting and exciting and liberatory stuff.

Second, you need to keep a close eye on the adult version of the student council presidents and the bright boys who know the one best way to do anything and will force you to live their way or the highway.

"INTERVIEW: Nick Gillespie," by Russ Smith, SpliceToday, January 30, 2009



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February 2, 2009 08:57 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Glossary of Legislative Terms: "Hold"

Hold: Senator's request to party leadership to delay or withhold floor action on a measure or executive business.

Congressional Deskbook

This definition is from the Glossary in our Congressional Deskbook.

Perfect reference tool of Congressional jargon and procedural terms.

Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress, by Michael Koempel and Judy Schneider.

TheCapitol.Net offers training and a Certificate in Congressional Operations and Federal Budgeting. We show you how Washington and Congress work. TM


February 1, 2009 09:27 AM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 2/1/09





How to prevent body odor with an Urawaza secret - and smell like a lemon




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February 1, 2009 09:17 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)