December 2007 Archives
Ring bell for psychic?
Doesn't the "psychic" know you're there?
Unclear on the concept.....
December 31, 2007 04:17 PM Link Fun Comments (0)
Christmas in NYC
Spent a lovely five days and nights in NYC at Christmas.Saw two fun shows - "Spamalot" and "Is He Dead?" - and the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall - all highly recommended.
Enjoyed several evenings wandering through the holiday shops and watching the ice skaters at Bryant Park. Although the ice rink at Rockefeller Center is the famous one, Bryant Park is beautiful and it is not crowded so you can watch from the rink wall, shouting out encouragement to the newbies of all ages. Great fun, and some of the skaters are excellent.
Took youngest child to see Santa at Macy's. Although the Macy windows were a disappointment (the Bergdorf Goodman and Lord & Taylor windows were much better), the Santa we visited at Macy's was the REAL SANTA! The beard, the voice, the laugh, the Santa outfit - SPECTACULAR! And despite having dealt with crowds for hours, ALL the elves were smiling and filled with Christmas cheer.
The Christmas tree at the Met was, as always, beautiful and worth the trip.Had an outstanding meal in Chinatown at Sanur and good dim sum at The Chatham. Also had a very good lunch at Toasties and enjoyed the jazz brunch at Rare Bar & Grill in the Shelburne Hotel.
The holiday train show at Grand Central is always fun.
The 7-day unlimited ride Metro card for only $24 made it easy to go all over the city using the subway and buses. An amazing bargain.
Merry Christmas!
December 30, 2007 10:37 AM Link Fun Comments (0)
BEWARE Amazon Pro Merchant sellers - Amazon will close fully paid Pro Merchant seller accounts with no notice
We have been selling on Amazon for several years. Today, attempting to access our Amazon seller account we continued to get a "no such account" message. What the #@#@!?!?!When we contacted Amazon seller support, we were told that our Pro Merchant account had been shut down because of unspecified activity. What the #@#@!?!?!? Amazon seller customer service could not give any more information.
We were given no notice that our Amazon Pro Merchant seller account was being closed; we only happened to discover it when we attempted to access it Friday evening to check some inventory.
Despite Amazon having our COMPLETE contact information, including email address, cell phone number, and office phone number, Amazon NEVER contacted us to alert us that they were closing our Amazon buyer and Pro Merchant seller accounts.
This unilateral action by Amazon is the equivalent of renting a store, and, despite paying your rent on time and in full, the landlord comes to your store when you aren't there and not only closes your store, but disposes of all of your inventory. With no notice and no warning. And no explanation.
This enormous breach of trust and complete failure by Amazon to contact us to let us know that Amazon was closing our buyer and Pro Merchant seller accounts with no advance notice, indeed, with no attempt to contact us, has now caused us to examine our relationship, and trust in, Amazon.
If you use Amazon as a buyer or seller, especially as a Pro Merchant seller, be very careful of all information you entrust to Amazon.
As a seller we are now very reluctant to continue to sell items on Amazon due to Amazon's failure to notify us or to make any attempt to contact us to let us know they were closing our account. (And yes, our seller account fees were paid in full and current.)
If you are an Amazon Pro Merchant seller, be warned. You might find your account closed and your inventory pulled - WITH NO NOTICE and for no reason. Sheesh.
December 28, 2007 09:27 PM Link Caution Comments (1)
Congressional Deskbook: "Custody of the Papers"
Custody of the Papers: Custody of the engrossed measure and other documents that the two chambers produce as they try to reconcile differences in their versions of a measure.
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
December 28, 2007 01:17 PM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Media Tip 25
Media Tip 25: Press Advisories—Use press advisories to alert the media to upcoming events. Include basic information, such as the topic, time, and place.
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.
December 25, 2007 01:24 PM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Congressional Deskbook: "Self-Executing Rule"
Self-Executing Rule: If specified, the House’s adoption of a special rule may also have the effect of amending or passing the underlying measure. Also called a “hereby” rule.
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
December 21, 2007 09:27 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Who Pays Federal Taxes?
Source: Marginal Revolution, December 18, 2007; "Historical Effective Federal Tax Rates: 1979 to 2005," CBO, December 2007 (8-page pdf )
CRS Reports
- "Real Earnings and the Distribution of Earnings, 1995-2005," RL33835, January 24, 2007
- "Income Inequality and the U.S. Tax System," RL34155, September 04, 2007
- "Major Tax Issues in the 110th Congress," RL33768, January 10, 2007
- "The Tax Reduction and Reform Act of 2007: An Overview," RL34249, November 13, 2007
- "Corporate Tax Reform: Issues for Congress," RL34229, October 31, 2007
- "Tax Gap and Tax Enforcement," RL33882, February 16, 2007
- "Modifying the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): Revenue Costs and Potential Revenue Offsets," RL33899, March 06, 2007
- "Estate and Gift Tax Revenues: Past and Projected," RL34142, August 24, 2007
- "Tax Benefits for Health Insurance and Expenses: Overview of Current Law and Legislation," RL33505, July 20, 2007
- "Estate Taxes and Family Businesses: Economic Issues," RL33070, January 26, 2007
- "Federal Income Taxation of Indian Tribes and Members," RL34220, October 26, 2007
December 19, 2007 08:37 AM Link Caught Our Eye Comments (0)
Media Tip 37
Media Tip 37: To develop a communications plan:
• Identify and clarify objectives;
• Establish milestones and timelines;
• Identify and organize allies;
• Develop an action plan; and
• Conduct contingency planning.
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.
December 18, 2007 09:17 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Homer Simpson does Noah Kalina
December 17, 2007 09:27 AM Link Humor Comments (0)
When your Karate instructor gets beat up by an interior decorator....
I'm not in the least bit shocked that the CIA would try to destroy the tapes of an interrogation. It's a spy agency for God's sake, not an accounting firm. The whole foundation of the CIA is based on secrecy and covert operations, not transparency and accountability. Yet I too have to confess to being shocked by this revelation. Why? Well, apparently our top spy agency is too inept to handle even a simple cover up operation. This is a very despairing revelation.
It's sort of like finding out that your Karate instructor was beaten up by an interior decorator.
"What is the CIA doing?" Ernie the Attorney, December 7, 2007
December 16, 2007 11:47 AM Link Caught Our Eye Comments (0)
Congressional Deskbook: "Borrowing Authority"
Borrowing Authority: Spending authority that permits a federal agency to incur obligations and to make payments for specified purposes out of funds borrowed from the Treasury or the public.
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
December 14, 2007 11:27 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Eamonn's
Fish and chips - and chicken nuggets - at Eamonn’s in Old Town.
Eamonn’s--A Dublin Chipper, web site, 728 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-299-8384 [Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide | Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | City Paper]
December 13, 2007 05:47 PM Link Dining Comments (0)
Media Tip 57
Media Tip 57: Make fast pitches to radio stations. Reporters usually aren’t interested in advancing the story or new angles—they just want sound bites to add to stories already written.
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.
December 11, 2007 08:37 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Real or artificial tree?
"New Yorkers should really never be included in any survey of what normal Americans do."
"re: Did You Know?" by Kathryn Jean Lopez, The Corner, December 7, 2007
The Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, November 20, 2007 - January 6, 2008.
December 7, 2007 08:27 AM Link Caught Our Eye Comments (0)
Congressional Deskbook: "Lame-Duck Session"
Lame Duck Session: Session of Congress held after the election for the succeeding Congress.
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
December 7, 2007 08:17 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Media Tip 2
Media Tip 2: Never underestimate the superficial nature of the media. Simple ideas, well told, get attention. A visual stunt or a celebrity spokesman will usually draw more press—and get your message across better—than a profound policy statement.
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.
December 4, 2007 11:17 PM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Faculty Favorites: Dining and Places - Steve Roberts
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"
Steve Roberts (bio), a journalist, political commentator, and the J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Professor of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University, shares his favorites.
Favorite Places to Visit
- I still get a thrill every time I see the Capitol, particularly at night, even after all these years. web site, map
- The branch of the Air and Space Museum at Dulles airport is a real treat. My grandkids love the space shuttle and the Blackbird spy plane. The IMAX theater there also a special event (the IMAX theater in the Air and Space Museum downtown shows the same films but tends to be more crowded). Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, web site, 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA, 202-633-1000, free admission, $ parking and IMAX have fees
- I'm a big fan of the National Zoo, lots to see in addition to the pandas. Try to catch elephant training (11 am) or seal feeding (11:30 am) shows daily (daily programs). web site, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-633-4800
- National Museum of Natural History is great for dinosaur loving kids. Lots of cool skeletons. web site, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-357-1729
- Get out of your car and walk around Georgetown or Old Town in Alexandria. Notice the small architectural details and get a feel for an 18th century cityscape. Georgetown - from Wikipedia, "Walking Tour of Old Town Alexandria," from Rachel Cooper.
Fun Things to Do
- Walking/jogging/biking along the C&O Canal is a lovely outing particularly in spring. Take the Park Service trip on an old barge, along the canal, starting in Georgetown, complete with guides and period musicians (web site). Also the Capital Crescent Trail (web site), part of the rails-to-trails system, goes through MD and down to Georgetown. web site
- Cherry blossoms in MD neighborhood of Kenwood (in Bethesda) are actually more spectacular than at the Tidal Basin and much less crowded. map, "Walking Kenwood, Maryland During Cherry Blossom Time," by Kevin Shaw
- National Arboretum (east of Capitol) is best in azalea season, early May. web site, 24th and R Streets NE, Washington, DC, 202-245-2726
- Glen Echo Park (also in MD) is a real old-fashioned amusement park. Don't miss the carousel (web site). Puppet (web site) and live stage shows for kids on weekends are well-done. NPS web site, events web site, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, event line: 301-634-2222
- Congressional Cemetery (in southeast DC) has some fascinating monuments (John Philip Sousa, J. Edgar Hoover, list of famous internments), very guest/dog friendly. web site, 1801 E Street SE, Washington, DC, 202-543-0539
Favorite Restaurants
- Downtown I like Primi Piatti (on Eye St) especially in nice weather when you can eat outside. Feels like Rome. I like the ravioli, farfalle with crab and peas, and roasted peppers with goat cheese. web site, 2013 Eye Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-223-3600
- A door or two away, Cafe Lombardy (in Lombardy Hotel) is nice for breakfast (ask for a window table, usually sunny even in winter). web site, 2019 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-828-2600 [openlist | MenuPages]
- Iron Gate on N St. has the loveliest garden in town, food with a Lebanese accent. web site, 1734 N Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-737-1370 [DC Pages | Gayot | WaPo | Yelp]
- Legal Seafood on K St. has a delicious tuna burger. web site, 2020 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-496-1111 [Yelp]
- In the suburbs, my favorite is Pines of Rome in downtown Bethesda (on Hamden Lane, walking distance from Metro stop), very reasonable and kid friendly, white pizza a house specialty. 4709 Hampden Lane, Bethesda, MD, 301-657-8775 [MenuPages | Yelp | City Paper]
- Mon Ami Gabi on Woodmont is a great French bistro, I like the crepes and omelets. web site, 7239 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 301-654-1234 [Yelp]
For more, also see our Visiting Washington DC pages
December 1, 2007 08:07 AM Link Dining ~ Dining and Things to Do & See ~ Faculty Favorites ~ Living in DC ~ Visiting Washington, DC Comments (0)