April 2008 Archives
"How Roses Handle Water"
A team of chemists from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China figured out why tiny water droplets seem to get stuck to petals of red roses. Not unexpectantly, the mechanism, known as the Cassie impregnating wetting state, is a result of nanostructures ("hierarchical micropapillae" and "nanofolds") on the surface of petals.
"How Roses Handle Water," medGadget, April 29, 2008
Reminds us of the invention of Velcro by George de Mestral.
April 29, 2008 03:17 PM Link Caught Our Eye Comments (0)
Media Tip 97
Media Tip 97:
The eight mistakes to avoid in a crisis are:
• Ignoring the problem and not changing priorities.
• Not adjusting the decision-making apparatus and team.
• Letting lawyers direct the public relations policy.
• Allowing systemic crises to become image crises.
• Withholding information.
• Not correcting errors immediately.
• Using the wrong spokesperson.
• Not being honest.
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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.
April 29, 2008 08:37 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Congressional Deskbook: "Strike and Insert"
Strike and Insert: Amendment that replaces text in a measure or an 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
April 25, 2008 05:07 PM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Comprehensive list of low-cost ultraportables
Roundup of light weight ultrpaortable computers, including the Asus Eee PC, Everex Cloudbook, HP Mini-Note, and forthcoming MSI Wind and Acer.
"Comprehensive list of low-cost ultraportables," from Lilliputing
April 25, 2008 07:27 AM Link Technology Comments (0)
The World's Best Restaurants?
First published by Restaurant magazine in 2002 and now in its seventh year, The S.Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants is recognised around the world as the most credible indicator of the best places to eat on Earth.The S. Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants. In the US:
- 5. The French Laundry, Yountville, CA [Yelp]
- 6. Per Se, New York [Yelp]
- 17. Jean Georges, New York [Yelp]
- 20. Le Bernardin, New York [Yelp]
- 21. Alinea, Chicago [Yelp]
- 37. Chez Panisse, Berkeley [Yelp]
- 38. Charlie Trotter's, Chicago [Yelp]
- 41. Daniel, New York [Yelp]
Rounding out the top 100:
52. Nobu, New York [Yelp]
54. Masa, New York [Yelp]
63. WD-50, New York [Yelp]
85. L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, New York [Yelp]
87. L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Las Vegas [Yelp]
April 24, 2008 05:07 PM Link Dining Comments (0)
"Hillary is Dunkin Donuts, Barack is Starbucks"
Hillary is minivans and American sedans, Barack is Range Rovers and Hondas. Hillary is cross-trainers with jeans, Barack is Abercrombie and Fitch and Banana Republic. Hillary is Dunkin Donuts, Barack is Starbucks. And their supporters are equally vocal, in different ways.
"Primary concern: Nasty fight between Obama, Clinton could blow it for Democrats," by Lisa van Dusen, Edmonton Sun, April 22, 2008
John McCain is Costco.
"McCain Knows Where to Vote Shop: Costco," Washington Whispers, April 18, 2008
April 23, 2008 10:17 AM Link Caught Our Eye Comments (0)
May 2008 Legislative, Communication, and Media Training from TheCapitol.Net
Our latest email update:
http://www.thecapitol.net/PublicPrograms/email2008/email_2008_April22.html
Also see our new Audio Course Bundles, money-saving packages of our popular Capitol Learning Audio Courses.
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>> Exclusive provider of Congressional Quarterly Executive Conferences.
>> Non-partisan training and publications that show how Washington works. TM
April 22, 2008 11:47 AM Link Training Comments (0)
Media Tip 31
Media Tip 31: Create radio feeds with broadcast quality equipment. Public relations professionals
should interview the principal like a journalist and create a 90- to 120-second feed to deliver to stations.
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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.
April 22, 2008 09:37 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Media Training and Tools
Upcoming live courses in DC
- Media Relations for Public Affairs Professionals, May 6, 2008
- Advanced Media Relations, May 7, 2008
- Public Affairs and the Internet: Advanced Techniques and Strategies, May 20, 2008
Upcoming telephone seminar
- Creating a Message That Resonates with Your Audience, June 3, 2008
Capitol Learning Audio Courses
- Creating a Message That Resonates with Your Audience
- Crisis Communications: Establishing an Internal Crisis Communications System
- Crisis Communications: Hoping That It Will Never Happen, But Glad You Planned For It
E-Newsletters, Email Alerts, Podcasts, and Your Website - Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) - Getting the Information You Need
- How the Media Works and How to Work the Media
- Maximizing the Internet for the Public Affairs Professional
- Media Relations: Capitalizing on Your Resources, Your Office, and the Media
- Media Relations: Merging Policy and Media Strategies
- Media Relations: Secrets to Changing Nattering Nabobs of Negativism into Perky Purveyors of Positivism
- Media Relations for the Newbie
- Press Conferences and Media Interviews for Scientists and Engineers
- Public Affairs Primer for Nonprofits and Associations
Media Relations Handbook, by Brad Fitch
Media Relations Handbook, by Brad Fitch
April 21, 2008 05:27 PM Link Training Comments (0)
Congressional Deskbook: "Blue-Slip Resolution"
Blue-Slip Resolution: House resolution ordering the return to the Senate of a Senate bill or amendment that the House believes violates the constitutional prerogative of the House to originate revenue measures.
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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
April 18, 2008 10:57 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
These Yorkies love riding on the Piaggio MP3
Useful Yorkie Stuff | Piaggio MP3
April 17, 2008 01:07 PM Link Fun ~ Pets ~ Piaggio MP3 Comments (0)
Media Tip 59
Media Tip 59: Appreciate the differences between traditional communications and web-based communications. The Internet is not a billboard; it requires communicators to present multiple messages while still targeting core audiences.
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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.
April 15, 2008 04:37 PM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Plain Language - Writing Refresher
The government has tried several steps over the past few decades to encourage agencies to issue documents in plain language. Former Presidents Richard M. Nixon, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton all issued executive orders requiring various government documents to be written in plain English, and agencies have launched their own initiatives.
But readers trying to figure out what the bureaucrats are saying still complain about wording. So freshman Rep. Bruce Braley , D-Iowa, is trying again -- this time with a bill that would put the no-jargon requirement into law.
"House Will Try to Make Uncle Sam Use Plain English," CQ Midday Update, April 14, 2008
Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2007, H.R.3548, S.2291
To enhance citizen access to Government information and services by establishing plain language as the standard style for Government documents issued to the public, and for other purposes.
Need help using "plain language?" See our 1-day course, "Writing Refresher: Critical Thinking and Writing."
April 14, 2008 05:27 PM Link Training Comments (0)
Statutory Construction
Statutory Construction: A Primer on How to Read and Understand Statutory Text
Learn general principles of statutory interpretation so that you can understand statutory text. Be apprised of the tools, conventions, and presumptions that are used to interpret statutory language. Topics covered include:
- Determining the intent of Congress
- Tools, not rules
- Considering other statutes and general federal laws
- Legislative history
Open Q&A with the faculty included: Todd Tatelman.
- Thursday, April 17, 2008
- 90 minutes: 2 pm ET/1 pm CT/12 noon MT/11 am PT
- More information here
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Statutory Construction: A Primer on How to Read and Understand Statutory Text
Capitol Learning Audio Course Includes seminar materials. Audio Course on CD: $47 plus shipping and handling  |
April 14, 2008 09:47 AM Link Training Comments (0)
How to Read and Decipher the Department of Defense (DoD) Budget
How to Read and Decipher the Department of Defense (DoD) Budget: A Primer for Defense Industry Professionals
- Identify and locate the OMB and DoD budget documents you need, including the OMB Budget Appendix, OMB Analytical Perspectives, OMB historical tables, R-1s, P-1s, the DoD "Green Book," Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Defense-wide budget justification books, DoD financial management regulations, and DoD reprogramming actions.
- Understand basic budget terms, including the "national defense budget function," the Department of Defense budget, budget authority, outlays, obligations, "program, project, and activity," appropriations accounts, line items, activity groups, subactivity groups, program elements, projects within program elements, and working capital funds.
- Untangle how the overall national defense budget request is broken down into various appropriations bills and how CBO "scorekeeping" affects how budget totals in various bills are reported.
- The relationship between the defense authorization bill and defense appropriations bills.
- How to track congressional action on specific "earmark" requests.
- Calculate inflation-adjusted trends in the budget.
- Tools and techniques to make you more efficient.
- Tuesday, April 15, 2008
- 90 minutes - 2 pm ET/1 pm CT/12 noon MT/11 am PT
- More information here.
And if you can't participate in the live program, get the audio course:
How to Read and Decipher the Department of Defense (DoD) Budget: A Primer for Defense Industry Professionals
Capitol Learning Audio Course
Includes seminar materials.
Audio Course on CD: $47 plus shipping and handling
April 12, 2008 07:37 AM Link Training Comments (0)
Contemporary China-bashing
Since the military suppression of the anti-China protests in the Tibetan capital Lhasa last month, the focus on China’s treatment of its Tibetan population has intensified. But while it has been the West doing the focusing, the Beijing Olympics has provided the lens. Everything related to the games, as French president Nicolas Sarkozy’s recent threat to boycott the Olympics opening ceremony shows, has now become an opportunity for moral grandstanding, an opportunity to portray China as everything we in the West are not. The 31-mile journey of the Olympic torch, from Wembley in north-west London to Greenwich in the south-east, was to prove no exception.
Yesterday morning at the British Museum stage of the route -- one of the protest points for the campaign organisation Free Tibet -- the air was already thick with indignation.
"Grown-up politics goes up in flames: Yesterday’s public grappling with the Olympic torch shone a light on the self-satisfied, cartoonish nature of contemporary China-bashing." By Tim Black and Brendan O’Neill, spiked, April 7, 2008
The attacks on China’s boys-in-blue looks like history repeated as farce. In much of the coverage of the torch relay, commentators have talked about the ‘supine’ British government and the ‘cowardly’ Bush administration which are failing to stand up against the brutes from the East, while cheering the French protesters and the Australian government for taking the Chinese on. As in the past, the driving force behind this outbreak of China-bashing is a perception that the West is in political and social decline, and the East might take its opportunity to snuff out ‘our’ civilisation once and for all. That 15 men in tracksuits could give rise to such an hysterical, out-of-control, fin-de-siècle, prejudicial debate reveals so very much more about contemporary Western fear and irrationalism than it does about Chinese wickedness.
"The invasion of the robotic thugs: The attacks on the ‘horrible, ominous, retarded’ Chinese men guarding the Olympic flame are historical prejudice repeated as farce." By Brendan O’Neill, spiked, April 9, 2009
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is apologizing to those who were disappointed when the Olympic torch relay route was changed Wednesday. However, the mayor isn't apologizing for his decision.
Faced with thousands of anti-China protesters, San Francisco authorities pulled a last-minute switch during the torch relay yesterday. The late change rerouted the torch away from thousands who had crowded the city's waterfront to witness the flame's symbolic journey to the Beijing Games.
"San Francisco Officials Defend Torch Decision," KCBS, April 10, 2008
April 11, 2008 01:27 PM Link Caught Our Eye Comments (0)
Congressional Deskbook: "Morning Hour"
Morning Hour: In the Senate, the first two hours of a session following an adjournment, rather than a recess.
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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
April 11, 2008 09:17 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Faculty Favorites: Books and Movies - Jill Kamp Melton
We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite books and movies. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites: Books and Movies."
Jill Kamp Melton (bio), a communications consultant, shares her favorite books and movies. (You can see some of Jill's favorite things about living in our nation's capital here.)
Favorite Books and Movies
- As for books and movies, my taste is back in the 19th century. I love anything by Jane Austen and have watched ALL the versions of Pride and Prejudice and Emma many times. The novels by Catherine Cookson that have been made into movies by the BBC for TV are also compelling.
The only modern movie I have liked recently is The Devil Wears Prada, because of the fashion angle. In addition, seeing the personal price that is paid for someone to sacrifice ethics and relationships for position and power could be seen to echo DC shenanigans.
For more, also see our Political and Government Classics page.
April 9, 2008 04:57 PM Link Faculty Favorites ~ Faculty and Authors ~ Fun ~ Washington Books and Movies Comments (0)
Media Tip 84
Media Tip 84: Always translate complicated jargon into plain English. Be wary of too many numbers and acronyms.
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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.
April 8, 2008 04:32 PM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
Congressional Deskbook: "Revenues"
Revenues: Taxes, fees, gifts, and other income received by the federal government.
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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
April 4, 2008 11:07 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
"Ribbon Culture"
In many respects, Ribbon Culture is an analysis of several apparently contradictory aspects of contemporary culture. The ribbon is, explains Moore, ‘both a kitsch fashion accessory, as well as an emblem that expresses empathy; it is a symbol that represents awareness, yet requires no knowledge of a cause; it appears to signal concern for others, but in fact prioritises self-expression’.
. . .
It is the commercialisation of causes, which both empties them of all content and transmits messages that are negative and misleading, that Moore sees as problematic. In seeking to understand why the individuals she interviewed wear the ribbons or wristbands that they do, Moore’s account stands out through her refusal to pander to the rhetoric of ribbon culture, which emphasises ‘awareness’, ‘caring’ and engagement with a cause. In reality, these positive rhetorical sentiments mask an anxious, self-obsessed, depoliticised culture.
"The relentless rise of the ribbons," by Jennie Bristow, a review of "Ribbon Culture" by Sarah Moore, spiked, March 2008
April 4, 2008 04:47 AM Link Caught Our Eye Comments (0)
2008 Congressional Pig Book
The Congressional Pig Book is CAGW's annual compilation of the pork-barrel projects in the federal budget. The 2008 Pig Book identified 11,610 projects at a cost of $17.2 billion in the 12 Appropriations Acts for fiscal 2008. A "pork" project is a line-item in an appropriations bill that designates tax dollars for a specific purpose in circumvention of established budgetary procedures. To qualify as pork, a project must meet one of seven criteria that were developed in 1991 by CAGW and the Congressional Porkbusters Coalition.
Citizens Against Government Waste
A pork-barrel project is a line-item in an appropriations or authorization bill that designates funds for a specific purpose in circumvention of the normal procedures for budget review. To qualify as pork, a project must meet one of seven criteria that were developed in 1991 by Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) and the Congressional Porkbusters Coalition:
- Requested by only one chamber of Congress;
- Not specifically authorized;
- Not competitively awarded;
- Not requested by the President;
- Greatly exceeds the President’s budget request or the previous year’s funding;
- Not the subject of congressional hearings; or
- Serves only a local or special interest.
The pork label is not a subjective judgment of a project’s merit. Rather, it refers to lapses in the procedures erected by Congress to review and consider the wise expenditure of taxpayer dollars.
"All About Pork: The Abuse of Earmarks and the Needed Reforms," by Tom Finnigan, Citizens Against Government Waste, March 7, 2007
Also see CAGW's blog, The Swine Line.
For links to selected CRS Reports, legislation and articles on earmarks, see our Federal Budget Links and Research Tools. Also see our blog posts about earmarks and OMB's Earmarks database.
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Earmarks: Results-Oriented Strategies and Tactics in Light of Statutory
and Internal Congressional Rule Changes Capitol Learning Audio Course |
April 3, 2008 10:37 AM Link Budget ~ Earmarks Comments (0)
Faculty Favorites: Books and Movies - Michael Koempel
We asked our faculty and authors to share with us some of their favorite books and movies. Their responses are posted in "Faculty Favorites: Books and Movies."
Michael Koempel (bio), a senior specialist in American National Government for the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress, shares his favorite book and movie. (You can see some of Mike's favorite things about living in our nation's capital here.)
Favorite Book and Movie
- There are many good books and movies about Washington, but my favorite book and movie about Washington are the same: Allen Drury's Advise and Consent. The book, and the movie on which it was based, was written by someone who knew the Senate and Senators very well and respected the institution and its people, captured the essence of congressional politics in a real way, successfully invoked the political backdrop prevailing at the time (anticommunism; there's always a political backdrop), was based loosely on a real event, and, in the case of the movie, was wonderfully cast and directed.
For more, also see our Political and Government Classics page.
April 2, 2008 09:07 AM Link Faculty Favorites ~ Faculty and Authors ~ Fun ~ Washington Books and Movies Comments (1)
April 2008 Legislative, Communication, and Media Training from TheCapitol.Net
Our latest email update:
http://www.thecapitol.net/PublicPrograms/email2008/email_2008_April1.html
Also see our new 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
April 2, 2008 08:17 AM Link Training Comments (0)
Media Tip 29
Media Tip 29: When photographing a principal, position yourself and your subjects correctly, get
action shots (not “smiling-at-the-camera” shots), and take many photos.
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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.
April 1, 2008 10:47 AM Link Tips and Terms Comments (0)
