TheCapitol.netCoursesConvenience LearningCustom TrainingPublicationsFaculty & AuthorsClientsStoreClient Care

December 2008 Archives

Assorted Links 12/31/08





The More You Know: Caroline Kennedy




. . . . . . . . .


December 31, 2008 08:37 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Media Tip 63

Media Tip 63: Recognize the five building blocks of public affairs web sites:
• Audience;
• Content;
• Interactivity;
• Usability; and
• Innovations.

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.


December 30, 2008 08:17 AM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/30/08





Pre-Game Coin Toss Makes Jacksonville Jaguars Realize Randomness Of Life




. . . . . . . . .


December 30, 2008 07:27 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/29/08





12 Girls Band







. . . . . . . . .


December 29, 2008 07:37 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/28/08





Ella sings "Cry Me a River" with Joe Pass 1975 German TV




. . . . . . . . .


December 28, 2008 09:47 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/27/08





The Queen's Christmas Speech 2008




. . . . . . . . .


December 27, 2008 10:47 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Glossary of Legislative Terms: "Degrees of Amendment"

Degrees of Amendment: Designations that indicate the relationship of an amendment to the text of a measure and of one amendment to another. Amendments are permitted only in two degrees.








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


December 26, 2008 04:57 PM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/26/08





Rotary Snow Plow Union Pacific 900082 Blizzard 2006 Action




December 25, 2008 04:57 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Merry Christmas from Rockefeller Center!



Merry Christmas! - live from Rockefeller Center courtesy of NBC New York


December 24, 2008 10:37 PM   Link    Fun    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/24/08





Former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins on how the regulatory agency's inattention contributed to the financial crisis




. . . . . . . . .


December 24, 2008 07:37 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Media Tip 26

Media Tip 26: Convey straight facts in an objective tone with your backgrounders. They are in-depth memos written in objective style.

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.


December 23, 2008 07:27 PM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/23/08





Constantines - Credit River




December 23, 2008 07:17 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

The New Congress 2009: Understanding the 111th Congress

The New Congress 2009: Understanding the 111th Congress

Held in January and February of every odd-numbered year, in this 1-day course our experienced faculty provide an overview of the new Congress and explore how major issues are likely to fare in the first session.

** Space is limited. **

WHERE: Goethe-Institut, 812 Seventh Street NW, Washington, DC

WHEN: January 27, 2009, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

More information and secure online registration here.

December 22, 2008 07:27 PM   Link    Congress ~   Training    Comments (0)

The Federal Register and the Electronic Public Inspection Desk

The Office of the Federal Register has created an Electronic Public Inspection Desk to provide free worldwide electronic access to public documents. For the first time in the 72-year existence of the daily Federal Register, advance copies of notices, proposed rules and final regulations are available before they are actually published in the traditional paperback version of the Federal Register.

To view these documents, go to www.federalregister.gov. See “View Documents on Public Inspection" on the left hand side. This new desk grants the public access to documents that will be published in the next day’s Federal Register as early at 8:45 a.m. ET. Previously, such documents could only be seen by viewing the documents physically located at the Office of the Federal Register in Washington, DC.

Citizens across the country no longer need depend upon representatives in Washington, DC, to gain access to this material. The Electronic Public Inspection Desk has leveled the playing field in the competition for access to information.

Additional Resources

December 22, 2008 11:17 AM   Link    Regulatory Process    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/22/08





Roger Stone talks about Obama, McCain, and much more | Roger Stone, Political Animal | Wikipedia






. . . . . . . . .


December 22, 2008 09:27 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/21/08





You Must Obey!
See The Fifth Amendment - Why you don't talk to the police without an attorney




December 21, 2008 09:57 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/20/08





Happy Go Skateboarding Day!
See The Fifth Amendment - Why you don't talk to the police without an attorney






December 20, 2008 09:17 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/19/08


An M3 is more economical than a Prius

December 19, 2008 08:37 AM   Link    Comments (0)

Glossary of Legislative Terms: "Christmas-Tree Bill"

Christmas-Tree Bill: Jargon for a bill containing many amendments unrelated to the bill’s subjects; usually refers to Senate measures.








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


December 19, 2008 08:07 AM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/18/08


What riding the Metro (subway) in DC will be like during the Inauguration - except the platforms will be much more crowded....




. . . . . . . . .


December 18, 2008 07:37 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

"Lobbying and Advocacy," by Deanna Gelak

Lobbying and Advocacy: Winning Strategies, Resources, Recommendations, Ethics and Ongoing Compliance for Lobbyists and Washington Advocates is now available.


Lobbying and Advocacy: Winning Strategies, Resources, Recommendations, Ethics and Ongoing Compliance for Lobbyists and Washington Advocates, by Deanna Gelak
Lobbying and Advocacy
By Deanna Gelak



Lobbying and Advocacy is the comprehensive guide for lobbyists and Washington advocates. This 11 chapter publication provides practical tips and resources, as well as step-by-step guides for communicating with policymakers in every venue. The complete Table of Contents is available here as a 16-page pdf. PDF

What others are saying:

"There are lots of books on lobbying, but, until now, none has provided a comprehensive treatment of what lobbyists do and how they can best do it. Deanna Gelak’s Lobbying and Advocacy exhaustively covers the basics of lobbying history, legal framework, congressional processes, and ethics. But the strength of this volume is in its practical advice, checklists, and collection of best practices covering direct advocacy, media relations, grassroots organizing, and coalition building. It is a unique volume and should be on the bookshelf of both beginning lobbyists and senior government relations executives. College and law school professors also now, for the first time, have a single textbook for lobbying courses."
-- Thomas M. Susman, Director, Governmental Affairs Office, American Bar Association

"Lobbying and Advocacy provides both practical guidance and social and historical context, and is a unique illumination of the mechanisms of power in Washington."
-- John Wonderlich, Sunlight Foundation

"Lobbying is as American as apple pie. Benjamin Franklin lobbied in London for Pennsylvania and other colonies, and the Constitution recognizes our right 'to petition the government for a redress of grievances.' Deanna Gelak provides in Lobbying and Advocacy an invaluable guide for all citizens interested in exercising this constitutional right."
-- Michael Barone, Senior Writer, U.S. News & World Report; Resident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute; Co-author, The Almanac of American Politics


The Lobbying and Advocacy Sourcebook is the companion volume to Lobbying and Advocacy by Deanna Gelak


December 17, 2008 09:07 AM   Link    Executive Branch ~   Faculty and Authors ~   Lobbying and Advocacy    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/17/08


Early Parkour - A clip from the film Gizmo (full 80 minute film here)

December 17, 2008 06:47 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/16/08




The Dyson Toilet

December 16, 2008 08:37 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Media Tip 70

Media Tip 70: Deal with a paranoid principal by educating him with a summary of news coverage to correct his views. Allowing principals to maintain grudges against reporters can sabotage a long-term media strategy.

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.


December 16, 2008 07:37 AM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/15/08


Bjorn Lomborg Says Cool It!

December 15, 2008 07:07 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/13/08


Snowball the dancing cockatoo - Another One Bites The Dust

December 13, 2008 08:47 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Glossary of Legislative Terms: "Concurrent Resolution"

Concurrent Resolution: Used to express the sentiment of both chambers on some matter without making law, or to carry out the administrative business of both chambers. A concurrent resolution does not require presidential approval or become law, but requires passage in identical form by both houses to take effect between them. Designated as H. Con. Res. or S. Con. Res.








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


December 12, 2008 04:47 PM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/12/08


1905 subway ride

December 12, 2008 09:07 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/11/08


Import Cars Mob Russian Border




. . . . . . . . .



December 11, 2008 09:57 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Abraham Lincoln's 1864 Victory Speech on display at Christie's

Abraham Lincoln's 1864 Victory Speech. The Original Manuscript. (his hand writing on paper!) On view at Christie's, Rockefeller Centre. To be auctioned February 12, 2009.

"...now that the election is over, may not all...reunite...to save our common country?" "we cannot have free government without elections..."

More

Christie's, 20 Rockefeller Plaza, 212-636-2000




. . . . . . . . .



December 11, 2008 08:57 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/10/08

December 10, 2008 07:17 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Media Tip 61

Media Tip 61: Craft your website to meet visitors’ goals—accessing information; accessing services; and feeling invested in a cause.

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.


December 10, 2008 07:07 AM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Cool Tool - Bracketron Dash-Mat

The Bracketron Dash-Mat lets you easily place a cell phone, GPS, MP3 player, radar detector, etc., on your dash, and easily move it from car to car.

No drilling, no adhesives, no suction cups. Highly recommended.

The Dash-Mat Portable Mount is a holding device that is compatible with most iPods, Cell Phones, Satellite Radios, PDA's, Handheld GPS and Radar Detectors. Using the physics of weight distribution and a unique high tech anti-skid material the Dash-Mat contours to the top of the dash providing a solid base, allowing for convenient reach and greater portability.
  • Weighted, Anti-Skid Base
  • Conforms To Your Dash
  • No Tools Required
  • Holds up to Several Pounds
  • Arms expand to 3.75 inches
  • Easily View Your GPS While Driving




. . .


SKU 874688001303, Model UFM-200-BL

December 9, 2008 10:57 AM   Link    Tools    Comments (0)

Assorted Links 12/9/08


December 9, 2008 07:17 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links


R/C Video Friday: Ripsaw Gets A Gun

December 8, 2008 09:07 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links


"Drift Away" with Dobie Gray


December 7, 2008 09:37 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted Links


Gotcha!


December 6, 2008 11:57 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Assorted links

December 5, 2008 01:47 PM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Glossary of Legislative Terms: "Clean Bill"

Clean Bill: New measure reported by a House committee incorporating all changes made in markup. Measure, with new number, is introduced by the chair and referred to the committee, which then reports that measure.








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


December 5, 2008 10:27 AM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Assorted Links

December 4, 2008 08:37 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Media Tip 49

Media Tip 49: Discuss deadlines with reporters. Most newspaper deadlines are at 6:00 p.m.

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.


December 4, 2008 08:07 AM   Link    Tips and Terms    Comments (0)

Assorted links

December 3, 2008 11:47 AM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)

Capitol Visitor Center Opens

The Capitol Visitor Center opened today, December 2, 2008.

    The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center formally opens to tourists Tuesday, over budget and behind schedule.

    At 580,000 square feet, it’s the largest project in the Capitol’s 215-year history. It was originally scheduled to open almost four years ago, and the $621 million price tag is double the initial estimate.

What a perfect introduction to Congress and its activities! I hope they have a display in the entryway about the construction of the Visitor Center. And maybe they could have interactive graphs and figures showing cost overruns in the Visitor Center, weapons systems, Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal programs. A sign of the times in the Bush-Obama New New Deal era.

The Washington Post offers more details on the progress toward the Visitor Center:

    . . .
    Take, for example, spending. What was proposed as a $71 million project in the early 1990s became a $265 million endeavor a decade later. By the time work got underway in 2002, the price tag was up to $368 million. Tomorrow, the ribbon will be cut on a $621 million project.

"A Perfect Introduction to Congress," quoting an AP story on NPR and a story from The Washington Post, Cato@Liberty, December 2, 2008

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

December 2, 2008 01:57 PM   Link    Visiting Washington, DC    Comments (0)

"75th Anniversary of Alcohol Prohibition’s End Inspires Modern Effort"

On Tuesday, December 2, a group of law enforcers who fought on the front lines of the “war on drugs” and witnessed its failures will commemorate the 75th anniversary of alcohol prohibition’s repeal by calling for drug legalization. The cops, judges and prosecutors will release a report detailing how many billions of dollars can be used to boost the ailing economy when drug prohibition is ended.

“America’s leaders had the good sense to realize that we couldn’t afford to keep enforcing the ineffective prohibition of alcohol during the Great Depression,” said Terry Nelson, a 30-year veteran federal agent and member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP). “Now, cops fighting on the front lines of today’s ‘war on drugs’ are working to make our streets safer and help solve our economic crisis by teaching lawmakers a lesson from history about the failure of prohibition. We can do it again.”

"Cops Say Legalizing Drugs Can Boost Economy by Billions," Press Release from LEAP, November 26, 2008

Prohibition didn't work in the 1920s and 1930s, and it isn't working today.





. . . . . . . . .


December 1, 2008 09:27 PM   Link    Caught Our Eye    Comments (0)