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In the News
Original journalism from the Center's OpenSecrets News
The usual suspects placed bets on this year's most competitive races
November 28, 2018 | Winning Democratic challengers and losing incumbent Republicans drew from very different sources of funding during the 2018 election.
Russia hired Edelman in 2016 to help deal with Yukos fallout
March 13, 2017 | A former national security adviser was paid more than $500,000 last fall by a group linked with the Turkish government to discredit exiled preacher Fethullah Gülen, an enemy of the Turkish president. An Egyptian intelligence agency hired public relations firms Weber Shandwick and Cassidy & Associates to improve its image. Iraq sent letters to top Trump officials such as Secretary…
Following the money of Trump's Treasury hopefuls
November 14, 2016 | Update Nov. 30: President-elect Donald Trump selected Steven Mnunchin as his Treasury Secretary. Read on for more information or see summary data on his contributions here. New administration, new Cabinet members. President-elect Donald Trump has already begun picking out his crew, but so far, his two concrete choices did not donate a penny to Trump's election…
Are super PACs becoming captive to hedge funders? Six give nearly $10 million to presidential groups in March alone
April 21, 2016 | Hedge fund managers know something about when to hold and when to fold. Last month, they did more of the former when it came to political giving, holding steady with their pattern of making uber-contributions to presidential super PACs — even after the favored candidate of some of them dropped out of the race. Wall Street…
Actually, Hillary Clinton's Wall Street money? More than double that 3 percent.
December 21, 2015 | This post has been updated to include a statement from the Clinton campaign. Not that you saw it or anything, but OpenSecrets.org got a pretty big shout-out over the weekend. When presidential candidate Hillary Clinton wants to get her facts about campaign finance straight, at least she knows where to come. "I think it's important to point…
A stash of campaign cash in marijuana for Paul
October 23, 2015 | With weak polling and lackluster fundraising, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is struggling to stay in the 2016 presidential race. So far, some of his strongest financial supporters have come from a new, growing industry: legal marijuana. As of Sept. 30, one of Paul's biggest contributors is the National Cannabis Industry Association, a D.C.-based trade group that…
McCarthy dominates Chaffetz and Webster in fundraising, party giving
October 6, 2015 | House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) may not be the least giving House speaker candidate, but favorite Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) still dwarfs him in fundraising by $22 million. On Thursday, Republicans will choose among Chaffetz, McCarthy and Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) to replace Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) as leader of the…
Dold, Poliquin rake in most Wall Street money in competitive House races
August 27, 2015 | The Dow's recent skids have investors on edge about how bad things might get on Wall Street. But there is one thing they can count on: the financial industry's place as a top donor to congressional candidates cycle after cycle. Consider some of the pivotal House races taking shape, for example, where Wall Street is…
Will Clinton Win Back Wall Street for Democrats?
April 14, 2015 | Wall Street has been remarkably bipartisan for much of the last 25 years, but a swerve to the right a few years ago cut its flow of campaign cash for Democrats practically to a trickle. That may change as Hillary Clinton's official announcement of a presidential bid returns to the spotlight a Democratic candidate whom Wall…
Who Cares About SOTU? We Have a Few Guesses
January 20, 2015 | The economy is growing steadily, unemployment is down, the stock market is soaring, gas prices are diving. Good luck getting a rise out of someone by mentioning the deficit at a Washington dinner party, something that would have been unimaginable in the not-so-distant past. There's plenty of good news for President Obama to dwell on…
One Member of Congress = 18 American Households: Lawmakers' Personal Finances Far From Average
January 12, 2015 | It would take the combined wealth of more than 18 American households to equal the value of a single federal lawmaker's household, the Center for Responsive Politics' latest analysis of congressional wealth finds. The median net worth of a member of Congress was $1,029,505 in 2013 — a 2.5 percent increase from 2012 — compared with an average American…
Waning Influence? Part 3: Ups and Downs, by Industry
December 22, 2014 | This report is the third (part 1/part 2) in a series examining the years-long decline in both spending on lobbyists and the number of active lobbyists. Overall spending on lobbying has been on a downward trajectory since 2010 and the number of active lobbyists has seen an even longer-term and more drastic drop. Previous entries…
Wall Street's Omnibus Triumph, and Others
December 12, 2014 | In the wake of the passage of the $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill last night, it's no easy thing sorting out the winners and the losers. The wide variety of riders and add-ons means a slew of interest groups can claim victory, even if it's hard to pin down exactly who should claim credit for stuffing the…
Banking Industry Has Connections to Shape Mortgage Overhaul
April 18, 2014 | As the Senate Banking Committee prepares to vote on a new bill overhauling the mortgage finance system, lobbyists from the banking and finance sector have connections and clout.
Real Estate, Private Equity Industries Fighting Camp's Tax Plan
February 28, 2014 | Any plan to overhaul the tax code is bound to poke the bee's nest of special interests, as Dave Camp is finding out.
Millionaires' Club: For First Time, Most Lawmakers are Worth $1 Million-Plus
January 9, 2014 | A watershed moment for the finances of members of Congress: In 2012, more than half were millionaires, a new analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics shows. Also, Darrell Issa reclaims the top spot.
Big Banks Lobbied Against Stricter Regulation — And Lost
December 11, 2013 | Despite intense lobbying from heavy hitters in the commercial bank industry, regulators have approved the Volcker rule, which seeks to curb high-risk trading.
Debt Crisis "Nay"-Sayers Received Large Sums from Business, Finance Interests
October 22, 2013 | A joint analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics and the Washington Post shows that business interests played a key role in helping elect lawmakers who rejected their plea to raise the debt ceiling and end the shutdown.
Bankers Challenge Credit Union's Fly-In
September 13, 2013 | The National Association of Federal Credit Unions hosted a "fly-in" this week, bringing members to Washington to visit Capitol Hill and directly lobby their representatives. The American Banker's Association was not amused. However concerned big banks might be that credit unions are growing elsewhere, when it comes to Washington -- it's not much of a competition.
Wall Street Shaped Bill Easing Oversight, and Kept Contributions Coming
May 24, 2013 | Lobbyists from the banking industry had significant input into the wording of a bill exempting certain kinds of trades from regulation under the Dodd-Frank financial overhaul. Players in the industry also had their checkbooks out for lawmakers on the House Financial Services Committee in the first quarter of this year.
Wall Street's Steeply Increasing Republicanism
January 4, 2013 | Wall Street loved Mitt Romney -- that much we know. But the gap between the financial industry's giving to the two parties hit almost historic levels in the third quarter of 2012.
Capital Eye Opener, Dec. 11: Banks in Potentially Crippling Lawsuits, A Cultural Misunderstanding Over Wal-Mart Lobbying, and the Death Star Petition
December 11, 2012 | Some of the nation's biggest banks are defendants in a whole new round of lawsuits over subprime mortgages, with potential liability in the hundreds of billions. WalMart is accused of illegal lobbying in India, though it all seems to be a misunderstanding.
Capito Announces 2014 Senate Bid After Congressional Re-election
November 26, 2012 | Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito gives everyone plenty of notice as she announces her 2014 bid for one of West Virginia's Senate seats. Based on its past support, the mining industry is likely to back her in a major way.
White House Candidates Draw Funds From the Usual Suspects, but Poach on Hostile Turf Too
October 22, 2012 | With Election Day looming and the need for cash urgent, core constituencies for each of the presidential campaigns stepped up their support in the month of September. But each candidate also made headway fundraising from industries that have been stalwarts for their opponents.
Capital Eye Opener, Oct. 1: Firm in Possible Voter Reg Fraud Tied to Many GOP Committees, and More
October 1, 2012 | The company at the heart of possible voter registration fraud in Florida has worked for several state GOP committees around the nation, and so has another one tied to its owner, Nathan Sproul.
Wall Street's New Weapon or Main Street Strikes Back?
April 9, 2012 | One of the newest super PACs in town is devoted to banking interests. But a close look at the people associated with this new super PAC reveals a more nuanced picture. Rather than being another tentacle of Wall Street, the group could signal an intramural fight amongst bankers -- Wall Street versus Main Street.
Wall Street Money Continues to Flow to Republican Mitt Romney
February 2, 2012 | Republican Mitt Romney relied on the finance, insurance and real estate sector for roughly $2 out of every $11 he raised during the fourth quarter of 2011, according to a new analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics of campaign finance documents submitted Tuesday to the Federal Election Commission.
Lobbying Expenditures Slump in 2011
January 26, 2012 | The nation's economy may be slowly rebounding, but during 2011, the economic engine of K Street sputtered. Overall expenditures on lobbying were down for the first time in more than a decade, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Barney Frank, Top Democrat on Powerful House Financial Services Committee, to Retire
November 29, 2011 | Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) announced earlier today that he would not seek re-election. Frank, who is in his 16th term in the U.S. House of Representatives, is the highest ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee. In recent years especially, he's been a prolific fund-raiser, often raising huge sums from the industries that the Financial Services Committee regulates.
As Presidential Candidates Seek Finance Sector Money, Wall Street Donors Flock Most to Mitt Romney
October 17, 2011 | The finance sector accounts for more than 23 percent of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's total war chest, more than any other candidate. Moreover, Romney has received nearly twice as much as President Barack Obama from the finance, insurance and real estate sector.
New Feature on OpenSecrets.org Highlights Top Contributors to Debt Supercommittee Members
August 17, 2011 | Many special interest groups have invested heavily in supercommittee members on both sides of the aisle, including the securities and investment firms, the real estate industry and health professionals, according to new research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Near-Bankrupt Alabama County Once Hired D.C. Lobbyists
July 27, 2011 | As the nation watches the debt-ceiling debate continue, residents of Jefferson County, Ala., anxiously watch as their county commissioners decide whether to file for bankruptcy.
Financial Sector Helps Barack Obama Score Big Money for Re-election Fight
July 22, 2011 | One-third of the money President Barack Obama's elite fund-raising corps has raised on behalf of his re-election has come from the financial sector, according to a new Center for Responsive Politics analysis. Individuals who work in the finance, insurance and real estate sector are responsible for raising at least $11.3 million for Obama's campaign and the Democratic National Committee, according to the Center's research.
Voldemort Defeats Potter in Political Contributions, Wall Street Warns White House and More in Capital Eye Opener: July 14
July 14, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics
Lobbying on Guns, Abortion, Labor Spikes During New Congressional Session
May 3, 2011 | Several of the year's hottest political topics have witnessed the greatest increase in lobbyists' attention during the first months of the 112th Congress, according to a preliminary analysis of lobbying reports by the Center for Responsive Politics.
House Financial Services Committee: Hotbed of Money From Financial Sector Interests
April 15, 2011 | The House Financial Services Committee is a furnace in which legislation affecting Wall Street is forged. It's also a hotbed of money from individuals and political committee committees connected to the financial sector.
From Slaves to Pornographers, Campaign Contribution Records Rife With Characters
March 31, 2011 | Freedom fighters, pornographers and self-proclaimed evil rich men are among the cast of characters appearing in federal campaign finance documents stretching back more than two decades, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Finance Sector Loves Tim Pawlenty, Whirlpool Loves Tax Credits and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 22
March 22, 2011 | Republican Tim Pawlenty, who yesterday launched a presidential exploratory committee, built a massive war chest during the 2010 election cycle to aid fellow Republicans. Who was fueling this money machine?
Lobbyists Aggressively Targeted Democrats' Top Priorities During Barack Obama's First Two Years
March 10, 2011 | One out of every four groups that lobbied on any issue at the federal level during 2009 or 2010 targeted their efforts on health care reform, financial regulatory reform, the stimulus and cap-and-trade climate proposals, according to research by the Center for Responsive Politics.
What Unites Pete King and Keith Ellison, D.C. Spy Games and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 7
March 7, 2011 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Federal Lobbying Expenditures Plateau After Years of Rapid Growth
February 4, 2011 | The nation's financial malaise is finally catching up to K Street, where federal lobbying activity plateaued for the first time in a decade, the Center for Responsive Politics' research indicates. After a record $3.49 billion in lobbying spending in 2009, lobbying expenditures in 2010 by corporations, unions, trade associations, universities and other organizations will, at most, eclipse that amount by the narrowest of margins.
Who's Backing the New Top Blue Dogs' Bark, Bite?
November 22, 2010 | The Blue Dogs have elevated Reps. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), John Barrow (D-Ga.) and Mike Ross (D-Ark.) as their new leaders. Which donors and special interests have these men relied upon to fill their war chests?
MSNBC's Joe Scarborough, Suspended Over Political Donations, Has Political History of His Own
November 19, 2010 | MSNBC's newest suspension victim is former Congressman Joe Scarborough (R-Fla.), the current co-host of the network's "Morning Joe" program. Scarborough's recent political contributions build upon a history of giving to Republican candidates.
EXCLUSIVE: Confidential JPMorgan Chase Memo Predicts Congressional 'Gridlock'
November 9, 2010 | JPMorgan Chase, the $2 trillion bank and financial services firm, predicts that the newly Republican-controlled U.S. House will clash with the still-Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate to the point where progress on large legislation is completely halted, according to a confidential memorandum dated Nov. 3 and obtained by OpenSecrets Blog.
JPMorgan Chase Prevails in Lobbying Battle of Big Banks
October 24, 2010 | New York-based financial services firm JPMorgan Chase spent $2.74 million on federal lobbying from July through September this year, topping the list of big-spending commercial banks, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of third-quarter federal lobbying reports, which were filed last week.
Campaign Debt Dogs Many Congressional Candidates
October 8, 2010 | Republican Mark Leyva is one of a several hundred federal candidates whose campaign committees are reporting some form of debt, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis of Federal Election Commission records.
Tea Party-Loving Republican Senate Candidates Propelled by Cash from Ideological Groups, Small Donors
October 7, 2010 | Thirteen Tea Party-backed Republicans want the U.S. Senate to experience a new brand of political brew after November 2. The question isn't whether they will or won't, but rather, how many of them will be in office? And donations from people making modest campaign contributions appear poised to play an integral role in propelling them into office.
Republican Staffers Tempted By Private Market, Labor Donations Large – or Small? – and More in Capital Eye Opener: September 10
September 10, 2010 | Republican? Former congressional staffer? You are in demand! According to Eric Lichtblau of the New York Times, lobbying groups and political consultants have been wooing Republicans in the past few weeks...
Wall Street Aggressively Filling Republican Coffers After Many Months Supporting Democrats
September 7, 2010 | Wall Street-related political donations are bolstering Republicans' political fortunes this summer after financial interests suddenly -- and dramatically -- shifted their contributions away from the Democrats they had largely favored last year.
Recap of Tuesday's Primaries, John Boehner's Economic Interests and More in Capital Eye Opener: August 25
August 25, 2010 | Your daily dose of news and tidbits from the world of money in politics.
Army of Lobbyists Raking in Massive Sums, Second-Quarter Lobbying Reports Reveal
July 31, 2010 | More than 11,100 corporations, trade associations, unions and other groups hired 10,500 lobbyists during the second quarter, the Center for Responsive Politics has found -- outnumbering members of Congress roughly 20 to 1. Overall, special interest groups spent more than $852 million on lobbying between April and June.
Tea Party Caucus Members Bankrolled by Health Professionals, Retirees, Oil Interests
July 30, 2010 | A Center for Responsive Politics analysis shows that the biggest contributors to the 49 members of the newly-established congressional Tea Party caucus -- it so far includes only Republican -- are health professionals, retired individuals, the real estate industry and oil and gas interests. Furthermore, donations from health professionals, oil and gas interests and Republican and conservative groups are, on average, higher for Tea Party caucus members than for members of the House of Representatives in general and even their fellow House Republicans.
Millions of Influential Dollars Later, Senate Passes Wall Street Reform
July 19, 2010 | Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) voted against the Democrats' Wall Street reform bill because he thought it wasn't strong enough to prevent another economic meltdown. Feingold was in a position to stand up to Wall Street like few other senators. Contributions from the finance, insurance and real estate sector account for just 3.75 percent of Feingold's overall contributions over his career. Just two other senators have relied less on money from the financial sector.
BP Lobbyist Fundraises for GOP, Democratic Divisions on Derivatives and More in Capitol Eye Opener: June 24
June 24, 2010 | WHO WANTS BP MONEY?: This afternoon, BP lobbyist Dan Meyer will co-host a fundraiser for Republican congressional candidate Cory Gardner at Washington D.C.'s Hotel George, the Sunlight Foundation reports. Reps. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) will also be in attendance.
Obama on Gulf Cleanup, a Tea Party Democrat and More in Capital Eye Opener: June 16
June 16, 2010 | Lincoln offered to compromise on the derivatives provision Monday, but the largest Wall Street banks "quickly indicated that they would lobby fiercely to defeat the entire provision," the New York Times reports.
Financial Reform Bill to Be Finalized by Members Who Benefit from Wall Street Cash
June 10, 2010 | Democratic and Republican leadership in both the House and Senate have named 43 individuals to a conference committee tasked with hammering out the final version of the Congress' financial regulatory reform legislation. These members comprise just 8 percent of Congress, but they have been far more likely to benefit from Wall Street's cash.
Senators Who Opposed Financial Reform Got More Cash on Average from Wall Street Interests
May 24, 2010 | Senators who voted against the sweeping financial regulatory reform bill Thursday have received about 16 percent more money from the finance, insurance and real estate sector over their careers than senators who supported the measure, according to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis.
Financial Reform Passes the Senate, the BP Oil Spill Saga Continues and More in Capital Eye Opener: May 21
May 21, 2010 | FINANCIAL REFORM PASSES THE SENATE: After months of deliberation, the Senate passed a bill to reform the finance industry. Its supporters hope the bill will prevent a recurrence of a financial meltdown by strengthening oversight and creating a series of new regulations. Four Republicans joined most of the Democratic caucus in the final vote.
Chris Dodd Compromises, Harold Ford Calls it Quits and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 2
March 2, 2010 | U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) spent months railing against the Federal Reserve for what he considered its failure to protect consumers from abusive financial institutions. Dodd, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee who isn't seeking re-election, now appears primed to compromise on his standing desire to create an independent "Consumer Financial Protection Agency" designed to protect consumer interests.
Bipartisan Support for the Jobs Bill, Credit Card Reform and More in Capital Eye Opener: February 24
February 24, 2010 | BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR REID'S JOBS BILL: On Monday, five Republican Senators joined Democrats to overcome procedural hurdles on a $15 billion jobs bill with a 62-30 vote, a necessary step to give the measure an up-or-down vote on the floor.
Campaign Cash From Wall Street Favored Representatives Who Opposed Finance Reform Bill
December 12, 2009 | Lawmakers in the House who voted against the finance reform bill collected an average of about $849,200 from Wall Street interests over their careers, while lawmakers who supported the bill collected an average of about $694,000, the Center for Responsive Politics found. This means members of the House who opposed the bill received an average of 22 percent more from the finance, insurance and real estate sector since 1989 than supporters.
Hedge Funds, Private Equity Firms, Payday Lenders Seek Financial Security from Congress
November 30, 2009 | Legislation aimed at regulating the securities and investment industry is as complex as the industry itself. But the trade groups representing these interests all seem to have at least one thing in common: they fear additional government regulation will damage their business, which especially concerns them given the ailing economy.
Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, a Favorite of Wall Street, Leads Regulatory Reform Fight
November 23, 2009 | Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) chairs the powerful Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. Dodd is now spearheading new efforts to tackle financial sector regulatory reform. Over the past 20 years, Dodd's most generous campaign supporter has also been the finance, insurance and real estate sector, which is filled with companies directly affected by legislation shepherded by the Banking Committee.
Republican Senator Robert Bennett Seeks to Permanently Sunset TARP Program
November 20, 2009 | Sen. Robert Bennett (R-Utah) originally supported of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) enacted by President George W. Bush in October 2008. He later opposed the second TARP authorization under President Barack Obama, and he now believes that the TARP program has served its purpose and should expire at the end of this year.
Spencer Bachus: 'No More Bailouts'
November 19, 2009 | Although Bachus isn't new to the House Financial Services Committee, he's relatively new to the committee's ranking member position, which he assumed in 2007. Since 1992, employees and political action committees associated with the financial sector have given Bachus $4 million -- exponentially more than any other sector during that time.
Democratic Sen. Jack Reed Envisions New Financial Regulations
November 17, 2009 | Viewed as a champion of regulatory reform, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) is an advocate of new regulations regarding financial markets, products and institutions -- including new regulation regarding credit derivatives, "dark pool" markets and hedge funds. Within the Banking Committee, he is chairman of the securities, insurance and investment subcommittee.
Blue Dogs and New Democrats Find Friends on Wall Street
November 17, 2009 | Like the health care reform debate, financial regulation legislation has divided members of the same party, opening a rift between liberal and moderate Democrats. But unlike the health care reform debate, where the moderate Blue Dog Democrats have been rabid in their opposition to a public insurance option, a different group has emerged to voice moderates' concerns over financial regulation -- but both are magnets for cash from the financial sector.
Crossing Wall Street
November 16, 2009 | As the United States continues digging itself out of a recession, the nation is poised to re-emerge in a dramatically altered financial climate. And after years of enjoying relatively little regulation, commercial banks, credit companies, hedge funds and securities and investment companies are facing the most extensive overhaul by the federal government since the Great Depression. Over the next seven days, Capital Eye will be following the special interest money in our "Crossing Wall Street" series as both the House and Senate tackle financial regulation.
Commercial Banks Hope for Return on Investment in Congress
November 16, 2009 | Congress often acts as a type of bank for bankers themselves -- a place executives can direct their cash, perhaps hoping to collect interest in the form of a legislative favor. The interest rate on that premium appears to be low these days, however, as commercial banks could face a sweeping regulatory overhaul in the coming months.
Sen. Richard Shelby a Formidable Foe for Democrat-style Financial Reform
November 16, 2009 | Name: Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.). Positions: A fifth-generation Alabamian and University of Alabama alumnus, state loyalty flows through Shelby's crimson blood. So do conservative politics. Party loyalty is another matter.
Capital Eye Opener: Monday, November 16
November 16, 2009 | After the tragic collapse of the Minnesota I-35 bridge in 2007, lawmakers were expected to put some serious resources toward bridge repair throughout the country. But according to a new report (.pdf) from U.S. PIRG, it doesn't appear that has happened, in part, perhaps, because of the campaign contributions from highway interests to both state and federal lawmakers.
Federal Lobbying Boom Continues, Third Quarter Reports Indicate
October 30, 2009 | 2009 is on pace to be another bumper year for lobbyists. During the third quarter, corporations, unions, trade associations and other special interests spent $849 million on federal lobbying, bringing the year-to-date total to $2.5 billion. Perhaps not surprisingly, the sectors that could be affected most by the Obama administration's domestic agenda -- particularly health, business and energy -- have been some of the biggest spenders over the course of the year.
'Round and 'Round They Go: Lawmakers Leave Congress for Lobbying Posts
October 29, 2009 | At least 44 lawmakers have left their congressional seats mid-term since 1990, and at least 16 of them went on to work at lobbying firms or at companies that hired lobbyists, CRP has found. Here, we take a closer look at a few of these individuals, examining which industries and clients they're now representing and the campaign cash they received while in Congress.
Support for Charles Rangel Wanes In Midst of Alleged Ethics Scandals
October 15, 2009 | Republican members of the House last week attempted to oust Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) from his powerful chairmanship of the House Ways & Means Committee for the duration of a House Ethics Committee investigation into alleged ethical misconduct surrounding his real estate investments and dubious personal financial disclosure reports. And although the effort failed and Rangel can sit tight for now, signs that he's sustained political damage are emerging.
Capital Eye Opener: Monday, September 14
September 14, 2009 | HAPPY (OR NOT-SO-HAPPY) ANNIVERSARY, FINANCIAL CRASH: President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak from Wall Street today about the state of the economy exactly one year after the collapse of investment bank Lehman Brothers. He will likely argue for more stringent regulation of the financial industry and call for more accountability.
Commercial Banks Lobby Federal Government to Save Billions on Derivatives
September 4, 2009 | Five of the nation's largest commercial banks stand to earn $35 billion on derivatives contracts this year -- but only if they get their way. To ensure that federal legislation won't kill their chance of collecting that cash, they're pouring money into campaign contributions and lobbying efforts.
Potential Ted Kennedy Replacements Bring New Mix of Special Interest Support
September 2, 2009 | The death of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) has left Democratic lawmakers scrambling to fill his seat in the midst of intense debate over one of Kennedy's highest legislative priorities -- health care reform. We thought we'd take a look at some of the possible candidates and how their fundraising compares to that of the late senator.
Health, Energy and Finance Sectors Dominate 2nd Quarter Lobbying
July 29, 2009 | Want to launch your own investigation into second quarter lobbying expenditures? Start here.
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Donates Serious Cash to Democrats
July 21, 2009 | Since Democrats swept into congressional power in the 2006 midterm elections, many industries -- including some that traditionally back Republicans -- have either begun to contribute to both parties equally or favor Democrats outright. The chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase, however, never had to make any shift. Jamie Dimon happens to be a long-time man of the left.
Newly Appointed Wall Street Investigators are Big Campaign Contributors
July 17, 2009 | House and Senate leaders last week named 10 members to the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, a bipartisan panel that Congress created in May to investigate the causes of last year's financial crisis. The selections include businessmen, ex-lawmakers, and academics who have together donated more than $1 million to federal candidates since 198
Retailers Versus Credit Card Companies: Following the Money
July 17, 2009 | Credit card companies and commercial banks are in the midst of another legislative fight on Capitol Hill, this time against retailers. Their major weapon: money.
Hank Paulson's Questioners Are Not Bankers' Favorites
July 16, 2009 | The securities and investment industry may be the 13th-heaviest spender on lobbyists. And the two institutions under fire this morning, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, both make the top 100 list of all-time contributors in federal politics. But lawmakers on the House Oversight panel have received little of their money.
Following the money in the Wall Street shakeout? Start here.
February 25, 2009 | OpenSecrets.org has many, many resources for anyone interested in following the money as Washington policymakers craft their solution to the shakeout that continues on Wall Street. Here's a handy guide to what we've got online.
Power Players: Embattled Congressman Leads Ways and Means with Finance Money Behind Him
January 30, 2009 | Fixing the economy is a huge undertaking for the 111th Congress, and any measures to cut or raise taxes will have to win the approval of the House Ways and Means Committee, which Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) has chaired since 2007. This position has made Rangel a magnet for cash from the finance, insurance and real estate sector.
Wealthy Freshmen Increase Congressional Net Worth
January 28, 2009 | New members of Congress are worth $1 million more than the average incumbent, CRP has found after analyzing the lawmakers' personal financial disclosure reports. As they make decisions about the economy, freshmen and incumbents are heavily invested in the struggling financial sector.
Power Players: Struggling Financial Firms Are Banking on Dodd
January 27, 2009 | Although Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) is chair of one of the more powerful congressional committees, he probably isn't the envy of his peers these days with an economic crisis growing larger by the day. Dodd has put in two years as chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and is now charged with shaping legislation to jump-start the economy and help floundering companies, including those that have contributed to his campaigns.
N.Y. Times Examines Schumer's Buck-raking on Wall Street
December 15, 2008 | A New York Times front-pager on Sunday that examined the ties between Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Wall Street employed data from the Center for Responsive Politics. Schumer has received more money from the securities and investment industry than almost any other member of Congress since 1989-$6.2 million. (Only President-elect Barack Obama and other 2008 presidential candidates received more.) Using data from CRP and OpenSecrets.org , the Times reported Sunday that Schumer is a champion of Wall Street who has often sided with the financial industry in debates over deregulation.
Can Senate Democrats' New Fundraiser Win Over Wall Street?
November 25, 2008 | Under the leadership of New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee collected more than $12.8 million in this election cycle from the securities and investment industry, more than double what Wall Street provided before the New Yorker took over. But for the 2010 cycle, when he'll be up for re-election, Schumer is passing the DSCC baton across the river, to New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez.
Essay Winner: Campaign Contributions Stoked the Fire Behind Wall Street Meltdown
November 21, 2008 | The Center for Responsive Politics is pleased to announce that Kristin Schaaf, a freelance writer from Altoona, Iowa, is the winner of OpenSecrets.org's second Citizen Journalism Contest, which asked: "Did campaign contributions and lobbying by the financial sector contribute to the meltdown on Wall Street?"
Finance Sector Lobbied for Money…Without the Money to Lobby
November 21, 2008 | The surge of activity in the nation's capital to revive the country's economy apparently hasn't caused a torrent of lobbying funds by the insurance companies, investment banks, mortgage companies and savings and loans central to the government's actions. While unions, companies and organizations across all industries increased their lobbying expenditures 2 percent in the 3rd Quarter of this year compared to the first three months of 2008, the finance, insurance and real estate sector apparently scaled back, decreasing its spending by 9 percent.
Auto Industry Gives Sparingly to a Skeptical Congress
November 20, 2008 | Why, when Wall Street took the fast lane to grab its share of $700 billion in federal bailout funds, does the auto industry seem stuck in neutral? The carmakers' campaign contributions to Congress suggest one reason: Most lawmakers, especially those on the finance committees that heard this week from pleading GM, Ford and Chrysler executives, don't owe much payback to Detroit.
Races to Watch IX: Wall Street's Favorite Candidates
October 9, 2008 | Not at all to the chagrin of oil and gas companies (and lawmakers who have received campaign donations from them), Wall Street is the new black for congressional candidates looking to link their opponents to an unpopular industry. As federal lawmakers have wrestled with an economic bailout plan worth $700 billion, candidates who have received contributions from the financial sector are on the defensive. Find out which candidates are filling their war chests with money from the finance sector in Capital Eye's final installment of Races to Watch.
Industries Seeking Rescue Gave Twice as Much to Senators Who Backed Bailout
October 3, 2008 | The finance, insurance and real estate sector has contributed twice as much money to senators who supported bailing out the struggling sector this week than those who opposed emergency legislation, the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics has calculated following the 74-25 Senate vote Wednesday night that sent the bill to the House of Representatives for passage this afternoon.
Finance Sector Gave 51 Percent More to House Bailout Backers
September 29, 2008 | Members of the House of Representatives who supported bailing out the financial sector with $700 billion in taxpayer money have received 51 percent more in campaign contributions from the finance, insurance and real estate sector in their congressional careers than those who opposed the emergency legislation, the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics calculated following the 228-205 vote on Monday that defeated the House bill.
Money and Votes Aligned in Congress's Last Debate Over Bank Regulation
September 23, 2008 | The last time Congress seriously debated how to regulate the financial industry, the result was legislation that allowed the nation's largest banks to get even larger and take risks that had been prohibited since the Great Depression. A look back at that debate, which was over the 1999 Financial Services Modernization Act, reveals that campaign contributions may have influenced the votes of politicians who, a decade later, are now grappling with the implosion of the giant banks they helped to foster.
Retirees Propel McCain to the Fundraising Finish Line
September 3, 2008 | Preparing for a general election in which he cannot collect private donations, John McCain vaulted in front of Barack Obama in fundraising from one of the biggest groups of donors in American politics: the senior set. A new analysis of the Republican nominee's summer fundraising by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics has found McCain leading Obama among retired donors almost two to one in June and July, $8.1 million to $4.5 million.
Visa and US Bank Pay for Freshmen to Party
August 27, 2008 | Congressional newbies who feared they came to Capitol Hill too late to enjoy the famed convention parties thrown by corporate interests (a practice banned by recent ethics laws) will have a chance this afternoon to do just that. Visa and US Bank (a subsidiary of US Bancorp)--which have spent a total of $2.6 million on lobbying in the first six months of the year--are hosting a reception in the late afternoon for the freshman members of the House of Representatives. These lawmakers have also collected $19,450 in campaign contributions from the two companies' employees and PACs since they were elected.
Professors Spent Their Summer Vacations Giving to Obama
August 26, 2008 | While school was out, college professors and other educators were putting money into Barack Obama's presidential campaign, according to a new analysis of the Democratic nominee's summer fundraising. Educators contributed at least $2.3 million to his campaign in June and July, surpassed only by lawyers, who make up Obama's top-giving industry since the campaign's start, and retirees.
Power Struggle: Coal, Nuclear Industries Lobby to Keep the Lights On
August 7, 2008 | Coal and nuclear power are the biggest sources of electricity in the U.S., accounting for roughly 70 percent of the nation's electricity. While producers of both sources believe that the country needs a well-balanced fuel portfolio, both industries are seeking an advantage by spending their fair share on campaign contributions and lobbying this election cycle, reminding those in Congress of their integral role in keeping the lights on.
Power Struggle: Senators Shore Up Cash from Divided Tourism Industry
July 31, 2008 | While this year's own battle over offshore drilling for oil has largely been a skirmish between the deep-pocketed oil and gas industry and grassroots environmentalists, senators along the coast in particular have to pay attention to an additional industry that's a player on Capitol Hill: tourism.
Power Struggle: Industry Standards
July 10, 2008 | Industries across the board have a stake in the outcome of energy legislation, either because they are looking for handouts or trying to minimize harm. Capital Eye profiles the major players, their concerns and the money they're spending to be heard on Capitol Hill.
Senator-Turned-Lobbyist Presents Subprime Situation for McCain
May 30, 2008 | The White House's new resident in January is going to have one heck of a complex economic mess to deal with. If that person is John McCain, he'll be there in part because of the hard work of a man whom economists are blaming for the crippling subprime meltdown.
Industry Switch Indicates GOP Trouble
May 16, 2008 | Bruising losses for congressional Republicans in districts that are traditionally GOP strongholds pretty clearly signal that the party's in trouble. The money behind the elections is painting the same picture.
Housing Law in Hands of Senator with Strong Interest in Real Estate
May 12, 2008 | Republican John McCain isn't the only federal lawmaker making headlines today for his role in some questionable real estate deals. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., shares that distinction. Shelby's strong ties to the real estate industry formed during his career as a successful title insurance executive, landlord and real estate developer.
Wall Street Fills Democrats' Coffers
March 21, 2008 | Turmoil on Wall Street has securities and investment firms and commercial banks shifting their campaign contributions to the Democratic presidential candidates, according to the Los Angeles Times, using data from the Center for Responsive Politics.
A Friend in Need, Wall Street Gets Help from Washington
March 20, 2008 | The federal government's interest in the plight of investment and commercial banks is driven by the urgency of securing the U.S. economy, but the close ties between Wall Street and Washington may hint at other motives for lending a hand to these struggling financial institutions. The employees and political action committees of these firms bankroll federal campaigns like few other companies; the securities and investment industry ranks third among all industries in contributing to candidates and parties this election cycle, giving $71.5 million, with 60 percent to Democrats.
Biggest Donors Are Digging Deeper for '08
November 15, 2007 | Top industries and interest groups have increased their giving over 2004 by 46 percent, Center finds. As money shifts to Democrats, giving from Republican strongholds is mostly flat.
Innovation Insulation
November 7, 2007 | As Congress debates patent reform legislation, a variety of industries are lobbying to ensure that damage awards for infringement don't deter innovation.
Exploring Fred Thompson's Finances
August 3, 2007 | Southern donors, lawyers, retirees and investors are major backers to the undeclared candidate's exploratory committee, the Center for Responsive Politics finds.
Chairmanship Has Its Privileges
April 18, 2007 | When members of Congress run for president, they can usually count on support from the industries most affected by their congressional committees. Chris Dodd, whose day job includes serving as chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, has brought in nearly $739,000 from the securities and investment industry he regulates, making it his highest contributor in…
Congressional Preview
April 7, 2007 | New leadership in the 110th Congress means newfound influence for interests friendly to Democrats By Miranda Blue and Lindsay Renick Mayer January 04, 2007 | With the changing of the guard on Capitol Hill comes a shift in lobbying efforts. In December, the Republican-led 109th Congress closed with a late-night flurry of bills to appease…
Feel free to distribute or cite this material, but please credit the Center for Responsive Politics. For permission to reprint for commercial uses, such as textbooks, contact the Center: email@example.com


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Author Notes: I just graduated from college. This recipe is great, and one of my standbys. Its beauty exists in that you don't really need proportions. If you don't have an onion, use garlic. If you don't have cheese, just pronounce it vegan. if you don't have fresh herbs, just go to your spice rack (I might even allow you to use "italian seasoning").
This can be eaten as a side dish, or if you are a poor college student like me, can be served as dinner at home or at potlucks. I've had many people want the recipe, only to be dumbfounded by the simplicity. —Allison R. Stewart
Serves: 4
White beans, I use dry navy because they are cheapest
ounces can of diced tomatoes
bunches fresh herbs like Thyme, Oregano or Sage (or replace with dry)
an onion, minced.
1 generous
handfuls parmigiano-reggiano
- If using dry beans, soak for at least an hour. After soaking, change water, and then boil until soft. Be patient, and continue to add water, if the water absorbs and the beans are still not cooked.
- in a saute pan, soften the minced onion. Add some of the herbs. Take a good whiff.
- Add the can of tomatoes to the saute pan with the onions, letting the tomato juices to condense and thicken ups. It should not be thin, but neither should it be so consistent that the chunks are gone.
- Turn the oven on to 350 degrees F.
- Mix the beans and the sauce together in a baking dish so that the beans are completely covered in the sauce.
- Mix in extra herbs and cheese, and also add some cheese to the top so it can get crusty.
- Bake in the oven, for approximately 30 minutes, and wait, ravenously, while it cools enough to not burn your tongue.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Dirt Cheap Dinner
More Great Recipes:
Italian|Bean|Make Ahead|5 Ingredients or Fewer|Gluten-Free|Vegetarian|Entree

subset: commoncrawl


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BELLINGHAM - A four-year-old Bellingham boy drowned Sunday at Lake Hiawatha in Blackstone, the Worcester County District Attorney has announced.
District Attorney Joseph Early's office on Monday identified the victim as William Cohen.
According to a release from Early's office, Cohen and his family were visiting friends on St. Germaine Avenue Sunday afternoon when the boy went missing. Lake Hiawatha is behind houses on both sides of St. Germaine Avenue.
The parents and friends searched the surrounding area, finding Cohen in the lake after about 20 minutes.
Searchers removed the boy from the lake and began CPR. According to officials, police and emergency personnel were called at approximately 5:10 p.m., arrived on the scene within minutes and continued resuscitation efforts.
The youngster was taken to Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket, R.I, and was pronounced dead.
Paul Jarvey, a spokesman for the district attorney's office, said the office investigates all unattended deaths in the county. While the case remains under investigation, there are no signs of foul play, he said.
According to the release, the Rhode Island Medical Examiner's Office, state police detectives with the district attorney's office and the Blackstone Police Department are conducting the investigation.
Mike Gleason can be reached at 508-634-7546 or email@example.com. For news throughout the day, follow him on Twitter @MGleason_MDN.


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Style # 207608
With horizontal ribbed texture, T-strap at back and statement color contrast, this bebe bodycon is a sure way to wake up your dress wardrobe. Try it with a classic black pump and a trench coat.
- 90% rayon, 9% nylon, 1% spandex
- Center back to hem: 23" (58 cm)
- Invisible zipper
- Dry clean
- Imported
- Model is 5'9" and is wearing a US size S
T-Back Contrast Bandage Bodycon Dress is rated out of 5 by 3.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Brendita from Its beautiful and fits great! I like this dress, it is beautiful, it fits great, I love the combinations of color that it has.
Date published: 2012-12-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by TRUEME86 from Awesome! I LOVE THIS DRESS, TRUE TO SIZE, COLOR IS AMAZING, ESPECIALLY WITH THE TREND GOING ON RIGHT NOW. RECEIVED A LOT OF COMPLEMENTS AND FITS IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES!
Date published: 2012-12-02
Rated 4 out of 5 by Brenda21 from sexy dress I received this dress yesterday and I really liked it. It was originally meant for my sister but since she is a bit shorter she did not like how it looked on her, therefore I kept it, U am 5'5 and it fits me perfectly. It is very sexy and the back looks great.
Date published: 2012-11-29


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This is an activity about mission planning. Learners will use the roles of a navigation team, spacecraft, comet, Earth, and Sun to simulate how mission planners design a spacecraft/comet rendezvous. This activity requires at least four active... (View More) participants and a large open space. Includes mathematics extensions. (View Less)
Materials Cost: $5 - $10 per group of students
Learners will explore the physical characteristics of comets by reaching into a series of boxes and feeling the materials and structures within. They will describe what they observe and speculate on comet characteristics being modeled in each box,... (View More) opening the discussion about the nature of these icy bodies and begin to compare them to other members of our solar system.Note: See Related & Supplemental Resources (right side of this page) for links to assembly instructions and worksheets needed to complete this activity. (View Less)
Learners will create a physical timeline of comet appearances in art and literature throughout history. Participants use a set of photos depicting comets in art images and science missions and place the images in chronological order, while learning... (View More) about the perceptions of comets during that time period. Note: Timeline cards that are needed to complete this activity can be found under the Related and Supplemental Resources links on the right side of this page. (View Less)
In this lesson, learners will use images to observe and compare the surfaces of two comet nuclei from close range. Separate teachers guides and students guides are provided. Supplementary resources needed for the lesson are provided and include... (View More) scientist and student audio tracks, and images of Wild 2, Tempel 1, and Hartley 2. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Free
Learners will take and then compare the images taken by a camera - to learn about focal length (and its effects on field of view), resolution, and ultimately how cameras take close-up pictures of far away objects. Finally, they will apply this... (View More) knowledge to the images of comet Tempel 1 taken by two different spacecraft with three different cameras, in this case Deep Impact and those expected/obtained from Stardust-NExT. This lesson could easily be adapted for use with images from other NASA missions. (View Less)


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Remember that song from Sesame Street? "One of These Things (Is Not Like the Others)." I've found myself in that situation many times in my life.
The first time, I was in preschool. The teachers wanted us to perform a cute song for our parents about Miss Polly and the doctor. All of the other little girls dressed up as Miss Polly. The little boys and I dressed up as doctors. As my mom tells it, I wasn't interested in discussing it. The doctors had props like stethoscopes, and doctors help people. Why wouldn't I want to be a doctor?
I didn't grow up to be a doctor. I grew up to be a nuclear engineer, which is a profession where there are nine men for every woman. In one of my introductory nuclear engineering courses, the students sat at a horseshoe shaped table so that we could all see each other. Among the 15 there were two women, including me. A few students were in their mid or late 20s, returning to school after spending time in the Navy, but most of us were only a year or two into college. I noticed the woman sitting across from me. She was young, inquisitive, and her eager, feminine face stood out among all those men. It took me a surprisingly long time to realize that I stood out like that too.
I am now 16 years into my career, which has included 13 years working in the nuclear power industry and three years as a stay-at-home mom. Today I manage a department of about 30 engineers responsible for maintaining the technical design of a nuclear plant. I am the first woman to hold this position in our organization. Among the leadership at our facility, there is only one other woman. She and I are two of roughly 30 female executives in our corporation of 8,500 employees.
My attitude hasn't changed much since preschool. It mostly doesn't faze me to be in the minority, and I am proud of the choices that have led me to where I am today. I persisted through many crises of confidence as a student before realizing that my male peers had these same crises of confidence too; they just faked confidence while I was agonizing over whether I could cut it as a nuclear engineer. Later on in my career, I notice an increasing number of young women choosing to work in the nuclear power industry. I am by default, a role model to these young women. Still, being "the one who's not like the others" makes for some awkward moments.
As a newly minted engineer at a consulting firm, I recall my boss telling his employees that he expected us to dress professionally when we were meeting with clients. For men, that means you wear a tie, he explained. For women, that means you wear …. you wear … well, you wear "whatever a woman's equivalent of a tie might be." It was as sweet as it was silly. Acutely sensitive to the three women in his firm, I believe he wanted to choose his words carefully and not assume that we would wear dresses or skirts or fancy scarves.
Another time at a networking function, I noticed my colleagues introducing themselves, sharing their names and associations and shaking hands. A surprising number of new acquaintances were not shaking my hand. I later learned that some have been taught that it is poor etiquette for a man to shake hands with a woman unless she offers her hand first. I was taken aback, although I must admit that I really don't know anything about shaking hands except that my dad taught me to have a firm grip so my hand doesn't feel like a dead fish.
After my daughter was born, I sat in a broom closet with my breast pump and my PalmPilot (this was 2003) in order to make the most out of those minutes so I could leave on time to get to the day care. My daughter is almost in middle school now, but I still can't really joke about that. My designated space felt undignified and I found it embarrassing; even more so than using a breast pump already feels. It is ironic because my colleagues were caring and supportive of me as a new mother and would have gone out of their way to find a more suitable space for me, had they known. But none of them were in my situation, and, if they were (or had been), I never knew. In all likelihood, they probably didn't even notice that I quietly slipped away twice a day.
Working my way through the engineering ranks in the nuclear industry, I've struggled with how to balance it all. How am I supposed to be at work at 6 a.m. (that's oh-six-hundred in nuclear speak, and oh-dark-thirty in my lingo) when I got home late enough the night before that my children were already in bed? How am I supposed to be on call and ready to respond to an unexpected equipment issue, when I also am expected to drive a carpool shift for one kid, get to soccer practice for the other, make dinner, scrounge together craft supplies for Silly Hat Day at school, clean house/laundry/kids/cats, monitor how long my son is playing video games when he should be doing homework, get the kids in bed at a reasonable time, AND find time to remind my husband that he has a wife, not a roommate? My male counterparts sympathized but also commented that they were glad that their wives took care of those things. There were many times that I thought to myself: Maybe I need a wife!
Early in my career, I didn't want to draw attention to my domestic obligations. I was afraid it might make me seem like I was distracted, less engaged, working half as hard, even though I knew in my heart that I was working just as hard and just as attentively as my male peers. In the past year or two, as I feel secure in my position, I have become much less hesitant. I informed my boss that I would be leaving every day at 4:45 pm. I informed my boss's boss, and his boss as well. None of them had a concern. To my surprise, one of them even shared his own story about a time earlier in his career when he had to leave work at a regular time in order to pick up his kids from day care, even though sometimes it meant returning later in the evening to meet his responsibilities. I thought I was baring my soul, only to realize that all those years, I had been stupidly stoic.
One key to making my life work is my husband. He works full time as a professor of electrical engineering and is happier to cook or to clean the house than I am. Things are not always done perfectly, but they do get done. We eat dinner together as a family nearly every evening, but sometimes that dinner is at 9 p.m. because we attended two soccer practices and fit in a quick workout for Mom first. I have many years of adorable school photos of my kids, and in half of them they are wearing outfits they picked out themselves. (My son fearlessly selected three different kinds of plaid in order to be "dressy," while one year my daughter chose a stylish selection of sequins, flowers, and stripes.) Over time, I realized that our particular rhythm created our family identity and instilled a sense of responsibility and character in our kids. It's a routine we grew into, and now it fits us.
By contrast, at a nuclear power plant there are things that MUST be done perfectly. This is serious stuff, and there is no room for error. But my work is not going to fall to pieces because I choose to go home in time to drive the second shift of the choir car pool. It's my job to know when something at work is urgent or critical and requires me to drop everything and show up. But it's not only about me. It's also my job to make sure that there are enough safety nets in place so that the pressure on my team to perform flawlessly does not become overwhelming and unbearable.
Do you remember the next line to the song? "One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just doesn't belong." Doesn't belong. I could have decided a long time ago that I, as a woman and a mother, do not belong in nuclear power. Instead, every morning I squeeze my soccer-mom minivan in the parking lot of my office in between the pickup trucks because I do belong in nuclear power. I do it because, as one of my friends commented when I shared a picture of the parking lot, "We need more minivans!" That's me, changing the face of nuclear power, one minivan at a time.


text:
Sandy wrote:
Of course, now the back patting begins...ABP is one of those agencies that makes no mistakes and always gets it right. It's an attack on mean old Paige, so that might even warrant a few shouts, if there wasn't fear of bringing down the roof with the noise.
Patterson is pretty irrelevant to those of us who have left the SBC. My only real point in bringing this up is how he now grabs scripture to keep the lid on things while (in his earlier incarnation) he was the press hound who tried professors, pastors, trustees, denominational administrators, and any who disagreed with him in the press. From the position of power, he preaches a different gospel. I concede that he didn't do it for the local church, but his premise of damaging the Christian witness certainly should apply to the denomination. When I identify myself as Baptist, I'm still asked if I'm Southern Baptist. When I say, "No," I have gotten sighs of relief because their image of Baptists is what was painted in the press by Patterson and others in the Takeover.


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On Thu, Mar 31, 2011 at 8:27 AM, Joerg Riechardt <j.riecha...@gmx.de> wrote: > Hi, > I have a problem with skipping during a replay of a HD recording. > Running xine --verbose=2 I see after pressing the yellow button (skip +60 > sec) lots of > video_out: throwing away image with pts xxxxxxx because it's too old (diff : > yyyyy) > messages. > This is for a few seconds or forever, depending on system load, and causes > 100% Cpu, and spoils recordings on my slow system. On faster systems you > will hardly notice this. > If I patch cDvbPlayer::SkipSeconds with > - readIndex = Index - 1; // Action() will first increment it! > + readIndex = Index; // Index - 1 causes problems in xine > I no longer get those "throwing away image" messages and the Cpu peak is > only short and not that high. > > This happens also for starting a replay and for resuming replay after fast > forward, but for those I have no vdr patch. > > I would very much appreciate if somebody with deeper knowledge of the > interplay between vdr <-> vdr-xine <-> xine-lib would look into and comment > on this.
Are you saying that when you press skip+/-, you get a delay before the skip occurs? If so, I experience this problem too. Most of the time when I press skip+/-, there's a 4-6 second pause before the skip actually occurs. Very aggravating to say the least. The good news is that Rnissl has this problem also so there's no need to try to reproduce it -- he can already observe it locally. _______________________________________________ vdr mailing list email@example.com http://www.linuxtv.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/vdr


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Corporate takeover videos
This section contains films on how the GM corporations are heading for near-monopoly control of the seed and food supply.
Leading the pack is GM/agrochemicals giant Monsanto. Find out about the lawsuit Monsanto launched against an Indiana seed cleaner and how it plans to own all seed and what this means for global food security.
Among our favourite films in this section is Islands at Risk: Genetic Engineering in Hawaii. Read our review.
In an excellent video, John Hilary, executive director of War On Want, explains what's wrong with the TTIP: why it's nothing to do with 'free trade' but all about deregulation of controversial and risky products like GMOs, tobacco, and hormone-treated meat; why it won't boost our economies; and how politicians know that much of what we're being told about the supposed benefits of TTIP is a lie. (Time: 14:43)
Vandana Shiva speaking at "The Globalization Conference" in Oslo, November 2010. She touches on On Monsanto, bio-piracy, intellectual property, seed and life patenting, herbicide-resistant weeds, bt-cotton, bt-eggplant, biodiversity, the escalating cost for farmers, escalating farmer debt and suicides, the undermining of biodiversity, self-regulation and biosafety. (Total time: 18:46)
Olivier de Schutter, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to food - GMOs "have not benefitted poor farmers". although he is asked a question in Italian his answer is in English. (Time for video: 4:03)
Since being elected in 2008 as President of Paraguay, the 'Red Bishop' Fernando Lugo has been unable, or unwilling, to deliver on promises made to the landless farmers who got him to power in the first place. Meanwhile US and Brazilian-based soya industries are rapidly expanding and taking over Paraguay's agriculture, polluting much of its land and water sources and depriving small farmers of their means of livelihood. (Time: 8:29)
A fascinating talk by Dr Suman Sahai of GeneCampaign containing a powerful indictment of the science of GMOs. She talks about how the need to protect the money and power invested in "dominant paradigms", such as the Green Revolution, GMOs and Nanotechnology, has skewed our science. When implementing such technologies, lip service is paid to things like the precautionary principle and the social/economic effect of such technologies, but they have little influence on if or how these technologies are to be implemented. (Time: 19:57)
Blackwater's Black Ops – This is the title of an explosive new article in The Nation magazine that reveals how entities closely linked with the private security firm Blackwater have provided security and intelligence services to a range of powerful corporations over the past several years. The companies include Monsanto, Chevron, Deutsche Bank, Disney and others. Blackwater has also provided intelligence and training services to foreign governments, including Jordan, the Canadian military and the Dutch police. (Time: 11:56)
Abby Martin takes a closer look at the incestuous relationship between the White House and Monsanto, by calling out Romney and Obama's longstanding ties with the company. (Time: 5:14)
Bush senior caught on film in Monsanto Inc, helping them push down the regulations that would test Monsanto's new products. (Time: 2:49)
American and Canadian farmers speak out against seed patents and genetically engineered (GE) crop contamination in North America. The farmers express concerns that they cannot guarantee their crops are GE free. (Time: 11:30)
The European Commission (EC) is pandering to the commercial aspirations of the biotech corporations while putting the health of European citizens at risk from genetically modified (GM) products that have never been adequately assessed, said Dr. Brian John of GM-Free Cymru. (Time 04:39)
Many Indian farmers face ruin because the genetically modified BT cotton from Monsanto, first approved in 2002, rendered them diastrous yields. Hoping for higher crop yields and fewer chemicals, the farmers werepersuaded to purchase the genetically modified seeds at quadruple the price. Yet the anticipated bumper crop failed to materialize. Disease and insect-ridden plants forced the farmers to use even more of the expensive chemicals, driving their bank depts higher. For many farmers the only escape from these accumulated debts is suicide. In all of India over 20.000 farmers committed suicide in the last few years. (Time: 6:10)
The year is 2022. After a decade of world famine and food riots, the Mendelian Corporation now bioengineers the world's entire commercial supply of genetically modified seeds. This comes at the expense of outlawed natural "heirloom" seeds, with their susceptibility to disease viewed as a threat to a stable food supply. The Mendelian Corporation's control of the food supply gives it great political clout, and it has used it to consolidate great power. Rural areas and farm country are now under a corporate marshal law, and the ban on "heirloom" seed has resulted in a black market, with "seed-runners" emerging to satisfy the underground market. (Time: 15:37)
Ãrpád Pusztai and Ignacio Chapela have two things in common. They are distinguished scientists and their careers are in ruins. Both scientists choose to look at the phenomenon of genetic engineering. Both made important discoveries. Both of them are suffering the fate of those who criticise the powerful vested interests that now dominate big business and scientific research. (Time: 3:19)
Percy Schmeiser is a Canadian farmer and seed breeder who has become world-famous by standing up to the Monsanto corporation, which charged him with illegally using its patented GMO canola seeds when his fields were actually contaminated by winds blowing from nearby GMO crops. He'll discuss his experiences and the dangers of losing biodiversity of our crops and the domination of our food supply by industrial agriculture. (Time: 29:29)
India could be the first country to take legal action against agribusiness giant Monsanto for so-called "biopiracy" – or taking indigenous farming knowledge to develop genetically modified crops. Are biotech corporations trying to monopolise and patent the world's food supply? (Time: 33:41)
Moe Parr is a seed cleaner in Indiana, USA. In February 2007, Monsanto initiated a lawsuit against him. The biotech company claimed that Moe had encouraged GM soybean farmers to save their seed. Moe is one of many farmers in North America who've faced coercion from Monsanto through legal and economic pressure. (Time: 2:13)
A year in the making, this film from the award-winning German film maker Wilfried Huismann will dispel the green image of the WWF. Behind the organisation's eco-facade, the film uncovered explosive stories from all around the world. This documentary seeks to reveal the secrets of the WWF. It is a journey into the heart of the green empire and may shatter public faith in the panda forever.
Update June 2012: The German broadcaster ARD has been forced to remove access to this film on the internet pending the outcome of a lawsuit brought by WWF against the film maker, Wilfried Huismann. Therefore it is not currently viewable. We will keep you updated.
Democracy Now interviews, Vanity Fair's James Steel who co-authored an article called Monsanto's harvest of fear, profiling some of Monsanto's controversial corporate practices. (Total time: 17:55)
At the GMO-Free Europe Conference 2010, Vandana Shiva takes stock of resistance against the takeover of agriculture by the biotech industry. A great roundup of the GMO battle. (Total time: 19:49)
US courts have ruled that even if a farmer's plants are accidentally pollinated by Monsanto's GM seed, the resulting seeds and plants are the property of Monsanto. Monsanto budgets $10 million each years to investigate and sue farmers who are not paying royalties. (Total time: 9:55)
Michael Hart is a conventional livestock family farmer based in Cornwall, England. He investigates the reality of farming genetically modified crops in the USA ten years after their introduction. He travels across the US interviewing farmers and other specialists about their experiences of growing GM. For nearly thirty years Michael has actively campaigned on behalf of family farmers for over fifteen years, travelling extensively in Europe, India, Canada and the USA. (Time: 23:31)
In this 4-part series, journalist, environmentalist, and author of Uncertain Peril: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Seeds, Claire Hope Cummings speaks out on behalf of the natural world, and for a new approach to solving the environmental, social, and philosophical problems inherent in our present food system.
In this section we have parts 2 and 3 of the series. (Total time for parts 2 and 3: 13:34)
A selection of intellectual greats – Fritjof Capra, Paul Hawken, and Vandana Shiva – explain the biotech companies' agenda of controlling the food supply and why it's a recipe for worldwide famine. (Time: 6:38)
The Future of Food, a groundbreaking documentary released in 2004, distils the complex technology and key regulatory, legal, ethical, environmental and consumer issues surrounding the troubling changes happening in the food system today – genetically engineered foods, patenting, and the corporatization of food – into terms the average person can easily understand. It empowers consumers to understand the consequences of their food choices on our future. (Time 9:49)
Farmers are attracted towards GM crops because of reduced maintenance, but farmers who plant Monsanto's GM crops probably don't realize that when they sign the Monsanto Technology Stewardship Agreement that it transfers ALL liability to the farmer or grower. (Time: 9:47)
Vandana Shiva talks about the patenting of seeds by Monsanto. (Time 8:38)
Percy Schmeiser has been growing canola for 40 years. He's been experimenting, developing his own varieties, using his own seed. Then Monsanto, the giant multinational agro-chemical company that is at the forefront of developing genetically modified foods, accused him of patent infringement and demanded restitution for its seeds. They stole his plants, seeds & research because of cross pollenation with GMO plants that other people had planted within pollenaton range. If GMO's touch your crops... Monsanto owns your crop and will sue you. Pollenation is not containable. "I never put those plants on my land," says Schmeiser. "The question is, where do Monsanto's rights end and mine begin?" (Time 13:28)
There are 2 million farmers and 300 million consumers in the US. Standing in between are a handful of companies who control how food gets from one side to the other. (Time 7:25)
Talk by Percy Schmeiser, the Canadian farmer who was sued by Monsanto for having its patented genes on his land. A must-see for all farmers considering growing GM crops. (Time for all 3 parts: 45:05)
A 3-part series of interviews with Dr. Vandana Shiva about the future of food. This is more than about the safety of biotechnology; its about the ability of all of us to have a choice of the foods that we eat, and for our farmers to be able to freely use their own seeds, and grow food in the manner that they choose. (Total time: 19:49)


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Wizards draft Bradley Beal with 3rd pick in 2012 NBA Draft
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Wizards draft Bradley Beal with 3rd pick in 2012 NBA Draft
Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced tonight that the team has selected Bradley Beal (third overall) and Tomas Satoransky (32nd overall) in tonights 2012 NBA Draft.
We are very pleased to draft Bradley and Tomas as we continue to build our team, said Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld. Bradley is a good young player, an outstanding shooter and a good defender. He has outstanding character and we are excited to get a player with his abilities. Tomas is a very good prospect who is athletic and runs the floor well.
Beal (6-5, 207 lbs.), who turns 19 today, averaged 14.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in his only season at University of Florida. In addition to leading the Gators in rebounding, minutes (34.2) and steals, he led all guards in the six major conferences in rebounding. Beal was the first player in school history to be named First-Team All-SEC and SEC All-Freshman in the same season. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Beal earned Gatorade National Player of the Year honors along with being named a McDonalds and Jordan Brand All-American as a senior in high school.
Satoransky (6-7, 198 lbs.) averaged 4.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in three seasons with Spanish club Cajasol Sevilla, including 7.1 points and 2.4 assists in 2010-11. He also played two seasons in the Czech Republic National Basketball League, averaging 9.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 2008-09. Satoransky also represented the Czech Republic at the 2008 U18 European Championships and the 2010 U20 European Championships where he ranked second in assists (5.4 apg) and steals (2.6 spg).
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Kolkata: A spineless India were on the verge of a second successive humiliating defeat in their own backyard against England who were within sniffing distance of an emphatic victory in the third cricket Test here on Saturday.
Also Read: Cook shining, India whining» | Present tense, future bleak»
After conceding a mammoth 207-run lead, India`s famed batsmen put up a pathetic display but R Ashwin (83 batting) and the tailenders delayed the inevitable as the hosts reached 239 for nine at close on the penultimate day.
Ashwin, who flopped as a bowler, provided some resistance as the last two wickets added 80 runs after being at a precarious 159 for eight at one stage, forcing the game to stretch into the fifth day with India having a slender lead of 32.
With one full day left, England were on course for a huge win and take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
India got off to a good start with Virender Sehwag (49) and Gautam Gambhir (40) putting on 86 runs but the innings completely came apart after the lunch break with wickets falling with embarrassing ease on an Eden Gardens track, which gave some assistance to the bowlers.
While the Indian bowlers looked completely ineffective, the English bowlers exploited the conditions far better and raise hopes of their first series win on Indian soil in 28 years.
After the humiliating 10-wicket defeat in Mumbai, the hosts once again seemed clueless in their own den with neither batting nor bowling clicking against an English side which was the one expected to struggle on the sub-continental dustbowls.
Steve Finn (3/37), James Anderson (2/38) and Graeme Swann were (2/70) were the wicket-takers for England.
Barring Ashwin, none of the Indian batsmen showed the stomach for a fight out as they perished to poor strokes. Cheteshwar Pujara (8), Sachin Tendulkar (5), Yuvraj Singh (11), Virat Kohli (20) and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (0) were the big guns who failed to fire on a track in which England posted 523 in the first innings.
Earlier in the morning, resuming at the overnight score of 509 for six, England were all out for 523 within the first half an hour's play.
Ashwin struck back to back boundaries to Swann to notch up his third half-century that also helped India avoid the humiliation of an innings loss as the Eden, which registered the highest attendance on Saturday.
Lacklustre with his off-spin, Ashwin delighted the crowd with a straight drive of Anderson, following it up with a pull of Steven Finn as India ensured England had to bat again.
Ashwin's shared a 38-run ninth wicket partnership with Ishant Sharma (10) to avoid an innings victory and later he stitched an undefeated 42 runs with Pragyan Ojha (3 batting).
Gambhir was again involved in a run out mix-up, for the second time in the match, with Cheteshwar Pujara (8) becoming the victim this time.
The English turnaround came in the post-lunch session as India lost six wickets for 36 runs as their fight to save the match went up in smoke.
Earlier, the first session belonged to India who dominated the proceedings -- both with the ball and bat -- for the first time in the match.
First, India scalped four wickets in 4.3 overs to restrict England's first innings lead to 207 as they managed to add 14 runs to their overnight total.
Then, Indian openers Sehwag and Gambhir showed a lot of positivity when they came out to bat in the second innings as they raced to 86 for no loss at lunch but only to go down the drain after the break.
India committed a harakiri of sorts after they resumed after lunch.
India's promising start to their second innings, having conceded a 207-run lead, was undone when Sehwag got out in the first ball after lunch.
Swann got one to rip back through Sehwag's gate taking the top of the off stump to break the opening partnership for 86.
But without building on a partnership what followed was another dismissal as Gambhir once again helping England in another run-out.
Poor Pujara (8) became the victim this time when the leading Indian run-getter of the series fall short of the crease going in for a non-exiting run as Bell hit the stumps directly from short leg.
Finn should be credited for creating pressure around Gambhir who conceded two maiden overs to the pacer.
In the third over, after playing out five dot balls Gambhir desperately attempted for a single with a soft push to leg side to avoid a third straight maiden.
But it only brought an end of Pujara's knock, who has 402 runs in the series including one double and single century.
In the very first of the next over, the Indian opener, on 36, survived after umpire Rod Tucker gave him not out after his faint nick was brilliantly taken by Jonathan Trott in a low catch.
But irrespective of the dubious decision, Gambhir could not prolong his stint at the crease, edging one behind the stumps.
It was two wickets in as many overs as India were reduced to 107 for four with Sachin Tendulkar back in the dressing room after a promising paddle sweep of Swann.
The off-spinner took Tendulkar's outside edge to be caught at the slip by Trott as India started to stare at yet another big defeat.
Kohli, on four, got a second life after being dropped by Bell at deepish short leg as at the drinks break India were tottering for 119 for four, still requiring 88 runs to avoid an innings defeat with more than four sessions to go.
But England continued to spit venom as Anderson castled Yuvraj Singh with a delivery that went low, shattered the stumps by taking the bottom edge of the left-hander's bat.
Anderson came back to strike to remove India skipper Dhoni for a duck.
Earlier, India started the day with some promise, when they bowled England out for 523.
Ojha, who was the most successful Indian bowler with 4/124, struck in his very second ball of the day when Swann (21) edged one at first slip to be dimissed without any addition to the total.
Off-colour Zaheer also got into the act, picking his first wicket of the match after bowling 30 overs when the left-arm pacer's in-cutter took Matt Prior's nick before being caught by Dhoni.
The second blow for England with addition of just one-run to the overnight total of 509 opened the gates for India as Ashwin took two wickets -- Anderson (9) and Paneswar (0) succession to wipe out the tail, but not before they conceded a huge lead.


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Machine Gun Kelly - Skate Cans (Starring Skater Ryan Scheckler)
Black Flag the mixtape coming soon
Directed by Spordy19XX for EST 19XX FILMS
Posted by Jay
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The Department of Neurology was created in May 2012 as part of a groundbreaking public-private partnership that unites the Dayton region's most advanced biomedical research institution with the clinical resources of its largest hospital system. In 2010, Wright State University and Premier Health announced the creation of the Wright State & Premier Neuroscience Institute, a unique public-private partnership uniting the hospital system's clinical resources with the university's strengths in biomedical research. The Neuroscience Institute has talented, NIH-funded neuroscientists on the Wright State University campus, including a team awarded two prestigious Program Project Grants totaling more than $9 million from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, some of whom are included on the faculty of the Neurology Residency Program. The department's main academic office and clinical facilities are housed in Premier hospitals.
The department is closely aligned with other programs including neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation and psychiatry. Areas of specialization in the neuroscience program include behavioral neurology, cerebrovascular disease, child neurology, clinical neurophysiology, critical care, epilepsy, movement disorders, neuroimaging, neuroimmunology, neuromuscular disease, neuro-oncology, neuro-ophthalmology, pain management, psychiatry and sleep disorders. The clinical faculty are integrated with basic science faculty at Wright State University.
Our Mission
- To heal, lead, educate and innovate.
Our Vision
- To provide comprehensive and innovative patient care services in general and sub-specialty areas of neurology;
- To provide broadly based education to support physicians practicing in our community and to prepare our next generation of physicians and neurologists;
- To engage in clinical, basic science and translational research to improve existing treatments and develop and implement new therapies for neurological disease; and
- To foster community based activities providing support services and education programs for patients and families affected by neurological disease.


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Bodywarmers & Gilets
Gorgeous and practical country clothing
Dogwood has an excellent collection of fine country clothing for men, women and children to ensure that you are ready for the great outdoors, whatever the activity and whatever the weather. From traditional country jackets, including shooting jackets and trap vests to waterproof trousers and breeks, you can find beautiful and practical outdoor clothing within our prestigious collection.
When it comes to country wear, we have every angle covered. Style, functionality and comfort come first in the Dogwood collection, allowing you to take pleasure in both your sports and your outdoor attire. Our stringent selection process means that all the products we feature allow you to look good whilst also giving you the flexibility to move freely. They provide ultimate protection from the elements whatever the weather throws at you.
Fine country clothing from Sasta
We have spent a lot of time searching for the finest products to be featured in the Dogwood country clothing collection so that you know that when you search through our website, you see nothing but the best of the best. After careful consideration, we have concluded that our favourite outdoor wear is created by a family-run Finnish company: Sasta.
With years of experience in creating clothing to protect the wearer from the harsh Scandinavian weather, Sasta represents both traditional and contemporary concepts. It manages to incorporate these seemingly contrasting themes by utilising the newest technologies to create garments which have a classic look but offer exceptional protection from the wind, rain and cold.
Sasta's range incorporates beautiful country jackets, such as the Sasta Ahma and the Sasta Dalesman, which are perfect for men and women alike. These jackets contain Gore-Tex technology, which provides complete windproofing and waterproofing. On top of this, their breathability means that any moisture on the inside will quickly find its way out, leaving you dry and comfortable.
The Sasta range also caters specifically for the country lady, with fitted products such as the Ladies' Siri Jacket, the Ladies' Hetta Jacket and Ladies' Breeks. With their attractive, understated style and all the protection from the elements that you will need, this range of women's outdoor clothing is perfect whether you love shooting or prefer a simple walk in the country.
As well as the ladies' range, Sasta also has some wonderful matching shooting jackets and hunting trousers. To take just one example of these outfits, the versatile Sasta Kaltio jacket and trousers with their oil nubuck reinforcements have a lovely country look, as well all the practical features that you want from your outdoor clothing. With plenty of pockets for all sorts of uses, a Gore-Tex layer and a soft, silent microfibre shell, you couldn't wish for much more from your shooting attire.
Whether you are going stalking in the Highlands, taking a day's shooting, planning a trip to the races or simply walking the dogs, you need outdoor clothing that is going to protect you no matter what the notorious British weather has planned. We at Dogwood are proud to offer you the finest wear for all these uses, and more.
Gorgeous outdoor wear at Dogwood London
Our superb range of country apparel combines exceptional design, technically-advanced materials and skilled craftsmanship with a traditional look. Whether you are after a shooting jacket, some country trousers, a smart shirt or cosy fleece, our selection of Sasta clothing is sure to deliver.
On the other hand, you may be after some footwear. What better than a pair of Hunter wellies? These rubber boots are absolute classics and we have an excellent choice for men, women and children alike. Choose the Wellington to suit your needs, whether it is the timeless Hunter Original or the tough Hunter Galloway.
We hope you enjoy browsing through our website. If you would like further information about our country clothing range, simply call freephone 0845 30 10 365 and we will be pleased to assist with your enquiry.
Mark Todd - Padded Gilet
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Looking for a new twitter app
I'm not a huge twitter user, but i do have a few needs which make it very hard to find the right app for me. I've been using Twidroyd Pro for years and I'm hoping I can find a good replacement for it since the app was retired over a year ago.
Basic requirements
... Read More »


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I'm hoping to bring a guild mate into Pet Battles, and I was wondering what pets people think I should buy for my friend. I know I should get her anubisath-idol but I don't know what else to get them.
Any ideas. Thank you in advance for any ideas you guys can provide.


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FORT WALTON BEACH � Teachers in Okaloosa County schools will see more money after the first of the year if a recommended pay scale is approved.
FORT WALTON BEACH � Teachers in Okaloosa County schools will see more money after the first of the year if a recommended pay scale is approved.
Pending an OK from teachers and the School Board, most teachers will see at least a 3 percent increase for this school year.
See the cost of changing to a 30-step schedule.
The only exception will be those who have reached the top of the step pay scale. Under the pending agreement, they will see about a 2 percent increase, which is better than they had in previous years when they received nothing, said Mike Foxworthy, chief negotiator for the school district.
It�s also the first time in a year teacher pay in general has increased.
�While this is a very small improvement in the salary schedule, it�s the first time we�ve been able to improve it in the last five years,� Foxworthy said.
Last year, district officials said they couldn�t afford to pay the step increase. After a lengthy battle, the decision was upheld in two legal proceedings.
�We were determined that we needed to see some improvement in the salary schedule,� said Elaine Crump, chief negotiator for the Okaloosa County Education Association. �And it�s not just the salary schedule; we took care of some working conditions that make things better for people, too � so hopefully people will be happy.�
The proposed salary changes come months after the district and teachers union started wrangling over contracts and pay.
Negotiators went back and fourth during their meeting Thursday evening before they agreed to shift the previous pay schedule enough to meet the needs of both sides.
If the current proposal gets the needed approvals, teachers will see the salary hike on their January paychecks, Foxworthy said. They also will receive a retroactive check to reflect the pay increase from July forward.
The School Board will address the issue at its Dec. 10 meeting. Teachers will vote on it later.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Katie Tammen at 850-315-4440 or email@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieTnwfdn.


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GLBL students stuying and serving the global community in Latin America
Brittany Davis UnTecho Para Chile in Santiago Chile - Spring 10
"I had the amazing opportunity to work with the organization UnTecho Para Chile (A Roof For Chile) building temporary homes for people that lost theirs in the [February 27, 2010] earthquake"
"Un Techo Para Chile [stresses] the importance of interacting with the famillies that we were building homes for. They want us to have conversations with them about their experience and encourage them"
"I observed that most families that I worked with had very few posessions and had just endured an extreme hardship, yet they were still positive and so thankful for the help we were giving them"
"This experience made me think about aid and volunteer work on a broader level because it taught me that helping people in need is not only for the victims, it is for the volunteer as well. I feel that I received just as much, if not more, from helping these Chilean families"
Colette Bakke Sadhana Forest Anse-A-Pitre, Haiti- Spring 10
"The goals of Sadhana Forest are reforestation and water conservation . . . there is also a lot of work done [] to maintain a sustainable lifestyle . . . tending to food gardens and composting waste . . . The hope is that when local people see our efforts . . . . they will become curious and learn about our practices so that they can bring them into their own homes."
"The project that I was part of [] was preparing for, and the planting of, Mayan Nut Trees . . . . This meant that we [] needed to build nurseries . . . . raised beds . . . fill them with soil and build shade over the top . . . "
" I will now have less fear when it comes to traveling alone in strange places. Also, I hope to be more aware of stereotypes . . . I'll never forget how safe I actually felt walking the streets and spending time in town."
""there are many things that I can take into other opportunities as I move forward into. . . my future career. I had to work with, and in this case, live with people who I may not have gotten along with very well. Another problem I encountered was having to figure out ways to communicate my needs when there were langauge barriers."
Emily Bridgewater in Cheyumil through Vive Mexico Workcamps Sum '10
"The community of Cheyumil proposed to host . . . a summer workshop . . . in which children and young people could learn different subjects such as recycling, languages, arts, and dances from international volunteers"
"Some of the most important experiences from this internship abroad were: working through language barriers with others; truly living in a poor country and exepriencing their 'normal'; seeing the gratitude on each parents' face when their child got their certificate of completion from the course; and most of all, truly making a difference in each child's life."
Lauren Wyer Clean Burning Stove Project Urubamba, Peru Winter '11
"In the Clean Burning Stove Project, my roomomate and I were paired together and spent a majority of our time trying to improve the old version of the adobe 'stove.' The main goal of this stove is to not only create a chimney leading out of the house so that there is less smoke inhilation amongst those dwelling within the house but also to lessen the time it takes a family to boil water . . . we did everything from altering the shape of the stove, changing the size of pots . . . ."
"Another project I worked on was the creation of clean water filters . . . . I also spent time creating a bulletin board [] which visually expressed the importance of a water filter"
"the trip in general was almost a reality slap from what I had anticipated. . . . where clean water was a luxury and not always available. I felt so spoiled . . . ."
Melanie Perez and Max Smoot ASTOP Parismina, Costa Rica Sum '11
"ASTOP, or Asociacio Salvemo Las Tortugas de Parismina [] was an organization set up to pretect sea turtles. . . .Volunteers patrol six kilometers of so of the beach at night . .. when a turle lays their eggs, the volunteers take them and hide them or take them to the hatchery . . . "
" . . . .we worked on establishing a large garden for two purposes: to show the local people what they can do with their limited amount of resources, and to provide food for the families that were hosting volunteers"
" my other main duty was picking up trash . .. we picked up an average of eight large bags a day . . . ."
"It was very sad to see the very few people working hard to take action to protect their community and others just sitting around . .. . it is very hard to get anyone motivated . . . I can see how easy it woudl be to get sucked into the slow life . . . ."
" This was a much different experience for me now, as a Global Studies Major, because I was able to understand the many contributing factors that kept this place in the less developed realm . . . . "


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The editors of America are pleased to honor Daniel Callahan and Sidney de Shazo Callahan with the Matteo Ricci, S.J., Award for their distinguished contribution to culture. They have contributed to the world of ideas, to letters, bioethics, moral philosophy and theology, psychology, spirituality and journalism. For a half-century they have lived a creative partnership rich in ideas and in values. Through their writing, research and lectures, they have taught both church and society how to think deeply about public problems, to explore our humanity and cultivate its deepest gifts in a potentially disorienting time of technological change. They have gathered round them in conversation circles of scholars and friends who with them cultivate the high form of friendship in which ideas and values are exchanged for the sake of the common good.
Their gift for civic friendship is one they share with Matteo Ricci (1552-1610), the Italian Jesuit polymath after whom this award is named. His most famous essay, "On Friendship," is still regarded today as a classic of Chinese culture. Ricci and his companions bridged European and Chinese culture in a way no one has since. They shared with China the advances of Western science. They taught astronomy to mandarins, and Ricci himself designed an enormous map of the world that recorded the most recent geographic knowledge of the day. They also employed painting and music to communicate the Gospel to their friends. At the same time, they explained China's Confucian culture to Christian Europeans, helping both to find commonality in difference. Ricci, his companions and successors were pioneers of a global culture.
In creating this award, the editors have been mindful of the standard Ricci set for multi-disciplinary learning with broad cultural influence. Daniel and Sidney Callahan have demonstrated equal breadth of learning and a passion for stirring dialogue over the issues of the day. The passions of their minds have inspired men and women to undertake research, join conversations and build communities of ideas where the future of our society and of our world continue to be debated. For the ways in which they have made the world of the mind live in the global public square, we are most pleased to present the 2011 Ricci Award for contributions to world culture to Daniel and Sidney Callahan.
America House, April 7, 2011
Here we offer a selection of Daniel and Sidney's writings for America:
Sidney Callahan
"Sullivan's Travels," November 9, 2009
"Happiness Examined," February 23, 2009
"Limbo, Infants and the Afterlife," April 3, 2006
"Mary and the Challenges of the Feminist Movement," December 18-25, 1993
"Counseling Abortion Alternatives: Can It Be Value-Free?" August 31-September 7, 1991
"Association for the Rights of Catholics in the Church," July 26, 1986
"The Pastoral on Women: What Should the Bishops Say?" May 18, 1985
Daniel Callahan
"Curbing Medical Costs," March 10, 2008
"Curing, Caring and Coping," January 30, 2006
"Paging the Unbandaged," September 12, 1970
"Hooked on Ultimacy," March 26, 1966
"Nobody Here But Us Pluralists," December 7, 1963