Birthday Interactive
Energizer launched a special website dedicated to the 20th Birthday of the Energizer Bunny, www.energizer.com/bunnybirthday. The site includes an instant replay of the Energizer Bunny escaping the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It also features vintage Energizer commercials and an interactive timeline of the company’s pink icon through the years. Visitors can shop the Energizer Bunny® store and send Keep Going® e-cards to their friends and families with themes like birthday, happy holidays, get well, patriotic and more.

Caffeinated Chocolate Energy Chews Creating Quite A "Buzz" Among Consumers.
BUZZ BITES® Offer An Affordable Alternative To Expensive Energy Drinks.
www.vroomfoods.com

(Costa Mesa, CA) - It's a product that provides a unique energy source for people on the go. And it offers a much easier way to get a quick caffeine fix - all with the great taste of chocolate. Buzz Bites® Chocolate & Mint Chocolate Energy Chews from Vroom Foods, Inc. contain a proprietary blend of caffeine, ginseng, taurine and B vitamins to help enhance performance, increase endurance and stimulate metabolism. One Buzz Bite® contains 25% more caffeine than an entire leading energy drink, while offering more energy producing ingredients - at about 1/6 of the price. Check out this caffeine comparison chart for details - http://www.vroomfoods.com/comp_chart.html

"Vroom Foods chocolates are a great low cost alternative to the high priced, highly sugared energy drinks and coffee items that leave you with a sugary aftertaste and your pockets empty," said Jason Kensey, president of Vroom Foods, Inc.

Convenience is also what makes Buzz Bites attractive and beneficial to
consumers. No more hassle of making a cup of coffee or running through a drive-thru for an over-priced latte. And no more worries about spilling hot coffee or a sticky energy drink while driving. Consumers can simply un-wrap a bite-sized Buzz Bite® cube and be on their way. Buzz Bites® are designed to be easily accessible as well. A six-piece tin of chocolate energy chews is less than the size of a credit card and easily fits in a pocket or purse.

Buzz Bites® Chocolate and Mint Chocolate Energy Chews are available in six count tins online, and in limited retail locations for $2.99 - $3.99 -- or for only .50¢ each in over 30,000 vending machines nationwide.

Vroom Foods, Inc. also still offers its "Seriously Caffeinated®" Foosh
Energy Mints in peppermint flavor as well. Like Buzz Bites®, FOOSH Energy Mints provides a blend of caffeine, ginseng, taurine and B vitamins to give users a quick refreshing burst of energy and fresh breath.

For more information or to see a complete line of Vroom Foods, Inc.
products, go to: http://www.vroomfoods.com/store.html

After selling thousands of their popular “Ba-rack The Vote” tees, Barackawear Inc. is proud to celebrate Obama’s historic election with their new “Ba-rack-ed the Vote” collection. Emblazoned with a modified version of their signature logo on the front, shirts prominently feature a “44” on the back, commemorating Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. An alternate style features the graphic, “Yes We Did,” a proud play on the Obama campaign slogan “Yes We Can,” which inspired millions of Americans throughout the campaign.

Men’s and women’s t-shirts are available for $24 at www.barackthevote.com.

About Barackawear

Brother and sister duo Brandon & Lori Broussard launched Barackawear in 2007 in an effort to raise awareness and support for Barack Obama's bid for the Democratic Presidential nomination and election. 25% off the proceeds from their "Ba-rack The Vote" t-shirts, doggie t-shirts and lapel pins are earmarked for the Obama campaign. A script runner for Tyler Perry's "House of Payne, Brandon serves as a close advisor to Lori (who has taken a break from wardrobe styling for clients such as R&B star Ciara) to run Barackawear fulltime. When they aren't traveling for work and Obama events, Brandon enjoys eating Haribo Gummy Bears and running marathons while Lori prefers beach time, drawing and cooking.

America Can Choose Ugliest of Ugly at SureFit.com

Photos poured in from Reseda to Charlotte, revealing a nation cluttered with furniture catastrophes, but only the worst of the worst sofas were selected as finalists for Sure Fit’s Ugliest Couch in America Contest. The twenty chosen photos will be posted on www.SureFit.com from October 15th through November 15th for a public vote. The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 living room makeover courtesy of Sure Fit Inc., the leading provider and marketer of ready-made furniture covers, and Kim Myles, designer and host of HGTV’s Myles of Style.

Melanie Pitts from Watauga, TX was chosen as a semi-finalist yesterday for Sure Fit’s 2008 Ugly Couch Contest! She beat out hundreds of other entrants to make the top 20. While she has already won a Sure Fit slipcover for making it to the finals, she is now in the running for a $5,000 living room makeover, courtesy of Sure Fit and Kim Myles, designer and host of HGTV’s Myles of Style. Voting is open to the public on www.SureFit.com until November 15th.

Judges Kim Myles, Natalie Warady, Style Director for O at Home, Jacqueline Gifford, Features Editor for OK! Magazine, and comedian Sean Kent, seen on E! Entertainment and NBC’s Last Comic Standing, were tasked with difficult job of sorting through the hundreds of entries and judging each based on carefully selected criteria.

"I thought that this would be easy. How many couches could be that hideous?” said Myles. “Turns out, the playing field is wide and varied, and the nuances of 'ugly' are endless.”

Exposed foam, ‘70s floral, and hideous color combinations worked to disarm the judges as they rated each couch for ugliness of design and fabric, offensiveness of color, inappropriateness and uniqueness. The twenty top-rated photos brought something extra to the table, however, supplementing their disastrous designs with plain poor resuscitation techniques.

“I would never have thought to repair the broken arms of a couch with what looks like casts!” said Warady. “The prognosis for that interior design trick: not good.”

Each semi-finalist now on www.SureFit.com will receive a Sure Fit slipcover of their choice, ensuring that no ugly couch goes uncovered. As the leading creator of stylish, easy, affordable decorating solutions to quickly transform your home, Sure Fit created the “Ugly Couch Contest” to illustrate that Sure Fit slipcovers can turn any couch into a stylish sofa.

To vote for the ugliest couch in America, visit http://www.surefit.net/uglycouch200 8/finalists.cfm between now and November 15th.

Sure Fit products are available via mail order catalog, select major retailers, online at www.surefit.com, and by phone (800) 305-5857.

The Houston “Survivor” Challenge

The Challenge is On!

HOUSTON - Council Member, Jolanda “Jo” Jones, a former contestant from the popular CBS reality series, Survivor and Mayor Bill White who is the honorary chair are bringing the jungle to Houston. The Houston “Survivor” Challenge, will be held Saturday, October 25, 2008 at Sesquicentennial Park on the lush green banks of Buffalo Bayou in downtown Houston. This event will give 20 Houstonians the opportunity to compete with real celebrity Survivors, and other TV celebrities, in a full day of physical and mental challenges, culminating in one top winner. For those not participating, there will be a chance to cheer on your favorite “survivor” as this event will be free and open to the public.

WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2008 from 9am-7pm

COST: Free and open to all – special Pygmy Island area for kids

Food and drinks will be available for purchase

WHERE: Downtown’s Sesquicentennial Park (adjacent to the Wortham Theater Center at Preston and Bagby streets)

PARKING: Parking is available in the Theater District Parking garage and metered street parking. For a map of Theater District parking, log onto: www.houstontx.gov/tdparking/tdparkingmap.pdf

WHAT ELSE: Some of the reality show alumni who will be participating in the event include those Survivor alumns
Natalie Bolton, James Clement, and Erik Riechenbach. Houstonian Uchenna Agu, who, along with his wife Joyce won the Amazing Race, will serve as the host of the event. Proceeds from the 2008 Houston “Survivor” Challenge will benefit the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (www.buffalobayou.org) and the U’jana Conley Foundations for SIDS (www.ujanaconleyfoundation.org). We look forward to your participation as we turn the banks of Buffalo Bayou into a jungle you are sure to survive!

SPONSORS: 106.9 The Point, 107.5 K Hits, City of Houston, City of Houston Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department,
City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Continental Airlines, Council Member Jolanda Jones, Council Member Peter Brown, DMars.com, Flair Event Productions, Mike Garver, Gallant Garage, Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau,
Holiday Inn Express, Q Family Care, KHOU-Channel 11, Miles Insurance Agency, Port of Houston Authority,
Raytec Construction Resources

For additional event and Houston Survivor application information, log onto www.ujanaconleyfoundation.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Humble ISD-Steep Creek School Bus Advertising Program?
A: It is a opportunity for local businesses to put business advertisements on the side of school buses in the Humble Independent School District. These full color ads are available in two sizes: 30” X 90” and 18” X 108”.

Q: Why is Humble ISD using this program to generate funds?
A.Humble ISD is facing a $17 million budget deficit this year that could result in a reduction of staff, as well as a reduction in services and programs for children. It contracted with Steep Creek Media to sell advertising in a variety of venues. Steep Creek projects that the venture could mean more than $1 million annually for Humble ISD. Funding is a major issue facing school districts throughout Houston and Texas. Humble ISD seeks to generate its own revenue to partially solve its budget problems through this innovative program.

Q: What does it do?
A: The School Bus Advertising Program helps businesses build brand awareness, while providing much needed funding for local schools. The ads are seen every day by thousands of people as the buses travel around the 90 square mile school district. All ads must be approved by the Humble ISD. Ads must be appropriate for a school setting, as well as child and community sensitive.

Q: What is the sign made of and does it harm the bus?
A: The signs are made of a porous material that is durable and vinyl coated with a special laminate. The signs adhere to the bus like a bumper sticker and are weather and fade resistant. A special process is used to remove the signs and will not harm the outside of the bus. State law is specific about the location and size of the signs.

Q: How much revenue will Humble ISD receive?
A: The revenue will be dependent on the number of advertisers and other factors, but the potential from the school bus program alone is estimated at more than $1 million annually. Steep Creek provides a complete turnkey service: selling the signs, installation, billing, etc.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Prices depend on the size of ad, number of buses to be used, and the length of commitment.

Q: How much area does the program cover?
A: The bus advertising program covers the 90 square mile Humble ISD. There are over 260 buses in the fleet which generate an estimated 52,000 daily impressions per bus.

Q: Who would be the typical client?
A: Any local or national company that wants to promote its business and strengthen its image while helping to fund local public schools will be considered. Ads must be appropriate for a school setting, as well as child and community sensitive.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the types of ads that can run?
A: Yes. All ads must be in the form of an age-appropriate positive message. Humble ISD has an advertising committee that approves all advertisements and messages.

Q: Who do I call for more information?
A: For more information please call Janet Huberty, Program Manager, or Lynn Fields, Steep Creek spokesperson, at 281-962-4390.

Q: Who is Steep Creek Media?
A: Steep Creek Media is an advertising agency located in Atascocita. It specializes in managing advertising for school districts and non profit agencies.

Q: Why would a business want to advertise on a school bus?
A: When a company joins the School Bus Program, not only does it advertise the business, it also gives back to the community and school system.

Q: Are school bus ads the only advertising project of the District?
A: Steep Creek Media secures advertising for many venues, including sponsorship of athletic stadiums, as well as banners, signage and video commercials for stadiums, gyms, other athletic facilities and equipment, and school district website advertising. A complete list is available on the Steep Creek web site (www.SteepCreekMedia.com) and in media kits.

Neiman Marcus to Host Ms. Wheelchair Texas Crowning

Houston, Texas, August 29, 2008- Neiman Marcus is set to host a
celebration and crowning event for the Ms. Wheelchair Texas Foundation.
Michelle Colvard, the reigning Ms. Wheelchair Texas, was crowned Ms.
Wheelchair America on July 26, 2008. Because of the numerous
responsibilities that require her time and presence across the country, a
new Ms. Wheelchair Texas must be crowned. First runner up, Dr. Staci Moss
of Lubbock, Texas, will assume the duties of the new state titleholder.
Dr. Staci Moss is currently the only pharmacist in the state of Texas that
uses a wheelchair for 100% of her daily mobility.

Both women serve as outstanding advocates and role models for people with
disabilities. Michelle Colvard is a graduate of the University of Houston
and serves as the executive director of the Houston Commission on People
with Disabilities having been appointed by Mayor White.

Date: August 29th

Time: 4:30pm

Location: Neiman Marcus, 2nd Floor Couture Dept., 2600 Post Oak Blvd, 77056

For additional information and to schedule interviews contact Angela
Wrigglesworth at 281-635-2032 or visit www.mswheelchairtexas.org.

ABOUT – The Ms. Wheelchair Texas Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3)
organization that strives to improve the lives of people with disabilities
through its mission of advocacy and education.

- END -

Contact: Lynn Fields, Steep Creek Media 281-962-4390
***9 a.m. Press Conference Friday, Aug. 22***

Humble ISD, Steep Creek Media
Launch Unprecedented Advertising Partnership

Humble ISD First in Houston area to feature school bus advertising

Humble, Texas – On Friday, August 22, 2008, at 9 a.m., a press conference will be held to announce an
unprecedented initiative for school bus advertising. Steep Creek Media, a Houston advertising company, and
Humble ISD have entered a partnership to generate revenue for the District by selling advertising space on
its school buses and other venues. Humble ISD is the first public school in metro Houston and the second
state-wide to pursue additional revenues through school bus advertising.
Funding is a major issue facing school districts throughout Houston and Texas, with dozens facing similar
deficits and reductions. The District, facing a budget deficit of more than $17 million that could result in a
reduction of staff and both academic and extracurricular activities, has contracted with Steep Creek Media
to sell advertising with an annual potential revenue to the District of more than $1 million.
The District’s 260+ buses travel hundreds of miles each week throughout the community and provide a
unique method for community businesses to step up and be heroes of Humble ISD. Advertising banner
space will be displayed on the District’s buses.
The press conference will feature Humble ISD Superintendent Dr. Guy Sconzo, school board trustees,
school bus advertisers and representatives of Humble ISD.
WHO: Dr. Guy Sconzo, Superintendent, Humble Independent School District
Lynn Fields, Steep Creek Media
Lori Aungst, Kids Playce Day Care
Rocky McCullough, Goodson Honda
Dan Huberty, Ampco System Parking
Tim Martin and Colleen Uriarte, Choice Homes
WHAT: Launch of unprecedented school advertising initiative
WHERE: Humble ISD Bus Barn 1703 Wilson Road Humble, TX 77396
WHEN: Friday, August 22, 9 a.m. CST
VISUAL: Several Humble ISD school buses featuring advertising.

The Houston “Survivor” Challenge

The Challenge is On!

HOUSTON - Council Member, Jolanda “Jo” Jones, a former contestant from the popular CBS reality series, Survivor and Mayor Bill White, the honorary chair are bringing the jungle to Houston. The Houston “Survivor” Challenge, will be held Saturday, October 25, 2008 on the lush green banks of Buffalo Bayou in downtown Houston. This event will give 20 Houstonians the opportunity to compete with real celebrity Survivors, and other TV celebrities, in a full day of physical and mental challenges, culminating in one top winner. For those not participating, there will be a chance to cheer on your favorite “survivor” as this event will be free and open to the public.

The challenge will consist of four full days of activities (October 23-26), including a VIP reception, fashion show and trip to Galveston with the reality TV celebrities. There will also be “Survivor” challenges for children and youth to participate.

Some of the reality show alumni who will be participating in the event include Vecepia Robinson, Winner, Survivor Marquesas; Twila Tanner, Runner Up, Survivor Vanuatu; Katie Gallagher, Runner Up, Survivor Palau; Bobby Jon Drinkard, Survivor Palau/Guatemala; Eric Sanchez, Winner TAR/All-Stars; and Natalie Bolton, Survivor Micronesia, who is a Channelview native and graduate of Northshore High School. Another highlight is Houstonian Uchenna Agu who, along with his wife Joyce won the Amazing Race, will serve as the host and emcee of the event.

Proceeds from the 2008 Houston “Survivor” Challenge will benefit the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (www.buffalobayou.org) and the U’jana Conley Foundations for SIDS (www.ujanaconleyfoundation.org). We look forward to your participation as we turn the banks of Buffalo Bayou into a jungle you are sure to survive!

For more information or to set up an interview, contact Council Member Jolanda “Jo” Jones’ office at 832-393-3006 or Elvia Valdez, Press Secretary at 832-393-0782. For additional event and Houston Survivor application information, log onto www.ujanaconleyfoundation.org.

WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2008 from 9am-5pm

COST: Free and open to all (VIP Sponsorship opportunities available)
Food and drinks will be available for purchase

WHERE: Downtown’s Sesquicentennial Park

(adjacent to the Wortham Theater Center at Preston and Bagby streets)

PARKING: Parking is available in the Theater District Parking garage and metered street parking. For a map of Theater District parking, log onto: www.houstontx.gov/tdparking/tdparkingmap.pdf

SPONSORS: City of Houston, City of Houston Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department,
City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Continental Airlines,
KHOU-Channel 11, Port of Houston Authority

Like some people, I like rainy days. I am glad I don't have a job that requires me to get out in the weather a lot so I can enjoy the weather while inside and dry.
But there are some things that bug me and here is a partial list. Please email your list to me at ccalvert@ourtribune.com and I will post those too!
The City of Houston water bill.

Not the amount but the bill itself. The tear off line is never perforated and always tears. Worse is the amount due line. It is very confusing and I always think the past due amount is the monthly amount. Seems like a redesign is in order!

The lack of painting curbs yellow.

I think Kingwood looks ratty with all the faded curbs. Can we please have some fresh paint?

All the Lake Houston Parkway stop lights.

ARGH. They are not synchronized at all and is it so frustrating. Their curbs just got painted though!

The voice recording on the public access channel on television that shows the City of Houston city council meetings is off by a nanosecond.

Everyone's lips moves and a split second later, the voice lags. Drives me crazy.

As most folks in the community agree, one of the most highly anticipated events is the Northeast Hospital Gala. Every year, the hospital outdoes the former year, transforming the Civic Center into a marvelous party, gathering hundreds of auction items and showcasing professional talent. It has been a WOW event for years. Then, Northeast Hospital became part of the Memorial Hermann system. The system has their own gala and hitting everyone up two times for galas makes neither event successful.
There have been many changes at the hospital - new administration, new policies, new paint and signage. All those plans take lots of meetings and strategizing. The Northeast Hospital Foundation, which was the organization behind the Gala, still exists. Last year, the first after all the changes, there was a gala but no auction. It costs a tremendous amount of money to put on the galas and ultimately, it was decided not to continue them. So - newsflash. NO more galas. The gala is gone. :(
The Memorial Hermann Foundation has stepped in to replace the event with something even more fun and exciting. Think October. Think pink. Think midday meal. I don't want to say too much more but yours truly is on the host committee and we have some surprises in store!

This summer, more and more Americans find themselves thinking twice before taking road trips because of gas prices. According to a national study conducted by WNBC/Marist College, 63% of Americans plan to take a summer vacation but gas prices are one factor in the plans they are making.

After hearing a friend complain about being ‘violated’ every time she went to fill her tank, Andrew Noakes wrote 101 Ways to Beat the Gas Pump. A former car dealership owner and collector and restorer of classic cars, Noakes shares ways drivers can save big money in gas expenses each year. Noakes shares tips for drivers, such as:

* Drive barefoot!
* Buy your gas during the coolest hours of the day
* Use your cruise control
* Do not purchase gas from a station that has just had its tanks refilled
* Keep the windows and sun roofs up

LEGISLATORS OPPOSE NEW 911 PHONE TAX HIKE BY STATE AGENCY

AUSTIN—July 15, 2008 -- Two Texas state legislators today called on the state agency that manages the 911 system statewide to discontinue collection of a monthly tax it has imposed on pre-paid cell phones used by hundreds of thousands of low-income, elderly and rural consumers in the state.

Last month the Commission on State Emergency Communications voted in a controversial and heavily criticized move to apply a monthly tax of $.50 to every purchase of a prepaid cell phone or prepaid minutes.

The Texas Consumer Association and the Gray Panthers of Texas registered their strong objections to the Commission’s action, stating that many older Texans and low-income residents rely upon the affordable prepaid phones to stay connected to family members and to seek and maintain employment. The groups are concerned that any increase in cost, in these difficult economic times, may adversely affect these vulnerable Texans.

State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez of Austin and State Rep. Rafael Anchia of Dallas have joined the grassroots groups in opposition to the new tax.

“I strongly urge the CSEC, at its July Board meeting, to consider repealing this fee as it applies to prepaid phone use until the Legislature can consider a more equitable solution to the problem,” wrote Rep. Rodriguez. He further noted in his letter that his “district includes a significant number of low income residents who face daily challenges such as paying for escalating gas and food costs.”

Rep. Anchia, in his letter to the Commission, stated, “Since the legislation was enacted, the use of prepaid phones has greatly increased among low income and elderly Texans. Many of these residents are living on a limited or fixed income and are struggling in today’s challenging economy.” He continued, “I hope the CSEC will refrain from collecting this fee from prepaid cell phone users.”

The Commission is scheduled to meet in Austin, Texas on Friday, July 25th to further consider the new tax on prepaid cell phones.

Let’s Talk: Cell Phone Early Termination Fees up for Debate

Angie’s List advises current customers to speak up early to get what may only be offered to new customers

It’s looking like the beginning of the end for those triple-digit early termination fees that have trapped consumers in cell phone contracts or required them to shell out hundreds of dollars to get out early. Two of the biggest cell phone companies have already started scaling back termination fees, two others are preparing to, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is also on the job.

But consumers shouldn’t get too excited just yet, cautions Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List, (www.angieslist.com), the nation’s leading consumer rating service.

“These early termination changes would only affect new customers,” Hicks said. “Current customers who are facing early termination fees will need to be smart negotiators if they want to get a break.”

The FCC met June 12 to discuss an industry-sponsored proposal that would give new cell phone customers a 30-day grace period to cancel their contracts without penalty. After those 30 days, early termination charges would be pro-rated over the life of the contract. Pro-rated billing would result in customers paying much less to terminate a contract in its 20th month as compared, for example, to its 4th month of service. The termination fee proposal comes as cell phone companies are facing class-action lawsuits that claim the early termination fees are unfair. If the FCC approves the proposal, those lawsuits could be dismissed.

“Sometimes you can’t negotiate your way out of early termination fees, but it’s definitely worth a shot – especially with these changes underway,” Hicks said. “The worst thing that can happen is the company won’t budge. But if you keep your cool and plead a good case, you could undo the contract you’re in and get a fresh start.”

Angie’s List Tips to avoid paying a full termination fee:

* Know your contract: Understand what you've signed up for, so you can negotiate out of it. Have your contract with you when you approach the company and quote from it to bolster your position – especially if you didn’t get all the service the contract promised.
* Shop the competition: Determine what other providers are offering and use that as leverage. Even if you have to pay a termination fee, you may be able to save overall by jumping ship.
* Start with the Customer Service Department: Lay out your case for why you want to end your contract early. Be specific about what you signed up for and outline what you haven’t gotten (if that’s the case.)
* If necessary, go to the top: If the representative insists that you must pay the full termination fee, remind him/her of the actions the FCC and some providers are taking. If you still don’t get anywhere, ask for a manager and lay out your case again.
* Ask for customer retention department: If you have a good payment record with the company, ask to speak with the Customer Retention Department and lay out your case one more time. If you have a good record, the Retention Department will work hard to keep you as a customer, possibly forgiving the termination fees altogether and offering you a better deal.

###

Angie’s List is where thousands of consumers share their ratings and reviews on local service providers in more than 330 different categories. Currently, more than 650,000 consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them find the right professional for the job they need done. Members have unlimited access to the list via Internet or phone; receive the award-winning Angie’s List magazine, which includes articles on home improvement and maintenance, consumer trends and scam alerts. Get more information about Angie’s List at http://www.angieslist.com. Read Angie’s blog at http://www.angiehicksblog.com.

HOUSE DEMS WHO CHANGED THEIR VOTE TO SUPPORT FISA BILL, GIVING IMMUNITY TO TELCOS, RECEIVED, ON AVERAGE, $8,359 IN PAC CONTRIBUTIONS FROM VERIZON, AT&T, AND SPRINT

BERKELEY, CA—Last week, on June 20, the House of Representatives approved a compromise bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA). The bill sets new electronic surveillance rules that effectively shield telecommunications companies from lawsuits resulting from the government’s warrantless eavesdropping on phone calls and viewing of emails of private citizens in the U.S. Approximately 40 lawsuits have been filed with potential damages totaling in the billions of dollars.

On March 14 of this year the House passed an amendment that rejected retroactive immunity for phone carriers who helped the National Security Agency carry out the illegal wiretapping program without proper warrants. Ninety-four House Democrats voted in favor of this measure--rejecting immunity--on March 14, then ‘changed’ to vote in favor of the June 20 House bill--approving immunity.

“Why did these ninety-four House members have a change of heart?” asked Daniel Newman, executive director of MAPLight.org, “Their constituents deserve answers.”

MAPLight.org's research department compiled PAC campaign contributions from Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint and correlated them with the voting records of all House members who voted on last week’s FISA bill. (The analysis used data from CRP; contributions were from January 2005 through March 2008). Here are the findings:

Comparing Democrats' Votes (March 14th and June 20th votes):

Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint gave PAC contributions averaging:

$8,359 to each Democrat who changed their position to support immunity for Telcos (94 Dems)
$4,987 to each Democrat who remained opposed to immunity for Telcos (116 Dems)

88 percent of the Dems who changed to supporting immunity (83 Dems of the 94) received PAC contributions from Verizon, AT&T, or Sprint during the last three years (Jan. 2005-Mar. 2008). See below for list of these 94 Dems.

All House Members (June 20th vote:)
Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint gave PAC contributions averaging:

$9,659 to each member of the House voting "YES" (105-Dem, 188-Rep)
$4,810 to each member of the House voting "NO" (128-Dem, 1-Rep)

MAPLight.org's research department findings are based on the combination of contribution data from the Center for Responsive Politics (CRP) with voting data from THOMAS via GovTrack.us.

"Campaign contributions bias our legislative system,” said Daniel Newman, Executive Director of MAPLight.org. “Simply put, candidates who take positions contrary to industry interests are unlikely to receive industry funds and thus have fewer resources for their election campaigns than those whose votes favor industry interests."

Democrats who changed their voting to support immunity for Telcos:

PAC contributions from Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint (January 2005 - March 2008).

Contribution

House Member

District

1

29500

Clyburn, James

SC-6

2

29000

Hoyer, Steny

MD-5

3

28000

Emanuel, Rahm

IL-5

4

27500

Boucher, Frederick

VA-9

5

26000

Meeks, Gregory

NY-6

6

24500

Crowley, Joseph

NY-7

7

24500

Pelosi, Nancy

CA-8

8

24000

Bean, Melissa

IL-8

9

22500

Edwards, Thomas

TX-17

10

22100

Baca, Joe

CA-43

11

21500

Engel, Eliot

NY-17

12

19000

Bishop, Sanford

GA-2

13

18500

Moore, Dennis

KS-3

14

18500

Spratt, John

SC-5

15

18500

Thompson, Bennie

MS-2

16

16000

Melancon, Charles

LA-3

17

15500

Cuellar, Henry

TX-28

18

15500

Stupak, Bart

MI-1

19

15000

Ackerman, Gary

NY-5

20

14800

Butterfield, George

NC-1

21

14300

Tanner, John

TN-8

22

14000

Kind, Ronald

WI-3

23

13500

Barrow, John

GA-12

24

13500

Gordon, Barton

TN-6

25

12500

Costa, Jim

CA-20

26

12500

Ross, Mike

AR-4

27

12000

Green, Al

TX-9

28

12000

Hinojosa, Rubén

TX-15

29

11000

Cardoza, Dennis

CA-18

30

11000

Schiff, Adam

CA-29

31

10000

Boswell, Leonard

IA-3

32

9000

Boyd, F.

FL-2

33

9000

Tauscher, Ellen

CA-10

34

8500

Skelton, Ike

MO-4

35

8000

Ellsworth, Brad

IN-8

36

7500

Gutierrez, Luis

IL-4

37

7500

Rahall, Nick

WV-3

38

7000

Harman, Jane

CA-36

39

7000

Langevin, James

RI-2

40

7000

Lipinski, Daniel

IL-3

41

7000

Reyes, Silvestre

TX-16

42

6500

Matheson, Jim

UT-2

43

6500

Scott, David

GA-13

44

6500

Wilson, Charles

OH-6

45

6000

Cleaver, Emanuel

MO-5

46

6000

Etheridge, Bob

NC-2

47

6000

Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie

SD-0

48

6000

Salazar, John

CO-3

49

5500

Hastings, Alcee

FL-23

50

5500

McCarthy, Carolyn

NY-4

51

5500

McIntyre, Mike

NC-7

52

5000

Davis, Artur

AL-7

53

5000

Murtha, John

PA-12

54

5000

Ortiz, Solomon

TX-27

55

4500

Brown, Corrine

FL-3

56

4500

Donnelly, Joe

IN-2

57

4000

Berman, Howard

CA-28

58

4000

Bishop, Timothy

NY-1

59

4000

Dicks, Norman

WA-6

60

4000

Lowey, Nita

NY-18

61

4000

Mahoney, Tim

FL-16

62

3000

Murphy, Patrick

PA-8

63

3000

Smith, Adam

WA-9

64

2500

Arcuri, Michael

NY-24

65

2000

Altmire, Jason

PA-4

66

2000

Castor, Kathy

FL-11

67

2000

Chandler, Ben

KY-6

68

2000

Giffords, Gabrielle

AZ-8

69

2000

Higgins, Brian

NY-27

70

2000

McNerney, Jerry

CA-11

71

2000

Mitchell, Harry

AZ-5

72

2000

Pomeroy, Earl

ND-0

73

2000

Sherman, Brad

CA-27

74

2000

Sires, Albio

NJ-13

75

1000

Berkley, Shelley

NV-1

76

1000

Boyda, Nancy

KS-2

77

1000

Gillibrand, Kirsten

NY-20

78

1000

Kanjorski, Paul

PA-11

79

1000

Kildee, Dale

MI-5

80

1000

Klein, Ron

FL-22

81

1000

Perlmutter, Ed

CO-7

82

1000

Rodriguez, Ciro

TX-23

83

1000

Space, Zackary

OH-18

84

0

Baird, Brian

WA-3

85

0

Berry, Robert

AR-1

86

0

Marshall, James

GA-8

87

0

Peterson, Collin

MN-7

88

0

Richardson, Laura

CA-37

89

0

Ruppersberger, C.A.

MD-2

90

0

Sestak, Joe

PA-7

91

0

Snyder, Victor

AR-2

92

0

Taylor, Gene

MS-4

93

0

Udall, Mark

CO-2

94

0

Yarmuth, John

KY-3

The FISA bill also requires the administration to submit surveillance procedures to the secret FISA court for approval before surveillance could begin, except in emergency circumstances. The bill's provisions expire at the end of 2012.

The March 16th vote was on the House amendment (to the Senate amendment to H.R. 3773), to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA).

Who We Are:
MAPLight.org is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that provides unprecedented government transparency, shining a light on our broken system of money-dominated politics. We track all campaign contributions given to members of Congress, and how every member of Congress votes on every bill, revealing connections between money and politics never before possible to see. Our concise graphs show correlations between money and votes, and timelines of contributions and votes, showing specifics about when legislators received large donations before and after a vote.

About MAPLight.org:
MAPLight.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in Berkeley, California. Its search engine at MAPLight.org illuminates the connection between Money And Politics (MAP) via an unprecedented database of campaign contributions and legislative outcomes. Data sources include: GovTrack.us; Center for Responsive Politics (OpenSecrets.org); Federal Election Commission (FEC); and National Institute on Money in State Politics (NIMSP). Support and opposition data is obtained through testimony at public hearings, proprietary news databases and public statements on the websites of trade associations and other groups. To learn more visit MAPLight.org.

CONTESTANTS PURR, CLUCK AND YELP THEIR WAY TO VICTORY

2008 U.S. Open Turkey Calling Contest

Springfield, Missouri— Considered one of the most prestigious calling contests in the country, the 2008 U.S Open Turkey Calling Contest finals and championship took place recently at the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World store at the Opry Mills Mall in Nashville, Tennessee. Matthew Van Cise of Brookville, Pennsylvania took first place honors which netted him an automatic entry to the finals of the 2009 Grand Nationals, expenses paid to attend the finals and the National Wild Turkey Federation 2009 National Convention, a $500 Mossy Oak® clothing package and $5,000 in cash.

To reach the finals, preliminary contestants were selected at the U.S. Open Turkey Calling qualifying rounds which were held at the Pearl, MS; Orlando, FL; Atlanta, GA; Prattville. AL; Nashville and Sevierville, TN; Clarksville, IN; Springfield and St. Louis, MO and Charlotte, NC Bass Pro Shops store locations. First place winners from those qualifiers received paid travel and hotel accommodations to attend the finals in Nashville.

Second place went to Sadler McGraw of Camden, Alabama which paid $2,500 in cash, a $250 Mossy Oak® clothing package and a $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card. Billy Yargus of Ewing, Missouri took third which paid $1,500 in cash, a $150 Mossy Oak® clothing package, and a $400 Bass Pro Shops gift card.

Sponsors of the 2008 U.S. Open Turkey Calling Contest include Mossy Oak®, Quaker Boy Game Calls and Bass Pro Shops®.

“This U.S. Open contest was truly one of the best contests I have ever attended,” said Quaker Boy Pro Staff member George Davis. “Over the last several years Bass Pro Shops has taken this contest to new heights making it one of the most prestigious national calling events. It was an honor to be a part of it.”

Woo hoo - this sounds like fun!

Temperature Controlled “Faucet Light” Combines Novelty & Safety.

(Portland, Oregon) – It’s a new product that is bringing some
“light-hearted” fun into bathroom and kitchens nationwide. The
Temperature Controlled Faucet Light is designed to determine the
temperature of the flowing water and shine a corresponding
stream of light that changes as the water temperature varies.

How Does the Temperature Controlled Faucet Light Work?
The
Faucet Light replaces the aerator on the end of an existing
faucet. When the water begins flowing through the device the
technology inside is able to determine the temperature of the
water. When the flowing water is cold, a blue light shines down
through the water stream. When the water starts to get warmer
(89˚F/32˚C), the light stream changes from blue to red to alert
the user that the water is getting hot. When the water is off,
the light goes off.

“It’s a product that we think is fun, funky and functional,”
says Hog Wild President Joe Rooper. “It has a unique wow-factor
that everyone enjoys, but is also very practical in helping
prevent possible scalds or accidents.” Rooper says the light
streams are an unexpected surprise and a real conversation
starter.

The novelty of the Faucet Light also makes the bathroom more fun
and therefore can help encourage kids to spend more time
brushing their teeth or washing their hands. In addition to the
safety factor the Faucet Light provides, it can also serve as a
unique night light. For adults, the Faucet Light also adds a
touch of fun and illuminated elegance to a bathroom or powder
room. For seniors, it lets them know in advance when the water
is getting hot.

The patented device is 2.5” long x 1.25” in diameter. It
includes a set of two universal adaptors that fits virtually
every US faucet and screws on in seconds. The product comes in
chrome and brushed silver finishes and includes a set of button
cell batteries in the product as well an additional set of
batteries as replacements. Typical battery life for one set is
around 4 months under normal usage. Battery replacements can
also be purchased at most hardware and convenience stores.

The Faucet Light sells for $21.95 and can be purchased at
specialty retailers in the US or online at: www.hogwildtoys.com
/ http://www.hogwildtoys.com/homeandcastle.html or by calling:
888.231.6465

Dear readers - this just in! A young Houstonian in the Democratic leadership wants everyone to help send him to the convention as a reporter. Well - why not? See below!

Hello,

Before I get into this email, I would first like to thank everyone who has voted You don't know how much it means to me.
For those confused as to the purpose of the contest I will try to explain it as I've gotten a few emails asking to go into details.

Cable Network SiTV is holding a contest for the opportunity to be an ON-AIR Correspondent to the Democratic National Convention. If selected I would be cover the convention from a young persons perspective. I would like to show all viewers what meetings, caucus, and trainings one can participate in during the convention. My goal would be to inform and encourage the viewer to go beyond voting and participate with the party to truly reflect the needs of the community.

To win this contest I need your help. Each candidate must garner enough votes to move on to the judging stage (think of American idol). If you and your friends/loved ones can log on and vote for my entry http://www.crashtheparties08.com/profile.asp?id=309 you will be able to keep me in the top five and able to move on to the next round. To vote you must register with the website (all they ask is for your email and date of birth).

The contest ends June 18 and you can vote once everyday.

Thank you for your support and yes feel free to send this out to your contact list.

--
Maximiliano Cardenas III
Harris County Young Democrats
President Emeritus

Someone running for Humble ISD school board is demanding her right to information - at the taxpayer's expense!!

Being the bastion of free speech, newspapers are often put in the position of needing information that others prefer not to share. The government mostly backs journalists up in these pursuits - which does extend to the public.
The basic idea of journalism is that professional questioners/writers will do the asking for you and then put it into prose for your education and/or entertainment. We need FOI to get public information such as arrest records, governmental documents, etc.

The Freedom of Information, of FOI, request is a basic tool of journalists. Our Humble ISD deals with these all the time. It is gotten to the point that the folks in our public information office are SWAMPED with requests for this and that. But guess who has asked the very most? Cheryl Burbano has asked for information from the district more than 200 times since July.
WOW.
Burbano is running for the school board as is her husband.
Think of all the hours and hours spent running and fetching to get the information!! She has a right to do ask for it and she willingly paid the cost of copies, as stated by law.
But - really - how many dollars have been spent on her requests? What in the world does she want to know? Everything the district does, except real estate, personnel and student matters is all public information.
How do you think I know she asked? Because I used an FOI seeking how many FOIs have been asked for!

Oh Eight (08) is Great!

Humble ISD has quite a few seniors graduating this year and while it is all fun for them, think about the administrators who will be on duty
ALL DAY LONG! This year, all three graduations are on May 31 and all at Reliant Stadium. HHS at 10 am, AHS at 1:30 pm and KHS at 5 pm. (Quest does their graduation at the Civic Center and their graduation is June 3 at 7 pm.)

Total graduates this year are approximately 2,100! And guess who is shaking each and every hand? That's right - the affable, kind and occasionally clammy Dr. Guy Sconzo. Even Queen Elizabeth doesn't shake that many! Who's bringing the Purel????

"Yes, Ma'am! I shake every student's hand and believe me, I'm honored to do so, despite it being a pretty long day!," Sconzo told me last week. All Trustees of the school board also attend - it will be a long day for them too. And reading all those names? Combined with the hand shaking - this day could be worse than waterboarding. Seriously - all the grads and their families should be thankful for such a dutiful and kind superintendent and board. And remember, it is Lynn Field's last hurrah - she's graduating too - to grandmotherhood!

Hey - grads and fams and community leaders - the Tribune is publishing a Salute to the Class of 2008. Photos and cute notes will be published for as little as $15. Call 281-540-TRIB as soon as possible - it is easy to do and you will be in the keepsake section!

Lastly - for those who graduated more than a few years ago, here are some of the best from the annual BELOIT COLLEGE'S MINDSET LIST® FOR THE CLASS OF 2011

Most of the students entering College this fall, members of the Class of 2011, were born in 1989. For them, Alvin Ailey, Andrei Sakharov, Huey Newton, Emperor Hirohito, Ted Bundy, Abbie Hoffman, and Don the Beachcomber have always been dead.

What Berlin wall?

Humvees, minus the artillery, have always been available to the public.

They never "rolled down" a car window.

They have grown up with bottled water.

Pete Rose has never played baseball.

They were born the year Harvard Law Review Editor Barack Obama announced he might run for office some day.

Being "lame" has to do with being dumb or inarticulate, not disabled.

Al Gore has always been running for president or thinking about it.

They grew up in Wayne's World.

They drove their parents crazy with the Beavis and Butt-Head laugh.

High definition television has always been available.

Tiananmen Square is a 2008 Olympics venue, not the scene of a massacre.

Any grad interested in journalism should sign up for my Reporting 1 class thru Kingwood College and spend the summer getting experience and real bylines in the Tribune! We have a TON of fun! Call us.

I bet some Trib readers will enjoy seeing this press release just in!

College basketball fans can sit on this…starting May 5th, authentic players bench chairs from the 2008 NCAA Tournament played will be available for as low as $1 each (no reserve) at www.PropertyRoom.com. The chairs are expected to sell-out by the end of May.

Mission Viejo, CA (PRWEB) May 6, 2008 -- College basketball fans can sit on this…starting May 5th, authentic players bench chairs from the 2008 NCAA Tournament played will be available for as low as $1 each (no reserve) at www.PropertyRoom.com. The chairs are expected to sell-out by the end of May.

"With our police auctions we get a lot of stolen and seized sports memorabilia," said PJ Bellomo, CEO of PropertyRoom.com. "As a result we have a loyal audience of sports enthusiasts and we are pleased to offer them an opportunity to bid on a piece of March Madness."

Available exclusively at PropertyRoom.com via trusted merchant Always at Market, the chairs will come with certificates of authenticity from Louisiana State University, Bridgeport, Des Moines, Los Angeles, Dayton, Spokane and Houston arenas.

About PropertyRoom.com:
Founded by former police officers, PropertyRoom.com conducts online auctions of seized, unclaimed and surplus goods from law enforcement departments and municipalities. With more than 1,300 agencies contracted nationwide, auctions run the gamut from laptops and tools to watches, jewelry, cars and boats. PropertyRoom.com takes physical possession of merchandise, manages the auction website and then ships to winning bidders. This is all done in a fraud-free environment, with PropertyRoom.com managing the payment process and distributing proceeds back to local communities. See www.PropertyRoom.com for more information.

I thought it would be fun to give my bloggers a little quiz! How well do you know your school board candidates? Send your answers to my email address ccalvert@ourtribune.com and I will post the names of all those who guessed correctly next week!

One blogger sent the answers below - there are two incorrect answers - tell me what you think!! Send your comments to ccalvert@ourtribune.com!


1. What candidate's child won second place in the recent Humble ISD science fair? Brent

2. What candidate is being supported by outgoing board member Lynn Fields? Nancy

3. Which candidates have bought ads in their helpful, friendly, free community newspaper, the Tribune, the only locally owned newspaper in the community, in a quest to support not only their own candidacy but also journalism, small