| Good eats at no cost for Pennsylvania state senators
HARRISBURG -- Senate Democrats regularly feasted on such things as salmon cakes, gourmet bread, grilled shrimp and pork tenderloin last session. On the day before 2005's infamous middle-of-the-night pay raise, Democratic Leader Robert Mellow treated his staff to a catered breakfast -- served on china for a $45 extra charge. Top caucus staffers regularly splurged on $40 dinners at fancy restaurants, once dropping a $134 tip on top of a $366 bill for 10 dinners. All of it was at taxpayer expense, and most of it was in stark contrast to spending by Senate Republicans. Senators get a $146 per diem for lodging and meals in Harrisburg, but receipts filed with the Senate chief clerk indicate members also availed themselves of numerous additional options for dining at public expense.
Farewell To the Chief
American Indian groups and others have largely won their battle over the use of Native images by college sports teams, but the economic backstory is seldom reported. By Mary Annette Pember The battle over the use of American Indian names and mascots among college and professional athletic teams has a seldom-told economic backstory. Its more than simple alumni sentimentality. Money, influence and power often play a significant role in decisions regarding the use of these symbols. Paraphernalia bearing the images bring in millions of dollars each year to the institutions. But the names and images have been decried as disrespectful and insensitive to American Indians. And it is the tribes, along with philanthropic, education, professional and civil rights organizations, that are leading the movement to retire the symbols.
TYC conservator is confirmed by Senate
"He has always responded to the call of his country or his state," Sen. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, said of Mr. Kimbrough, a war veteran and longtime attorney credited with turning around two other troubled state agencies. "Jay Kimbrough is a good man, a straight arrow." But he faced a tough line of questioning. Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso, asked Mr. Kimbrough how he would remain objective despite his history of employment in Gov. Rick Perry's office and the attorney general's office. Both were notified about specific sexual abuse allegations at the TYC's West Texas State School as early as 2005, around the same time Mr. Kimbrough was working for them. "If you want true reform in TYC, we need to know why nothing was done since March of 2005 when in two offices [people] knew or should've known every fact we know today," said Mr.
Role-play
CATE Blanchett doesn't so much approach her roles as hurl herself at them. During the past year or so, this serial Academy Award nominee has inhabited the skins of a grieving mother (Babel); a war-weary femme fatale (The Good German); a teacher in lust with a student (Notes on a Scandal); and musician Bob Dylan (the forthcoming I'm Not There). .
Suite dreams
A young, friendless Elliot Castro found excitement living the fantasy life hed seen in the movies by stealing credit cards and scamming banks. Then he got caught. Now 24, hes served his time, gone straight, and co-written a book detailing his exploits and his remorse. Graeme Green meets one of Britains unlikeliest super criminals .
Consumer Watch: Cyber Banking Done The Old Fashioned Way
No doubt, many of us have been there. The bank's ATM isn't working, so you go down the street and use another's. Well, hold onto that wallet, that quick stop likely came at a price. In fact many customers usually end up paying two bank fees when withdrawing money at another bank's ATM. Our partners at Consumer Reports say one bank is cutting these fees and much more. Washington Mutual Bank has decided its advertising campaign will be aimed at making fun of traditional banks by pointing out that they have done away with many of the standard banking fees while others are looking to charge more. Consumer Reports Money Adviser's Andrea Rock checked out the bank's offer and found that what sounds too good to be true is both true and good. "Washington Mutual is bucking the banking industry trend by charging fewer fees.
Lombard Village Board
Two candidates are running for the District 2 seat on the Lombard Village Board of Trustees. District 2 includes neighborhoods in the south-central area of Lombard west of Main Street. A map of the districts can be found at www.villageoflombard.org. Incumbent Richard J. Dick Tross has served on the board since 1987. Challenger Keith Giagnorio is a Lombard Park District trustee. The Daily Herald posed questions to the candidates. These are their edited responses. Q. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what? What will be your main priority? Giagnorio. I am running for trustee to bring sound decision-making back to the village board. I appreciate the contributions my opponent has made to the village, but it is obvious that a change is needed.
Writers' Roundtable: MLS Theories and Forecasts
USSoccerPlayers (April 5, 2007) -- There are so many questions US soccer fans are curious to see answered over the course of the new Major League Soccer season. With the Designated Player rule on the one hand, but an increasing number of signings from South and Central America on the other, what direction is the League going in to bring in more crowds and improve the standard of play? What sort of fan is ESPN looking to attract to its weekly broadcasts now that it's actually paid money for them? Do we still need Chelsea and Celtic to show up for exhibition games? These were just some of the issues on the table when USSoccerPlayers' MLS Editor Ian Plenderleith gathered Tony Edwards, Kevin McGeehan and Bill Urban to swap opinions as MLS embarks on one of the biggest seasons in its 12-year history.
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