15 Easy Weight Loss Tips to De-Bloat and De-Stuff ... - Fitness

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 1: Fuel Up on the Right Breakfast
The last thing you may want to do after a food binge is eat more the next morning, but having a morning meal is essential to getting your diet back on track. Choose a breakfast that includes a balance of lean protein and fiber, says Christine Bransford, M.S., R.D., a dietitian at Chicago weight loss center DayOne Health. ?Having foods high in insoluble fiber like whole grains can help move things along in your body and eliminate bloat.?

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 2: Eat Some Melon
Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew are high-liquid fruits, which can help flush out toxins and relieve water retention and bloat. Smart! Have a cup of chopped fruit in the morning, or make a quick smoothie with vanilla yogurt and lime juice.

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 3: Reset Your Idea of Portions
If your portion sizes ballooned during the holidays like floats in the Macy?s Thanksgiving Day Parade, use portion-control tricks to get back on track. Remember, the goal is to feel comfortably full?not overstuffed. ?Using a salad plate, which is usually eight or nine inches in diameter, can help someone visualize what a reasonable-size plate should look like,? Bransford says. These tips will also help you figure out how much to eat and how to stick to it.

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 4: Make Simple Food Swaps

Using spices in place of fat in many dishes can boost flavor and combat that inflated-waistline feeling. ?Cinnamon and ginger are digestive aids and commonly used in home remedies to help with gassiness and bloating,? says Las Vegas nutritionist Andy Bellatti, M.S., R.D.

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 5: Go Bananas for Potassium
You know you have to cut back on salt to de-bloat, but did you also know you should stock up on foods that are high in potassium? It can help your flatten your stomach by flushing out excess sodium in your system. Try potassium-rich bananas, raisins, milk, and yogurt.

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 6: Restart Your Diet With Plant-Based Protein
To reboot your healthy-eating habits, step away from the white rice and cook lean protein, which can stave off hunger longer than simple carbohydrates. Grilled chicken breast isn?t your only option; Bellatti recommends plant-based sources like beans and lentils. ?When you eat them, you?re getting lean protein and fiber, which is so important for feeling better and restarting a healthy diet.?

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 7: Chew on Fennel Seeds
Many types of gum, even the sugar-free kinds, are made with sugar alcohols like mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol, which can make your distended feeling even worse. For fresh breath plus a de-bloating benefit, nosh on fennel seeds instead.

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 8: Know Which Carbs to Avoid
Repeat after Bellatti: ?Carbs are not intrinsically bad.? If you?re trying to give your metabolism a clean slate, carbohydrates can even help you slim down by giving you an energy boost. Bellatti says the problematic carbs are processed ones ?like white flour, refined grains, and added sugars.?

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 9: Eat Your (Leafy) Greens

Low in calories and packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, greens are essential to jump-starting any new eating plan. ?Dark, leafy greens are hands down some of the best things you can eat,? Bellatti says. The nutritionist?s pick: kale, because of its versatility. ?You can stir-fry it, blend it in a smoothie, or make chips out of the leaves.?

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 10: Add Artichokes to Your Plate
Artichokes are a great fat-busting food. Low in carbs and high in fiber, these spiky globes also take a long time to eat, allowing your body to register when you?ve had enough. Try sprinkling lemon juice and olive oil over steamed artichokes for a simple and sophisticated side or appetizer.

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 11: Be Extra Mindful of Alcohol Choices
Celebrations and family get-togethers provide plenty of opportunities to imbibe, but choosing the right drink can help relieve your post-holiday ick feeling. ?Limit yourself to one or two drinks in a sitting, and opt for wine, vodka with a low-sugar mixer, or a dry cider,? says Chicago dietitian Kelly Schmidt, R.D., a nutrition counselor at Paleo Infused Nutrition. Things to skip: margaritas, the punch bowl, and beer.

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 12: Stop Adding Sweeteners
One of Bellatti?s core principles for detoxing is banishing the sweet stuff. He advises against artificial sweeteners and suggests green stevia powder if you must sweeten your morning coffee or tea. If you need a sweet kick while snacking, Schmidt recommends naturally sweet fruits like dates, figs, and berries.

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 13: Avoid Carbonation
If you?re trying to get back to your healthy habits, you?re obviously not reaching for sugary sodas, right? Right. And although bubbly drinks like seltzer or diet soda contain no calories, they still have air, which can get trapped in your body and leave you feeling like a balloon. Now?s the best time to return to good old water; try dropping in ginger root slices for flavor and to help with digestion.

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 14: Just Keep Drinking Water!
And speaking of water, excuse our broken record-ness, but make sure you?re drinking lots of it. Yes, we?ve said that one or two (million) times before, but you need to do it to keep your body running properly and flushing out lingering toxins. ?Increasing your water intake will help your kidneys excrete the excess salt and water from your body quickly and decrease the bloat,? says Bransford. Counterintuitive? Perhaps. Effective? You better believe it.

Post-Holiday Weight Loss Tip 15: Top Off Your Slim-Down Diet With Exercise
Although exercise won?t necessarily make you lose weight right away, some of the benefits include cardiovascular strength, healthy bones, and better sleep and stress levels?the perfect antidote to holiday madness. ?Do something you enjoy and exercise to an extent that won?t make you stressed out,? says Schmidt. Your body, mind, and waistline will thank you.

Article source: http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/2012/11/15-easy-weight-loss-tips-to-de-bloat-and-de-stuff-yourself-after-the-holidays

Source: http://fitness.autoblogsdemo.info/?p=5127

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Animoto turns Facebook photos into 'Best of 2012' videos

Animoto, the app that turns Facebook photos into slideshow videos, added a highlight reel feature today that lets users create videos based on their most popular photos of the year.

The magic behind the highlight reel is Facebook's Open Graph. Animoto pulls the photos and captions from your profile -- these include ones you posted and those you're tagged in -- based on how many times your friends commented or liked them, or how many people were tagged in it. The videos are set to music and can include text.

The result, Animoto CEO Brad Jefferson said, is a video of the most memorable moments of your year. "It's going to make you cry if it's a birth of a child; it's going to make you happy if it's a high school adrenaline rush type of thing," he said.

The new "best of" feature launches just as the holiday season kicks off. Jefferson said the company chose this time because many people create and share holiday videos this time of year.

Animoto debuted its iOS app last year during the holidays for the same reason, but what sets the highlight reel feature apart is that the app automatically chooses your most popular photos for you. You can still choose the music and theme, as well as swap out any photos you don't want in the video before sharing it.

Facebook released a similar app to encourage people to switch over to the Timeline format. The Timeline Movie Maker pulls photos and videos to create a video of a user's entire Timeline and sets it to music. While the Timeline app has more of a cinematic feel to it, you can't tweak it or personalize it with text.

Animoto users have created more than 30 million videos since the company started in 2006. The company, which has raised $30 million, has 60 employees and is headquartered in New York; it also has a San Francisco office. While users can make an unlimited number of 30-second or shorter videos for free, they have to pay a subscription fee to make longer videos. Jefferson said the idea behind the business model is that people will pay for quality content and services. Animoto has 5 million registered users with 150,000 subscribers.

"As long it has value, we find that people are willing to pay for it," Jefferson said.

This story was updated at 12:31 p.m. PT to fix a typo in the amount of money Animoto has raised. It's raised $30 million.

Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57555967-93/animoto-turns-facebook-photos-into-best-of-2012-videos/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

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Massive Marsupials Once Swung from Treetops Down Under

Some 15 million years ago, mobs of 150-pound (70-kilogram) marsupials roamed the treetops of Australia's rain forests, researchers say.

Nimbadon lavarackorum belonged to a family of large-bodied marsupials known as the diprotodontids that went extinct about 11,000 years ago. During the diprotodontids' reign in Australia, they ranged from sheep-size wombatlike creatures to the mega-herbivore Diprotodon, which stood at 13 feet (4 meters) tall and weighed up to 6,100 pounds (2,800 kg).

Nimbadons were on the small-end of this spectrum, and they lived during the Middle Miocene (about 16 million to 11.6 million years ago). These ancient marsupials are best known from 26 different specimens found at the bottom of a vertical cave in northwestern Queensland, where a group of them apparently plunged to their deaths. In a new study, researchers examined Nimbadon bones and compared them with other species to get a clearer picture of how these ancient animals might have lived.

The researchers said they found striking similarities between Nimbadon skeletons and those of current koalas, including strong forelimbs, large claws and highly mobile shoulder and elbow joints. These features, combined with the Nimbadon's short hind limbs, suggest that the animals had excellent climbing and grasping skills and also could have used their long, flexible arms to suspend themselves from branches and reach for food and supports.

Even though the diprotodontids were thought to have lived on the ground, all these characteristics point to a life in the trees, which would make Nimbadons the largest herbivorous mammals to have ever lived in the forest canopies of Australia ? an ecological niche that is now empty, the researchers say.

"The findings presented here indicate that we are only beginning to understand the range of morphological and niche diversity displayed by this ecologically important and widespread group of Australasian marsupials ? the diprotodontids," the researchers concluded.

The study, led by a team from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, was published online Nov. 21 the journal PLoS ONE.

Follow LiveScience on Twitter @livescience. We're also on Facebook?& Google+.

Copyright 2012 LiveScience, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/massive-marsupials-once-swung-treetops-down-under-132022576.html

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?They Need Jobs, So Let Them Burn?: Fox Business Host On - Home

Fox Business host and self-evidently despicable person Charles Payne:

It is tragic. I don?t think something like this will happen again. Don?t think that the people in Bangladesh who perished didn?t want or need those jobs, as well. I know we like to victimize everyone in this country, particularly when it comes to for-profit motivation, which is being assaulted. But, you know, it is a tragedy but I think it is a stretch, an amazing stretch, to sort of try to pin this on Walmart but, of course, the unions in this country are desperate.

Let?s take this line by line.

?It is tragic.? Said in an offhanded ?let?s get this out of the way so I?m not accused of being heartless? way.

?I don?t think something like this will happen again.? Actually, it happens a lot. Hundreds of garment workers in Bangladesh have been killed in fires in recent years. In fact, at least 10 people were injured in another garment factory fire Monday. It?s true that a fire killing more than 100 people is rare, if that?s what Payne means by ?something like this,? but if he just means a fatal fire in a Bangladeshi garment factory, then yeah, it?s going to happen again unless there are big, big changes in labor and workplace safety laws there.

?Don?t think that the people in Bangladesh who perished didn?t want or need those jobs, as well.? Well, Charles, people need jobs. But the thing is, ?I need this job? and ?I look forward to choosing between burning to death or jumping out of an eight-story building to escape burning to death? are two very different things. ?I need this job? should not be a license for exploitation. In fact, garment workers have been fighting to improve working conditions even though by law they are not allowed to unionize, unlike many other workers in Bangladesh. Though the minimum wage for garment workers is now just $38 a month, less than two thirds of the country?s per capita income, that $38 represents a big increase that workers protested and fought for this year. Yes, these workers need jobs, but their fight to make those jobs better, and the large protests they?ve staged in the wake of this fire, show that it?s not as simple as ?well, they need jobs, so let them burn.?

?I know we like to victimize everyone in this country, particularly when it comes to for-profit motivation, which is being assaulted.? Victimize? Let?s talk about victims. Like the at least 112 victims of this fire in which there were no fire extinguishers, exits were inadequate or even locked, and one manager reportedly told people to get back to work after a fire alarm sounded. I?m pretty sure they, and not the profit motive, are the victims here.

?But, you know, it is a tragedy but I think it is a stretch, an amazing stretch, to sort of try to pin this on Walmart but, of course, the unions in this country are desperate.? In the wake of this fire, it kind of defies belief how many companies whose clothes were found in the burned factory have said their clothes shouldn?t have been there anymore, that, yes, they?d used that factory in the past but had stopped just in time to deny that their clothes should have been there. Amazing. So no, it?s not just Walmart. It?s also Sears and Dickies and Ikea and who knows what other companies. But as the largest retailer in the world, Walmart does more than any other company to set prices and labor conditions for manufacturers.

Really, Payne might as well have said, ?I realize I?m supposed to say this is tragic, but I?m a little confused about why I?m supposed to think the tragedy is the loss of more than 100 lives and not the potential threat to Walmart?s profits.?

?

By: Laura Clawson, Daily Kos, November 27, 2012

November 28, 2012 - Posted by raemd95 | Corporations | Bangladesh, Charles Payne, Fox Business Network, Garment Workers, Jobs, Labor, Wages, Walmart, Workplace Safety

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Source: http://mykeystrokes.com/2012/11/28/they-need-jobs-so-let-them-burn-fox-business-host-on-bangladeshi-fire-victims-lets-not-victimize-poor-walmart/

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Should I sell stock now to avoid higher taxes in 2013? - The Help ...

Both of my daughters own Home Depot stock that my father gave them. With the pending tax changes in 2013, should I sell their stock now and place the money into their 529s? One starts college in the fall of 2014, and the other in 2016. ?Kathi L.

Long-term capital gains rates are set to rise from 15% to 20% in 2013 (though President Obama and Congress may end up agreeing on other rates). But you shouldn't let a potential tax increase guide your investment decisions, says Charles Buck of Buck Financial Advisors in Woodbury, Minn.

And yet Buck's advice is to sell the stocks ? but for another reason: You have all your eggs in one Home Depot basket. "The stock price could and would drop quickly if we slipped into another recession," he says. Even a poorly timed market downturn could mean less money for your daughters' educations.

Since you're going to need the money in the next few years, consider selling and stashing the proceeds in your daughters' 529 plans. These plans typically offer broad diversification that can help protect your savings, and qualified distributions aren't subject to federal, and in many cases state, income tax.

? Austin Kilham

Got a question for the Help Desk? Send it to?helpdesk@cnnmoney.com.

Source: http://helpdesk.blogs.money.cnn.com/2012/11/27/sell-stock-avoid-higher-taxes-2013/

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Syrian war clouds Turkish plan to clear land mines

FILE - In this June 17, 2010 file photo, a land mine expert works in mined land in the Karkemish archaeological site at the Turkey-Syria border in Gaziantep province, Turkey. Starting in the 1950s, Turkish forces planted more than 600,000 U.S.-made "toe poppers" _ mines designed to maim, not kill _ and other land mines along much of its 900-kilometer (560-mile) border with Syria, which runs from the Mediterranean Sea to Iraq. The aim was to stop smugglers whose cheap black market goods undercut the Turkish economy and later to thwart Kurdish rebels from infiltrating Turkey's southeast. (AP Photo/File)

FILE - In this June 17, 2010 file photo, a land mine expert works in mined land in the Karkemish archaeological site at the Turkey-Syria border in Gaziantep province, Turkey. Starting in the 1950s, Turkish forces planted more than 600,000 U.S.-made "toe poppers" _ mines designed to maim, not kill _ and other land mines along much of its 900-kilometer (560-mile) border with Syria, which runs from the Mediterranean Sea to Iraq. The aim was to stop smugglers whose cheap black market goods undercut the Turkish economy and later to thwart Kurdish rebels from infiltrating Turkey's southeast. (AP Photo/File)

FILE - In this June 17, 2010 file photo land mine experts work in mined land in the Karkemish archaeological site at the Turkey-Syria border in Gaziantep province, Turkey. Starting in the 1950s, Turkish forces planted more than 600,000 U.S.-made "toe poppers" _ mines designed to maim, not kill _ and other land mines along much of its 900-kilometer (560-mile) border with Syria, which runs from the Mediterranean Sea to Iraq. The aim was to stop smugglers whose cheap black market goods undercut the Turkish economy and later to thwart Kurdish rebels from infiltrating Turkey's southeast. (AP Photo/File)

FILE - In this Nov. 19, 2012 file photo, a land mine sign at the Turkey-Syria border is seen from in Akinci village in Gaziantep province, Turkey. Starting in the 1950s, Turkish forces planted more than 600,000 U.S.-made "toe poppers" _ mines designed to maim, not kill _ and other land mines along much of its 900-kilometer (560-mile) border with Syria, which runs from the Mediterranean Sea to Iraq. The aim was to stop smugglers whose cheap black market goods undercut the Turkish economy and later to thwart Kurdish rebels from infiltrating Turkey's southeast. (AP Photo/Christopher Torchia, File)

AKINCI, Turkey (AP) ? For two people walking into a Turkish minefield, they looked awfully assured.

The pair strode in from Syria on a recent afternoon, following a faint track across the grassy plain. They slipped into Turkey through a fence near a vacant military watchtower and vanished into an olive grove.

Such hazardous crossings are a smuggler's tradition at the border, where Turkish plans to clear a vast belt of land mines have been clouded by Syria's civil war. Last week, Turkey asked NATO allies to deploy Patriot missiles as a defense against any aerial attacks from Syria after shells and bullets spilled across the border, killing and injuring some Turks.

Starting in the 1950s, Turkish forces planted more than 600,000 U.S.-made "toe poppers" ? mines designed to maim, not kill ? and other land mines along much of its 900-kilometer (560-mile) border with Syria, which runs from the Mediterranean Sea to Iraq. The aim was to stop smugglers whose cheap black market goods undercut the Turkish economy and later to thwart Kurdish rebels from infiltrating Turkey's southeast.

However, the mines also killed and maimed civilians, took arable land from Turkish farmers and are now considered by many as a too-crude method of policing.

Turkey says it plans to clear anti-personnel mines on the Syria border by 2016, missing a March 2014 deadline required by the international Mine Ban Treaty. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines, a Geneva-based group that won the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize, has criticized Turkey for its slow progress.

The European Union has committed ?40 million ($52 million) to demining and surveillance equipment near Turkey's border Iran and Armenia on the basis that Turkey could eventually become the EU's most eastern border. Turkey, adjacent to the Middle East and Central Asia, has long been a drug trafficking route and a transit point for migrants who enter Europe illegally.

Since last year, nearly 200,000 Syrian refugees have crossed into Turkey, mostly through border posts or areas known to be free of mines. A Syrian man and two children were reported killed in August, however, by an explosive in an area of Mardin province that had been mined by the Turkish military. Syrian forces last year were also suspected of laying some mines to stem an embarrassing refugee flight into Turkey.

A Turkish smuggler in the border village of Akinci, south of the city of Gaziantep, said he has charged Syrian refugees up to 25 Turkish lira ($14) each to lead them through Turkish minefields. He has also acted as a lookout, monitoring shifts of Turkish military sentries and telling another smuggler who escorts Syrian clients, usually before dawn.

"I don't know where they are going. I don't care," said the gaunt man, who would not give his name and claimed he was desperate for cash. "I know it's risky for me, but I have to do it."

According to lore, villagers used to enter the Akinci mosque, which lies beside a minefield, for prayers and then sneak out the back into Syria for business.

On foot, mule or motorcycle, smugglers traditionally brought in items from Syria, including tea, gasoline, cigarettes, electronics and livestock, to sell for a profit in Turkey. The Syrian war has disrupted but not extinguished the trade among communities that were abruptly divided when the border was drawn in the last century.

Some smugglers try their luck at border posts, which became easier to cross when visa requirements were removed in 2009 after the warming of ties between Turkey and Syrian President Bashar Assad, now an enemy because of his attacks on the Syrian opposition. A few weeks ago, a Syrian man was detained while trying to enter Turkey with gold bars in his waistband.

Approved traffic moves the other way, as Turkey and other nations that oppose Assad send logistical and humanitarian aid to Syrian rebels and civilians. While Turkey says it is not arming the insurgency, Syrian rebels have told The Associated Press they receive some weapons and ammunition from the Turkish side with only sporadic interference from border patrols. According to rebels, these weapons are bought with funding from rich Syrians or sympathetic Gulf Arabs.

Fences are down and cars can cross in some parts adjoining Syria's Idlib province, an opposition stronghold.

The first mines on the Syrian border were planted after smugglers killed two customs agents in 1956. Turkey laid more mines in the 1980s and 1990s, at the height of its war with the rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which was backed by Syria. Turkey is again worried about possible infiltration by Kurdish rebels who are cheered by an autonomy grab by their ethnic brethren in Syria.

The Turkish defense ministry told the AP it started evaluating bids from demining companies in July and would sign contracts once the assessment is complete.

"Developments in Syria to this day have not affected our plans or work," the ministry said. NATO said it is assisting with "technical preparations" for the mine clearance.

Cenk Sidar, managing director of Sidar Global Advisors, a Washington-based consultancy, said he believed that Turkey would sign contracts but wait until the Syrian civil war is resolved.

"According to plans, the government will build electronic border surveillance systems simultaneously with the demining. Even this seems too risky at this point," Sidar wrote in an email. "It may take a few years, and some qualified/selected firms may change their pricing or conditions due to the increasing instability."

Between 2010 and 2011, a Turkish firm, Nokta, and a partner from Azerbaijan cleared more than 1,200 mines around an archaeological site, Karkemish, on the Syrian border. They found anti-tank mines and M14 mines known as "toe poppers." It was hard to work with metal detectors because the soil also contained remnants of coins and other ancient fragments; some mines had to be dug out by hand rather than detonated to avoid damaging cultural treasures.

There is no reliable data for casualties from mines laid by the Turkish military, which reported 21 people killed and 85 wounded by explosives set by the PKK in 2011. Those rebels took up arms in 1984 in the name of Kurdish rights; Turkey and the West label them terrorists.

Residents around Akinci recalled a villager who lost a limb to a mine several years ago while cutting trees for military sentries. Halil Kaya, 64, said he had heard of several dozen people over the decades who were killed or injured by mines. A deep furrow runs down Kaya's right forearm from a Turkish military bullet in his days as a smuggler.

Mehmet Dagdeviren, 49, said the Turkish military had softened and now might only fire warning shots at smugglers. He interrupted the chat to take a phone call, then rushed to a car and drove away.

A delivery from Syria needed collection.

___

Umut Colak in Akinci, Turkey, Bulut Emiroglu in Istanbul and Ben Hubbard in Beirut contributed.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-11-28-Turkey-Border%20Mines/id-e18f8f48020d449f803a50b989406469

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For Black Moth Super Rainbow, Barrel-Aged ... - Food Republic

"I?m not a big burger guy or anything, but Kuma?s is pretty fucking phenomenal," says Fec.

?

Touring musicians have a great gig. Rock and roll! It?s doubly great when they?re interested in exploring the international culinary world. We do realize some bands subsist solely on Taco Bell and Coke Zero. Shame on them! There?s Hatch chile to sample in New Mexico.?Pappy Van Winkle?in Kentucky. Doppelbock outside Hamburg. Tortas on the California-Mexico border. In?Good Food, Rocks, we track down a band member serious about their grub ? and who has held a job in the food industry too.

?When I?m recording, eating becomes kind of a burden,? reveals Black Moth Super Rainbow creative center Tobacco (n? Tom Fec). ?When I get into the zone, I just want to go for 16 hours straight. I dump a can of chickpeas into a bowl and try to drink them down as fast as possible.?

The statement, which comes at the end of a 30-minute call with the Pittsburgh musician, is a bit of a shocker, as we've just talked extensively about barrel-aging Negronis, Pequod?s vs. Burts (it?s a Chicago pizza thing), Philly chef Marc Vetri and the masterful barbecue at his hometown favorite Union Pig and Chicken. It turns out that homeboy is really into food, but aparently art comes first. And bless him for it. BMSR's latest album, Cobra Juicy, is one of the year?s best ? a collection of songs built around Reagan-era analog synths and tape machines mingling with everything from Beck guitar licks to the bass lines and buzz saws of a midnight Justice?set. You can hear it live in a city near you. And if you like it, buy the man a bourbon. Small batch, of course. ??

Have you had any jobs in the food service industry?
I was a busboy at an upscale Italian place for one day. The owner was weird, the manager was weird and everyone just sucked, so I just didn?t come back.

So that?s your food career right there?
I actually always wanted to work at a pizza place and I still kind of do, but I never did it. Maybe one day, just for fun.

What?s your fascination with pizza?
It?s not even the pizza. I guess I just created a fantasy in my head where hanging out with friends, driving around and delivering pizzas to all these weird people in town would just be so much fun. I?m at that point where I definitely don?t need to get any kind of job, but want that all to be kind of my hobby.

Do you like pizza? Do you make it at home?
I don?t make it, but I like it. I?m getting pickier as I get older I think. When you find really good shit, it?s hard to then go back. There?s this one place in town that?s about a half-hour outside of the city that not a lot of people know about. The crust is almost a pastry ? it?s buttery and the sauce is really sweet. I?ve never had anything even similar to it. It?s called Jioio?s.

Tell me more about the dining scene in Pittsburgh?It?s pretty underrated and dare I say unknown.
Yeah, you just have to dig in. Over the past two years some things have really popped up. I wouldn?t say it exploded here or anything, and it?s not like you have a shitload of options. But you can find one or two of each type of food that is amazing, even better than other cities. I don?t want to start a controversy, but I think some of the best things that I?ve had here are better than I?ve had in New York.

Let?s start some controversy?
We have this barbecue called Union Pig and Chicken. I?m going to guess that people around here would consider [Kevin Sousa] our local star chef because he also owns Salt of the Earth and runs this hot dog place. Union Pig and Chicken is hands-down the best barbecue I?ve ever had, including in the South.

And you?ve toured the South, like Texas and Mississippi?
Yeah. I?d say the second best I?ve ever had was in St. Louis ? I can?t remember the name of the place ? but I?ve been everywhere in the country and this guy has the best barbecue. It?s not even close.

What food item that Pittsburgh is known for?
Well, that?s the thing. I?m not proud of what Pittsburgh is known for. I hate this because any time I have friends who are coming through, they are like, ?We have to go to Primanti Brothers!? And that?s fucking gross. Have you heard of this place?

Yeah, it?s like a place that you see on The Food Network?
Probably, I?m sure. It?s what we?re most famous for, which is really any kind of shitty sandwich covered in coleslaw and fries. They?re open all night, which is their thing, but it?s just trash. Greasy food is great, but they don?t even do that well [laughs]. I?m going to get killed if anyone from Pittsburgh sees this!

It?s like delis getting a lot of press in New York, but they all fucking suck. What are some of your favorite cities around the world for the food?
Number two would be Philly and that?s mainly because one of my best friends from high school works at a few restaurants there. He works at Osteria and Vetri. He knows how to show us around, so I?m a little biased towards that city. In terms of finding stuff on my own, my favorite city is Chicago.

Where do you like eating in Chicago?
I?m not a big burger guy or anything, but Kuma?s is pretty fucking phenomenal. I?ve never had a burger that good anywhere else. Then the pizza ? if you go outside of that typical Chicago pizza ? there?s a place called Pequod?s. The guy who started Pequod?s left and is doing his own thing at Burt?s. Pequod?s is amazing and most people would say it?s better, but I like Burt?s even more because it?s more eccentric and apparently the guy picks up all of the shit on the way in to work. Everything is super fresh and it?s made with care because he?s the only one back there.

What food and drink is on your tour rider when you?re on the road?
I like to go really simple. The hardest thing to find when you?re on tour and waiting at a venue is fruits and vegetables, and that?s all that I want. I need blueberries, avocados, broccoli, celery, strawberries and shit like that. And you don?t always get it.

You sound like you?re pretty health-conscious? Do you drink?
I?m pretty healthy. I like a good cocktail or a really good liquor. If it?s something different, I?m totally down.

What kind of cocktails do you like?
My friend in Philly designs the alcohol menu for the Vetri restaurants and got me into Negronis hardcore. We got a barrel here at our house and I?ve been aging my own kind of Negronis. Artichoke Negronis.

Oh, with Cynar?
Yeah, yeah.

Why barrel-age a cocktail?
It just mellows out. Especially a drink like a Negroni. Campari is fucking rough. It?s like ehhhh and gets into your throat. The barrel takes the edge off of it and totally smooths it out. It?s really nice. We got into that because there?s a place in Pittsburgh called Meat and Potatoes and they started doing barrel-aged Manhattans and Negronis recently, and it?s the best shit ever.

What kind of gin do you use in your Negronis?
We?ve still been working on the best. Since we only have one barrel, we can only make it once a month. We?re still working it out. We?ve tried every kind. The latest batch was Bombay and that was pretty good.

Bombay is good. I personally like Beefeater because it has great juniper and isn?t too citrusy.
My favorite is Hendrick?s, but it?s too much for a Negroni.

What other cocktails do you like to make at home or order on the road?
I just like really simple stuff usually. When we?re on the road, unless we?re at an amazing cocktail place, I?d rather get something straight. Some people just go overboard ? even when you order something normal that you think is simple, it?s all sugared up. It?s just nasty. We?ll just try to find like one Prohibition-era kind of place in town and get one thing that?s really good. The best drinks that we?ve probably ever had were at Village Whiskey in Philadelphia. The burger is actually almost at Kuma?s level too.

Do you cook at home?
Not really. I like to eat stuff really plain ? cut up an avocado, eat some celery. I think the most complex I like to get is like broccoli with pasta sauce. I like to eat really clean.

Why eat clean?
I don?t know. I like to run a lot and when you?re digesting easier, it makes everything go smoother and I feel better. Right now, I?m so tired ? we just got home from tour yesterday ? I?m so tired from changing up my routine and eating so much crap. I couldn?t wait until this morning to just have blueberries and flaxseed. I also feel that since I?m not a great cook, I?d rather just once a week pay someone at a restaurant who is really good at it [laughs].

Do you run competitively?
It?s just for my own personal sense of accomplishment. I?ve never been in a race but am definitely working on getting my times to a really good spot.

Chefs really like your music. Have you heard that before?
I haven?t heard that but I also don?t know any chefs [laughs]. I?ve definitely never heard it in any of the restaurants that I go around town.

You have a lot of food imagery in your song titles. Does food play a role in the creative process?
It?s not necessarily that, but I always like the song titles to be a major part of what the whole concept and art of it is. I like to create titles that you can?t really place ? but when you think about them and combine what I?m saying ? it creates its own new thing. I?ve always liked adding some kind of taste into my titles because if you can taste the title, you just think of it in a different way.

---

Read more Good Food, Rocks on Food Republic:

Source: http://www.foodrepublic.com/2012/11/27/black-moth-super-rainbow-barrel-aged-cocktails-new

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RV industry's recovery gains speed in 2012

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) ? The RV industry's recovery from the Great Recession has picked up speed.

Recreational Vehicle makers are churning out higher numbers of travel trailers bound for dealers' lots and, ultimately, campgrounds.

Overall shipments from manufacturers to dealers ? a key measure of consumer demand ? are expected to rise 10 percent in 2012 and could gain another 4.5 percent next year, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association said Tuesday.

Through September, shipments were up nearly 11 percent from the same period last year, the group said. The higher-than-expected number had dealers, manufacturers and suppliers feeling more optimistic as they gathered this week for an annual industry trade show.

"We made up a lot of ground this year," said Jeffrey Pastore, owner of Hartville RV Center in northeastern Ohio. "We're seeing a lot more buyers walking in the door, and we're seeing those buyers with more money in hand."

Sales at his dealership are up about 18 percent so far this year, and he's predicting another 15 percent gain in 2013. It's a big turnaround from 2009, when sales plunged 40 percent amid the country's worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

"It was dreadful," said Tom Stinnett, an RV dealer in southern Indiana. "There were a lot of us wondering if we were going to make it."

Shipments to dealers slumped to 165,700 units in 2009, as weak demand and evaporated credit left dealer lots clogged with vehicles and forced the industry to lay off tens of thousands of workers. This year's shipments are expected to be better ? hitting 277,300 units ? although that is still below the 353,400 in 2007.

Jobs are coming back, too. RV manufacturers and suppliers have started hiring, and the industry's workforce has risen to 375,000 from below 250,000 in 2008, according to RVIA. It's still below the 530,000 from 2007.

Driving the industry's gradual comeback have been less-expensive towable RVs attached to pickups or hitched to other vehicles.

Towables, which now account for about 90 percent of the new RV market, cost between $8,000 and $100,000, with an average price of $32,000, according to RVIA. Before the recession hit, towables represented eight out of every 10 new RVs shipped.

By contrast, stand-alone motor homes range in price from $55,000 to $1.5 million for top-of-the-line, bus-like vehicles. The average price is $100,000 for the amenity-filled moving homes.

"It's a given that consumers love to do this, or there would be no market at all because they don't have to have it," Stinnett said. "But they're simply not willing to commit as much money."

KZ RV, based in Shipshewana, Ind., has regained about three-fourths of its pre-recessionary business, but the manufacturer has seen the shift in consumer demand toward towables. Its most popular products cost between $10,000 and $35,000 ? well off its top-of-the-line RVs, which run about $90,000, said Andy Baer, the company's vice president of sales.

"Seven years ago they didn't give a thought to buying a top-of-the-line product, kind of similar to the housing industry," Baer said. "People are more in tuned with what the reality is that they can comfortably afford today."

Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Thetford Corp., which supplies toilets and sinks to RV makers, saw its business plunge by 70 percent during the recession. It survived the downturn because RV owners upgraded existing models, said Executive Vice President Kevin Phillips. Now, the company is having a good year as existing RV owners purchase upgrades and entry-level buyers enter the market, he said.

Winnebago Industries Inc., best known for its premium products, also has adjusted to the new market.

The company, headquartered in Forest City, Iowa, is rolling out towable products again after a decades-long absence from that market.

And Winnebago has stepped up its presence in the market for entry-level motor homes priced in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. Those vehicles offer fewer features and amenities than their pricier counterparts.

"That's where we see a lot of the movement in the industry," said Scott Degnan, the company's vice president of sales.

Winnebago's profits soared in its last fiscal year, which ended Aug. 25. Winnebago earned $45 million over those 12 months, up from $11.8 million in the prior year. Revenue rose 17 percent to $581.7 million.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-11-27-On%20The%20Road%20Again/id-f220394f5f284d97b4fd32734a2a537c

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Bond Writers Neal Purvis & Robert Wade Confirm That 'Skyfall' Is ...

As ?Skyfall? becomes the most successful Bond film in its 23 film history, British screenwriting duo Neal Purvis and Robert Wade took part in a master class at the fourth Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) to lift the lid on writing for one of the iconic film franchises of all time.

?When we were originally asked to come in to meet the Bond people, we weren?t expecting to be walking straight into a meeting with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson? said Neal Purvis, describing the moment they first started collaborating with franchise?s producers. ?Usually there are many other layers of people that stop you getting to the head honchos and we certainly were not expecting to be kept around for 15 years?

?When we met Eon Productions, only two of our screenplays had been made into films. It just seemed preposterous to us that they wouldn?t have other writers on the project? added Robert Wade. ?But they?d read a few of our other scripts and liked our sense of character and action. If there?s action without a story or a character angle, then it?s just boring.?

Meeting at 22, the pair who has been writing together for 28 years wrote their first script during the Los Angeles Olympic Games.

?The British Film industry in 1984 was not in a great shape. We?d write pop video?s to make extra money,? said Purvis. ?The tragedy is we were getting paid in the 80?s what screenwriters are still being paid today?

Since then, they?ve written a total of 41 scripts, with ten being made into films. Wade said ?We were told don?t expect anymore than one in ten of your screen plays to be made. She was right. We thought yes, that?s probably true, however that won?t apply to us.?

?Now were on our 41^st?script and have have ten films made. You wouldn?t write each day if you didn?t believer that your scripts were going to be made,? added Purvis.

Addressing the production delays this latest outing, the duo shed light on how important this additional time was ?We benefited from the delays as we hadn?t gotten the story right. The film would not have been made without them,? explained Wade.

?The third act wasn?t right. We gave ourselves a few weeks to come up with a new concept, which ultimately became a metaphor for our journey working on these movies ? our own ?Skyfall?? added Purvis.

When pushed on if the partners were intending to write more Bond films Wade said ?We?re very happy to have done five Bond movies, I think we?ve gotten it to a good place. I know that John Logan and Sam Mendes have come up with a plot for another one, which takes the pressure off because these films take up a lot of time.?

Purvis added, ?We were going to stop with ?Quantum of Solace,? but it?s good to go out on a high with ?Skyfall.??

Asked about other projects outside of Bond, Wade divulged ?We did get hired to write a script about Elton John stealing 11 of the best footballers in the world, to play against a team of robots on another planet. ?That was our second paid job,? explained Purvis.

And what?s the only thing as a bond writer you can?t do? ?Time Travel? says Purvis. ?And killing him off? said Wade, before adding ?although we have been tempted?

Source: http://www.flicksandbits.com/2012/11/19/bond-writers-neal-purvis-robert-wade-confirm-that-skyfall-is-their-last-007-adventure/34238/

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Lawrence Lessig, Fred Wertheimer Butt Heads Over Best Path To ...

Sheldon Adelson And Family (R)

Sheldon Adelson, the Las Vegas casino magnate, and his family have combined to give $53.69 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. At first, Adelson pumped money into Winning Our Future, the super PAC supporting Newt Gingrich, but now he is funding groups backing Mitt Romney and congressional Republicans. Adelson is ranked on the <em>Forbes</em> list of the richest Americans at number eight, with $21.5 billion in net worth. Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam, gave $15 million to Winning Our Future. His daughters Sivan Ochshorn and Shelley Maye Adelson each chipped in $500,000. Another daughter and her husband each gave $250,000. Adelson and his wife have also given $20 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney), $5 million to Congressional Leadership Fund, $5 million to YG Action Fund, $2 million to Freedom PAC (supporting Connie Mack), $1.5 million to Independence Virginia PAC (supporting George Allen), $1 million to Ending Spending Action Fund, $1 million to Treasure Coast Jobs Coalition, $1 million to Patriot Prosperity PAC (supporting Shmuley Boteach for Congress) and $250,000 to Conservative Renewal PAC, $250,000 to Texas Conservatives Fund (both supporting David Dewhurst) and $190,000 to Hispanic Leadership Fund. Adelson remained in the number one spot among super PAC donors after counting contributions for August. He has allegedly <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/16/sheldon-adelson-to-lavish_n_1600149.html">given in excess of $70 million</a> when contributions to non-profit groups like Americans for Prosperity and the Republican Jewish Coalition are included. His involvement in politics revolves around his support for the state of Israel, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/11/sheldon-adelson-newt-gingrich-israel_n_1195867.html" target="_hplink">in particular the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>. His business, along with that of other super PAC donors, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/18/sheldon-adelson-bribery-super-pac-donors-fcpa_n_1602694.html" target="_hplink">is also under investigation</a> for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Harold And Annette Simmons (R)

Harold Simmons, the octogenarian Dallas businessman, combined with his wife Annette and his company, Contran Corp., to donate $26,765,000 to super PACs. Simmons is listed in <em>Forbes</em> magazine as the 33rd richest person in America with a net worth of $9.3 billion. Simmons and Contran donated $19.5 million to American Crossroads, $2.3 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney), $1 million to Make Us Great Again (supporting Rick Perry), $1.1 million to Winning Our Future (supporting Newt Gingrich) and $100,000 to Restoring Prosperity Fund (formerly Americans for Rick Perry). Annette Simmons gave $1.2 million to Red White And Blue Fund (supporting Rick Santorum). Simmons has also given $1.1 million to Texas Conservatives Fund and $500,000 to Conservative Renewal PAC, both super PACs supporting Senate candidate David Dewhurst. He gave another $50,000 to Strong Utah PAC, $10,000 to Conservatives Action Together and $5,000 to Freedom PAC, which supports Connie Mack for Senate in Florida. Simmons -- who explained that he is contributing money to super PACs to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/22/harold-simmons-obama_n_1371642.html">stop "that socialist," President Barack Obama</a> -- remains in second place among super PAC donors.

Bob Perry (R)

Texas homebuilder Bob Perry contributed $21,465,000 million to super PACs. Perry is one of the most prolific donors in contemporary political history. He was a major backer of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, the outside group that helped torpedo John Kerry's presidential campaign in 2004. Perry's net worth has been estimated at around $650 million. Perry has given $10 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney), $7.5 million to American Crossroads, $1 million to Congressional Leadership Fund, $1 million to Club for Growth Action, $750,000 to Independence Virginia (supporting George Allen), $500,000 to Texas Conservatives Fund (supporting David Dewhurst), $250,000 to Freedom PAC, $100,000 to Make Us Great Again (supporting Rick Perry, who is of no relation) and $15,000 to Maverick PAC.

J. Joseph Ricketts (R)

J. Joseph Ricketts, the founder of TD Ameritrade and head of the family that owns the Chicago Cubs, has given $12.85 million to super PACs. Ricketts ranked 371 on <em>Forbes'</em> list of richest Americans in 2009, with a net worth of $1 billion. He has donated $12.25 million to his own super PAC, Ending Spending Action Fund. Ricketts has also given $500,000 the Campaign for Primary Accountability, a super PAC supporting challengers to incumbent Democrats and Republicans in contested congressional primary elections, and $100,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney). Ricketts <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/17/joe-ricketts-jeremiah-wright-super-pac-ad_n_1525658.html" target="_hplink">became the focus of controversy</a> in May 2012 after the New York Times revealed that he was considering a proposal to fund, through a super PAC, advertisements attacking President Barack Obama with his relationship with his former pastor, the controversial Jeremiah Wright. After the publicity Ricketts and the consultants involved all stated that they were not going forward with the plan.

Fred Eychaner (D)

Fred Eychaner, the Chicago-based media mogul who made his fortune with Newsweb Corp., has given $11.8 million to super PACs. He is a longtime funder of outside groups backing Democrats, having contributed $2 million to so-called 527 groups in the effort to defeat President George W. Bush in 2004. Eychaner is also a noted LGBT activist and has funded efforts to promote equality. Eychaner gave $3.8 to Majority PAC, $3.75 to House Majority PAC, $3.5 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama), $500,000 to Women Vote!, $200,000 to America Votes Action Fund and $50,000 to L PAC.

United Auto Workers (D)

The United Auto Workers union has contributed $10,707,000 million to super PACs in 2012. The union has donated $8,309,000 to the UAW Education Fund, $1.1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama), $800,000 to Majority PAC, $250,000 to House Majority PAC, $208,000 to Working for Us PAC, $83,000 to Working For Us PAC, $25,000 to Defend Our Homes and $15,000 to America Votes Action Fund. (Pictured: Bob King, president of the United Auto Workers.)

National Education Association (D)

The National Education Association, the largest U.S. labor union representing teachers, contributed $9,707,000 million to super PACs. The union gave $8.279 million to its own super PAC, the NEA Advocacy Fund, $500,000 to Moving Ohio Forward Action Fund, $440,000 to America Votes action Fund, $250,000 to DGA Action, $200,000 to American Bridge 21st Century $22,000 to America Votes Action Fund, $10,000 to Credo SuperPAC, $5,000 to Young Democrats of America (hybrid PAC) and $5,000 to the Patriot Majority PAC.

Service Employees International Union (D)

The Service Employees International Union, the nation's fastest growing labor union representing close to 2 million people, contributed $9,435,907 to super PACs. SEIU is one of the most politically active unions in the country. SEIU has given $5,893,039 million to Florida Freedom PAC, $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama), $653,549 to House Majority PAC, $550,000 to Service Employees International Union PEA-Federal, $425,000 to Rethink PAC (opposing Scott Brown), $297,750 to Working For Us PAC, $250,000 to Majority PAC, $200,000 to American Bridge 21st Century, $120,000 to Sierra Club Action, $20,000 to Vote Your Values, $12,919 to Workers' Voice, $8,650 to Connecticut's Future PAC and $5,000 to Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund.

Republican Governors Association (R)

The Republican Governors Association, a 527 political committee currently headed by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, gave $8,305,000 to the super PAC RGA Right Direction. William Koch, the lesser-known Koch brother, and two of his companies, petroleum, energy and minerals companies Oxbow Carbon and Huron Carbon, gave $4 million to Restore Our Future (backing Romney) and $500,000 to America 360 Committee.

James Simons (D)

James Simons, the billionaire chairman of the hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, gave $7.5 million to super PACs. Simons is ranked 30 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $10.5 billion. Simons gave $3.5 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama), $3 million to Majority PAC, a super PAC that backs Democratic Senate candidates, and $1 million to House Majority PAC, backing Democratic House candidates.

AFL-CIO (D)

The AFL-CIO, the nation's largest federation of unions, contributed $6,123,437 to super PACs. The federation, boasting 12.2 million members, is made up of 57 national and international labor unions. Its funds come from the dues paid by members. The AFL-CIO gave $5.95 million to its own super PAC, and that super PAC gave $100,000 to American Bridge 21st Century.

Specialty Group (R)

This unknown, unlisted Knoxville, Tennessee company, Specialty Group Inc., made a massive $5.275 million contribution to FreedomWorks for America in early October. (Pictured: FreedomWorks for America, the group supporting by Specialty Group Inc's contribution.)

Robert Rowling And TRT Holdings (R)

Robert Rowling, the Texas billionaire who runs the business holding company TRT Holdings, has contributed $5.135 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. Rowling ranks 66 on <em>Forbes'</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $4.7 billion. He gave $5 million to American Crossroads, $100,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) and $35,000 to Texas Conservatives Fund (supporting David Dewhurst).

American Federation Of State, County And Municipal Employees (D)

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the nation's largest public employee union with 1.6 million members, contributed $4,174,085 million to super PACs. AFSCME is very politically active in local and national politics. In 2011, it faced direct attacks in such states as Ohio and Wisconsin, when Republican governors sought to curtail collective bargaining rights for public employees. AFSCME gave $1 million to Majority PAC, $575,000 to American Bridge 21st Century, $986,788 to Workers' Voice, $529,630 to Moving Ohio Forward, $415,000 to House Majority PAC, $260,120 to America Votes Action Fund, $250,000 to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama), $200,000 to Working Families For Hawaii (supporting Mazie Hirono), $125,000 for Iowans for Integrity in Leadership, $100,000 to Committee to Elect An Effective Valley Congressman (supporting Howard Berman), $100,000 to Fair Share Action, $50,000 to the American Worker, $50,000 to Sierra Club Action, $50,000 to Ohio Families United, $44,900 to Working For Us PAC, $42,500 to Defend Our Homes, $25,000 to Women Vote!, $8,650 to Connecticut's Future PAC and $5,000 to Young Democrats for America.

Peter Thiel (R)

Peter Thiel, the hedge fund manager, venture capitalist and early Facebook investor, has contributed $4.73 million to super PACs. Thiel, a radical libertarian, ranks 293 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $1.5 billion. The majority of Thiel's money, $2.73 million, has gone to Endorse Liberty, a super PAC supporting Ron Paul in the Republican presidential race. He has since switched his giving to Club for Growth Action, the super PAC of the ultra-conservative free market Club for Growth. Thiel has given $2 million to the Club super PAC.

William Koch, Oxbow Carbon And Huron Carbon (R)

William Koch, the lesser-known Koch brother, and two of his companies, petroleum, energy and minerals companies Oxbow Carbon and Huron Carbon, gave $4 million to Restore Our Future (backing Romney) and $500,000 to America 360 Committee.

Joseph Craft And Alliance Management Holdings (R)

Joseph Craft and his holding company, Alliance Management Holdings, gave $4.35 million to super PACs. Craft is ranked 331 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $1.3 billion. Alliance Management Holdings is a privately held company run by Craft with significant shares in the managing partner of Alliance Resource Partners. Craft and his company gave $3.35 million to American Crossroads and $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney).

Jerry Perenchio (R)

Jerry Perenchio, founder of the Spanish language television network Univision, contributed $4.1 million to super PACs. Perenchio ranks 171 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $2.3 billion. Perenchio gave $2.5 million to American Crossroads, $1.5 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney), and $100,000 to Our Destiny (supporting Jon Huntsman).

American Federation Of Teachers (D)

The American Federation of Teachers, the second-largest union in the nation with 1.5 million members, gave $3,866,558 to super PACs. The union donated $1,116,558 to the AFL-CIO Workers' Voices PAC, $1 million to Majority PAC, $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama), $500,000 to House Majority PAC and $250,000 to DGA Action.

Robert And Rebekah Mercer (R)

Robert Mercer (left), the co-CEO of the $15 billion hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, and his daughter, Rebekah Mercer, gave $3,804,354 million to super PACs. Robert Mercer contributed $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney), $1 million to American Crossroads, $600,000 to Club for Growth Action, $250,000 to Freedom PAC, $250,000 to Prosperity First, $239,354 to Republican Super PAC and $200,000 to National Horizon. Rebekah Mercer gave $50,000 to the Coalition for American Values and $15,000 to the Club for Growth.

Steve & Amber Mostyn (D)

Steve and Amber Mostyn have contributed $3.428 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. Steve, a multi-millionaire trial lawyer in Houston, Texas, and the president of the Texas Trial Lawyer Association, is a long-time donor to Democratic Party causes in both Texas and nationally. The Mostyns gave $2,003,850 to Priorities USA Action (supporting Obama), $1 million to House Majority PAC, $225,000 to Texans for America's Future and $200,000 to Planned Parenthood Votes.

Working for Working Americans (D)

Working for Working Americans, a union-run super PAC, has contributed $3.375 million to other super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. The super PAC has given $2 million to House Majority PAC, $1.15 million to Majority PAC and $250,000 to Lunch Pail Republicans. (Pictured: Nancy Pelosi, leader of the House Democrats, whose efforts Working for Working Americans' contributions are aiding.)

John Childs (R)

John Childs, the head of the Boston-based private equity firm J.W. Childs & Associates, has contributed $3.375 million to super PACs. Childs has contributed $1.125 million to Club for Growth Action, $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney), $1 million to American Crossroads and $250,000 to Congressional Leadership Fund.

Amy Goldman (D)

Amy Goldman, the author and activist who has been called "perhaps the world's premier vegetable gardener," contributed $3.25 million to super PACs. Goldman is the heiress to the fortune of New York real estate titan Sol Goldman. Goldman gave $1.5 million to Planned Parenthood Votes, the super PAC of the women's health provider, $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama), $500,000 to House Majority PAC and $250,000 to American Bridge 21st Century.

United Association (D)

The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipe Fitting and Sprinkler Fitting Industry, commonly known as United Association, has contributed $3,404,500 to super PACs in the 2012 election. United Association gave $2,191,500 to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama), $500,000 to Workers' Voice, $325,000 to Majority PAC, $313,000 to House Majority PAC and $75,000 to The American Worker.

Crow Holdings LLC, Harlan Crow and Trammell Crow (R)

Crow Holdings LLC, which manages the wealth of the late real estate developer Trammel Crow, its director Harlan Crow and his brother Trammel S. Crow have contributed $3.16 million to super PACs. Harlan Crow, Trammel S. Crow and the company combined to give $1.5 million to American Crossroads, $1.3 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney), $250,000 to FreedomWorks for America, $50,000 to Texas Conservatives Fund (supporting David Dewhurst), $35,000 to Campaign for Primary Accountability, $25,000 to American Unity PAC and $10,000 to Jan PAC.

Jeffrey Katzenberg (D)

Jeffrey Katzenberg, the CEO of DreamWorks Animation, has given gave $3.15 million to super PACs. Katzenberg's net worth is estimated to be above $800 million. Katzenberg has given $3 million to Priorities USA Action, the super PAC supporting Barack Obama's reelection bid. He has also given $100,000 to Majority PAC, $25,000 to House Majority PAC and $25,000 to Committee to Elect An Effective Valley Congressman, the super PAC supporting Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), a staunch ally of Hollywood. Katzenberg is also a major fundraiser for the Obama reelection campaign, having brought in more than $500,000.

Communications Workers Of America (D)

The Communications Workers of America, the largest telecommunications union in the world with a membership above 700,000, contributed $2,997,741 to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. The union donated $2,280,578 to the Communications Workers of America super PAC, $440,000 to Independent Source, $150,000 to House Majority PAC, $57,000 to Progressive Kick Independent Expenditures, $45,000 to American Worker and $28,163 to Workers' Voice.

John Ramsey (R)

John Ramsey, a 21-year old college student who inherited millions from his banker grandfather, contributed $2.84 million to super PACs. The majority of the young libertarian's contributions went to his own super PAC, Liberty for All. Another $450 went to Revolution PAC, which supported Ron Paul for the Republican nomination for president.

Cooperative Of American Physicians (I)

The <a href="http://www.capphysicians.com/about_us" target="_hplink">Cooperative of American Physicians</a> is a medical malpractice and medical liability insurer. The group has contributed $2.79 million to its own super PAC. No other information has been provided on the source of the funds contributed by the cooperative.

Dealer Computer Services, CRC Information Systems, Fairbanks Properties, & Waterbury Properties (Bob Brockman) (R)

Four companies -- Dealer Computer Services, CRC Information Systems, Fairbanks Properties and Waterbury Properties -- sharing the same address as The Reynolds & Reynolds Company headed by Bob Brockman, have given $2.75 million to super PACs. CRC Information Systems, Fairbanks Properties and Waterbury Properties combined to give $1 million to Restore Our Future and another $1 million to American Crossroads. The Reynolds and Reynolds Company gave $500,000 to American Crossroads. Dealer Computer Services has given $200,000 to the pro-David Dewhurst Texas Conservatives Fund and $50,000 to Restoring Prosperity Fund.

Kenneth And Anne Griffin (R)

Kenneth Griffin, the head of the massive hedge fund Citadel, has contributed $2.58 million to super PACs. Griffin is ranked 173rd on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans. In 2008, he helped raise money for then-Sen. Barack Obama during the Democratic primary, but switched to support Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the general election. Griffin has since become increasingly critical of President Obama and what he considers to be class warfare rhetoric coming from the White House. He stated that the wealthy have "<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/11/ken-griffin-mitt-romney_n_1337721.html" target="_hplink">insufficient influence</a>" in politics and urged the rich to donate to political efforts to preserve their position atop the food chain. Griffin has given $1.55 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney) and $1 million to American Crossroads. His wife, Anne, gave $30,000 to the Campaign for Primary Accountability.

George Soros (D)

George Soros, the noted hedge fund investor and long-time Democratic donor, has contributed $2.525 million to super PACs when including contributions that he gave in October. Soros became famous for his political contributions after he gave more than $30 million to 527 groups to defeat former President George W. Bush in 2004. He has reached a mythological status with some conservatives as a wildly influential figure in world politics. In reported contributions, Soros has given $1 million to American Bridge 21st Century, $1 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama), $425,000 to House Majority PAC and $100,000 to Majority PAC.

Foster Friess (R)

Foster Friess, the Wyoming investor, contributed $2.52 million to super PACs, mostly to those supporting the presidential candidacy of Rick Santorum. Since Santorum dropped out of the race, Friess has shifted his contributions to help Mitt Romney and congressional Republicans. Friess is estimated to be worth above $500 million. He has given $2.1 million to Red White and Blue Fund (supporting Santorum), $100,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney), $100,000 to FreedomWorks, $50,000 to Leaders for Families (also supporting Santorum), $50,000 to Freedom PAC, $25,000 to Friends of the Majority, $25,000 to USA Super PAC, $10,000 to Freedom Born Fund, $10,000 to Arizonans for Jobs, $10,000 for Independence Virginia PAC,$10,000 to Club for Growth Action, $5,000 to Fund for Freedom and $872 to Jan PAC.

Chevron (R)

Chevron, one of the nation's five largest companies, gave $2.5 million to Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC to elect Republicans to the House of Representatives.

Weaver Popcorn (R)

Weaver Popcorn, the Indiana-based popcorn maker owned by Michael Weaver, has contributed $2.4 million to American Crossroads, the super PAC founded by Republican operative Karl Rove. The company is one of the largest popcorn companies in the United States and is best known for their Pop Weaver brand.

Paul Singer (R)

Paul Singer (pictured far right), the hedge fund titan in charge of Elliot Associates, contributed $2.258 million to super PACs through June 2012. Singer has an estimated worth of $900 million. He has given $1,158,211 million to American Unity, a super PAC meant to support pro-gay marriage Republican candidates for office, $1 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) and $100,000 to Club for Growth Action.

William Dore (R)

William Dore, the Louisiana energy executive, gave $2.25 million to Red White and Blue Fund (supporting Santorum). This was the biggest foray into political giving by Dore, who has previously cut large checks for Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and the Republican Governors Association. He is estimated to be worth in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Credit: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_KzFkneorU" target="_hplink">YouTube</a>

Jon Stryker (D)

Jon Stryker, an architect and heir to the Stryker Corporation fortune, has contributed $2.25 million to super PACs. Stryker has given $2 million to Priorities USA Action, the super PAC supporting Barack Obama, and $250,000 to House Majority PAC. Stryker is worth $1.1 billion and ranks 375th on the Fortune 400 richest Americans list. He is a noted GLBT activist having donated money to groups including the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. Stryker is also the founder of the Arcus Foundation, the largest grant maker for gay and lesbian activism in the nation. Stryker has spent big in the past to help elect Democrats and oust Republicans from office in his home state of Michigan. (Pictured: President Barack Obama, the candidate supported by Stryker's contribution.)

Julian Robertson (R)

Julian Robertson, the hedge fund titan and founder of Tiger Management, contributed $2.25 million to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) in the current election cycle. Robertson is ranked 166 on the <em>Forbes</em> list of richest Americans, with a net worth of $2.4 billion.

FreedomWorks (R)

FreedomWorks, the conservative nonprofit organization, contributed $2,236,514 to its super PAC, FreedomWorks for America. The group is run by former Rep. Dick Armey and was instrumental in organizing the original Tea Party protests in 2009. The super PAC has been active in Republican Senate primaries backing Richard Mourdock's successful campaign to beat Sen. Dick Lugar in Indiana. The group also also thrown its weight behind Ted Cruz in Texas and Don Stenberg in Nebraska. Stenberg lost his primary to state Sen. Deb Fischer and Cruz faces a run-off election against Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. The group is also spending money to defeat Sen. Orrin Hatch in Utah. FreedomWorks has been spending money to help elect Tea Party Senate candidates like Cruz and Mourdock in the general election.

National Association Of Letter Carriers (D)

The National Association of Letter Carriers' political action committee, the Committee on Letter Carriers Political Education Fund, gave $2,225,919 to super PACs during the 2012 election cycle. The union gave $1,213,919 to the AFL-CIO super PAC, Workers' Voice, $512,000 to House Majority PAC and $500,000 to Majority PAC.

Jon Huntsman Sr. (R)

Jon Huntsman Sr., the billionaire Utah industrialist, contributed $2.22 million to a super PAC supporting the presidential candidacy of his son, Jon Huntsman Jr. Huntsman Sr. has given away much of his fortune in recent years and is estimated to be worth slightly north of $1 billion. Huntsman's contributions to Our Destiny, the super PAC backing his son in the Republican primary contest, came under scrutiny based on the laws banning coordination between super PACs and campaigns.

Irwin Jacobs (D)

Irwin Jacobs, a founder of Qualcomm, has contributed $2.2 million to super PACs. Jacobs is worth $1.15 billion and ranks 372nd on the Forbes list of the 400 richest Americans. Jacobs has given $2 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama) $100,000 to Majority PAC and $100,000 to American Bridge 21st Century.

National Association of Realtors (I)

The National Association of Realtors, the primary trade association for realtors, has contributed $2,110,485 to its own super PAC in the 2012 election cycle. The group has long been a player in congressional elections and has already spent significant amounts to help Rep. Gary Miller (R-Calif.) hold his newly redistricted seat in the 2012 elections.

National Air Traffic Controllers Association (D)

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has given $2,106,597 to super PACs during the 2012 election cycle. The union represents 20,000 controllers, engineers and other professionals involved in air traffic control. The union gave $1.25 million to Priorities USA Action (supporting Barack Obama), $600,000 to Majority PAC, $156,597 to the AFL-CIO Workers' Voice and $100,000 to House Majority PAC.

Warren Stephens, Stephens Investment Holding & Stephens Inc. (R)

Warren Stephens, the head of Stephens, Inc., has contributed $2.05 million to super PACs. Stephens is tied for the position of 130th richest American, according to Forbes. Stephens has given $1.5 million to American Crossroads, $500,000 to Restore Our Future (supporting Romney) and $50,000 to Congressional Leadership Fund. (Pictured: Stephens, right, with President George W. Bush.)

Laborers' International Union (D)

The Laborers' International Union, which represents a half-million construction workers, has given $2.025 million to super PACs. The union gave $1.3 million to House Majority PAC, $650,000 to Majority PAC, $70,000 to Workers' Voice and $5,000 to The American Worker.

Richard Roberts (R)

Richard Roberts, an adviser at Mutual Pharmacy, has given $2.1 million to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. Roberts gave $1 million to Treasure Coast Jobs Coalition, $750,000 to Restore Our Future, the super PAC supporting Mitt Romney, $250,000 to American Crossroads and $10,000 to Patriot Prosperity PAC. (Pictured: Mitt Romney, the candidate supported by Roberts' contribution.)

The Morses, The Villages & Other Companies (R)

H. Gary Morse, his wife, their children, the retirement community they operate, The Villages, and a number of subsidiary companies have combined to contribute $2,003,400 to super PACs in the 2012 election cycle. The Morses and their companies contributed $1,753,400 to Restore Our Future (supporting Mitt Romney), $200,000 to American Crossroads and $50,000 to Freedom PAC (supporting Connie Mack). H. Gary Morse is part of Romney's Florida finance team and has hosted fundraisers for the former Massachusetts governor. The family's super PAC giving has all gone to support Romney's bid. Through September, a series of subsidiary companies controlled by The Villages and H. Gary Morse contributed $1.25 million to Restore Our Future and American Crossroads.

Anne Cox Chambers (D)

Anne Cox Chambers, the owner of the media company Cox Enterprises, has contributed $2 million to Priorities USA Action, the super PAC backing President Barack Obama. Chambers is also the daughter of failed 1920 Democratic presidential nominee James Cox. Chambers is the 26th richest American, according to the Forbes 400 list, with a net worth of $12 billion.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/19/lawrence-lessig-campaign-finance-reform_n_2160628.html

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Obama makes history with Myanmar, Cambodia visits

U.S. President Barack Obama is welcomed by Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen as he arrives at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. Obama will attend the East Asia Summit. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

U.S. President Barack Obama is welcomed by Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen as he arrives at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. Obama will attend the East Asia Summit. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

U.S. President Barack Obama, center, stands with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen, right, and Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung during a family photo session of the East Asia Summit at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at Yangon University in Yangon, Myanmar, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. This is the first visit to Myanmar by a sitting U.S. president. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

U.S. President Barack Obama, right, and Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi walk out together after addressing members of the media at Suu Kyi's residence in Yangon, Myanmar, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. Obama who touched down Monday morning, becoming the first U.S. president to visit the Asian nation also known as Burma, said his historic visit to Myanmar marks the next step in a new chapter between the two countries. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at Yangon University in Yangon, Myanmar, Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. This is the first visit to Myanmar by a sitting U.S. president. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) ? On a history-making trip, President Barack Obama on Monday paid the first visit by an American leader to Myanmar and Cambodia, two Asian countries with troubled histories, one on the mend and the other still a cause of concern.

Obama's fast-paced, pre-Thanksgiving trip vividly illustrated the different paths the regional neighbors are taking to overcome legacies of violence, poverty and repression.

Cheered by massive flag-waving crowds, Obama offered long-isolated Myanmar a "hand of friendship" as it rapidly embraces democratic reforms. Hours later, he arrived in Cambodia to little fanfare, then pointedly criticized the country's strongman leader on the issue of human rights during a tense meeting.

Obama was an early champion of Myanmar's sudden transformation to civilian rule following a half-century of military dictatorship. He's rewarded the country, also known as Burma, with eased economic penalties, increased U.S. investment and now a presidential visit, in part to show other nations the benefits of pursuing similar reforms.

"You're taking a journey that has the potential to inspire so many people," Obama said during a speech at Myanmar's University of Yangon.

The Cambodians are among those Obama is hoping will be motivated. White House officials said he held up Myanmar, a once-pariah state, as a benchmark during his private meeting Monday evening with Prime Minister Hun Sen, the autocratic Cambodian leader who has held power for nearly 30 years. Hun Sen's rivals have sometimes ended up in jail or in exile.

Unlike the arrangement after Obama's meetings with Myanmar's President Thein Sein and democracy leader Aung Sun Suu Kyi, the U.S. and Cambodian leaders did not speak to the press following their one-on-one talks. They did step before cameras briefly before their meeting to greet each other with a brisk handshake and little warmth.

In private, U.S. officials said, Obama pressed Hun Sen to release political prisoners, stop land seizures and hold free and fair elections. Aides acknowledged the meeting was tense, with the Cambodian leader defending his practices, even as he professed to seek a deeper relationship with the U.S.

Ben Rhodes, Obama's deputy national security adviser, said the president told Hun Sen that without reforms, Cambodia's human rights woes would continue to be "an impediment" to that effort.

White House officials emphasized that Obama would not have visited Cambodia had it not been hosting two regional summit meetings the U.S. attends, a rare admonishment of a country on its own soil.

The Cambodian people appeared to answer Obama's cold shoulder in kind. Just a few small clusters of curious Cambodians gathered on the streets to watch his motorcade speed though the streets of Phnom Penh.

A welcome sign did greet Obama upon his arrival ? but it heralded Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, not the American president.

Human rights groups fear that because Obama delivered his condemnation of Hun Sen in private, government censors will keep his words from reaching the Cambodian people. And they worry the prime minister will then use Obama's visit to justify his grip on power and weaken the will of opposition groups.

"If Hun Sen's narrative about this visit is allowed to gel, it will create a perception that the United States and other international actors stand with Hun Sen, and not with the Cambodian people," said John Sifton, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "It will be a tremendous blow to Cambodians who challenge his rule."

Obama's visit to Myanmar was also viewed critically by some international organizations, which saw the trip as a premature reward for a country that still holds political prisoners and has been unable to contain ethic violence.

Aware of that criticism, Obama tempered some of his praise for Myanmar during his six-hour visit. He underscored that the reforms that have taken hold over the past year are "just the first steps on what will be a long journey."

Perhaps the sharpest calls for caution came from Suu Kyi, Myanmar's longtime democracy champion. After meeting with Obama at the home where she spent years under house arrest, she warned that the most difficult part of the transition will be "when we think that success is in sight."

"Then we have to be very careful that we're not lured by the mirage of success," Suu Kyi said, speaking with Obama by her side.

The president, winding down his first foreign trip after winning re-election, had meetings scheduled in Cambodia Tuesday with his counterparts in the East Asia Summit. Obama has added the summit to his annual list of high-priority international meetings as he seeks to expand U.S. influence in the region.

Obama will also meet separately on the sidelines of the summit with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and with Wen, the Chinese premier. It's likely to be Obama's last bilateral meetings with both men.

Yoda dissolved his country's parliament last week, setting the stage for new elections his party is unlikely to win. And China is undergoing its first leadership transition in a decade, with Wen and President Hu Jintao stepping down to clear the way for new leaders in the country's Communist Party.

Obama will return to Washington before dawn Wednesday, in time for the ceremonial pardoning of the Thanksgiving turkey.

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Associated Press writers Jim Kuhnhenn and Grant Peck contributed to this report.

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Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-11-19-Obama/id-c8eb466168dd46b5ab444aafffd7a421

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