Tag Archives: Senate

Congress: the Republican-led House tries to force their Family Values Platform on Americans -no right 2choose&affordable hc at risk – the Senate confirms Pres O’s nominees 3yrs later &Joint mtg with Pres/Republic Of Korea


the Senate Convened at 10:00amET October 13, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until
    12:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with
    the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their
    designees with the Republicans controlling the first 30 minutes and the Majority
    controlling the second 30 minutes.
  • At 12:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the
    following nominations:

  • There will be up to 2 hours of debate on the nominations equally divided and
    controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.  Upon the use
    or yielding back of time (approximately 2:00pm), the Senate will vote on
    confirmation of the nominations.  Two roll call votes are expected; the third
    nomination is expected to be confirmed by consent.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 2:00pm), the Senate proceed to vote on confirmation of the nominations. The Forrest nomination is expected to be confirmed by voice vote. Therefore, 2 roll call votes are expected at approximately 2:00pm on confirmation of the Nathan and Hickey nominations.

  • At 4:00 p.m., His Excellency Lee Myung-bak, the President of the Republic of
    Korea, will address a Joint Meeting of Congress from the Hall of the House of
    Representatives in the U.S. Capitol. Senators should begin to gather in the
    Senate Chamber at 3:30 p.m. to depart at 3:40 p.m. for the procession to the
    Hall of the House.
  • The Senate has confirmed Executive Calendar #287, Sung Y. Kim to be
    Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to
    the Republic of Korea by unanimous consent.
  • Also by unanimous consent, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader,
    in consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate will proceed to Executive
    Session to consider Executive Calendar #78, Heather Higginbottom to be Deputy
    Director of the Office of Management and Budget with four hours for debate
    equally divided in the usual form.  Upon the use or yielding back of time, the
    Senate will proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on confirmation
    of the Higginbottom nomination.

VOTES

2:00pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of
Alison Nathan, of New York, to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District
of New York; Confirmed: 48-44

2:25pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of
Susan Owen Hickey, of Arkansas, to be U.S. District Judge for the Western
District of Arkansas. Confirmed: 83-8

LEGISLATIVE
ITEMS

Adopted S.Con.Res.31, Directing the Secretary of the Senate to make a
correction in the enrollment of S.1280.

Adopted S.Res.293, celebrating the 10-year commemoration of the Underground
Railroad Memorial, comprised of the Gateway to Freedom Monument in Detroit,
Michigan and the Tower of Freedom Monument in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

EXECUTIVE
ITEMS

Confirmed Calendar #253, Katherine B. Forrest, of NY, to be US District Judge
for the Southern District of New York by voice vote

Confirmed #287 Sung Y. Kim – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Korea

—————–

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF OCTOBER 13,

2011 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on October 14, 2011.9:59:29 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.9:59:11 P.M. -Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.7:59:52 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:56:37 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:55:35 P.M. -H.R. 2250Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:55:35 P.M. -H.R. 2250On passage Passed by recorded vote: 275 – 142 (Roll no. 791).7:48:27 P.M. -H.R. 2250On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 170 – 246 (Roll no. 790).7:32:01 P.M. -H.R. 2250The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.7:22:05 P.M. -H.R. 2250DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Castor motion to recommit. The instructions in the motion seek to report the same back to the House with an amendment to require the EPA Administrator not delay action to reduce air pollution from waste incinerators that are within 5 miles of any nursing home, assisted living facility or hospital. The amendment also states that any facility that will have regulation of its air pollutant emissions delayed is required to notify affected communities no later than 90 days after the date of enactment.7:20:43 P.M. -H.R. 2250Ms. Castor (FL) moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.7:19:06 P.M. -H.R. 2250Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2250 — “To provide additional time for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue achievable standards for industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers, process heaters, and incinerators, and for other purposes.”7:18:51 P.M. -H.R. 358Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:18:50 P.M. -H.R. 358On passage Passed by recorded vote: 251 – 172 (Roll no. 789).7:12:12 P.M. -H.R. 358On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 173 – 249 (Roll no. 788).6:47:55 P.M. -H.R. 358The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.6:40:17 P.M. -H.R. 358DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Capps motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions in the motion seek to report the same to the House with an amendment to add language stating that no hospital or health care provider can be exempted from any Federal or State law that requires them to provide any medical examination, treatment, referral, or transfer to prevent the death of a pregnant woman with an emergency medical condition.6:39:54 P.M. -H.R. 358Mrs. Capps moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.6:39:31 P.M. -H.R. 358The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.5:20:54 P.M. -H.R. 358DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 358.5:20:15 P.M. -H.R. 358Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 358 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Energy and Commerce now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted.5:20:10 P.M. -H.R. 358Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 430. H.R. 358 — “To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to modify special rules relating to coverage of abortion services under such Act.”5:19:50 P.M. -PRINTING OF PROCEEDINGS IN RECORD – Mr. Pitts asked unanimous consent that the proceedings had during the recess be printed in the Congressional Record of today. Agreed to without objection.5:19:40 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 13.4:53:59 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.4:53:34 P.M. -JOINT MEETING DISSOLVED – The Speaker announced that the Joint Meeting was dissolved. The House remains in recess subject to the call of the Chair.3:49:33 P.M. -JOINT MEETING – The House has reconvened in Joint Meeting with the Senate to receive an address by His Excellency Lee Myung-bak, President of Republic of Korea.3:48:00 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 13.2:27:32 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess The House will reconvene in Joint Meeting with the Senate for the purpose of receiving His Excellency Lee Myung-bak, President of the Republic of Korea. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.2:26:50 P.M. -H.R. 2250POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of Rule 19, further proceedings on H.R. 2250 were postponed.2:25:38 P.M. -H.R. 2250The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.2:25:24 P.M. -H.R. 2250The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2250.2:25:00 P.M. -H.R. 2250On agreeing to the Energy and Commerce amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.2:25:00 P.M. -H.R. 2250Amendment in the nature of a substitute reported by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.2:24:23 P.M. -H.R. 2250On agreeing to the Cohen amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 174 – 250 (Roll no. 787).2:07:59 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the adoption of an amendment which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.2:07:19 P.M. -H.R. 2250The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.2:07:08 P.M. -H.R. 2250Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2250 — “To provide additional time for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue achievable standards for industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers, process heaters, and incinerators, and for other purposes.”2:06:20 P.M. -H. Res. 430Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:06:18 P.M. -H. Res. 430On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 248 – 173 (Roll no. 786).1:43:01 P.M. -H. Res. 430The previous question was ordered without objection.12:24:59 P.M. -H. Res. 430DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 430.12:24:58 P.M. -H. Res. 430Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 430 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 358) to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to modify special rules relating to coverage of abortion services under such Act.”12:23:12 P.M. -H. Res. 430On motion to consider the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.12:22:09 P.M. -H. Res. 430At the conclusion of debate on the Moore point of order, the Chair put the question on consideration of the resolution.12:01:48 P.M. -H. Res. 430POINT OF ORDER AGAINST CONSIDERATION – Ms. Moore stated that the provisions of H. Res. 430 violate section 426(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 by imposing an unfunded mandate and made a point of order against consideration of the resolution. Subsequently, the Chair noted that the required threshold of identifying the specific language in question had been met, and the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the question of consideration. At the conclusion of debate on the question of consideration, the Chair will put the question to wit: Will the House now consider the resolution?12:00:48 P.M. -H. Res. 430By direction of the Committee on Rules, Ms. Foxx called up the resolution, H. Res. 430, and asked for its immediate consideration.11:33:47 A.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.11:33:37 A.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on October 13, 2011 at 9:20 a.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 3078, H.R. 3079, and H.R. 3080.11:32:21 A.M. -The Speaker recognized Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan for one minute for the purpose of introducing the guest Chaplain.11:31:39 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Hochul to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.11:31:34 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.11:31:23 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Jesse Reyes, San Jose Catholic Church, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.11:30:17 A.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 13.10:44:00 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. today.9:30:42 A.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 11:30 a.m. for the start of legislative business.9:30:27 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Steven M. Palazzo to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.9:30:14 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

the 27th amendment


 

What is the 27th Amendment:

“No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.” –

See more at: http://constitution.laws.com/27th-amendment#sthash.XQKBlcAs.dpuf

Date Proposed:

The 27th Amendment was first proposed on September 25th, 1789

Date Passed:

The 27th Amendment was passed May 7th, 1992

President of the United States Bill Clinton was the President of the United States during the ratification of the 27th Amendment

Stipulations of the 27th Amendment The 27th

Amendment is the most recent constitutional amendment passed; as of 2011, there have been 27 Constitutional Amendments passed with regard to the Constitution of the United States of America

The 27th Amendment addresses the salary rate of members of Congress, which is comprised of a bicameral legislature – the Senate and the House of Representatives The 27th Amendment stipulates that members of the Congress are not permitted to adjust their respective wage earnings in the middle of a term; in the event of a proposed wage adjustment, members of Congress must address any or all concerns with regard to wage adjustment prior to the starting of a new Congressional term

27th Amendment Facts

The 27th Amendment has never been cited within a Supreme Court Hearing The 27th Amendment addresses the adjustment of costs of living with regard to inflation The 27th Amendment is considered to be the Constitutional Amendment with the longest duration of time between the initial proposal and subsequent ratification; the 22nd Amendment is considered to maintain the second-longest duration of 4 years between proposal and passing

States Ratifying the 27th Amendment

1. Alabama 2. Alaska 3. Arizona 4. Arkansas 5. California 6. Colorado 7. Connecticut 8. Delaware 9. Florida 10. Georgia 11. Hawaii 12. Idaho 13. Illinois 14. Indiana 15. Iowa 16. Kansas 17. Kentucky 18. Louisiana 19. Maine 20. Maryland 21. Michigan 22. Minnesota 23. Missouri 24. Montana 25. Nevada 26. New Hampshire 27. New Jersey 28. New Mexico 29. North Carolina 30. North Dakota 31. Ohio 32. Oklahoma 33. Oregon 34. Rhode Island 35. South Carolina 36. South Dakota 37. Tennessee 38. Texas 39. Utah 40. Vermont 41. Virginia 42. Washington 43. West Virginia 44. Wisconsin 45. Wyoming

States Not Participatory in the Ratification of the 27th Amendment

1. Massachusetts 2. Mississippi 3. Nebraska 4. New York 5. Pennsylvania – See more at: http://constitution.laws.com/27th-amendment#sthash.XQKBlcAs.dpuf

Congress: the Republican led House conduct a study for alternative ways to commemorate/interpret role of Buffalo Soldiers/debate&vote on Giffords bill HR3801 – the Senate back 1/26


The Senate Convenes at  9:30amET January 26, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will begin consideration of the motion to proceed to Calendar #294, H.J.Res.98, a joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the President’s exercise of authority to increase the debt limit with the time until 12:00pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • At 12:00pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to H.J.Res.98 (majority threshold).

**************************************************************

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 25, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on January 27, 2012.12:11:15 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.12:11:00 P.M. -Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.11:10:36 A.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.11:01:41 A.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.11:00:19 A.M. -The House received a communication from Representative Giffords wherein she notified the House that she had submitted a letter to the Governor of Arizona detailing her intention to resign as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives effective at the end of January 25, 2012.11:00:16 A.M. -H.R. 3581Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent that the Committee on The Budget have until 3:00 p.m. on Jan. 30 to file a report on H.R. 3581. Agreed to without objection.11:00:15 A.M. -H.R. 3578Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent that the Committee on The Budget have until 3:00 p.m. on Jan. 30 to file a report on H.R. 3578. Agreed to without objection.11:00:00 A.M. -H.R. 3582Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent that the Committee on The Budget have until 3:00 p.m. on Jan. 30 to file a report on H.R. 3582. Agreed to without objection.10:59:01 A.M. -Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, January 27, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.10:59:00 A.M. -Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 27, 2012. Agreed to without objection.10:55:10 A.M. -United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission – Pursuant to Section 1238(b)(3) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (22 U.S.C. 7002), as amended, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Daniel M. Slane, Ohio, for a term to expire December 31, 2013 .10:54:39 A.M. -H.R. 3801Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.10:54:38 A.M. -H.R. 3801On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 408 – 0 (Roll no. 11).10:47:00 A.M. -H.R. 3801Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3801 — “To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to clarify the definition of aircraft and the offenses penalized under the aviation smuggling provisions under that Act, and for other purposes.”10:17:01 A.M. -H.R. 1022Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.10:17:00 A.M. -H.R. 1022On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 338 – 70 (Roll no. 10).9:45:50 A.M. -H.R. 1022Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1022 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of alternatives for commemorating and interpreting the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in the early years of the National Parks, and for other purposes.”9:44:55 A.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 25.9:38:41 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess for a period of less than 15 minutes.9:38:24 A.M. -H.R. 3801At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.9:16:31 A.M. -H.R. 3801DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3801.9:16:29 A.M. -H.R. 3801Considered under suspension of the rules.9:16:18 A.M. -H.R. 3801Mr. Reichert moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3801 — “To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to clarify the definition of aircraft and the offenses penalized under the aviation smuggling provisions under that Act, and for other purposes.”9:15:41 A.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.9:02:43 A.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.9:02:28 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Cicilline to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.9:02:25 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.9:01:21 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.9:00:50 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Jason Chaffetz to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.9:00:35 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Fashion tips … Handbags


7 Tricks to Ensure Your Handbags Will Last for Years

By Allyson Payer

We’re more willing to splurge on a beautiful designer handbag than on any other wardrobe component, justifying our purchase by saying, “Well, this’ll last me for years,” which brings us to today’s subject: learning how to preserve and properly care for these investment items. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your precious satchels are kept in mint condition for years to come.

Scroll down to see our tips, and to shop gorgeous investment bags that you’ll want to protect!

1. Protect The Material:7 Tricks to Ensure Your Handbags Will Last for YearsThe Blonde Salad

Want to shield your new bag from spills and dirt before they happen? Scotchgard Fabric will do the trick for fabric panels, while Scotchgard Suede and Nubuck is a great water and oil repellant for suede. Both Collonil and Chamberlain’s make great leather-protecting products. Apply product with a clean white cotton cloth, followed by a dry cotton cloth to buff. Use products regularly on heavily used bags. With any products, test a small patch on the bag to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration.

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Collonil Leather Gel

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Chamberlain’s Leather Milk

2. Store Them Properly:

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Le 21eme

Do your bags get tossed onto a haphazard heap at the bottom of your closet? They’ll last longer if stored the right way, ideally in an upright position in their dust bags or a cotton pillowcase. Never store them in plastic or vinyl, which traps moisture inside. Stuff your bags with scarves, sweaters, or acid-free tissue paper, or use a handbag insert made for this purpose. Cross the handles over each other to avoid wear on the bag and unclip any removable straps for long-term storage.

Related: The ONE Mistake Every Handbag Owner Makes

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The Container Store Quilted Handbag Shapers

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The Container Store Linen Handbag Storage Bin

3. Remove Stains the Right Way:

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Athens Streetstyle

The first step is to know what type of stain you’re dealing with, as that will dictate the removal method. See specific techniques below!

Food stains: Crush white chalk and let it sit on the stain overnight. Brush off with a clean cloth in the morning.

Oil stains: Put cornstarch on the stain immediately, rubbing it in to create heat from friction, which will help the oil absorb. Brush the powder off with a clean cloth after you’ve rubbed it in—don’t let it sit on the stain.

Ink stains: If the stain is fresh, use a white eraser to immediately erase the spot, without applying too much pressure so that the color doesn’t come off. If the ink is already set, you’ll need a professional (see tip #7). An eraser also works for dirt stains.

Water stains: Blot water stains, let them dry naturally, and bring your bag to a professional for removal.

Odor removal: Keep a plastic bag filled with baking soda inside your handbag. Zip the handbag or place it in a larger bag that seals if it doesn’t zip. Keep the baking soda in the bag for one or two days to absorb the odor. Another option? Place a couple of dryer sheets in the bag for a few days.

Related: Heavy Purse? 5 Smart Ways to Lighten Your Load

4. Protect the Lining: 

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A Love is Blind

Use pouches to store cosmetics and liquids, which will protect the handbag lining from spills and keep you organized to boot. Avoid click pens at all cost, opting for pens with caps instead. Better yet, put those in your pouch too, in case of dreaded ink leaks.

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Comme des Garçons Star Embossed Small Pouch

5. Keep Metal Hardware Shiny:

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A Love is Blind

Do your best to keep away jewelry and zippers that could scratch your bag’s metal hardware. A go-to household item, Mr. Clean’s Magic Erasers, do a great job of cleaning up tarnished and grimy hardware.

Related: 14 Items Every Woman Should Have In Her Purse

6. Practice Routine Maintenance: 

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Athens Streetstyle

Here are a few best practices when it comes to daily handbag maintenance:

1. Avoid handling your bag if your hands are dirty or have lotion or cream on them.
2. Keep your bag out of direct sunlight.
3. Rotate which handbag you carry regularly so that they don’t wear out too quickly.
4. Use a suede brush to clean and revive suede.
5. Regular use of a leather moisturizer will keep the leather supple and free of cracks.
6. Wipe your bag down on a weekly basis (when in use) with a soft cloth.

7. Take It to a Professional:

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A Love is Blind

For stains and wear and tear beyond your handbag maintenance skill set, take it to a handbag repair professional. Most shoe repair professionals also work on handbags. They’ll treat it for you, clean it, and restore color as needed. If your bag doesn’t have metal feet on the bottom, it’s wise to have those installed, as they’ll protect it from scratches and dirt.

Related: Your Ultimate Guide to Fall’s Must-Have It-Bags

Shop Investment Handbags:

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A.P.C. Edith Leather Shoulder Bag

A structured black bag will take you from day to night. Bonus points for sleek gold hardware.

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Chloe Large Drew Grained Leather Shoulder Bag

All the cool girls are wearing this It-bag with a cool yet classic vibe.

Related: Is THIS The New It-Bag for Fall?

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M2Malletier Memento Mori Bag

This slightly larger version of M2Malletier’s popular clutch style is perfect for everyday wear.

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Building Block Bucket Bag

Buttery forest green leather and oversized tassels join forces to create a perfectly quirky bucket bag for fall.

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Mark Cross Laura Leather Shoulder Bag

Boxy shapes are in for fall, so tap into the trend with this structured Mark Cross version.

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Rag & Bone Haircalf Bradbury Small Flap Hobo

This leopard calf-hair bag makes a subtle statement and gives a luxe feel to any outfit.

Gun Violence Prevention 101 – posted in 2013, it is still relevant


By ThinkProgress War Room 2013

The President’s Sensible Gun Violence Prevention Proposal

The president and vice president today announced a sweeping agenda to stem the epidemic of gun violence that exists in our country. You can find the full text of the plan HERE, but ThinkProgress’ Annie-Rose Strasser breaks down everything you need to know about the president’s plan:

1. Making background checks universal. Obama wants every single gun owner to go through a proper background check, so it can be determined whether they have a criminal history or diagnosed mental illness. He wants Congress to close the gun show loophole that allows people at gun shows, and private buyers of used weapons, to avoid getting checked. He will also, through executive action, urge private sellers to conduct background checks, even if they aren’t mandatory.

2. Improving state reporting of criminals and the mentally ill. While all states are required to report to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) people who should not have access to guns, some states are sluggish about putting the data into the system. Obama will put more money into the hands of the states so that they can improve their reporting systems, and issue stronger guidelines to let states know when they should report people. Obama will also, through Presidential Memorandum, work to make sure agencies are regularly entering data into NICS.

3. Banning assault weapons. This is likely the most difficult battle Obama will undertake. He wants to reinstate the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban, which outlaws military-grade weapons, like the AR-15 used by Newtown gunman Adam Lanza and by Aurora Theater gunman James Holmes. Obama wants Congress to pass the ban, and close some of the loopholes identified in its 1994 iteration.

4. Capping magazine clip capacity at 10 bullets. A military-grade weapon is dangerous, but so are its accessories: Obama proposes banning all extended magazine clips that hold over 10 bullets. Huge magazine clips allow a gunman to fire off hundreds of rounds without having to stop, even once, to reload. The high-capacity magazine ban was also part of the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban.

5. Purging armor-piercing bullets. The sale of armor piercing ammunition has been banned for quite some time, but is still legal to posess such bullets. Obama is calling on Congress to outlaw ownership and transfer of these bullets, instead of just the sale. Those who oppose any gun laws try to spin a ban on armor piercing bullets as a ban on deer hunting ammunition, but such ammo has the ability to penetrate bullet-proof vests, and is more colloquially known as “cop killer bullets.”

6. Funding police officers. Obama wants Congress to reverse its course of austerity for public employees by approving $4 billion to fund police enforcement around the country.

7. Strengthening gun tracking. In order to track weapons that are used for crimes, Obama will issue a memorandum mandating that all agencies trace back firearms. This means that any agency in the country must trace guns used in crimes back to their original owners, as a way to help collect data on where criminal weapons are coming from. Obama will also ask Congress to allow law enforcement to do background checks on guns seized during investigations.

8. Supporting research on gun violence. Obama hopes to be able to gather more information on gun violence and misuse of firearms, and use that data to inform the work of law enforcement. He also wants to restart research, which has been long blocked by the National Rifle Association, on how video games, the media, and violence affect violent gun crimes. The Centers for Disease Control will immediately begin these efforts, but Obama also is calling on Congress to add $10 million to the pot of funding for such research.

9. Encouraging mental health providers to get involved. In order to make sure that those with homicidal thoughts are unable to access the weapons with which to kill, Obama seeks to encourage mental health professionals to alert authorities to such people. He will clarify that doing so is not in violation of patient privacy laws. He also wants to dispel the idea that Obamacare prevents doctors from talking to patients about guns.

10. Promoting safe gun ownership. The administration will start a “responsible gun ownership” campaign to encourage gun owners to lock up their firearms. He will also work with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to make sure safes and gun locks on the market are effective. He’s also calling on the justice department to help him come up with new gun safety technology.

11. Funding school counseling. Obama is calling on Congress to fund the positions of 1,000 news school counselors. The funding will come both through the already-existent COPS Hiring Grant, and through a new Comprehensive School Safety program that Congress will need to sign off on. The latter would put #150 million into funding for new counselors and social workers in schools.

12. Encouraging safe, anti-bullying school environments. Over 8,000 schools could receive new funding — $50 million — under Obama’s plan to encourage safer school environments. Obama wants to help at-risk students by creating a “school climate survey” that will collect data on what services students need, and to remedy any problems by putting professionals into schools. The administration will also issue guidelines on school discipline policies.

13. Recognizing the mental health needs of low-income Americans. Medicaid recipients already qualify for some mental health services, but Obama would like to expand that service so that low-income Americans have the same access to professional help as those who have money to pay for it on their own. Obama will issue a directive to heads of state health programs, enforcing “mental health parity” — the idea that mental health should be treated as a priority as important as physical health.

In the coming days and weeks, the president, vice president, and cabinet will take their case outside of the Beltway in order to truly engage the American people in the vital debate.

BOTTOM LINE: Now is the time for Congress to pass common-sense legislation that protects our families from needless gun violence. We are not talking about radical measures but common-sense solutions supported by a majority of the American people, as well as NRA members and gun owners.

Things that happened in 2013 and still cannot be explained ~ insane!

Meet the Republicans who want to impeach Obama over gun safety regulations.

NRA releases “repugnant and cowardly” ad invoking the president’s children.

Rick Perry’s solution to gun violence: pray.

Whole Foods CEO: Obamacare is like “fascism.”

Conservatives and GOP elected officials call for GOP to back off debt limit hostage-taking.

Terrorists linked to Al-Qaeda take Americans hostage in Algeria.

States shower millions in tax breaks on gunmakers