18 Jun 2012

Religion Vs. Science - The Debate is Over, Scientist Says

By Rick Martin
Scholar Gives 4 Reasons Why Stephen Hawking is Wrong

Large swaths of Americans seem to have drastically different views of how humans came to be, according to a June Gallup poll.

Nearly half of America - 46 percent - agrees with the creationist view that humans are purely the product of God, absent of evolution, within the last 10,000 years. Fifteen percent believe humans evolved independent of God, which is 6 percent more than 30 years ago.

These millions of Americans are pitted on two sides of a conflictwhich has a solution, says engineering physicist Daniel Friedmann, CEO of the aerospace company known for building the space station's robotic arm and author of The Genesis One Code (www.danielfriedmannbooks.com).

"The creation-evolution conflict is a recurring point of contention in the United States, from the presidential election to what should be taught in schools," he says. "American science legend Carl Sagan tried to settle this conflict by calling both camps 'non-overlapping magisteria' - in other words, science and religion each preside as the source of wisdom over separate domains."

Friedmann argues that both wisdoms are two sides of the same coin and can enlighten each other. The reason the debate developed in the first place, he says, is because the discoveries of modern science of an old Earth seemed to conflict with descriptions in the Bible of a young Earth.

"People believed both could not be right," he says. "It had to be one or the other - science or religion."

But they both agree on the timeline for the development of the universe and life on Earth, Friedmann says. He has developed a formula that converts "Bible time" to years as we know them. When applied to calculating the age of the universe and life on Earth, the Bible consistently matches scientific estimates derived from the study of fossil timelines, the solar system and the cosmos.

His formula -- 1,000 X 365 X 7,000 -was derived from references in religious texts and science. The first number is found in Psalms, which says a year for God is 1,000 years for mortals. The second refers to the amount of days in one solar year. The third comes from scriptural study that indicates one creation day in Genesis equals 7,000 God years.

When those numbers are multiplied in human years, each creation day is an epoch of 2.56 billion years, he says. Using the formula, the biblical age of the universe is 13.74 billion years. Scientific estimates put the universe's age at 13.75 billion, plus or minus 0.13 billion, he says.

"I have nothing but respect for scientists like Sagan and Stephen Hawking, but I feel that both were wrong about religion to varying degrees, especially Dr. Hawking," he says. "Last year, Hawking dismissed religion, publicly calling it a 'fairy tale' for people who are afraid of death. I think that is a terriblynaive and misinformed view of what millions of people have believed in for more than a millennium."

These are a few of the reasons Hawking is wrong, Friedmann says:

• The Bible and science agree on what happened and when it happened with respect to the formation of the universe and the appearance of life on Earth.

• The term "creation days" can be shown from biblical sources to be 2.5 billion years. Using this conversion factor, it is clear that the Bible is correct about timelines we have confirmed through science, including the age of the universe.

• If the Bible and science agree on what happened and when it happened, do we really have a conflict? It is time to reexamine and bury the conflict between science and religion.  In fact, Friedmann in his book, shows that religion has answers to science's three biggest questions.

• By continuing this false dichotomy of religion vs. science, we are severely limiting progress and our potential as humans. Nearly 54 percent of the world's population - Christians, Jews and Muslims - assert the truth of biblical scripture. Recognition of a commonality among diverse cultures, while linked to scientific principle, provides a better chance to advance the understanding of our origins.

About Daniel Friedmann

Daniel Friedmann is CEO of MDA, anaerospace company in Canada, which among other things, specializes in robotics used on the international space station. He has a master's in engineering physics and 30 years' experience in the space industry. He has published more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific papers on space industry topics. He is also a longtime student of cosmology and religion.

18 Jun 2012

US Forest Service celebrates 75 years of national grasslands

By L. F. Chambers

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2012 -- The U.S. Forest Service will celebrate National Grasslands Week from June 17-23, showcasing the beauty, history and economic value of these national treasures on the 75th anniversary of the legislation that established them.

America's 20 national grasslands, spanning 12 states and 4 million acres, were created through the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act of 1937, authorizing the federal government to acquire damaged lands for rehabilitation. Thirteen of these national grasslands reside in the Great Plains, where the ravages of the Dust Bowl left the soil bare of vegetation for years. Today, the benefits grasslands provide are valued in the billions of dollars.

"Our national grasslands remain beautiful examples of successful restoration programs," said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "These lands are once again rich habitats brimming with native wildlife, grasses and wildflowers. They are also economic engines, generating jobs and bolstering rural American communities."

The national grasslands offer a wealth of recreation and education opportunities for more than 1 million annual visitors. The grasslands feature some of the world's best bird-watching experiences as well as camping, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, target shooting, off-highway vehicle riding, picnicking and learning activities. Scenic drives offer unique geological features, wildlife and stellar locations for stargazing.

History buffs can visit old cemeteries and homesteads and take guided tours of  Native American petroglyphs. They can also share in the experience of early settlers and their trek on the Santa Fe Trail.

"It took decades to restore the national grasslands from the barren landscapes of the Dust Bowl, to the rich prairie habitats we see today," said Tidwell. "Every American should experience these unique grasslands that are so much a part of our rich natural heritage."

The national grasslands provide tremendous benefits including pollination of native and agricultural plants estimated at $6 billion annually. Livestock grazing and energy ventures including oil, gas, coal and wind also contribute to the economic benefits provided by these lands. They help prevent drought and floods, maintain biodiversity, generate and preserve soils, contribute to climate stability and protect watersheds, streams and river channels.

These lands were managed by the USDA's Soil and Conservation Service, now the Natural Resources Conservation Service, until 1960 when they were transferred to the U.S. Forest Service and designated as national grasslands.

The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Recreational activities on our lands contribute $14.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

18 Jun 2012

Washington Politician Ben Lange Dances When Pressed for Social Security Straight-Talk

By Molly Scherrman

Ben Lange says he's a straight-talker on tough issues, but if you listen to him, all you hear is another Washington politician.  It's obvious Lange learned a few things from his years working in Congress.
Just take his comments on Social Security on Friday.
Social Security ensures Iowa seniors have a secure retirement after working their whole lives.  The program also provides critical benefits to people with disabilities and widows with dependent children.
Workers pay into Social Security and in return get a guaranteed income at retirement age and the peace of mind knowing if they're disabled and can't work, or if they pass away unexpectedly, their families will have a safety net to fall back on.
Bruce Braley is working to protect and preserve Social Security for future generations, but Ben Lange wants to radically alter the program in ways that will endanger its very survival.
During Friday's taping of Iowa Press, Lange reiterated his support for ending Social Security as we know it, telling voters he supports a two-tiered system that replaces Social Security for middle-aged workers and replaces it with retirement accounts that are gambled in the stock market.
Yet, when pressed for details on his Social Security privatization plan, Lange began dancing a Washington two-step worthy of Fred Astaire.  

It must have been awkward with IA-02 GOP nominee John Archer sitting next to him, who had just candidly discussed his own plan to raise the Social Security retirement age and end Social Security completely for some retirees.
Watch for yourself: http://youtu.be/vTuQkqusMIw

Lange is apparently incapable of giving a straight, yes-or-no answer to tough questions about his Social Security plan, but Iowans deserve to know details about his radical ideas.  Will Lange give a straight answer to these questions, or will he keep sounding like a seasoned Washington politician?
  1. Does Ben Lange agree with John Archer that the Social Security retirement age needs to be raised?
  2. How would Ben Lange's plan to privatize Social Security affect Social Security disability benefits and benefits for widows with dependent children?
  3. What's the cutoff age for Social Security benefits under Lange's plan?  How old does Lange think you need to be to continue to receive Social Security benefits as promised?
  4. Does Lange agree with John Archer that Social Security should be a "means-tested" program and should be cut off altogether for some middle class workers?
WHERE THEY STAND: SOCIAL SECURITY

Bruce Braley Ben Lange
Wants to maintain Social Security benefits.

Opposes privatizing Social Security.

Opposes raising the Social Security retirement age.

Supports maintaining Social Security benefits for workers who have paid into the system.
Wants to "change" Social Security.

Supports privatizing Social Security.

Wants to take Social Security funds of some middle age workers and gamble them in the stock market.

We don't know if he supports raising the retirement age.

We don't know if he supports making Social Security means-tested.

# # #
18 Jun 2012

Interview with Working Director, Chuck Smith

By Melissa Parsons

Chuck Smith, Director of Working, the musical

Smith Chuck 2012.jpg

Eleventh Consecutive Season at Timber Lake Playhouse

From: Chicago, IL

College: Governor State University, Chicago

Currently: Twentieth Year as Resident Director at Goodman Theatre in Chicago

Why did you choose to return to TLP each year?

"Mainly it is one of the few places I can relax and enjoy myself and do the type of shows I wouldn't ordinarily do in Chicago. It is a completely relaxed atmosphere for me."

How did you get started in theatre?

"I had just got discharged from the Marine Corp and some guys I met talked me into being in a play. It was Mack Adam and Eve, a comedy, at a small community theatre group in Chicago."

Out of all of the shows you have directed in your life, which ones stick out to you as your favorites?

"The most recent successes normally stick out in your mind so I would have to say Race by David Mamet that I directed at the Goodman this past year. Over my career, another show that always sticks out in my mind is August Wilson's Ma Raney's Black Bottom. It set a box office record in the 70's at the Goodman Theatre and was my first main stage production."

What was your favorite show that you have directed at TLP?

"The Crucible is probably my favorite. It was my second season here. Artistic Director, Brad Lyons, was in the show and it featured performers from the Mount Carroll community. It was the show that really put me in touch with the people in the community here. I got to know them which is why I come back here...it is like a second home to me."

You are currently directing Working. What can you tell us about that show?

"Doing this show, I am saying, 'I would like to introduce you to some people I know, ordinary people in their jobs.' It was originally a book. I saw it on stage when it was presented in Chicago and thought what a big show from a big book. I saw it remounted again recently with only six characters. Immediately after the show I called James Beaudry, TLP's Artistic Director, and said that this show would work at TLP. I had never asked to do a show before but I knew this show would be great here."

You mentioned that you usually don't pick the show that you direct here at TLP. What is that like for you, directing a show you didn't select?

"It is delightful! It really takes the pressure off of me. I don't pick the show or the cast. I like coming in and directing in the second slot of the season. The company members are still fresh and energetic. This is not easy work for anyone and the company still has a lot of energy. I am a new person coming in to direct and they are always excited about that."

Why should people come and see Working?

"It is a good play and everyone will be able to relate to it. Everyone works. Even if you don't work, there is a housewife represented, so no one is left out. You know these people. They are ordinary people that you run into everyday. The musical numbers are quite wonderful, especially with the six talented people that are on stage. It is my eleventh year and I have never had a show go up so fast. It is because the cast is so good and so talented. It has made my job easy. This group is more effective than the show in Chicago...I would put this production against any show with a big priced ticket."

Working, the musical, runs June 21st through 30th. Performances are at 7:30pm, weekdays and there are 2pm matinees on Sundays and Wednesdays. New this season, there is also a Saturday matinee performance on opening weekends at 2pm. Tickets are available through the box office during regular business hours, 11am - 6pm daily, at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or 815-244-2035. Timber Lake Playhouse is located at 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll.

WORKING.jpg

Timber Lake Playhouse, What's Your Story?

This program is partially supported by a grant for the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Production Sponsors are Kunes Country Auto Group and Compliance Signs.

###

18 Jun 2012

Intimate Recordings of Music Legends Donated

By Library of Congress

Joe Smith Donates Recorded Interviews with Music's Who's Who to the Library of Congress

More than 25 years ago, retired music executive Joe Smith accomplished a Herculean feat?he got more than 200 celebrated singers, musicians and industry icons to talk about their lives, music, experiences and contemporaries. The Library of Congress announced today that Smith has donated this treasure trove of unedited sound recordings to the nation's library.

The list of noted artists and executives is a veritable who's who in the music industry.  They include Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Barbra Streisand, Little Richard, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Elton John, Paul Simon, David Bowie, Billy Joel, Sting, Tony Bennett, Joan Baez, James Taylor, Dick Clark, Tina Turner, Tom Jones, B. B. King, Quincy Jones, David Geffen, Mickey Hart, Harry Belafonte and many others.  All types of popular music are represented?from rock 'n' roll, jazz, rhythm & blues and pop to big-band, heavy metal, folk and country-western.

While president of Capitol Records/EMI, Smith recorded 238 hours of interviews over two years, excerpts of which he compiled and presented in his groundbreaking book, "Off the Record," published by Warner Books in 1988.  These candid and unabridged interviews have been digitized by the Library and initially will be accessible in its Capitol Hill reading room.  Some of the recordings also will be streamed on the Library's website (www.loc.gov) later this year.

The Joe Smith Collection is an invaluable addition to the Library's comprehensive collection of recorded sound," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. "These frank and poignant oral histories of many of the nation's musical icons give us unique insights into them as artists, entertainers and human beings.  The world knows these great musicians through their songs, but Joe Smith has provided us an intimate window into their lives through their own words.

"Smith's career in music started in the 1950s at the dawn of the rock 'n' roll era.  Following his graduation from Yale, Smith worked as a sportscaster and later as a disc jockey at WMEX and WBZ in Boston.  He transitioned into record promotions when he moved to Los Angeles in 1960 and rose to legendary status in the industry as president of three major labels?Warner Bros., Elektra/Asylum and Capitol/EMI.  Smith signed such notable artists as the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, Van Morrison, Frank Zappa, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles.

His relationship with the industry's creative community over four decades enabled him to compile a history of popular music by presenting the artists' stories in their own voices.  One critic wrote that "Joe Smith has done what no historian, musician, pop critic or rock writer has been able to do. He's compiled a history of popular music, ranging from the big bands of the '20s to the chart-toppers of today ... a paper jukebox that's chock-full of pop."

A couple of decades following the success of his book, Smith (now 84) envisioned sharing his original unabridged interviews with scholars, researchers and the American public. "In recent years, it dawned on me that, if anything, the significance of recollections from Jerry Lee Lewis, Mick Jagger, Smokey Robinson, Ahmet Ertegun, Herb Alpert, Ruth Brown and all the other notables I was fortunate enough to interview, are truly part of the fabric of our cultural history," said Smith. "I wanted to share this treasure trove with any and all who might be interested. The Library of Congress is, clearly, the venue most appropriate and best equipped to do just that now and into the future.  I hope that generations to come will benefit from hearing the voices of these brilliant artists and industry luminaries recounting their personal histories.  I'm just thrilled that the Library of Congress has agreed to preserve and safeguard these audio artifacts."

As an insider, Smith connected with the artists on a personal level, leading to some interesting revelations.

· Bo Diddley talking about his own death
· Mickey Hart's revealing story about his father
· Steven Tyler's problems with drug addiction
· Peter Frampton's short-lived popularity
· Bob Dylan's surprising assessment of the turbulent '60s
· David Bowie's description of Mick Jagger as conservative
· Paul McCartney's frank admission of professional superiority
· Les Paul's creation of an electric guitar in 1929
· Motown's restrictive work environment
· Herb Jeffries' and Dave Brubeck's recollections of working in a racially segregated society

The recordings in the Joe Smith Collection will be housed in the Library's Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation in Culpeper, Va., a state-of-the-art facility that was made possible through the generosity of David Woodley Packard and the Packard Humanities Institute, with benefaction from the U.S. Congress.  The Library's Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division's collections include nearly 3 million sound recordings.

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution. The Library seeks to spark imagination and creativity and to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge through its magnificent collections, programs and exhibitions. Many of the Library's rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov.


# # #

18 Jun 2012

New Book Showcases Father's Love for his Family

By Rick Martin

Author and father Claude Anthony Gossman calls attention to the importance of family

READLYN, Iowa - A father's love can be powerful. In his new book The Fulfillment of a Dream (published by AuthorHouse) author and father Claude Anthony Gossman tells the story of a father and his love for his family.

When asked about his inspiration for writing The Fulfillment of a Dream, Gossman responded simply, "The ultimate dream of every father is to provide love, security and happiness to his family."

"The world seems to have forgotten about family values," he says. As a reminder of these key qualities, he tells the story of the Tom Stone family.

When they stepped onto the bank of the stream, June breathed in a sigh of relief. She saw Jenny and Cheryl sitting on Sandy's lap as they watched the boys swing out on the swing, drop off into the water in a big splash and swim back to shore for another swing. They would run up on shore and approach the swing on the run, timing their leap just right so that, just as the bag was over the ground, they would leap in the air and catch the bag before it swung away from the bank. The two German shepherds stood on shore and barked excitedly at all of the commotion in the water, but Snooper was in and out of the water as she ran right behind the next boy who ran at the swinging bag. As it swung out, Snooper would leap into the air, following that boy momentarily, disappearing below the surface before she surfaced and paddled over to a nearby swimmer.

The Fulfilment of a Dream is Gossman's call to arms for families to once again come together as one.

About the Author

Claude Anthony Gossman lives in Readlyn, Iowa. He loves to write books as this is his passion. He dedicates this book to his family: Jeff, Jody, Mark, Carrie and most especially to Candi, who gives her full support to this project. Gossman also dedicates his work to his nine grandchildren.
18 Jun 2012

June 21st. 2012: " The Rise and Fall of the Federal Theatre I.S.E by Narveen Aryaputri

By Narveen Aryaputri
The Rise and Fall of the Federal Theatre.
The success of  the Historic Federal Theatre right after the economic collapse in the 1930, its enormous contribution with the employment it created for the actors and artists, the interest generated, the social reinforcement it provided through its thought provoking and 'sheer fun' performances during one of America's most difficult times; and the reasons, according to historic reports, of why it was closed down.
A pre-publication  essay will be read with a general discussion to follow:
by
Narveen Aryaputri, M.A., B.Ed.
Essayist.
Narveen completed her M.A. in English Literature with special emphasis on 19th.  C. American Literature from Meerut University, India in the 1970s. She taught at University level overseas until her immigration to USA. She continued her studies independently, developing into an essayist after her daughter Manisha was at University and later married Justin Snider. They have two children, Nicasio Cole and Zahra Analee.
In the '90s, Narveen completed the restoration of  the Arts and Craft/ Prairie School style building in Moline:  The Moline Commercial Club, 1530 Fifth Ave. as well as completed the restoration of the oldest building in our area and region: the Carpenter Gothic style home known as the Spencer house, in the Historic Broadway district of Rock Island,  which she converted to a Landmark designation. Since then The Spencer  House belongs to  Rock Island Police Sargent Dy Robinson.
Narveen continues to manage the business in the  Moline Commercial Club and its affiliate, The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions,  working with the directors of The Institute; continuing, since 1996, its evenings for the area Independent Scholars, who continue to meet on Thursdays to present their ongoing work to the public.
Narveen is a contributor to the manuscript "Life on The Mississippi - The New Millennium"  a series of essays maintained at The Institute as a history-in-the-making public written forum.
Please attend.  Free and open to the public.
The Moline Commercial Club
1530 Fifth Avenue.  Moline. Illinois.
7.00 p.m
second floor of The Moline Club building . Above the Phoenix Fine Art Gallery.
1530 Fifth Ave. Moline.
light refreshments, wine and beverages are served.
doors open at 6.30
Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by
The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. a 501(c)3 at state and federal level since 1996.

The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd.
18 Jun 2012

Governor Quinn Statement on President Obama's Bold Action on Immigration

By Randy Stalsberg

CHICAGO ­- June 15, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today applauded President Obama for his action to end the deportation of young, law-abiding immigrants and allow them the opportunity to join our democracy:

"Hard-working immigrants who make positive contributions to their communities and our country deserve the chance to succeed. President Obama's action today means that hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants will have the chance to build a brighter future for themselves.

"I fought for and signed the Illinois DREAM Act to ensure that all Illinois children have the opportunity to get a good education. Today's announcement means that immigrants can pursue their education and their careers without fear of being removed from the only home they have ever known."

"President Obama's leadership on this issue will make our nation stronger now and in the future."

 

###


18 Jun 2012

Loebsack to Host Telephone Town Hall

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he will host a Telephone Town Hall meeting on TUESDAY, June 19th at 7pm CDT.  Loebsack will take questions and talk with Iowans about the issues that matter to them.  People interested in participating in the call are urged to visit http://Loebsack.house.gov to sign up.

"Hearing directly from constituents is critical to my job," said Loebsack.  "Please join me for a conversation about the issues that matter most to you and your family."

Congressman Loebsack Hosts Telephone Town Hall

 

Tuesday, June 19th

7pm CDT

To register, visit http://loebsack.house.gov/ and click the Teletown Halls sign up icon on the right hand side of the website.

###
18 Jun 2012

Government-sponsored travel promotion agency raises concerns

By Grassley Press

Friday, June 15, 2012

 

Grassley, Colleagues Seek Answers on Spending, Other Practices

of Government-sponsored Travel Promotion Agency

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is among six senators who are asking for information about troubling spending and practices by a government-sponsored travel promotion agency called Brand USA.   Besides Grassley, signers of a letter to the Commerce Department secretary were Sens. Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina), Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma), Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama), and Mike Lee (Utah).

Brand USA is a government-sponsored travel promotion agency, created to boost tourism in the United States.  It was formerly known as the Corporation for Travel Promotion, which was created by Congress in 2009.

In order to pay for Brand USA's funding, Congress levied a $10 tax on foreign tourists.  To date, $25 million incurred from the tourist tax has been distributed to Brand USA.  Brand USA has come under scrutiny for holding lavish parties in London, subsidizing travel corporations' advertising budgets, a misguided ad campaign, and struggling to meet federal matching funds requirements.

The full text of the letter follows.


June 14, 2012

Via Electronic Transmission

The Honorable John Edgar Bryson                                                    
Secretary
U.S. Department of Commerce                                              
Herbert Clark Hoover Building                                 
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW                                
Washington, DC 20230

Dear Secretary Bryson:

Recent media reports raised serious concerns about the direction and management of the promotional campaign directed by the Corporation for Travel Promotion (Brand USA/Corporation), a public/private entity formed to promote U.S. tourism abroad.  We are concerned about reports of potentially significant waste and misuse of funds at the Corporation.

Congress passed the Travel Promotion Act (Act) in 2010 to "increase international travel to the United States ... thereby creating jobs and stimulating economic growth."  The Act sunsets in 2014 when funding for the Corporation would be provided by industry contribution only.  The Corporation is responsible for spending hundreds of millions of dollars to promote America abroad and must ensure that the highest standards of performance and accountability are met.  Unfortunately, recent reports indicate that the Corporation is allegedly not meeting those high standards.

It is our understanding that in November 2011, the entire Corporation Board traveled to London to attend the World Travel Market, a trade show for the travel industry.  While there, the Board held a meeting in London to discuss marketing strategies and efforts to lobby Congress. Despite the fact that board members traveled all the way to London for the meeting, it was a brief event, beginning at 1:30pm UK time and ended at 3:30pm UK Time.

A related video (https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2210089064112) shows members of the Corporation Board enjoying themselves at a Brand USA Launch party held at the British National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London. The video, also available on the Brand USA website, shows it was a high-end affair held at the Maritime Museum covered in light art projections displaying the Brand USA logo.  Brand USA also provided guests, over 500 VIPs, sushi, champagne and petit fours.

We want to ensure that the Corporation's administrative and financial matters are fully transparent.  It is our understanding that the Corporation awarded a media consultant, JWT of New York City, an initial ninety day contract.  According to a recent GAO report,[1] the Corporation negotiated a subsequent Master Service Agreement with JWT without first going through the bidding process.  Moreover, the Corporation's first substantive annual report, due out on May 15th, has yet to be released to the public even though the Department of Commerce (Department) has been reviewing it for weeks.  For a company spending tens of millions in federal funds it is vital that such this information be made available to the public and Congress immediately.

In an effort to gain a clearer understanding of the operations of the corporation and its oversight by the Department, please provide the following:

1) All documents associated with the production of the Launch Party held at the British National Maritime Museum, including all costs associated with the event, menus, transportation, swag given to guests, invoices from contractors, and museum rental charges.

2) A comprehensive list of all Brand USA employees and Board members who attended the World Travel Market and Brand Launch Party at the British National Maritime Museum in London.

3) The salaries and benefits of the top five most highly compensated individuals employed by the Corporation.

4) An itemized listing of all expenses incurred by the Corporation since its founding current through the date of this letter.

5) An itemization of all cash and in-kind contributions made to the corporation current to the date of this letter.

6) Copies of all in-kind advertising contributions made to the corporation including the claimed value for the contribution by the Corporation.

7) In correspondence  dated December 20, 2011, March 2, 2012, March 15, 2012, and May 1, 2012 from Mr. Scott Quehl  at the Department of Commerce to Ms. Lauren Carrico or Ms. Wanda Fischer at the Department of Treasury, Mr. Quehl states, "the Department of Commerce has reviewed the CTP's request for payment of ... and associated documentation received ..."  Please provide copies of all documentation referenced in those letters.

8) On March 2, 2012 Ms. Laura Carrico at the Department of Treasury received a letter from Mr. Scott Quehl at the Department of Commerce stating "the Department of Commerce has reviewed the CTP's request for payment of $15,718,112 and associated documentation received February 1.   Our review concludes that the CTP has received qualifying amounts from nonfederal sources totaling $2,476,884. The Department of Commerce therefore recommends the transfer of $4,953,768 to the CTP. " Please provide all documentation associated with the review of this request for payment and an explanation of the rationale for the reduction in authorized payments.

9) The number of webpage hits to www.discoveramerica.com identified by country of origin.

10) A detailed and itemized breakdown of all the costs associated with the contract with JWT, including costs associated with retaining talent, the production of videos, and other multimedia items.

11) Copies of print advertisement's placed overseas by Brand USA and a listing of the publications in which the advertisements were placed or location of outdoor advertising placement.

12) For items 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 10 please provide a short justification for the expenses and detail what results you expect from the expenditures and what metrics you will use to measure the success of the expenditures.

Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to these matters. I would appreciate receiving a response by no later than June 27, 2012. Whenever possible please provide documents and materials electronically.  Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our offices.

Sincerely,

Jim DeMint
Tom Coburn
Rand Paul
Jeff Sessions
Mike Lee
Charles Grassley

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