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H.R.3590 - Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act became Public Law No: 111-148 on March 23. See summary at: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3590/show

Much to my chagrin, it turns out the Schoolhouse Rock "I'm Just a Bill" cartoon and ditty from 1975 doesn't fully capture the complexity of the federal lawmaking process. In this column, I analyze contentions that the so-called "Deem and Pass" procedure (also named the "Slaughter Solution" after Rep. Louise Slaughter (D. N.Y)) violates the Constitution's procedures for making law. As readers will likely know, the House of Representatives considered using “Deem and Pass” in March 21's health care vote, but did not end up invoking the device. Read legal commentary by Vikram David Amar at: http://writ.news.findlaw.com/amar/20100326.html

Communication and influence
actors being "crusty yet benign" or grouchy for humorous effect
actors showing tension or edgy bantering between characters
judges in contests making cutting, sarcastic or rude comments
guests on talk shows entertaining by being funny, educated, or controversial
hosts on talk shows gaining fans with humor, controversy. name-calling, threats, or calls to action
newscasters showing excitement when recounting tragedies
interviewers leading people to a predetermined answer
pollsters asking slanted questions, restricting questions to those who share their views or asking too few people to constitute a valid survey
social networks and blogs inviting readers to go to a certain place at a certain time and do something that makes a statement--or simply because they can come together as a large group (sometimes called flash mobs)

Q: What does "Ohio" mean?
A : It's from an Iroquois word meaning "great river." Ohio Historical Society
Q: What makes a city, town and village what they are? Is it based on population?
A: In Ohio, a city is an incorporated place with more than 5,000 people and a village is one with less than 5,000 people. Cities that fall below 5,000 people become villages, and villages that grow beyond 5,000 people become cities. Ohio does not have "towns." But its townships are areas of any size where citizens have chosen not to incorporate.
Ohio Municipal League
Q: Is it true that at least one in five miles of interstate highway is straight so airplanes can land in emergencies?
A : No. This is a myth with no basis in law, regulation, design manual, or in fact. Airplanes occasionally land on interstates when no emergency alternative is available, but they are not designed for that purpose. Federal Highway Administration
http://www.thecourier.com/Opinion/columns/2010/Mar/JU/ar_JU_032910.asp?d=032910,2010,Mar,29&c=c_13

Baklava, of Turkish origin, is a sweet dessert of thin pastry sheets, butter and pistachios. Recipe at:
http://www.turkishcookbook.com/2006/10/turkish-baklava.php

Pahlava, of Armenian origin, is a sweet cake with walnuts.
1 c. farina or Cream of Wheat
1 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
3 eggs
1/4 pound butter
1 tsp. vanilla
12 walnuts
Karo syrup
Mix dry ingredients, Beat three eggs and add vanilla. Add melted butter to eggs and vanilla. Mix everything together. Add chopped nuts. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Pour syrup over. recipe courtesy of Armena Bagramian