A master class in White House gate-crashing

-- Olympia Snowe's "Keep Wavering Republicans on the Democratic side" Foundation -- a State Department employee in Washington.

-- "Action on Smoking and Health (worthy recipient of a donation from the smoker-in-chief)" -- Marcia Lurensky, Washington.

-- "Notre Dame, to help them finally find a decent football coach!" -- Larry Collette, Fort Worth.

There were many hundreds of exceptionally worthwhile charities suggested, especially ones that devote their energies to helping wounded veterans and the poor.

-- Fisher House, "since his decision to extend the war is going to increase demand for their services. They serve family members of soldiers at Walter Reed." -- Brian Scott, Colorado Springs.

-- The USO, "which delivers comfort, morale and recreational services to the United States military" -- Donald Rotunda, Washington.

-- There were multiple entries for charities to feed the poor in this area, such as SOME (So Others Might Eat), the D.C. Central Kitchen and the Capital Area Food Bank.

-- Environmental organizations, what with Obama headed next week to the climate-change conference, also were oft-proposed, including, for this region, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation -- submitted by Terry Parmelee, Washington.

-- Finally, one international conservation group -- the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project (we're talking frogs, here) -- submitted by Valerie Maltese, who works at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs.

Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to all for entering.

Back to school

Two stalled Justice Department nominees are slated to continue their university teaching jobs early next year, according to university course schedules for spring 2010, MainJustice.com reports. The teaching jobs give the two nominees a backup plan in case their confirmations stay stuck in the Senate.

Office of Legal Counsel nominee Dawn Johnsen, chosen Feb. 11, will teach a class at Indiana University's law school this spring. Office of Legal Policy nominee Christopher Schroeder, nominated June 4, will teach two courses for Duke's law school in Washington this spring.

Unclear what effect these commitments would have on any recess appointment.

Flu, away?

Does the King of Pork have swine flu? Let's hope not. Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.) missed some meetings and House votes yesterday, leading to rumors that he had the flu, maybe even H1N1. This could temporarily crimp his legendary generosity. E-mails about this to two of his aides went unanswered.