Public Campaign Action Fund just released a report on total influence spending by the big oil, coal, and electricity interests for the first half of this year. The report shows that from January 1 to June 30 these companies have put down nearly half a billion dollars on trying to influence members of Congress, officials in Washington, and, through advertising, you. The total amount, viewed above, consists of campaign contributions, lobbying expenses, paid advertising and media, and contributions to 527s and other organizations doing political work.

Check out the report. It's an excellent examination of how industries use various channels to gain trust and influence.

You're going to Denver for the Democratic convention and you think to yourself, "What will I need to survive this week?"

Think no further, you've probably been alerted in your e-mail by the American Coaltion for Clean Coal Energy that they have a "Convention Survival Kit" waiting for you. According to ACCCE, the kit contains: a travel pillow, snack bar, breath mints, collapsable water bottle, luggage tag, and much more! But wait, what's the most important thing you'll need to survive convention week:

"The most important item you'll find in your kit is our contact information during the convention. We'd love to speak with you about the benefits of coal-based electricity to a sound energy platform."

Awesome. When you're waiting in line for Obama's Invesco acceptance speech you can call up a lobbyist and talk about coal-based electricity.

(Of course, the convention is packed with elected officials from across the country. They're easier to strike when herded into one place.)