Trying to Revive Talks, Obama Goes Around G.O.P. Leaders  —  WASHINGTON — With Republican leaders in Congress forswearing budget negotiations over new revenues, President Obama has begun reaching around them to Republican lawmakers with a history of willingness to cut bipartisan deals.

Filibuster Overhaul Effort Should Be Revived, Durbin Says  —  Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin signaled Wednesday it may already be time to reopen the debate about the chamber's rules, given Republicans have attempted to or plan to filibuster three presidential appointments in the month …

Calligraphy-Gate  —  The Weekly Standard's Daniel Halper, who yesterday broke the story of a government leader reminding his employees to obey the law, unearths another scandal: the White House employs calligraphers.  And pays them money! … Yes, it sounds a little silly that we're paying people …