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Claiborne Pell, a Rhode Island senator whose achievements brought about lasting change both at home and abroad, died on January 1st, 2009, at the age of 90.

In a statement, Vice President-elect Joe Biden honored Sen. Pell's many accomplishments, noting that, "few Senators have done more to expand opportunity in America."

Pell's domestic efforts led to the establishment of the Pell Grant, a federal higher education subsidy that has defrayed the cost of college tuition for thousands of American students since their establishment in 1973.

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President-elect Barack Obama will meet this morning with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Capitol Hill.

Later this afternoon, Vice President-elect Joe Biden will join a meeting with Democratic and Republican congressional leadership, including Senate Majority Leader Reid and Speaker Pelosi, as well as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin, Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, House Minority Leader John Boehner, House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn. and House Minority Whip Eric Cantor.

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But "Happy-Go-Lucky," Mike Leigh’s tale of a die-hard optimist whose worldview is put to the test, came away with four of the 10 awards for 2008 films. It won best director and best screenplay for Leigh, best actress for Sally Hawkins and best supporting actor for Eddie Marsan.

The critics’ group also named Sean Penn as best actor for his performance in the biopic "Milk," about pioneering gay politician Harvey Milk.

Hanna Schygulla won best su ...

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