The Barack & Bill Dance

There has been an interesting dance going on between Barack Obama and both Bill and Hillary Clinton. Hillary has publicly warmed to Obama, supporting his bid for President by campaigning and urging her supporters to jump on the Obama bandwagon. She has appeared with him, laughing, hugging and joining hands to cement that image that she has become a team player.

For Bill Clinton, things are still pretty frosty and it will likely take a bit more effort to warm him up. Still stinging by the criticisms Barack Obama made during the primary which seemed to question Bill's accomplishments as President as well as accusations that he engaged in race baiting, Bill seems very reluctant to hoop and holler at the next Obama rally.

I can only imagine how Bill Clinton must be seething. Like most former presidents, the slogan is, "It's all about the legacy, stupid!" To listen to his reputation tarnished by this young upstart must be galling indeed, despite Obama's post primary effort to make amends. Even Obama's slogans were once the domain of Bill Clinton. Before Obama marketed himself as the Change Agent, Bill Clinton had been viewed as the young, bright Democrat that was all about change. Remember, "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow...?" Before Obama penned, The Audacity of Hope, Clinton was the Man From Hope.

Political pundit, Dick Morris, has recently opined another explanation for Bill Clinton's cool attitude. Money. Hillary's personal financial investment in her presidential campaign reached somewhere between 14 and 20 million. Though the Clintons are outrageously wealthy, that kind of chunk is hard to recoup. According to Morris, Hillary is doing everything necessary to make sure she has not alienated Obama supporters in New York and possibly jeopardizing her Senate Seat. Bill, on the other hand, is minding the checkbook. It will take more that the $2,300 Barack contributed to Hillary's campaign debt, for Bill to stop playing coy.

Twenty million in debt? I am no political campaign manager but I think there must have been some ways the Clinton campaign could have cut a few corners. Obviously they never heard of VistaPrint, where I have ordered business cards and all kind of printed materials for years at great savings. Twenty million could have purchased a lot of car and custom magnets, as well as brochures and mailers.

It will be interesting to see how this dance continues by the time of the Democratic convention. Obama may well decide he doesn't need to haul Bill onto the dance floor, but may leave him to sulk.

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High Gas Prices Prompt Both Prostitution And Prayer

Paying over $4.00 a gallon for gas prompts some mixed reactions across the country. In Kentucky a woman was recently arrested for prostitution at a Day's Inn Motel, allegedly accepting a $100.00 Speedway fuel card as payment for sex. As a local prosecutor noted, it is sad to see someone selling their body for gas. In this case about 25 gallons worth.

At the other end of the spectrum there is the Pray At The Pump Movement, founded by Rocky Twyman, who has been holding prayer vigils at gas stations across the country. On Monday, Twyman took his movement from Shell and Exxon stations all the way to the steps of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, D.C., appealing to the oil-rich country to raise the amount of barrels they release each day from 200,000 to 1.2 million.

Twyman, a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church spent the afternoon outside of the embassy praying and asking passersby to sign a petition for the release of more oil, which he hopes to deliver to the Saudi oil minister.


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Conventions & Trade Shows & Promotions... Oh, My

I know we are just now entering the middle of summer but already people are gearing up for the Fall Conventions. No, not just the Democratic and Republican Conventions. Many will be heading to a variety of different conventions for their company or business. No sooner are the kiddies back in school than mom or dad are headed off to a trade show.

I used to work for a publisher and I well remember the amount of planning and preparation it took to put together attractive displays that would catch people's eye. If you find yourself in need of a little creative help for your trade show display you will want to investigate the products of the Godfrey Group. They offer a variety of custom trade show displays, from full-scale booths and exhibits to portable pop ups and accessories. Check them out.

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On This Day In History...June 2nd

On this day in history, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act in a televised ceremony from the White House.

The most sweeping civil rights legislation passed by Congress since the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, the Civil Rights Act prohibited racial discrimination in employment and education and outlawed racial segregation in public places such as schools, buses, parks and swimming pools. In addition, the bill laid important groundwork for a number of other pieces of legislation--including the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which set strict rules for protecting the right of African Americans to vote--that have since been used to enforce equal rights for women as well as all minorities.

Despite one's current political affiliation or choice for this year's election, all Americans should be proud that we have reached a point where an African American has a real chance at becoming President of the United States. I think we actually reached that point a long time ago. Had Collin Powell held such aspirations, I believe he could have run for office and won the White House in 1996.

As we reflect on this day let us pray that God will continue to open our eyes to injustice in our midst and look for new opportunities to display the love of Christ.

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Blogging And The Democratization Of Politics

On a television talk show recently, a political pundit and Barack Obama supporter lamented the spewing of lies he thought was taking place regarding Obama. The conservative panelist responded to a particular example with, "I haven't heard anyone saying that! Who is saying that?"

The Obama supporter retorted, "It's everywhere!" The conservative panelist pressed, "Who?" I believe her questioning related to the fact that no one from the McCain campaign or officials from the Republican party had made these particular statements.

The Obama supporter repeated in frustration, "Everywhere! Nameless bloggers!"

His agitation was revealing. On one hand, he was dismissive - they are just nameless bloggers. They are nobodys! On the other hand he recognized that in today's political climate, bloggers are a force to be reckoned with. Bloggers speed along and often control the political conversation while the typical journalist is still waiting for his editor to proofread his article before going to press. Naturally, the professional pundits are defensive of their turf and are quite resentful at times of bloggers' influence.

Technology has enabled a democratization of politics like we've never seen before. Not only does everyone have a vote, but everyone truly has a voice if they choose to share it. Elitism is rearing it's head as the standard journalists and commentators find they are no longer the premier opinion makers. This is reminiscent of an observation made by Thomas Jefferson upon attending a Baptist meeting. He remarked that the meeting was a true democracy, since every member not only had a vote but a voice in the proceedings regardless of wealth, education, gender, or age.

Given this new sphere of influence, bloggers themselves should take care that they are using the most professional webhosting available. Independent and customer reviews are especially helpful as you research the best webhosts for your particular site. Webhostinggeeks.com is a great source of information on everything from inexpensive (or even free) domain names, to the best webhosing by speed, for blogs, for forums, and much more.

As the election year grinds along, expect more and more influence to come from the 'pajama pundit' bloggers and more weeping and gnashing of teeth from the 'professsionals'.

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Mind Boggling

I was at my doctor's office the other day and had to give blood. As the nurse poked around searching for a good vein, I turned away so as not to look at the needle. On the wall was an interesting sign I share with you here.

*******




Olny srmat poelpe can raed tihs.
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulacity
uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The
phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan
mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at
Cmabrigde Uivervtisy.

It deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the
ltteers in a wrod are, the olny
iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and
lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The
rset can be a taotl mses and you can
sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm.

Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid
deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef,
but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig
huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot
sipeling was ipmorantt?

*******

The intricacies of our mind is truly amazing and a glorious gift from our Creator. Even scientists admit that the formation of the brain is a mystery and that the breakthroughs we have reached in understanding it is still a mere scratching of the surface. We are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made!

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Trading In The RV For A Harley Davidson

Over the last few days I have been having discussions with friends who are headed out on a trip to the Dakota's in their recreational vehicle. I have teased them about having an experience like that of Robin Williams in the movie RV. The truth is that I am jealous of the fact that they are taking off and getting away for a few weeks.

Even though I admit to being a bit envious (forgive me, Lord) I don't think my heart could take the strain of buying gas for one of those rolling monsters. Every time we pulled in and filled the tank I think I would need someone standing by with a defibrillator to zap me.

When I take a vacation I want something to start my heart, not stop it. So, in my fantasy vacation world I am riding a Harley Davidson... hair blowing in the wind... bugs in my teeth... heart pounding, blood pumping ... the vibrations of the hog as we travel through the prairies, over mountains, across rivers...

However, given that I am seven months pregnant that isn't going to happen; at least not for me. It could happen for you. If that sounds good you might want to check out EagleRider. EagleRider Rentals & Tours pioneered the Harley-Davidson motorcycle rental concept and today they are the world's largest motorcycle tourism company. In addition to rentals, and guided & self-drive tours, they have big-time discounts on motorcycles going one way to specific locations (they appear to run about the same price you would expect to pay for a mid-range car rental).

Just do me one favor. If you end up touring on a Harley with EagleRider, please don't send me any pictures or postcards. The jealousy just might kill me, and I've got a baby to think about.

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Douglas Feith, Dennis Prager, Georgetown University and Dangerous Ideas

I appreciate the balanced approach that Dennis Prager takes to almost everything. His radio talk show is one of my favorites for just that reason. He takes pride in making sure that those who oppose his viewpoints get adequate time to engage him online. Therefore, it makes sense that he would champion the cause of Douglas J. Feith, and have him on his show to talk about his situation.

Douglas Feith "served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy for United States President George W. Bush from July 2001 until he resigned from his position effective August 8, 2005. His official responsibilities included the formulation of defense planning guidance and forces policy, United States Department of Defense (DoD) relations with foreign countries, and DoD's role in U.S. Government interagency policymaking."

For two years he was a faculty member of the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. However, his contract was not renewed because a small number of faculty members protested his conservative policy positions. In fact, they went so far as to call him a war criminal.

I guess that tells us what the left at Georgetown University really believes about academic freedom....

Feith was a guest on Dennis Prager's radio program yesterday, explaining the events surrounding his termination. During the course of the interview Prager praised profusely Feith's book War and Decision: Inside the Pentagon at the Dawn of the War on Terrorism. Prager said that this memoir is "unputable downable." I guess I need to pick it up sometime when it is okay for me not to put it down.

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Website Promotion

Are you investigating ways to promote your blog, website or e-commerce business? If so, there are plenty of marketers out there that are perfectly willing to take your money and grant you some exposure. However, internet marketing does not work in the same fashion as does the non-virtual world. Exposure isn't branding, clicking isn't buying, and traffic doesn't mean you are seeing potential buyers. And, don't think that just because a web marketer comes with a well-known name that you are getting what you are paying for. When it comes to website promotions there are many players in the game that treat it as if it were a zero sum game.

So, if you are considering website promotions you will want to check out networksolutions.com. They are a one-stop website promotion solution for small businesses; researching keywords, analyzing your website, creating ad copy, purchasing keywords and reporting on your campaign.

They have organized their business to help businesses choose the plan that works best for them. You can choose from two affordable, fully-managed PPC advertising plans, with options that include customized landing pages and local business ads. They have provided a chart to help you identify which features are important for you and to make your choice of plans. Check them out.

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Rocky, Rambo, Indiana...McCain

An interesting phenomena has hit the box office in the last year or so - the 'thirty something' to 'forty something' virile, kick butt, male action star returns as a 'sixty something' still virile, kick butt, male action star.

Sylvester Stallone headed back to the boxing ring in Rocky Balboa to go the distance with a young whippersnapper in his prime. Sly also graced the screen as Rambo and was still able to outmaneuver, outwit and outfire the bad guys just like the Rambo of twenty years ago.
Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones tops my list of favorite action heroes and he also returned this last month as our favorite archaeologist/adventurer in Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull. Our beloved Indy managed to jump from one moving vehicle to the next and use his whip to swing Tarzan style through the air.

One aspect of the films that I noted is that these characters were still believable. It didn't seem like a particular stretch that these characters would still be doing what they always did best. Sure they were a little rough for wear and had more lines on their face but they were still essentially the same characters with the same drives and passions. Though remarks or even jokes were made by the heroes themselves about their age, it was clear that age in and of itself would not slow them down or keep them from pursuing what they perceived as their prize, treasure, or appointed mission.

This trend of older heroes should not be surprising given the aging baby boomers as well as the upper end of Gen X. Once you've hit forty, fifty doesn't seem nearly as ancient as it once did. The same is true once you've hit fifty and sixty. In fact, we even have a slogan descriptive of this new perception. "Forty is the new thirty!" or "Fifty is the new forty!" is the triumphant mantra.

In many ways, the mantra is a true reflection of reality. People are waiting till later to get married, to have children. It is not uncommon to see kids in their mid or even late twenties move back in with mom and dad while they go back to graduate school. Everything seems to be pushed further into the future. As for 'getting older' many are pushing the concept off their radar entirely. Commercials for financial investment firms targeted toward baby boomers entering retirement depict people in action - hang gliding, scuba diving, traveling, starting a new business based on a hobby or passion they love.

In light of this current era of perpetual youth despite the calendar years, I find the reaction to John McCain's presidential candidacy curious. Suddenly his detractors are deeming him as old, old, OLD! Unfit for the oval office, McCain might just as well go play checkers on a porch somewhere with other senior citizens.

So let's get this straight. Sylvester Stallone turns 62 this month and Harrison Ford is 66. It's okay and even reasonable that they continue along the hero path but McCain (who isn't much older at 71) should just be put out to pasture? And remember it's not as if McCain is looking to wield a machine gun or go trampling through the jungle. He's not looking to be Tarzan. He is looking to lead this country as Commander-In-Chief and given his experience and background as a real life hero and patriot, he is the candidate most suited for the role.

I suspect that McCain's opponents feel threatened by the whole John McCain story and so supporters of the opposition are trying to change the narrative. Forget that McCain has the character to withstand five years of torture in service to his country. Let us just repeat, "He's too old to be President" enough times and maybe it will stick.

I don't think it will stick. The strategy goes too much against the grain of the 'anything is possible at any age' philosophy our current culture has adopted. If fifty is the new forty, then seventy is the new sixty.

If McCain loses the general election, it will be due to a variety of factors but it won't be because of age. McCain still has too much of the tough guy persona. He is a survivor like Rambo, he is disciplined like Rocky and has the maverick spirit of Indiana Jones. Sure he is a little rough for wear (funny how life as a POW takes it's toll) and has more lines on his face but he is still essentially the same character with the same drives and passions.

The smart democrats know this and though they won't admit it, they fear this.

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Blown Away In The Windy City

About ten years ago I had the opportunity to visit Barack Obama's stomping ground, Chicago. We lived in Ann Arbor where my husband was working at the corporate office for Border's Books and when he had to go to Naperville (near Chicago) for a conference, I jumped at the chance to tag along. Knowing I would be on my own during the days, I resolved to do my own exploring. This was before the era of online travel guides so I decided to just wing it as I looked for things to do in Chicago. Big mistake. If I had a brain cell in my head I would have checked with a place such as Trusted Tours & Attractions.

But apparently I was lacking that crucial brain cell. My free spirit, roam at will, philosophy of sightseeing did not serve me well. I spent several hours sitting in my rental car in horrible standstill traffic, only to arrive in the city and spend more time in the rental car either lost or searching in vain for a place to park. Finally, after striking out on foot I developed miserable blisters on the back of my ankles and discovered that I had parked in a rather unseemly neighborhood.

I did manage to find a few great restaurants and obtained tickets at the Chicago Theatre for my husband and I to see Beauty And The Beast (though I probably overpaid). However, I was unable to see a lot of the landmarks I wanted to see and my overall frustration made it hard to enjoy the landmarks I did see. In my effort to be an independent tourist and relish the flavor of the city, I just ended up with a bad taste in my mouth. The next time I visit a large city I'll know better. When I'm looking for things to do in New York, I will definitely find a tour guide so that I won't miss out on that trip to Yankee Stadium or Madame Tussauds.

If you are still contemplating a summer vacation, sign up for the Trusted Travels enewsletter and enter to win a handheld GPS. Offer ends June 30, 2008.

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Wesley Clark Sticks Army Boot In Mouth

Retired Gen. and Barack Obama supporter Wesley Clark, said Sunday on Face The Nation that John McCain's military service does not automatically qualify him to be commander in chief.

Clark has made such grumblings for several weeks and finally had a national audience in which he could officially stick his military boot in his mouth.

"In the matters of national security policy making, it's a matter of understanding risk," he told Bob Schieffer on CBS' "Face the Nation." "It's a matter of gauging your opponents and it's a matter of being held accountable. John McCain's never done any of that in his official positions. I certainly honor his service as a prisoner of war. He was a hero to me and to hundreds of thousands and millions of others in the armed forces, as a prisoner of war.

"He has been a voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee and he has traveled all over the world, but he hasn't held executive responsibility," Clark said. "That large squadron in the Navy that he commanded _ that wasn't a wartime squadron."

And what praytell, does Obama have in the way of experience at this level? What executive responsibility has he had? For whom has he been 'held accountable'? Which large Navy squadron did Barack Obama command during wartime or any other time? Toy boats in the bathtub don't count.

Wesley Clark did not help Obama's case. The only thing he accomplished (besides looking like a fool) was to remind voters again of the vast gulf in the way of experience between Obama and McCain.

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