Our political system is broken and our country is in trouble! The two political parties are so polarized that Washington is paralyzed. Our elected officials continue a vicious cycle of mindless partisanship, inaction on crucial issues and unsustainable dysfunction covered endlessly in the 24-hour news cycle.

 Now is the time for leadership that puts principled progress above petty politics and restores cooperation, civility, and compromise. Leadership for genuine and sustainable change can only come from the people.

 In 2012, Americans Elect (AE) will empower the people to nominate a competitive third ticket for President and Vice President through the first-ever Online Convention. In the next presidential election, through AE Online Convention, ALL of US will have a greater voice; not just the voters in the early state primaries and caucuses, like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina; not the talking heads or the paid “experts”; not the political pundits – Fox News or MSNBC; not the loud voices on the far left and far right.

 The nominees who emerge from the Convention will not be beholden to any political party or special interest, will bridge the vital center of American politics, and will be able to jolt our political system into working again.

What Is Americans Elect?

Americans Elect (AE)

Americans Elect is a second process, not a third party. It is a brand new way all voters can participate in selecting a presidential ticket to be placed on the November 2012 ballot in all 50 states. It will hold a nominating convention to pick that ticket in the summer of 2012, and every registered voter in America regardless of party may sign up right now to be a voting Delegate (at www.AmericansElect.org). Anyone constitutionally qualified to serve as President may run for the Americans Elect nomination as long as they reach across the political space and pick a running mate from another party. A ticket that is bigger than any party.

 We expect millions of delegates to participate. The ticket will have ballot access in all 50 states. And we expect major candidates to run and others to be drafted by the delegates themselves. We are going to be working hard to get ourselves introduced to the American public but we know that we cannot do it alone. Our hope is that millions of Americans across the country will be able to hear about Americans Elect from their most trusted sources: friends, families, and neighbors. And that starts with you.

Cartoon by Gary Markstein

How Does This Second Process Work?

Every single registered voter in America can be a Delegate and vote in the AE Online Convention.

No fine print. No exceptions. Open to everyone regardless of party affiliation or political views.

1. Become a Delegate. Go to AE website – www.americanselect.org.

2. Participate in AE’s online surveys. Delegates will define the issues most important to them.

3. Discuss these issues online or at meet-ups with other delegates.

4. Participate in shaping the AE platform questions for all constitutionally qualified candidates to answer.

5. Review candidates.

6. Draft candidates.

7. Narrow the field of candidates.

8. Vote in the Online Convention.

A Rules Committee will determine how the Online Convention operates. Of course, experienced legal experts will be on the committee, but Convention Delegates will be on the Rules Committee, too. All AE Delegates will have a chance to weigh in with their own ideas – and the best will become a part of the rules.

What is Americans Elect?

A: The first direct presidential nomination.

• You decide the issues

• You shape the debate

• You choose the candidates

• You nominate the President

Who should participate?

A: Every voter who wants a voice that counts.

• No matter your party affiliation

• No matter the color of your state

• No matter your political views

What makes Americans Elect different?

A: Americans Elect is not a traditional party.

• It’s a new way to nominate a President

• It’s open to voters from any party

• It’s open to candidates from any party

And it’s not another advocacy group.

• There’s no agenda or ideology

• Voters define the issues themselves

• The final vote really counts in 2012

How does it work?

A: Define what matters to you

• Rank the issues

• Determine your views

• See how you compare

A: Shape the “platform of questions”

• Discuss the issues

• Match and meet up with other voters

• Decide the questions all candidates must answer

A: Choose candidates who share your views

• Match with existing candidates

• Draft new candidates

• Watch videos and debates

A: Nominate your choice for president

• Narrow the field

• Evaluate VP choices

• Vote in the online convention

Why is this important?

A: Every voter deserves an equal vote in the nominating process.

• Currently, where you live determines how much your primary vote counts

• Some voters—and some states—have no meaningful vote at all

• Most independent voters have no say in the primary system

• It’s the first direct presidential nomination in US history.

Why is this important?

A: Voters demand change.

• Voters are increasingly dissatisfied with their own parties

• States are postponing or even canceling their primaries

• Too many Americans have no real choice in the nominating process

• Technology makes it possible.

• To cost-effectively reach millions of voters

• To build a secure online convention

• To verify every voter and accurately count every vote

• America can finally nominate a President, directly.

 The winning ticket will answer directly to American voters.

A: All candidates must make a “bipartisan pledge” to put America’s interests before those of their party finalist candidates will be free to choose a running mate from any party they choose The winning ticket will be chosen directly by millions of voters The winning ticket will be on the ballot in every state.

 Can we trust the outcome?

A: Americans Elect is building a secure online convention:

• Every voter’s registration status will be verified.

• Every vote will be counted fairly and accurately, and will generate a printable confirmation.

• An independent panel of election experts will verify the results.

• All candidates will be verified and vetted.

• All candidates will be verified as constitutionally-eligible to run.

• All candidates will pass a standard vetting process including background checks.

• An independent, nonpartisan committee will certify all finalist candidates.

15 Things Everyone

Can Do To Help

1.Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@AmericansElect).

 2. Post about us on Facebook, Twitter, Blog, or other social media platforms.

 3. Email your family & friends about Americans Elect and let them know why you signed up. Be sure to encourage them to visit the website and sign up to be a delegate.

 4. Visit the website and print out the Online Activist Kit. Read up about Americans Elect and check out the Frequently Asked Questions.

 5. Print out the flyer available online and post around town. Be sure to ask permission from management if you are posting at a business or private property.

 6. Identify events, conventions, or other opportunities in your community and e-mail the information to

volunteer@americanselect.org

 7.Identify groups in your area that we could perhaps speak to or address. Please e-mail information to volunteer@americanselect.org

 8.Comment on newspaper stories in your local paper. Link to the website to help get the word out.

 9. Sign up for news feed for Americans Elect –be the first to read new articles and coverage.

 10. Write a letter to the editor and submit to your local paper. Make sure to include our website where interested readers can contact us.

 11.Attend and invite friends to any Meet-Ups or gatherings you have heard about.

 12.Email us at volunteer@americanselect.org and find out if there is a petition for ballot access that you can sign.

 13. Print out the sign up sheet from the website and get emails or phone numbers from any friends who would like more information. Sheets can be faxed to 760-476-9055

 14.Get online and help us make history:https://secure.americanselect.org/give

 15.Find us at http://getsatisfaction.com/americanselect and let us know any suggestions or questions you have or any ideas on how to make Americans Elect work for you!

I know if my dad were still alive, he would be thrilled to receive any of the following gifts shown below (well, he might not like the stuffed unicorn). But hey! These are fun and wacky gifts to give dad to show your appreciation for all he does!

So, forget the usual “tie” gift, and check out these neat and nifty gifts!

Dad's dream chainsaw

Every dad needs a chainsaw (unless he lives in the desert)…..so, why not make it flashy and artistic!

My dad loved food….he was a happy jolly man with a big belly to prove it! If you have a lot of time, maybe bake dad this cute owl, and tiny owl babies to munch on. Yum!

Or, if your dad is a health freak, and he would rather eat raw fish, try making him some cute hello kitty sushi! Fun!

If dad is having a bad day, he might need to carry his flask with him….

Dad works hard at the office, I’m sure he could use a cute bear USB port and clock to cheer him up!

If dad is a beer drinker, he could really use a cute DJ kitty bottle opener!

Finally, I put the unicorn pillow as a possible gift, as well, just look at that silly face….it will put a smile on dad’s face for sure.

Please let me know what you plan to get your dad for father’s day, and remember…..he does NOT want a tie.

I have several web sites I like to check out for vacations, and one of my favorites is www.familygetaway.com. , and their sister company, http://www.luxurylink.com/.

I found an auction for three nights, at the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The pictures were beautiful, a remote area, nestled in the Ozark Mountains. One can read over the “guest reviews” and make an informed decision if they want to either bid or buy-now on a package deal. The great thing is, if you lose a bid, or don’t have time to bid, you can utilize the “buy now” feature.

I like the package deals they offer on the web-site, as they usually include breakfasts, tickets for local sightseeing tours, and a dinner voucher, along with the room. I don’t like to pay for extras, I like the all-inclusive deals that can be purchased, as usually you save some money if you get “the package deal”.

Here are some pictures from their site:

The 1886 Crescent Hotel.....in summer.

When considering where to go for a vacation, I like to find somewhere I have never been. Fortunately, I am not afraid to meet new people, and find it interesting to experience all kinds of different cultures and food, and believe me, there are many different cultures within the borders of the U.S.

The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, sits on top of Crescent Mountain, overlooking the town named Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It is listed as a Historic Hotel in the National Trust For Historic Preservation, and the chateau-like structure has served as a luxury hotel, all girls school, and a cancer hospital, run by a phony doctor.

Just to clarify, we didn’t actually sleep in the hotel, but rather, stayed in one of their “cottages”, which, of course is more modern.

A "cotage" at the Crescent

Living room in the cottage.

The wrap around patio

From past experience, I have learned that it is better to “sleep” in a more modern building, and then experience the “historical” part of it during the day (read my paranormal experience in New Orleans and you will understand why…..I am a person who needs my sleep….lets leave it at that).

 An added bonus, it just so happens that the Crescent is also considered one of the most haunted hotels in America!

Read more: Ghosts of 1886 Crescent Hotel: Haunted Chateau Spa Resort in Eureka Springs Arkansas

 Our package included the “ghost tour”, a video of “Ghost Hunters”, and t-shirts, along with the breakfast each day of our stay.

It seemed like a fun spring break getaway!  Here are some pictures from our “ghost tour”:

Orbs....down the staircase where a little girl fell to her death.

I felt kind of stupid taking pictures at random places, as we were instructed by our tour guide to take pictures, and look for orbs.  Well, sure enough…looking back at the pictures I had taken….there were orbs!

Another orb

A frequently haunted guest room....more orbs.

Downstairs near the hotel's spa (and walkway to the morgue) in days past....orbs!

There are four ghosts who have been observed by both staff and guests and their sightings are well documented over an extended period of time. These include Michael, a Irish stone mason who died in a construction accident in 1886 when the hotel was being built; a nurse who is seen pushing a gurney on the second floor; a young woman who is thought to have committed suicide; and a man in formal dress.

I did personally experience a strange thing while registering/signing the guest book. I finished signing, and placed the pen in the book, when it flew off the page and landed on the floor. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but just in that instant, my husband walked up and said to me, “That was weird”, he had watched the whole thing!

In the lobby of the hotel has a very old pipe organ, (which they mention in the tour guide), and it is very beautiful.

It is called the “Welte Philharmonic Salon Model 4″ and was made around 1912. It is 10 1/2′ tall, 8′ wide, 4′ deep. It has about 250 pipes plus percussion.

It is one of three of this model still known to exist. The other two are in museums in Germany and Japan. One of the others was intended for the Titanic and the builder, Mr. Welte, was to accompany it on the maiden voyage, however the organ wasn’t done in time so both the organ and Mr. Welte luckily missed that fateful voyage.

After our “ghost tour” we decided to relax by the fire in the lobby, and listen to the other tours going on (people watch).  Sometimes you just have to slow down and take it all in.

My husband relaxing in the lobby.

The grand fireplace

I love this chair...and want to take it home.

It would be a travesty if I did not mention that the Crescent has resident cats (two now), but had one that the owner in the early 1990′s really loved, named Morris (yes, an orange tabby).

Here is the tombstone of Morris, and yes, he is buried on the property of the hotel.

Morris's tombstone

Morris's portrait in the lobby.....what a fine looking feline indeed!

The current resident cats, Casper and Jasper, are friendly felines who come and go as they please, as the hotel has a cat-door installed at the back door (out to the lovely gardens), for them.  You may find them lounging on the couches or chairs in the lobby, or find them out in the garden, hunting and playing as we observed several times.

Eureka Springs is one of the premier destinations in the central United States for the arts, and has been recognized by major organizations across the country. It has been designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” and has been selected as an America in Bloom national awards winner.

A destination of choice for artists since the 1800′s, Eureka Springs is currently home to over two hundred working artists and more than twenty art galleries.  For a listing of visual artists, visit:

www.eurekaspringsartists.com

St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church was built in 1906, and its unique characteristic is that to enter the church, one does so through the bell tower.  This is the view from the Crescent Hotel’s back yard gardens.

St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church

While drive through downtown Eureka Springs, I spotted humpdy dumpty…..still sitting on the wall….

Humpdy Dumpty....before the "great fall" I presume.

Our trip was short, but we did manage to relax a little, and “enjoy life” slowed down.  Sometimes visiting small towns is a good thing.  Especially since there isn’t a lot of traffic to deal with.

I would like to go back during the summer, to see the greenery and colors of all the flowers.  It isn’t too far from where we are, so there is no excuse not to return.

I do miss my “personal” chef….who would cook an omlette according to my instructions, while I watched and waited patiently…..oh I miss vacationing!

For more information on the hotel, please see the following:

http://www.crescent-hotel.com/

From: Hillbuzz.org

Why is this not already on the books in every state?

The Constitution has specific requirements about who can be elected President of the United States, but does not provide for any mechanism to ensure these requirements are met.
It has always been assumed no one would run for president without actually being eligible to hold the office.
The problem is, there’s no agency in place to ask for that documentation, and no procedure for making sure those documents are valid.

This is definitely an interesting development in the political arena.  I’m wondering, if it is determined that Obama was NOT eligible to be President, what happens to all his policies he passed? Will be go to jail? What about all the people who aided his rise to the presidency? Like Pelosi?

I hope someone who is knowledgeable about this will comment. Any thoughts?

To read more: World net Daily

photo from: eatliver.com

Oh yes! It is a mother-load of information, such as job postings, community, housing, discussion forums, of course personals, and on and on.

When you are bored and need a good laugh, well that is the site to go to. What? You ask. Well, these aren’t just any old “personals” or “ads”, no, these are the most hilarious and bizarre notices you will ever read!  Some of them are so weird, you will not believe what you are reading. Yes, it is THAT good.

A word of caution, this site is also known for scams, and there is ample information on their site about protecting yourself from getting duped. Basically, use common sense.

If you have never checked it out, here is the site: http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites

So here are a few postings I found to be extra funny….enjoy!

Insanely Aggressive, Territorial, Guard Duck, (Muscovy)

Hello.

This posting is about “MR. DUCKY.” When he was a chick, he was my favorite out of the entire flock. He was one of the few ducks that would gently nibble on my finger. He would always let me pet him and feed him spinach. Now he has become a horrible monster of a duck. His nibble has turned into a skin-tearing instrument, his feet have turned into painful, skin-piercing talons. Anything moving in the yard that is non-duck, he attacks. He attacks raccoons. He attacks dogs. He attacks cats. Now he even attacks full-grown humans, galloping around the yard with clipped wings like some sort of maniac. Sandals are out of the picture now, unless I want scabs on my feet. This was semi-tolerable for a while, but now he can inflict a fair amount of pain on my calf through my work jeans, and I can’t get anything done in my back yard. So this is my ad. If you want a duck that will scare/maim/fight any animal that might be threatening your flock, MR. DUCKY is the craziest damn duck I have ever seen in my entire life. He is only friendly with ducks. I don’t know about chickens, but he charges crows or other birds that land in the yard. He is a great guard duck. I have a newborn son that I want to have ten fingers growing up. $40 OBO, MR.DUCKY. Upon pickup, feel free to observe his behavior. He is one-of-a-kind.
Call: 253-[deleted] I live in Bremerton, will deliver.

Free stuffed walrus head

This walrus head has been in my family for years. I have never liked it. It was given to me by my father in his will. I’m sure it’s his idea of a way to get back at me for my alternative lifestyle that he never approved of. I’m going to throw this in the dumpster if I don’t get rid of it by the end of the week. I can’t even sleep with this thing in my house so I’ll be awake all night, feel free to give me a call at any time to let me know when you can come pick it up. CJ 435-[deleted]

Location: St George

Orange Popsicles

Okay, it’s Craigslist. One day you can have free fill dirt (you haul), the next day it’s tons of moving boxes all in good shape.

Well, today it’s orange popsicles (all in good shape, you haul).

A regular box of popsicles includes cherry (my favorite), grape (so-so) and orange. I don’t like the orange ones. I’m a grown-up and I don’t have to eat them if I don’t want to. On the other hand I can’t bring myself to throw them away and I don’t have children or grandchildren living in the area to give them to (assuming they would like them).

I currently have a bunch of orange popsicles in my freezer. If you want them,, let me know. If you are paranoid about them, you probably shouldn’t be looking for free things on Craigslist in the first place. However, keep in mind they are all “factory sealed” and whoever takes them probably isn’t going to end up on the 6:00 news because they were poisoned to death by orange popsicles.

Someone is going to want these things, so you better hurry. If things work out, maybe we could develop a “popsicles are ready for pickup” relationship whereby I send you an E-mail whenever the freezer overfloweth.

Keep in mind that a box of 24 popsicles costs about $4.50 and you are only getting 1/3 of a box…or in this case 1/3 of several boxes. The point is I don’t think you should consider driving from Estes Park for the orange popsicles. However, if you do and you are first, I will give them to you.

FAQ:

Q: Are the orange popsicles sugar free?
A: Do I SOUND like someone why buys sugar free popsicles? No, they aren’t.

Q. How many orange popsicles are currently available?
A. As of 3:15 on 1/27 I have 17 of them.

First person to respond gets all of them!

• Location: Lafayette

Personal Assistant 1 hr/day 8am wanted

I want to get out of the house and workout everyday. I need help motivating my body to walk out the door. I need someone to come ring the doorbell and tell me to get out of the house to go for a run, hike, kayak or such.

It should only take a week of this to get me motivated enough to go on my own.

• Location: Redmond

So now we live in an “acreage” neighborhood, and the smallest lots are two acres. This gives you plenty of room to be loud, or walk around the back of the house in your underwear, etc. The freedom is limitless!

We also love the wildlife, there are herds of deer that live in “the neighborhood”, there are hawks, roadrunners….literally running around (love those), and rabbits. Of course there are other critters that we don’t care for so much, as they are pesky and mean.   I’m talking about possums, armadillos, coyotes, snakes, and raccoons.

I am going to elaborate on the raccoons, don’t let their cuteness fool you, they can be mean. They tend to come around looking for cat food, as many people here have food for their pets outside on the patio.

"Uh oh!"

Our garage is next to the master bedroom, and sometimes someone forgets to shut the garage door at night. Well the little critters love this, they are just like cats….curious and cant help themselves.

"If I don't move...you won't see me"

So, one morning, I’m awake, but laying in bed, and I hear some noises in the garage. I think to myself, “great”, what could that be? I better get up and check it out. I get up, put my robe on and my flip-flops and shuffle out to the garage. I open the side door, and look around. At first I don’t see anything because I’m looking down around the floor. Then I look up, and voila! The varmint is dangling from some rafters in the ceiling. I think to myself, “What are you doing you crazy raccoon?” And I laugh out-loud, as he looks at me with an expression of, “uh oh”.

When I was going out to the garage, I thought the critter would be on the floor, and I could easily “shoo” it away. But when I discovered it was hanging from the ceiling, I knew this would not be an easy task. Especially since he scampered up onto some shelves, this little guy didn’t want to go anywhere.

So, he utilizes the tactic of, “I can’t see you, therefore you can’t see me”. I’m laughing…as the raccoon is being as still as possible, like if he doesn’t move, I won’t see him.

"I can't see you....so you can't see me"

I decide that this is a job for the man of the house, and I go back into the house to wake him up, for this manly task. Besides, I know he will really enjoy getting the raccoon out of the garage….secretly, all men like doing these things.

Of course I grab the camera, as this is just too funny.

I explain to my husband that there is a raccoon wedged in between the shelves, and he should take care of getting it out. Of course I laugh and tell him first it was dangling from the roof (I still can’t figure out what he was trying to do or get to).

So, I didn’t want to be in the way, and when it was all over and the raccoon was gone, I asked my husband how he got it out. He used the broom to chase it down, and it did take awhile, as well, that raccoon just did not want to leave his cozy shelf.

It is always just a matter of time before we have another “critter episode”.  I have to admit, it makes living here interesting and exciting…. in fact, it sure beats finding your drunk neighbor stuck in your hedges.

The company, Allergan has discovered that the same formula that is in an eye drop that is used to treat glaucoma, has the side effect of providing long thick eyelashes.

To have these wonderful lush lashes will cost you $120 per month, or about $4 per day. And since women spend roughly $5 billion a year on mascara….this is the biggest thing in the beauty world since Botox!

What is the name of this wonderful new product? “Latisse.”

Here is a funny foreign advertisement  for  “fake lashes”:

What?  Eyes  have God????

Required Skills:

• • Crowd control skills
  • Willing to be deceptive and lie
  • Not above corruption
  • Ability to swiftly say the word “yes” to any and all requests
  • Great negotiation skills
  • Experience handing tear gas launchers and guns
  • Most importantly, be able to restore order when there is total anarchy

There will be a personality evaluation for this position, we are looking for the desired attributes of a narcissist.

You must comply to an extensive criminal background check (If you have a clean record, you will not be considered).

Interviewees are recommended to come prepared for the interview by wearing running shoes and fire resistant clothing, just in case.

• • Location: Cairo, Egypt
  • Salary and compensation contingent on experience and brown nosing.

Principals only

The obvious person to fill that role was Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, and I explained the reasons for this choice in that particular blog.

Well, the former drummer for NIN is Josh Freese. He works with all kinds of bands, I can’t even name all of them (I do know one is Devo). But anyway, I like to follow Josh on Twitter, http://twitter.com/joshfreese), as he has some really interesting and funny things to say, as he describes in his Bio, he is an “All around nut.”

I decided that he is really kind of nutty, as he posted pictures of himself driving to go get a vasectomy, and also post-op pictures of his recuperation.  That is really getting personal with “the whole world” if you ask me.  But, for whatever reason he does these things, you just don’t know what he will post next (so intriguing huh?).

Josh makes these bizarre short video clips about various things going on in his life, and I happen to find them quite entertaining. This is how I live my life vicariously, watching the strange things that other people do. Yeah, I know….don’t tell me.

Well, check out this video he made:

Oh, to have a life where all you are worried about is getting some “Sweet’ n Low.”