Blogvious

If there is ANY way that David Axelrod can dump Biden and grab Hillary, he would do it in a heartbeat. The loyalty there is zero and the upside thus far has been nill. With ballots going to press, and an election less than 60 days away however, it would be a true Hail Mary pass, but one he would clearly make if he could.

Biden has delivered ZERO to the ticket thus far, and their chemistry, at least from what we can see on video, is not good. McCain on the other hand has hit the proverbial Jack Pot. Sarah Palin is a HUGE hit and Republican Rock Star - something we never see. An Obama switch to Hillary would enliven the race and absolutely guarantee a Democratic win…but that’s where it gets complicated.

The problem would be ‘how’ to accomplish this. If a piano fell on Biden or he slid under the proverbial bus, it would be easy enough. Hillary could come to the aid of her party in its hour of need. Barring such a calamity, it would take a voluntary withdrawl on Biden’s part (with something approaching a sincere excuse) to make such an entrance possible. Cleary the odds are against it.

However, two months from now, as we are counting the votes in another 50/50 squeeker - and likely swearing in John McCain and Sarah Palin, the Axelrod team will be conteplating what might have been.

I lived most of my life in Chicago and have seen the bare-knuckle politics of that city up close and personal. Obama’s team, led by David Axelrod is cut from this cloth. They are smart. They are ruthless. They are in this to win.  If they can pull this off, they will. Here’s hoping they do not.

– Carl Melville / Blogvious

There were two historic milestones in 1908. The world saw the Ford Model-T for the very first time, and the Chicago Cubs won the World Series for the very last time. Even my beloved Wrigley Field was not built until six years later, 1914. Could this be the year? Could this be the end of the curse? Was the 20th century simply a rebuilding century? As many diehard cub fans know, we’ve been down this road before.

The last time that I was this excited about the prospect of the Chicago Cubs entering the World Series was 1969. I was eight years old, and with childlike curiosity and glee I watched as the season unfolded and the Cubs continue to rack up victories. Ron Santo. Billy Williams. Don Kessinger. And of course the beloved Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks. George Will said that the golden age of baseball was whenever you are 10 years old. In my case he was off by two years but I certainly understand his point of view.

Those of you that follow baseball may remember that 1969 was also the year of the so-called Miracle Mets. What seemed like a miracle to the rest of the world seemed like a nightmare to me as my first place cubbies continue to lose game after game after game, all the while the Mets — who had been in the cellar all season long continue to rack up late-summer victories. My Grandfather, one of the greatest Cubs fans that’s ever lived, tried to warn me that fading in the fall was something the Cubs were known for. You can guess – or remember how the story ended. The Cubs didn’t go to the World Series, they didn’t win the National League pennant, they didn’t even win their division. It was also when I became familar with the Cubs mantra “There’s always next year”.

It’s now almost 40 years later and the Cubs are once again poised to go all the way. This could be the year, and what a way to end a century of losses. As I write this, the Milwaukee Brewers are four games behind the Cubs and have a better won / loss record in the last 10 games. The only thing worse than losing to the Mets again would be losing to the Cheeseheads from Wisconsin. The fact that the Milwaukee Brewers are even in the National League (vs. American) is surely a sign of the coming apocalypse. If you see a Packers fan of horse, run for cover.

I’m over 2000 miles away from the friendly confines of Wrigley Field now, but if the Cubs managed to make it, I will find a way to get back home and see at least one game. This is one that simply can’t be missed. However, if they fade, I will do what all true Cub fans do; I look forward to next year. Being a Cub fan from an early age has taught me to both deal with adversity and have faith in the future. Eamus Catuli. Go Cubbies!

– Carl Melville / Blogvious

On a personal note, I have a problem that is both frustrating and engaging at the same time. Those that know me are aware of the considerable girth I have unwisely accumulated in the past few years.  Much of it is still in place but a considerable portion is melting away.

The problem you ask?  None of my clothes fit.  I’m writing this on my way to a meeting wearing slacks that have been taken in twice already - and are hanging on me like kid wearing his Dad’s pants.

Given a choice between problems, this one is not a bad one to have.  Happy Monday.

– Carl / Blogvious

Once more into the Breach. I can still recall the time Michael Jordan chose to lace up his Nike’s one more time. It did not end well. An ignominious footnote to a stellar career, and a small but forgettable blemish upon one our planet’s finest athletes.

Today Lance Armstrong announced that he too will again stand up against the tide of time and reach once more for the elusive yellow jersey. He’s already won the Tour de France seven times — I question what he last left to prove, except maybe to himself.

Some of us that recall other comebacks such as Muhamed Ali realize how deeply the cards are stacked against these champions. Time moves on. That said, the heart of a competitor cannot be stilled - and Lance may yet prove he can still climb like no one else.

Personally I wish he would let his record stand. Then again, I will never know first hand the drive that propels him forth. Go get’em Lance. Win or lose, you have already set a standard for career and personal performance that is unmatched in your sport, and in many ways, the larger world.  Good luck, and viva la Armstrong.

–Carl / Blogvious

It is not hyperbole to suggest that there is a new star in the Republican Party tonight. Sarah Palin’s acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention was an absolute home run by any measure.

Last night I was flying home on a coast-to-coast Delta flight. This particular bird has satellite video feeds built into every headrest (in coach too). CNN was covering the Republican National Convention but frankly it had been a long day and listening to the chattering class of pundits exchange idioms with seasoned pols did not intrigue me in the least.

I was interested in hearing Sarah Palin speak, mainly out of curiosity. My expectations were quite low. I had no idea who she was and the initial press information on her was bland, neutral and sketchy. The biggest controversy was whether she should be on the ticket all - then she began to speak. Wow. I was hooked.

I am an unabashed fan of Ronald Wilson Reagan. History will note that he was one of the greatest presidents of his century and in all of American history. He could also deliver one hell of a good speech. Bill Clinton, who followed Reagan by four years was also a skilled orator that could speak to the longings, emotions and aspirations of his base. When it comes to stagecraft he is as good as it gets - maybe the best there ever was.

The speech Sarah gave was one of the best I’d ever seen. It was full of red meat for the base (these speeches always are) but the delivery was extraordinary. There is truly a new star in the Republican party, and her name is Sarah. I cannot remember in my lifetime, and I was born the year that Kennedy was elected, that there has been a true rock star in the Republican Party.  During that time there have been several in the Democratic Party, most notably Bill Clinton, and of course the current candidate, Barack Obama.

Will Sarah’s efforts be enough?  Too soon to tell. Run, Sarah, Run.

– Carl / Blogvious

I thought I’d heard every possible story from tech support people - until today. A great new CMS tool, Remix, has come out with an update. I visited their site today seeking a solution and was told that tech support was unavailable. Seems their town of Surat India is under TERRORIST ATTACK. That’s a first.

Here is the message:

 

“The WP Remix 2 has received a good praise, suggestions and support from the valuable clients since its release. At WP Remix site, we have support forum for any and all queries that the buyer might have and I have been providing in time support to all the queries generated by the users.

Unfortunately, the city where I live has some bad news. My city is under terrorist attack and many live bombs (nearly 25) has been detected in past 3 days as you can see in the following news websites.

Though I wish to provide support in time, the circumstances are as such, I might not be able to come to office for few days and as a result, I might not be able to provide support in time.

I request all the existing buyers to co-operate in this situation and also would request to active support forum members to help each others as much as you can.

Again, I appreciate the warm support of all the people, and hope to the things get well soon.”

Wow. We take much for granted in our sheltered existence - but the threat posed by extremists impacts the lives of all of us. I hope my friend in India is soon back at his desk and that his company continues to prosper.

– Carl Melville / Blogvious

Do you ever Text, email, blog, Twitter, or schedule on your cell phone? Do you wish you could?  How about while driving?

It’s rare that a new product really gets me excited. This one does. Dial2Do, a new FREE service for your cell phone, turns you and your phone into a hands-free productivty machine. You can use it while driving, walking, sky diving - anywhere or anytime when it’s not convenient to use your hands.

Best of all, it works with my existing email, blog, and calendar software. I don’t need to change ANYTHING. It works the way I do, and it all begins with a simple phone call.

 To use it, I dial a local number. Dial2Do recognizes me (from my cell number) and asks me what I want to do. I say “Send Text”, “To Nick”, “Don’t forget to bring cold beer”. Done. He gets the text. I can even get a confirmation if I want. This coudl also have been done via email.

Yesterday I was on my way back from the gym when a Twitter thought crossed my mind. I said “Twitter”, Diak2Do asked for my post. I said “I’m writing a white paper on the California Hands Free driving law and looking for case studies.” - BAM. It was posted on Twitter (after it read it back to me to approve).

While on the call, I said “Reminder”, “Finish monthly recap and email before noon”. When I got back to my office, this reminder was on my calendar. How cool is that?

Oh, this product / company just took top honors at the Silicon Valley Entrepreneurs awards (2008), so I expect it may be a company to watch out for.

Want to try it?  Warning: It can be addictive. Go to www.dial2do.com for a activation code. If you sign up now, you get it for free. The product is in late stage beta but work great.  Enjoy.

– Carl Melville / Blogvious

In a previous post I pondered the proposition of Twitter. To Twitt or Not to Twitt. Open minded but skeptical, I said that I would try to see what all the fuss was about. I was unexpectedly surprised with what I discovered.

More than just a self-aggrandizing podium for ego-centric technorati, though there is plenty of that, Twitter is actually fun - and a bit addictive. I’ve set up several Twitters now and am using them for personal and business reasons. Have they had a huge impact? Probably not. But as anyone involved in SEO can tell you, every little bit counts.

If you’ve not yet Twittered, take it from a would-be-doubting-dinosaur, it’s worth a look. For more information or to sign up, go to www.twitter.com.

– Carl / Blogvious

Don’t you love the old rock groups that recapture the public eye?  Well, not always. The Strolling Bones can still kick it out, but a few others need to pack it up and move along.

Remember Devo? Yes, that Devo. As in “Whip It” and a host of other widely forgotten tunes? Well they are back. What are they doing? Touring? Recording? Nope. They’re suing McDonald’s. Yes, lovable Ronald McDonald - a guy not geeky enough to be a member of Devo - is now the target of a lawsuit.

Seems Donald had donned the red Devo hat. While they are at it, they are also suing American Idol. They are actually suing because they claim a toy in the Happy Meal box is wearing ‘their hat’. As I said, you can’t make this stuff up. If you really want details, here’s the link: Divo sues over Happy Meal Toy.

By the way guys, the 1980’s called. They said your 15 minutes ended when Members Only went out of style.

– Carl Melville / Blogvious

I respect Wesley Clark’s service to our country. Seriously injured in Vietnam, he recovered and has spent his career in the military. Respecting Clark the man however is quite another matter. I can respect him no more. His most recent act of utter arrogance was made on national television on Sunday. Given an opportunity to walk his comments back, he further enforced them, leaving no doubt they were not an error or poor choice of words. It was a personal attack and one that was groundless - and which backfired on him.

You may recall that General Clark (ret.) made an aborted run for the Democratic nomination in 2004. His ballyhooed campaign lasted about 10 seconds - vanishing with barely a whisper. Since then General Clark has been a perennial gadfly on every cable channel, news show, and open podium that will have him. Wind him up and he will distort the intentions of the administration and contort the facts on the ground to suit the requirements of his Democratic masters.

His 15 minutes of fame long expired, Clark continues to speak of things as if anyone really cared what he thinks. Senator Obama, in an effort to beef up his military cred, hired Clark as a hack to promote the Senator as a savvy and wizen leader on military issues, in spite of never having worn a uniform. Even in this role Clark bungled the assignment and felt the need to exceed his commission.

On Sunday, in front of the entire world, he proclaimed that Senator John McCain, a man that served his country honorably, spent years in a Vietnam prison camp, and then devoted his life to national service, did not possess qualified military credentials. For those unaware of McCain’s background, he was offered early release from the Hanoi Hilton (as it was called), which he refused unless his fellow prisoners were also freed. In poor health and badly injured he went on to endure years of sadistic torture that have left his body damaged, but his character intact.

Admiral McCain? Almost. Many people do not know that John McCain, who had committed his life to military service, was about to accept a promotion to one star Admiral (Naval equiv of General). He turned down the commission to run for public office. He was successful in that pursuit and has served his nation and state for over 20 additional years.

Clark’s comments, which were immediately disavowed by the always-nimble Obama Spin Machine, are beneath contempt. They were not an accident. They were not a slip of the tongue. They were a calculated attempt to besmirch McCain and nullify his credentials in this particular domain.

From today forward Clark is a non-entity for me. He’s cashed in his credibility and dignity for cheap shots and quick headlines. The fact that it backfired goes to the ineptitude of the effort but does not remove the dark underlying intent.