Obama: Realizing The Dream

As I write this blog entry, our nation is on the cusp of history. A little more than two hours from now, Barack Obama will officially accept his party's nomination to be its candidate for President Of The United States of America. He is the first African-American to be the official candidate for president from either major political party. In recognition of this historic achievement, Obama's rival, Senator John McCain is even running a commercial tonight to congratulate him. A class act.

Today also happens to mark the 45th anniversary of one of the most remarkable speeches in American history: the famous "I Have A Dream" address given by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Dr. King spoke of freedom for his people, owed to them by The Declaration of Independence which states that "all men are created equal." His speech was the highlight of the March On Washington, in which hundreds of thousands protested for equality and justice for all people. He spoke of his dream that one day his children and his children's children would be judged "not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." This stunning speech may be found here in entirety.

The nomination of Barack Obama for president partially realizes Dr. King's dream. In the past 45 years, African-Americans have gone from Jim Crow laws, segregated lunch counters and drinking fountains to tonight's historical event. Many people both black and white have fought to achieve this moment. More than a few lives have been lost in the struggle.

Abraham Lincoln spoke of America as being the "last best hope of earth" in his 1862 message to Congress. He stated that by giving slaves their freedom, we assure freedom to the free. Dr. King took that a step farther and demanded "complete" freedom, equality, for his people.

Only time will reveal the outcome of this year's presidential race. But tonight we should all celebrate this momentous occasion in our nation's history. The dream lives on.

Gettysburg Address Returns To Gettysburg

Just five known copies of the Gettysburg Address exist as written in the hand of Abraham Lincoln. One of those copies is going to be put on display for only three days next month at the new Visitor Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania. The display of this priceless document, on loan from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, will be part of the grand opening celebration of the center in Gettysburg. The manuscript will be on display from September 26-28, 2008.

This particular copy of the Gettysburg Address is known as the "Everett Copy." Contrary to popular belief, Abraham Lincoln was not the featured speaker at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg on November 19, 1863. That honor fell to Edward Everett, a nationally renowned orator of the day. While Lincoln's famous Address took only two minutes to deliver, Everett's speech took over two hours! A few weeks after the ceremony, Everett asked Lincoln for a copy of the Address in order to include it in a volume that Everett was assembling to mark the dedication. This copy is also the first to feature the words "under God" in the final sentence of the address.

Many myths surround the Gettysburg Address. No, Mr. Lincoln did not write it on the back of an envelope while riding the train to the town. No, it wasn't universally declared to be a brilliant speech in the weeks and months after it was given. Click here to find out the facts behind the legends. Also you may click here to learn more about how and why Lincoln was invited to Gettysburg to give a "few appropriate remarks."

Summer Blockbuster! Must-have items for your Desert Home Theater

Summer is nearly over, but think of the cold nights you’ll need to spend indoors entertaining- well, not so cold here in Palm Desert or Rancho Mirage, but it will get a little cooler. These sophisticated accessories and furnishings will help you enjoy your time spent in your own home theater, be it cold or not, indoors or out!



Nile Audio Planter



These planters not only dress up the garden, but also provide outdoor sound with the woofer and tweeter hidden inside. These realistic weatherproof planters are available in terracotta or concrete finish, and will hold live plans or flowers. http://www.nilesaudio.com/





Omnimount Prism Cabinet



With this cabinet, no one will even care what you’re watching, or even if you don’t have a TV! This high-design media cabinet comes in black or white, and gives your flat screen plasma TV a posh place to rest. http://www.omnimount.com/















Salamander Jump Seat Ottoman



These remind me of those great seats in coachbuilt limousines that fold out of sight when not in use- These ottomans open up in rumbleseat fashion into a theatre seat. These are ideal when you have friends over for movie watching or video games. When closed, it functions as an ottoman. http://www.salamanderdesigns.com/





Netgear EVA8000



A complete media bridge that frees up all of your media, including photos, videos, will transpose information on your computer to your video screen- simply choose from your MP3 music and your photos, and you’ve got an instant slide show!















Vantage TPI Screens



Control your home theater lighting, Music, and Temp from one touchscreen remote control with easy to read graphics.