Posts with the tag image

MusiCares Tribute, NAACP Image Awards, Grammy Awards, GSMA Mobile World Congress, 81st Academy Awards, Noise Pop Film Fest, Highlight February Media and Entertainment Industry Networking Events

Paul — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 01:50:53 EST

Blues musicians from around the world will compete for cash, prizes, and industry recognition, performing in 18 venues along Beale Street, as The Blues Foundation presents the 25th Annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis, running through February 7. In Directors Close-Up: Conversations on the Art of Filmmaking, a series running through March 11 in Los Angeles, indie directors and their collaborators explore specific aspects of their craft, and allow you to ask questions, examine their work, and get a rare insight into the creative process. For nine days during the Berlinale, also known as the Berlin International Film Festival, film professionals have the opportunity to get informed about the latest productions and developments in the global film scene, for an event that has come to be known as The European Film Market, running February 5-15. The 17th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival opens this year’s festival, running February 5-16 in Los Angeles, with the acclaimed South African drama “Jerusalema” directed by Ralph Zinman, hosted by 2009 PAFF Celebrity Host Blair Underwood. Musical artist support group, MusiCares, will present the Person of the Year Tribute To Neil Diamond, February 6 in Los Angeles. The Urban Individualists (helene_ruizartist@yahoo.com), a multicultural network of collaborating individualists, presents an exhibit, "Space and Time" that contemplates the subtle and apparent aspects and perspectives of connections and disconnections of time and space, opening with a gallery reception on February 7 and continuing through February 21, in New York's East Village.

The “Guru of Rom-Com” and author of the screenwriting textbook, 'Writing the Romantic Comedy', Billy Mernit shares secrets about writing for this genre learned during his tenure in the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, and his background as a writer, lyricist and script consultant, when he sits in at a February 7 Alameda Writers Group meeting in Glendale. The Writers Guild of America, hosts its annual Writers Guild Awards, February 7 in Los Angeles. Jimmy Kimmel will host the 51st Grammy Awards, February 8 in Los Angeles, which will be broadcast in HDTV and 5.1 Surround Sound on the CBS Television Network from 8-11:30 pm (ET/PT), as well as on grammy.com and cbs.com. The NAACP Image Awards, held in Los Angeles, February 12, is the nation's premier event celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts (motion picture, television, recording, and literature), as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors. The GSMA Mobile World Congress, February 16-19 in Barcelona, combines the world's largest exhibition for the mobile industry with a viable congress that brings together prominent leaders and personalities from mobile operators and equipment vendors, as well as Internet and entertainment professionals. Director John Reiss ('Bomb It') shares his experience and insights regarding self distribution, passing along his acquired wisdom about the tools and tips of how to self distribute a film and get it seen by the widest possible audience, when he speaks at a Film Independent workshop on February 17 in Los Angeles.

The Folk Alliance Music Conference conducts special events, such as the Folk Music & Business Awards, Lifetime Achievement Awards, networking receptions, official Performance Alley and private showcase performances, feature shows and more when it meets February 18-22 in Memphis. The 2009 United States Super 8 Film and Digital Video Festival encourages any genre (animation, documentary, experimental, fiction, personal, etc.), but the work must have predominantly originated on Super 8mm/8mm film or Digital video or 8mm video formats. All works will be screened by a panel of judges who will award over $4000 in prizes when the festival meets for three days, opening February 20 in New Brunswick. The 81st Academy Awards take place February 22 at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre, hosted by actor Hugh Jackman, with Laurence Mark and Bill Condon producing. Participate in the Academy Awards festivities by attending one of 52 official Oscar viewing parties across the country. The Noise Pop Film Festival, February 24 through March 1 in San Francisco, focuses on films that embrace and reflect independent music and culture. Most screenings include Q&A's with the filmmakers. 2009's program includes "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison" and "Agile Mobile Hostile: A Year with Andre Williams." Noise Pop is pleased to unveil plans for Noise Pop 2009’s opening night party featuring a special live performance by Deerhunter.

The above events are only a sample of what is fully listed. Complete details are on the Media, Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry News and Events page. Video and podcast versions of this news summary are also available at popular video sites around the Web like MySpace, YouTube, Daily Motion, as well as on The Actor's Checklist podcast blog at actorschecklist.com/loudblog, a great place to get your iPhone, ipod or Apple TV download from. The Free Home Video Showcase at http://www.actorschecklist.com/video now serves as an archive for all past video presentations. This month on video you will again see an interesting array of performing artists from the indie sector on video, including Used Bookstore (www.myspace.com/usedbookstoredocumentary), an American mockumentary film series produced by Dogma Digital in association with Rise in Might Studios. "Hip-Hopumentary" film about the Los Angeles underground rap music movement, PrimalRap (www.primalrap.com). Australian dance music artist duo, Groove State (www.groovestate.com), performing the Get Sexy, bikini fiesta vocal mix, music video from the new Pop Glam album, distributed by Play Lab Records. The Actor's Checklist now lets you check the latest musical artists song releases on Apple's iTunes, updated on an hourly basis.

TIME'

KINGKIDDMADE — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:42:17 EST

TO ALL SUPPORTERS' OF PRESIDENT ELECT, BARACK OBAMA AND JOE BIDEN

AND...ALL ADMINISTRATION TEAM MEMBERS...

KINGKIDDMADE, WOULD LIKE SHARE HER THOUGHTS..."TO GIVE IS TO BE GIVEN"

WHAT TIME IS IT? THE TIME IS FOREVER!

WHAT IS YOUR TIME? "RaiIn" IN YOUR STEAD OF TIME!

WHAT TIME DO YOU HAVE? A BEGINNIG AND AN END!

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHT'S? KINGKIDDMADE!

Blue Obama “O” Logo Wallpaper

Dan — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:26:48 EST

I've created some common sized wallpapers using the Obama "O" logo set on a blue background...

Available in the following standard screen sizes: 1600x1200, 1280x1024, 1024x768 & 800x600. As well as the following 2 wide screen sizes: 1920x1200 & 1680x1050

Exclusive Palin Interview Disappoints -- and Palin's Eyes 'Well Up'

BuzzFlash — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:49:35 EDT

A BUZZFLASH NEWS ANALYSIS
by Christine Bowman

Will the GOP repackage Palin to tug at voters' heartstrings?

Jill Zuckman scored a rarity in this campaign season -- an exclusive interview with Sarah Palin. Zuckman's write-up for today's Chicago Tribune is, sadly, little more than a campaign puff piece.

The softball questions and the way the article is edited allowed Palin to push her talking points and avoid any stumbles on the eve of delivering her first, and perhaps only, national speech on a public policy issue, a talk on children with special needs. There's no mention of Palin being deposed Friday by an independent investigator working for the Alaska personnel board, either.

Instead, Zuckman began by giving Palin her chance to deflect criticism of expenditures on Palin family clothing, hairstyles and makeup -- the $150,000 RNC outlay for the month of September. Palin asserted that she and her family are "frugal," and she allowed as how "It's kind of painful to be criticized ..." Zuckman didn't follow up or ask how the Neiman Marcus shopping spree jives with the campaign's Joe the Plumber talking point.

As transition into talking about any policy issues, Zuckman paused to portray Palin as a hapless victim. "Thrust into the national spotlight [to the contrary, Palin leapt into the fray with nary "a blink"] ... Palin has found herself [note passive sentence construction] under the microscope ever since, accused [there's the victim card again] of being inexperienced, a drag on the ticket, and most recently the recipient of racks of expensive clothes." Which part of that isn't true?

Palin also turned the exclusive interview into an opportunity to reestablish the link in voters' minds between herself and Senator Hillary Clinton. "I think Hillary Clinton was held to a different standard ... remember that double standard. ... I'm not going to complain about it, I'm not going to whine about it ..." Palin said, as she complained and whined about reports critical not of how she looked but of what the RNC spent to make Palin and her family look their best. Palin and her campaign are being criticized for conspicuous spending. Scrutiny of Clinton's look year in and year out was much more personal.

Zuckman did eventually let Palin preview her policy speech about funding for children with special needs. Zuckman summarized but did not analyze the McCain/Palin proposals. It appears that McCain and Palin want to piggyback two conservative issues -- school choice legislation and channeling funds to religious groups -- with more fully providing for such children. Instead of a "clean" bill, would theirs be a complex one that will be fought by special interests types and then defeated?

Then comes the piece de resistance and grand finale of Zuckman's hard-hitting journalism:

Palin's eyes well up as she talks about her sister's son, Karcher, who has autism.
"My sister and I have talked a lot about this. It makes me cry thinking about it," Palin said. "She asked with tears in her eyes, she says, 'What happens when Kurt and I, though, are elderly, then what happens to Karcher?' "

Well, nice try repainting Sarah Barracuda, Sarah the Moose Hunter, Sarah the Pit Bull as Sarah the Sensitive.

Last January, many pundits and campaign poobahs were impressed and puzzled when Hillary Clinton pulled out a win in the New Hampshire Democratic primary, despite all the polls and many of the pundits having predicted that Obama had the state and even the nomination sewn up. When Hillary Clinton won, many concluded that her tearful on-camera comments about how hard it all was, made the critical difference. They figured voters liked the humanized, femininized candidate and came out to support her at the polls in droves.

That may or may not have been what happened. There are other plausible theories floating around on what happened in New Hampshire.

At any rate, it looks like the McCain/Palin team feels this sensitizing thing is at least worth a try. They can see how it flies. I wonder, did the GOP get Palin's teary-eyed moment on camera? And will their timing prove to be good enough? Stay tuned.

Interview transcript is here.

A BUZZFLASH NEWS ANALYSIS

Voter Registration Fraud

John from Sterling Heights, MI — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:48:12 EDT

In the past two elections, voter registration and other voter fraud has been rampant. Recently, it has come to light that it is happening again.

I know it is difficult to divert campaign funds, but some should be used to expose and prosecute voting fraud.

This would accomplish:

1. Would improve Barack's already stellar image.

2. Would regain votes lost through fraud

3. Would set a precedent for others to follow

4. May dissuade future fraud

-John

A Vote for History

Amanda's Mom — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:01:33 EDT

For those who are still undecided, who are yet unsure, your hesitation is understandable. We are witnessing the unraveling of the very core of the institutions on which we have depended for stability, with the knowledge that those men and women who we had already elected to govern had neither the wisdom nor the courage to foresee or to warn, to enact or to guide. It is a time when it is hard to know who to believe. It is a time when we are unsure how to trust. We now both seek and fear their leadership. We now both seek and fear our responsibility in putting people in office with our single powerful irrevocable vote. We did put them, each of them, in office. We will put vast numbers of people into office again and again and again. We desperately want to know now that our next decision will right our course and yet secretly fear that it will not do so. Perhaps if we look beyond war and economics, we can make our decision based on who will help us to feel most hopeful, who will bring a kind of redemption to America, a redemption long overdue and much needed. Needed, perhaps, as much as, if not more than, economic and political savvy. If you are yet undecided, please remember, that a vote is also a terrible thing to waste. If you are looking for a reason to cast your vote, consider the power of the Inaugural Image. I tried to capture that power in a poem that I wrote during the primaries this past year.

Blue Obama Biden Wallpapers

Dan — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:59:24 EDT

I've create some common sized wallpapers using the Obama Biden logo set on a blue background. Click on the screen to to select the screen size...

Available in the following standard screen sizes: 1600x1200, 1280x1024, 1024x768 & 800x600. As well as the following 2 wide screen sizes: 1920x1200 & 1680x1050

High Resolution Obama Biden Logos

Dan — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:53:06 EDT

For anyone looking for a higher resolution versions of the Obama Biden logo, I thought I would share some that I created from the PDF on the downloads section.

Below are thumbnails of the high-resolution images - click any one to where you can download them.

Note that I also have several PDFs available ready to print - these are vector based and size up without jaggies.

I Can See the Moon, I Have Astronaut Experience

liberal — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:00:51 EDT

Only 900 people voted for her to become mayor.

Only 100k votes to become governor.

or as I like to say..

"I can see the moon, I have astronaut experience!"

Change is Good

liberal — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 11:56:31 EDT

Obama-Apple Wallpaper for Mac Users

Dan — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:50:38 EDT

Today's post is geared towards Apple Mac OS users. Flickr user aar0n5150 has a really nice looking Obama image which mashes up the Obama and Apple logos released under a Creative Commons license...

I've create some common sized wallpapers from his image and have made them available for download...

Grab them here!

While you're at it check out our growing collection of iPhone wallpapers, signs, posters, wallpapers, etc. at obamamedia.wordpress.com.

Obama ‘08 SVG Logo (Caps)

Dan — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:06:50 EDT

It seems that the Wikipedia administrators have removed the old Obama '08 SVG campaign logo. I've looked for an SVG of the capitalized version of the logo, but was unable to find one, so I imported the eps file provided (from www.barackobama.com/downloads), used a tracing program to create an SVG from it, then cleaned it up a little. Unfortunately, wordpress.com doesn't allow the upload of SVG files directly. However, it does accept PDF files with attachments. So, I've attached this svg (which you can save it out of) in the following PDF. Directions on how to save the SVG from the PDF are contained in the document.

A great open source (free) program you can use to open and manipulate SVGs is Inkscape. You can download it for Mac, Windows and Linux at http://www.inkscape.org/download/.

Obama WallPapers at mybad28’s Obama Flickr Collection

Dan — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:59:07 EDT

The wallpapers keep on coming! Check out mybad28’s collection of Obama wallpapers at Flickr - he currently has 8 Obama wallpapers available for download. Here’s a sampling of some of my favorites...

Check out my post at obamamedia.wordpress.com for a link to the site and while you're there check out our growing collection of signs, posters, images, wallpapers, and more!

Basketball

Harry from Aptos, CA — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:47:42 EDT

I have an idea that might help the Obama national campaign but I can’t figure out a way to get it to the people who make campaign decisions. If you like my idea and know how to reach someone in that position please forward this message.

Many people don't vote intellectually, they vote emotionally. So we should start using people's emotions with the same effectiveness that Republicans do.

Images influence people’s emotions more strongly than words. The campaign needs to create images that portray Obama’s personality in a way that connects with undecided voters who find him too cerebral or too intellectual or just too different from themselves and their neighbors. How?

Basketball.

Why basketball? Weeks ago, when Obama was in Germany, I saw shots of him on the TV news playing basketball with some American soldiers stationed there. He hit at least one 3 pointer.

Basketball is an American sport. It was his sport in high school (or college) so he won’t look out of place playing with some well chosen young men. Basketball is a place where a lot of Americans cheer like mad for a bunch of strong black men who dominate the game. Americans want a strong president. Obama is strong. There’s no way the short elderly McCain could match this. No words are needed to convey the idea.

Also, it would give him a refreshing break from the tedium of campaigning. It might not hurt to throw in some endorsements from basketball stars, white and black.

This election is about hope

mdelmuro — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:17:03 EDT

When John McCain and Barack Obama step onto the stage in Oxford, Mississippi on Sept. 26, they'll argue about taxes, about the Iraq War, about whose health care plan is better, and who has the "experience to lead."

But I want to argue that this election is about more than that. It IS about "change," as Obama's been arguing since the beginning and McCain has argued since the RNC. But this election is just as much about image at home and around the world.

When Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech at the DNC and was greeted by two- or three-minute standing ovation, my eyes teared up. I looked at him and saw a black man - something I didn't think I'd ever see in a presidential election. I saw a man who's better than the athletes that are flashed on the TV screen as "role models." He's better than the millionaire rappers who roll in the Hummers and rims and loud thumps.

He's a magna cum laude from Harvard University. He's someone who gave up millions in order to work on the streets as a community organizer. He's someone who came from a father-less home and, by his bootstraps, made himself one of the two finalists for the most important job in the world.

But more than that, Obama represents something for the rest of the world. He represents an America that can be better than it has ever been to its neighbors. It can be the first major Western country to elect a black president, or prime minister. People around the world will look at the United States and say, "Even a black man can become president in the United States. That is a wonderful place of opportunity."

Yes, I agree with Obama's tax policies, his environmental policies, and his energy policies, but underlying all that support is my belief that an Obama presidency can give Americans something that's been missing since, well, Franklin Roosevelt - that the future might not be such an awful thing full of despair and failure. I believe an Obama presidency will truly give us hope.

He gives me hope for a better future for our country. He gives me hope that this country can change for the better and that our great sins of the past can be overcome. He gives me hope that racism can truly become a thing of the past. He gives me hope that minorities and the underprivaledged of all colors will truly shoot to be the best. An Obama presidency will make me truly proud to be an American.

Visit my Wordpress blog.

What choice of Palin says about Republicans

Edward from South Portland, ME — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:59:38 EDT

The choice of Palin on the last day of the Democratic convention is in tune with the Republican perspective that this election will be won or lost based on image. This explains the Republican strategy to portray Obama as a celebrity (as if that were an obvious negative).

The Republicans want to view Obama's appeal as one of the senses--he's photogenic, has a nice voice, has the appeal of a rock star (of course a rock star's status has nothing to do with the quality of their music?). There is no room to acknowledge that Obama thinks and speaks clearly (they think it's all rhetorical device). They can't admit he has a solid ability to solve problems elegantly, and inspires people because of the content of his speeches, not merely the sound or look of them. In fact Obama may look good partly because he is relaxed about the meaning and power of what he has to say.

The choice of Palin, then, tells us that for Republicans they plan to compete via image. In their view of the American viewer (perhaps that is the best way to describe their image of the American voter), a young feisty former beauty queen turned governor from Alaska is, in television image, equivalentin votes to both the feisty female Hillary Clinton and the young and photogenic Obama.

This Republican reliance on image was underlined by the almost total lack of content at the Republican convention. Republicans thrive in the world of gossip, distraction, innuendo, victimization, snideness, clever riposte, passionate side-issues, narrow litmus tests, bold and threatening suggestions such as military action, terrorist threats, partial-birth abortions which affect 0.001% of our population, flag-burning, drilling for oil which may affect our oil supply in 10 years unless oil companies treat those leases the way they have many others that have not yet been put to use.

The "old" (though not so very old) politics is the politics of pure image. The photo-op in ravaged New Orleans. The "mission accomplished" aircraft carrier. The nonexistence of soldiers' coffins. The frustration of the Republicans, then, as evidenced by their celebrity ad, is that Obama has good image on top of having a command of content. He can actually sink a 3-point shot in front of cameras and the military. Looks good but is also a skill and a confident performance. He didn't need a Pentagon video crew to fake the shot and distribute a doctored film as news.

Americans are inspired not by Obama's looks but because he speaks plainly about pressing issues. His style is convincing because he is willing to cite evidence on both sides of an argument in order to make clear why his position is strongest. Those politicians afraid to cite any strength in their opponent make us suspect they are hiding something and posturing.

I guess those Republicans who like to cite "common sense" as one of their special small town values just have to cover up their political sophistry by acting "blonde".

A Story of Hope

Tracy — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:56:42 EDT

I have carried this story with me now for years. I decided to share it wih Senator Obama and now with you.

September 6, 2008

The Honorable Barack Obama,

I am a child of the "Sixties", born right in the middle of the "boomer generation". As a young child, I was fortunate to experience a period of great optimism and hope - a brief glimpse of our country's potential. I can remember the universal excitement Americans felt about our opportunities in space. I remember racing around the track at my school, participating in one of the first President's Council on Physical Fitness events. I heard of older kids leaving for far away places, to help bring healthcare, education, and hope to those less fortunate. It was the greatest time of my life. I thought anything was possible and I knew I lived in the greatest country on earth.

I also remember a very sad November day and the growing realization that the hope of that period was gone - I thought forever. I grew up and got "on with my life", drifting through the cynicism and doubt of the years that followed. I am truly blessed and can look back over a successful life. My wife and I raised three wonderful, caring, and thoughtful daughters. We lived most of our lives outside the USA and experienced the great diversity that only a "citizen of the world" can enjoy. I would like to share a story from one of my "encounters with diversity".

On a business trip to Ethiopia, I struck a conversation with our company driver. It was our first encounter and he asked, "Are you American?" I must interject that this was during our first Gulf War and I often felt ashamed and embarrassed to admit my nationality. However, I responded, "Yes, I am.” I quickly added, "I haven't lived there for a long time and my home is now Switzerland." There was no response and we drove along in silence, though we were both deep in thought. Finally he said, "You know, I remember a time, many years ago as a young man, when the young boys and girls from the Peace Corps would play American movies on Friday night on the lawn of the American Embassy. We would line-up early in the afternoon to get a chance to get in. But, even if we didn't get in, we would stand outside and strain to see and hear the movie - hundreds of us would be there. When, I reflect back on those times I can remember how wonderful we thought America and Americans were. It's a shame that all of that has changed - a real tragedy." He continued after a brief pause, "You know, I believe this whole mess in Iraq could be settled if the Americans would send young men and women like that to Iraq instead of soldiers,. They would win the hearts of the Iraqi people and the change would come from within. They would see there is a better world and would throw-off any dictator that stood in their way of realizing that better world" He finished, by saying, "I know these are just the foolish and naive thoughts of an old man, but I believe it is possible." He thanked me for the movies (as if I were personally responsible) and we ended our trip with well wishes for peace.

This story has stayed with me all these years as a reminder of what we were and what we can be. I had forgotten that spirit of hope I once had as a child. We have the ability to use the "uniqueness" of the United States to impress the citizens of the world with our grace and goodness, not our power and might. We left a lasting impression on a young man in Ethiopia many years ago. I believe we have the opportunity to re-ignite that spirit and resume our role of benevolent inspiration.

In closing, I want to thank you, for once again, making me feel the hope and inspiration I felt as a young child. I believe in you, your message, and your cause. If there is anything I can do to help - your dream - my dream - our dream - become reality; don't hesitate to call upon me.

Now is our time to rise to a higher purpose.

Sincerely

R Tracy Thomas

Theta75’s Obama Wallpaper Collection

Dan — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:38:16 EDT

I wanted to point out another great Obama wallpaper collection. Flickr user Theta75 has two really nice Obama wide screen wallpapers...

Check out my post at obamamedia.wordpress.com for a link to the site and while you're there check out our growing collection of signs, posters, images, wallpapers, and more!

Obama Wallpapers at wallpaperforobama.blogspot.com

Dan — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:29:14 EDT

I've found another great Obama wallpapers website at wallpaperforobama.blogspot.com. Below is just a sampling of some of the wallpapers they have - including one of the first Obama-Biden wallpapers I've seen...

Check out my post at obamamedia.wordpress.com for more samples and a link to the site. Also, check out our collections of signs, posters, images, wallpapers, etc...

Motivational Note

Friends of President Barack Obama — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:19:02 EDT

Even though it may not look like it or feel like it, you are making progress.

Continue working towards progress instead of perfection.

Nothing or no no one is perfect.

Just keep taking steps.

Keep making those phone calls.

Continue following your plan.

Remain focused on your goal.

Do what you have to do right now to get to the next level.

Complete every task.

Keep every promise and commitment.

Don't look back.

Stay on track.

Let no one weaken your walk of faith and determination.

Remain teachable.

Place yourself in a blessing position by associating with people on-the-grow.

Talk with teachers.

Walk with winners.

Climb with champions.

Study successful people.

Something great is about to happen for you!

Start giving thanks right now before you can even see the outward manisfestation of your prayers and desires.

Everything you do from this day forward will take you further away or closer to your potential for successful living.

-by Dr. Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker & Author

Barak's image

Kathe — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:10:04 EDT

Barak has to get more publicity of him in shirt sleeves, talking to small groups. I'm noticing that his publicity shows him mostly in front of large crowds. It makes him look too much like a rock star. I'd also like to see him asking the public for help.

How Obama Beacme Acting President

suecdsmls — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:59:55 EDT

Frank Rich's column in today's NYTimes is an interesting read about Obama:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/opinion/27rich.html?em&ex=1217304000&en=4788fe222b9855a7&ei=5087%0A

Berlin

Amber — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:30:55 EDT

Seeing that incredible picture of Senator Obama in front of all those people in Berlin made me get a little teary. The possibility of America being able to restore its tarnished image around the world is so real now that Barack is our nominee. If the overwhelmingly positive welcome he recieved all over the place this past week isn't an indicator of what a great representative for America he'd be, I dont know what is!

I know Barack's campaign is founded in hope, and for the first time since he started his journey last year, I felt completely engulfed in that hope for the future. Yes we can!!!

An Invitation and Welcome to Blog for Americans Abroad!

Lisa Caid — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:17:36 EDT

Just a great bunch of ideas below! Share your domestic and international experiences on Americans Abroad for Obama, and don't forget to copy the local groups to which you belong, like Canyon Texas for Obama!

See ya soon,

Lisa

From: Obama for America - Expats expats@barackobama.com
Subject: Welcome to Blog for Americans Abroad!
To: "Americans Abroad for Obama"
Date: Friday, July 25, 2008, 12:17 PM
Dear Americans Abroad,
Welcome to Americans Abroad! I am writing to invite you to visit the Americans Abroad blog. This is your opportunity to help show the world how Americans around the world support Obama. As Americans living overseas, we have a unique perspective on how Obama’s election will help build not only America’s competitiveness in the world, but also will restore America’s image and standing in the eyes of the world.
We invite you to participate in this historical campaign from wherever in the world you are. This campaign is a grassroots effort, and Obama’s election depends on the voices of Americans. Have your voice heard and help Obama win the Presidency!
It’s very simple to have your voice heard around the world, and to participate from wherever you are. Please get involved.
How can you be heard? Here are a few ways.
1. Your content. Send comments, photos, stories of interest, articles of interest, or video links to expats@barackobama.com
2. Your story. Set up your profile at www.my.barackobama.com and tell us why you support Obama. Your story is an important part of this election, and we would like to tell it in the blog.
3. Your blog. Start your own blog! Sign into your profile at www.my.barackobama.com and blog away. Post your own opinions, articles, and photos. This is your own space and you can voice your own thoughts and opinion on issues important to the campaign. If you would like particular posts of your own highlighted on the Americans Abroad blog, simply bring them to the attention of expats@barackobama.com
Thank you so much for all you have already done to help win this campaign. Please stay engaged from wherever you are and put your voice out there!
Thank you for your help and support.
Yes we can!
Chris
Volunteer for Americans Abroad

Guilt By Association - Your Move McCain!!!

TarekP4Obama — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:27:54 EDT

It is troubling to me that we have 42 days until the Senator Obama accepts the nomination for the Democratic Party for President. We are watching the GOP spin the public in a way that is unfair to our party. We are not making ourselves aware. The media is on board. So is John McCain. So, what do you think that I am discussing. It is one of the oldest strategies that has been used since the founding of the Democratic-Republican party (now the Democratic Party) in 1792. This is guilt by association.

How does it work? When you have unfavorable outgoing party leaving an office, and you have a candidate that is keeping a race close, how do you defeat them? Is it taking him or her on directly? NO. That leads to people's support be divided down the middle. Please see the 2000 and 2004 elections respectively. Even better, look at the Democratic Primary season that just completed in 2008. These races brought alot of attention, but it did not swing the voters at large to commit to a candidate to a majority. The media has embraced this by trying to fan the smoke for Hillary Clinton supporters into flames for John McCain.

But, that is not issue. Here is how you cost your candidate. You take his agenda and use it against him while you have your unfavorable leader in a position of power. What? You don't think this is the case. Please review information from the past 30 days. While we have sought comfort in Obama now the Democratic nominee, we have taken our eyes off the one wildcard that needs to be check: Mr. President, George H. W. Bush!!!

He, with a favorability rating in the 20-29% range, has taken his fight for the Presidency global. He attacked Senator Obama with a calculated surrogate speech in mid June. He has also provided steps to foreign policy issues outlined from Senator Obama for years to be used today. The movement of troops from Iraq to Afghanistan was requested by Senator Obama for YEARS! When he noted Iraq was not the concern and that Afghanistan was, it played little on the media. Senator Obama has to now watch, just as we do, as President Bush now is sending troops to the area with the greatest terror threat, only now. Why?

Folks, here's the rub. We anticipate record turnout for our candidate, Senator Barack Obama in November. If you say the Republicans can say that we tried that and it didn't work, how do you think the masses listening in the media will say. They will cast McSame.

So, now we must pay close attention and talk with our neighbors and friends. Please email your blog, or this one to as many people as you know. The next 8 weeks will shed light on this strategy. You have to know that the President may acknowledge defeat, but he is going to the kitchen sink earlier than anticpated. Since we are mobilized in areas that were Republican strongholds, I now await Senator McCain's next move. We are making ours.

The New Obama Seal

Bobby from Germantown, MD — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:45:55 EDT

Dear Senator Obama,

I truly believe in what you stand for, and I am directing all of my efforts both professional and personal to get you elected as the next President of the United States. I am doing this because I think we need a guy like you, one who seems to speak the truth and is dignified, intelligent, and genuine.

However, I must say as someone who is your biggest fan, I think its unappropriate, ingenuine, and dare I say it..CORNY, to have the new Seal look so much like the Presidential seal. I understand in the big scheme of things that it will not matter, but perceptions in this country are everything, as I'm sure your team realizes.

Today my first thought when I saw the new Seal was not what normally comes to my mind when I think of you.

I think you might come off as a bit too "presumptive" as it were, and someone who is trying too hard to win the hearts and "Minds".

I say please just be yourself, if you lasted for seventeen months against Hillary Clinton, and kept your image as great as it currently now remains, then something must be working right.

This is only my humble opinion, and I can't wait to see you behind the REAL Presidential Seal.

In the words of some guy I don't really know.. "IF IT AINT BROKE DON'T FIX IT."

Thank You

Bobby

Germantown, Maryland

Obama on the cover of April's FAST COMPANY Magazine

Thatcher — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:40:35 EDT

THE BRAND CALLED OBAMA

Changing this image abroad

elizabeth — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:43:35 EDT

I am registered in Philadelphia, and I live in Cyprus. All stories aside and putting it mildly, it has not been easy living in this part of the world as an American.

My experience from here, being part of the elections at home, makes me realize that perhaps it won't take as long as we think to begin a turn-around of our image abroad.... it seems like people are just waiting for Americans to do this themselves, and they hope they will be able to - this time.

Last week I went to mail in my absentee ballot in Nicosia on the Greek-speaking side of the "last divided capital city in Europe." On the way, I stopped at the bank, where I mentioned to the teller that I'd be voting for Obama that day, and she immediately warmed up and said she would too, if she could. What a smile ! And at the post office, I took a second to tell the post men that in a way, they were helping me vote in the USA. They got unusually active: they wondered whom I was supporting. When I told them Barack Obama, they both blushed and smiled widely... and I have to say this is miraculous ... they were thrilled, they told the others in the office and all ... very very excited. Blushing.

GO OBAMA ! Even casting a ballot for you shakes the dirt off the American image abroad ! Prayers and much success !!!

Bill Clinton has damaged his image due to campaign role

! ! Leonel Picun — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:47:13 EDT

Bill Clinton has damaged his image due to campaign role

It is a petty that Bill Clinton has gotten involved in his wife campaign in such a negative note; his role in it has taken a toll in the image that most Democrats harbored of him for many years.

See article for Politico.com http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9066.html

He should it realize that getting partisan again was a mistake, it is understandable giving support specially if your spouse is in the race, but as a former President you need to maintain an image that he earned during his two terms and we all remembered with happiness.

Obama "Signs" Wallpaper

Dan — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:08:02 EST

More wallpapers adapted from media on www.barackobama.com...

Also, be sure to check out our growing collection of signs, wallpapers, etc. at obamamedia.wordpress.com.

800x600

1024x768

Obama “I Want You” Wallpaper

Dan — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:05:06 EST

Some more wallpapers adapted from the artwork on the Barack Obama website...

Also, be sure to check out our growing collection of signs, wallpapers, etc. at obamamedia.wordpress.com.

800x600

1024x768

Obama Wallpaper (1024×768)

Dan — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:00:35 EST

Per request - the blue wallpaper in a 1024×768 size. Enjoy!

Also, be sure to check out our growing collection of signs, wallpapers, etc. at obamamedia.wordpress.com.

Image in the Drudge Report

Robert from Lancaster, PA — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:10:56 EST

(cross posted at rspicer.blogspot.com)

One of the more interesting things about the Drudge Report is his use of imagery. Drudge has never really contributed anything to the journalistic art of word craft. His masterful choice of images makes up for it, even if he didn’t take the photos himself. A few images in particular have stood out and require some commentary. So I have been saving screen shots at different points since the days leading up to Super Tuesday.

We are at war!

Harold from Santa Cruz, CA — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:54:05 EST

We are at war. Yet it will not be won with guns. This is a war of ideas. The only weapons with power are words. Destruction of the enemy is not possible. Persuasion of the enemy to join your side is the only winning strategy.

Obama is our MOAB (mother of all bombs). He will truly "shock and awe" the established dictators and radicals. Those who constantly scare their people into blind following by ranting against Bush, Blair, and the West will find their words off the target.

Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton is a tragic example of democracy. Those around the world struggling for freedom will feel hopeless. America run by family dynasties... please no.

Voter Profiling-Fatal Branding

Connie — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 20:45:37 EST

Ever since last summer, reporters have been suggesting that Obama appeals to "well-educated and affluent" voters, or "college-educated, white, 'latte liberals'".

It is great that these voters support Obama, but when such "voter profiling" is over-referenced in the media, it may actually limit the candidate's appeal and prevent him from reaching out to a wider audience. People who do not fit the profile may feel alienated and turned off.

Obama's communications staff should try stemming such voter identification concerning Obama before it's too late - before he is fatally branded.

Hope to restore America's place in the world

Charles Penny — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 07:18:02 EST

As an American living abroad, I am very concerned about the role the United States has in the world. From Barack Obama's own lifetime experiences and his policy proposals, he gives hope to restore America's image. He gives hope to enable the US to fulfill the great promise it offers to the rest of the world, the promise of delivering people from oppression and giving them a voice to improve their own lives. In this promise, the US will seriously address the problems the world faces and make it a better place to live.

I believe Barack Obama understands that the promise for a better world that the United States of America offers cannot be delivered down the barrel of a gun, but rather, by America restoring its moral standing. He will put the shame of Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo behind us. Under his leadership, the US can once again respect international law and institutions it has been so fundamental in creating. He understands that the US can only be appreciated and respected in the world if it lives up to its own values.

Barack Obama also understands that the US role in the world depends on restoring its position as a leader instead of being dragged along as a reluctant follower. For example, he supports American ingenuity to address climate change and to be an active part of international efforts to solve this problem.

Finally, with his father being an immigrant to the US and his own childhood experience of living abroad, Obama understands that part of what has made the United States a great nation is its openness to new people, new ideas and diversity. America has taken pride in being a nation of immigrants. My own mother, who passed away in March 2007, was British - born in India, and lived in many places around the world. She spent the second half of her life in the United States and, with the worldview she had, she contributed to her community in many ways. I believe Barack Obama offers the opportunity to put that kind of understanding of the world into the White House, to make America once again the beacon of hope it has been and has the potential to be again.

As an American abroad, I want to do all I can to support the Movement Barack Obama leads. I want to be a part of that movement and hope others will join with me. I will be working towards getting as many Americans in Spain, in my home state of New Mexico, and elsewhere to vote for Barack Obama and support his campaign for hope and change. I welcome any opinions to the views I have expressed in this blog.

Gloves Off? or Brutal Eloquence and Thunderous Brilliance

Joseph — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 11:39:41 EDT

Time to take the gloves off? That's the question being asked in polls, in the press, and in the Democratic party. I back the Obama way: it's counter-productive for a party to rip itself apart in order to name a candidate. It did a lot of damage in 2004, an election that could have been the Democrats' to lose had that not happened.

How will it show a candidate is "ready" for him to "go negative"? That would be to betray the principles of reform and of a new way in politics that have been touted by the Obama campaign. What can be done is to take the gloves off, play hardball, but in a constructive way. Keep raising the bar. Keep making it harder for other candidates to answer serious talk with soundbites. The electorate hates soundbite politics, but it wins out when all the candidates play along.

A hardball campaign aiming to demonstrate not character assassination or petty meanness, but brutal eloquence and thunderous brilliance, is the kind of "shock and awe" (excuse the language) that will do the trick. The electorate wants to be treated like what it is, the real government of the nation's future, the real heirs to its past errors and to its successes and potential.

The Obama campaign should take it to all opponents with relentless tenacity and unfathomable intelligence. Fighting back without getting down into the mud, issuing punishing blows without attacking on a personal level, is the most powerful image-booster any politician can have. It may seem like a strange reference, but recall Bill Clinton's tenacious "doing the people's business" while he was being hunted by Kenneth Starr; he became more popular than at any other time.

If you're the candidate whose busy doing the people's business already, while the others are fooling around playing paintball, you're halfway to swaying the primary voters.

Obama Banner for the Upper Corner of Your Website

Ethan Allen Smith — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 21:20:35 EST

I created a banner for the upper left corner of our website and I wanted to share the images and code with everyone.

Check it out on our website. Code and images below the fold.