Lately I’ve been inundated with comments, articles, and general STUFF about Obama. I said it once, and I’ll say it again … the more I read about that man, the more he scares me. A couple people sent me this link, a post on ZardozZ detailing a very well put together article by the National Black Republican Association detailing some little known facts about the man.

Go. Click. Read … now!!!

Put down the bagel. Go read those web comics later. Stop surfing for auto insurance online or whatever it is you’re Googling … seriously. It never ceases to amaze me how many people who are planning to vote for that man, but no absolutely NOTHING about him, his views, or where he stands on which issues … but I digress.

Vote for Mom!

Anyways, after you go read that article, go vote for America’s Favorite Mom: Patti Bader, founder of Soldiers’ Angels!!! (also posted to SA of AL site!)

[ Note: voting requires registration ... might I suggest a disposable email address? ]

You know, when I was a teenager I absolutely abhorred my first name: Shannon. I hated that all of my school stuff had “Shannon” on it instead of “Nicki.” One year I absolutely insisted that my records be changed to reflect my nickname, which I’ve gone by all of my natural life. (The office ladies had a few giggles at my expense and sent me on my little defiant, albeit pissed off, way.) As I got older, I told myself, “Hey, my family has Scottish/Irish descent, and that’s definitely an Irish name. So chill.” I got over, for the most part.

However, to this day, I cringe if someone calls me by my full name and will insist upon being called “Nicki.”

I can’t help but laugh at all the hubbub about Obama and his full name being used in the media. “Hussein” Ok sure, we’ve known a few bad Husseins before. I can identify and sympathize … to an extent.

Seriously, what’s in a name? Would it be any more heinous if it were “Adolf”? Ok, maybe it would … but you get my point. If Obama were really that embarrassed or bothered by his name, he would have had it legally changed long ago. On the other hand, it gives conservatives something else to yuck about — and let’s face it, he’s given us plenty of material!

In an effort to show some sensitivity about his middle name, I propose we just refer to the first and last initials now: B.O. That has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Yeah, I thought so too. In fact, it struck me so funny that I whipped up a little something in Photoshop to celebrate it:

If you hadn’t caught on by now, that man scares me. And it has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with his name.

Update: Per a very creative suggestion by Cookie, there’s now a follow-up image:

LOL! Am I too geeky in thinking this would be cool?

I’m a little “off” due to being swamped yesterday (and the dr’s appt.). This week’s edition of Alabama Bloggers Carnival is up over at The Bull Speaks!, so be sure to mosey on over and take a peek.

Jim’s over at Callaway golf, so here’s to hoping he doesn’t come home with half the store in tow.

I found out Saturday (had gotten the message a little too late) that my Presidential pick, Fred Thompson, was in town last night. According to The Terminal, the event cost $1,000 per couple, at the Mountain Brook home of Jim Cooper (of Cooper Construction Company).

Great to hear that he’s out and about, would have liked more warning that he was coming. I am a little disheartened to see that other than the small byline in The Birmingham News and on a few local blogs, his visit saw little fanfare.

Maybe that will change once he formally announces his intention to run.

Hurry up and run already!!!!

Hello! My name is Nicki and I am your guide for this week’s edition of the Alabama Bloggers Carnival. I must ask that you please keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times. We have a great lineup, so if everyone’s ready, let’s jump right in and get this ride going!

Up here on the right, we have my own submission covering Barack Obama’s recent visit to our fair state:

“I would be interested in hearing real answers to key issues rather than the tired rhetoric that’s currently posted to his website. Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear, tell me what you actually PLAN to do about the problems in this country…”

I dunno ’bout y’all, but I haven’t heard anything yet!

We are now coming up on Alabama Improper, who has recently joined Blog-A-Thon 2007, putting her talents (and blog) to work for a very good cause!

“Please consider sponsoring me and donate a lump sum amount to the charity of my choice which is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I don’t see any of the money and neither does Blogathon. We ask that you donate directly to the charity’s donation page.

Also, if you would like and have the time, please help promote this event too. Send some people my way to donate/pledge. I greatly appreciate it.”

A great cause, indeed! Won’t you help her out?

Coming up to your left, you’ll see 7.62mm Justice who is covering another recent celebrity visit to Alabama, Ms. “Peace Mother” Cindy Sheehan. He ends this very well-constructive entry with the following reflection:

“This isn’t a simple operation, this is war. Things are complex in war. The enemy is doing everything it can to win. We must do everything we can to succeed. Lives depend on it.”

Amen, brother!

Our next stop, Scott Allan’s World with a humorous post about an “ex” who went to bat for the other team:

“I wasn’t sure what to think at first. Then I thought about it, and I realized, how many guys can say they were with a lesbian? There’s one item I got to check off my list that I never thought would happen.”

Too funny, Scott. Thanks for sharing!

Last but certainly not least for this tour, we have Degree of Madness with her post about President Bush and his recent meeting with journalists outlining his case for winning the war:

“The anti-war Bush noise coming from Congress is getting tiresome. President Bush has been criticized for not making a stronger case for the surge. It’s time for him to step up and fight the ‘Surrender Lobby’”

Personally, I’m all for telling the “Surrenderists” exactly what they can do with their “plans.” But then again, maybe it’s a good thing I’m not President!

It’s been a pleasure hosting this week’s edition of the Alabama Bloggers Carnival. I hope you all had a great time and will come back again. Don’t forget to send in your submissions for next week’s edition (I don’t know who is hosting yet).

Courtesy of Wade on Birmingham and The Birmingham News, Barack Obama is back in Alabama again. He will be in Huntsville today and Birmingham tonight for fundraising events for his campaign.

Now what surprises me is that you can attend the lunchtime affairs in Rocket City for anywhere from $1000 to $2300. (Yikes! That’d better be some good soup!) But dinner in Birmingham will only cost you $25. Yup, less than a tank of gas, that Obama is a cheap date for the Magic City.

I won’t be going, no sir-ee Bob; but I would be interested in hearing real answers to key issues rather than the tired rhetoric that’s currently posted to his website. Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear, tell me what you actually PLAN to do about the problems in this country — because brother, you haven’t said anything to impress me YET!