This is mostly a teaser post for the folks who are curious as to what is happening “behind the scenes”.

I am currently laying the groundwork for my next major publishing series, “The TurnKey Publishing” Book & Audio Series. It is modeled similarly to “The TurnKey Investor“Series. The TurnKey Publishing titles are slated to start rolling out in 2008, 5 years after my publishing company (Ascend Beyond Publishing) and my first book, The Intrepid Way, was published in 2003.

A lot has happened in the last 5 years and I have certainly learned a lot about the art and craft of creating and building a publishing business. It continues to grow at a steady pace. Although I like real estate, I like the publishing business even more. And so, I am looking forward to producing and releasing the titles.

If you visit TurnKeyPublisher.com, you will see it consists of one announcement page with some teaser information. I don’t typically release the names of the projects I work on until I am well under way. However, because it is an all-new book and audio series, I needed to experience the “look and feel” of the artwork by viewing it on a live website.  I will let it sit there for a few days to see if I want to keep the current design.

My disclaimer to what I am sharing is that EVERYTHING is subject to change. The titles, the projects, the cover art, etc. are all subject to modification or even scrapped if I don’t feel something is appropriate.

Having said all that, enjoy the “behind the scenes” peek and if you have any constructive criticism and feedback, feel free to email me.

Continuing my previous post on “Pondering the 2008 Presidential Candidates - Republicans”, I now focus on my take on the Democratic candidates.

As I said in the last post, my inclination towards Republican views are a bit on shaky grounds based on my growing social and environmental concerns. In many ways, I wish there is a third major political party but for now, I am a realist. I am “forced” to make my choice from the current base of political candidates from the Republican and Democratic parties. Quite simply, I am not afraid of admitting that I am making choices based on the philosophy “the lesser of many evils”. I wish I had someone that I really wanted but for now I cannot say that.

The Democratic Presidential candidates have been very interesting to watch. For me, more interesting than the Republicans thus far.

Joe Biden - He has not had as much press coverage as some of his Democratic peers. Most of my impressions have been based on the two debates where I saw him speak. I think he is very experienced in Washington and the political process. My concern with him is that he has been in public service almost too long. From what I know, he started at a very young age. I tend to think that people who enter public service should spend some solid time as a private citizen in the private sector to better understand what “normal” citizens go through in life. In that regard, I think he has lived the “public life” for many years shielded and never having experienced the uncertainly of being a private citizen.

In any case, Mr. Biden seems to have very little momentum or popularity and he may be a non-issue.

Bill Richardson - Like Mr. Biden, he doesn’t get a lot of air time except for the Democratic debates. The biggest problem I have with Mr. Richardson, is that he lives in la-la land where the Iraq war is concerned. Quite frankly, I am not a big fan of the war but I also understand why it needs to happen. What has shutdown my consideration of Mr. Richardson is not that he is against the war. I can live with that. What he said in one of the debates is that he would bring almost every soldier home within a year. That is simply unrealistic and would have extreme negative consequences. Terrorists would have a field day and Iraq would likely fall into anarchy affecting the neighboring nations by plundering the area into a volatile hotspot. If he has other redeeming qualities, I am willing to listen but for now, his extreme views on foreign policy just does not suit me.

John Edwards - There is something about John I really like. I want to support the guy, I like what he says. I think his family keeps him grounded. He came from humble beginnings and became a self-made man. Without a doubt, he has made some mistakes during his campaign like moving into a huge mansion and getting a $400 haircut. But there are worse things he could do. He has the money, he earned it, so why shouldn’t he enjoy it? He wants to be President and it won’t be for the money. His chances of winning seem slim this time around but I can definitely see him become a VP for someone. John Kerry was a terrible candidate in 2004. I don’t blame John for distancing himself from Kerry now. I would like to see John Edwards do well.

Barack Obama - This guy is very charismatic. I saw him speak for the first time on the televised 2004 Democratic Convention. I was stunned by his speech then. I thought to myself, this guy is going to go places one day. How the heck would I or anyone else know that he would shoot for the Top Spot in only 4 years? And with the Oprah factor backing him, Obama is a serious force to contend with. I like that he is a bit of an outsider with a fresh perspective. But I think him being a first-time Senator might make him a bit naive of what he can actually do if he can become President. I also don’t think he has a very wide view of the world or foreign policy. Like John Edwards, I find Obama likable, passionate, and inspiring. I respect what he has accomplished thus far in his relatively young political life. I would also get behind him as President if the people were to elect him. But would I personally implore people to vote for Obama? I am not sure. I don’t dislike him or what he brings to the table. But I have some concerns of his naivete. Like Edwards, I think Obama would make an excellent VP if he did not win the nomination.

Hillary Clinton - Ok, here we go. The big elephant in the room. I think she is very smart and has worked hard since she was young. I think life has hardened her and it affects her. From an intellectual point of view, I think she definitely has the presence and brains for the job. Being a prior First Lady and Senator definitely puts her upfront in experience. Having Bill Clinton as an advisor is a huge plus. Hillary has built up a huge financial war chest. There really is so many things going for Hillary and it is hard for me to ignore.

However…. Hillary brings baggage on a personal and emotional level. She is like Joe Biden in that she has been involved in government for a very long time. I don’t think Hillary is all that innocent of the things that came up when Bill Clinton was running for and was President. She is not spontaneous and she is very strategic. It isn’t all bad but it does make me think everything is scripted with her. It is hard to tell who or what the true Hillary is. I could easily see her getting caught up in some government cover-up or scandal and being dishonest about it. I am not saying she would be immoral but I could she where she might become ethically challenged based on her past incidents.

All in all, the triad of Obama, Hillary, and Edwards makes the Democrats so interesting to watch. I can get behind all of them if I had to. I lean towards Edwards but I just don’t think he can win. That is the problem I have in supporting Edwards. My view of Obama and Hillary is even. They both have pros and cons they bring to the Presidency.

I was crazy enough to travel on Christmas Day back to Colorado Springs so that I can end 2007 with some peace and reflection but also bring in with clarity and focus the new and exciting year of 2008.

I have rarely been away from home during the turn of a New Year so I thought this was a perfect time to do so.  In any case, it is difficult to get things done at home with so many companies operating with a skeleton staff.  So, why not spend more time with my newly adopted city of Colorado Springs?

During the next 2 weeks, I will be focusing on new titles for Ascend Beyond Publishing.  I will keep what I am working on under wraps for now.  I want the projects to solidify a bit more before announcing them.

Because I have traditionally leaned Republican, I will start off by making a few comments about the Republican side of the 2008 Presidential candidates.

I want to make it clear that I am a pragmatic guy. I think idealism is great to strive for but it takes time to make it happen. I also believe that there is no perfect candidate. Like it or not, it comes down to who I believe is “electable” and a person that has “most” of the sensibilities or inclinations I would want in a President.

As a person who has done his best to give our current president and VP the benefit of the doubt the last 8 years, even I have grown tired of the “cowboy” attitude that has offended so many people. For me, it is definitely time for a change. Believe it or not, I have often thought it is time for a Democrat to win the Presidency. That is how bad I want change and how tired I am of watching the current administration get the shit beat out of them. I am one who has become ashamed of the current administration.

Having said all that, my rational side says to try to keep an open mind to the new Republican candidates. In no particular order, this is where I currently stand.

Mitt Romney - There is something I don’t trust or like in him. I like the fact that he came from the private sector. As such, he understands there is a world beyond politics and public service. I also find it interesting he has spent so much money on the campaign so far but has swayed relatively few people his way. I suppose I should be encouraged that money does not and cannot always buy support. That certainly fits the bill with Mr. Romney. Because I do not understand Mormonism, I wonder if that will help or hurt him in his role as President.

Mike Huckabee - He is coming on strong now but he is playing to the “good ole boy” personality. He is entertaining to listen to and plays well on TV but my sensibilities say he would not make a good President for me. He is way too conservative for me and his religious convictions does not help much. It reminds me too much of our current President. He may be popular but I am not interested in him.

Fred Thompson - He is also fun to listen to. I like his movie and TV persona. I respect his willingness to stand his ground and not waffle. But I lost a lot of respect for him when he dismissed global warming as a real phenomenon. It is ok to stand to your convictions but jeez, when new information comes, you have to be prepared to respond and react, not be in denial. His pro-life stance is also too conservative for me. I respect the man but I don’t think I want him as my President.

John McCain - I really like and respect John McCain. He has done a lot in his life. He has experienced hardship and torture and he has become successful. He is willing to break from the party line to speak his mind. He has a moderate view and appears to be able to see different sides of an argument. My biggest concern is that he is really showing his age. I am concerned whether or not he has the stamina to survive the 2008 election process and still be effective. When I hear him speak, I like his words but I worry about how much it takes out of him when does so. I think he will be able to reach across to the Democrats and bring consensus.

Rudy Giuliani - Rudy has the distinction of being a 9/11 hero from NYC. I respect that. However, his personal history concerns me with his multiple divorces and getting caught up with Bernard Kerik. He says he leads a transparent life now but I am not so sure about his past. I like that he is not overly conservative. I know it makes traditional Republicans cringe but that is why I am willing to stay open to Rudy. I also think he will be able to reach across to the Democrats and bring consensus.

The other guys are beyond my consciousness. For now, I lean towards John McCain and Rudy Giuliani on the Republican side.

I have resisted making public comments about my political views and opinions because I am not one that likes to “mix it up” with endless debates with people who are fundamentally opposed to what I believe. Everyone has their own sensibilities and I tend to believe if you cannot agree, you have to settle for getting along by agreeing to disagree.

Having this blog with an increasing readership has emboldened me to make some of my political views known. First off, my traditional sensibilities has leaned towards the Republicans. Being both an entrepreneur and investor, it is obvious I pay attention, follow, and study economic issues. And so, I tend to believe in smaller government, lower taxes, and letting the marketplace do its job. However, the extreme conservatism and many of the social views the Republicans represent make me cringe. I am often torn by my economic and social sensibilities.

Being a publisher and author as well as being an entrepreneur and investor has forced me outwards and to be more aware of world affairs. Many people are are consumed with their lives where their jobs, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, or Lindsay Lohan are the most important issues on their mind. I have the good fortune of being able to have the time and means to think way beyond the scope those people think about.

I have a growing belief the the political process is important and will become more important as the years pass. It is more important because accessibility to political candidates and sharing personal views is greater than it has been in years past thanks to the Internet.

And so, with the 2008 Presidential election process fast coming, I have decided to jump into the shallow end of the pool. I may brave the deep end at some later date.

Following my November announcement that The Investors Roundtable of Columbus, GA would be discontinued, my friend and student Tony Calloway took the initiative to “informally” continue what I had left behind with The Investors Roundtable meetings.

Several weeks passed and I have observed from afar how the group has progressed. I am pleased to say that even without my or Wes Weaver’s guidance or direction, they have maintained the energy and enthusiasm to move forward together.

Clearly the structure and format has changed under Tony’s leadership. He has brought a new tone and energy to the group. Whereas I led with a “strong hand” and singular mandate, Tony brings a consensus-building, democratic sensibility to the group. It allows the members to participate more in the leadership of the group.

Having seen positive results under Tony’s leadership, I agreed to support Tony from afar. I have no desire to actively manage or lead the group but I am interested in seeing the group flourish and grow. To that end, I have formally supported Tony’s efforts to continue and grow the group.

I will assist in bringing awareness and publicity to the group through my websites. I will also assist in bringing credibility and education to the group by making my published materials to the membership at a discounted price.

I firmly believe that the strength of a group comes from the strength of the leadership. There is another group that regularly meets in Columbus, GA. I do not believe in its leadership nor do I believe in its effectiveness. And so, while I respect the membership and their efforts, I cannot endorse them.

I am a person who believes you should be discriminating who you accept as a member into a group. You are judged by your achievements and performance, not simply having money and being interested.

As long as Tony and I continue to be aligned in the mission, I will continue to support the ongoing efforts of The Investors Roundtable of Columbus-GA.

In the entire history of this blog, I do not think I have been moved to make a stellar recommendation about any vendor I have no personal relationship with.

Today, I will be doing exactly that. For years, I have had stacks of 35mm negatives sitting in various envelopes stored in a box in my closet. These are photos I have taken since the early 1980’s up until a few years ago when I finally made the move to all-digital photos.

I love photos because they can tell a story about how one lives life. It also allows you to relive those special (and not so special) moments in life. It is also great if you are building a legacy to leave behind. I have photo albums assembled over the years. However, in later years, the photos simply accumulated because I did not put a high priority in organizing them into albums.

I find that while having photo albums are nice for yourself, they are not conducive to sharing with others. Also, physical photos deteriorate and degrade over time.

I am not sure how it came about but I started researching companies that could scan in photos into digital JPEG format. There are many companies that do so but I ran into one that was exceptionally inexpensive compared to its competitors. It was ScanCafe. And for that inexpensive price, they offered a LOT. Normally, I am skeptical so I try to do my homework. After doing so, I took a chance on ScanCafe by sending 100 photos on 35mm negatives.

After a very uncomplicated process of selecting which photos I wanted to discard from scanning, I was left with a selection of photos that were going to be sent to me on DVD-ROM in high-resolution format. I have to say that photos from the DVD are amazing! It is like traveling back in time looking at these 15-20 year photos that look so clear and colorful. I have definitely changed in appearance from 15 years ago! (Look at the photo and you will see what I mean!) I was definitely moved by the experience of looking at these photos which are 15-20 years old.

I was so impressed, I assembled another batch of 800 photos on 35mm negatives to send to ScanCafe. That is 8 times the number of photos I sent during the initial trial run.

If you are 30 years old and over with older photos, chances are you will love and appreciate what ScanCafe has to offer. People under 30 most likely jumped directly into digital photos. They have limited experience in 35mm photos.

I don’t personally know anyone at ScanCafe, get no referral fee, and simply a happy customer. But I am so absolutely hooked that I am scrounging around for more photos to send to them. Having high-resolution photos of old photos at my disposal is amazing. I can print and email any of them at will. I am no longer constrained by envelopes and photos albums.

Go check out ScanCafe. I think you will want to dig out old photos and negatives once you do. They are an awesome vendor with a great service.

I am not sure when the commercials took hold in my brain but after nearly 2 years of seeing Apple put on different “Mac vs. PC” commercials, I decided to go to YouTube.com to find more of those “Mac vs. PC” commercials to view.

Can you imagine that? I actually went out of my way to go view MORE commercials! I guess the ads appeal to two sides of me: the techno-geek and the entrepreneurial marketing sides.

I have long listened to both the PC and Mac sides fight for their side. I personally use the PC and Windows XP simply because there are so many more hardware and software options to choose from. Yes, I admit I have had my share of of PC and Windows problems over the years. But, at the end of the day, it is very much in the majority and well supported.

In any case, I don’t have a lot of emotion either way. However, I found it interesting that there were some very negative comments regarding the same commercials I found quite funny and charming. I know the commercials are supposed to be in favor of Macs. Duh, it was made by Apple. And yet, some of the PC-mongers are bent out of shape because they think the commercials are “malicious” and “hateful”. Are you kidding me?

Yes, there are friendly jabs at the PC but I found them to be honest and truthful. What I like about the commercials…. it is consistent, simple, and humorous. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. As a student of marketing, I thought it was genius.

According to Wikipedia, there are 3 dozen versions of the “Mac vs. PC” commercials. Yikes, that is a long series of commercials. I think through YouTube.com, I saw at least 20 of them.

Anyhow, here is a batch of 15 short commercials from YouTube.com. (The videos were deleted from YouTube. You can do a search on “mac vs. pc commercials” to find samples to watch)

Do you agree with me that they are funny and charming commercials? Or do you really think, they are truly “hateful, malicious, and offensive”?