And it’s Friday which means that I get to spend a couple of days out on the boat breathing in salt air, snuggling by the fire, and going for walks. There are a lot of good things to focus on in this day.

Our very own Chuck was the cover feature on this month’s issue of the Lowcountry Sun.

So this publisher/editor read my blog and contacted me. “You’ve lived quite an interesting life,” he said. “Yeah,” I answered, “so far.”

I plan on buying new living room furniture this year now that Champ has outgrown the need to chew on it.

I am known for “photos & fluff”, leaving the political entries to those of you who do it so well, but it seemed obvious what the topic had to be for today’s round up:

Notoriously Nice Mike reminds us that Sarah Palin was his choice back in his February entry.

David Rawle at Notes on Marketing:

Anyone who knows anything about marketing to women is either chuckling or dumbfounded or downright angry at John McCain’s pick for vice president.

Can’t you just see a bunch of well-intentioned white guys sitting around saying, “Hey, those Hillary women are upset. Their dreams have been shattered. Why don’t we put a woman on the ticket and scoop them all up onto our side?”

Nice try.

Patrick at Patrick’s Place:

Meanwhile, the governor of Alaska is a perfect choice to attract those angry women voters who don’t care anything about issues as long as a woman is somewhere in the mix.

But it sort of shoots McCain’s criticism of Obama as “inexperienced” right in the butt. Wonder what he’ll find to complain about next?

Nathan at scelectionwatch:

It’s gonna be an interesting race from now til November. Governor Palin is said to speak her mind and I’m interested in watching her debates with Senator Joe Biden. Also (stating the obvious here) regardless of what ticket wins in November, history will be made. America will either elect our first black President or our first female Vice President.

Earl Capps from the Blogland of Earl Capps approves:

We think the selection of the Alaska governor is a smart pick and certainly offers a fresh new face on the national political scene. This reform-minded Presidential ticket will have the full support of the Blogland.

Elonkey has the acceptance speech video if like me, you missed it and Raymond’s Blog has Geraldine Ferraro’s comments.

This barely skims the discussion going on so do some blog hopping for yourselves and have a good and safe holiday weekend. Thanks as always for the good reads. Joan

Comment, comments. I thrive on them. I feel like my Scottish grandmother – delighting in the daily “Postie” visit every time I log on. I am always surprised when someone I’ve never heard from says they read my blog every day. I’ve been lucky for the most part with a gracious and supportive community of commenters although I have survived heavy spam comment attacks through the years.

Problogger has an archived article claiming that only one out of 100 readers actually comments on your blog. That article, clearly a topic of interest had 535 comments.

10 Ways to Increase Comment Numbers on Your Blog
1. Invite Comments
2. Ask Questions
3. Be Open Ended
4. Interact with comments left
5. Set Boundaries
6. Be humble
7. Be gracious
8. Be controversial?
9. ‘Reward’ Comments
10. Make it Easy to Comment

Who is getting the comments locally? Last night’s blog hopping found a few hot topics.

Dave Moulton has an active comment discussion and had over 36 controversial comments on his recent video of a bicyclist who was right-hooked-almost.
Alison at Baxter Sez, had 21 comments on the recent what’s in a name or can you break with tradition without pissing people off? entry.

You can add yours to the recent 28 comments on Geoff’s annual birthday winning and losing 2008 entry. Happy birthday Geoff!

Heather and Ivy are teasing readers with a give-away and last count had 77 comments on Home Ec 101′s free fumigator giveaway. You have until 8/28 to win the Fumigator giveaway. It seems rewarding commenters does pay off.

The top commented blog I found on this trip around was (drum roll) tartelette’s two chocolates and some salted butter entry with 106 of the most delicious chocolate covered comments.

Let’s give this a spin. When I offered to help out with the round ups I didn’t take into account learning a new blogging platform. If I mess it all up, ummmm….leave me a comment.

Joan