We have just witnessed one of the most exciting presidential campaigns in modern history. The 2008 campaign for United States President had many ups and downs, and some surprising twists. The most surprising was the amazing rise of a little known senator from Illinois named Barack Obama, who in mere months went from underdog to front runner.

Along the way, people began to hear his message of hope and change and realized that America could be great again, if we all just worked together. Barack Obama created a movement that is still going strong today. Of course, with any movement of this size, there’s a lot of history being made and we all want to own a little piece of it for ourselves so that we can always remember this special time.

Barack Obama’s popularity has created a growing demand for all sorts of Obama collectibles of every size, shape and form. If you supported Barack Obama during the campaign, then you probably already own some campaign memorabilia like buttons, pins, hats, posters, yard signs and t-shirts.

Fortunately, there are now many more Obama related things to collect besides campaign items. some of these items may grow in value over time, while others are just keepsakes for you to treasure forever.

Barack Obama Commemorative Coins – Barack Obama coins are one of the hottest selling items right now and there are several ads on TV offering a selection of colorful coins with his image on them. here are some facts about Barack Obama coins:

The coins being advertised the most are U.S. Mint coins that have been colorized with a special coating.

There is some controversy as to the real value of these coins. If you intend to purchase these coins, be aware that even though they are currency, their value has been greatly diminished by the colorization process. Meaning, they’re pretty to look at, but won’t grow in monetary value over time.

The U.S. Mint has issued a warning concerning these colorized coins stating that they do not endorse, sponsor or authorize any coin that has been altered or defaced for commercial purposes. Therefore, if you buy them for a keepsake that’s fine, but don’t buy extra sets counting on being able to resell them for a profit later on. Colorized coins are worthless.

Having said that, there are some very nice sets out there that can be displayed and even used as educational pieces. If you see any coin set that is being advertised as going up in value, do your research before buying.

Barack Obama Commemorative Plate – Obama plates are also being heavily advertised on TV and elsewhere as high-quality collectibles. A ceramic collector plate of Barack Obama usually is the size of a normal dinner plate and features an official looking color picture of Barack Obama. some plates are done by independent artist and can feature embossed photos of Obama or the first family.

An Obama plate may or may not come with a display stand, which is a small stand that you can sit the plate on top of to display it on a shelf, or inside a glass cabinet.

Barack Obama Poster Art – this has been one of the most popular items during the campaign and has now branched out into the post election era. The most famous of all Barack Obama posters is the Obama hope poster done by artist Shepard Fairey. this iconic poster was originally hung around Chicago and other urban cities as a cool way to promote the change candidate.

After the election, this particular poster has only grown in value and popularity. it is a physical reminder that in these stressful times, there’s always hope for a better tomorrow. In addition to the Shepard Fairey Obama poster featuring the words hope or change, there’s another popular one that says progress.

There are two versions of the Obama progress poster. one created by Fairey, and another rarer one created by an artist named Scott Hansen. Hansen’s poster differs from Fairey’s in that it has a more retro vibe and features the images of people surrounding a large tree. The Obama symbol is in the middle and the word Progress is written in large letters on the bottom. There are also other unique posters created by a variety of talented artists.

Barack Obama Tee Shirts – Creativity abounds when it comes to t-shirts featuring the image of Barack Obama. There are the official tees created by the campaign, but many people love the uniquely original versions that can only be found from creative artists of many stripes.

There are cheap Obama t shirts and nicer urban Obama shirts like the powerful Obama MLK t shirts featuring the likeness of our 44th President and Martin Luther King, Jr. I’ve also seen some cool ones commemorating the inauguration.

Newspaper Cover with Obama – There are a lot of people who like to own a copy of big city newspapers that feature a major event on the cover. A newspaper shows off an important story like no other periodical can. The bigger the city, the better. Many people are now seeking copies of new York newspapers with Obama election results, or Obama newspaper headlines. this is because The new York Times is read by people around the world.

The Chicago Sun Times and USA Today covers are examples of other newspapers that are highly collectible. Obama’s historic election and inauguration are captured in exciting detail by these daily papers.

Barack Obama Commemorative Magazine – Obama Time magazine covers are in high demand due to the popularity of both Obama himself and Time magazine. Time has been documenting important world events for decades and seems to be a collector favorite for this reason.

There are other great Obama magazine covers like that cool one from Ebony that features Obama wearing sunglasses and exiting his ride. Another great one is the recent Rolling Stone magazine cover with the blue background. There will be many more of these – count on it.

Barack Obama Buttons – because they’re so easy to make, there are hundreds of buttons featuring the likeness of Barack Obama. Many people already have official campaign buttons. However, there are many more created by independent artists with all sorts of designs and colors. If you’re collecting Obama memorabilia, you’ve got to have at least one cool Obama button.

Barack Obama Mugs – There are black Obama coffee mugs and white obama coffee mugs with all kinds of cool artwork. Buy one to drink out of and one just for display. The more unique the design is, the more you’ll treasure it.

Obama Comics – yes, there is already a comic book that features Obama on the cover (Amazing Spiderman #583 Variant Comic Book). It’s a special edition Marvel Spiderman Comic where our superhero, Spiderman, saves inauguration day. this is very limited and highly collectible. The creators of the series found out that Obama collected Spiderman comics when he was a kid. I’m sure there will be more Obama comic book fun in the future.

Barack Obama Shoes – Believe it or not, you can buy Obama shoes or Obama sneakers that have unique Obama graphics on them. These aren’t official shoes made by famous name brand manufacturers, but they sure are super cool.

LOMBARD, Illinois— On March 31, 2009, Lombard was notified that it would be awarded $187,500, based upon its population, as part of the U.S. Department of Energy American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This was an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, receipt contingent upon the use of the funds for (1) reducing fossil fuel emissions and (2) using less total energy. Staff researched ways to best serve Lombard while meeting the grant challenges. Several options were presented to Village Manager Dave Hulseberg, who concurred with the Public Works Department to recommend the LED retrofit. At that time, LED (light emitting diode) streetlight lamps were relatively new on the market but had been introduced successfully in pilot studies and retrofits in a few major cities. The results supported claims that LEDs use approximately half the electricity of high-power sodium bulbs and last five times longer, thus reducing maintenance costs. LEDs were also shown to substantially reduce harmful emissions. A recommendation for the LED retrofit was reviewed by the Public Works Committee, which concurred. Staff introduced the Committee’s recommendation to the Village Board, which, on June 18, approved it. (Speed was essential since grant applications were due June 25, 2009.) The 119 streetlight retrofit consisted of replicating fixtures to hold LED lamps, which contain clusters of tiny, high-intensity bulbs. The new 63-watt lamps provide more light, consistent color and a more uniform lighting pattern than the previous 100-watt high-pressure sodium bulbs. Concrete poles were not changed–with the exception of some 17-foot poles on Brewster which were redone to match the others, all 12 foot. The LED retrofit has lived up to Village expectations. Over 15 years, project net savings from energy and maintenance costs is estimated to be $200,000. It’s expected 54,000-ton annual reduction in CO2 emissions is equal to removing ten vehicles from the road . The retrofit encompasses lights on Vance St. (Glen Oak Rd. to the Prairie Path), Maple St. (Vance to Finley), Ash and Willow Sts., (Finley to Main), Hickory St., (Finley to Elizabeth), Edson and Elizabeth Sts. (Maple to Madison), Brewster Ave.(Maple to Edson) and Lincoln Ave. (Maple to Willow). Consequently, Village standard lighting policy was re-examined by the Trustees, who, on March 17, 2010, voted to make LED lighting the preferred technology (not high-pressure sodium) when applicable. Subsequently, new LED streetlights on Main Street between St. Charles Road and North Avenue were installed. they should save additional thousands in future energy and maintenance costs, while drastically reducing fossil fuel emissions on this busy corridor. During the past few years, all Village departments have been looking at various ways to save money, reduce Village expenditures and combine resources, yet still deliver the same quality services that Lombard residents expect to receive. The LED retrofit and updated policy are such examples.

Two years ago, you may remember, I took the 16-Day Wonders of great Britain and Ireland Experience and had a marvelous time. the sites we visited, the optional excursions that were offered and taken upon were all outstanding. from the sampling of Haggis to marveling at Stonhenge from different views, awed at the display of military precision at the Edinburgh Tattoo or even riding in a fourin- hand in Killarney, it was a most enriching, enlightening and a fun experience-thanks to the experience of Trafalgar and Harry, our beloved tour director who provided many additional insights into what we were seeing.

A couple of weeks ago I visited the headquarters of Trafalgar, a world-wide company that offers firstclass tours to wherever you may want to travel on this planet. at their headquarters, I met with Amber Ritchie who provided me with a tour of their facilities. at a nearby Starbucks coffee house, we chatted over our iced mochas about a forthcoming European Experience that I would like to have during the summer of 2012. in a previous Travel Tips column I informed you that I was having a “0” birthday and I had made a promise to myself to undertake a European tour. Amber suggested that I investigate Trafalgar’s Costsaver vacation that I could select and share my holiday with you.

She provided me with a Costsaver 2012 Europe and Britain brochure and suggested that I might like to sample one of their European Discoveries. in scanning the brochure I found 11 different escorted vacations visiting multiple European countries, taking in the amazing sights, enjoying picturesque scenic drives and have free time to explore on my own. These vacations range from nine days (Glimpse of Europe) to 34 days (European Discoverer with Cruise Option). Accommodations will be in Superior or first Class Hotels including trusted and renowned brands such as Mercure, Holiday Inn and Jurys Inn. during the summer of 2012 Trafalgar will bypass London because of the Olympics. the brighter side of this is that the rates are significantly lower from about mid-July to mid-August because of the Games. Let me share some of these Trafalgar European Experiences with you.

For those whose time is limited: the Nine-Day “Glimpse of Europe.” Your tour includes London (except during the Games), Amsterdam, a Rhine Cruise, Rhineland, Lucerne (two nights), and Paris (two nights). Memorable highlights include: free time in London, seeing the White Cliffs of Dover, cruising the Rhine River, views of the Heidelberg Castle from the old town, see the picturesque Black Forest, viewing the mighty Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen, an orientation tour in Lucerne, viewing the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame ad the Eiffel Tower. You’ll have at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your Tour Director.

The tour that I am considering is the Trafalgar 18-Day “European Impression Experience.” As I would like to travel during July, my vacation will begin in Amsterdam. I spoke to Amber about a twoday pre-tour that would allow me and the friends that I will be traveling with to experience more of Amsterdam.

This is what I am hoping will be my itinerary:

Day 2- 3 Arrive Amsterdam for the next two nights for a pretour that would include a canal ride, visit to the Van Gogh Museum, visiting the Ann Frank home, the Rijksmuseum and a tour through the “redlight” district.

Day 4- Join the Trafalgar European Impressions tour that begins in Amsterdam

Day 5- Our itinerary today will see us leave Amsterdam, drive into Germany and visit Cologne. We’ll embark on a relaxing cruise along the Rhine River and view those ancient castle that dot the river bank. We’ll disembark at St. Gooar where we’ll view the Lorelei Rock and hear the legend of the fabled siren! Our hotel is the Ramada Micador where we’ll also be hosted at dinner.

Day 6- This morning we’ll leave Rhineland and head south into Bavaria. We’ll arrive in Innsbruck where we’ll have an orientation tour before checking into the Alphotel. Again, we’ll enjoy a scheduled dinner.

Day 7- we leave Innsbruck and head to Salzburg to visit this Baroque town, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. We’ll continue on to Vienna where our hotel will be the Austria Trend Bosei. Our tour director will make suggestions for dinner on our own.

Day 8- This morning the expert local guide will show us the city’s important landmarks with the afternoon free to explore on our own. we might take in one of the many performances in this city that was home to Mozart as well as Beethoven. You must try one of the many small coffeehouses that seem to be on every corner where you can sip delicious hot chocolate accompanied by a decadent pastry.

Day 9- we leave Vienna and will now journey through the Austrian Alps to cross the border into Italy and arrive in Venice.

Day 10- the morning begins with a cruise by private launch to St. Mark’s Square, admire the Bridge of Sighs and the ornate Doge’s Palace. We’ll visit a glass-blowing factory for a demonstration, then the rest of the day we’re on our own to wander through the markets or cruise to the picturesque island of Burano for a fresh seafood lunch.

Day 11- we leave Venice for Rome where our accommodations are at the Aran Park Hotel. Why not sit at an outdoor cafe and sip on a glass of fine Italian wine, pay a visit to the Trevi fountain to throw in a coin for good luck?

Day 12- This morning begins with an escorted visit to St. Peter’s Basilica where we’ll see Michelangelo’s sculpture, the Pieta. the tour continues across the Tiber into ancient Rome for view of the Forum and the Colosseum. during the afternoon we can visit the Sistine Chapel, visit the famed Rome catacombs, or again relax at a sidewalk cafe and view the passing parade.

Day 13- Our journey will take us to Florence today. during our free time today you’ll have time to visit Piazza Signoria, the Duomo or shop for the high quality leather goods or jewelry before returning to our hotel this evening at the Hotel Demidoff.

Day 14- we leave Florence and travel north through Bologna and Milan to cross the Swiss border. We’ll see Lake Lugano and then take the famous St. Gothard route through the Alps to Lake Lucerne to the city of Lucerne where we’ll make our home for the next two nights at the Hotel Weinhof. Our tour director will probably have suggestions for enjoying a Swiss folklore and fondue evening.

Day 15- This morning there will be an orientation tour, including the medieval old Town and a visit to the renowned Lion Monument. the rest of the day can be spent buying Swiss chocolate, taking an optional trip to a nearby mountain for spectacular views or cruising on Lake Lucerne.

Day 16- we will leave Switzerland and cross the border into France. We’ll travel past Belfort and the remnants of the Maginot Line (built to protect France against invaders after World War I), continue into the Burgundy wine region and arrive in the City of Light, Paris. Our hotel will be Mercure La Defense 5.

Day 17- Our knowledgeable local tour guide will provide us with views of the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. the rest of the day we’re on our own for strolling along the banks of the Seine, visiting the magnificent gardens and Palace at Versailles or exploring the Louvre Museum (established as a museum by Louis XIV in 1682) to view the Mona Lisa or the personification of ancient Roman women, the statute Venus de Milo.

Day 18- Today some of you will be saying “Au Revior” to your fellow travelers. but, why not extend your visit in Paris to include a boat ride on the Seine, a visit to Napoleon’s Tomb, a revisit to the Louvre, the Museum of Man (with its fine Neanderthal exhibits) or take a DaVinci Code tour?

Departures on the 18-Day European Impressions tour begins Thursday, March 29 and extend to Monday, December 31st 2012. Beginning on may 3 and extending through October 11, Trafalgar has planned weekly departures. from March 29 through June 28, the fare is $3025 (land only; includes two nights in London); departures from Amsterdam begin July 7 and end August 18 and the fare is $2725 for land only; Thursday August 23 London departure is $3085; weekly departures from August 30 through October 4 is $3099; departure October 11 $3150; December 15 departure is $2950; December 31 $2950. Early payment discounts are offered. Single room supplements vary depending on departure date. for more information about this and other Trafalgar COSTSSAVERS European Experiences please contact your Travel Agent or me at TrvlWritr2@aol.com.

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Over the last several years, heavy-weight particle board and cabinet-based displays have lost their appeal and made way for the next innovation in displays systems – truss display systems. Today, exhibitors who want a display that looks substantial without the cost and assembly headache of cabinetry are choosing truss systems.

The Problem

Display systems that use materials such as cabinets and laminate panels to create larger island displays can cost exhibitors thousands in shipping and assembly costs alone for each show. On top of that, constant assembly and tear-down of these systems can leave them chipped, scratched and beat-up after just a few years.

The Solution

Today, while laminate panel systems are still widely used and requested, a new breed of aluminum frame displays can be a less-costly alternative. these systems are sleek, functional, and offer all of the amenities of laminate panel systems, including shelving, overhead lighting, and storage. Additionally, these systems offer versatile and striking visual options including backlit graphics, tension fabric graphics and areas for plasma screens and computer demos.

How they can Maximize Your Budget

As an alternative to heavier wood displays, aluminum displays are much lighter in weight, making them far less costly to ship. Additionally, many aluminum frame displays assemble without the need for tools, saving money in set-up costs.

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Anyone who states that the bear population is “out of control” in New Jersey is sadly misinformed. The black bear has been reduced to an endangered species in New Jersey multiple times, and always at the hands of people encroaching on their habitat and hunting them. The bear hunt that took place last year was an abomination, and I applaud everyone who protested and tried to convey reason to the government and environmental agencies. The planned bear hunt for this December is no different. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has no way of accurately assessing the number of black bears in the state. The idea that there are “too many” black bears in New Jersey is simply a result of people moving into black bear habitat, not following proper bear protocol (securing garbage and bird feeders, not feeding bears, etc), and then complaining that bears are a “nuisance”. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is motivated by profit to sell as many bear hunting licenses as possible, and they have no concern with maintaining a stable bear population as they claim. Over 300 more bears than deemed “necessary” for population control were murdered last year; bears that had already begun hibernating, and were clearly not being a nuisance to any neighborhoods, were lured out by hunters using grease and meats as bait (normally not allowed). The USF&WS did not set a size limit on bears that could be killed; many adolescent and baby cubs were killed last year, and hunters gloated about making them into rugs. Mothers with cubs were also considered fair game. as the USF&WS and DEP know, killing bears in northern NJ will effectively do nothing to stop people from seeing black bears in their communities. Bears from surrounding areas will eventually move in and take the vacated territory. also, hunters are going on these black bear hunts in approved hunting areas, not in the backyards of suburbs. The bears that are actually interacting with neighborhoods will be left alone to continue going through garbage cans and eating bird seed (all criminal offenses, of course) while bears in their natural habitat are being killed. The thought of the NJ government, the DEP, and the public supporting this disgusts me. When are people going to stop being so selfish? Follow the rules for living in bear country, keep your garbage inside, and understand that it is people who are making the world a difficult place to live in, not the bears. I will do everything I can to contact the governor and the USF&WS, and to petition anything I can in order to not let these atrocities happen another year.