My theme is quite simple: Connecting with people. I won’t focus on anything else.

What’s yours?

Allan,

Since 1969, you’ve had an impressive track record as a leader and engineer in business. Now as CEO of Ford, you’re taking new and bold moves to restructure the world’s most imitated automotive company in history. I have a bold move of my own which involves a key Ford brand, Volvo.

Hint: It’s about people. Selling cars is secondary to my idea. The bold idea is to really connect with people using a brand I love as it’s DNA speaks strongly to things people care about, as do I. The idea is far more effective than any marketing campaign and far less expensive as well — although complimentary.

I am excited about this idea, because it’s something I’d enjoy doing: Connecting with people.

Yesterday, I took a few moments to recount the things I really love. What I discovered is that I loved people more than anything. I love connecting with people, listening to their stories, sharing knowledge and inspiration, developing friendships and so on. There’s nothing better interacting with people. I realize more than ever that my path is people-focused. Not in the customer service sense (which I DO NOT love), but having great conversations, making an impact on one’s life, etc.

What do you really love? What are you passionate about?

I like Barack Obama — A lot. He stands with authority, has great charisma and is a wonderful speaker. However, his “stomp speech” on the Iraq war and how he stood against it is old news now. It’s time for a different message.

Of all the candidates running for President, Obama and Ron Paul receive high marks in my book. However, if Obama truly wants to “change business in Washington,” then why hasn’t he mentioned anything about the IRS or Federal Reserve? Abolishing these two fraudulent entities is more than great change — it’s needed change.

I agree that we need to move swiftly to remove our troops from Iraq, yet we also need to address the very foundation of our nation — One which is quickly eroding due to increasing debt created out of “thin air.” If only Obama would address these two concerns as Paul has, he’d have a sure win on his hands.

In the meantime, I now feel Ron Paul is a step in the right direction. While I am not a fan of labels, I will say that I have libertarian views. I believe in individuality, small government, etc. We don’t need hand outs, hand holding and other wasteful government programs. Let’s talk about real change for once. Let’s talk about real freedom. Let’s talk about honest change, because after all, everyone wants to get us of out of Iraq. We know that already.

Microsoft, Google and Yahoo! Fined $32 Million today by the DOJ for alleged participation in online gambling operations. Microsoft is reportedly donating its portion to charity.

DOJ press release (excerpts)

St. Louis, MO: Microsoft Corporation, Google, Inc. and Yahoo! have entered into settlements with the U.S. to resolve claims that they promoted illegal gambling, United States Attorney Catherine L. Hanaway announced today. The total amount of the three settlements is $31.5 million in value to the United States.

These settlements involve corporate conduct the Government found in violation of the Federal Wire Wager Act, federal wagering excise tax laws and various states’ statutes and municipal laws prohibiting gambling. Unregulated commercial gambling is illegal throughout the United States.

Read the entire DOJ release