SERVICE FIRST.  Traveling can be quite a chore these days. If you’re driving, the cost of gas can cause indigestion and many West Side residents are looking for alternatives to taking long trips. Flying isn’t any better, with most airlines trying to fill most seats on every flight so they can cut the losses they are feeling from the cost of fuel. As they try filling every seat, these airlines continue to cancel flights that aren’t full, so I expect many travelers will be upset this summer. Take it from a guy who flies more than twice a month; moving up and down the state and/or across country isn’t getting any easier. Yes, it may make sense to vacation at home. As the Newman Fall Festival approaches, it’s wise to make plans now to stay at home and enjoy the action in your local community. Lots to do, for sure, and your money will stay in town when you spend it on food and fun right here.

THIS AIRLINE IS DOING THINGS RIGHT. While on the subject of travel, I must tell you about an airline that impressed me. I flew to Washington, D.C.,  last weekend aboard Virgin America Airlines. I usually fly aboard United, but that airline wanted way too much money to fly from San Francisco to Dulles this month. A friend told me to try Virgin America, where the business model is set up much like Jet Blue. Each seat has a television and passengers can watch television programs and a huge selection of movies. You can also send text messages from one seat to another during the trip, and the airline hopes to include the Internet at each seat by next year. The cost to fly round trip across country is as low as $400. (United wanted $850) Even with all these special services, I was even more impressed with the pilot who came out of the cockpit before our flight to speak to us. He grabbed the microphone and welcomed all of us aboard his airline. Before wrapping up his talk, he asked us to stop by the cock pit on the way out of the plane if we have any suggestions on how we thought the airline could do better. It’s the first time in my 20 years of travel that a pilot ever asked the customer to stop by and talk with him or her.

Virgin America also flies to Las Vegas, New York City and other cities from the West Coast.

RACE FOR PRESIDENT.  Few people are really engaged in the Presidential election yet; that usually happens after Labor Day. But when you mention Barack Obama or John McCain at social and/or business functions today, most of us have our opinions already. We’ve watched the primary campaigns, listened to the candidates and may have some strong opinions about each of these men. Obama leads today in the popular vote, but there is lots of time before November, and you can bet we will be learning lots more about both of these guys. However, there are thousands of voters who won’t decide whom to vote for until a few weeks before Election Day. So we will be hearing lots about both candidates, and both men will visit California many times in the next four months. Both Obama and McCain have very “favorable” ratings, so people will be making their decisions on character and trust. “Can I picture this guy in the Oval Office making the right decisions for the country?” That question – depending on your answer – could decide this election.

As we move closer to Election Day, I still believe we must pay close attention to the “Electoral” vote, state by state. The man who wins Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri and perhaps Michigan could determine who wins this election. This is a fascinating year with lots to watch, so stay tuned and enjoy being an American who can vote. And remember, in the United States you don’t need to have more votes than the other guy to win. You need key states where the “electoral” votes really do decide the election.