Flashing: The Little Things that Matter on Your Roofing System

The entire roofing system protects your home from becoming the dampest place on Earth, let alone a fungi haven. However, did you know that it's the little things in the roofing system that do a great deal for the weatherproofing process? Parts like roof flashing cover the small nooks and crannies huge roofing tiles may not cover.

Flashing usually involves covering angles in roofing with a piece of sheet metal or any material for that matter. Think about this: when you try to form a triangle using rectangular blocks, you'll be left with gaps in the corners. A common solution would be to shape the ends of the blocks into slopes to create a perfect triangle. In the case of roofing, layering the openings with sheet metal or any material will suffice in weatherproofing.

Your normal roof has dozens of possible entry points for water to flow in without proper flashing. For example, the chimney requires a hole in the roof for it to stick out of the house, an apparent entry point for water. By covering the gaps between the chimney and the roof with flashing, the entry point can be sealed off.

In other instances, shingles are used as flashing, notably in the ridge vent on the topmost part of the roof. Given that shingles usually don't have sloped ends, they're bound to form a possible entry point. Rather than reshape the shingles thereby affecting the roof's quality, roofers simply add more shingles to act as flashing for the ridge vent.

Flashing are important that roofers normally include them in roofing packages customers buy. Sheet metal flashings are usually fitted around chimneys, in some cases at an angle that diverts water away from the entry point. Additional shingles for roofing NJ homes are installed in other key areas of the roof. Extra cost, yes; but it's better than spending often on roof leak repairs.

You wouldn't forget to plug the drain if you want to take a bubble bath. In the same fashion, you wouldn't forget to seal all the openings in your roofing New Jersey homes have if you want to be protected against leaks. Little things such as roof flashings can do a lot no matter what roofing material you choose.

For more information on flashings and how they work, visit the website at DoItYourself.com and go to the Exteriors section. Good roofing NJ roofers install always have a simple solution for the most common roofing problems.

If you have questions, please visit us at www.AdvancedRoofingSys.com for complete details and answers.

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Credit Scores 101 ? How Prepaid Debit Cards Can Help | Online ...

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Car sales surging even as economy sputters

How will weak economic reports impact strong auto sales? Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds.com senior analyst and CNBC's Phil LeBeau discuss.

By Paul A. Eisenstein, msnbc.com contributor

With May sales showing another big surge, the U.S. auto industry is shoring up its position as one of the bright spots in the sputtering?American economy. But even with some makers reporting sales that nearly doubled last month, there are some potentially troubling issues behind the May figures.

Analysts and industry officials remain uncertain about whether the auto market can maintain its current, torrid pace, especially if other economic factors, such as the sharp slowdown in job growth and a slide in the stock market, begin to scare off potential buyers.

But for the moment, the May numbers leave reason to hope that car sales will well exceed cautious earlier forecasts for 2012.

Among the optimists is analyst Jesse Toprak, of data tracking firm TrueCar.com. "Sales are continuing to rebound and consumers are feeling more comfortable buying highly contented vehicles,? said Toprak, noting that four brands, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Kia, scored the highest average transaction prices ? the figure consumers actually pay after discounts ? in their history.

Toyota, meanwhile, saw its sales surge by over 87 percent?for the month, a significant turnaround for a maker that had suffered sharp declines throughout much of 2011.?Of course, the Japanese giant?s gains must be put into perspective.?Sales during May of last year reflected a low point during the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that all but shut down the Japanese auto industry leaving dealers desperately short of product to sell.

But Toyota officials insist there were other factors behind the May revival. "Our growth has been driven by the success of our new products, led by the Camry and Prius family, part of the most aggressive product launch in our history," said Bob Carter, Toyota division general manager.

Fellow Japanese maker Honda, which was also hard hit by the March 2011 Japanese disaster posted an only slightly less impressive 47.6 percent?sales jump, 46 percent?at the flagship Honda brand and 62 percent or the Acura brand.

Japan?s second-largest maker, Nissan, meanwhile, saw its sales climb ?only? 20.5?percent?-- including both the Nissan and Infiniti brands.? But Nissan didn?t suffer quite as serious production-related sales losses in 2011 as the other two members of Japan?s Big Three.

The May numbers generated a series of superlatives: General Motors, with an 11 percent?increase year-over-year, posted its best sales since August 2009, during the government?s Cash-for-Clunkers program.

Audi was one of several makers to report its best-ever May, while its German sibling Volkswagen recorded the best May since 1973.?Even so, Jonathan Browning, CEO of the Volkswagen Group of America ? which also includes Bentley ? was surprisingly cautious during a conference call with reporters.

While GM recently raised its forecast for all of 2012 to a possible peak of 14.5 million vehicles, Browning said that for now VW will stick with a more conservative estimate of 13.9 million.

?We?re not ready to change our forecast,? said Browning, cautioning there are plenty of economic uncertainties that could lead to a softening of demand during the second half of 2012.? Indeed, Browning noted there was ?ebbing-and-flowing? in the marketplace during May, the month opening strong, softening notably and then ending with a big bang over the holiday weekend.

Analyst Art Spinella, of CNW Marketing, said that showed up in his firm?s ?Jitters Index,? a measure of how worried potential auto buyers are.? And there are plenty of reasons to be worried, from the uncertain U.S. job market to the decline of the stock market, never mind the potential crisis in the Euro Zone.?

On the other hand, AAA is reporting that nationwide fuel prices have tumbled an average of about 27 cents a gallon since their early-April peak.? And some petroleum industry observers believe that some parts of the country could soon see pump prices as low as $3, rather than the $4 to $5-a-gallon numbers once anticipated by summer 2012.

That?s already showing up in sliding demand and lower prices for certain used vehicles, especially smaller, high-mileage offerings.? In the new car market, demand for fuel-efficient models maintained a healthy pace, most makers reported ? but GM noted that sales of its full-size pickups rose 27% during May, more than twice the maker?s overall sales increase.

One alternative explanation is that as one of the basic tools of the American working class, the surge in pickup sales could suggest Main Street is recovering faster than Wall Street right now.

CNBC's Phil LeBeau reports the sales numbers on General Motors, up 10.9% vs. 11.4% estimate, while Toyota reported sales up 87.3% vs. 89.5% estimates.

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As Wis. recall looms, Dems hope to avoid embarrassment

Darren Hauck / Reuters

Tom Barrett and Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker talk during a debate held at Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee on May 31.

By Michael O'Brien, msnbc.com

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Updated 5:14 p.m. ??Democrats and their allies in organized labor are heading into a final weekend of campaigning in hopes of avoiding an embarrassment in their goal of recalling Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

The Badger State has played host to months of furious campaigning since Walker, the conservative governor first elected in 2010, sought major reforms for public employee unions. He pushed through legislation to strip them of collective bargaining rights and force them to contribute to their pensions.

But the Republican governor leads Tom Barrett, the Democratic mayor of Milwaukee and Walker?s opponent in the 2010 general election, by 7 points, according to a Marquette Law Poll released Wednesday.

?Democrats really were just foolish in this way they approached this recall,? Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said in a sit-down interview with NBCPolitics.com this week. ?They set up this World Series event in Wisconsin, built it up. They put on the ballot a candidate who?s not worth two nickels ? he?s already lost twice statewide, and is going to lose a third time now.?

The recall battle carries high stakes for not only for Walker, who has become the face of a generation of reformist conservatives, but also for Democrats and organized labor, which vowed revenge in the aftermath of the politically divisive fight to push the collective bargaining law through the state legislature.

That battle drew tens of thousands of protesters to the state Capitol in Madison, and a million people put their names to paper in support of an initial petition seeking Walker?s recall.

Jeffrey Phelps / AP

A supporter of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, right, talks with a supporter of Democratic opponent Tom Barrett at a recall election rally Friday, June 1, 2012, in Milwaukee.

Several state senators were recalled in 2011 as a result of the collective bargaining clamp-down, and Democrats almost succeeded in unseating a state Supreme Court justice, too.

But Walker?s been the beneficiary of a marginally improved state economy and overall fatigue associated with the recall. His chief advantage, though, comes from the millions more he, and supportive groups, have been able to spend on the campaign. Walker and those groups have spent $23 million in his race against Barrett; the governor?s fundraising was enabled by a loophole in state law allowing him to collect funds in large sums. ?Barrett and labor groups have spent $12.4 million, by contrast.

"From recruiting volunteers and registering voters to organizing on campuses across the state, the DNC and OFA are working alongside the Barrett campaign and the state party to build the ground game that is crucial for success on Election Day.? And we will continue to utilize both our substantial network of activists, volunteers and supporters and extensive online resources to lay the groundwork for victory," said Melanie Roussell, a spokeswoman for the Democratic National Committee.?

The DNC and Organizing for America ??the president's political arm ??have invested almost $1.5 million in staffing, offices and support in order to help Barrett pull out a win on Tuesday.

The campaign has taken a turn toward bare-knuckled politics, though, in which Walker and Barrett have traded barbs at debates and in those paid advertisements. Barrett has sought to stoke suspicions regarding the so-called ?John Doe? investigation, in which former Walker aides stand accused of allegedly misappropriating campaign funds.

The Walker campaign, in turn, has questioned Barrett?s crime record as mayor, and their overarching strategy has involved questioning the wisdom of the recall in the first place.

Eager to fight off the sense that the recall is all but lost, Democrats have been furiously contesting public polls that show Walker ahead, and releasing a flurry of internal surveys that, they say, depict a much tighter race.

The June 5 Wisconsin recall election involving the state's controversial Governor Scott Walker is set to favor Walker, a new poll shows. The Morning Joe panel discusses how the recall effort could have broader implications for the 2012 race.

Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz was in the state this week to help raise money for Barrett, and on Friday, former President Bill Clinton will stump against Walker in Wisconsin. For his part, Walker brought his own heavyweight to the fight: South Carolina Gov. Nikki campaigned with him Friday in Sussex.

But the Obama administration has been somewhat removed from the campaign; the president has no plans to campaign in the state for Barrett, and the White House was forced on Wednesday to clarify whether Obama had even endorsed the Democratic nominee (he has).

The saving grace for Democrats might lie in a labor-driven turnout effort. But Republicans have been equally enthusiastic about retaining Walker, whom they treat as a vanguard for efforts to rein in public employee unions and entitlement spending.

But Republicans contend that, between the 2010 elections and two intervening recalls before this one, they have built a voter outreach machine on par with few others ? one which could pay dividends in an election like Tuesday?s, which may hinge on each side?s ability to drive supporters to the polls.

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Antiaging protein helps set daily rhythms

Changing levels of sirtuin alter activity patterns in mice

Web edition : 4:29 pm

WASHINGTON ? A protein famous for slowing aging and increasing life span also acts as a metronome, helping coordinate metabolism and the body?s daily rhythms.

SIRT1, one of a group of proteins called sirtuins, plays roles in many cellular processes, including aging. Researchers hope that activating the protein with drugs such as resveratrol can extend life span and improve health for people, as it does in animal studies.

Now, researchers at MIT have evidence that SIRT1 may not only help determine long-term health and longevity, but it also has a hand in setting the body?s daily or ?circadian? clock. The finding, reported May 31 at the Metabolism, Diet and Disease meeting, could be important for understanding how metabolism and life span are linked.

Studies of cells in laboratory dishes had suggested that SIRT1 might work with certain gears of the circadian clock in liver cells. But until now no one has shown that the protein could influence the body?s master clock in the brain, says Raul Mostoslavsky, a molecular biologist at Harvard Medical School.?

In the new study, scientists led by Leonard Guarente of MIT monitored the natural activity patterns of mice. Normally, mice?s circadian clocks run just shy of a 24-hour day, at about 23.5 hours. Mice that lack SIRT1 in their brains have a longer internal day, closer to 24 hours, Guarente said. And mice that made twice as much SIRT1 as normal in their brains had a shorter-than-usual day. Mice making five times as much SIRT1 as normal had even shorter natural days.

Amounts of SIRT1 in the brain may help the master clock, which is centered in a group of cells known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus, adjust to seasonal changes in daylight, Guarente said. Previously, some of his colleagues had noticed that mice?s circadian clocks tend to move toward 24-hour days as the mice age. The researchers wanted to know if that lengthening day had anything to do with declining SIRT1 levels in the brain?s master clock.

To find out, the team jet-lagged mice by abruptly shifting light and dark conditions in the lab by four hours. Young mice usually take only about two days to reset their circadian clocks to the new ?time zone,? but old mice needed as long as eight days to adjust. In the new tests, young mice lacking SIRT1 in their brains needed about four days to adapt, indicating that SIRT1 is at least partially responsible for the ability to adjust. And old mice that make more SIRT1 than usual in their brains seemed to get over jet lag faster. The researchers also showed that levels of SIRT1 in the brain clock are tied to levels of other important clock proteins.

In a separate experiment, the team found that mice that have their circadian clocks set closest to 24-hour days live longer than mice with faster or slower-running clocks. Constantly resetting circadian clocks may cause stress that leads to aging, Guarente said.?

Found in: Genes & Cells

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Goldman Sachs Interview Tips | InterviewBay Blog

Posted on May 30, 2012 by tushar

Hi everyone, last week we concluded with our tips on consulting companies. This week we will be highlighting tips and tricks on how to tackle finance companies and creating a fine resume when applying. To begin this week we have started off with Goldman Sachs.

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Founded in 1869 by Marcus Goldman an immigrant from Europe, Goldman Sachs was a small enterprise started to present an alternative to high-priced bank credit. Goldman Sachs is regarded as one of the oldest and most prestigious investment banking and securities firm, also goes by the name ?King of the Hill? on Wall Street. It is a public company dealing in various lines of business including asset allocation and management, provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, prime brokerage and underwriting services to its clients. The company is a prime dealer in United States Treasury Security market and also engages in private equity and market making deals. The company has 62 offices worldwide with 30,000 employees.

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So what?s the buzz on getting hired at Goldman Sachs?

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Goldman Sachs known for its expanded reputed success and well established divergent business culture has permitted the company to retain the brightest candidates. The company recruits mostly from the top tier universities but also seeks flair from other universities. The candidates that are being recruited for Goldman Sachs are assessed on six parameters-

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-????????? leadership,

-????????? achievement,

-????????? analytical thinking,

-????????? teamwork,

-????????? commercial focus and

-????????? ability to create an impact.

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The company offers noteworthy rewards, limitless career opportunities, responsibility early on and supreme exposure. But in return the company expects enthusiasm, strong drive and commitment from its employees. The average salary of an associate at Goldman Sachs is $100,856 and analyst is $63,444(Source- Glassdoor).

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Well if you desire to work for Goldman Sachs your degree discipline is not the only factor that the firm considers. They also take into account your sharp sense and interest in financial markets. It?s not surprising that a reputed firm like Goldman Sachs runs a competitive recruitment process for internships as well as graduate programmes. Nevertheless, if you wish to establish yourself as an associate or analyst at Goldman Sachs it is mandatory for you to possess an MBA qualification with 2-5years of work experience. For more tips on interviews you can visit our interview tips section written by alum of Wharton and Goldman Sachs.

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Resume/ Cover Letter:

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Your resume will be regarded as the central item the recruiters use to decide whether or not to interview you. Nevertheless, it is important for you to reflect on your interests and experiences in the field of finance and banking. If you do not possess any work experience try to relate your skills to the necessary job requirements and responsibilities such as client interface, verbal communication skills, analytical capabilities and business acumen. Include other qualities like leadership position related to business, academic performance, achievements in social and extracurricular events and pursuits of excellence. Your resume should provide a reflection of who you are. Your academics should reflect that you are a challenging person and strive for excellence. Recruiters at Goldman Sachs are usually looking for SAT, GRE, GMAT scores and GPA?s. Make sure to include your scores in your resume.

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Your cover letter provides you with an opportunity to highlight your interest in that particular company and specifics in that field. Your cover letter should begin with what is exciting about the position you wish to acquire and what you can offer to the company. In the second section of your cover letter you should be able to highlight your pertinent skills and accomplishments. You should be able to integrate the two and emphasize how you fit in the company. Keep your cover letter grounded by exhibiting specific and relevant skills. For your work experience mention your skills achieved and positions held in retrospect to communication, leadership and teamwork. Further describe what you hope to achieve if you acquire the job. Be authentic, proficient and amiable. Keep the information in your cover letter a natural and articulate story.

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It is important to undertake career networking in the midst of a job search. Networking is considered one of the most priceless tools for acquiring a job. Your career network should not only be used for job search but also for moving up the career ladder. Recruiters at Goldman Sachs take keen interest in researching prospective employees. For example Goldman Sachs has a group on LinkedIn whereby users can read and post information in various discussions that might be useful to those who have worked or are working or those planning to work for the company. Alumni networks are a valuable tool for sharpening up your industry specific skills and to be in touch with industry related news.

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Recruitment Process:

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The recruitment process comprises of three stages:-

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Online application:

Your academic scores & accomplishments play an important role in online applications. The application will require you to provide your contact details, educational qualifications, language skills, exam results, work experience, achievements and certifications, resume and cover letter, other skills and motivation for applying to Goldman Sachs.

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To ace an online application it is important to prepare your answers well in advance and proof read them before filling out your application. Be concise and precise in your answers. This will give you an opportunity to understand the requirements in an application. You will mostly be required to take a numeracy test. Be sure to practise well in advance and time yourself for them.

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Round 1:

If your resume has created an impression for the recruiters you will be provided with an opportunity to be interviewed by two Goldman Sachs professionals. The company during the interview process seek for candidates that possess a balance of teamwork and competition, veracity and intensity, leadership prospective and intellectual oddity. Before you attend your interview prepare for it. Try to acquire and learn as much as you can about the financial market and Goldman Sachs entirely. The more you know about the company the more confidence you will have in answering the interview questions and presenting yourself. Increase your awareness about world affairs that affect and influence the company?s position. Reflect on questions and prepare answers for questions like-

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-????????? What are my long term goals?

-????????? What motivates me to apply to Goldman Sachs?

-????????? How can I convince the recruiter that my past experiences will help me achieve it?

-????????? Elaborate on a time when you had to make a tough decision?

-????????? Why do you want to pursue a career in investment banking?

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As well as knowing the industry you should be able to demonstrate interest in the area you wish to work in. You can also sign up for the mock interviews conducted by the alumni of Goldman Sachs. The practise interview with the alumni will provide you with their detailed verbal and written feedback that would help you focus on the areas you need to tailor and help you better prepare for the interview.

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Round 2:

Should you be able to clear the first round you will be offered to attend a second round of subsequent interviews where you will meet with company individuals from two divisions: the one you have applied to and the one the company may think that is suitable for you. The company is looking for candidates that possess competency skills and basic working knowledge of the area they are applying to. For example if you are applying to the securities division you will asked about current interest rates and where are they heading in the current market scenario. Further you will be assessed on your compatibility with the firm and your interest in Goldman Sachs. You should create an impression of a banker who is a leader and a team player. You should research extensively and ensure that you have sufficient information about the financial/ banking industry and the profession.

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If you are successful at the interviews and if the company feels you would be an asset to them they will extend you an offer.

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You can also register at Interview-Bay for mock interviews conducted by the alums of top financial companies. Our interviewers will help you practise for the interview with their meticulous verbal and written feedback.

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I hope our blog on finance companies will provide you with an easier approach in preparing for your interviews. If you liked our blog you can register with us on www. InterviewBay.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for our updates and join us in our discussions and polls.

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Stay tuned this week for our interview tips on finance companies.

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Source: Goldman Sachs

Comments are closed.

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Odd politics, presidential tradition: Bush is back

FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2008 file photo, President and Mrs. Bush greet President-elect Obama and Michelle Obama at the White House in Washington. President Barack Obama frequently blames President George W. Bush for America's shaky economy, high unemployment and foreign policy woes. But he's sure to change his tune on Thursday when Bush comes back to the White House in a rare limelight moment, The man who led the country for eight tumultuous years will have his portrait hung and Obama will be there applauding. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2008 file photo, President and Mrs. Bush greet President-elect Obama and Michelle Obama at the White House in Washington. President Barack Obama frequently blames President George W. Bush for America's shaky economy, high unemployment and foreign policy woes. But he's sure to change his tune on Thursday when Bush comes back to the White House in a rare limelight moment, The man who led the country for eight tumultuous years will have his portrait hung and Obama will be there applauding. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2008 file photo, President George W. Bush walks with President-elect Barack Obama down the Colonnade of the White House in Washington. President Barack Obama frequently blames President George W. Bush for America's shaky economy, high unemployment and foreign policy woes. But he's sure to change his tune on Thursday when Bush comes back to the White House in a rare limelight moment, The man who led the country for eight tumultuous years will have his portrait hung and Obama will be there applauding. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2008 file photo, President George W. Bush walks with President-elect Obama into the White House in Washington. President Barack Obama frequently blames President George W. Bush for America's shaky economy, high unemployment and foreign policy woes. But he's sure to change his tune on Thursday when Bush comes back to the White House in a rare limelight moment, The man who led the country for eight tumultuous years will have his portrait hung and Obama will be there applauding. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 16, 2010 file photo, former President George W. Bush listens as President Barack Obama speaks in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington. President Barack Obama frequently blames President George W. Bush for America's shaky economy, high unemployment and foreign policy woes. But he's sure to change his tune on Thursday when Bush comes back to the White House in a rare limelight moment, The man who led the country for eight tumultuous years will have his portrait hung and Obama will be there applauding. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 16, 2010 file photo, President Barack Obama shakes hands with former President George W. Bush, in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington. President Barack Obama frequently blames President George W. Bush for America's shaky economy, high unemployment and foreign policy woes. But he's sure to change his tune on Thursday when Bush comes back to the White House in a rare limelight moment, The man who led the country for eight tumultuous years will have his portrait hung and Obama will be there applauding. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? This is a little awkward.

President Barack Obama can't seem to stop bad-mouthing the record of former President George W. Bush. But on Thursday, Obama is going to welcome his predecessor and proudly preside as Bush's image and legacy are enshrined at the White House forever.

Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will join Bush and his wife, Laura, as their official portraits are unveiled. The incumbent is keeping up a presidential tradition typically defined by cheer and graciousness, but not without some uneasiness.

Hardly a day goes by without Obama or his aides talking about the mess they inherited ? meaning, from Bush.

It was just one week ago that Obama, revving up campaign donors, turned Bush into a punch line. Obama depicted Republican rival Mitt Romney as a peddler of bad economic ideas, helping the rich at the expense of the middle class, and then added to laughs: "That was tried, remember? The last guy did all this."

Now the last guy is coming back.

So, too, will his father, former President George H.W. Bush and the former first lady Barbara Bush. The Obamas will hold forth in the ornate East Room as George and Laura Bush are honored for their service before an invited audience of Bush friends and former staff members.

It will be a rare limelight moment for Bush, who has not been back in more than two years.

Obama and Bush have a cordial and respectful relationship, but they are not close. Both are political veterans who are able to separate political tactics from what they see as an overarching community among people who have served in the Oval Office, according to people close to them.

Only 44 men in history, and five men alive, have held the job.

"President Bush has been around politics a long time. He's been around how presidents deal with each other for a long time," said Tony Fratto, one of his former spokesmen at the White House. "He has an understanding for separating the necessities of political rhetoric from the job itself."

Bush showed that all through 2008, when Obama assailed his record on war and the economy en route to the White House. It was hard to remember at times that Obama was running not against Bush, who was finishing the last year of a tumultuous eight-year term, but rather Arizona Sen. John McCain.

When it was done, Bush welcomed Obama to the White House with grace and demanded that his team ensure a smooth transition.

History has marked this moment before, with grudges put aside.

When Bill Clinton came back for his portrait unveiling, Bush lauded him for "the forward-looking spirit that Americans like in a president." Never mind that Bush had run for the presidency to "restore honor and dignity" after Clinton's sex scandal.

And when Clinton welcomed back George H.W. Bush, whom he had defeated, he said to him and his wife: "Welcome home. We're glad to have you here."

"I would be surprised if there's very much tension" this time around, said Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University who has long followed Bush's career.

Obama has enlisted Bush's help on earthquake relief for Haiti, and the two stood together in New York City last year in marking the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on America. They have also spoken at least three times at signature moments over the last three years, including the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Still, in the midst of a tight election year, the Obama-bashing-Bush's-record sets a backdrop.

"This president is looking for someone to blame," Romney said while campaigning in Colorado this week. "Of course, he started off by blaming George Bush, and that worked for a while but, you know, after three and a half years that wears kind of thin."

The White House points out that Obama praises Bush sometimes, too, as he did in March over Bush's willingness to take on immigration.

The visit is layered with political story lines.

Bush's brother Jeb is a potential vice presidential candidate to Romney. Bush's father has developed a kinship of sorts with Obama. And then there is Bush himself, who has endorsed Romney but is still viewed by many in his party as politically toxic.

More than any president in recent memory, Bush has not just intentionally faded from the public spotlight but all but disappeared from it.

"George W. Bush has been remarkably, and even strangely silent, even once you respect his sentiment that he did not want to get in Barack Obama's way," said Jillson. "I think part of that is just giving himself time to recover from what had to be an astoundingly difficult close to his presidency."

The politically impassioned issues of that time have faded. The Iraq war is over. The financial sector has stabilized after a devastating crash in late 2008. But the nation is still feeling the cost of the enormous recession, which is Obama's problem now.

Bush was last at the White House in January 2010. That was to join Obama and Bill Clinton in support of Haiti humanitarian relief.

Aides to both Obama and Bush are downplaying the Thursday reunion as a time of politics. Bush spokesman Freddy Ford said the former president and first lady are grateful to the Obama and looking forward to catching up with faces from their past, including staff at the Executive Mansion.

"I think there is a community here with very few members that transcends political and policy differences," White House spokesman Jay Carney said. He made that comment in the same briefing Wednesday in which he reminded everyone that Obama inherited a huge budget deficit (from Bush.)

Jenna Bush Hager, one of the George W. Bush's daughters, said she was invited for the ceremony and that the day will include a private lunch for the Bushes with the Obamas. She told "Fox & Friends" the day will be a chance to "celebrate his work, 'cause he worked pretty hard so I think he deserves at least a painting."

As to where it will go, she said: "Probably in the very back somewhere. I'm just kidding."

The painting will actually hang prominently in the formal entrance hall to the White House, the Grand Foyer.

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AP News Researcher Julie Reed Bell and AP writer Ken Thomas contributed to this report.

Associated Press

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