Promise Breakers

Another sign of the apocalypse recession? The creepily patriarchal, Jerry Falwell-cheered, Promise Keepers opens its doors to woman, at least for one conference:

After 20 years of men-only events, Denver-based Promise Keepers is urging men to bring "the women in their lives" to a July 31-Aug. 1 conference marking the group's anniversary.

"It's time for Promise Keepers men to step up and honor women," Raleigh Washington, the group's president, said Monday. "We're going to heal the gender divide that exists in America.

"What better way to challenge a man than nose to nose with his wife, his mother, his sister?" he said.

And what better way to save the business, too? The AP article notes the PK's steep decline in revenue:

Promise Keepers filled football stadiums and boasted a $117 million budget in the mid-1990s, but has struggled to find an identity since. Revenues declined for several years to about $10.9 million in 2007, according to its tax forms. This year's budget is $7.5 million, Washington said.

Up next: Daughters of the American Revolution to welcome Hispanic day laborers and Cat Fancy's June cover will feature Sniffles the Rottweiler.

A promising shoutout to the 90s here.