Political "Trends"

America, land of the free, home of the brave, and all about the dolla dolla bills, yo. 

We're a nation that prides ourselves in helping others and also loves to make money and succeed.   So it's no surprise that companies/industries are riding on the coattails of Obama's success.  The replica legoland version of the inauguration is actually pretty nifty.

1.  Malia&Sasha Beanie babies
2.  Air Obama Tee
3.  Legoland's own mini-inauguration

     

For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

I was quite pleased to see live coverage of the events of yesterday via CNN.com.  It occurred to me how lucky the masses of today are to be a part of the moment simply by opening up their web browser.  It's one thing to be able to witness events with the invention of the TV, now the convenience factor and real-time is taken to another level thanks to the internet.  You don't have to be swarmed in crowds of almost 2 million people and yet still experience history.   

January 21, 2009 was an epic day because the U.S. celebrated the inauguration of the 44^th president –  because he is a radical believer in change, optimism, slogans like "Yes, We Can" and an exceptional speaker who can move millions and for the inspiration he brings to Americans of every creed and color as the first African-American president.  However, this should not be regarded as his greatest or sole claim to leadership and should not overshadow the job that lies ahead.  What is most important, is that he is a strong, educated new leader who is going to direct our nation along a new path.  Let's embrace this above all else and hope Obama is able to follow through with his well-articulated words, ideas, and focus on salvaging us from the bitter depths of our current situation, our economic hardships and woes as he clearly states in his  inauguration speech -  http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/story.aspx?guid={EA91B550-322B-4E7F-906E-95E8965F745F}&siteid=rss  No pressure, right?

 "What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility."  This phrase should motivate every single one of us.  If we want this change to take place, it starts from each one of us, not just the higher powers that be in the government.   From the highest level CEO to the Union worker, I think people need to straighten up their mentality and efforts to work hard, learn humility, and be more productive for the common good.  I think there are those who have forgotten the strength of the US as a nation is prided on our ability to help one another.  The youth especially of our nation need to learn what it is to help each other, respect one another, and work hard to move forward.  We should apply our best to give to one another out of selflessness, and those who receive should also do so in moderation.  My mom once taught me if there is a pizza pie, you should only take one slice because there are other mouths to feed.  Dare I point out the reality that there are those who fall along the wrong path and are spoiled, greedy, inconsiderate, disrespectful and take things for granted?  If each of us doesn't make strides to be better individuals, I don't see how we can change as a nation. 

While I commend believers and fighters for change, action-takers and those who make it happen are the ones who should be applauded.   For one man to rescue us from the depths of our recession is asking for too much.  Even Superman and Batman couldn't save us there.   It needs to be a joint, nationwide effort.  We all need to take action.  If he stands by his word, then we too, need to do much more than we have in the past to contribute to change.  As individuals we may not be able to provide more jobs or relieve the deficit, but we can change to be better people, and in turn a better nation.  That's what I took away from the day-long events, not so much the "So, what's Michelle wearing", or the song and dance from the "Neighborhood Ball".  I'm proud to be an American and hope that we do more than we can.

       

Zappos Restructuring

The current state of the economy continues to force well-respected big industry players, like Zappos, to be proactive and force some changes within their organization.  Yes, even Zappos is laying off some of their employees - 8% of their staff was a difficult move and Tony Hsieh, CEO, addresses the situation with a considerate blog and a better severance package than most.  You root on successful companies like Zappos that have dramatically changed the perspective of what a workplace is supposed to be like, and have discovered and implemented the value of customer service merged with the world online.  But then you're saddened to learn even the best of the best is faced with the trials of the economy.  It is honorable of Tony, at the very least, to address the situation, and make the best of it.   

On a more positive note, I am grateful companies are evolving -  utilizing current internet tools and interacting with their employees and the public through these mediums.  It shows they are open, and involved with people, rather than closed off with an archaic mindset.  Plus, the internet has become such an important source of communication than ever before, it really has changed the way people do things, and I'm all for it.

(News/link courtesy of alpha)

Hol.o.gram with Will.I.am

Anderson Cooper interviews Will.I.Am on election night.
Beam me up!

EA too? Say it Ain't So.

As if we weren't already aware the economy is at a downturn, need we be reminded by respected companies in their industries laying off their headcount?  These are sad times.

EA, aka Electronic Arts has always been a top dog in the gaming niche and we've come to learn recently that they too, have had to make some company adjustments in current conditions.   They've laid off 600 people, http://kotaku.com/5071439/electronic-arts-laysoff-six-hundred for more info.

In this economic decline, I've always thought it was safer to assume the booming industries like video gaming wouldn't have to resort to these measures.  I guess that goes to show, assumption is still the mother of all eff-ups and we should be on guard at all times.

Hasta La Vista?

Were consumers' experience with Vista so bad that it is enough for Microsoft to extinguish the Vista brand and reinforce Windows instead? 

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/technology/business-computing/29soft.html

I use both PC and Mac, at home and at work.  I can't function without the other.  I guess I'm a bi-platformer. I'm a PCMAC (?)  If you want to check out "PC"s:  http://imapc.lifewithoutwalls.com/

While Mac has all these cool, easy-to-use functions, my PC has always been my comfort grounds for everyday tasks like typing up Word docs or opening up Excel sheets.  I also find it easier to code HTML on my PC, but the ability to run multiple programs on Mac and quickly load graphic programs like Photoshop, beats PC.  Innovative functions like video chatting and desktop sharing rules with Mac.  I'm always impressed with the cool way to view files and folders in Mac, but for some reason, I like the simplicity of the old school yellow manila folders on the PC.  I can't settle on one machine. 

Always amazed that we've evolved into this stage of computing - I recall when I was 8 years old, typing on this prehistoric word processor (it might have been the super-beta version of Word Perfect) on DOS, and I couldn't afford to make changes or mistakes along the way, because if I did, I'd have to use the back button until I got all the way back to the word I have to modify.  That back button was abused.  You might wonder why I was even typing at such an early age, before computing even became a household commodity. I definitely had an early start!    I'm just happy we don't have to CHDIR anymore. 

Anyway, I haven't had that bad of an experience with Vista, although, I admit, I really didn't exercise it to its full extent.  Maybe others can vouch otherwise. 

Do We Have Another Contender?

Looks like the Blackberry Storm is on the way.  First we saw the G1 with its left-jab and uppercut with its release this week.  (Take that iPhone!  But wait..I simply cannot live without my iPhone, love that thing.)  It's refreshing to know that competitors are packing in the punches, because this will bring forth bigger consumer expectations, more improvements, and hopefully even better-than-EVER iPhones! 

Check out the showdown from Wired:  http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/10/showdown-blackb.html

Joe the Plumber goes Famous

Economic Turmoil, Lost Jobs

Brutal Winds and California Fires