When Apple CEO Steve Jobs took the MacWorld 2007 stage to debut the company’s latest innovative product, whispers fell over the crowd as “His Steveness” announced, “Today Apple is going to reinvent the phone.” The very definition of mobile phone forever had changed. The so called “smart phones” of the past had just been surpassed in technology years ahead of anything else on the market.

Apple decided to invent their own mobile interface that is completely intuitive by nature. Instead of using menus and sub-menus to access applications, like a calculator for example, Apple made each application its own button to allow for one-touch access to any of the phone’s amazing capabilities.

When Apple announced the iPod back in 2001, no one believed that such a device would have changed the world of music as we currently know it. Many MP3 player manufacturers were quick to release self-appointed “iPod Killers”. Most of those manufacturers are now out of business, and more than 100 millions iPods have been sold right here in the United States. With the success of the iPhone, there have been attempts at producing the “iPhone Killer”, the next great mobile phone. LG released their “Dare” to lukewarm results this spring exclusive to Verizon. Blackberry just released their iPhone killer this holiday season, the “Blackberry Storm” is also a Verizon exclusive. What do these phones have in common? They are both touch screens, even the Blackberry. When Apple decided to use the touch screen, these companies publicly questioned the durability issues of a touch screen only phone, and now both companies plan to copy Apple’s design for their own iPhone killers. What LG and Blackberry don’t know, that Apple does, is you can’t beat your competition by stealing their design. But imitation is the highest form of flattery right?

I have gotten my hands on the Storm and it brings a cool tactile feedback touch to the table, but that doesn’t help when the OS is slow, the phone itself is physically clunky, and the design is counter-BlackBerry intuition.

If BlackBerry users really want to keep their RIM phone, go with the new Bold just released on AT&T. It is the fastest BlackBerry ever, and dare I say the best looking.

The Storm is no game changer. The iPhone was a game changer. Verizon was hoping this would be the phone to bring back customers to VZ, and I think the numbers will show that the Storm is simply not going to be a phone with lasting staying power.

California recently voted to overturn a state Supreme Court decision that allowed homosexuals the legal right to marry. Many took advantage of that decision this past summer. On Nov 4th, once again, that right was revoked via a state vote.

I can’t help but be bothered by this. I am not gay. I don’t have any family that is gay. I only hardly know a handful of gay people. But on a day where we elected a biracial man to be President, the right to formally express your love to someone was taken away, and I can’t help but feel that Nov 4th was bittersweet. Is making gay marriage legal going to make everyone want to become gay? If everyone is gay, we won’t procreate! How stupid is that logic? Homosexuality makes up, at the very highest of estimates, only ~10% of the population. So if that is the reason people voted against it, come up with a different argument. But Dan, it is in the bible. Fine- if you take the bible at fact word for word, then your position is your belief, and that is probably irreversible.

I know marriage is held sacred. I know that this is highly controversial. But why would people vote no and completely deny people they don’t even know the constitutional right of “pursuit of happiness?” That would be like me voting to ban the smoking of cigarettes. I hate cigarettes. But I would never deny anyone their right to smoke them.

Even Republican Governor Schwarzenegger is against the passing telling the now-daily protesters “they should never give up. They should be on it and on it until they get it done.” And adding “It’s unfortunate [the vote], obviously, but it’s not the end. I think that we will again maybe undo that, if the court is willing to do that, and then move forward from there and again lead in that area [gay rights].”

Keith Olbermann devoted his special comment to Prop 8 the other night and I found it very moving. Take a watch and think about it. I know it is a sensitive issue. But put yourself on the other side of the fence.

http://change.gov/

Welcome to the 21st century.

This is amazing. For the first time since the Internet’s inception, we will have an Internet competent President that will take advantage of what the Internet offers for this nation. I remember doing research papers and going to whitehouse.gov. The website was barebones and barely even mentioned anything other than a simple bio of any President. We finally now have a true 21st century administration that will modernize politics. I feel like in the mere days since this election America has done more to move forward into the new global world than we have in the past eight years.

If you just take a moment and reflect how much the Internet has changed nearly every aspect of life in the last decade, you realize how pervasive and important it’s become to everyday life. From mundane tasks like paying bills, to having instant access to information on pretty much any subject, to communication and entertainment, the Internet’s importance cannot be understated.

To have a President who finally “gets it” and uses the Internet beyond putting up a static page is truly an achievement. I hope and believe that Ithe Internet will be an exceptionally important communication tool for Barack Obama during his presidency. And hopefully it will set the precedent for all of government.

Obama Taps Congressman Rahm Emanuel (Above) to be his Chief of Staff

No Surprise: Obama Chooses Longtime Confidant Gibbs to be Press Secretary.

McCain Aides Blame Palin. Won’t Let Her Speak at Concession Speech.

Lieberman Now Stuck in Political Purgatory

The Obama Revolution: A New World Order

Obama Victory Sparks Worldwide Celebrations

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For those still not on board with the idea of the words ‘President Obama’, this is a clip produced by Glenn Beck’s team. It is a new Obama National Anthem and I have to admit it is pretty hilarious. Glenn Beck used to be a lot more likable but has really made a big turn toward the conservative ideaologies given his move over to FoxNews, but even Obama supporters have to laugh at its silliness. Rocky IV anyone?

Video Here

And for those of you worried that Barack is going to take all your money with 99% tax increases. One, stop being stupid. Two, finally recognize his plan calls for no increase under any filing under $200,000. And three, recognize that any President that came into office this year will have to raise taxes. It is just simpyl economics. We are at a peak national deficit. The last eight years, Republicans became the big government spenders that Republicans so dismay. If Obama can elminate the deficit in eight years, it will be a successful presidency.

But for those still not convinced that he isn’t Robin Hood, please check out this independent thrid party website that liberally assumes unlicensed Joe The Plumber makes $269,318 per year as an unlicensed plumber. According to the candidates plans, Joe will pay about $300 per year under Obama’s plan. So quit watching Sean Hannity and listening to Rush Limbaugh. Obama is not Robin Hood, his economic plan is endorsed by some of the smartest (and wealthiest) Americans.

Yesterday, President Bush, of all people, described the forthcoming Inauguration Day and presented the ultimate historical bookend when he remarked, “It will be a stirring sight to watch President Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their beautiful girls step through the doors of the White House.”

Indeed it will sir. After almost a full eight years of awfulness, George W. Bush actually managed to say something that hit me in a way that didn’t make me want to shake my head or pull up the Constitution on my phone. He put it perfectly. Damm you, Mr. President, you magnificent bastard.

To arrive at this moment has required a too long and too painful journey. For African Americans, yes. But also for the maturation of the ideals championed by our founding fathers and their generation of founding patriots. For a nation that professes to spread freedom and yet continues to deny it to some of its own people. For those of us who have hungered for some kind of redemption to help wash away the original sins lurking between the lines of our Constitution.

Barack Obama hasn’t and probably can’t absolve those flaws, and no single event or person can be expected to accomplish such a task. But this new president has set for us an unique example; overnight he’s become a national role model and a guide, leading a record number of us towards the realization that it doesn’t have to be “that way” anymore. It doesn’t have to be us versus them anymore.

In terms of race, in terms of history, politics, and American life- we’ve crossed over to a better place and a more hopeful time. Not simply because of one man, but because we were progressive enough to have recognized our desire to push forward and let the true nature of America be reflected in this one man.

This January 20th, all of America will be stepping through those doors with Mr. President and Mrs. Obama as the dark ride of the last eight years reaches its long-overdue conclusion. In this respect, all of us – all races – are a little more free at last.

In a sober message, unquestionably mindful of the high expectations attendant on his victory, Obama said that the US was involved in two wars and a dire financial crisis. He cautioned that it would take “more than one year and more than one term” to address the challenges.

“But we will get there – we as a people will get there.”

There would be setbacks and false starts, Obama said. “I will always be honest about the challenges…I will listen, especially when we disagree”.

“Change has come to America,” he said to roaring applause.

I know I have basically turned this blog into BarackObama.com over the past month. But I am convinced that he is the figure head to guide America out of this little funk. I congratulate those who supported Obama and got the vote out for him. And I hope that those of you who have yet to warm to the man put aside your doubts and give him a genuine shot at earning your trust and support.

Republican John McCain conceded the presidential race to Barack Obama, saying the Democrat has achieved a “great thing for himself and for his country.” The few smattering of jeers early, quickly diminished when those in attendance took note of the history taking place before their eyes. This is a really poignant address from the Maverick Senator, a true American hero that will continue to serve his beloved country along with as he says, “my president.”

“Nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change.”

Go crazy folks, go crazy.

Tonight the United States will make history with record voting turnouts.

Do not put any faith in exit poll data. Get out and vote if you have not done so yet. There is still plenty of time.

If you are waiting in line, do not leave the line. You are, by law, allowed to vote if you are waiting to do so, even after the polls close. You have made it this far, stay in line!

Enjoy this historic evening and remember tonight. You will recall this evening as a pivotal point in American history.

Tonight we celebrate, tomorrow we go to work.

This is it. Americans are paying more attention to the state of their union than ever before. We stand on the cusp of history. A true generational defining moment takes place tomorrow November 4th, 2008 across our great nation. We can adapt and react to the mismanagement and corruption that has plagued our country for the past eight years or vote for a fresh American outlook and renewed positive political standing in the new global world.

We can choose the divisive, partisan politics of old or we can look toward the future with an optimistic chance of uniting our country and our world. We can vote for fear or we can vote for hope. We can choose to vote for a party that lied to its citizens, defied the United Nations and Geneva Convention, and let us slide into the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Or we can choose to vote for a party that has come alive with enthusiasm, passion, and an overwhelming backing of new American voters to reclaim the America we know, our America, that has been partly taken from us over the past eight years.

A vote for Barack Obama is a vote for energy independence. Clean energy through new technologies, wind, and solar. A vote for Barack Obama is a vote for education reform. A vote for Barack Obama is a vote for refining a flawed healthcare system. A vote for science and stem cell research. A vote for truthful politics. A vote for balancing a conservative Supreme Court. A vote for progress.

I talk all the time about the need for change and reaction to changing conditions. People sit idle without responding to changing conditions. When CEO’s see a shift in momentum, they should act swiftly, not cross their fingers and hope for the best. When a student fails a midterm, and decides it was just a hard test and no extra work is necessary. When someone gets a speeding ticket, and decides to keep speeding because the odds of getting caught are low anyway. When we, as human beings, recognize a flaw or problem in our lives, we can not overlook the long-term severity of its implications. We need to act immediately toward reconciliation of that dilemma. We as America know that we have been derailed for our great track. We know we must change. We must not overlook the problems before us. In order to maintain America’s position as lone superpower, we must fix a broken political system.

The world is looking toward America tomorrow. With our vote, they will judge us as rational people and willing to overcome our failed administration, or they will judge us as a blindly ignorant nation. The next fifty years of America’s stance in the world are on the line with this election.

The stakes are too high this time. Do not believe in the polls or a safe lead. Everyone must vote. Get your parents, your children, your brothers, your sisters, your colleagues, and your neighbors out to cast their ballot for change. America’s future lies in the balance.

There is a lot of work to be done in the next four years. Barack Obama has the support from the smartest people in our country, democrats and republicans. In order to fix this country’s tarnished global reputation, we need a new kind of politics – a new kind of leadership.

I urge you to make history tomorrow and elect Barack Obama the 44th President of the United States. Together we can reclaim our America and provide the best hope for our future.

Palin says political criticism violates 1st amendment.

Ronald Reagan’s Chief of Staff Endorses Obama.

Ronald Reagan’s Son Officially Endorses Barack.

Would McCain have Dick Cheney in his cabinet? “Hell yeah.”

Democrats Sketch the New Cabinet.

GOP Using Bullshit Robocalls in Florida.

Here is my advice: Clear them out. Any incumbent should be heavily scrutinized, democrat or republican. Don’t vote on name or party lines.

In the past eight years, the nations with the necessary preconditions to be ‘superpowers’; China, Russia, and India have gained power and momentum, while we have lost our standing in the new global world.

I implore you to examine any candidate in your district on what they will do to curb our national deficit, their stance on energy independence (drilling now baby now is worse than a middle school popularity poll), and what they will do to better America in the eyes of the world.

The most important issue in this election is foreign policy, not the economy. Vote for the future. Vote for change. Vote for American acceptace to technology and medicine.

We are the greatest country in the world. No doubt. The last eight years have left that position in peril. Let’s reclaim our position as the forefront of progress and innovation.

Vote Obama, and seriously consider any incumbent re-election.

I think it is over. McCain would need to carry about 8 states that he currently trails in, according to the polls, to even be close. And I think Democratic turnout is going to be massive. More so than even predicted.

And all the McCain campaign does is imply that Obama is going to increase taxes and favor ‘Socialist’ policies.

Really, that is all they are talking about. Their whole message at this point is what Obama could do wrong. Not what they will do different (nothing). While Obama’s message is fixing the current problems facing our nation.

Once and for all, Obama’s plan will not increase taxes for households earning less than $200,000 per year. Read that again, Obama’s plan will not increase taxes for households earning less than $200,000 per year. Not income tax, property tax, or capital gains tax – no increase for any tax filing under $200,000. In fact, most of those people will receive tax cuts and economic stimulating small business incentives. And those making more than $200,000 per year will only revert to the taxes they paid under the Clinton administration, those taxes that W. cut because the GOP favors the rich, as much as they pretend to favor Joe The Plumber.And when Google’s CEO and Warren Buffett endorse Obama’s economic plan, you can trust that our future is in good hands. The private sector will always trump the public.

McCain and Palin, literally say every single day, that Obama has ‘socialist’ views. And then John McCain goes on Larry King two nights ago and directly says that he doesn’t think Obama is a socialist. McCain can’t spread smears and then counteract them on CNN.

So enough with the tax talks, it should be far from the forefront of this election, as we have more pressing problems at hand. But people are stupid, and they will damn the government for raising a penny of their taxes because that is the most important thing in the world to them. Energy Independence? Foreign Policy? Mortgage Meltdown? Two Current Wars?

But don’t touch my taxes! Yeah, Americans are a bit shortsighted.

But as I stated above, I think it is over. And I think Americans, while stupid, are still smarter than a 5^th grader.