Obama's Mega-brand as he moves into the White House

MediaPost Publications - Obama Community Post-Win, Now That He's Moved In - 01/19/2009:

"As he steps up, in a sense, a mega-brand activates. Your particular politics aside, we must all agree that Obama encompasses much and that the stakes are high. How he now makes it happen is the stuff of unprecedented living history.

Up until today, as media mavens and consumer marketers, we have applauded his steady message, his knack for context, and ability to resonate and galvanize community. And then there was the mighty conversion to change. How did he do that? Blink of an eye, and the brand literally embodied us."

Israeli envoy banished from Venezuela: Chavez' door closed

Israel's Ambassador to Venezuela Shlomo Cohen has begun preparing for a swift departure from the country Tuesday after President Hugo Chavez declared he was a persona non grata because of Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Chavez declared in a speech later in the day that the presidents of Israel and the United States should be tried for war crimes in an international court

Israeli envoy banished from Venezuela: Chavez' door closed - Israel News, Ynetnews

Stupid Acts at Virgin With Facebook Lead To Getting Canned

I see this daily. People rag on their company, complain about salaries, co-workers, customers... how many of the actual people you are ragging on may get to see the post? Facebook isn't private! Even  if you have your posts locked down to just your friends, there's always cut and paste eh!

Yeah, go ahead and keep using Facebook as your personal place to rag on people. Especially customers, prospects, bosses, etc.

FacebookAdvice.com » Blog Archive » Stupid Acts at Virgin With Facebook Lead To Getting Canned

Guyana condemns Gaza violence

Guyana's President has become the first Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leader to publicly condemn Israel's military action against the Palestinian people.

President Bharrat Jagdeo, in a statement released by the Government Information Agency on the escalation of the crisis between Israel and Palestine last night, said he has been following with grave concern the events that have unfolded at the Gaza strip, and to him, it seems to be a form of sanctioned genocide.

"The Jewish people have suffered much over the years through persecution and the disproportionate use of force, and of all peoples, should understand the plight of the Palestinian people," he said. "Guyana condemns absolutely the atrocities being perpetrated against the people of Palestine especially the murder of innocent women and children."

Caribbean: News in the Caribbean - Caribbean360.com

T-Mobile and RIM make the BlackBerry 8900 Curve official, coming in February

Yes! So my Bold-less ness isn't as bad as it looks - I was just being sensible and waiting for the newest Curve!

T-Mobile USA, Inc., and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM: TSX: RIM) today announced that T-Mobile® will offer its customers the new BlackBerry® Curve™ 8900 smartphone, the thinnest and lightest full-QWERTY BlackBerry smartphone.The BlackBerry Curve 8900 from T-Mobile, in a stunning titanium-colored finish with chrome highlights, combines an elegant, compact design with a wide range of popular features and an easy-to-use full-QWERTY keyboard. It features built-in GPS and support of location-based services. It also allows easy access to social networking sites and has built-in Wi-Fi® (802.11 b/g) supporting both voice and data, making it easier to stay connected to family, friends and colleagues.

T-Mobile and RIM make the BlackBerry 8900 Curve official, coming in February : Boy Genius Report

Facebook Looks To Control User Data

"As Facebook traffic climbs to new heights, the site also is taking steps to keep control over its most valuable asset -- users' data. "

"it's hard to know whether Facebook users will react well to Facebook's flexing of muscle here. The site is still drawing new users; on Christmas Eve it garnered its highest share of traffic ever, according to Hitwise. With every new user, Facebook potentially gains access to a trove of information that can be used for marketing and advertising purposes.Facebook obviously wants to control the flow of that information, ranging from users' email addresses to their tastes in movies and music. But if the site takes enough heavy-handed actions that undermine features members find useful, people might not stick around on the site for long."

MediaPost Publications - Facebook Looks To Control User Data - 01/05/2009

Four medics killed by Israeli forces in Gaza

“In addition to the doctor and medic that the Israeli military murdered on the 31st of December, they have killed four more medics today. One was shot in Jabaliya, one in Al Sheikh Ejleen. Three have just been killed when a missile directly hit their ambulance in the Tal Hawye neighborhood in Gaza City. The medics are constantly in contact with the Red Cross for them to negotiate passage with the Israelis. The Israelis constantly refuse.”

International Solidarity Movement » Four medics killed by Israeli forces in Gaza

Is the Real Target Hamas Rule?

Finally I see the facts printed. We hear all about Hamas and its "illegitimate" rule, but Hello! they were democratically elected! Even the New York Times agrees! So the question is - is Israel trying to remove a democratically elected party because they don't like its politics?


This is exactly the situation with Iran as well - the elected Iranian govt is more deomocratic than GW Bush  in 2000! Ahmadinejad WON an election as well, but is widely referred to (incorrectly) as an anti-democratic dictator. Same with Chavez... basically, democracy isn't important when tehy don't like your politics or what you say!

Hamas legislators won a democratic majority in elections four years ago

News Analysis - Is the Real Target Hamas Rule? - NYTimes.com