The Masters of Technology?

Apple: Creators of the iPod, Mac and iPhone. Each of them products which have revolutionised the category in which they fall. I have long had a love hate relationship with Apple, for a variety of reasons. Great products, but compatibility and cost often let them down.

Either way, I think they are great innovators, constantly designing new and unique products. And they certainly know what appeals to consumers, and how best to market new releases.

So it is with great anticipation that I saw the following message on iTunes today, surely designed to generate as much hype as possible across the globe.



Speculation has been rife in technology circles about what this could mean (not that I belong to technology circles, I just googled it!) I think Nicole may have hit the nail on the head, when she said it could be that iTunes has finally acquired the rights to offer The Beatles music electronically for the first time. Other bloggers have suggested it could be that iTunes will be resigned, or that it will now offer a streaming subscription service like Spotify.

That the announcement comes at 7am Apple HQ time suggests it may not centre around Apple. Beatles fans have pointed out that the cities- New York (Lennon killed) Tokyo (yoko) and London (home to the B's)- and the hint at "just another day" all indicate the announcement will be about Beatles.

I honestly don't know. While I can acknowledge the immensity of finally having the Beatles back catalogue available online, it seems a little out of sorts for Apple to build up the hype like this, just to announce some new available music. Though they are huge, the entire population isn't in love the Fab Four, and I am sure iTunes bosses are acutely aware of the huge variety of music tastes out there.

I guess we'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out for sure what this is all about. I wonder if Mr. Apple Man himself, Chris Wright has any insider gossip?

What Happened? Why? What Next?

The Democrats certainly got their butts kicked, that's what happened. There is no way around the fact that the Democrats lost, and they lost big time. It was worse in Wisconsin than we certainly all thought it was going to be; nationally, losses roughly matched the predictions which had been made the last four or five months: Great incumbent Senators lost their seats; moderate, well meaning candidates fell at the polls to right leaning GOPers, a number of whom hold rather extreme conservative views. Common sense lost out to frustration, disillusionment and fear.

Now to the million dollar question- Why? Why did a country which swept Democrats into power-local and federal- the last two years, suddenly turn its back and reject everything which the Dems had been fighting for. Democratic policies didn't exactly change, but voter preference did. For what reason? How did the Democrats go from holding power in a number of state legislatures and control in the House of Representatives and the Senate, to losing governorships nationwide, power in the House, a number of Senate seats, and the threat of losing the Presidency.

Well there are a number of reasons how and why this shift happened, some of them more obvious than others.

Firstly it's clear that independent voters, who in 2004 and 2008 swung to the left, fully embraced the Republicans this time around. And the number of independent voters has certainly increased by a huge amount the last decade. Tired of partisan games, no longer content to assign their allegiance to one side of the political spectrum regardless of how they act, independent voters cast their votes on who they think the best candidate is. Sadly, this year criteria for the the best candidate seemed to be selfishly based on who could do the best for 'me'; who will bring the most "financial" rewards to me. With the economy still in the doldrums, independent voters rejected the Democrats and gave power to the Republicans, to see if they could do any better. It wasn't an endorsement of the GOP, it was a rejection of the Democrats.

Short term memoryitis seemed to have struck a large percentage of the population here in the US, as voters forgot that Obama and the Democrats had not gotten the country into the mess it was in, and had in fact only had eighteen months to try and get America back on track. While they had begun to do just that, I think there is certainly an argument to be made that Democrats could have done more, or at least have made a bigger effort to try and do more. They passed the economic stimulus, which in my mind was needed and certainly effective, if only in the short term. And they began to pass measures geared at long term recovery. Compared to all the efforts they spent on passing healthcare however, which was then touted as the crowning achievement of the past two years, economic policies appear to have taken a back seat. Voters across the country saw the efforts Obama and House Dems went to in forcing through healthcare and perhaps wondered why the same fervour was not applied to job creation and deficit reduction. Thus healthcare became one of the central issues of the campaign.

GOP candidates touted the healthcare legislation as a complete waste of time and resources, and it has become a law which has generated widespread animosity, even though it has some incredible benefits to the population. Obama should have spent more time on job creation, but that's not to say healthcare was a bad thing to focus on. In fact, the healthcare bill should have been celebrated and revered, not denounced and hated. The democrats should have embraced the contents of healthcare reform and shouted the benefits from the rooftops to all US citizens. It should have been something which Democrats could have used to attack Republicans who did not vote for it, not the other way around.

The problem lies with communication.

I haven't spoken to a single person since I have been in the US, including Democratic politicians, who could tell me exactly what the healthcare bill entailed. I have heard various parts of it- reducing restrictions on pre-existing conditions, children staying on parents insurance until age twenty-six- but no concrete information. If I, a person extremely interesting in politics, don't know what's going on, how does the average voter fair?

The Democrats did a terrible job of informing voters about the importance of the healthcare bill and what it would mean to them. They should have been shouting these new measures from the rooftops, for they are extremely beneficial and would have been well received. Instead, people were left wondering what the hell all the fuss was about. What were legislators wasting all their time doing? We weren’t to know, as Democrats really did not get the news out there.

The same can be said about economic policies too. When it was passed, the economy was in dire need of the stimulus package. And, albeit slowly, it has been effective in reducing the unemployment rate and easing family burdens. Ask anyone who was given a chance of employment through a stimulus funded public works program, or those who received extra unemployment compensation. It hasn’t worked miracles, but I don’t think it was ever intended to do such a thing. Did it stimulate the economy? Well according to the professionals, the recession is over, and growth is tentatively beginning again. It’s hard to say exactly what would have happened without the stimulus package, but I would say the odds are fairly high of things being much worse.

The Obama administration has also implemented dozens of fiscal reforms and financial oversights, so that such a disaster can be avoided again. Does the average voter know anything about these kinds of achievements? Of course not. Take Wisconsin (ok so it’s the only state I know a little about) for example. The state legislature in Wisconsin passed over fifty different job creation and economic initiatives all geared at helping the state and the people who work and reside within it. On our cross state travels, I don’t think we came across a single person who was aware of this number, even though all the information is in the public domain. In fact, we were at economic conferences full of businessmen and women, some of whom were responsible for studying economic policies and their impact on Wisconsin, and even they were not aware of the number of pieces of legislation which state Democrats had passed, or tried to pass.

Now I don’t want to put the blame on anyone here, as that doesn’t help anybody, but the fact remains that Democrats should have been much more active in making voters aware of the issues and aware of the achievements which they had accomplished. They clearly weren’t finding out any other way, so if Democrats wanted to convince independent voters that they had the best record on the economy or any other issue, then Democrats had to be proactive in getting information out there. As they didn’t, voters listened to what Republicans were telling them; healthcare was disastrous, the economy wasn’t recovering and so Democrats clearly did not do anything, therefore voters should turn to the GOP. It’s easy to go on the offensive when you have nothing to lose, made even easier when your opponents reject the very tactics which offer the best defence.

 

Thus like the Badgers destroyed Indiana 83-20, Republicans trounced the Democrats.

 

One of the major factors in the Democrats defeat in Wisconsin was the ‘blue collar worker.’ For reasons previously stated, these independent voters were instrumental in the Democratic defeat. Perhaps the largest social group affected by the economic downturn, they were unaware of Democratic efforts to help them, perhaps felt betrayed by those they had voted for in 2008, and so cast their ballots for Republicans instead. Not just the odd ballot though, they cast a huge number of ballots, hence why they were so important. Blue collar workers make up thirty five per cent of voters in the US, more than enough to swing victory from one side to another. In Wisconsin, they make up fifty five per cent of voters- a majority. The Midwest was the manufacturing and industrial centre of the US, and thus today still retains a large number of blue collar workers. The Midwest therefore played, and will continue to play a hugely important role in forthcoming elections. Expect intense amounts of media and political attention to this area in the future, for as true swing states, the Big Ten region holds the key to victories for either party in the House, Senate and Oval Office. The numbers from the past election emphasize this point: of the six Senate seats the Democrats lost, four were in the Midwest; Five of the twelve lost governorships hailed from the region, as did one third of GOP gains in the house.

David Brooks, writing for the NY Times argues that until America can figure out how to build a decent future for the working class of the Midwest, the US will fail to prosper. His ultimate point is that of the importance of the region, which despite relying on government help, has become disdainful of it. If Democrats want to be enjoying some victory parties in the coming years, they need to focus their attention on this area, and these voters. They have swung blue in the past, and given the circumstances would be willing to do so again in the future.

More politics, and “What Next” in the coming days.

 

The Pinnacle of Madison

I love where I work. It is without a doubt, the most beautiful building in all of all Madison; an icon for the city; a sight to be looked upon from miles around. It invoked awe-inspiring wonder the first time I saw. Now it's a comforting sight on the horizon when I return home to downtown. I still marvel at my luck every time I walk into the building to go to work.

It's a great walk to work. Only ten-to-fifteen minutes from home, I walk up State Street past an eclectic mix of store fronts and bars- Subway is the only global "chain store" I pass- with the Capitol building in my sights the entire way. Thankfully it isn't far to work, so when the snow comes it shouldn't be too much of a slog. I am also thankful for work being so close when I wake up 15 minutes before I am due to start work because the alarm clock application on my phone failed, as happened on Friday. I have never gotten ready so fast in my life, literally throwing my lenses in my eyes, swishing back mouthwash and then out of the door. But I made it, just one minute late.

I experienced a great perk of my job on Thursday. I was lucky enough to go to the very top of the State Capitol, right below the towering bronze statue. We climbed dozens of stairs, and then up and over the inner dome to peer down inside the Capitol, before heading up another spiral staircase, and up to the watchtower. Walking around at the top on such a mild day, and taking in the sights of Madison, was a great experience.



Looking down State Street



Looking in the opposite direction- East

The two views look kind of similar right? A big lake at the side. That's because Madison is on an isthmus, with Lake Mendota on the North side, (the lake our apartment looks onto) and Lake Monona on the South side. Standing up at the tallest point in Madison really gives you a sense of how narrow the city of Madison is. Such a short distance between the two lakes. Really quite a unique city, and a great place to live.

Remembering

Before the time comes to be 'Thankful' in the US, we must first remember. If I am not mistaken, tomorrow (Sunday) is Remembrance Sunday- the closest Sunday to Remembrance Day. The day when the fighting stopped in the First World War- 11th Day of the 11th Month, at 11am. Humanity appeared to come its senses at that point... yet proceeded to forget that horrible time and go on to fight another World War, and many other conflicts and wars besides that.

Another reason why I remembered the past this week was looking at pictures from the Heitfelds' European trip, and their time spent in Normandy. Seeing the utter destruction that was wrought upon the beautiful landscape there, and the battle grounds seared into the scenery, really hit home about the brutality of our civilization. Giant bomb holes on the hills; huge concrete bunkers; 14ft guns pointing out to the sea.

At times it seems conflict really is in our nature.

I didn't stop to remember those who died to protect my freedom on Thursday. At 11am UK time I was still fast asleep, and by 11am US time I was at work. In the US, Veterans Day, a day to celebrate all those who sacrificed themselves for their country, falls the same day as Remembrance Day in the UK. Personally, I like the name Remembrance a little better, as it emphasizes the importance of the day.

Most work places, stores and schools all stop for 2 minutes silence on the 11th, to honour those who fought in the multitude of wars the UK has fought. Sunday sees marches of current and ex servicemen and women, in almost every town in the UK, culminating in a gathering around the town's war memorial, and more minutes of silence.

In the US, Veteran's Day saw some state and federal departments close, and I think perhaps a few parades and ceremonies. I know there was a band performing and a big ceremony in the Capitol. But the events didn't seem to me to be as numerous or wide reaching as they are in the UK. Brass bands fill the roads on Sunday, dressed up Cadets and members -old and new- of the armed forces march behind them, followed by a large amount of the general public.

And there were no poppies. I think that the wearing of a red poppy on your lapel throughout early November is a great way to show your support for those who fought and are still fighting for us, raise money for a great cause, and stimulate the mind to remember. Poppies invoke images of the battlefields of France. The British Legion, a charity that looks after the families of ex-servicepeople, sells red paper poppies around the country the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day, for around a pound, which you then wear on your coat to show your support. You can also lay a wreath of poppies at memorials around the country, perhaps by the name of a fallen soldier who is related to you. Relatives on both sides of my family fought and fell in the wars.

While I think we do perhaps show a little more pomp and ceremony in remembering past and present wars than the US, I think both countries could do a whole lot better. These should be incredibly important days, seared into the memories of all citizens in both countries. Forget Halloween, Valentines Day, "Bank Holidays", Labor Day etc. etc., lets spend the time, money and energy celebrating something that really matters.

If it's not a public holiday, where everyone attends a ceremony, then it should at least be a day in which a portion of time is devoted to specifically remembering all those who died in the line of duty to keep us free. School children should have classes all day devoted to learning about the past wars. Workers should take the time to stop whatever their busy schedules demand them do, and remember those ancestors who fought so bravely for them.

Maybe that way, by thinking about all those terrifying- at times needless- sacrifices, we might be loathe to send our troops into battle again; or at least make a fuss and ask why they really need to go.

Until then, remembering is the least we can do.

'Tis The Season To Be Jolly

Some say it's the most wonderful time of the year. I tend to agree with them. However I do think it arrives into our mindset earlier than it should. For example, shops across the US- and I hear in the UK too- cleared out their Halloween sections on the night of the 31st in order to make way for the influx of all things Christmas and Hanukkah related. Time to get browsing in the stores, wandering the aisles to decide what decorations suit your home, and calculating how much this season is going to cost you. For some of the people I know, the season isn't that jolly after all, having just lost their jobs due to the recent electoral upset. More on that later.

I do not if the holiday adverts have begun to air yet. I do know that Amazon is already advertising all it's holiday music though! And also that I received about half a dozen Christmas magazines with the paper this morning. Ah, the joys of looking through Christmas catalogues. I used to love browsing through all the toy and gift magazines, circling all the different things I would like to have. Care-free. I was very fortunate to always get a ton of wonderful presents every year, all of which brought hours of pleasure, entertainment, and often (but not always) practical use.

Speaking of holidays, I still need to blog on the event of Halloween. I already mentioned how important a holiday it is here in the US. Lots of costumes to behold throughout the weekend! I will hopefully add some pictures too.

Perhaps one of the only 'holidays' / celebratory occasions which the English celebrate and America does not is Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night. Remember, remember the 5th of November! Gunpowder, Treason and Plot! Of course, why would the US celebrate the day in which the English stopped the blowing up of King James I and Parliament. Although historically speaking, the decades that followed the gunpowder plot saw the gradual colonisation of the US, so it would be plausible to assume colonists, still loyal to England, would also celebrate the 5th November. And thus possible still that, though the meaning of the day may have been lost over time, the 5th was still celebrated in the US.

Alas it is not, probably because Bonfire Night is a relatively recent celebration in the UK, perhaps resurrecting the plot a hundred or so years ago. I could not say for sure. I know that nothing beats a great big bonfire, with a guy on top to celebrate the capture of Guy Fawkes. (Poor guy, he was really just a footsoldier). And the treacle toffee, a nice big stew, and maybe some parkin cake. And of course the fireworks.

Nothing beats a great fireworks show. There is a lot of fun setting your own rockets off at the end of the garden, but they certainly are expensive to buy. Nothing can possibly top an organized fireworks display... particularly those put on by the master.. Disney.

The big fireworks show in the US is 4th July. Yet I suppose they must remain pretty popular throughout the year, seeing as how they have Firework warehouses located at various points along the interstate! Sounds like a fun place to look around, but I can't help feeling like these places must do very limited business. Until today, and the frat house down the street letting of fireworks, I hadn't heard any really since I have been here.

Back to studying for the GRE now. Soon I will have a little freedom, and time for more blog posts. Until then, I think I'll listen to some holiday music... or is it still too early for that?