Message to the People

Deval Patrick has just announced he will publish a weekly podcast on his website. He cites that is important to continue talking with the people who elected him.

Hillary Clinton (actually Patrick as well) announced her candidacy in the 2008 election via her website.

What struck me about these acts is how they cut out the media from delivering messages. The media still reports on them, however political candidates are no longer beholden to them to communicate to the public.

On one level this is fantastic - people have a more direct connection to our elected officials. On another, I worry that it will continue to delude and passify the media's role in politics. Rather then true reporting - which requires research and follow up - they may be more apt to take from the print and audio given to them and simple cut and paste.

As the media's role changes (with increasing use of blogging and podcasting to get out messages), it will be interesting to note which road it follows - that of least resistance, or a return to the muckraking days on behalf of the public.

Apple introduces the iPhone

Steve Jobs introduced the long anticipated iPhone at MacWorld today. The new 11.6 millimeter phone includes a new user interface on a 3.5-inch wide touchscreen display—with new software that lets you control everything with just your fingers—a two megapixel camera and eight gigs of storage space.

Jobs also announced the new company name, Apple Inc. – another indication of Apple’s commitment the consumer electronic’s space.

Be still my little techy heart.

It's a girl

This is Little V. She is splendid. She is joy in the size of a postage stamp. She reminds me anything is possible in the digital world. 1GB of love for under $80.