Widgets Available for Summer Olympics

I had planned to boycott the summer olympics as a show of solidarity with Tibet’s desire to preserve their culture and to be allowed more autonomy from the Chinese government, but I have to admit that NBC is making it difficult for me to stick to my plan. I have been very disappointed with NBC’s olympic coverage for the past several olympics, so I thought ignoring them this summer wouldn’t be a problem.

However, NBC and MSN have implemented an excellent web site, and are providing really good quality digital coverage of the US olympic trials that are in progress now, and they are advertising extensive live web coverage of the games themselves. As an avid sports fan, and dedicated user of the Internet, I am very favorably impressed by the extensive, well designed, feature rich web site. Also impressive are the widgets that are available on the site. Some are available now, like the one below, and others will be available once the games begin. Kudos to NBC and MSN for this excellent web site. If the TV coverage is as well done as the web site, we are in for a treat.

Benjamin Zander’s TED Talk on Classical Music

Go to the TED talk page for this item to see more and to join in the conversation.

Obama’s First GE Ad

 Here is Obama’s first general election ad. It is a good one.

Breaking news today is that Obama is going to receive the endorsement and full support of the Sierra Club, along with the United Steel Workers, in a joint endorsement related to a new Blue-Green alliance working toward creating new US based jobs in green industries.

Obama Speaks to Campaign Staff - Video

This is a great example of Obama’s management style. He is sincere and inspiring at the same time. He is also correct in pointing out that we are all responsible for the success of the campaign, and that there is still a long way to go until November. We will all have to continue to work even harder if we are going to achieve the change we are looking for.

If you are fired up and looking for ways to get involved in the campaign, read this excellent diary by kid oakland on Daily Kos for loads of good information on taking action for change and reaching out to others in your area who are involved.

Together we can do this.
Yes we can!

Brian Williams Interviews Democratic Nominee Obama

Finally, the Democratic primary race has concluded and Barack Obama has clinched the nomination. For those of us who have supported Obama since his candidacy announcement in February 2007 last night was a long time coming, but oh so sweet. Obama gave a gracious and respectful speech last night in St. Paul, Minnesota. He began by thanking his wife, Michelle, and his daughters, and continued by thanking his campaign staff, volunteers, and supporters. His appreciation was sincere and heartfelt, and it made me proud to be one of his supporters. I love this photo of Michelle and Barack before he delivered his speech last night.

Update: Here is a video of the now famous “bump”, or “pound”, that Michelle and Barack engaged in just before she left the stage. It goes along with the picture that I linked to above.

Obama sat down with Brian Williams from NBC today for a one on one interview to discuss his reflections on the primary race, and his plans for the general election campaign. View the video of this interview below.

French Open Commences

I always look forward to Memorial Day weekend because it is when the summer tennis grand slam season begins at the French Open. I love the French scenery, and the red clay. As you may know, IBM has hosted the tennis grand slam event web sites for many years. They always add new features and functions, and are always improving on the existing ones from previous events. This year is no exception. If you enjoy tracking the tennis action as much as I do, using the IBM Official French Open 2008 site is a great way to do it.

You can also get a couple of widgets from this site. Check them out.