iphone versus blackberry

Apple horndogs are salivating over the catfight with Research in Motion over business customers. Here's 5 reasons Apple may be in a tougher fight than it thinks that I've culled from around the net:

1. Apple's products stem a lot from style.
Although businesspeople aren't looking to be uncool, there's a reason why the uptake of Macs remain in the more creative industries. Businesses want it cheap and easy to maintain. Apple, er, is not that: how many people drown their iPods in plastic wrap to prevent a scratch or too?

2. Blackberries are on every carrier.
Apple is still with only AT&T (and, maybe, with Rogers.) That's a smaller pie to take a bite out it, Apple.

3. iPhones are all about media.
Will we see a drop in productivity when businesspeople have portable music and movie players in their pocket?

4. Keypads help.
Try typing on the iPhone all day. It's a hate it or love it experience. Apple has yet to introduce a laptop that uses only touch technology. Why? I'm guessing a tactile keyboard is cheaper and easier to produce.

5. Apple focuses on the gotta-have-it crowd.
Retail customers may pay a large premium to get an iPhone first, but how many small businesses will do the same? It's not to say that Apple won't get a chunk of corporate business; however, is there really the same pent-up desire for a business iPhone as there is for a retail one?

If I was Apple, I'd come out with a corporate version that makes the phone more relevant for businesspeople. But then, Apple kind of does whatever the hell it wants, so let the war begin!

awesome find! thanks, steffen

the asian stereotype (thanks, rob ford)

Oh, Rob Ford,

Let's be honest. Although your use of the word "Oriental" and characterization of Asians as "hard, hard workers" who are "taking over" have caused a fury across the media, it was obvious you didn't intend for any of us to take you seriously. I mean, it was like an episode of "All in the Family" where you use "Oriental," we laugh at how old-fashioned (re: outdated) you are, and then we reflect on the racism towards Asian-Canadians. Right?

Sadly, you take the Asian working conditions out of context to prove your point. It's true that the Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean populations work more hours per week than the global average. However, the work ethic you speak highly of has led to rates of depression and suicides also above the global average. In addition, the hectic work schedule prevents Asian parents from spending sufficient time with their children. I believe that Canadians cherish their mental and physical health and their quality family time. So, you know, more working hours, deep depression, it's all capitalism, no?

Even worse: although your implication of Asians "taking over" refers to overseas populations, your words will negatively impact the lives of Toronto immigrants and their children. The phrase "taking over" indirectly accuses immigrants of an ulterior motive: to usurp what is not theirs. This feeds into the racist sentiment that Canada needs to be protected from immigrants, notes Victoria Shen, co-president of the Toronto Chapter of the Chinese Canadian National Council: "The irrational fear and moral panic that a racial or other minority group is "taking over" has historically led to oppressive and even violent attempts to control such groups." Honestly, even having grown up with my share of people pulling back their eyes and nasty ching-chong insults, I have no idea how I'd feel being told to get out of this land because "we" are taking over. It brings new meaning to the song "This Land Is My Land."

I don't think you expected your comments to have such a great implication, but that's the thing about referencing other cultures: it's a fine line between racial and racist. It's a shame that as a public figure your words are neither progressive nor lend credibility to keeping stores open. (A better stance would have been to look at the West Coast, where store openings during holidays are accepted.) Anyhow, best to let the great Margaret Cho sum it all up. (Forwarded by the awesome Marc Lostracco.)

If you ever want someone to join you for bubble tea, hit me up, yo! You know that shizz is open 24/7.

Jaime

we oriental people give good work?

Of course when councillor Rob Ford says:

"Those Oriental people work like dogs ... they sleep beside their machines,'' he said. "The Oriental people, they're slowly taking over ... they're hard, hard workers.''

Isn't he absolutely right?

If you ever need a calculator or a textbook on calculus, the rise in Orientals certainly helps.

If you get a stain on your shirt, what Oriental wouldn't clean that up at their laundromat?

If you need some romantic music, isn't there always an Oriental to play the piano or the violin?

Thank god for us Orientals, us easy to stereotype Orientals. Let's substitute the word "Oriental" for "Jew" or "blacks" and see what happens.

PS. No one uses "Oriental" anymore.

tina fey cuts down sexist arguments against clinton

God, I've missed Tina Fey. Smart, funny, fearless. She dismantles the sexist arguments against Hillary Clinton wickedly in this SNL clip. I don't get Obama Madness. Honestly, I don't.

When is 30 Rock coming back?

food shortages endanger world

There's a well-researched and -written article in Macleans by Charles Gillis on the factors that are setting up a global food shortage. An inopportune use of corn and grains for biofuel, global warming, and the increased consumption from China's citizens are all contributing to greater demand and dwindling supplies. The abroad result is depleting food reserves in Africa and other poor regions, while more locally, the prices of bread, cereals, and meat have risen sharply.

I would also add the overconsumption of North Americans as an issue, especially of meat. (It takes a large amount of water and grains to feed cattle and poultry. I've already reduced my meat content and this article spurns me to go even more carnivo-less.) There is a good argument here for scaling back on our food consumption. As well, choosing to eat locally would help because it reduces the transport costs of food: oil is at a record high and the costs are passed along.

What will it take for people to pull back on food and oil consumption?

obamaTM

So, I'm looking at the websites for Obama and Clinton, when I notice something very weird. On the right side of his website, there is a tally of the race thus far, and what's there instead of "Obama?" Why, it's a rising sun along the American stripes against a blue background. If he's using this, can we please refrain from using his name and switch to the symbol exclusively? I'd be thrilled to see: "An interview with (SYMBOL) on CNN."

What a bunch of branding crock. 

Remember, Team Obama, even Prince changed his name back.