DNC LIVE: Thousands March to Obama Speech
I’m on the ground at Invesco Field — Site of tonight’s DNC acceptance speech by Democratic nominee Barack Obama. Many are frustrated due to a lack of crowd control. There aren’t any ropes or other ‘crowd guides’ to manage the thousands of people standing or walking.
History is certainly being made in the Mile High City.
LIVE: Photos from DNC tour
Join me as I stream live photos from my tour of Pepsi Center (site of the 2008 Democratic National Convention) starting at 1:30p Mountain today!
Get a preview ahead of the convention!
I want see the DNC tour photos!
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iPhone 3G: First Impressions (Day 1)
When Apple announced the 3G iPhone a few weeks ago, I decided it was probably time to consider the purchase of one. With the first generation, I figured it was probably best to wait and see how it developed, and just a year later, here we are at 3G.
On Tuesday (July 22), I made a trip to the local AT&T store and placed a direct order fulfillment for the phone. I was told it would take 5-7 days, maybe weeks, even. That evening, I remembered to check Apple’s iPhone stock availability web site (why didn’t I think of this the night before?) To my surprise, the Apple store at Denver’s Cherry Creek mall had stock for all three 3G models.
Ready to for 3G madness
Early Wednesday morning, I decided I’d try my luck at purchasing an 8GB iPhone 3G phone. I started my day really early with a good breakfast at The Delectable Egg at 6:30, then caught the 83L to Cherry Creek at 7:18am. I arrived at the mall at about 7:30 and I figured I’d have issues with entering the mall. Well, not at all! The mall doors were — To my surprise — already open! (The mall opens at 10 am and the same is true for the Apple store).
Sit and wait, buddy!
When I reached the vicinity of the Apple store, I was immediately greeted with a crowd of at least 35 people at 7:30! I’m not sure why, but I assumed the line would be pretty small, but I guess those folks already in line knew something I didn’t: The store would open at 8 am instead of 10!
At 8 am, the doors opened and the line started moving. Apple employees were preparing iPhone buyers before they entered the store, handing out purchase tickets, taking down pertinent information, etc. At about 8:45 am, an Apple employee stated that stock was running “really low” on the 8GB model. Then, moments later, he announced that they were completely out of stock. Of course, I decided on purchasing the 16GB model (much to blowing away my initial budget for this phone).
8GB reappears
While I pondered the additional cost of the 16GB model (I’m really just a frugal guy), another Apple employee stated that a few 8GB models were available. I immediately got on the list.
It’s in my hands
At about 10:30, the purchase of my iPhone and activation was complete. This marks the first Apple product I’ve ever owned and I must tell you, it’s a great experience! Much to my own surprise, I didn’t allow the inner geek (and kid) within to take over the moment. I patiently waited until I arrived home to fully unbox the unit and customize it to my liking. I’ve been enamored with it ever since.
Love at first byte
I think the iPhone 3G is a wonderful innovation. I consider the purchase of this phone as an investment, rather than a financial liability. Its value will pay for itself in the matter of days, because my productivity will increase tenfold. Thanks to the iPhone, carrying my laptop wherever I go is now optional, because I have access to everything I need: E-mail, Twitter, etc.
The first day has been filled with awe and admiration. I’ll definitely be ‘kicking the tires’ over the next few days and familiarizing myself with the operation of it. Honestly, I’m already ‘comfortable’ with this device. There really isn’t a learning curve at all, but there are things that will take some time to adjust to and will become second nature over time.
Overall, kudos to Apple. I’m happy to be a new iPhone owner and Apple customer.
(Note to Apple: You’ve gotta take an ‘open source’ approach with the development community and your customers. No walled Apple tree gardens, please? It wouldn’t be wise to stifle the innovation of the iPhone due to politics, backroom agreeements with AT&T, etc.)
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Starting Over: Day 4 and Counting
Three years ago, I had to leave the comfy confines of a nice apartment in Nashville. The reason? I ran out of money. I was too distraught emotionally over a failed relationship I attempted to save, but to no avail, and I fell apart — Everything fell apart. I’d eventually lose a well-paying job as well, for I realized it wasn’t what I wanted to do and I wasn’t committed to it with everything else going on.
Sucking up my pride, I moved in with a friend and his wife. A few months later, I’d wind up taking a road trip to Denver on the last day of my employment (April 27, 2005 to be exact). A week long vacation became a month. I was stuck on Denver like glue and wood. I found a roommate to live with. I gave up my new car and decided to pursue self-employment full-time.
I’d revisit my past twice — Only to fall apart some more each time. I’d find myself chasing my own tail in frustration, confused and totally at a loss over what I should be doing, where my life should be going, etc.
The last four years of my life had been a mess and I can only fault myself for allowing a single individual to have such a damaging impact upon my livelihood and happiness. Alcohol became a new friend to cure my wounds and afford me the opportunity to “live a little”. I’d drink just enough to escape the reality of life I often hated, while dazing about my life ahead, things I wanted to accomplish, etc.
The quiet and innocent boy I’d been most of my life was forever gone. I never imagined I’d ever drink alcohol or experiment with marijuana. I felt tainted. I felt bad. I suppose I was just along for the ride, not sure of where I’d end up next, but certainly hoping things would get better (when they in fact got worse).
Despite the roller coaster of life, I’m happy to share that last Tuesday, I executed the most important step in re-establishing MY life: I moved in to an apartment in Downtown Denver. Best of all? I did it independently of a job — Something I’d been stubborn about for quite some time.
How does it feel? AMAZING! I’d spent a lot of time dwelling over everything I once had, rather than moving ahead with my life. You could say that I expended a lot of valuable time wallowing in self pity, hate and anger. Last Tuesday was a defining moment for me. It was the beginning of finally getting back on my own two feet and realizing a long, urging desire to re-establish my own peace of mind — Independently of any job or help from friends and family.
What do I like most of all? The close proximity to all the entertainment, food and nightlife I can handle in Downtown Denver. While my latest apartment isn’t nearly as luxurious or modern as what I had in Nashville, it’s a fresh start for me. Like my very first apartment some seven years ago, things are fairly basic: I’ve got a queen size mattress on the floor (given to me be a friend), a desk, chair and best of all, my OWN world.
It’s true what they say: You have to crawl before you can walk. I’m much happier now that I’m once again living on my own. It was three years too long, however, here I am. Life can only get better from this point.
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Mission Accomplished: British Woman Reunited with Lost Property
On Thursday morning (February 28th), I was tasked with an interesting challenge: Locating a British citizen who lost her personal property which included a passport, credit cards, driver’s license and mobile phone. I asked myself many questions, all while attempting to place my life in her shoes. I began researching via the Internet and combing through her mobile phone and calendar for details.
I soon discovered that she was staying in Vail for a few weeks. I made several calls to her home (which went unanswered), to Vail and a few other places. I then selected three contacts from her mobile phone — All of which I believed to be individuals with details about her whereabouts. Oddly enough, I really didn’t have much to go on with these contacts — Just intuition.
At Midnight on March 2, I awoke from a nap, determined that I’d return the woman’s lost property later in the day. I made more phone calls to the UK and struck gold: Of the three contacts I originally selected, one happened to be a cousin of the woman’s daughter. I explained the situation and she sent an e-mail to the woman’s son. At 8:30 AM on March 2, I received a phone call: It was her son! We chatted briefly and arranged a meeting place here in Denver. They immediately began their three hour drive in treacherous winter driving conditions to meet me in the afternoon. Of course, I was gravely concerned for their safety and wished them a safe trip.
By Noon on March 2, I received another phone call from the woman I was determined to reach. It was a great moment.
We all agreed upon meeting at a nearby Panera Bread (where I’m a regular) to return her stolen property. I met her son, daughter and a family friend — All seemingly great people. Everyone was warm, welcoming and kind. The woman held her backpack as if she was being reunited with a lost sibling: It far exceeded a “Kodak moment” — It was a priceless experience. Unfortunately, we soon discovered that a large sum of money was stolen, including an iPod and several other items. I felt pretty bad for her, however, I felt better knowing that I succeeded in returning her property (what was left of it, anyway).
She offered $50 for my deed (which I declined), yet, she insisted I take it. She then went on to say that it “would have been more,” to which I responded, “It’s not necessary.” Considering my financial position, there will be those who will say, “You should have asked for more!”, however, I’d like to think that I was doing what comes naturally to me: Giving and helping others, regardless of the outcome.
I hope she’ll ring as promised when she returns to the UK. I at least want to know that she made it home safely.
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