Just about everywhere you turned yesterday, people were talking about the new President of the United States. Barack Obama has people talking and most of this talk is positive for a change. They have decided to choose hope over fear. Although we are facing one of the worst recessions in nearly a century, people are hopeful that this new guy will be able to turn things around and we will have brighter days ahead.
In keeping with this spirit, I once again dedicate today’s edition of What’s Up Wednesdays to the new President and wish him all the best in the four years to come. Who knows? He may even get eight years out of this deal if he manages to live up to even half the hype.
The Complete Obama Inauguration Speech
Since Inauguration Day took place during the middle of the day, many people were stuck at work and were unable to watch all the festivities. While you could watch it on your Xbox 360, it’s probably a little more convenient to watch the entirety of the inaugural address online on your computer. That Grape Juice found a pretty good video feed of the Barack Obama inauguration speech. Yes, there’s a video of his speech in its entirety. My favorite line? “We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
Mashing Up with Martin Luther King, Jr.
Throughout this process, we have constantly been reminded of the connections between President Barack Obama and Martin Luther King, Jr. They’re calling Obama the first black President (he’s actual biracial), but the connection goes much further than the color of their skin. Both Obama and King are great orators and they’re both incredibly inspiring. That’s why Buzz Bishop (and the guys at Virgin Radio?) put together a video mashup of I Have a Dream and Yes We Can. Yes, we did.
Finding Too Much Work
The new United States President will certainly have a lot on his plate and it’s not going to be an easy process, but what about your world? Chris Bibey asks if you have too much work as a freelancer. Some people may say that it’s a good problem to have, because more work usually means more money. At the same time, Notorious B.I.G. reminds us that this also brings about more problems. It’s far too easy to overextend yourself when there are so few boundaries.
Realizing You Are Rich Already
Yes, things are bad for a lot of Americans these days. They’re struggling to pay their bills and they can’t afford to enjoy the same kind of indulgences as they may have in the past, but John Chow quickly reminds us all that we are already rich. We have the opportunity to make something of ourselves. We have food on the table and a roof over our heads. We usually have enough pocket change in our pockets to buy a cup of coffee. Contrast this to starving peoples in developing nations, folks who don’t have electricity or clean water. Remember what you do have and don’t focus on what you don’t.
Making the Most from Home
In some sense, President Barack Obama is now working from home, just like freelance writers and online entrepreneurs. The White House is his home, as well as his office. Chris De La Rosa has a rather poignant post that just may apply to the new POTUS too, recommending strategies for making the most out of working from home. All it takes is effective planning and good discipline.
I haven’t seen that mash-up before, but I agree that Obama is a very good speaker!
David Letterman has no material with Obama as he did with Bush. It’s a bit disappointing, but I’m sure his writers will soon find something.