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Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Super Bowl Ad Previews
2008-01-28 15:57:00
Since this year's Super Bowl is being played as a mere formality, it's a safe bet that more people than usual will be watching strictly for the commercials.  Last year wasn't the best group, but did give us a few memorable ads, including the Snickers man-kiss and Federline's Nationwide ad.  This year, 30-second spots are going for $2.7 million, up $100k from 2007's record.  The AP has a few previews of what to expect: -Mike

The Letterman primary - 1.25.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-25 18:02:00
Is late night the new Iowa? David Letterman has been holding a caucus of his own lately, hosting all three of the Democratic frontrunners as well as a smattering of the Republicans, too. Are these visits to the late night couch a chance for the candidates to connect with a new audience or just a reminder of why these guys are politicians and not in comedy? You be the judge. Homepage featured stories- Barack Obama's Top Ten List. That is all. (AP)- Not all Huckabee diets are made the same, it seems (NewsMax)- Uncle Dean says all is well with the kids (Reuters)- Pretty funny (note: this story is not related to the Obama Top Ten List) (BBC) Editor's Picks- Going Green - Evan, Senior Editor
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He died the way he lived...in a giant coconut - 1.24.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-24 17:38:00
This is my plan for surviving the recession - invest in over-sized produce. I mean, who doesn't like fruit and vegetables that are much bigger than they're supposed to be? There has to be a profit margin in there somewhere. The country of Ghana has a way to survive economic hard times already - novelty coffins. Everyone dies eventually and, apparently, will pay top dollar to be buried in a giant wooden coconut Homepage featured stories- I don't want a fancy funeral. But I do want to be buried in a racing car (AFP)- Who knew a stock market crash could be so much fun? (Wallstrip)- Those pesky Russians and their stolen art...will they ever learn? (AFP)- Al Gore and Bono have some bad news for you (AP) Editor's Picks- Recession (Be afraid. Be very afraid.) - Sundance 2008 - Evan, Senior Editor
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Johnny gets mussed up - 1.23.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-23 17:23:00
What do you do when you're not going to win your party's nomination? Go play with your hair. While Barack and Hillary are off fighting like a couple of Thai stewardesses, Edwards took the bold step of letting David Letterman mess up his $400 haircut. Oh, don't worry - we've got the video.Homepage featured stories- And the number one reason Edwards isn't going to win? (AP)- But there was no joy in Boston. The mighty Red Sox had sold out. (WBZ-TV)- Don't mess with flight attendants (Reuters)- Wait - Chris Matthews apologized for something?! (Wall Street Journal)- Should you invest in the company that owns J-date? (No.) (Wallstrip) Editor's Picks- Heath Ledger- Superbowl- Evan, Senior Editor
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New Music Tuesday: Forro in the Dark
2008-01-22 22:38:00
When you think of Brazilian music, what genres come to mind? Most likely you think of samba, bossa nova and funk music, if you're a hipster. (I adore funk music, by the way.) But it's time for the world to get acquainted with another form of Brazilian music: forró. Forró is a sound born of the struggle, loneliness, longing and romance of the people of the Northeast of Brazil. Most famously, the Sertão region of Brazil, which is a dry, arid locale that is known to wear heavily on those who dare attempt to carve a life out in this vast desert. I could give a whole history lesson on that region and the history of forró music, but to save space, just read up about it here and here. A band made up of mainly Brazilian ex-pats called Forro in the Dark is looking to take forró music worldwide. And for its first single, "Asa Branca," the band enlisted the help of David Bryne of the Talking Heads. Forró music, like samba, was born of the poor and meek of Brazil. The song...
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Rebel yell - 1.22.07 Editorial Budget
2008-01-22 17:46:00
My dad likes anchovies straight out of the can. I don't - and I don't mind telling anyone who asks. Turns out I'm not the only one with a rebellious streak. For example, Osama likes racking up civilian causalities in the hopes of creating some insane fantasy word. His son, on the other hand, prefers riding a horse 3,000 miles to promote world peace. It just goes to show that when it comes to canned fish and mass murder, the apple can sometime fall far from the tree. Homepage featured stories- "That lil Bin Laden is HOT STUFF" (CBS News)- 85 mph ski crash? That's gonna leave a mark (KCAL-TV)- Oh snap! It's on now! (the news of the Democratic debate) (Wall Street Journal)- The 'Home Alone' story is actually pretty sad in real life (KCAL-TV)- Tony Kanaan has a new baby. Look for the kid to debut in the NASCAR Busch series next year (IndyCar)- Brazillian cover band from New York featuring the lead singer from the Talking Heads, or: some music news that doesn't involve...
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Absinthe dreams - 1.21.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-21 18:08:00
Today's news is all about looking back to the future. Whether we're on the cusp of actually realizing the 40 year-old dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. is a matter of debate, but there's no denying that the world he envisioned all those years ago is closer than ever before. I'm guessing MLK didn't foresee that the change would come with a bottle of French hallucinogenic liquor, however. Homepage featured stories- Absinthe is back. In related news, I can't feel my face (AP)- Remembering MLK, or: yet another opportunity for the presidential candidates to embarrass us (CBS Local - Chicago) - If you're going to drink absinthe, you better get your will in order (MoneyTalksNews)- According to experts, this campaign will literally never end (CBS News) Editor's Picks- Images of MLK Day - Evan, Senior Editor
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Got tax rebate? - 1.18.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-18 19:16:00
If you’ve been watching any of the cable news networks, then you know that the big buzz word going around is: RECESSION. Lou Dobbs likes to toss that one out there a lot. Oh yes, economists are crying that the sky is falling and politicians are saying, “Subprime this, subprime that.” So, with the economy possibly sinking lower than President Bush’s approval ratings, the president is readying an “economic shot in the arm” in the form of tax relief. That means that us po’ folk will be getting some money in the bank! Don’t worry about how we’re going to pay for this give-away with a trillion-dollar deficit hanging over our heads, just buy yourself a MacBookAir and be happy.   Homepage featured stories -  President Bush plans on cutting some checks (CBS) -  Johnny Depp talks about playing Sweney Todd; Geriatric British barbershop quartet inexplicably present also (BBC) -  African soccer tourney attracts prostitutes to Ghana (AFP) -  Overz...
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Joke's on you - 1.17.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-17 17:29:00
Jokesters dominate the news today. First, we've got the Chinese artist that uses ketchup and soy sauce to paint pictures of rats. (There's an irony in there somewhere but I can't seem to put my finger on it.) Then there's the presidential candidate who takes a flight attendant joke about 30 seconds too far (don't quit your day job, Hill). Then there's the Library of Congress clerk who misfiled photos of Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration over 100 years ago. Joke's on you, librarians  - I told you that Dewey Decimal system was a load of crap. Homepage featured stories - Finally! something to do with all those soy sauce packets (Reuters) - If you look out the left side of the plane, you will see a presidential candidate making a terrible joke (BBC) - Whoops, I thought you said "Ulysses S. Grant" (KCAL-TV) - Is 'don't believe everything in your inbox' really news anymore? (WTCO-TV) Editor's Picks- Mitt Romney video- Mitt Romney images - Evan, Senior...
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People are strange - 1.16.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-16 16:46:00
The news is full of strange men today. First off, we've got our Fearless Leader dancing arm-and-arm with the king of Saudi Arabia while brandishing a sword. (Whose side is he on again?) Next we've got the world's Geek-In-Chief, Steve Jobs, beside himself over what amounts to an $1800 laptop that can't burn CDs. Finally, and my personal favorite, we have good ol' Larry Craig. Idaho's finest now has a new and unlikely ally: the ACLU. Arch conservative to poorly closeted homosexual to ACLU darling in less than a year? The Senator That Just Won't Quit might be the strangest of the bunch. Homepage featured stories- Bush embarrasses us in the Middle East...no, this is not a story about Iraq (Reuters)- It's nice and all, but it's just not that exciting, Steve (WSJ)- The Mona Lisa Code has been cracked (BBC)- Craig and the ACLU are friends. Latest forecast from Hell calls for snow flurries (KCAL-TV) Editor's Picks- MacWorld 2008 - Evan, Senior Editor
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Girl Talk - 1.15.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-15 19:44:00
Hillary took a break from the campaign trail to hang out with Tyra yesterday. The two dished (I assume) makeup and boys. But Tyra had her Chris Matthews hat on, too, asking tough questions about the campaign so far and all those nasty rumors about racism. Look out, Russert - Tyra's comin' to getcha. Homepage featured stories- Grrrl power (AP)- Linkin Park and anime? in the same video? nerd it up, dorks (TV Guide)- Meet the dumpy new Jack The Ripper (AP)- Maybe that Jack the Ripper guy should go see this movie about love dolls (BBC) Editor's Picks - Images of Britney Spears (enter at your own risk) - Video of Britney Spears (again, it's your funeral) - Evan, Senior Editor
More About: Editorial , Girl , Talk , Budget , Girl Talk

Are you ready? American Idol is back
2008-01-15 18:40:00
Tonight is a big night in television. People will be moved, decisions will be made, and lives might possibly be changed. Yes, tonight is the night that "American Idol "'s 7th season begins. Oh, did you think I was talking about the Democratic debate? Pfft, forget that. They've already had about 20 of those anyway. Much has been made of AI's lagging ratings and I have to admit, I wouldn't mind seeing something new injected into the format. But Sanjaya Malakar's stint on AI was easily one of the most entertaining stories of 2007. I'm also a sucker for the auditions episodes because I love train wrecks! Delusional, self-absorbed morons are fun to watch. Why else do you think reality shows like "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," "Flavor of Love," and "Surreal Life" have taken off? While I enjoy AI for it's "Did you see that?" moments, I've essentially given up on the show as a platform for launching talented musicians into succe...
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Housing Fit for a Hobbit
2008-01-14 23:16:00
Some residents of the remote Australian outback have taken to living underground in order to stay cool and conserve energy costs in the summer.  Dug-out homes carved into soft rock stay at a comfortable temperature naturally, saving residents plenty on AC and heating bills.  Two free claustrophobia therapy sessions are also included when you sign the lease. -Mike
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The Globes that weren't - 1.14.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-14 17:10:00
We Americans are a resilient people. Last night's Golden Globes had no red carpet, no pedantic "thank my agent" speeches and no poorly-informed stars making half-assed political appeals in $3000 evening wear. And we made it through without riots, military coups or even a single death. Makes you proud to be an American, doesn't it? Homepage featured stories- Don't you worry - we've got your Golden Globes hot air fix right here (AP) - Uh-oh...time to stop eating tuna rolls (CBS News) - Automakers discover something they're calling "environmentalism". In related news, they've also heard this Internet thing could be big in a few years (WSJ) - "Spank Rock", or: that darn racket the kids are listening to (MTV News) Editor's Picks - The Golden Globes -- Evan, Senior Editor
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New Movie Friday: The Kite Runner
2008-01-11 23:31:00
What do you get when you throw the Taliban, infidelity, rape, The Soviet Union and kites in one bowl? Answer: The Kite Runner , which hits theaters today. (Finally!) The film, which has been deemed "controversial" because of its male-on-male rape scene, is based on a book of the same name. It follows the story of Amir, a young boy from a well-off family in Afghanistan, and his close friend Hassan, the maid's son. The two boys play together and one of their favorite activities to do together is flying kites. Apparently, and I learned this from one of news clips in the Voxant NewsRoom, kite flying is something of a national sport in Afghanistan. I don't mean to be rude, but if that's what flies as a national sport, then I'd say that Afghanistan is competing with Canada and curling for the title of Lamest National Sport. But I'm digressing. I don't want to reveal too much of the plot for those who have yet to see the film or read the book, but the Amir and his famil...
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Is your sex life bipartisan? - 1.11.07 Editorial Budget
2008-01-11 20:07:00
Who has better sex, Republicans or Democrats? According to a study in this month's Playboy, neither. Regardless of party, more than a quarter of the survey respondents said they have sex "once a week or less". Yikes. So put down the yard signs, turn off CNN and go hold a private caucus of your own in the bedroom. Ron Paul's just not worth that kind of dryspell, folks. Homepage featured stories - What teenagers will be making out in the back row of in '08 (MTV) - Honestly, I didn't know that Republicans had sex in the first place (KCAL-TV) - The fountain of youth? Doubt it. But you're probably going to buy this drug anyway (Mayo Clinic) - Wow, this guy's actually more boring than Bill Belichick (WBZ-TV) Editor's Picks- Golden Globes - Evan, Senior Editor
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China cleans up its act (for now) - 1.10.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-10 19:35:00
Before the Olympic torch makes its way to Beijing later this year, the Chinese government is taking steps to round off some of the countries sharper edges. No, they're not releasing political dissidents or allowing the Chinese people to surf the 'net as they please. But they are making sure that all the "Events Hostesses" are pretty and that the local population learns how to stand in line better. Also they've promised to reduce the amount of lead found in all those Olympic souvenirs by three percent. Actually, they haven't - but hey, "don't spit" classes are just as good, right? Homepage featured stories- China 's Olympic cleanup (AFP)- Mary J. Blige has advice for young musicians - keep the drama to a minimum (AP)- New web show about teens and sex...amazingly, it's safe for work (CBS News)- NBA highlights from last night include both slammin' and jammin' (NBA)- Hot Victoria's Secret models wearing tiny bikinis...again, amazingly it's safe for work (A...
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Bush gets serenaded in Israel
2008-01-09 21:45:00
The awkwardness of President Bush 's Malaria Day hoopla is back. Whenever it comes to cultural exchanges the president always manages to look odd, out of place and uncomfortable. The latest culture clash came about in Israel . Is President Bush considering converting to Judaism? Naw. Good ol' W is in Israel for a round of peace talks. In case you haven't heard, getting the warring territories in the Middle East to agree to peace has been a goal of the administration for a while now. He's had Condi go at it for a little bit and now he's gracing the Middle East with some one-on-one face time to try and get things back on track. While it's a noble task, I doubt much progress will be made. Anyway, of course Bush's arrival was met with fanfare from the Israeli government. Considering the Israeli government receives millions of dollars annually from the US, making it one of the largest beneficiaries of US foreign aid, they better dance and put on a show for Bush. For some reason...
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Dewey Defeats Truman 2.0 - 1.9.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-09 17:51:00
Well, that was exciting, wasn't it? Today is the day for pundits to explain why they - as they so often do - got it so wrong in New Hampshire last night. My favorite excuse comes from MSNBC's Chris Matthews. According to His Chrisness, "the people of New Hampshire lied to me" when it came to polling. That must be what it is. It's just not possible that all those windbags are too busy stoking their own egos to pay any attention to what's actually going on out there, right? Homepage featured stories- No one was more surprised than Hillary, according to Hillary (CBS News)- Africa is running out of giraffes. How many times do I need to tell you to stop with the giraffe killing? (AFP)- Armani's new cell phone is very expensive and looks...like a cellphone (AP)- Obama's in New Jersey today. Apparently he's seeking the tracksuit vote (CBS Local)- Texas man is shot by his own dog. Or, just another day in Texas (AP) Editor's Picks- Hillary Clinton- Clinton in pictures- Jo...
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Music Tuesday: Taylor Hicks gets the boot
2008-01-08 22:38:00
THAR SHE BLOWS!!!It looks like winning American Idol is of no benefit to the winner. News reports came out today that the 2006 winner of American Idol has been let go by his record label J Records. Ruben Studdard, the second season winner of American Idol, was also dropped by J Records. Oh, and Kelly Clarkson, the first winner of AI, had a flop album released in 07. Yesterday's winner is tomorrow's loser.I can't say that any of this surprises me. I said that Taylor 's career was dead before in a previous post about AI winner Jordin Sparks. (A post that brought out the wrath in some Taylor fans. Sorry, but I call it how I see it.) The AP report breaks down some of Taylor's commercial struggles: Hicks' self-titled, post-"Idol" album, released in December 2006, debuted at No. 2 on the charts. In the weeks after it was issued, however, the disc slid down the charts. While it sold a respectable 699,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan data, it did not reach the 1...
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Granite State Blues (and Reds...and Independents) - 1.8.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-08 18:38:00
In case you haven't noticed, it's Primary Day in New Hampshire. You know what that means - half of half of the people in tiny, insignificant state are currently deciding who the next president is going to be. Ain't democracy grand? Homepage featured stories- Walt Mossberg is very, very excited to be at CES (Wall Street Journal)- Put on a coat and go find a nice doctor to marry before you watch this video about Jewish mothers (Expanded Books)- Sweet lord, will this Presidential campaign never end? (CBS News)- McDonald's to take on Starbucks. In related news, Arby's to take on the snack bar in the front of Target (WCBS - New York)- Gay men can no longer donate organs in Canada. That's right - Canada. Where you gonna flee now, hippy? (CBC News) Editor's Picks- New Hampshire Primary - Evan, Senior Editor
More About: Blues , Editorial , Independents , State , Budget

A Brief History of Beer
2008-01-07 22:44:00
If you don't know history, you don't know jack.  I'm pretty sure that's a real saying.  Maybe not.  Either way, it never hurts to know a few key dates and/or important figures from the past, you know, in case Trebek ever calls.  That goes for you too, alcoholics! WatchMojo.com covers the history of beer in America in this fine clip.    -Mike
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Is your kid one of The Best? - 1.07.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-07 21:15:00
Ahh, childhood - the time for innocence, wonder...and cutthroat competition. Does your kid have what it takes to be The Best? Expanded Books has the tips your child needs to crush the self-esteem of his or her classmates. May the best child win - and the rest start saving for therapy now. Homepage featured stories- My kid is better than yours (Expanded Books)- Bill Gates takes viewer's questions, answers them in buggy way that makes their TVs crash (BBC)- Saying no to abstinence...now there's a class I wouldn't skip (CBS News)- Garlic: it's not just for killing vampires anymore (Illumistream Health)- Today in History: first presidential election in US, Clinton goes on trial for that whole 'cigar' thing Editor's Picks- CES- Kenya riotsFor more information on the Voxant Editorial Budget , click here - Evan, Senior Editor

Join the daily Budget Meeting
2008-01-07 19:23:00
Every morning, the Editorial Team here at Voxant issues an internal memo known as the Editorial Budget . Based on the "story budgets" found in newsrooms everywhere, the Editorial Budget is an irreverent look at the best stories found among the thousands of videos, articles and photographs Voxant receives everyday. The daily memo has been a huge success inside Voxant (and with the few friends lucky enough to get on the list outside the company). And starting today, the Budget is going public. Each and every morning, you'll find the best stories inside Voxant right here. The Budget is also your guide to the top stories in the news, thanks to featured links to our newest Editor's Pick content packages. The best stories each day are listed as Homepage Featured Stories, videos that have made it from inside the Newsroom to a starring role on our vaunted Top News playlist. Only the best make the cut. Check in daily for the best content Voxant has to offer or grab our RSS fee...
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Caucus fever: now what?
2008-01-05 00:49:00
So we've had nearly a whole day to digest what happened in Iowa last night. Was Huckabee's come-from-behind victory a bellwether of things to come? Will Barack Obama stick with his new role as The Man To Beat? With this year's crazy primary schedule, it's impossible to say what the next months will bring. But there's no doubt that history was made in the cornfields of Iowa last night. Barack Obama may not be the first African-American to win a Democratic primary election, he's certainly the first minority with a clear shot at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It's exciting. Especially when you consider that he edged out an equally-viable woman for the win. As for Huckabee, his victory lap could be the shortest. He's no where near the top of the pack in New Hampshire, leaving the door open for another challenger to knock off Mitt Romney's damaged goods. Iowa has a history of creating candidates that burn white hot for a few days and then smolder weakly until through South Carolina...
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New Movie Friday: Atonement
2008-01-04 23:51:00
One of the most sure-fire ways to garner critical acclaim for your film is to set it during World War II. This period in time still captivates and moves the world to this day. For example, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sparks outrage regularly for minimizing the Holocaust. Also, look at the list of critically-acclaimed films set in this era: "Schindler's List, "Saving Private Ryan," "Flags of our Fathers" etc. Just pretend "Pearl Harbor" didn't happen. Besides, "Pearl Harbor" doesn't count because it starred Josh Hartnett and Ben Affleck. What period piece can withstand that? Another tip for movie-makers is when doing a period piece, especially those set in Britain, make sure you grab Keira Knightley. She's all about taking it back to the old school, she did "Pride and Prejudice." "Atonement ," a film based on the book by Ian McEwan, hits theaters today and director Joe Wright made sure to do both of these things. Good jo...
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Have better sex in 2008
2008-01-03 18:26:00
We all have our silly personal New Year's Resolutions - lose weight, be nicer, beat kleptomania once and for all - but shouldn't we all resolve to have better sex this year? Check out these tips and tricks from the Voxant Newsroom and go get it on, people! - Evan
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The year ahead: Entertainment 2008
2008-01-02 22:27:00
It seems like everyone has their psychic caps on and is giving their own 2008 predictions, so I figured I'd join in on the fun as well. 1) Britney's going to keep the crazy train running. As much as I would love to see Britney return to form, I just don't see it happening. The girl is battling some mental illness issues in my opinion. Besides, Britney doesn't seem to be bothered by her behavior in the least, and she's only going to change if she feels like there's something wrong with her life. I also wouldn't be surprised if she has a few more outrageous public episodes, a la her hair-shaving incident last year, especially since her pregnant teenage sister is stealing all the spotlight right now. On a sidenote, I predict K-Fed will win physical custody of the boys permanently and that he'll bag another celebrity soon. Pictures of him and Paris Hilton getting close HAVE been circulating on the net.... 2) Jay-Z WON'T marry Beyonce. The rumor that the two have wedde...
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Voxant's Best of 2007
2007-12-28 16:50:00
It's been a great year in the news hasn't it? From the trials and tribulations of Britney Spears to the trials and tribulations of Larry Craig 2007 has been chock full of the news junkie's main fix, Schadenfreude. Kidding, but it was a hell of a year in the news wasn't it? Look back with the Editors at Voxant. EntertainmentPoliticsSportsTechWorldOdd

2007: the year in Tech
2007-12-28 16:27:00
From the fall of Vista to the rise of the iPhone, this year in tech has been all about Mac vs. PC. The battle rages beyond the world of of consumer electronics, of course. With hybrids gas-sipping their way into the mainstream and goofy social networks like Facebook pulling in billions, style was the tech buzzword of the year. It doesn't look good for that khaki-suited PC guy. - Evan
More About: Tech , Year