News Bytes

US media hope to make money with Obama’s inauguration:

Shopping network QVC is hoping to turn the great media event of Obama’s inauguration into a profitable business affair. QVC representative Doug Rose said: “We believe it's part of our mission to allow our consumers to participate in such an event.” In order to participate, QVC customers can buy Obama coins, stamps, pocket watches, jewelry and portraits. The shopping network reaches approximately 98 million households and has, according to their statement, already sold more than 100,000 Obama souvenirs. QVC rival HSN also put its shoulder to the wheel – they are also selling coins, pocket watches and portraits.

Also the more traditional networks like NBC are well prepared, with Obama documentaries on DVD, for example, which they offer their customers. The New York Times, in turn, is selling reprints of the election day edition, as well as photos of Obama for more than $1,000.

Clinton confirmed as Secretary of State

Former First Lady Hillary Clinton successfully took the first step on her way to becoming Secretary of State: the Foreign Relations Committee voted with the large majority of 16 Senators for her nomination as Secretary of State, with only one dissenting vote. Now the entire Senate has to confirm her nomination, but after the Committee’s vote, this is a mere formality. This way she can already set to work today, together with future president Barack Obama.

During her nomination hearing in the Senate, Clinton said that as future Secretary of State she wanted to place special emphasis on diplomacy and international cooperation. “America cannot solve the most pressing problems on our own, and the world cannot solve them without America,” Clinton said.

Bush defends his government

In his farewell address to the nation Bush defended the controversial and “tough decisions” of his presidency as a necessity for the security of America. “There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions.  But there can be little debate about the results,” Bush said during his last televised address. “America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil,” Bush emphasized, but continued that a new terrorist attack remained the greatest threat to America. “Our enemies are patient and determined to strike again.”

Some restrained self-criticism on Bush’s side was heard: “There are things I would do differently if given the chance,” he said. He pointed out that he had experienced setbacks as well, but he said: “I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right.” He said he hoped that even those who didn’t agree with his decisions, would at least agree that he was willing to do the right thing. He also offered best wishes to his successor Obama. This victory of the Senator from Illinois who is going to become the first African-American president of the United States “reflects the enduring promise of our land … and the vitality of American democracy,” Bush said.

The Google trip through New York City

Tourists may now use Google Maps to plan a trip by public transport through New York City. If you search for directions, Google maps will now also display buses and trains in addition to the usual car routes. Google explained that it had taken two years to add all the buses, subways and railroads to the maps. More than 8.5 million people every day use mass transit in the City. Public transport of cities like Tokyo or Chicago had already been added to Google Maps before. New York City’s transport system is the largest in North America.