Election Day
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Google's Voter Information Tool hopes to make Election Day a little easier
It's election season and Google is doing its part to help you "rock the vote." No, the search kingpin isn't endorsing a specific candidate, instead it's doing what it does best -- help people search the internet for information. The company's open source Voter Information Tool is designed to help people research candidates and locate polling places. In an effort to reach the masses, Google is partnering with companies such as Foursquare and AT&T. Election Day can be a chaotic event to say the least. Hopefully this powerful new web-based tool will make things run a little smoother for frantic voters trying to beat the clock.
Xbox Live US presidential election poll results
Following up on some presidential election polling results from September, Microsoft has revealed the results of its Xbox Live polling from the Halloween weekend. Obama jumped 10%, garnering 53% of the vote, while McCain gained two points for 33%, with 14% still undecided. Curiously, the Xbox Live poll had a similar Obama result to one done by CNN that same weekend.On the "issues poll" conducted at the same time, "jobs and the economy" took the top spot with 35%. Meanwhile, education, environment, health care and foreign policy all received percentages in the mid- to high-teens. Microsoft notes that as part of the "Rock the Vote" campaign, a million pieces of election-specific materials were downloaded from Live, along with 80,000 voter registration forms. And, once again, don't forget to vote today!
Vote Report helps poll the polls on Election Day
I love this idea -- if there's one thing our voting system here in the US could use, it's a little more transparency, both in how the votes are counted and weighed, and in how the polling itself takes place. And now there's an iPhone app aimed at making sure that on next month's Election Day, we get exactly that. Vote Report is currently submitted to the App Store -- all you do is download the app, punch in your Twitter information (although the site says you don't have to, but I'm not sure how it makes the report otherwise), and then when you're done voting, you can fill out a quick form that will send information on how it went straight to Twitter itself (you can see all the reports collected on this page as well).Of course, the Internet (including Twitter) will be awash with reports from polling places on November 4th, but if you're bringing your iPhone along, this will be a quick and easy way to get the word out if something went right or wrong. And Vote Report has teamed up with Election Protection, so if something does go really wrong at the polls, they'll hopefully be standing by to get the word out.If you are in the US, no matter what your political leaning or affiliation, do make sure to vote on November 4th -- the wheels of democracy only turn when we all get out and push. Let's exercise those rights while we've got them.
The best of WoW Insider: August 26 - September 1, 2008
Of course, if you know Blizzard at all, you know it doesn't really like the whole concept of "release dates" -- the developers prefer to say they'll release the next WoW expansion "when it's ready." But a bunch of retailers have recently pointed their noses at November 4th (with a November 3rd midnight release, so says the sign from an Australian store above), and if that turns out to be true, it's gonna be a busy Election Day. That story and more, all in these highlights from the last week of WoW Insider. News 1-60 in 20 minutesThe Recruit-a-Friend program allows level granting, which lets this Paladin level up to 60 in just a few minutes. Online retailers point towards a November 4th release for WrathIt means as much as Blizzard wants it to mean (so don't start filling out your vacation forms yet), but retailers think 11/4 is Wrath release day. Bambi terrorizes NorthrendCritter killers beware -- this time around, Bambi is on the hunt. New titles for WrathBlizzard expands its player title system big time. Want to be a "Grand Master" or an "Ambassador"? Better get started on those achievements. Raid buffs overhauled for 3.0.2Huge changes in the Wrath of the Lich King beta for how raids buff and support each other. Features Skill Mastery: Arcane BarrageOur new look at the various skills coming out of the beta examines the spell that might save the Mage class. Death Knight solos OnyxiaIt's been done before, but the new class proves it can down the old dragon, too. Chilton content to endorse multi-boxingBlizzard has always been on the fence about multiboxing -- it's never really had a problem with it. But here's the first time it will actually support it. WoW Machinima: The basicsOur machinima writer posts an in-depth look at how and where to start with making in-game movies. Know Your Lore: High Overlord SaurfangThe game's biggest badass gets his backstory told.
Don't forget to emerge at the polls
Today is a very special day. For many people, today is Emergence Day, the marketing holiday where all the Microsoft accountants celebrate the truckload of money that Gears of War will make for them. Not just chump change either, we're talking foldin' money. Some of us might get so caught up in the celebration that we forget it's also election day. So, for our American friends (and bloggers), whenever you go pick up your copy of Gears -- or Viva Piñata or Call of Duty 3 or whatever -- head to your nearest polling place and cast your vote. And for our European friends who will celebrate Emergence Day next week and have nothing to vote for today ... um ... happy belated Guy Fawkes Night?
