Partying with Willie G. (01/08/2007 4:00 PM)
I’ve got to hand it to Bill, he knows how to throw a party! Err, what I mean to say is he knows how to give a keynote address. Since this was the first, and likely last, chance I had to see Mr. Gates (AKA “Richest Man In Galaxy”) in person, I improved my odds of attending by arriving three hours early. I’ll admit there was a little shoving and some frayed nerves all around, but the mood brightened as soon as the wait staff (?!) started serving beer and wine to those in line.
Once I made it into the auditorium about an hour before Bill took the stage, I was greeted with light shows, music, and weird costumed people – some on stilts, some with feathers, and even a few Shakespearean minstrels.
Eventually we did get down to business and Bill Gates was introduced as the “greatest visionary of our era.” Whether you agree or disagree, there’s no debating that the world largely depends on Microsoft software. Bill and friends discussed a variety of upcoming Microsoft initiatives such as Vista and IPTV via the Xbox… Though I’ve got to say I was distracted by all the technology and coordination it took to put on this elaborate production for 4,000 of my closest CES friends.
