Obama says he's not allowed iPhone for 'security reasons'

U.S. President Barack Obama pauses while speaking at the White House Youth Summit on the Affordable Care …

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The troubled mobile phone maker BlackBerry still has at least one very loyal customer: U.S. President Barack Obama.

At a meeting with youth on Wednesday to promote his landmark healthcare law, Obama said he is not allowed to have Apple's smart phone, the iPhone, for "security reasons," though he still uses Apple's tablet computer, the iPad.

Apple was one of several tech companies that may have allowed the National Security Agency (NSA) direct access to servers containing customer data, according to revelations by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden. The companies deny the allegation.

Obama fought to keep his BlackBerry after coming to the White House in 2009, though he said only 10 people have his personal email address. Neither George W. Bush nor Bill Clinton used email during their presidencies.

BlackBerry, a Canadian company formerly known as Research In Motion Ltd, virtually invented the idea of on-the-go email, but lost its market stranglehold as rivals brought out more consumer-friendly devices, like Apple's iPhone and phones using Google's Android software.

The company recently halted plans to be sold and is trying to chart a new course by focusing on large business and government clients.

Oprah Winfrey awarded highest civilian honour by President Obama

President Obama yesterday Nov. 20th presented talk show legend and media mogul Oprah Winfrey and 15 others with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is America's highest civilian honor. The award is given to individuals who have made "meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the US, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

President Obama called Oprah "the pinnacle of the entertainment universe," as he put the medal on her neck. Former President Bill Clinton, country star Loretta Lynn, women's rights activist Gloria Steinem, baseball legend Ernie Banks and astronaut Sally Ride also received the award yesterday.

Kanye says he and Kim are more influential than Barack & Michelle

Kanye needs to change his meds...lol. The talented rapper, who used to constantly criticize the media in the past, now seems to love the media since becoming a member of the Kardashian clan. Kanye now loves promoting himself and his baby mama Kim Kardashian any opportunity he gets.

In his latest interview, Kanye explains why he and his fiancee Kim are more influential than president Barrack Obama and the First Lady, Michelle Obama. Kanye tells Ryan Seacrest;

“There’s no way Kim Kardashian shouldn’t be on the cover of Vogue. She’s like the most intriguing woman right now. She’s got Barbara Walters calling her like everyday.”
“And collectively, we’re the most influential with clothing. No one is looking at what [Barack Obama] is wearing. Michelle Obama cannot Instagram a [bikini] pic like what my girl Instagrammed the other day.”