Au Revoir Steve

Great Artists . . . Steal?

This is a short clip from Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple in his early years. I'm certainly not in the category of "artist" in any way, but I was intrigued by his comments. Do you agree with his quote that good artists copy and great artists steal? It is ironic then that Apple is spending millions of dollars to sue HTC for patent infringement!

Apple Anticipation

Ever since a fateful decision in the Fall of 1993, I have been a Mac guy. My first mac was an LCIII, affectionately known as "The pizzabox" it was ugly by today's standards but light years ahead of the 486 PC's that were it's competition. That was during the dark years for Apple but once I took the risk and made the jump I have never thought about going back. Mac people are zealots. And yes, it is a cult. During the dark years I was persecuted for my faith in Apple but I held strong. Now Apple, Inc. is successful, popular, and the most influential of electronics companies. Many of friends who mocked me are now happy mac owners themselves. I don't want to say "I told you so" but . . .

Anyway, Apple does things differently. For the past few years rumors have been swirling about a new portable computer, similar to the iPhone/iPod Touch but bigger. Dubbed the "iTablet" these rumors are so seriously discussed that even magazines like The Wall Street Journal write about them often and one magazine offered a $100,000 award for someone to leak the rumored device's specs. Apple products rumors are so sought after that there is virtual micro-industry dedicated at trying to ferret out Apple's secrets before they are announced officially. A few days ago, Apple sent out the following invitation to select media:

The event will be on Jan 27th at 10am Pacific Time. Certainly they will be introducing something new but what will it be? New iPhones? Touchscreen iMacs? New software? Or the mysterious tablet computer? This kind of coyness from Apple drives us Apple fans crazy with anticipation. These events happen once or twice a year. The actual events are usually cut off to the public but some websites such as Engadget liveblog from the events. I often schedule my day around these liveblogs and one time a year ago I almost didn't make it to my classes!

How can a company get such loyal (and some would say cult-like) devotion? I think it is their attention to detail, their focus on making great products, and a superstar CEO in Steve Jobs. All I know is that I am emotionally attached to the products I have from them and consider them to be works of art. Anyway, the countdown to Jan 27 is on!

Life Wisdom From Steve Jobs

If you know me, you know that I am huge fan of Apple, Inc. and it's charismatic founder Steve Jobs. Jobs is widely seen as the key to Apple's huge successes (and mistakes) over the years, a creative and demanding CEO who defies conventional wisdom and creates his own. I don't agree with everything he says or does but I do think he has lots to offer and a way of looking at things that is out of the ordinary. If you have some time and you are in a reflective sort of mood, check out this video of Jobs giving the commencement address (about 15 minutes) at Stanford University in 2005. I found it inspiring. It's classic Steve Jobs but with the added surprise of unusual vulnerability for a usually private man. His life stories are genuine and compelling. Enjoy!

Macheads and the Cult of Mac

I have often told people that mac users are part of a cult (the cult of Mac, the cult of Apple). Mac users are unusually passionate about their choice of computers. This "zeal" is often annoying to others as I have posted about before. Apple fanboys and Mac zealots, although frustrating to others around them, have to be admired for their dedication and outright love (yes, love) for their platform. Seriously, do you ever see anyone get super excited about their Dell laptop or HP PC and try to convince others around them to "convert?" I think not!

There is a new documentary about the most radical of the radicals called "Macheads" coming out soon. Here's the trailer for it:


Will I see it? Of course.

My own "conversion" to Mac came during my first year of Bible college in 1993. I had some friends who were mac users and I was experiencing "powerbook envy" (apple laptops were called powerbooks at that time and PC users were jealous of their sharp looks). Although I was a PC user, I was on the fence and waffling. Should I try Macs? There was just something about them that is hard to describe which made them so different. I had money for a new computer but I wasn't sure. Since I was such a huge Risk fan, I decided that when I went into a computer store, I would look for the game Risk. If the system requirements were for a PC, I'd buy a PC and if they were for a Mac, I'd buy a mac. I ran into the store and picked up the first Risk game I saw; it was for macs. I have never looked back.

Apple is kind of a media darling right now. Everyone (even Sony!) wants to be them. But I remember "the dark years" when people thought Apple was dead in the water and thought they might even go under as a company. It was tough being a zealot back then. We were always on the defensive, always the target of jokes and jabs. Now, Apple is hugely successful (the iPod, the iPhone, iTunes) and there marketshare is almost 8% and they are the 3rd or 4th largest computer manufacturer in the U.S. Their OS is super reliable, free of viruses, and easy to use. Their hardware designs are not just functional, but esthetically pleasing. I'm glad for Apple's success, but I kind of miss the old days. What are you thoughts on Apple these days?

Anti-Microsoft Rant

As a long time Apple user I naturally have a distaste for the company that is Microsoft. After all, Microsoft stole Apple’s operating system and made a really, really bad copy (Windows 1.0) and eventually took the whole PC market. But my dislike of Microsoft goes much deeper. Today their OS isn’t that bad but their Mac version of Office is just terrible. Unlike almost any of my other programs, this one gives me serious grief every time I use it. Weird things happen and it seems to need all of the processor to do even simple tasks. The ugliness of the interface makes me mad too. Last night (early this morning) I spent two hours trying to reformat a Word document so it would look right. Two hours! Finally I gave up. OK Microsoft, you win. I would do anything to free myself from the clutches of Office. Office is the only Microsoft product I am forced to suffer on my computer. The only exception to my anti-Microsoft feelings is Xbox. And the only reason grace is given to them is because they bought an all Apple software game company (called Bungie) to make decent games for them (anyone heard of Halo?). Yes, Halo was originally going to be developed for the Mac. But I digress . . .

My hate of Microsoft is so bad now that I can feel it in my body. Yes, my fellow counseling students, my self-awareness grows! Once in Human Development class I could feel this nausea in the pit of my stomach and I didn’t know what it was. Then I realized it. I was watching my poor professor trying to work Microsoft Powerpoint using a Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse! This exercise in complete futility put together with just looking at powerpoint (ugh) in the hopelessly unelegant Windows environment (arghh) was literally making me ill! I looked frantically around the room for a piece of technology that worked well. Alas, none was to be found. Finally I just put my head down and stared at my binder and thought of happy thoughts, like my cute little MacBook. Apple isn’t perfect, but at least they don’t make me angry and nauseous.

Rest In Peace

On the morning of October 30th, 2007 my dearly loved orange iPod Shuffle was taken suddenly from us. Specifically, it was hidden in my grey BCBC hoodie and got put in the wash. Though I only had it for a couple of weeks it quickly became part of the family. My iPod is survived by it's sister, a pink iPod Shuffle that is currently in the "denial" stage of the grieving process. Viewing may be had for the next week at my house for those who wish to say a final goodbye. After that, the remains will be dealt with according to it's wishes; sold to the highest bidder on eBay. Rest in Peace my dear, sweet iPod. You are dearly missed.

The Problem With Zeal

I was discussing the iPhone with a guy at work when another waiter came by and asked us what we were talking about. The new guy began telling us about all the things he loved about this new product and how much he wanted one. "You must really like Apple," I said. "Love them? "No way," he replied. "I hate Apple!"

"Really?" I said confused. "Why?"

"The same reason I hate Christian's. Apple people are so zealous for their product that come across as super annoying to everyone around them. It's the same with Christians, you just can't have a rational conversation. They are so excited about their "product" that they can't have a conversation with you - it's them telling you about how awesome it is and if you try to critique their precious company/religion, they can't handle it. They talk at you, not to you!"

As both a self-confessed Christ follower and Apple fanboy, I was feeling a little defensive. But I had to agree with him. Mac zealots and Christians are often guilty as charged - great at sharing the "faith" but horrible at looking at it objectively. We also are famous for alienating those who question any of our "beliefs." Worse, we often annoy those close to us as we attempt to share with them.

The waiter was trying to pin such behavior on Christians and Apple zealots only, but he had to agree that there are atheist zealots and PC zealots as well. But I couldn't stop thinking about what he said. If as a Apple user I am totally convinced that Apple products are the best out there, why do I have this overwhelming need to make others think the way I do? Why can't I handle them challenging my beliefs? Is it the end of the world if they don't believe what I do? Do I give people the freedom to not choose what I have chosen?

When it comes to faith, we are commanded to share Christ with others. But do we allow people the freedom to reject it? Do we sacrifice the basic rules of communication (listening, seeking to understand others, agreeing to disagree, not being rude)? Does the end (someone coming to Christ) justify the means (being annoying, beligerant, rude, making people angry, refusing to listen to others opinions, etc). Would you listen to someone if they treated you like this? Why do some Christians expect unbelievers to respond to it? Because we have the Holy Spirit on our side? If so, this is twisted logic. I think the antidote to unrestrained zeal has to do with love for God and our neighbors. It's not about us and being right about God. It's about God and we need to humbly remember that people can choose what they will. Are you OK with that?

May Light increase!

The iBible

It's funny how simple a thing it is to read the Bible, and yet how difficult it can be. There is always some new program or "method" that promises to help make reading the sacred Book of Christianity less of a discipline and more effortless. When I was a youth pastor I was tempted to get my students the "30 Second Bible!" Something about this parody video on the topic of the Book made me laugh (some inside jokes only evangelicals will understand) but also think soberly. Thank to ysmarko for the link. Enjoy!

iPhone Parody

Apple has recently posted three new iPhone commercials stating the release date (June 29th) of the super hyped device that is Apple's latest "big thing." With all the expectations surrounding the device (not sure when it is due in Canada), the iPhone has spawned some great spoofs like the one below. Click here to get more info on the iPhone and here to see the official commercials. I am cautiously optimistic that Apple will have yet another hit on their hands.

May Light increase!

You're Beautiful

This is a touching tear-jerker video for all of the Apple fans out there. I know you'll understand the emotions that were experienced here.

May Light increase!

The iRack

Parody,noun. - A literary or artistic work that imitates the characteristic style of an author or a work for comic effect or ridicule.

If you've spent any significant amount of time with me, you know I am a huge Apple fan (some would say zealot). I also enjoy staying up to date on current events. This parody video masterfully blends the two. Hope it makes you smile . . . and think.

-May Light increase!