Steve Jobs: 1955-2011
Steve Jobs passed away earlier today. This may not seem like the kind of thing to post on Weird Universe, but consider what kind of place this world would be without him. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak created the Apple II, the first home computer many would use, and thanks to this and other innovations like the graphical operating system, the internet friendly iMac, and the always connected iPhone, the world is now fully connected, allowing anyone instant access to the kinds of weird things we here at Weird Universe love. Sure, he didn't create the internet all by himself, but if it weren't for some of the innovations his company pioneered, the world might have turned out to be a much more normal (and boring) place than it is today.
Comments
@ Suzanne
So now it is being spoiled to defend ones beliefs. Nice philosophy of life.
BTW - has anyone besides me noticed that the exchange of ideas deteriorates into a pissing contest as soon as someone with a negative attitude goes on the attack instead of just expressing their views in a polite manner.
So now it is being spoiled to defend ones beliefs. Nice philosophy of life.
BTW - has anyone besides me noticed that the exchange of ideas deteriorates into a pissing contest as soon as someone with a negative attitude goes on the attack instead of just expressing their views in a polite manner.
Posted by yogi in Kennesaw GA on 10/06/11 at 11:52 AM
jswolf19 -
You are right, Xerox did have a graphical operating system up and running, a full decade before the Macintosh was released, but Xerox was convinced that it wasn't worth expanding beyond their own uses. Steve Jobs toured Xerox PARC, realized it was the future, and then assembled a team to work for half a decade to turn that idea into the first computer that was truly easy to use.
Steve Jobs wasn't really an inventor; Woz basically designed the Apple II by hand, the Macintosh team reported to him, and many of Apple's recent hits like the iPod and A5 processor were partially developed outside the company. What he was was a visionary. Steve Wozniak didn't think is cheap and powerful home computer was worth selling, Xerox thought that their GUI was a gimmick. He saw the value of a little startup that sold the graphics-packed Pixar Image Computer and gave them the funding they needed to be the most successful computer animation company in the world, who literally created the genre (and Mike, if you think you can't make real art with technology, watch "Up" and try not to cry). When he returned to Apple he realized that a cheap, internet connected computer was just what the company needed to rescue itself from bankruptcy, and he reminded the computer world that computers didn't need to be drab beige boxes. He saw what was wrong with the MP3 player, the smartphone, and the tablet, and saw what needed to be done to make them successful.
Steve Jobs is Apple. Apple went astray without him leading them before, but luckily he was there to point the company in the right direction. Only time will tell if the company can continue to make such important innovations without him.
You are right, Xerox did have a graphical operating system up and running, a full decade before the Macintosh was released, but Xerox was convinced that it wasn't worth expanding beyond their own uses. Steve Jobs toured Xerox PARC, realized it was the future, and then assembled a team to work for half a decade to turn that idea into the first computer that was truly easy to use.
Steve Jobs wasn't really an inventor; Woz basically designed the Apple II by hand, the Macintosh team reported to him, and many of Apple's recent hits like the iPod and A5 processor were partially developed outside the company. What he was was a visionary. Steve Wozniak didn't think is cheap and powerful home computer was worth selling, Xerox thought that their GUI was a gimmick. He saw the value of a little startup that sold the graphics-packed Pixar Image Computer and gave them the funding they needed to be the most successful computer animation company in the world, who literally created the genre (and Mike, if you think you can't make real art with technology, watch "Up" and try not to cry). When he returned to Apple he realized that a cheap, internet connected computer was just what the company needed to rescue itself from bankruptcy, and he reminded the computer world that computers didn't need to be drab beige boxes. He saw what was wrong with the MP3 player, the smartphone, and the tablet, and saw what needed to be done to make them successful.
Steve Jobs is Apple. Apple went astray without him leading them before, but luckily he was there to point the company in the right direction. Only time will tell if the company can continue to make such important innovations without him.
Posted by Salamander Sam in Chicago on 10/06/11 at 04:07 PM
Mike -
Wow, and here I thought I was a luddite! You should be ashamed of yourself, making me of all people defend modern technology. Here goes:
I'm guessing you've never actually used Photoshop (I'd go as far as to say you've never used a computer, but clearly you used one to post your comments). If you had, you would realize there are no magic buttons. The only thing it can do automatically is image correction (like color and contrast), and it does that wrong, so you still have to make the adjustments by hand.
As for digital photography, something that I hate, it didn't really make anything worse. It's been a century since snapshot cameras got affordable. The only difference is that the modern digital cameras automatically control the exposure, so now when that aunt you hate shows you a bunch of pictures from that trip she took they are all in focus. And there always have been and always will be people who believe that they are an artist because they own an expensive camera. Now yes, digital cameras make it very hard to learn the basics, because even though you can manually adjust exposure it is very hard to do, and there is no focusing screen to help you get precise focus with autofocus off, but there's another option: just use film! Film is still around, you can buy it in WalMart and have it developed at CVS. If you want better quality, just go to a photography store and browse through the hundreds of different kinds of film they have there. Just learn to ignore the people who ask to see the back of your camera after you take a picture.
And your last comment was the best, in my opinion (and this is the one that tells me you really have no idea what computers are). You are correct. Give a computer some watercolors and a brush and it will do nothing. But really, would giving an easel a brush and some watercolors have any different reaction? To paraphrase Dan Aykroyd in "Driving Miss Daisy," computers do not behave, they are behaved upon. A computer is not a replacement for an artist, in the same way that Photoshop is not a replacement for a camera and a GPS is not a replacement for a car. All the computer is is a digital canvas, one that allows you to suspend your inks in midair so that you can erase that splotch of paint in the background without ruining all of your other work. And no, it isn't perfect. I don't trust computers and I find it very annoying that I don't have a physical copy once I'm done something on my computer, but there is no way I would be able to do what I do with real paints.
Computers are a tool, nothing more. You can apply a bunch of effects and text to a photo and call yourself an artist or you can use real talent and create something incredible. It is your choice.
Wow, and here I thought I was a luddite! You should be ashamed of yourself, making me of all people defend modern technology. Here goes:
I'm guessing you've never actually used Photoshop (I'd go as far as to say you've never used a computer, but clearly you used one to post your comments). If you had, you would realize there are no magic buttons. The only thing it can do automatically is image correction (like color and contrast), and it does that wrong, so you still have to make the adjustments by hand.
As for digital photography, something that I hate, it didn't really make anything worse. It's been a century since snapshot cameras got affordable. The only difference is that the modern digital cameras automatically control the exposure, so now when that aunt you hate shows you a bunch of pictures from that trip she took they are all in focus. And there always have been and always will be people who believe that they are an artist because they own an expensive camera. Now yes, digital cameras make it very hard to learn the basics, because even though you can manually adjust exposure it is very hard to do, and there is no focusing screen to help you get precise focus with autofocus off, but there's another option: just use film! Film is still around, you can buy it in WalMart and have it developed at CVS. If you want better quality, just go to a photography store and browse through the hundreds of different kinds of film they have there. Just learn to ignore the people who ask to see the back of your camera after you take a picture.
And your last comment was the best, in my opinion (and this is the one that tells me you really have no idea what computers are). You are correct. Give a computer some watercolors and a brush and it will do nothing. But really, would giving an easel a brush and some watercolors have any different reaction? To paraphrase Dan Aykroyd in "Driving Miss Daisy," computers do not behave, they are behaved upon. A computer is not a replacement for an artist, in the same way that Photoshop is not a replacement for a camera and a GPS is not a replacement for a car. All the computer is is a digital canvas, one that allows you to suspend your inks in midair so that you can erase that splotch of paint in the background without ruining all of your other work. And no, it isn't perfect. I don't trust computers and I find it very annoying that I don't have a physical copy once I'm done something on my computer, but there is no way I would be able to do what I do with real paints.
Computers are a tool, nothing more. You can apply a bunch of effects and text to a photo and call yourself an artist or you can use real talent and create something incredible. It is your choice.
Posted by Salamander Sam in Chicago on 10/06/11 at 04:32 PM
Martel, honey, it does not have to be absolute. Stop by and look around, you don't have comment every time or read every post or comment on the site. And you do not have to completely disappear either. Think about it sweetie.
Some great thoughts Sam!
Some great thoughts Sam!
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 10/07/11 at 12:00 AM
@anyone who gives a fig...
I invite anyone who cares to actually read the posted comments from Martel and myself. I personally read the material in the news about the IRS raid in question. It was reported at the time just as I stated it. Martel did indeed come up with a document that contradicted the story that was reported. But that document was written by the very people who stood accused and not by a disinterested third party. So knowing what I actually read but also knowing the penchant the media has for getting things at least partially wrong or worse I commented that neither one of us had really proven our point beyond a reasonable doubt and conceded to a middle ground. I do not believe that to be an unreasonable stand.
As to "all yogi all the time", Lets see; Expat, patty, KDP, Paul and Chuck with the weekly pro edition, as well as myself are all active contributors of both new posts and comments and we all get along just fine without trying to tear each other down over petty crap. And there are a few others that also get along just fine here even if they don't contribute as much or as often. So what is it? Is it jealousy? Do I actually irritate some people? Hey, its called life, that's how it works. No one can please everyone all the time so get over it and at least try to be civil. It will make this site a much more pleasant place for everyone.
I also know that Paul appreciates my contributions. The point is that the more material that appeals to a wider audience that is posted here the more traffic it will generate for the site. If this site is like many of the others that exist the profit from the ad hits at least helps defray the cost of maintaining it and may even put a few extra coins in the owners pockets. So more traffic is a good thing. If what you are doing increases that traffic you are doing good. If what you do decreases traffic then you are hurting the site. With that said I would like to say that if Paul, Chuck or Alex think I am doing something wrong I will gladly conform to their wishes. In fact I have already done so. When I first started posting here I went overboard on the use of color in the text and I have to admit that even I was getting tired of it when I was asked to tone it down a bit. And I did. I now only use bold type and high color content when it serves the purpose of a particular entry such as a NSFW or GRAPHIC CONTENT warning or it actually does enhance the entry.
So peace and love to you and lets at least try to get along for the sake of the site.
I invite anyone who cares to actually read the posted comments from Martel and myself. I personally read the material in the news about the IRS raid in question. It was reported at the time just as I stated it. Martel did indeed come up with a document that contradicted the story that was reported. But that document was written by the very people who stood accused and not by a disinterested third party. So knowing what I actually read but also knowing the penchant the media has for getting things at least partially wrong or worse I commented that neither one of us had really proven our point beyond a reasonable doubt and conceded to a middle ground. I do not believe that to be an unreasonable stand.
As to "all yogi all the time", Lets see; Expat, patty, KDP, Paul and Chuck with the weekly pro edition, as well as myself are all active contributors of both new posts and comments and we all get along just fine without trying to tear each other down over petty crap. And there are a few others that also get along just fine here even if they don't contribute as much or as often. So what is it? Is it jealousy? Do I actually irritate some people? Hey, its called life, that's how it works. No one can please everyone all the time so get over it and at least try to be civil. It will make this site a much more pleasant place for everyone.
I also know that Paul appreciates my contributions. The point is that the more material that appeals to a wider audience that is posted here the more traffic it will generate for the site. If this site is like many of the others that exist the profit from the ad hits at least helps defray the cost of maintaining it and may even put a few extra coins in the owners pockets. So more traffic is a good thing. If what you are doing increases that traffic you are doing good. If what you do decreases traffic then you are hurting the site. With that said I would like to say that if Paul, Chuck or Alex think I am doing something wrong I will gladly conform to their wishes. In fact I have already done so. When I first started posting here I went overboard on the use of color in the text and I have to admit that even I was getting tired of it when I was asked to tone it down a bit. And I did. I now only use bold type and high color content when it serves the purpose of a particular entry such as a NSFW or GRAPHIC CONTENT warning or it actually does enhance the entry.
So peace and love to you and lets at least try to get along for the sake of the site.
Posted by yogi in Kennesaw GA on 10/07/11 at 01:26 AM
EVERYONE around here needs to start being able to dissent with opinions without feeling the need to vilify the person who's holds the opinion. This site is about fun mostly, a bit of seriousness is expressed too but that seriousness should be about the subject. I love WU and feel blessed to have been extended the opportunity to participate. So to be a bit crude about it, STOP PISSING IN MY OATMEAL! Please do not make this stop being fun. I will never abandon WU but others may. If we lose all the foot traffic, so to speak, the site will whither and die. I am not pointing a finger at any particular person or persons, this is just a plea to not be so harsh and argumentative. I have recently found myself passing over stories I thought were great to post because certain subjects seem to always turn into intellectual pissing contests lately.
That makes me a bit sad and a bit annoyed. Please consider the above, I look at our WU community as friends, so friends can we keep it friendly? As always, thank you Paul, Chuck and Alex for providing this forum and content and technical support that keeps it running. Sometimes I think the rest of us forget that this is not magic, it is here as a result of hard work on the parts of you three wonderful people. So, WUvians please also respect the time and effort put in for all of us to enjoy our weird little universe here. Excuse me while I put away my soap box, thanks for you attention.-Patty
That makes me a bit sad and a bit annoyed. Please consider the above, I look at our WU community as friends, so friends can we keep it friendly? As always, thank you Paul, Chuck and Alex for providing this forum and content and technical support that keeps it running. Sometimes I think the rest of us forget that this is not magic, it is here as a result of hard work on the parts of you three wonderful people. So, WUvians please also respect the time and effort put in for all of us to enjoy our weird little universe here. Excuse me while I put away my soap box, thanks for you attention.-Patty
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 10/07/11 at 12:25 PM
What she said.
Imagine if all the world were as kind as Patty....
Imagine if all the world were as kind as Patty....
Posted by Paul on 10/07/11 at 12:31 PM
Wow. When I used to visit WU 50 times a day it was all about sex jokes and puns. Now a post about Steve Jobs' death turns into this.
I studied art in college and as someone with a natural talent for art I felt the same way about computers as Mike for a long time. The thing is though, Yogi is right too. It still takes imagination to create truly beautiful works with a computer. In my opinion though I still prefer art that is created by hand.
Nowadays, I am a manufacturing designer. Basically a non-degreed engineer. Through the use of solid modeling software I design and manufacture proprietary machines and equipment for the company I work for. While the software we use is very easy to learn, it still requires knowledge of design and manufacturing processes to create something that will work properly and can actually be made. Computers are just a tool to acheive an end in a faster and more effiecient manner. Design time is reduced as is the time spent drafting the drawings.
That's it for my 2 cents.
I wish my last name was Jobs. I would have named my 2 kids Blow and Hand.
I studied art in college and as someone with a natural talent for art I felt the same way about computers as Mike for a long time. The thing is though, Yogi is right too. It still takes imagination to create truly beautiful works with a computer. In my opinion though I still prefer art that is created by hand.
Nowadays, I am a manufacturing designer. Basically a non-degreed engineer. Through the use of solid modeling software I design and manufacture proprietary machines and equipment for the company I work for. While the software we use is very easy to learn, it still requires knowledge of design and manufacturing processes to create something that will work properly and can actually be made. Computers are just a tool to acheive an end in a faster and more effiecient manner. Design time is reduced as is the time spent drafting the drawings.
That's it for my 2 cents.
I wish my last name was Jobs. I would have named my 2 kids Blow and Hand.
Posted by Madd Maxx on 10/07/11 at 05:54 PM
What do you have against your kids Maxx?! :lol:
Thanks for your 2 cents too, it makes sense to me.
Thanks for your 2 cents too, it makes sense to me.
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 10/07/11 at 09:09 PM
For Shame! Take a step back for a minute and just look at all of you grown adults acting like children. Everyone has an opinion, a point to make, an experience and talent that is unlike another's. You should all rejoice in what you have learned, are able to accomplish, and leave the selfish pride behind. This post originally was to honor Steve Jobs. Another human, like us, who just happened to have enough foresight to take advantage of the opportunities he found, make the most of his life, and give us all wonderful things. May he rest in peace - at least he doesn't have to hear all this strife and contention, anymore. Patty, bless your kind heart. The rest of you should take your toys, and go home, until you are ready to come out and play nice, again. :blank:
Posted by done on 10/08/11 at 01:02 AM
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Category: Death | Obituaries | Technology | Computers | Internet