Apple says Steve Jobs has died - The Washington Post

Apple says Steve Jobs has died

By Associated Press, Updated: Wednesday, October 5, 4:49 PM

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple Inc. said the company’s co-founder Steve Jobs died Wednesday. He was 56.

“We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today,” the company said in a brief statement.

“Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.”

The death of a mere celebrity is one thing, but the passing of a man who was a true creative genius, and who changed the lives of many, is much different. Steve changed the way I work and create, how I communicate, how I see the world.

I bought my first Apple computer in 1983, and my first Mac at the start of 1985. I served as the president of the Apple and Macintosh users group for Dallas-Fort Worth for two years, and served on the conference faculty for most of 7 years. During those times, I've made many friends and learned more than I can say. And none of that would have happened without Steve's vision and sometimes-infamous drive.

Those who are relatively new to the world of Apple products -- and many anti-consumerist critics -- think of Apple as a company that cranks out pretty toys.

Those of us who have been even peripherally involved in the Apple story from the early days know better. Steve's influence on user interface design, product design, music delivery and marketing, and many other areas -- including product demos and Powerpoint presentations -- can never be understated.

Steve was just one year older than I am, but lifetimes' worth of accomplishment ahead.

Thank you, Steve. May your creative vision and energy live on in Apple, its employees, its products, and its positive influence.

Posted via email from Yes, That Bob West

Blowin' up: Sa Dingding

Every once in a long while an artist or a particular song comes along... and gives me chills. Sa Dingding, a Chinese singer, and DJ Full Phatt have done it with this remixed version of her song "Alive", from the debut album of the same name.

According to KCRW, this mix is available on an import release, but after Gargling, I discovered that the label has also made it available as a free download; the MP3 is here. While the Full Phatt Remix is more westernized and electrified, the rest of the tracks on the album lean a bit more toward acoustic instrumentation and Sino-centric sounds, and I'm sure many will note a New Age influence, although this stuff won't have you napping after a few bars.

Ms. Sa's voice moves effortlessly from the bright, traditional violin-like beam of light to a blues-influenced, breathy sensuality-- within the span of a single phrase. Invoking ancient Chinese or Mongolian culture and a chilled urban groove at once is an accomplishment in itself.

I could rave for paragraphs, but words can't replace a listen. Enjoy (iTunes affiliate link):

Pearls before breakfast - A world-class musician in the subway

Pardon me whilst I gush.

There's an absolutely brilliant article in today's Washington Post, by Gene Weingarten and a crew of other reporters. It's about an experiment placing one of the world's greatest-ever violinists — Joshua Bell — in a Washington, D.C. subway station, and having him play intricate, difficult, passionate music on his Stradivarius.

What would happen? Would a crowd form? Would people throw money into his hat?

The results of this experiment are documented in this witty, attuned, playfully complex article.

It's an article that has a cast of characters as rich and varied as Les Miserables (Hugo's novel, not the musical).

And I think it's a must-read for every artist, musician and self-styled aesthetic. Then again, maybe it should be a must-read for anyone and everyone who hurries through their day; you never know what you might be missing... or ignoring along the way.

Once I started, I couldn't stop; I read the entire article before even glancing at the videos... Try doing the same, then watching each of the videos scattered down the page in succession.

As I clicked on the first clip, Bell's playing reverberating though L'Enphant Plaza literally gave me a chill. The very last video had me choked up. Yes, those of you who know me know I'm easy, but to see that connection between artist and audience — no matter what the numbers — renews my faith in the power of the arts... especially when the artist is so gifted, and the art so amazing.

The flip side of that coin, of course, is that it's disappointing to see that so few people paid any attention. But, as the article says, context matters.

If I were eligible to nominate an article for a Pulitzer, this one would be on my ballot.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html