That somebody died today, October 5th 2011 (funny enough today is another friend's birthday and just 2 days shy of my brother's).
Born a Piscis, died a Libran.
Born a Pariah, died an Emperor.
A frustrated youth that became one of the greatest creative forces this world has ever known.
I first heard of Steve Jobs when I read an article celebrating the microcomputers 20th anniversary, owed in large part to him. I read about the two Steves of Apple, one got fired and opened Next Computers, the other returned to college and pursued a career teaching kids.
I got to meet my first Apple Computer at the age of 4...it was my first computer. The IIgs, the competing Apple II that went against it's own brother the Macintosh (it had color). For many years I couldn't figure out why MS Windows didn't have a cool paint program or sounds or a watch (instead of an hour glass) or that adorable trash can in the corner.
I revived and burnt my Apple IIgs :( . Later I was able to emulate it in Linux (and it was 10 times faster then the original). I tried emulating a Mac in PearPC (which I did successfully) but it was too slow. I finally ceded and got my wish when my brother sold me his PowerBook G4. Later on I would get a Macbook Pro hand me down (this computer) but I was still immensely happy. I have a recently acquired mac mini server sitting at my Dad's home...the pride of my online site.
The idea from Apple was not so much innovation for me. It was taking some place you already knew, adding nice fresh grass, a swing, a slide, a blue sky and the promise of a better tomorrow. I think about twinkies, Combos, my first Lego police car...my first VCR and Cable Television set. Apple is synonymous with home...the first one I remember living in. Having come back to the States after a short time in Mexico - but I don't remember that...
...I remember the beginning of my life (Iselin New Jersey, c. 1983) , a fresh new start, a whole new world...a beautiful sunny new world - with twinkies and Combos. My Apple IIgs was bought a couple of years later but it was still part of a that...in fact...a renaissance of happiness. The windows, the sounds, the graphics and of course the games.
Every time I turn on my Mac I remember that first computer. Sometimes I can still hear someone say in the back of my mind "...it's a fresh new start."
Well Steve...sometimes I imagine that was you. I never got to meet you but...you've certainly left a dent in my life.
P.S. Steve...when my time comes...please come with my parents to pick me up - I'll just be over that grassy hill...a 4 year old boy swinging on his swing.
