Tag Archives: death

Apple reflects on the passing of Steve Jobs, and you should too

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One year ago today visionary leader Steve Jobs passed away at the age of 56. When you visit Apple.com you will notice the effort that his company put into remembering him on this mournful day in history that is still ripe in memory. Load the homepage and it immediately starts to play a touching tribute; a montage of powerful images fade in and out as we hear Steve introduce some of the most influential technological advances of our time. The video also includes some of Steve’s most impactful quotes regarding Apple’s DNA. When it ends, a note from his successor Tim Cook appears and it opens like this: “Steve’s passing one year ago today was a sad and difficult time for all of us. I hope that today everyone will reflect on his extraordinary life and the many ways he made the world a better place.”

I never met the man, but I miss him dearly. I will forever be grateful to have served my part at his company during the Apple retail revolution. Each and every day I experience Steve’s contributions to society when I boot up my computer, listen to music, and flick away at my phone. But it’s more than that; his inspiration and motivation to work hard, succeed, and love what you do is keen advice that sits with me at my core. Thank you, Steve, and rest in peace.

Rest in peace, Steve

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Shortly after stepping down as CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs passed away on October 5 at the age of 56. Newly appointed CEO Tim Cook released this statement to Apple employees:

Team,

I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.

No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.

Tim

The company has signified the passing of Steve at www.apple.com by stripping the homepage of all products and replacing it with an enlarged picture of the innovative leader, his name, and the years 1955-2011. Clicking this image brings you to a new portal www.apple.com/stevejobs that contains a part of Cook’s message and a way to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences with the company and Steve’s family.

Rest in peace, Steve. Thanks for inspiring to think different and transforming the world into a better place. Your contribution to society will reign for all time.

RIP Leslie Nielsen

EXPERIENCE, News, , ,

Comedy legend Leslie Nielsen passed away on Sunday due to complications from pneumonia.  At the time of death in a hospital near his home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida he was surrounded by family and friends.  He was 84.

Nielsen is a television and film icon who will always be remembered for his deadpan perfection as Lt. Frank Drebin in The Naked Gun and Dr. Alan Rumack in Airplane!.

And don’t call me Shirley.

[Via THR]

RIP John Hughes

Movies, News, ,

Writer/director John Hughes passed away on   the age of 59.  He directed many classic 80s films like Weird Science, The Breakfast Club, Home Alone, and my personal favorite, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.  He will always be remembered for bringing that special edge and coolness to geeks all around the world.  Also, he was not afraid of making an impact on society by stepping outside the status quo and covering social issues among teens (re: The Breakfast Club).  If you have not seen his movies, I highly recommend you create a “John Hughes weekend” and enjoy all of his hilarious, touching, and influential films.  Thank you John Hughes for making geeks, well, cool.

Billy Mays, pitchman (1958-2009)

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Billy Mays, infomercial king, died of an apparent heart attack over the weekend.  His products, brands, and strong and identifiable personality will live on.  When I first saw an Oxi Clean commercial many years ago, I was so annoyed by it.  As time went on though, I found a place in my heart not only for cleaning products, but also for infomercial maven Mr. Billy Mays.   Rest in peace, Billy Mays.

Check after the break (click “more…”) for a very recent Billy Mays interview with Conan O’Brien, a video of some funny outtakes, a very young Billy Mays on HSN promoting Oxi Clean, and an Oxi Clean commercial. Continue reading Billy Mays, pitchman (1958-2009) →

Michael Jackson, King of Pop (1958-2009)

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Michael Jackson is a true icon.  He revolutionized music, dance, and soul.  He questioned the status quo and forever changed the landscape of the music industry.  His unique vocal style and choreography brought us great music, slick dance moves, and entertaining tours and music videos.  “Jackson was an unstoppable juggernaut, possessed of all the tools to dominate the charts seemingly at will: an instantly identifiable voice, eye-popping dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and loads of sheer star power.”  Thriller (1982) is the best selling album of all time, having sold between 100 and 109 million copies worldwide.  Some of my favorite MJ songs are found on Thriller.  They include Beat It, Billie Jean, and Thriller.  Although it scared the heck out of me as a youngster, the epic music video for Thriller is one that is so influencial, and I will never forget it.  I am a big fan of all genres of music, and we have MJ to thank for pushing the industry in the right direction.  People can say what they will about MJ, but let it be known than I will always remember Michael as the young star of the Jackson Five singing his ABCs, moonwalking his way to fame.

RIP Michael Jackson, King of Pop.

 

[Wiki; Quote via Steve Huey]