The Frogman

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

After a long battle with pancreatic cancer, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs has passed away. As is tradition on my blog, he has been immortalized as a Jedi spirit. 

To many, Steve Jobs was a hard man to like. His arrogance and poor tact often gave a cold impression to those who interacted with him. But I think his saving grace was that he made no apologies and used these traits to the benefit of his company and to innovate products that were often unsurpassed.

He took a fledgling computer company and turned it into one of the most powerful brands in the world. He was an intellectual giant that accepted nothing less than perfection. He raised the bar for the technology industry time and time again.

Whether you use Apple products or not, his influence has made your life easier and more productive. It’s astounding to think of all he had a hand in creating. He changed the way we listen to music, create music, watch movies, create movies. The way we communicate, socialize, get information, get from place to place. The way we shop, the way we kill time in spartan waiting rooms. Mobile phones are now nearly as powerful and functional as their PC counterparts. Technology is no longer is an eyesore. He proved to the world that our gadgets could be works of art.

Yes, he was a hard man to like, but I am grateful for all that he created.

One more thing…

Rest in peace, Mr. Jobs.

pleatedjeans:

Fun Ways to Die

Irvin Kershner 1923-2010

There is one movie I have watched more than any other. I have it on VHS, VHS (again), DVD, DVD, DVD, and it’s possible I have a high definition file on my computer I’m not supposed to. The Empire Strikes Back is considered by many to be the best of the Star Wars films and I agree. And many also believe Irvin is the reason for that. Even at the time, he was an old school director. He wasn’t mainstream. He wasn’t a hotshot young director with something to prove. He knew his craft and given the right material he could easily make a masterpiece. I would like to thank him for my favorite movie and I hope to watch it another hundred times. 

Leslie Nielsen 1926-2010

Deadpan. It’s a form of comic delivery that is tough to pull off and tough to master. And if you are looking for the master, Leslie Nielsen was it. Believe it or not, his long and storied career started with a lot of dramatic work. He was even in a few old cowboy films. Starting in 1950, Nielsen amassed one of the most prolific acting resumes that Hollywood has ever seen. Just trying to scroll through his IMDB page will tire your scrolling finger.

Nielsen appeared in over 100 films and 1,500 television programs over the span of his career, portraying over 220 characters.

Though he was never out of work as an actor, his big break came in the moive Airplane! His ability to deliver the most nonsensical lines with the utmost sincerity made that movie a classic that new generations are still discovering today.

My first memory of Leslie was when my dad told me I should watch this “Naked Gun” movie. I was pretty young. Maybe 10 or so. I didn’t get all of it, but I put my little vcr tape in the machine and recorded it off channel 11 here in St. Louis. And I wore that tape out watching it over and over. I believe at that age my favorite part was the spinning police light going down the roller coaster. 

I am going to miss Leslie and his deadpan baritone deliveries. Luckily there is plenty of material that will keep his memory alive for generations to come. No joking this time. Rest in peace, Mr. Nielsen. I will miss you.

As is tradition on my blog, you are now an official Jedi ghost.