Farewell Steve Jobs, good job!

Tribute to Steve Jobs (24th February 1955 - 5th October 2011)

This morning when I stepped into office, Elspeth told me that Steve Jobs has passed on and I suddenly felt so upset. Just 2 days ago, Apple just released Iphone 4S and the former CEO has passed on yesterday night. It was probably a coincident too that myself and Elspeth decided to wear black today as part of mourning for a great man.

I do not know why, but while I was reading through his life story on Wikipedia, I had a sad feeling and tears kept welling at my eyes. I still remembered doing this assignment when I was still a university student on the creation of Computers and his name was there. Since then, in the beginning of 21st century, after he revolutionized Apple and its products, we could suddenly browse the Internet in our hands and everywhere we go. Technology suddenly became closer.

To me, his major contributions would be invention of the PC, made animated films for the world, created Apple I-products which changed how the world functioned. I am yet amazed at how simple he has turned softwares into, such that they can be incorporated into his I-gadgets. I-movie, Iphone etc. With the demise of such a creative man, would we still be able to see more creative products from Apple? Arh..

Ok, life goes on.. I will go donate some blood to save some lives..

Oh by the way, do you know that he is the major single shareholder in Walt Disney? We should be grateful to have animation movies to watch...

Some excerpts from Wikipedia:

Apple released a separate statement saying that Jobs had died. The statement read '"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. 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. His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts"'.

Also on October 5, 2011, Apple's corporate website greeted visitors with a simple obituary listing Job's lifespan next to his greyscale portrait. Clicking on Jobs' image led to an obituary that read: '"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."' An email address was also posted for the public to share their memories, condolences, and thoughts.

Jobs is survived by his wife, Laurene, to whom he was married for 20 years, their three children, and a fourth child, Lisa Brennan-Jobs, from a previous relationship.

Statements on Jobs' death: (Who Steve Jobs was in the eyes of others)

Bill Gates released a statement saying:

I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work. Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives. The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.

Walt Disney Company president Bob Iger said in regards to Jobs:

Steve Jobs was a great friend as well as a trusted advisor. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined. Steve was such an "original," with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started. With his passing the world has lost a rare original, Disney has lost a member of our family, and I have lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Laurene and his children during this difficult time.

Excerpts from President Barack Obama's statement:

Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it. By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

It has been a really long time...

It has been almost 1 and 1/2 years since I last posted something on this blog. I have nearly forgotten that I still have this blog since my last post. Thanks to Candy who told me that I have not posted anything for some time. Many things have taken place and I have changed quite a bit. When I read what I have posted, I ask myself where is this 'fire' in me?

Well, 2011 is still quite a smooth sailing year for me, I teach 4 classes and almost all have graduated except for my 3 higher chinese class. They will have their End of Year exams in a few hours time and their 1st O level paper in less than a month's time. So, is it time to move on? I realized that it is difficult to move away now that I have built a bond with students from my CCA and also my Higher Chinese class but it all boils down to fate if I can move to another more personal platform where I could prove my worth. To me, a thank you from students are the best gift I can get..However at times, a nonsensical complaint can bog you down. Given my character, maybe I am not suited to be in this line. I only do what I think is right and worth doing.

I have made many friends with my students, really cool people, like Shaowei, Caleb, Hong Rong, Seri, Raidah, Gui Xiang.. To mention a few and many many more..Some, whom I believe will remain as lifelong friends. The education system has a weird way of restricting teachers befriending students hence I would still want to maintain my "professional" self while still maintaining a true friendship with them.

A piece of good news though, which happened after the 2011 General Election, which saw a shake up in the Cabinet. Seems like Mr Heng, our Education Minister has realized what many others failed to realize, the vision that character education is much more important than academia. I do not know what belies in the future for the next few months. I have personal dreams and also personal goals which I hope to achieve. In order to pursue one, I have to give up the other one. Both can't go together. In order to pursue my dream of travelling and widening my perspective, I have to give up my goal of educating the next generation and pass down my knowledge to shape characters.

I dare not say that I have done much to my students, especially those who have gone to Cambodia with me but I do see a change. " A change at a time" The slogan on my T-shirt of one of my expeditions and this is what I see in them. I am especially happy for Seri for the transformations that she has proven herself to be. Really proud of her. From being one of the last few in the stream and a student who had a 'poor' grade when she was in Sec 2; she is now an "excellent" student in teacher's eyes and topping the class in her prelims. My best Station Inspector in NPCC and she has been with me to Cambodia twice and seen more of the world there. Really great memories there.

As I sit down thinking back of my past few months, I feel that as a person, I have lost out a lot of precious time to think about what I really want in life. I have been focusing on things of what others expect of me which has made me lose myself and directions. I got into a minor accident in Cambodia on the last project and it has made me lose a certain part of me. Time to adjust back.

Time to make a decision. Time to make a stand. X-men: the last stand. haha