Steve Jobs 1955-2011

Sadly reported this week was the death of Steve Jobs.  Maybe you have or have not heard his name, but his impact on the world will long be remembered and his presence will be missed, particularly in the technology industry. 

As the co-founder of Apple computers in the 1970s, he has demonstrated a commitment to the same ideas for close to 40 years, create something for people that is simple and helpful.  From the first Apple computer and its quirky operating system to the iPad and its 140,000 apps, he has been the catalyst to product innovation and development. 

His ideas have changed the way we listen to and purchase music, raised our expectations concerning our mobile phones, and have given us an easy-to-use home computer that is the size of a notepad.  He has provided the vision and taken the risks many would not.  He has questioned the status quo and made many decisions based on his gut not on market research.  He has been the leader in making technology not only useful by stylish.

Innovation is difficult.  It requires vision, creativity, and guts.  To most, it is easier to improve on something as oppose to creating something no one has ever seen before.  His ability to innovate was one of the many unique qualities of Steve Jobs that will be missed.

Besides the computer itself, what do you think is the coolest technology product ever released?  Why?  What do you think is required to be an innovator?  What more can be done in school to inspire innovation?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Since 1985, October has been designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month.   It is an entire month dedicated to increasing awareness and educating the public of the causes and treatments of breast cancer.  While the organization continues the mission to educate year round, they take one month of the year to pour extra effort into the campaign.

If you pay close attention, you can find pink ribbons throughout the community.  My daughters’ soccer team not only has a pink ribbon on their regular uniform, they have also invested in a completely pink uniform to signify the club’s support of education and awareness on breast cancer.  If you watch football on Sundays, the NFL has joined the campaigned.  You will see different teams with some sort of pink accent, whether it be gloves, shoes, or towels. 

Cancer is when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to divide without control or order.  Breast cancer is when this process occurs in the breast tissue of both women and men.  Cells dividing without order can cause excess tissue which forms a mass called a tumor.  While most tumors are not cancerous, many are.  The invasion of these malignant tumors can cause additional damage to other tissue and organs.

In 2009, there was an approximate 192,370 cases of breast cancer diagnosed.  That number includes 1,910 men.  In the same year there were 40,610 deaths including 440 men.  There are approximately 2.5 million survivors.  It is the second most common type of cancer in women (skin cancer is first) and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths to women (lung cancer is first).  With such a wide spread disease, it is difficult to find anyone who has not been effected or experienced breast cancer in some way, either with a relative, spouse or friend.

It would be difficult to measure the total impact of the various campaigns supporting breast cancer awareness, it is true that we have seen a significant decrease is the number of incidents (2% decline) and death (2% decline) in the last ten to fifteen years.

What do you think about having a month dedicated to breast cancer awareness?  Are there other diseases which could benefit from starting similar campaigns?  If so, what disease and why?

Global Recession?

This week experienced some substantial ups and downs in the financial world leaving many people questioning if we are headed back into a global recession.  While it may seem as though we never recovered, according to economists, the last recession which began in 2006 ended approximately two years ago.  The steady but slow recovery process has been met with constant questions and setbacks.

This week the stock market plunged.  Although it was up on Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 6% for the week.  This represents close to a trillion dollars.  In addition, the value of gold took a huge drop today, finishing the week below $1,700 per ounce. 

As the week concluded, all eyes have turned to Europe.  It is extremely likely Greece is going to default on its debt.  While other European nations have done what they can to prop up Greece, the effects of their situation will have shock waves across the globe.  In addition Italy and Spain are showing signs of potential problems in the near future.

What do you know about the economy?  How do you think a global recession will impact our community and you personally?  What should be done to fix the economy?  (I need creative and imaginative ideas. Remember there are no bad ideas)

The Lion King

On September 16, 2011 Disney is re-releasing one of its most beloved films of all time.  The Lion King is due out in theatres across the country, this time in 3D.  Originally released in 1994, The Lion King is a story depicting the coming of age of a young lion cub destined to be king of the jungle.  After losing his father at a young age as a result of his uncle’s murderous plot to take over the kingdom, Simba chooses to run away for a life with no worries.  He is called back by a dear friend after his Uncle Scar has all but destroyed the kingdom.  Simba battles and defeats his uncle restoring the kingdom and the society to its natural order.

The story is a classic rendition of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, using a background and artistry never seen before.  The movie grossed over $783 million worldwide not to mention the incredible profits from merchandise including coloring books, costumes, water bottles, lunch boxes, and stuffed animals. It is the sixth highest grossing animated film of all time and the highest grossing hand-drawn animated film ever.

The Lion King is a movie everyone should see.  It will make you laugh, cry, and rejoice as you journey with Simba from his childhood to adulthood.

What was your favorite childhood movie?  Why?  What do you think of the animated movies produced today?  What kind of influence can movies have on children and our society?

Tenth Anniversary - September 11th

This Sunday marks the 10^th anniversary of one of the most tragic days in modern American history.  While the day began as any other day, it would end with images and stories of unfathomable death and destruction.  It was a day no one saw coming and no one will ever forget.

While truly tragic, it was also a day which demonstrated the incredible will and strength of the human spirit.  There were as many stories of heroism as there was destruction.  We witnessed countless acts of bravery and selflessness.  And these are only the stories we know.  Many of the incredible stories forever died with the victims.

The following is a brief timeline of the day’s events.

At 8:45 am, the first plane crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.  The crash instantly killed hundreds of innocent people and trapped hundreds more above the 110^th floor.  While emergency crews sprang into action, a mere 18 minutes later, a second plane crashed into the South Tower.  It was evident to all, this was not a coincidence, the United States was under attack. 

At 9:45 am, a third plane crashed into the Pentagon.  The jet fuel caused a devastating fire causing a small structural collapse. 

15 minutes after the Pentagon crash, the South Tower collapsed.  It was less than one hour from the time the plane crashed into the building to when it fell to the ground.

 At 10:10, the country became aware of a fourth plane wreck.  United Flight 93 had left the Newark airport late.  40 minutes after departure, terrorists took control of the plane.  The passengers on the plane, aware of the events of New York and Washington, decided to take action.  They overtook the terrorist and in the process crashed the plane into a Pennsylvanian field.  All aboard were killed instantly.

At 10:30, the inevitable occurred.  The North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.  While the nation watched in awe, the brave firefighters, police officers and other city officials continued to respond to their call to duty.  Due to the devastation created when the Twin Towers collapsed, four other building would fall to the ground during the day. 

As the day concluded we began to hear the devastating carnage from the day.  In New York City approximately 3,000 people were killed, including 343 firefighter and paramedics, 23 police officers and 37 Port Authority officers.  In Washington, DC, 125 military personnel and civilians were killed at the Pentagon in addition to the 64 people on board the flight.  An additional 45 people were killed in the Pennsylvanian field from Flight 93.

What do you know about the events of September 11^th?   Do you think this is a day of tragedy or triumph for the United States?  How do you think the day should be remembered and commemorated?

Bob Marley

May 11 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the death of Bob Marley.  If you think his death was just another unfortunate end to a musician, you would be wrong.  Bob Marley was revolutionary in his music and his message.  He used his art to inspire millions of people in developed and developing countries to look for peace and acceptance.  He hoped to inspire people to stand up for themselves, their rights and the rights of others. 

Bob Marley was born Robert Nesta Marley in a poor village in Jamaica.  His father was a white Jamaican-born, British national and his mother was a black Jamaican.  His mixed ethic background led to considerable ridicule and abuse during Marley’s childhood.  His father left the family when he was young having little contact with his son. 

Bob soon found acceptance through music.  While living in Trench Town, a poverty stricken part of Kingston, he met his childhood and musical friends, Bunny Livingston and Peter McIntosh (later known as Peter Tosh).   Together they would explore the music of reggae and ska.  The three would form a group called the Wailing Wailers and released their first record in 1964.  They gained extensive notoriety throughout Jamaica, but it would be another 11 years until their music was widely played in England and 12 years until they would have their first American hit. 

During this time, Bob’s music and message took on a more spiritual and political nature.  Exploring the religion of Rastafarian, Marley reached the hearts and minds of millions of Third World citizens.  Their first American hit “War” was based on a speech by Ethiopian leader Halle Selassie.  His controversial political views and his continued support of the Peoples Nation Party in Jamaica led to an assassination attempt in 1976.  Bob was shot twice, once in the sternum and once in the bicep.  While not being mortally wounded, Bob refused to allow the sustained injuries to prevent him from playing the scheduled show days later.

1977 proved to be a significant year in his life.  First, he and his band released the album Exodus.  The album was such a huge success its singles stayed on the charts for the next three tears.  Songs including “Waiting in Vain”, “Exodus”, and “Jammin’” make this one of the best albums ever released.  In addition, 1977 included the discovery of cancerous cells in his toes.  While his religious belief prevented him from current medical procedures, he found some relief through natural remedies.

He was able to continue to create and inspire for another four year until in 1981 the cancer spread throughout his body.  His funeral was attended by over 30,000 people in Jamaica.  Before his death he was awarded the Order of Merit from the Jamaican government and the Medal of Peace from the United Nations in 1980. 

His music still inspires people today.  His message of peace, unity and strength are as relevant today as they were 30+ years ago.  He is revered in his homeland and in many African nations.

 

Do you or have you ever listened to Bob Marley’s music?  If so, do you like it?  Do you think music can change the world?  Why or why not?  What music do you listen to and why?  Are there any artists today trying to change the world through their craft?  Who and how?

Death of Osama bin Laden

On Sunday evening around 8:45 pm, our regular scheduled television shows were interrupted with breaking news.  The news would inspire patriotism, relief, anxiety, and trepidation across the United States and the world.  The news:  Osama bin Laden is dead.

It has been close to 10 years since the bin Laden became a popular terrorist icon and known across the country as the face and mind behind the elusive and deadly terrorist organization “al-Qaida”.  Even though he created this organization in 1988, it would not be until 2001 when he and his cohorts become a household name.  The fateful day in September would forever change Americans and our sense of security in the world. 

News of his death spread quickly on Sunday evening.  Hours before President Obama addressed the nation, people from coast to coast were spreading the news through social media.  ESPN and other news affiliates were able to capture the looks of joy and relief on the faces of those attending the Phillies/Mets baseball game.  The crowd went as far to begin chanting “U-S-A”.  In other cities, people gathered at capitol buildings, statehouses, and other public forums to celebrate the triumph of freedom and the demise of terrorism. 

In the days since we have become increasingly aware of the details behind the mission.  We have been made aware of the use of SEAL Team Six and their need for anonymity.  We have learned about the proper Muslim burial bin Laden was granted.  We have learned of the existence of pictures of the event, which will not be released.  We have learned that although the leader of this feared terrorist organization is dead, we are still not completely secure.  Security at airports, military instillations, and other public and government building are on heightened security.

What do you think about the death of Osama bin Laden?  How will this impact the United States and Homeland Security?  Although you were very young on September 11, how do you think this event will impact the lives of those directly involved and victimized by the 9/11 terrorist attack?