To say that Steve Jobs was a complicated man would be a HUGE understatement of fact.  Steve Jobs was without any doubt a genius, visionary, and marketing master.  It is also a true statement to say that there is not an aspect of our lives that is not touched by Jobs or one of Jobs’ creations.  And that goes far beyond Apple and iPods, iPads, and iPhones…  The personal computer (Apples AND PCs) were both shaped and refined by the amazing creativity of Steve Jobs.  The entertainment industry was dramatically affected by Jobs and PIXAR.  And the world was forever changed by one man…Steve Jobs.

Walter Isaacson’s writing style is engaging and compelling.  I listened to Steve Jobs on audio book and it was difficult to “put the book down.”  I will be honest, the Biblical size of the book itself was a little overwhelming, but on the other hand, the audio books was 24+ hours long…  It’s an exhaustive narrative of Job’s life, loves, creations, and vision!

Looking through the prism of leadership, Steve Jobs is NOT the model for any business leader or corporate boss.  His moods would swing from rapt infatuation to furious anger, and at times he would cry and throw a temper tantrums much like a petulant small child.   Jobs would rally his corporate troops to push themselves to create WORLD CHANGING devices and tools and then back stab a past business partner out of sheer spite.

Steve Jobs was never truly loyal to family or friends, including his own children, but even in his last days, he was excited about the newest Apple device about to come out.  In many ways Jobs was a very unlikeable man, but in spite of his blustery personality, he was driven by art, design, and simplicity.

My favorite parts of the book was the PIXAR era, and I think that Jobs was most creative and, dare I say, happiest, when he was working with John Lasseter and the PIXAR team.  But even as Steve was helping to create movies like Toy Story and A Bugs Life, Jobs was also fighting with Disney and helping to oust Michael Eisner and usher in a new era for Disney Animation.

Steve Jobs was a creative genius and visionary.  And I think that he achieved his goal to change the world.  But to hear his story, I was struck by a sadness knowing that  he was driven by his abandonment as a child and his lack of moral center.  He spent his entire life trying to find enlightenment and wisdom, but at the end of his life, he was just like any other man.  And to hear about all of the amazing coincidences that happened for Jobs to make the connections to create amazing companies like Apple and PIXAR which brought about world changing devices and entertainment.

I did not know Steve Jobs, but I am sure that I would have been in awe of him, but I am equally sure that he would have been uninspired by me.  But that was the dichotomy of Steve Jobs.  People, ideas, or devices were either great or they were crap.  His vision, his genius, his creativity is worthy of study and emulation, but as a man, Steve Jobs is not a hero.  I feel sorry for him.  But I am thankful for his life and his creations.  We are a better world for his life.

Sarah and I are both working at a conference in Los Angeles, California this week, and in the time that we get off, we try to take in as much of the “sights and tastes” as we can.  Which brought us to Pink’s Hot Dogs on the corner of Melrose and La Brea, right in the heart of Hollywood, USA!

Pink’s is arguably one of the most famous hot dog stands in the country, but in L.A., it’s an institution!

Pink’s was started by Paul Pink in 1939.  It all started as a simple hot dog stand during the depression.  But Pink’s chili dogs, complete with a large warm bun, over-sized hot dog, mustard, onions and thick chili sold for 10 cents each, which was a hearty meal for a small amount.  And that helped it grow into the L.A. landmark it is today.

It’s not uncommon to see celebrities and dignitaries from all over the world standing in the extremely long line for their hot dog delicacy, but remember: Pinks does not accept credit cards, and they do not have an ATM on sight..so bring your cash!

Sarah tried the veggie-dog and stayed healthy, while I had the “Mulholland Drive Dog,” a 9″ hot dog with onions, mushrooms, bacon, and nacho cheese…OUTSTANDING!  We both shared a generous portion of onion rings as well.

The hot dogs were amazing and worth the wait, the smell was intoxicating.  And the atmosphere was incredible.  The crowd we waited with was truly a melting pot of all cultures and nationalities, it was like a United Nations brought together with hot dogs and hamburgers (Pink’s also sells burgers, fries, and sausages, but that another trip).

The next time you are in the Los Angeles area, you need to be on the lookout for Pinks Hot Dogs.  It’ll be easy to see, just look for the crowd of people and following the aroma of succulent hot dogs and sausages, fresh meaty chili, and grilled onions!

We left Tampa a lot later than we had really wanted to, but when it was all said and done, we were on the road to Key West, FL…sorta.  We had to make a pit stop (or two) in Orlando to drop some gear and then also pick up some supplies for the week. Our  stop was in Celebration…nice, very close to Disney, but no ride in store for us.  And then a stop at Sam’s Club for food and drinks (for the hotel room, not for lunch).  And then we were off…

I think I fell asleep about an hour in and woke up just north of Ft. Lauderdale.  We made another stop for gas and dinner and then continued on.  Night was falling as we crossed from main land to the roads that jumped from island to island until we hit the Keys!  Once we arrived, we had a hotel crisis…we didn’t have rooms until TOMORROW, so we had to figure out who was sleeping were.  Once that crisis was solved…

Duval Street…

….  And then we came home and crashed.  All in all, a GREAT first day!

Like most people who grew up in the 70′s and 80′s, my first real knowledge of Winnie-the-Pooh was from Disney.  My only real experience with Pooh, and all his wonderful friends, was either seeing them in cartoon form or meeting them at Walt Disney World.    But i always had a desire to meet them in their natural habitat…in the pages of  A. A. Milne’s classic book named after his iconic character, Winnie, called Pooh.

Original Winnie the Pooh stuffed toys. Clockwise from bottom left: Tigger, Kanga, Edward Bear (aka Winnie-the-Pooh), Eeyore, and Piglet.

Winnie is a bear that belongs to Christopher Robin, named after Milne’s son, Christopher Robin Milne. You also meet Poohs friends Piglet, Owl, Eeeyore, Kanga, and Roo.  You probably know these characters, but unless you’ve read the books, you have no idea of who they really are.

You read all of Pooh’s exploits and adventures throughout the 1000 Acre wood through the stories told to a son by his father.  The stories are simple, lovely, and enduring.  The animal friends tend to be a little mischievous and sometimes very simple in thought, but they are all good animals who only wish to enjoy being together.

And like most great literature, there are lessons to be learned on many levels.  I will read these stories over again, and when I have children, I will introduce them to that simple Old Bear, Winnie-the-Pooh.  Won’t you pick up a copy of the book and join me an adventure?  Make sure you bring some honey!