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.

My wife (@sarahbird1) and I decided to take a little drive and get an ice cream while we were out.  So we left the house for about an hour.

When we drove back into the neighborhood, we noticed this guy walking around who didn’t look right.  So we did what most people would do…we followed him.

He walked around the neighborhood a couple of times and then I saw him duck into some cars parked down the street.  That’s when Sid called 9-1-1.  We gave a description of the guy to the sheriff’s office and then drove home, because we had lost sight of him.

After about an hour, we headed to bed…when the phone rang.  It was the sheriff.  He said that had the guy and we needed to make an ID.  We got up, got dressed, and met the sheriff’s officer, and even got to ride in the back of the sheriff’s car (YES!!).

When they pulled the ‘perp’ out of the other sheriff’s car, we positively ID’d the guy that we had seen.  And then we were driven back home, were we gave written statements.

Apparently this guy has a record, is homeless, and was actually looking to hit up some cars…

Had Sid and I not been on the lookout, we might not have even noticed  him…or even had our cars broken into…

But then I started to think about this guy.  And I prayed for him.  How bad does your life have to be to have to live on the street and break into cars for money?

Anyway, this is a great reminder to BE AWARE of the people in your neighborhood.  KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS. And always LOCK your car doors, your houses, and PRAY for those less fortunate that yourself.

I know that I am a little late getting into the “Single Ladies” thing, but I JUST came across this video and I had to share it.  Sid and I are fascinated by this song…it’s hooky and catchy…plus we just like it…

Anyway, the REAL Beyonce video is great, but you can tell that it was done in several takes…THESE two ladies, however, do it in 1 take! So I wanted to share it with you and just enjoy it.

BTW – someone should hire them ASAP!

break the Figure-4 Leg Lock (via Tony Morgan)