31/08/2011

Will Apple still be the same Without Steve Jobs?

Some recent news is shaking up the technology sector. Steve Jobs has decided to resign his position as CEO of Apple. Some people may wonder what kind of effect this may have on the company since Apple and Steve Jobs are practically synonymous and most techie-types are familiar with the history of Steve Jobs breaking from Microsoft to build his own mega-company.  Most would agree we are all the better for it, with the prevalence of the iPhone, Mac Book and Apple products that proliferate the computer industry.  Artists enjoy garage band and I’m pretty sure most visual artists would agree that once you go Mac, you never go back. So what direction will Apple head now, with Steve Jobs stepping down?

Some people have suspected this move for quite some time. Jobs has had some health issues that may have made the final decision to step aside a more pressing one. The board of directors have invited Jobs to stay on the board , and he has recommended Tim Cook as his successor. 


Some people think that this will be the beginning of the end of Apple, but any great company goes through changes. He didn’t create the company on his own, and it took lots of brilliant engineers and employees to make Apple that great company that we know today. Although Steve Jobs may have been the primary creative force behind Apple’s initial uprising, he would never have been able to build it to the extent he did without having a great team supporting his creative efforts.


The industry-changing products that Apple introduced in the past are its backbone, and due to their popularity, are surely not going anywhere soon. In a letter to the board, Steve wrote,"I would be the first to let you know when I could not continue to do my job to the best of my abilities." For a man who absolutely revolutionized the music industry with the MP3 player and iTunes, who single-handedly turned the PC industry upside down, and made the Smartphone industry something to put in his back pocket, perhaps its time to make room for another master-mind. The Apple game plan is said to be at least five years in the planning, so we may not see the true results of Steve Jobs’ new role in the company for quite some time.


There are rumours that Google may buy Apple out, or that there will be a free-for-all to buy Apple stock while it plummets as a result of the recent news. However, Jobs and his team are enduring, and though he will no longer be the CEO, as a board member his influence will still be pronounced. Jobs once saved Apple from bankruptcy in the past, and though this may mean some rocky months for Apple before it resettles with its new CEO, Tim Cook, at the helm, it will undoubtedly roust itself to the prominent position it has gained over the last several decades in the world of Technology and as a big player on the stock market.

Green DIY: 10 Ways of Minimizing your Carbon Footprint

Takers and Givers: Deforestation, air and water pollution and the plundering of our natural resources are some of the real “big” issues that surrounds us and the devastating effects on our environment cannot be ignored. Huge companies and industries leading this catastrophic pillaging of our Mother Earth are the most visible culprits. Looking at global warming and all the statistics that go with it can be quite overwhelming.

Thinking that my ‘little’ contribution to reduce my carbon-footprint and aid in addressing global warming does not make much of a difference is...well... an illusion to put it lightly. With a world population of close to 6.93 billion, assuming only 1 billion are ‘normal’ people like you and me, thinking the same...it all adds up. Get the picture?

How can I give? You can make a difference in a positive way. Starting with small steps.  The following tips will help you to create a healthier and cleaner environment in and around your home. Less poisons to inhale, organic food on your table, and proudly tipping the scales in your little spot in favor of Mother Nature. Implementing these tips will allow you to give back to the environment that so freely gives of her resources.

Turn it off - Turn off all electrical items such as lights, Hi-Fi, geysers, computers, televisions, microwaves and other power consuming appliances/devices. Energy-saving light bulbs/appliances (CFL bulbs), and rechargeable batteries not only uses less electricity, but also saves you money.

The heat is on Reduce the temperature of central heating/water heaters slightly by 1 or 2 degrees. Timer settings also work well.

Loads of fun - Doing half loads are a waste of fun, sorry, electricity. Load up your washing machine, tumble dryer or dish washer once you have a full load. This way you reduce the water and power bill.

Shop ‘till you drop’ - Once a week will do. Plan your shopping in advance so as to reduce your trips to the grocery store. Even better, walk when you can. It saves fuel, and tightens those muscles in the rear of your jeans.

Sunshine in my skirts - Whenever possible, hang your washing out to dry in the sun. Don’t you just love the smell of sun in your clothes?

Insulate Use good insulation for your hot water tank, house walls and loft. This will maintain temperature for a longer period and will save on heat loss.

Purchase recycled paper - Producing recycled paper takes less energy than new paper - think of all the trees you are saving.

Little back garden - If you have the means to grow your own fruit and vegetables, try it. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the earth, and the pleasure one derives from eating your own grown goodies is very satisfying. You eat organic, you save on packaging, and the peels and pips can be worked back into a compost heap again, truly a re-cycle cycle with benefits. Pots and containers are useful and can be moved to your next home, easily.

Support the Locals - If you can’t grow your own, at least buy locally grown products. This reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the amount of travel the food takes to get to your plate. Support your local farmers and traders.

Worm a farm - This is a great way to get the kids involved. Worm-farms are very popular, and the benefits are great. Your vegetable and fruit waste feed the worms, and they churn out beautiful compost and ‘worm-juice’.

Share your knowledge - There is a lot of information on websites on how to reduce your carbon footprint. Share this knowledge with your family and friends. They will be grateful for the money saving tips, even if the positive effects they are making on the planet hadn’t entered their minds!
2011 Moira G Gallaga ©