Category Archives: The Final Fade Out

One Year Later

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Steve Jobs died one year ago today.

I’ve been using Mac computers for over 20 years. Sure the hardware’s gotten faster and cheaper every five years. But what I truly appreciate is all the Mac software I’ve explored and mastered. Among them:

  • FileMaker Pro introduced me to databases and remains one of the easiest, user-friendly and most powerful database applications out there.
  • HyperCard was a visionary blending of multimedia and programming.
  • Final Cut Pro took me from the analogue film world to the digital video realm.
  • iDVD helped me create beautiful DVDs of my work.
  • GarageBand released my inner rock star.

My hope is that Steve’s vision will remain intact and that Apple will continue to “Think Different”. I hope that in its quest to become a media empire it doesn’t forget about all the independent creators toiling away on their Macs.

Thank you, Steve, for the tools to unleash my creativity.

See Apple’s memorial video for Steve Jobs.

Co-inventor of IMAX dies

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The National Film Board of Canada reports that Roman Kroitor has died: Death of Roman Kroitor: Canada and the Film World Lose a Pioneer.

One of Mr. Kroitor’s many achievements was co-invenitng IMAX over 40 years ago. Something approaching a monopoly, IMAX pretty well cornered the large-format production and exhibition space, owning cameras, films and theatres. Its business model has diversified somewhat lately, expanding into 3D TV and laser lamps.

My favourite IMAX film is Van Gogh: Brush with Genius. I saw this in Victoria one early evening and, leaving the theatre, was rewarded with the magical orange light of the soon-to-set sun bathing the harbour. For the next half hour, it was as if I was continuing to see the world through Van Gogh’s eyes. Wonderful!

Thank you, Roman.