All About Steve.

Steve Jobs, 1955 - 2011.

Today, the world mourns a tech legend, the one and only Steve Jobs.

The man behind the re-invention of the Macintosh brand, who brought a lowly second choice to a Windows style PC, into a massive must have computational instrument. His ideas were more than just 'another computer' they were works of art. A classy item to sit proudly on any desk.

Even though we understand that Steve did have many creative and highly talented people behind him, he himself, was just a pure magnet of energy, we always hung off every word at every press conference or event he held. It was just so exciting to see what he and his team had in store for us next.

For me personally, it began a long time ago, back when I was still in school, living in Tasmania, Australia. My dad and I were hardcore Atari Computer fans. We had an Atari 1040STe, an Atari 1040 Mega STe and also the final TOS based OS computer, the Medusa. We dabbled with PCs, but were always staunch Atari supporters until they folded entirely with the failure of the Jaguar game system. I knew a bit about the Macintosh, in Europe, the Macintosh and the Atari guys were good friends. I do believe there were talks of possible take overs from either side (maybe during Steve Jobs' absence, when Macs were failing) and a fusion of TOS and Mac OS was on the horizon, but never eventuated.

The Atari 1040STe.

My first real Mac temptation came from a friend, who's mother managed one of the few (maybe only) Mac authorised resellers in Hobart. They always had Macs in their home, and the she brought back an original Tangerine iBook, I was astonished and captivated by this sleekly shaped piece of art. I really racked my brain looking for the justification to attempt to co-erce my dad into a purchase.

The iBook in it's many colours.

Sadly, the iBook purchase never happened. A similar feeling washed over me with the release of the PowerMac G4 Cube. That thing, truly was a work of art, it still is. It was stylistically well before it's time. My friend had the original Unreal Tournament playing on it and I was itching to have one for myself! Once again, it wasn't to be.

The PowerMac G4 Cube.

My actual first Mac purchase is what I'm blogging on right now. A 2007 MacBook Pro. It's in immaculate condition and I love it to bits. Along with my iPhone 3GS, I'm not as up to date as many other Mac fans, but I still love reading all about Apple's latest forays into the tech market place.

Steve, you will truly be missed by ALL tech nerds all over the world. God bless you, your family and all who worked for you in all the Apple shops and factories all over the world.

Blogger App For iPhone.

So yes. I'm currently writing this post from my iPhone and from the comfort of a place most people sit to use their smart phones on their 'Angry Bird Breaks.' I believe they coined another term for this... It's a functional app that I'm still really exploring all it can do (which probably isn't all that much) but at least it's semi useful for instant, on the go posts.

You can also attach images, as you can see from the photo I took of the lovely ceramic waste bins in Suzhou, China. Possibly the nicest looking garbage bins I've laid eyes on.

Joel Houston - Song Writer for God.

A vast majority of Christians world wide know the Australian Pentecostal Church Hillsong, and a vast majority of Churches world wide sing their worship songs on a weekly basis. It's always an exciting time of the year when it's time for Hillsong Live's new album release, to hear what worship music they have created this time (for the people who can't afford or make it to the yearly Hillsong Conference). Each album improves, and each song becomes much more intricately structured, each track filled to the brim with praise.

One of the integral components to Hillsong Live and also Hillsong United is the lead pastor's son, Joel Houston (who is now co-pastor at Hillsong NYC) and on a personal level, the songs he writes are some of my favourites. Joel seems to specialise in what I describe as 'epic' worship, lengthier tracks that build and build into a massive explosion. I typically will be listening to these tracks on a daily basis and they never fail to send shivers down my spine as I listen to them. I had the privilege of attending 2011's Hillsong OneDay Conference and experienced these songs in a live setting, with around 10,000 other worshippers and the presence of God and the power of the songs is such an experience to be felt.

Below are a few of the songs that Joel has written over the years.

Rise - Hillsong Live, album: God Is Able

Rise, is currently my favourite track on God Is Able. It's a brilliant way to start the album and is written specifically to prepare the Church's heart for worship.

With Everything - Hillsong Live, album: This Is Our God

With Everything has one incredible build up that just explodes at the end, and when experienced live, with thousands of other worshippers singing in unison, it is almost an outer body experience! It really brings you right there with God.

Beautiful Exchange - Hillsong Live, album: A Beautiful Exchange

The title track from the above mentioned album, remains one of Joel's most atmospheric and hypnotic worship songs, which he supposedly wrote in his head as he was surfing one day in Bondi Beach. Another track that truly shows his heart and love for Jesus. 

Psalm 150:1-6 ESV

Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! ...