Saturday, September 15, 2007

iCon Summary (Reading Task #1)

In the book, “iCon”, May 25th, 2005, pg 5~ 30, Jerry S. Young and William L. Simon described Steve Jobs’s upbringing before making Apple company. (pg 8~30, 2005)

Young and Simon reported that Steve Jobs was born in 1955, and then he adopted a family who had a good skill about mechanical. (pg 8~9, 2005) The background made him also interested in electronics. (Young and Simon, pg 10, 2005) Even though he did not consider school works, he could go to middle school earlier than other students because of his brilliance. (Young and Simon, pg 11, 2005) The writer also showed that when he entered high school, he met Bill Fernandez who had good ability in electronics as same as Steve. (pg 12, 2005)

Young and Simon also indicated that Steve could meet another smart person whose name was Steve Wozniak. They were introduced to each other by Fernandez. (pg 13~15, 2005) Jobs could learn know-how from Wozniak while building a computer. (Young and Simon, pg 16, 2005)

The writer also says that Jobs had many experiences about electronics in companies. (pg 17, 2005) Although he dropped out of college, he could “get just as good an education without the credit.” (Young and Simon, pg 21~22, 2005)

Finally, Young and Simon presented that searching for the truth, he went to India and then he came back with a little enlightening. (pg 23~25, 2005) Afterwards, he came back to his Atari Company. (Young and Simon, pg 27, 2005)

As a result of the book, Young and Simon concluded one chapter that having introduced “Altair Computer Kit” in 1975, led to develop “the first arguably personal computer”. At that time, Jobs and Wozniak could know how to discover a new area. (Young and Simon, pg 29~30, 2005)

1. Disgrace (Shame / Ignominy)
a. Definition: The loss of other people's respect because you have done something they strongly disapprove of.
b. Example: When the boy was arrested by the police because of shoplifting, he could not say anything because he felt disgrace.

2. Custody
a. Definition: The right to take care of a child, given to one of their parents when they have divorced.
b. Example: The judge ruled that the mother could get custody of the child; however, the father would have to give financial support to his ex-wife.

3. Thwart (Frustrate / Spoil)
a. Definition: To prevent someone from doing what they are trying to do.
b. Example: The girl could not finish the homework because her sister thwarted her plans.

4. Demeanor (Behavior / Conduct)
a. Definition: The way someone behaves, dresses, speaks etc that shows what their character is like.
b. Example: Tom was appointed president of the university because of his good demeanor.

5. Exude (Transude / Ooze)
a. Definition: To flow out slowly and steadily, or to make something do this.
b. Example: When I went to school, I could see water excuding from the faucet.

6. Decommission
a. Definition: To stop using a ship, weapon, or nuclear reactor and to take it to pieces.
b. Example: Weapon companies were ordered to decommission by the government.

7. Tinker (Mender)
a. Definition: To make small changes to something in order to repair it or make it works better.
b. Example: People need to tinker with their products when they are broken.

8. Austere (Severe / Stark)
a. Definition: Someone who is austere is very strict and serious - used to show disapproval.
b. Example: My grandfather is austere, so none of them can say anything.

9. Prankster (Trickster / Hoaxer)
a. Definition: Someone who plays tricks and practical jokes on people.
b. Example: Teachers always get stressed because of some pranksters.

10. Youngster (Child / Kid / Juvenile)
a. Definition: Old-fashionedSSY a child or young person.
b. Example: Youngsters, who have no experience, often make mistakes.

11. Precocity (Intelligence)
a. Definition: A precocious child shows intelligence or skill at a very young age, or behaves in an adult way.
b. Example: Some children can think like an adult because of their precocity.

12. Renegade (Rebel)
a. Definition: Someone who leaves one side in a war, politics etc in order to join the opposing side - used to show disapproval.
b. Example: We could not win the war because of a renegade.

13. Penchant (Preference / Predilection / Taste)
a. Definition: A/somebody's penchant for something if you have a penchant for something, you like that thing very much and try to do it or have it often.
b. Example: Andrew has a penchant for playing computer games.

14. Ringleader (Instigator / Provoker)
a. Definition: Someone who leads a group that is doing something illegal or wrong.
b. Example: The police arrested the ringleader of drug trafficking.

15. Provision (Planning / Preparation)
a. Definition: When you provide something that someone needs now or in the future.
b. Example: The government provides provision for seniors after they retire.

4 comments:

~.^ Julee ^.^ said...

Hi Sang Woo,
Your summary is so good and I think you were so excited in your book. Thus, you reported about Steve jobs and main turning point in his life in detail. I hope your book support for your essay so that you can do your essay well!
Julee

Wounggeun Oh said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Wounggeun Oh said...

Wow! it was really hard to get your blog address! anyway, my research topic was "the iCulture - how has the iCulture become a symbol of modernism?" People tend to see successful side of a person, even they haven't tried.
I am sure that Steve Jobs has tried his best to achieve his purpose...anyway, I am really interested in your topic, and maybe I can help you because I researched a lot of informations. anyway, can I borrow your book after finishing research paper? Thanks, and have a good night ^-^

Eli said...

Hi woo,
You summary is easy to undrestand and interesting. I know this is the first part of your book and I'm waiting for the second part to know what is happennig for your character!!
good luck