iCon Summary #4

In the book, “iCon”, May 25th, 2005, pg 275~297, Jerry S. Young and William L. Simon described Steve Jobs’s success on the “iPod” and “iTunes”.
Young and Simon reported that Steve Jobs started to be interested in music field, which is related to iPod and iTunes (2005, pg 276). The writers explained that Jobs made Tony Fadell and Jon Rubinstein begin iPod project (2005, pg 276~277). They stated that Jobs changed his behavior and personality to notice real world (2005, pg 279). The authors also showed that Jobs led Jonathan Ive who was vice president of Apple’s Industrial Design Group created design for iPod (2005, 280~281).
Young and Simon indicated iPod was already popular among famous musicians before launch (2005, pg 282). According to the writers, October 23rd, 2001, “Apple” introduced iPod to the world (2005, pg 284). First time, iPod was not sold very well, but after one year later, it began to take off (2005, pg 285). They also presented that Jobs made iTunes Music Store, which was intended to sell all kinds of music legally on the net (2005, pg 286~287). They explained that Jobs made agreement with Dr.Dre who was famous gangsta rapper and producer, which gave Apple the right to his music (2005, pg 286~287). Young and Simon stated that Jobs also signed agreement with five big companies such as Sony, Warner, Universal, EMI, and BMG (2005, pg287). They reported that Jobs opened “a new area for digital music consumption” because people can easily buy songs on the web for cheap price (pg 292~293).They also showed that iTunes Music Store “took over 70 percent of the legitate download music business” and was, according to Fortune magazine, Product of the Year for 2003 (2005, pg293). The writers concluded that Jobs did what people thought was impossible – “he had changed the face of a second industry” (2005, pg 297).

iCon Critique

As this chapter “iPod, iTunes, Therefore I Am” shows, Jobs’s changing personality and behavior affected his new launch project to succeed. Before he experienced some failure, he had thought that only his solution and project was the best. It shows that people have to share their ideas and find better solution. Also, people must have passion for their interests as Steve Jobs. If Jobs had no passion for music, iPod and iTunes could not have been successful. It would have collapsed. In conclusion, I learned two things: one is passion for my interests and the other is to face the reality of the world.

1. Inspiration (n)
a. Definition: A good idea about what you should do, write, say etc, especially one which you get suddenly
b. Example: The writer has a source of inspiration from watching Pacific Ocean.

2. Botch (n)
a. Definition: A piece of work, a job etc that has been badly or carelessly done
b. Example: A group presentation looks a botch, because all group members did not participate in preparing project

3. Stellar (a)
a. Definition: Extremely good
b. Example: CEO’s stellar leadership makes company to be a successful.

4. Flawless (a)
a. Definition: Having no mistakes or marks, or not lacking anything
b. Example: Tom’s flawless Spanish makes friends surprised.

5. Affable (a)
a. Definition: Friendly and easy to talk to [= pleasant]
b. Example: All people considered Tom as an affable guy.

6. Groundbreaking (a)
a. Definition: Groundbreaking work involves making new discoveries, using new methods
b. Example: Students have to start groundbreaking research as soon as possible.

7. Tongue-tied (a)
a. Definition: Unable to talk in a relaxed way because you feel nervous or embarrassed
b. Example: When police officer said to a driver, he became tongue-tied.

8. Perceptive (a)
a. Definition: Someone who is perceptive notices things quickly and understands situations, people's feelings etc well - used to show approval
b. Example: When a teacher sees students’ presentation, she gives highly perceptive comments.

9. Stun (v)
a. Definition: To surprise or upset someone so much that they do not react immediately
b. Example: Citizens in the Tokyo were stunned by strong earthquake.

10. Prominent (a)
a. Definition: Important
b. Example: CEO usually played a prominent role in their company growth.

11. Drain (n)
a. Definition: A pipe that carries water or waste liquids away
b. Example: A blocked drain makes flood on the city, which makes people annoyed.

12. Luminous (a)
a. Definition: Shining in the dark
b. Example: When I entered my friend’s room, I could find luminous paint.

13. Snide (a)
a. Definition: If you say something snide, you say something unkind, often in a clever, indirect way
b. Example: When people lie to me, I usually say snide way.

14. Skeptic (n)
a. Definition: A person who disagrees with particular claims and statements, especially those that are generally thought to be true
b. Example: Skeptic insisted that other countries’ import should be limited by government.

15. Notorious (a)
a. Definition: Famous or well-known for something bad
b. Example: Police catch a notorious thief on the subway.

iCon Summary #3

In the book, “iCon”, May 25th, 2005, pg 99~129, Jerry S. Young and William L. Simon described Steve Jobs’s resignation from “Apple” and new start with “NeXT”.
Young and Simon reported that Steve Jobs had all power, so vice president of “Apple” Jay Eliott hired John Sculley, who was CEO of Pepsi, as Jobs’s mentor (2005, pg100). The writers explained that Jobs faced a crisis - Macintosh sales went down and Mac members realized their lower payment compared to Lisa members (2005, pg102~103). They stated that Jobs noticed one solution which is strategic alliance with other company, but it was not successful (2005, pg106). The authors also showed that it affected sales to drop below ten thousand a month, so Jobs suggested the sales dropped due to “the computer shakeout, the seasonal softness, or the non-existent software” (2005, pg108).
Young and Simon indicated that Wozniak quit “Apple” because of support shortage for the Apple II product line and its poor management (2005, pg109). According to the writers, Jobs had a serious problem with his position in 1985, so he tried to solve them various ways (2005, pg109~110). They also presented that Sculley started to rid Jobs of his power in the company (2005, pg111). They explained that Sculley forced Jobs to not manage Macintosh and quit the Lisa line, then Jobs lost everything he had (2005, pg111~120).
Young and Simon stated that Jobs decided to resign as a chairmen and start new venture, so he picked some people who had good ability (2005, pg 124~127). They reported that Jobs was sued by Apple because of new venture, but it was dropped (pg 129). The writers concluded that Jobs had lost very big thing (2005, pg 129).

iCon Critique

This chapter which is “The learning to fail” deals with Steve Jobs’s resignation as Chairman of Apple. Jobs faced a big crisis in 1985, especially with Macintosh and Lisa line. Then, he lost his job. He always insisted his own opinion and did not consider other people’s opinions. Even though he was very smart and brilliant, he had to listen to opinions. Only one person’s opinion is limited. If he had accepted and talked to other people, his poor management could have been prevented. Also, his company could be more successful at that time. In conclusion, sharing opinion and interests are important for CEO and also other kinds of jobs.

1. Interim (a)
a. Definition: Intended to be used or accepted for a short time only, until something or someone final can be made or found
b. Example: The government announced an interim report to show their economic growth.

2. Wield (v)
a. Definition: To have a lot of power or influence, and to use it
b. Example: The King has wielded power this country since his father died.

3. Eject (v)
a. Definition: To make someone leave a place or building by using force
b. Example: A construction company ejects poor people from slum to build new apartment.

4. Hubris (n)
a. Definition: Too much pride
b. Example: The CEO could not be successful because he had hubris and did not listen to other opinion.

5. Allegiance (n)
a. Definition: Loyalty to a leader, country, belief etc
b. Example: Soldiers must have allegiance to a general

6. Carouse (v)
a. Definition: To drink a lot, be noisy, and have fun
b. Example: People caroused at the beginning of the party.

7. Stomp (v)
a. Definition: To walk with heavy steps or to put your foot down very hard, especially because you are angry
b. Example: When children are upset, they usually stomp their feet

8. Liquidate (v)
a. Definition: To close a business or company and sell the things that belongs to it, in order to pay its debts
b. Example: The company was closed to liquidate the debt.

9. Inkling (n)
a. Definition: A slight idea about something
b. Example: Students look like they have an inkling when teacher ask a question.

10. Chaotic (a)
a. Definition: A chaotic situation is one in which everything is happening in a confused way
b. Example: The city was a chaotic situation when the war began.

11. Flog (v)
a. Definition: To beat a person or animal with a whip or stick
b. Example: Two young boys flog a man without any reason.

12. Metaphorical
a. Definition: A metaphorical use of a word is not concerned with real objects or physical events, but with ideas or events of a non-physical kind
b. Example: Tony’s metaphorical method makes his friend upset.

13. Prevaricate (v)
a. Definition: To try to hide the truth by not answering questions directly
b. Example: When police arrests thieves, they try to prevaricate.

14. Hype (n)
a. Definition: Attempts to make people think something is good or important by talking about it a lot on television, the radio etc - used to show disapproval
b. Example: This product has a lot of hype.

15. Plot (n)
a. Definition: A secret plan by a group of people, to do something harmful or illegal
b. Example: Some people discuss a plot to ship their drug

iCon Summary #2

In the book, “iCon”, May 25th, 2005, pg 31~57, Jerry S. Young and William L. Simon described Apple company’s progress and change at the beginning of its foundation. (2005, pg31~ 57)

Young and Simon reported that Steve Jobs studied Zen form Chino, Zen master, which affects his management philosophy (2005, pg32). They explained that Steve Jobs also wanted to be a businessman at the same time (2005, pg32). They stated that “Apple” company was founded by Jobs and Wozniak (2005, pg32). The writer also showed that they got some money from Paul Terrell by selling Apple I computers, but this was just circuit board “without the power supply, the monitor and key board” (2005, pg35 and pg40).

Young and Simon indicated that Jobs got some ideas about Apple having to become a “complete and self contained device”, then they made “Apple II” (2005, pg40~41). According to the writers, Jobs noticed Apple had to advertise their products, so he persuaded McKenna of the Regis McKenna Agency to help Apple (2005, pg41~42). They also presented that Jobs needs to money to advertise, so he met Mike Markkula thorough introduction (2005, pg44~46). They explained that Markkula was very impressed by Apple, so he invested money in Apple and helped turn it into corporation (2005, pg44~46).

Young and Simon stated that Jobs could succeed because of fair and show, which affected “Apple” company images (2005, pg47~ 52). The writer reported that Steve Jobs became a millionaire at age 24, and as Jobs’ life style changed, he decided to be become more of a businessman (2005, pg55~56). They presented that Apple earned money from high schools because of BASIC programming curriculum by the late 1970s as well. (2005, pg56)

Young and Simon concluded that Jobs’ personality would become a problem in the near future. (2005, pg57)

1. Leftover (n) - Debris, food, leaving
a. Definition: Food that has not been eaten at the end of a meal.
b. Example: Many restaurants have leftovers because people usually do not eat all things.

2) Atrocious (a) - Bad, terrible, awful
a. Definition: Extremely bad.
b. Example: Stealing money is considered atrocious.

3) Persistent (a) - Constant, continuous
a. Definition: Continuing to exist or happen, especially for longer than is usual or desirable
b. Example: When Tom gets up, he feels a persistent headache.

4) Scruffy (a) - Messy, nasty, unclean
a. Definition: Dirty and untidy.
b. Example: I saw a stranger who has a scruffy face.

5) Fledgling (n) - Freshman, learner, starter
a. Definition: A young bird that is learning to fly a young bird that is learning to fly.
b. Example: Fledglings always make mistakes because they have no experience.

6) Stride (n) - Stalk, parade
a. Definition: A long step you make while you are walking.
b. Example: When students go to a picnic, they have a fine stride.

7) Sleek (a) - Smooth, polished
a. Definition: A vehicle or other object that is sleek has a smooth attractive shape.
b. Example: These brand-new cars are so sleek.

8) Emcee (v) - Act, run, conduct
a. Definition: master of ceremonies: a person who acts as host at formal occasions.
b. Example: This concert is emceed by a celebrity.

9) Revitalize (v) - Stimulate, refresh, reassure
a. Definition: To put new strength or power into something.
b. Example: Guys who run very much are revitalized by drinking water.

10) Agenda (n) - Plan, schedule, list
a. Definition: A list of problems or subjects that a government, organization etc is planning to deal with.
b. Example: Korean government created an agenda to develop faster.

11) Confrontation (n) - Conflict, challenge
a. Definition: A situation in which there is a lot of angry disagreement between two people or groups.
b. Example: The company suggest new policy to avoid confrontation with governments.

12) Cajole (v) - Flatter, sweet-talk
a. Definition: To gradually persuade someone to do something by being nice to them, or making promises to them.
b. Example: The company constantly cajoles consumers into buying their products.

13) Bristle (v) - Rage, upset
a. Definition: To behave in a way that shows you are very angry or annoyed.
b. Example: After the guy fought, he bristles about it.

14) Blurt (out) (v) - Call out, reveal
a. Definition: To say something suddenly and without thinking, usually because you are nervous or excited.
b. Example: When Michael was watching the television show, he suddenly blurted out “Unbelievable!”

15) Viable (a) - Reasonable, possible, usage
a. Definition: A viable idea, plan, or method can work successfully.
b. Example: Students make a viable plan to prepare for their mid-term exam.

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.

W E L C O M E

Hi~ everyone.

This is Sang Woo's blog.

In fact, I made this blog when I was in Patricia's class.

Thus, you can see other posts.. But from this, I will post about level 6.

I am glad to meet all students in this class.

I hope that all students can pass this course~!!

Listening Task

Title:
Rebuilding Communities: Local Economic Development

Source:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyO8chVK_44

Summary:
This listening is an interview of Michael Shuman. He explains two things about rebuilding communities. First, he says that people spending money affects local business. That is because when people spend money, the government gets more tax. He mentions the government should spend money more wisely. Then, he give one example. When thousands of people in San Francisco lost their jobs, the government could have prevented that situation by spending more money on producing jobs . If they had done it, the local economy would have been better.
Second, he explains the idea of local business "multiplier." That means that dollars will circulate. When people get money from their company, they spend money in other places such as grocery stores. He thinks that when people spend more money, the circulating dollar is faster than before. It affects local businesses.

Opinion:
This listening mentions how the local government can grow their business. When I listened to this topic, I could not understand the whole thing. Thus, I had to listen many times. Michael Shuman said two things. The most interesting part was the part about money circulation. I heard that before when I was in the high school. However, I just learned its definition without any examples. When I heard the San Francisco example, I could understand more clearly than before. It was a very good time for me to know about local business management.

What is happiness

I think the definition of happiness is self-satisfaction. It means that happiness depends on people's minds. For example, although blue-collar workers cannot earn money well, they can satisfy themselves, because they think the wages are enough for them. They do not place importance on their money; they can find happiness in their families. However, even a rich person cannot feel satisfaction. They always get stress from work. Whenever they meet other companies' CEO, they have to prepare themselves. It shows that happiness is not related to wealth.

In fact, happiness can be found in small and simple things . In my case, I feel satisfied when I finish my homework and tests. Also, doing something that I want to do is very satisfying. I can find happiness in the things I do every day. Therefore, when everyone thinks positively, they can get happiness.