Steve Jobs: Pirate(s) of Silicon Valley

Steven Paul "Steve" Jobs, was born on February 24, 1955 and died on October 5, 2011. Steve was an American entrepreneur, marketer, and inventor, who was the co-founder (along with Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne), chairman, and CEO of Apple Inc.  Steve was also co-founded and served as chief executive of Pixar Animation Studios; he became a member of the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company in 2006, when Disney acquired Pixar. Steve was among the first to see the commercial potential of Xerox PARC's mouse-driven graphical user interface, which led to the creation of the Apple Lisa and, one year later, the Macintosh. He also played a role in introducing the LaserWriter, one of the first widely available laser printers, to the market.

After a power struggle with the board of directors in 1985, Steve left Apple and founded NeXT. In 1996 Steve returned to Apple as an advisor, and took control of the company as an interim CEO. Steve brought Apple from near bankruptcy to profitability by 1998. As the new CEO of the company, Steve  oversaw the development of the iMac, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, and on the services side, the company's Apple Retail Stores, iTunes Store and the App Store. The success of these products and services provided several years of stable financial returns, and propelled Apple to become the world's most valuable publicly traded company in 2011. The reinvigoration of the company is regarded by many commentators as one of the greatest turnarounds in business history.

In 2003, Steve was diagnosed with a pancreas neuroendocrine tumor. Though it was initially treated, he reported a hormone imbalance, underwent a liver transplant in 2009, and appeared progressively thinner as his health declined. On medical leave for most of 2011, Steve resigned in August that year, and was elected Chairman of the Board. He died of respiratory arrest related to his tumor on October 5, 2011.

"Remember, the sixties happened in the early seventies, and that's when I came of age; and to me, the spark of that was that there was something beyond what you see every day. It’s the same thing that causes people to be poets instead of bankers. And I think that's a wonderful thing. I think that same spirit can be put in to products, and those products can be manufactured, and given to people, and they can sense that spirit."

                                                                               —Steve Jobs, Pirates of Silicon Valley

 Although Steve earned only $1 a year as CEO of Apple, he held 5.426 million Apple shares worth $2.1 billion, as well as 138 million shares in Disney (which he received in exchange for Disney's acquisition of Pixar) worth $4.4 billion. Steve quipped that the $1 per annum he was paid by Apple was based on attending one meeting for 50 cents while the other 50 cents was based on his performance. Forbes estimated his net wealth at $8.3 billion in 2010, making him the 42nd-wealthiest American.

 

Feature films

• Jobs  – a 2013 independent film by Joshua Michael Stern. Jobs is portrayed by Ashton Kutcher.

UPDATE: Fifty Shades trilogy….. Casting “Sorry, Ladies: There's No Way Matt Bomer or Ian Somerhalder Will Do ‘Shades of Grey’ — but Who Might?”

By Elizabeh Durand Streisand

Fifty Shades of Grey Alexander Skarsgard and Theo James in the mix of possible replacements

It seems there's already trouble in paradise, and by "paradise" we mean the movie adaptation of E.L. James' "Fifty Shades of Grey." Only weeks before filming was slated to start, a new writer was brought in to salvage polish the script just as the leading man made a hasty exit. Though Charlie Hunnam claimed to have left due to "scheduling conflicts," we're pretty sure no one's buying that excuse. (It's not like his "Sons of Anarchy" commitment came out of nowhere.)

Some people are speculating that Hunnam got cold feet — either because he didn't feel ready to shoulder a franchise or because he didn't want to star in a hot mess of what some call "mommy porn" — but regardless of his motive, one thing is clear: The powers-that-be better find a new Christian Grey, stat.

Though we don't officially know who's going to fill these well-heeled shoes, we're confident we know who isn't. And while we hate to be the bearers of bad news, there's no way fan favorites Ian Somerhalder or Matt Bomer will appear in the Red Room of Pain.

Before you tell us all the reasons one of them should get this role, here are the facts. First and foremost, both Somerhalder and Bomer star on hit shows that shoot even more episodes per year than "Sons of Anarchy." Since Universal (supposedly) got burned because of Hunnam's TV schedule, there's pretty much zero chance they would risk having the same thing happen by tapping another network mainstay. They're going to look for someone whose dance card is wide open for the next few months, and honestly, we don't blame them.

Next, while Somerhalder played coy when Andy Cohen asked him if he was indeed in the running for the part, the "Vampire Diaries" star also didn't seem too heartbroken when he wasn't cast. "I'm on a TV show that shoots 10 months a year," he quipped. "It's so funny, you read these blogs: 'Ian Somerhalder angry, livid he's not Christian Grey.' I mean, no, no, no, there's none of that."

For his part, Bomer seemed markedly less enthused than his fans about the possibility of joining the soft-core skin flick. After a Change.org petition garnered over 40,000 signatures arguing that Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson should (and must!) be replaced with Matt Bomer and Alexis Bledel, the actor casually dismissed the movement.

"I'm so grateful for the fans and touched," he explained at "White Collar's" Season 5 premiere before adding, "I'm looking forward to seeing the movie with Charlie and Dakota."

In case that's not enough to convince fans he's out, however, yesterday a source close to Bomer confirmed to Yahoo Movies that the blue-eyed thesp has absolutely no interest in the role. As in, none. As in, it's not happening.

All is not lost, however, as there are plenty of other names circulating around Tinseltown as potential replacements for the sexy CEO. Alex Pettyfer, who made girls swoon in "Beastly" and "Magic Mike," is among those rumored to be a top contender. He has the looks, the fans, and no TV show to get in the way.

 In addition, the latest reports mention Alexander Skarsgård possibly getting back into the mix, and Jamie Dornan "in talks" for the part.

Yes, Skarsgård is famous for "True Blood," but his taping schedule isn't nearly as packed as Somerhalder's or Bomer's, and, more importantly, he actually wants to take on Christian Grey. Way back when, he even declared that he was "born to play that part."

Dornan, meanwhile, has the sex appeal down (he's done underwear ads for Calvin Klein) and has his TV show out of the way (he played Sheriff Graham on Season 1 of ABC's "Once Upon a Time," but has since left the program).

Other names being tossed about: future "Divergent" heartthrob Theo James and "Magic City" alum Christian Cooke.

And last, but certainly not least, during an episode of "Drinking With the Stars," funnyman Josh Gad revealed that he'd be willing to fill this potential blockbuster's void.

"Now that Charlie Hunnam is out, I’m all in, baby," Gad joked. "I look really good in black leather, just for the record … I kind of resemble an orca, but I think in a good way."

Something tells us that after losing their leading man (amidst rumors he just wasn't into it), execs are looking for someone who's all in — someone like Gad, but, you know, not Gad.

We'll have to wait and see who ultimately accepts the challenge of bringing billionaire Grey to the big screen, but with the start date looming, we shan't have to wait very long. Which is good, because all of this anticipation is making us kind of … anxious.

UPDATE: Fifty Shades trilogy….. Casting Jamie Dornan and Christian Cooke are also on the list of possible contenders to replace Charlie Hunnam, while Patrick Marber is hired to rewrite the script.

 

Jamie Dornan

 

 

Christian Cooke

As Charlie Hunnam dropped out of "Fifty Shades of Grey", the search for Christian Grey begins again. Sources say "True Blood" hunk Alexander Skarsgard and "The Fall" star Jamie Dornan emerge as possible contenders for the lead role.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures is also considering "Divergent" actor Theo James and "Magic City" star Christian Cooke who had circled the role before Hunnam snatched the part. Garrett Hedlund, who was also offered the role in the first round of casting, is out of the race due to his commitment to Angelina Jolie's "Unbroken".

"White Collar" star Matthew Bomer and "The Vampire Diaries" heartthrob Ian Somerhalder remain fans' favorites to play the kinky billionaire.

Hunnam exited the highly-anticipated adaptation of E.L. James' novel due to scheduling conflict. He's currently busy filming FX's series "Sons of Anarchy". The production is reportedly to finish in October, giving him only about a month to prepare for the role before "Grey" starts shooting in November.

A source, however, told THR that the actual reason he departed the project was the attention that he received from being cast as the male lead. His casting as well as Dakota Johnson's were met with backlash after announced in September.

Johnson, who is still on board to play Anastasia Steele, reportedly feels the same pressure. "Dakota is having a very hard time dealing with all the press," a source tells E! News. "When she first got the role, it was way too much for her." From being a virtual unknown to someone "everyone wants a piece of" has "been tough" for the "21 Jump Street" actress.

In other "Grey" news, Patrick Marber is hired to do a polish and character work on the script. The Oscar-nominated screenwriter's credits include 2004's "Closer" and 2006's "Notes on a Scandal".

Read more: http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00064978.html#ixzz2hnvldM4s

    

UPDATE: Fifty Shades trilogy….. Casting

Charlie Hunnam (Photo by Getty)

Twitter Explodes Over Charlie Hunnam’s ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Exit
By Jenny Depper

 
Was "Fifty Shades of Grey" too hot for Charlie Hunnam?

The "Sons of Anarchy" star bid adieu to the sexy title role of Christian Grey in the film adaption of the sex-tangled bestselling book by author E.L. James, and fans and critics aren't buying the studio's reason for his controversial exit.

“The filmmakers of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY and Charlie Hunnam have agreed to find another male lead given Hunnam’s immersive TV schedule which is not allowing him time to adequately prepare for the role of Christian Grey,” Universal Pictures announced on October 12.

The 33-year-old actor started shooting the season 6 finale of his hit FX show on October 11, one day before Universal Pictures released their statement. Several "Sons" fans claim he is too of good an actor for the saucy part, while "50" devotees say he was never destined to play the role in the first place.

WINNING: American Horror Story: Coven

American Horror Story: Coven (FX)
Photo By Frank Ockenfels/FX

 

This just in: People love witches. The third incarnation of FX's horror anthology, "Coven," premiered to series-high ratings this week (5.5 million total viewers, a 44 percent improvement on last season's "Asylum") and topped all of its broadcast competition among adults under 35. Once all the numbers are in, "Coven's" premiere is expected to be the most-watched broadcast in FX history. Just another cable success story in the vein of "The Walking Dead" and "Breaking Bad" to keep network executives up at night.

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (The Book of Revelation)

 

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are described in the last book of the New Testament of the Bible, called the Book of Revelation of Jesus Christ to Saint John the Evangelist at 6:1-8. The chapter tells of a "'book', or 'scroll', in God's right hand that is sealed with seven seals". The Lamb of God, or Lion of Judah (Jesus Christ), opens the first four of the seven seals, which summons forth four beings that ride out on white, red, black, and pale horses. Although some interpretations differ, in most accounts, the four riders are seen as symbolizing Conquest, War, Famine, and Death, respectively. The Christian apocalyptic vision is that the four horsemen are to set a divine apocalypse upon the world as harbingers of the Last Judgment.

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, an 1887 painting by Victor Vasnetsov. The Lamb is visible at the top

“White Horse”

First Seal Broken: A white horse appears, whose crowned rider has a bow with which to conquer. (6:1-2)

I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, "Come and see!" I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.

— Revelation 6:1-2

“Red Horse”

Second Seal Broken: A red horse appears, whose rider is granted a "great sword" to take peace from the earth. (6:3-4)

When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come and see!" Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.

— Revelation 6:3-4

  

“Black Horse”

Third Seal Broken: A black horse appears, whose rider has "a pair of balances in his hand," where a voice then says, "A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine." (6:5-6)

When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see!" I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, "A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!"

— Revelation 6:5-6

“Pale Horse”

Fourth Seal Broken: A pale horse appears, whose rider is Death, and Hades follows him. Death was granted a fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and with the beasts of the earth. (6:7-8)

When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come and see!" I looked and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hell was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine, and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.

— Revelation 6:7-8

Fifth Seal Broken: "Under the altar," appeared the souls of martyrs for the "word of God," who cry out for vengeance. They are given white robes and told to rest until the martyrdom of their brothers is completed. (6:9-11)

Sixth Seal Broken: (6:12-17)

1.        There occurs a great earthquake where "the sun becomes black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon like blood" (6:12).

2.        The stars of heaven fall to the earth and the sky recedes like a scroll being rolled up (6:13-14).

3.        Every mountain and island is moved out of place (6:14).

4.        The people of earth retreat to caves in the mountains (6:15).

5.        The survivors call upon the mountains and the rocks to fall on them, so as to hide them from the "wrath of the Lamb" (6:16).

Interlude: The 144,000 Hebrews are sealed.

6.        144,000, from the twelve "tribes of Israel," are sealed as servants of God on their foreheads. (7:1-8)

7.        A great multitude stand before the Throne of God, who come out of the Great Tribulation, clothed with robes made "white in the blood of the Lamb" and having palm branches in their hands. (7:9-17)

Seventh Seal Broken: Introduces the seven trumpets (8:1-5)

8.        "Silence in heaven for about half an hour" (8:1).

9.        Seven angels are each given trumpets (8:2).

10.     An eighth angel takes a "golden censer," filled with fire from the heavenly altar, and throws it to the earth (8:3-5). What follows are "peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake" (8:5).

11.     After the eighth angel has devastated the earth, the seven angels introduced in verse 2 prepare to sound their trumpets (8:6).

American Horror Story: Coven

The third season demonstrates once again that great TV doesn’t have to be self-serious.

By Willa Paskin

 

Over American Horror Story’s two invigorating, gruesome seasons, creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk have indicated that there is no subject too distasteful for them to tackle.

 

In last year’s installment of the anthology series; American Horror Story: Asylum, the pair took on insanity, nuns, aliens, possession, medical experimentation, religious hypocrisy, homosexual aversion therapy, serial killers, the devil, and abortion. For good measure, they threw in the Holocaust in a bravura two-episode stand featuring an inmate who believed she was Anne Frank. But even this past boldness does not quite prepare one for the opening segment of the new season, titled American Horror Story: Coven. Forget the serpents in the show’s promotional materials; Coven begins with America’s preeminent horror story: slavery.

 

Coven opens in 1834 New Orleans, with a vicious Kathy Bates playing Madame LaLaurie, a scheming society woman who delights in dreaming up new ways to torture her slaves. Early on, she daubs blood, sourced from human pancreas, on her face like Noxzema. In her attic, she gruesomely tortures men she keeps in cages: The camera shows us a man whose face is all but peeled off, another whose mouth has been sewed around a mouthful of excrement, and another who’s been made into a minotaur. The opening credits, reliably TV’s creepiest, are dominated this season by images of the Klan.

 

I watched most of this opening segment through my fingers, but as dark and disturbing as it is, it is also undeniably over the top. The music pounds; candlelight glistens on dark skin; Bates purrs, “The minotaur was always my favorite, half man, half bull. And now I have one of my very own!” American Horror Story does not believe in sacred cows: Here it is, taking on slavery by using an actual ripped-up a cow as a prop. This treatment of the subject matter is undeniably disrespectful. But respectfulness is not Murphy and Falchuk’s primary concern, and it is exactly this brazenness that I admire. In the context of other television, American Horror Story is perverse and refreshing, proof that a great show doesn’t have to be self-serious to be smart.

 

American Horror Story is, proudly, a melodrama. Its influences are not other golden age TV shows and gangster movies, but undervalued genres, often dismissed as pulp: horror flicks, women’s pictures, soaps, camp. American Horror Story is obviously ambitious, but it is rarely somber or sober. Like Shonda Rhimes’ Scandal, AHS is a different kind of quality television: ambitious, bitchy, frisky, entertaining as all-get-out, and unabashed by TV’s schlockier roots. With its energy and verve, and its total disinterest in white guy anti-heroes, it’s more watchable than dozens of Sopranos knock-offs. It’s also far more bold—free to investigate subjects and themes shows bound by good taste are too hamstrung to take on.

 

If you’re worried that slavery was the only sensitive subject the premiere explores, rest easy: Once the show moves to the present day it delivers Steubenville: The Revenge Fantasy. Taissa Farmiga, who sat out last season, plays Zoe Benson, a young woman who learns she is a witch almost exactly at the moment she learns her genitals are a kind of vagina dentata: Her lady parts don’t have teeth, but when she has sex with a man, she turns his brain into a leaking punch bowl. Zoe is shuttled off to Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies in New Orleans, a school for burgeoning witches that was once home to dozens of young women, but now houses just three. There is telekinetic mean girl and movie star Madison (Emma Roberts), human voodoo doll Queenie (Gabourey Sidibe), and the clairvoyant Nan (Jaime Brewer, who has Down syndrome). The young witches study under the supervision of the circumspect Cordelia Foxx (Sarah Paulson, coming off an incredible performance in Asylum), who believes the girls should be able to blend in. She doesn’t interfere when Zoe and Madison head off to a frat party, where a video-taped gang-rape occurs.

 

Lesson: Don’t gang-rape a witch.

 

Into this charged situation swans Jessica Lange’s Fiona Goode, who is the Supreme, the most powerful witch of her generation. Last season was, in Murphy’s own words, “dark and grim and hard” and Coven is expressly designed to be more fun: As Goode, Lange gets to flounce around, sucking the life out of handsome gentlemen, dropping bitchy bon mots, and generally showing the younger witches and actresses how it’s done. As the episode ends, she encounters Madame LaLaurie, ensuring that, whatever else happens in the new season, Bates and Lange will be chewing scenery together.

 

In American Horror Story’s first season, Lange played a psycho Southern belle, stuck in Southern California. Her new character bears no relation, but Fiona, lolling around New Orleans with her impeccable umbrella, calls her to mind anyway. Similarly, when Fiona started to sing, I immediately thought of the most memorable scene from last season, when Lange’s Sister Jude sang “The Name Game.” The anthology and repertory aspects of American Horror Story, in which actors play wildly different parts season to season, is paying dividends: Past characters and storyline have started to rustle and rub up against present ones. When Farmiga’s Zoe lays eyes on Kyle Spencer (Evan Peters) at the frat party, you know they’ll love each other, like they did in Season 1. The grossly disfigured slaves recall the human experiments performed by last year’s psycho Nazi doctor. With all these eerie echoes, the show is starting to haunt itself.

 

http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/television/2013/10/american_horror_story_coven_season_3_reviewed.html?vm=r