Dancing Technology

Now I think it’s important to mention that I am, for most accounts, a gigantic Apple fanboy. I do my best to objectively evaluate their products and releases, and I am not so blind a zealot (hah!) that I cannot appreciate that even the mighty Apple does reach too far or assume too much. That said, I find the culture and history of Apple to be a great modern tale and no character plays a bigger role in that than Steve Wozniak.

To me, it is a shame that so few people are able to recognize this name. In addition to being a quirky, great-hearted individual, Woz is for all intents and purposes one of the few men throughout history who have singlehandedly have pushed society forward. While I think it may be too much to say the Personal Computer as we know it wouldn’t exist today without his efforts, they surely would have been far removed in terms of agility and efficiency. And I definitely do not believe they would have so quickly reached the consumer market without the advances of his Apple I.

That said, since his days at Apple have unofficially been over for decades (he still holds a position there which will most likely remain for his life) he has meandered through various technology startups and the public eye. Working in several raw, new technology areas throughout the years (releasing the world’s first universal controller in 1987, work on GPS systems in the early 2000′s, and even on Danger, Inc’s Board of Directors) his influence seems to still be high, at least within the Valley.

Interestingly, I heard a couple months ago that in ABC’s latest attempt to expand the audience for their populist reality show “Dancing with the Stars” they had extended an invitation to Steve Wozniak to come compete on the show. Now, I don’t know what sort of image you have of the man who invented the Personal Computer, but he surely does not bring to my mind images of the most agile and dexterous of men.

From his Wikipedia article:

Joey Slotnick, left, poses with Steve Wozniak. Slotnick portrayed Wozniak in the film Pirates of Silicon Valley.

I am not one to judge, and I will definitely be watching this show (for the first time, honest!) simply because Woz is going to be on it, so I can see why ABC would be extending offers to those outside of their previous competitors (mostly B-list actors, athletes, etc). I invite you all to view the show, vote for Woz, and enjoy a small collision of old-technology icon and pop culture.

“Dancing with the Stars” airs on ABC, Monday Nights at 8PM EST/7PM CST.