Archive for July, 2004

Homework stifles creativity (4/11/2000)

Friday, July 23rd, 2004

My senior year in high school was one of the most creative years of my life as I felt my computer graphics and especially computer science skills were outgrowing that of a student and into a that of a professional. As such, I did as little homework as possible.

In my honors physics class that year, we would have “Homework Quizzes,” where the teacher would put put the numbers of homework questions on the board, and all we had to do was copy them from our completed assignment to prove we had done it. Naturally, I only had time to do one out of eight problems in the few minutes of class, so I thought I might try to score a few points for being clever. Here’s what I wrote instead as the rest of the class furiously copied (the teacher’s comments are in red):

I have done considerable research on the matter, and the evidence leads me to conclude that homework stifles creativity. Homework is a structured, monotonous, plug-and-chug activity that promotes narrow-minded thinking among students. If I were to spend my time doing homework, I would not be able to contribute to the world with my computer science efforts. In fact, doing homework would cripple my brain into thinking un-creatively. Without my creativeness, I would not be able to program our brave new world that the earth is about to embark on. I would also be unable to write this create letter (although I wouldn’t have a need for this letter, but that’s beyond the point!). :-) Creativity is what allows a society to flourish and grow. Homework cuts into that by unexercising the mind. It’s like a muscle: if you don’t use it, it won’t stay the same, it will grow weaker. I am trying to use my brain in a way to help society, can you condemn me for that? Well, actually…

No points were awarded for cleverness :-( .

Working for The Man: part 0

Friday, July 16th, 2004

As you may or may not know, I am starting work at Apple in two weeks. Once I begin, I will have to be tight lipped about my work, since the motto around Apple is “loose lips sink ships.” In fact, it seems Plastic THW cannot even show his wife his office!

Anyways, at WWDC, I had the chance to talk to several Apple employees about Dashboard. Surprisingly, Steve Jobs’ RDF did not convince anyone Apple was being original with Dashboard. Everyone held the same opinion: Apple blatantly copied Konfabulator, and did a disservice to the shareware market. No one I talked to really knew where Dashboard came from within Apple, and, like the public, were unhappy Apple did not instead negotiate to purchase Konfabulator.

I’m sure I’ll have more insight once I get to Apple; sorry I won’t be telling you more!

HyperEdit Review!

Friday, July 16th, 2004

I just got this in my inbox from the senior editor of Macworld:

In the November issue of Macworld, we will review HyperEdit. The author of
the review needs a registration code to completely evaluate your software.
Can you please send me that reg code and anything else necessary?

Thanks for your help. Please write or call if you have any questions.

w00t!

Hello, World! (again)

Friday, July 16th, 2004

Minna-san!!!

Hi, I’m Jonathan Deutsch. For those of you who don’t know me, I just graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences degree, and am starting full-time work at Apple Computer, Inc. on August 2nd. I’ve also developed a shareware program called HyperEdit. I have other interests outside of programming, which this blog will also reflect.

I’m not really new to blogging, I’ve had two other sites. To catch up, please read:

Please feel free to comment on any posts, even if you do not know me personally.