Is Apple Rotten?

Much has been said about the new innovative iPhone, which Apple's rabid fans gobbled up when it was initially released. Now, just a few months later, this core group is turning on Apple, threatening what has become a hallmark of Apple's brand: consumer loyalty.

Apple has relished its role as the underdog computer-maker, but it is now becoming a major player in consumer electronics, fulfilling a promise to make Macs a digital media hub. The iPhone is just the latest entry- albeit a significant one- following the success of the ubiquitous iPod. As customers and investors reacted positively, Apple surprised them by dropping the price $200 only 2 months after it's release. To make matters worse, a recent security update wiped out user-installed apps, which Apple seeks to curb. It's assumed that Apple's strategy was to skim off the cream and drop the price to attract a broader market, while controlling their proprietary software, at least for awhile. Meanwhile, CEO Steve Jobs has been vilified, and Apple has suffered significant backlash.

My take? Steve Jobs is not an enemy of the people, nor has he lost his soul. He's a businessman- and a good one at that. Not only has he understood the market and leveraged consumer trends, he has capitalized on them and even driven the industry. The challenge is that he must deal with the army of followers he has created who demand both greater innovation and near infinite customization.

Apple is at a turning point. The point at which David becomes Goliath. Having stayed true to their brand- like so many of my "Best Brands"- they have grown. Nike faced this turning point years ago, and now they must deal with start-ups like Under Armour who have inspired a new generation. Even though Nike will always stand for "innovation", they can no longer fool anyone into thinking they are anything but the major player in the industry. Apple may not have to dominate market share to be perceived as the industry leader, and they will undoubtedly be faced with upstart competition in the near future, created in their own image. More than ever, Apple must continue to reinforce their brand as delivering the most innovative products consumers demand. If the iPhone is any indication, I think Apple will ripen.

Big. Big. Big.

How big was Saturday's win in Manhattan? Any game against kstate is a must-win for the Jayhawks. This win was big for several reasons. Heading into the game 4-0, a loss would have had a devastating impact on the season. A win, however, makes KU's 5-0 record more than just legitimate and brings with it a national ranking. Consider the following...

A road win in the Big 12 conference is rare, and this was KU's first road test of the season- arguably in the most hostile stadium in the conference. KU had not won a game in Manhattan since I was in high school. Coach Mangino, like his predecessor, had never won in Manhattan. Jake Sharp's first quarter touchdown was KU's first TD in Manhattan since 1999.

This win was also KU's 3rd in 4 years, which finally gets things back to normal. KU has won more than half of all games in Manhattan, and commands the series overall. For perspective, the Snyder-era "turnaround" that brought 11 consecutive ksu wins fell just 28 wins short of evening the series. In other words, if I was unfortunate enough to live through such as string of losses, I would be 64 when the series would finally be even, or "competitive."

But the main reason I became so invested in this year's edition was because of my involvement with KU's visual identity project. I'm proud to say that KU has never lost to kstate with the new KU logo on our helmets. Let's hope that streak continues. Hats off to a big win for KU.

In Memory of Al Oerter

Al Oerter died today at the age of 71. The 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist can be considered the greatest Olympian of all-time, not only for his incredible come-from-behind Olympic victories spanning 4 Olympiads, or for his numerous Olympic and World Records. Oerter emulated the 3 Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship and respect perhaps better any athlete I know.

I'm fortunate to work in the Adams Alumni Center for the KU Alumni Association, where the All-American Room pays tribute to the greatest KU athletes of all-time in a series of painted murals. Fittingly, Oerter's likeness occupies the symbolic centerpiece above the fireplace, representing the best characteristics exhibited by these famed Jayhawk champions.

On the occasion of Oerter's last visit to the University of Kansas in 2004, I was honored to emcee his induction ceremony to the Kansas Relays Hall of Fame. At that time, I penned a letter to the editor that was published in the Lawrence Journal-World, which appears below, in tribute.

To the editor:

You can tell a lot about a person by his handshake, which begs the question, who has had the strongest grip of anyone I've met? This I can answer with certainty. It was Al Oerter. When I was a boy, my dad took me to the Kansas Relays where I got to meet the former Olympic discus thrower and shake his hand. I vividly remember his giant hand engulfing my 9-year-old mitt. Yet Oerter was a gentle giant who assured you everything was under control.

The handshake of this four-time gold medalist did not merely suggest his strength of character. Oerter's strength was his character, always competing with class, winning with dignity. Arguably the greatest Olympian of all time, he returned this weekend for the first time in 20 years to be inducted into the new Kansas Relays Hall of Fame. Let's all welcome this KU track and field legend and give him a hand.

David Johnston, Lawrence (4/18/2004)

Al Oerter
1936 - 2007

Thought for the Day

I thought you'd enjoy this cartoon, sent to me by a friend. For the record, I did not run 10 miles today, or last month for that matter. At this point, it might take a bear to get me back in shape. Grrr.