Steve Jobs, health, 2009, these are the main keywords of today's press. I am not only talking about Apple-related sites, as you would be amazed to see the story published virtually everywhere around the world(well, maybe except North Korea and a few more "cellar countries"). I was amazed by such news already, when I found myself browsing various online newspapers from Europe, expecting to see some political and economic mumbo-jumbo, so let's see the email sent by Jobs to the Apple team on Wednesday, shall we?
"Team,
I am sure all of you saw my letter last week sharing something very personal with the Apple community. Unfortunately, the curiosity over my personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family, but everyone else at Apple as well. In addition, during the past week I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought.
In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products, I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June.
I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for Apple's day to day operations, and I know he and the rest of the executive management team will do a great job. As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out. Our board of directors fully supports this plan.
I look forward to seeing all of you this summer.
Steve"
The good news - or at least rumors - say that "Two people who are familiar with Mr. Jobs's current medical treatment said he was not suffering from a recurrence of cancer, but a condition that was preventing his body from absorbing food. Doctors have also advised him to cut down on stress, which may be making the problem worse, these people said."(via The New York Times)
As expected, the Apple share price went down after all this became public, and if now we saw a 10-12% drop, I don't even want to dare thinking about how large could that number become if something bad would happen to Mr. Jobs. Anyway, I am sure he'll get over it and get back to Apple this summer in full shape!
James Pence, on January 15, 2009
Steve Jobs you are in our thoughts and prayers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-pC1oPQo2E