Steve Jobs issued a personal statement to Apple faithful today delivering his trademark "One more thing" in an open letter, putting to rest any fears that his health is in further decline. Jobs confirmed a hormone imbalance as the "one more thing" doctors are targeting as the cause of his rapid weight loss. Jobs' letter quickly signaled the unofficial start of Macworld 2009 by adding some well timed dramatic flair for the press to ponder.
I was a tad disappointed that Jobs did not present his epic diagrams and charts outlining the performance of his hormone imbalance in his written statement. A commemorative "One More Thing" Macworld t-shirt is rumored to be in the works.
Jobs confirmed that his reason for dumping Macworld was aimed at family rather than health concerns, though the bulk of his letter focuses on righting his health. Go figure. He also confirmed that he'll continue on as Apple's CEO during his recovery. Is there any chance that frozen yogurt is a wonder healing food? (see entire Jobs letter after break)
Dear Apple Community,
For the first time in a decade, I'm getting to spend the holiday season with my family, rather than intensely preparing for a Macworld keynote.
Unfortunately, my decision to have Phil deliver the Macworld keynote set off another flurry of rumors about my health, with some even publishing stories of me on my deathbed.
I've decided to share something very personal with the Apple community so that we can all relax and enjoy the show tomorrow.
As many of you know, I have been losing weight throughout 2008. The reason has been a mystery to me and my doctors. A few weeks ago, I decided that getting to the root cause of this and reversing it needed to become my #1 priority.
Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause — a hormone imbalance that has been "robbing" me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy. Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis.
The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I've already begun treatment. But, just like I didn't lose this much weight and body mass in a week or a month, my doctors expect it will take me until late this Spring to regain it. I will continue as Apple's CEO during my recovery.
I have given more than my all to Apple for the past 11 years now. I will be the first one to step up and tell our Board of Directors if I can no longer continue to fulfill my duties as Apple's CEO. I hope the Apple community will support me in my recovery and know that I will always put what is best for Apple first.
So now I've said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.
Steve
[Gizmodo]
Now try to imagine Bill Gates releasing a statement like this.
Posted by: Homer | January 05, 2009 at 12:35 PM