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BW: Responsible Discussion of Steve Jobs' Health in Order

BW: Responsible Discussion of Steve Jobs' Health in Order

by , 4:00 PM EDT, July 22nd, 2008

A proven and well informed source has said that Mr. Jobs' cancer has not returned, according to Arik Hesseldahl at BusinessWeek. Unfortunately, many of the recent discussions about Mr. Jobs' health are idle, speculative, and uninformed.

"When questions were raised about his appearance at WWDC, spokeswoman Katie Cotton said he had been suffering from a 'common bug,' and I'm willing to take that at face value," Mr. Hesseldahl wrote.

Nevertheless, that hasn't stop some reporters from engaging in fear, uncertainty and doubt. Amidst all the idle speculation, sight seems to have been lost of the responsibility the Apple Board of Directors and the CEO himself have to assess pertinent information about the CEO's health.

"Once this conversation has taken place -- behind closed doors -- the board can and should say two things: First, that it has discussed health matters with the CEO; And second, presuming that this is the case, that it has no concerns about his ability to carry out his duties. That's it," Mr. Hesseldahl wrote.

These statements can be provided, if appropriate, in the SEC filings.

"In the event that Steve's answer is that there is a concern, it would fall to the board to weigh the situation and to determine what if anything should be disclosed, based on its potential for a material effect...

"If, for example, Jobs were to face being laid up for a month, that might reach the level of being material. A bad cold coupled with a loss of appetite, a few sick days, and the loss of a few pounds? Probably not material, and not worth getting worked up about," Mr. Hesseldahl concluded.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:Terrin Posts: 414 Joined: 29 Jan 2006
Subject: Right

I have a better idea for the Board. Kiss Steve Jobs' arse and hope you don't upset him too much that he wants to quit. That is what will really upset shareholders.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Azazello

The SEC could also look into the trading patterns of the "broad sellout" of some hedge funds: rumors first, dumping some stock at rock bottom prices second, then you shovel in the stocks being sold by the herd of irrational scared investors... I wish I thought of this and had many-many millions
cheers!
(and please leave Steve Jobs out of this -- he is a true human being)

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Could it be...

... that he is not so very thin, but as Americans have become fatter in general, he just appears to be unhealthy compared with the rest?

Close Name:Fairly Posts: 25 Joined: 02 Aug 2007
Subject: Too Much Sauce

You drink too much sauce, John. And I don't mean spirituosa. I mean Kool-Aid.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Stock Manipulation?

Just more evidence that certain hedge fund managers are short in AAPL. How about a SEC investigation for stock fraud and manipulation?

Close Name:Guest
Subject:

A responsible discussion of Jobs' health is NOT in order unless it is material to the operations of Apple. Since Apple has made no related statement, Jobs health is not a material issue.

Trotting this FUD back out on earnings day is just more disgusting crap from the hedge funds and their shills.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: No one knows.

Remember the board probably wouldn't even know if Jobs had cancer. He kept it pretty darn secret last time around.

Close Name:Guest
Subject: "mangez des pommes"

Guys, I'm fine!

Close Name:Terrin Posts: 414 Joined: 29 Jan 2006
Subject:

Jobs is also a vegetarian.


Quote
Guest wrote:
... that he is not so very thin, but as Americans have become fatter in general, he just appears to be unhealthy compared with the rest?

Close Name:Terrin Posts: 414 Joined: 29 Jan 2006
Subject:

Yes, except John didn't write the article he is reporting on.


Quote
Fairly wrote:
You drink too much sauce, John. And I don't mean spirituosa. I mean Kool-Aid.

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