Is Steve Jobs Sick Again, or Just Thin?
I’ll leave it to others much more informed than I am to parse through what Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced at the developers conference (although I am glad to hear that we Canucks will be getting a 3G iPhone soon, along with dozens of other countries). But I have to say that one thing really struck me while watching the live-blogging coverage at Gizmodo and Engadget and MacRumours: Jobs looked emaciated.
I looked back through photos from the developers conference last year and the year before, and there were comments and blog posts then about how thin he looked — and this time he looked even thinner than that. You could see his collarbone through his shirt (photo courtesy of Engadget).
As most people probably know, Jobs was diagnosed with a form of pancreatic cancer in 2003 and was operated on in 2004 — after reportedly not seeking treatment for more than nine months, while he pursued a range of holistic therapies. Although pancreatic cancer is one of the worst forms of the disease, however, Jobs had a rarer form known as a neuroendocrine tumour, which can often be cured through surgery. That said, many cancers recur even after treatment, especially if they have metastasized (that is, spread to other organs such as the liver or kidney). Of course, there’s no way of knowing.
I’m not the only one who noticed Jobs’ size — it was commented upon by many people on Twitter, and Valleywag wrote a post saying that rumour has it he is on a strict vegan diet. Let’s hope that’s all it is.
Note: Some people have told me privately that they think writing about Steve Jobs and his health is “creepy” or otherwise inappropriate, but I have to disagree. The man is the high-profile CEO of a major technology company, and arguably more important to the health and brand identity of that company than the CEO of any other company I can think of. His health is a matter of public interest, not just prurient curiosity.
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This article has 37 comments:
Rumour has it that he's on a burger and coke diet - let's hope that's all it is.
ngbang
der Vlist
nger
It's morbid, but still a topic that needed to be addressed.
The guy must burn a few calories running that awesome operation.
As any team manager, Jobs would be replaced with a likely surrogate from his team. NOTICE that I, as a former business owner, said TEAM. A sane business owner or leader is always is training (grooming)his successor(s). This grooming of the team also has a good side effect is that one can take a vacation now and then and leave the "trainee(s)" in charge of the operation.
Rikiki
marketing
professor
I would agree, however, that such comments/speculation about any other employee in the chain of command is probably out-of-bounds.
marketing
professor
I would agree, however, that such comments/speculation about any other employee in the chain of command is probably out-of-bounds.
Just for today Steve Jobs is the very best CEO of Apple, just for today, tomorrow how knows and tomorrow will take care of it's self.
This article says more about Jay than it does about Steve, have your ever thought of doing something useful with your life Jay?
The statistics show that a minimal caloric intake contributes to a long life. Thin IS demonstrably superior to fat, and should be regarded as a sign of long life rather than ill health.
Jobs has also been a vegetarian for many years, and so probably lacks the generous reserves of fat that me and thee almost certainly possess. My guess is that his encounter with pancreatic cancer made him determined to live as responsibly as he possibly could, and he likely has trainers and dietitians on his personal staff to advise him and guide him along the path to optimal health. I wish I were as healthy as he is.
C'ville
He inspires millions with the genius delight of Apple's creations and the savvy Apple uses to 'own' innovation in THE INNOVATION SECTOR.
He's an American original. God bless him.
I agree with all of the comments regarding the trend towards obesity being the "new normal," and I am well aware that caloric restriction is probably the only proven means to extend the lives of otherwise healthy mammals. But the gaunt, cachexic appearance of Mr. Jobs has me fearing for the worst.
Stress? He never had that before?
He had cancer just a few years ago, a very lethal variety.
That his appearance now is so changed and resembles someone very sick, is highly relevant and in bounds.
Stop the bashing and lame denial and deal with the real concern. If you own the stock, you'd be stupid to whistle past the graveyard, so to speak, on this topic.
After all, Apple without Job back a decade ago, didn't do so hot, did it?
fyi - SJ'd vegan diet is fact, he's talked about it. I personaly think all vegans look a little off. Dead animals are delicous.
correlated to a range of serious health problems.
www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dn...
Consider the following useful advice from
Matthew 7:1 thru 7:5 - it's useful whether or not you believe in God or Jesus. It would be equally useful advice if it came from a trusted advisor:
1
"Stop judging, that you may not be judged.
2
For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
3
Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?
4
How can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye?
5
You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye.
I have to say this would sadden me personally. Steve with all his quirks makes Apple what it is. He has also brought lest we forget so much joy and happiness into millions of peoples lives through his Apple products. As Steve goes so does the stock of Apple.
Steve,I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery. Without you I could never have started my business INO.com or written a book on foreign exchange. Hang in there Steve.
Adam Hewison
If you had any creative abilities and wanted to write something meaningful, you should comment on the company called Apple, and why have they not properly dealt with their plans for succession in case Mr Jobs is in a plane or a skiing accident or even has stress related problem.
By making this a cancer issue is to personalize a medical problem rather than a sound corporate practice by Apple to institute a fluid leadership change. Mr Jobs has laid out a beautiful and brilliant path for Apple to follow. He has hired the most creating and sharp employees which will continue to innovate the great products which has made Apple so successful.
His top creative people are making Apple what it is and are probably as important or even more important than My Jobs to the companies future growth.
No one will ever take his place, but 3 people can.
tt
It seems the real problem, judging from most of these comments, is your readers. Since when was commenting that someone looks gaunt (and, having recently lost a father to cancer, Jobs' 'look' looks very familiar) an act of judgment. Ingram is not making fun of Jobs, or being mean in any way. Why are you people hurling thinly disguised fat jokes at him?
And, bill d, Steve Jobs never worked for HP. He started Apple with Woz, then was forced out by the board and started NeXT and Pixar, and then came back to Apple in one of the most successful second comings since...well, since anything. I too would be extremely saddened if he is sick. I don't know him personally, but he is one of my heroes and I agree with one of the posters, a true American original.
Micro
systems)
What motivates people to start blogs like this? What is purpose?
Is Mathew a 38y/o high school drop-out with a $100 suit, working as a paid Microsoft employee paid to write something negative?
The answer is yes.
There is no secret to how the web is used these days by companies. If Mathew had a real job then he would be getting laid rather than exercising his right hand while looking on the computer!
There you have it..No fact, sensationalism and grandstanding.