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Monday, January 17, 2011

Apple's Steve Jobs Takes Another Medical Leave

Apple's stock price is zooming with some speculating that it could reach $1000. Verizon has finally secured its iPhone and the iPad 2 is expected to be released this Spring. All has seemed right in Apple Land and that is never a good sign, as pessimists would say. So it is unfortunate news to read that Steve Jobs needs to take a medical leave from his current responsibilities. "While it’s unclear what the reason is for the medical leave, Jobs’ previous medical history includes Pancreatic cancer as well as a liver transplant. In 2004, Jobs contracted Pancreatic Cancer, which he beat. Then Jobs underwent a liver transplant in 2009, and also made a full recovery. During Jobs’ absence in 2009, COO Tim Cook took over Apple’s day-to-day activities, similar to this situation.'

Hopefully more news will come shortly. Apple's earnings for 2010 and fourth quarter are expected tomorrow and additional news may come at that time. Until that release, Apple's stock may see a drop today. Let us hope that the news is not bad. For Apple, it is truly vital that a succession plan is completed and that the innovation that is the heart of Apple's business continues to be embraced.

SAG and AFTRA Approve Contracts

The writers' strike a few years ago still propels bad memories. With many on the street and tons of productions stopped, the only group that seemed to do well were the networks that still had old content to distribute. SAG couldn't get their act together and the WGA learned the hard way that their tactics only cost their members money. I doubt any of them have truly recouped their losses.

So it is a welcome sight to hear read that SAG and AFTRA have quietly negotiated and approved a contract extension. "The new contracts boost base pay rates and contributions to benefit plans. Union negotiators had reached the tentative deal Nov. 7 and recommended it to the membership, with that deal coming only six weeks after talks with the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers began on Sept. 27." let us hope that the WGA have as easy a time when their renewal is being negotiated. I would hate to see a repeat of history.