Apple Boss Had Liver Transplant

The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Steve Jobs underwent a liver transplant two months ago in Tennessee. An Apple spokesperson told the Journal that Jobs "continues to look forward to returning at the end of June, and there's nothing further to say." In January Jobs announced he was taking a 6 month medical leave of absence and according to CNet Jobs moved from California to Tennessee earlier this year, apparently because the State has a shorter waiting list for patients seeking organs.

Source: CNet

Jobs To Take 6 Month Medical Leave

Steve Jobs, Apple Inc.'s CEO, has told employees that he is taking a medical leave of absence until the end of June. This is a bit of a back track from a statement that he made prior to Macworld where he said that he intended to remain on the job. In yesterday's communique he wrote

"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," and "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."

The news sent Apple stock for a tumble down $8.82 to $76.51.

Steve Jobs Issues Letter To Apple Community Regarding His Health

In an attempt to quell the rumors regarding his health, Apple CEO Steve Jobs has issued a letter to the Apple community via the company's web site. In it Jobs explains that "...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."
He also goes on to assure everyone that he will remain at the helm. Great news!

Source: Apple.com

Google Uses Search Terms To Estimate Flu Activity In US

Google has launched a new site called Flu Trends saying that "We've found that certain search terms are good indicators of flu activity. Google Flu Trends uses aggregated Google search data to estimate flu activity in your state up to two weeks faster than traditional systems." Check out the trends here and how Flu Trends work here. I see that Maine is showing moderate activity, glad I got my flu shot!

Radiation And Your Cell Phone

The jury is still out it seems on the affects of using a cell phone and / or any links that this may have with brain tumors or other ailments. If you are concerned then you may wish to consult this handy reference guide to cell phones and the amounts of radiation that they emit. CNET has compiled a list of phones by 10 Highest US Models, 10 Lowest US Models, and a run down by manufacturer. Fear not, if you are looking for the iPhone on the list it's grouped under Other Manufacturers. Oh, and CNET has the following to say about how you should interpret their publishing of the lists: " It's important to note that in publishing this list are we in no way implying that cell phone use is or isn't harmful to your health. While research abounds and some tests have shown that cell phone radiofrequency (RF) could accelerate cancer in laboratory animals, the studies have not been replicated. Cell phones can affect internal pacemakers, but there is not conclusive or demonstrated evidence that they cause adverse health affects in humans. Conversely, there is not conclusive or demonstrated evidence that they don't cause adverse health affects in humans. So, in short, the jury is still out, research is ongoing, and we will continue to monitor its results."