macworld 2009 - the first, the last and forever

first things first, let's get this out of the way on the first paragraph ---- steve jobs is alive and will still be alive. it's just a simple thing as "hormone imbalance" that has zapped steve's body mass on its way to flesh and bones. the good news is its a very much straightforward fix - he will regain what was lost in a few week's time with a simple remedy. (200 lbs oprah, are you getting this?)

Apple CEO Blames 'Hormone Imbalance' for Weight Loss
What Steve Jobs' Weight Loss May Tell Us About His Health

By DAN CHILDS

ABC News Medical Unit

Jan. 5, 2009

Apple Inc. founder and chief executive Steve Jobs confronted widespread speculation about his apparent weight loss in a statement issued today that attributed his gaunt appearance to an easily treated hormone imbalance.

The announcement follows a flurry of speculation in 2008 about the 53-year-old CEO's weight loss, including rumors of a worsening pancreatic condition -- rumors Jobs said are unfounded.



read in full: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/CancerPreventionAndTreatment/story?id=6580484&page=1

the macworld 2009 will probably be the most special ever in the history of macworld.

it will be the first time that steve jobs will not make the keynote address. it's usually his thing to do. and when he does his thing, the apple faithful swoons to heaven, after passing through the bank to get cash to buy the newest apple product that jobs will announce in his keynote address.

it is also the last time that apple will participate in macword. many may not know it, but macworld is an IDG event, a separate company that does events for mmany industries. apple is just invited to participate, err star in it.

will there be a macworld 2010? it would be foolish for IDG not to have it. even if apple does not participate in it, they will still come. we think that is the kind of following apple has among the throngs of techno fanatics.

after macworld 2009, even without steve jobs in it, and even if jobs has more than just a hormone imbalance and he joins the great white in heaven (heaven forbid), apple is set for forever. this is question is often asked these days - is there life for apple after steve jobs.

we think there is. apple's success model has very much been defined over the years with very clear cut principles and directions, etched in ways more pronounced than the tablet that had the ten commandments in them. the strength of a company is in its strategic thinking, its brand equities. and apple's strategic thinking and brand equities are probably the clearest for any brand in the world today.

pause for a minute, and think about it - there are very distinct and powerful similarities in the mac, ipod, iphone and the itunes. there is no mistaking on what were the key strategies that made for these products being the icons and leaders in their respective fields.

macworld may not be one of those exactly, but even the one that will start in less than 24 hours tell a very clear story on the kind of equities and passions people have towards apple. blogs and newswires continue to be pregnant with rumors and speculation what will be announced and not announced during macworld. in a perverse way, the world seem to have moved on from the fact that jobs will not give the keynote address.

speculation and excitement are ripe and palpable. but here's one of the hottest speculation and rumor --- that contrary to what apple announced, steve jobs will make a surprise appearance in macworld.