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Dear Apple: Where's my iHat?
From the corporate correspondence files of Mr. Kenneth H. Cleaver. Also: Grizzly bear job prospects and rap lyric campaign contributions for Al Gore.

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By Kenneth Cleaver

Dec. 10, 1999

Apple Computer, Inc.
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014




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Dear Apple:

Today is the second day of the rest of my life. Yesterday my iMac arrived. The iMac is a remarkably attractive computer. Its transparent CPU dome looks like something out of a candy store. Stunning as it looks alone, when paired with its user one's eyes are drawn to a startling incongruity.

A headpiece, or iHat, made of the same plastic which houses the CPU would provide an aesthetic balance while serving to further integrate the CPU with the mind of its user. The iHat should come equipped with built-in headphones and horse blinders. Both devices could serve to prevent distraction from the outside world. Since Apple has been encouraging me to think different, I thought you'd be delighted by my efforts.

If it is not too much of an imposition, I should like a prototype iHat. It would be really fun to sport mine before they're all the rage. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Kenneth H. Cleaver

Apple responds:

Kenneth H. Cleaver
P.O. Box 810
Bedford, NY 10506

Dear Mr. Cleaver:

Thank you for your correspondence dated Dec. 12, 1999. It is Apple's policy not to accept unsolicited ideas concerning products, product enhancements, processes, materials, advertising, promotions or marketing plans (all hereinafter "IDEAS") from sources outside the Company. Our policy may be viewed at http://www.apple.com/legal/#unsolicited.

In this regard, all IDEAS submitted to Apple are forwarded to my office. I keep such IDEAS in my locked files.

We hope that you understand that this policy is necessary to prevent claims that Apple appropriated unfairly unsolicited IDEAS submitted to the Company.

We do appreciate your interest and support of Apple Computer, Inc.

Very truly yours
APPLE COMPUTER, INC.

Albert P. Cefalo
Associate Counsel
Director of Patent,
Trademark & Copyright

. Next page | The perils of a grizzly career
1, 2, 3




Illustration by Simi Dhillon/Salon.com


 




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