Found some gems buried in the comments:

    > Back then, Apple had a sabbatical program that encouraged (mandated?)     employees to take six consecutive weeks off every five years.

This is really a good take. I can't imagine companies give sabbatical programs nowadays. You still have your vacations so JK took 12 weeks (OP mentioned in the same comment). It was a boon for any system programmer who needs to clear his mind or deepen his thoughts.