Retired Silicon Valley CEO Returns his Pension to Company

This IS so refreshing, especially here in Silicon Valley where greed of executives is the rule rather than the exception. The San Jose Mercury News just published this article claiming retired CEO Bertrand Cambou of Spansion, returned all of his pension (403K after taxes) upon hearing that 3,000 employees at his previous company were laid off without any severance. (By the way, the top executives at this company got a pay increase as their pay cuts were reversed).

This is what he said:

My heart is broken to see that large amount of great people have been laid off without any severance.

He also further states that he hopes the company will use the money to help the laid off workers. Let's see if they follow through with it, especially since the laid off workers have now filed a lawsuit against the company.

Giveaway!!! FREE Gymboree 20% off Coupon (US Only)

Just leave a comment somewhere here on my blog (NOT on this post though) and this weekend I will chose someone to receive:

One 20% off Gymboree coupon code, good for entire purchase. It states the coupon is good for EITHER online or in the store. The coupon is valid from 2/17/09 through 3/29/09.

Hint: I'm looking more from a comment than, I want this!

If you are chosen I will mail you the coupon (sorry, will go snail mail). If you prefer I can email you the bar code on the back so you can place an online order (remember, online code is only good for order placed on their website and, from my understanding, it cannot then be used also inside the store). Also not responsible for any errors or problems placing/redeeming the code. (I've never had a problem though!)

We don't buy Gymbo anymore, sniff sniff. So I hope someone else can use it!

Sorry, good for U.S only, (not other countries nor US territories). Not responsible for lost mail.

Pre-Silicon Valley: Ranches in New Almaden

The smell of sweet grain and hay and horses and mud. Ah, the childhood memories these odors evoke--mostly good. Back then we'd hang out all day long at the ranch (which has since been replaced by housing development) and play in the muck with the horses. Funny, I didn't mind the smell back then and I don't mind it now. Some things never change.

It's probably been around ten or so years since I've been up to Almaden. Today I went with my friend who, believe it or not, boards her horse at one of the few remaining ranches in Silicon Valley.

Hard to believe that only 20 minutes away from Apple Headquarters, you can still spot a little bit of country (psst...it's not called "Silicon Valley" out here--it's still referred to as Santa Clara Valley in these parts).

Looks odd, seeing newer stucco gargantuan homes juxtaposed next to sprawling ranches and rambling hills.

Spotted this Mediterranean style mansion smack dab in the middle of the hills of Almaden.

Sorry, just doesn't have that ranchy feel to me.

Here Comes the Sun

Sunny Day Child's Picture, originally uploaded by lct_00.

And finally the sun comes out! Yay.

M drew this picture while cooped up inside dreaming of brighter days.

Rainy Days and Tea Parties in California

A funny thing happens when a native, hence spoiled, Californian is suddenly confronted with perpetual dreary gray skies and non stop rain.

You adapt. (Sort of)

And you settle for indoor activities. It's been a non-stop tea party here with me and the kids, who coincidentally, have this week off at school.

And part of me wonders: could we possibly move somewhere like Seattle or somewhere else in Washington or even Oregon where everyday rain is a fact of life? Heck, we could we could probably buy a huge plot of land or something.

But then, how could we enjoy it if we are always inside?

Saratoga Mustard Faire March 1st, 2009: Mark Your Calendars!

Saratoga has pushed out the date of their annual Mustard Faire to March 1st! So, mark your calendars.

It is held at the Saratoga Library which is situated right next to one of the last orchards we have here in the Silicon Valley (Santa Clara Valley).

You can get a taste of our "Valley of our Hearts Delight" history--learn about one of our oldest active orchards. And, you can see native wildflowers in the area--Mustard Grass is a long stalk with yellowish flowers at the end, and it has been known to camouflage the Native Americans when they used to hunt wild buffalo. The grasses would surpass the tops of their heads, even on horseback. (Today, we just think of this wild grass as weeds).

It is a great place for history buffs and you can even purchase some historical literature. Last year they even had a small petting zoo for children. There is also plenty to eat.

Each year the fair keeps getting better and better.

Sometimes it's the Little Things (Social Media)

After my rant yesterday, I didn't even want to log into my computer this morning.

Glad I did.

I received this email (along with some pictures of her students) from this Bay Area teacher who needed $331 to buy Shakespeare books and materials for her fourth grade class:

Wow! Thank you so much for choosing my project to fund. This is the first time I've used DonorsChoose.org and I wasn't sure what to expect. It's wonderful to think that there are generous people out there who want to help a classroom teacher bring exciting educational activities to their children. I thank you. My children thank you.

It's refreshing to know that sometimes in social media, where all too often you hear more about how to promote yourself to the hilt to make a buck and all too often it's more about me rather than we, there still is opportunity to make a difference.

Guess I'm still an idealist.

Social Media Burn Out

Uncle!

Perhaps it was taking a reprieve from the computer (for the most part) for a few days and getting some downtime, but this morning when I logged into Facebook and I was confronted with a zillion "One Word" "Top Gal Pal", Super pokes, Save the planet/children/animals/human species etc., requests, I just lost it.

Scanning Twitter also made me dizzy. I couldn't keep up with the new followers.

I used to feel I should reciprocate following those who shared similar interests (so long as they weren't freaks or anything) and part of it may be my mother's influence; raised in the south she always encouraged good manners and hospitality. Guess I felt like I'd be snubbing someone if I didn't follow back or something. And, I admit that initially part of the draw to social media was the allure of meeting people from all over the globe. Not to mention I'm a total news junkie, and I receive a slew of news feeds, (obviously too many) and I followed a bunch of high profile writers and bloggers.

Part of me also loved the idea that social media could be used for good (look at the bar to the right--I LOVE to promote social media for good!)

Suddenly though, I'm just nauseated with all the politics and petty arguments. All the self-promotion: "Look at my blog!" "Look at my new book!" "Join my Fan Page!" "Buy my homemade hand creme!"

It's getting to be just a bit too much.

I just read this Newsweek article where this guy claims he shut down his Facebook Account. Already the article has generated close to 500 comments. Obviously this writer is on to something.

I'm not sure if I want to go that far yet. I've reconnected with child hood friends and co-workers I haven't seen in years and this allows me to keep in touch. But, I do plan on taking a step back and not feeling guilty if I don't log into Facebook or Twitter for a few days or approve every single friend request.