A Peek into my Google Reader with Flipboard's New Update

If you have an iPad and use Flipboard (I'll post more about that app later), then you are probably already aware of Flipboard's update which allows you to import your Google Reader and Flickr, among other things. I haven't had much time to play around with it yet but the layout is pretty cool.

This is a screenshot of how my Google Reader looks on Flipboard.  (Hey, do you recognize anyone on here?)

Slowing Down

It’s so difficult to hit that pause button.

Especially here in the Silicon Valley: where a sense of do-it-now or die urgency permeates our work environment and culture. (Is it crazy like this everywhere?) But we really aren't supposed to talk about it, are we? Otherwise, we come across as not being able to hack it. And we certainly don't want to complain.

The reason for my tirade is that my heart breaks. In the past year and half a handful of people in my community have passed away, all heart attacks. It’s not uncommon to hear about such deaths as you get up there in age, but most of these people were under fifty. And they left behind young families.

And the latest casualty is the father of 3 children. Right before Christmas.

I’m not sure if the crazy Silicon Valley stresses contributed to any of these deaths, but it does drive home for me the need to find some balance in life. And that means once in awhile forcing yourself to slow down. Even if the rest of the world refuses to do so.

During this holiday season especially, I will try to not fret about the little things, like the threat of un-bought presents looming in the back of my mind. I hope to hit the pause button more often, to savor the beauty of life and the magic of another holiday. And I say a prayer for those who left us way too soon and the young families they left behind.

Photo courtesy of Danny Sullivan via Flickr

Should Men Wear Jeggings?

Ostrich Farm Once in San Jose?

Ostrich Farm once in San Jose?

Okay, we all know before our valley was transformed into "Silicon Valley" the area was renowned for orchards, farms and ranches.  But did you know that San Jose once boasted a huge ostrich farm? I sure didn't.

The ostrich farm was located on King Road in San Jose.  The ostrich feathers were in high fashion back then (the post card is dated 1905) and used mostly for hats and boas. 

Photo courtesy of California Room of the San Jose Public Library