Silicon Valley Leaders Take A Stand Against Proposition 8

Kara Swisher, writer for the blog Boomtown at All Things Digital, uncovered a huge ad meant for the San Jose Mercury News.  The ad lists Silicon Valley Leaders who take a stand against California's Proposition 8 and why they do so.

Read the article here: http://kara.allthingsd.com/20081030/silicon-valley-leaders-say-no-to-proposition-8/

The honorary co-chairs of “Silicon Valley Leaders Say NO on Proposition 8″ include:

Sergey Brin, Google Co-Founder

Bill Campbell, Chairman, Intuit

David Filo, Founder, Yahoo

Chuck Geschke, Founder and Chairman, Adobe Systems

John Morgridge, Former CEO and Chairman, Cisco Systems

Pierre Omidyar, Founder and Chairman, eBay

Sheryl Sandberg, COO, Facebook

Eric Schmidt, CEO, Google

Jerry Yang, Founder, Yahoo

LEADERS (partial list):
Deborah Barber, Principal, Jackson Hole Group
John Battelle, Chairman and CEO, Federated Media
Larry Birenbaum, Former Senior Vice President, Cisco Systems
Lorna Borenstein, President, Move
Larry Brilliant, Executive Director, Google.org
Owen Byrd, President, Byrd Development
John Chisholm, Chairman and CEO, CustomerSat
Barry Cinnamon, CEO, Akeena Solar
Tod Cohen, Director of Government Affairs, eBay
LaDoris Cordell, Administrator, Stanford University
Sue Decker, President, Yahoo!
Jack Dorsey, Chairman, Twitter
David Drummond, SVP, Corporate Development & Chief Legal Officer, Google
Donna Dubinsky, CEO, Numenta
Alan Eustace, SVP, Engineering and Research, Google
Naomi Fine, President & CEO, Pro-Tec Data
Rachel Glaser COO/CFO, Reunion.com
Carl Guardino, President and CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
Andre Haddad, CEO, Shopping.com
Jeff Hawkins, co-Founder Palm, Handspring, and Numenta
David Karnstedt, Investor
Scott Kaspick, Managing Director, Kaspick & Co.
Steve Kirsch, Serial Entrepreneur
John Koza, CEO, Third Millennium
Ross LaJeunesse, Head of State Policy Western US, Google
Gary Lauder, Managing Partner, Lauder Partners Venture Capital
Laura Lauder, General Partner, Lauder Partners Venture Capital
Len Lehman, Investor
John Luongo, Former CEO, Vantive Corporation
Roger McNamee, Managing Director & co-Founder, Elevation Partners
Ken McNeely, President, AT&T California
Michael Moritz, Partner, Sequoia Capital
Susan Packard Orr, CEO, Telosa Software
Randy Pond, Executive Vice President, Cisco Systems
Amy Rao, Founder & CEO, Integrated Archive Systems
Jana Rich, Managing Director, Russell Reynolds
Miriam Rivera, Former Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Google
Dan Rosensweig, Investor
Dan Rubin, Partner, Alloy Ventures
Hilary Schneider, Executive Vice President US Region, Yahoo
Len Shustek, Chairman, Computer History Museum
Jeff Skoll, Former President, eBay Inc.
Stephanie Tilenius, SVP, eBay North America
Joy Weiss, President and CEO, Dust Networks
Steve Westly, former California State Controller & former SVP eBay
Evan Williams, CEO, Twitter

The Newest Silicon Valley Blog Sensation: FuckedStartups.com

Over the past few days, there has been an enormous amount of buzz on FuckedStartups.com.

Essentially, it features tech companies that are either:
1. Going to lay off people or
2. Tipped that a company may (not confirmed) lay off people or
3. Are basically closing up shop

You'd be surprised the number of companies that are folding/laying off day after day. It's sorta shocking, even with the greater economic turmoil that's happening.

Every day, I thank my lucky stars that I still have a job. These is seeming to really feel like the early 2000's tech/internet bubble burst. Ugh.

Recently featured companies:

• Xanga
• Spotrunner
• Power Reviews
• Revision3
• Vendio
• Elance
• Evo.com
• Helium.com
• SuggestionBox.com
• Yahoo
• Eons.com
• Broadsoft
• ManiaTV.com
• WildTangent
• MySpace.com
• Pricegrabber.com
• Shopzilla.com
• Xerox
• AffinityCircles.com
• iMeem
• Mahalo.com
• Veoh.com
• Wikia.com
• E-diets
• Pandora.com
• Zillow
• SearchMe.com
• Heavy.com
• Jaxtr
• Appcelerator.com
• Sirius XM
• Adbrite
• hi5.com
• Zivity.com
• Tesla Motors
• Jive Software
• Redfin
• Seesmic
• eBay
• Gawker Media (home of the beloved Silicon Valley Gossip Site Valleywag.com)
• Nvidia
• Break.com
• Ticketmaster.com

Scary, huh?

Keepin' It Off

So I've had time to reflect as of late. Vacation on Maui was a good start. I began to think about my Weight Loss a bit more. I basically haven't really changed all that much physically in the past year/year and a half. So if you first met me within the past year, then you probably have no idea what I'm talking about.

Overall, I'm happier with my weight than I've ever been. I've been a few pounds skinnier, but not by that much. I've kept off my 100+ lb. weightloss for over a year! That's really the most difficult part to be honest. When you're losing a massive amount of weight, you definiely hit road blocks and mental insanity at some point. But keeping off weight if definitely a bit more challenging. You play mental games with your head. Like, for example, you may think 'Oh hey... I'm skinnier, I can have that cupcake.' Well, that turns into a slippery slope. So really, it's good to put things into perspective.

Keep in mind your goals and stick with them. If you have bad days, brush them off and start fresh. Don't get discouraged, especially if you happen to gain a few pounds. Just remember where you came from and how far you've gotten. It's definitely not worth travelling back in time, now is it?

Bridge School Benefit Concert: Sat. October 25th, 2008

Last night marked another concert I can add to my list. I love going to see live music. Pop, Jazz, R'n'b, etc. It's all good. Last night I went to the Bridge School Benefit Concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View.

The Lineup: Neil Young, Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, Sarah McLachlan, Death Cab for Cutie, Wilco, Cat Power, Band of Horses.

I really liked Jack Johnson, Sarah McLaclan and Death Cab for Cutie. Norah Jones went too country/dixie for me to enjoy. I thought Cat Power's voice was also awesome. Was a good experience under the stars on a chilly evening in the Silicon Valley.

Today, they're gonna be adding Josh Groban and Smashing Pumpkins.

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Next Concert: Madonna, Oakland Arena, Nov. 1st

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Bands/Solo Artists I've seen in the past:

Some Context: Some of these performances were seen in massive-lineup-style (a la 102.7 KIIS FM's Wango Tango) or a solo concert with opening acts. Some of these peformances I didn't seek to see but happened to be performing. In many cases, I've seen artists before they 'broke it big' when they were an opener, etc. So yea... don't judge. Haha.

The Monkees (sometime in the 80's during their reunion, I'm told)
Paul McCartney
John Mayer (x3)
Sheryl Crow
Maroon 5
Ben Folds
New Kids on the Block (circa 2008)
Donna Summer (circa 2008 Crayons Tour)
Natasha Bedingfield
The Spice Girls (circa 2008)
John Legend (@ Google)
Good Charlotte (@ Google)
Jimmy Buffett (x2 - Wrigley Field and @ Google)
Wyclef Jean (@ Google)
Justin Timberlake (x2)
The Black Eyed Peas
Christina Aguilera
Pink
Danity Kane
The Pussycat Dolls
The Counting Crows
The Killers
The Fray
Gwen Stefani
No Doubt
Kelly Rowland
Kelly Clarkson
Clay Aiken
Tim McGraw
Keith Urban
Bosson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Eifel 65 (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Hanson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Marc Antony (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Jessica Simpson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Brian McKnight (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Jessica Simpson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Sugar Ray (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Goo Goo Dolls (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Lenny Kravitz (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Enrique Igelisias (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
Sisqo (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '00)
3LW (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
The Backstreet Boys (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
American Hi-Fi (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Dream (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Eden's Crush (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Nelly Furtado (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Nikka Costa (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Shaggy (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Sean 'Puffy' Combs (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Ricky Martin (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Samantha Mumba (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Wayne Newton (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Aerosmith (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
The Bee Gees (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Vertical Horizon (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '01)
Vanessa Carlton (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Michelle Branch (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
O-Town (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Craig David (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
India Arie (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Marc Antony (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Paulino Rubio (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Nick Carter (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Kelly Osbourne (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Alanis Morissette (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Celine Dion (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Ja Rule w/ Ashanti (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Will Smith (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '02)
Sting (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Carlos Santana (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Ruben Studdard (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Lisa Marie Presley (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Mark McGrath (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Michelle Branch (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Craig David (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Jennifer Love Hewitt (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '03)
Snoop Dogg (Kiis Fm Jingle Ball '03)
Alicia Keys (Kiis Fm Jingle Ball '03)
Avril Lavigne (Kiis Fm Jingle Ball '03)
Christina Milian (Kiis Fm Jingle Ball '03)
JoJo (Kiis Fm Jingle Ball '03)
Ashlee Simpson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
The Backstreet Boys (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Cassidy (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Enrique Iglesias (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Fefe Dobson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
The Black Eyed Peas (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Hilary & Haylie Duff (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
J-Kwon (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
JC Chasez (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Janet Jackson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Jessica Simpson (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Clay Aiken (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Kimberley Locke (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Lenny Kravitz (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
N.E.R.D. (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)
Big Boi of Outkast (Kiis Fm Wango Tango '04)

An Untapped Market: Birthday Cards for Ex's

So It's one of my ex's birthday's next week. He was my longest relationship, which isn't saying much... about 3 and a half months --- and mostly long distance. It was a little over a year ago when we first met.

Of course, to be amicable, I want to send him a birthday card. I go to the store and check out what they have. I particularly like the stuff from Papyrus, cause it's higher quality and more interesting visually.

So there are usually sections like 'For Him, For Her, Friend, Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, etc.'

You know what they're missing? Ex's! Loving cards don't quite work. Friendship cards don't quite work. There has to be something in between. Of course, you can always send a bitchy ecard from someecards.com. But that takes no effort.

I swear, I need to tap into all of my ideas one day and put my Business Administration skills together.

Big 'No On Prop 8' Donations: Google's Co-founders and Apple Computer

Google has come officially come out against California's Prop 8 on their blog:
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/our-position-on-californias-no-on-8.html

Now both Larry and Sergey have personally donated a combined $140,000 to No on Prop 8. Read more about it here:
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_10795816

Apple Computer also came out against Prop 8 by also donating $100,000 at the company level. On their company homepage it states:

No on Prop 8

Apple is publicly opposing Proposition 8 and making a donation of $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign. Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.

Defeat Hate. Defeat Prop 8.

Prop 8 in California is now winning by an uncomfortably large margin. A new poll has Yes on Prop 8, which is titled 'Eliminates Right For Same Sex Couples to Marry,' leading - 52% in favor and 43% against among likely voters in California.

I'm not quite sure how No on Prop 8 went from being the majority to being in the minority so quickly. The two major arguments being used on the Yes side are (1) Churches could lose their tax exemption status and (2) Gay Marriage would now have to be taught in schools if defeated. Both are untrue and lies. For more facts vs fiction, please visit here.

Let's just take a look at the name of the proposition for a minute. I mean, even the title of the proposition is discriminatory ('Eliminates Right For Same Sex Couples to Marry.') It's shaped in the form of 'Eliminate Right for X to Y.'

Would you vote Yes for a proposition that was titled 'Eliminate Right for White Couples to Divorce'?

I think not! Why would YOU vote YES for anything fundamentally discriminatory? To do so, and to put it in the California CONSTITUTION no less should be a crime against humanity.

I beg for you to vote - vote for humanity. Don't vote for hate and discrimination. Prop 8 - It's Unfair, Unnecessary and Wrong.

Even Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate Joe Biden would vote No on Prop 8 if he lived in California, as he stated on the 'Ellen' show. He also noted Barack Obama would oppose a similar initiative if proposed nationally.

See who else is against Proposition 8 in California.

Below is the newest No on Prop 8 ad featuring the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, who voiced his strong opposition to Prop 8 and the lies about the public education system. Lying is wrong. Using kids to lie is even worse.

Cooking Class Tonight @ Sur La Table SF

So I'm excited that tonight I'll be going to the city to take a cooking class with my old manager Dara.

We're going to do it at Sur La Table in SF.

The Menu is a 'Sunday Roast' theme.

Description:
The tradition of the Sunday roast is alive and well at Sur La Table. We know it's the perfect time to relax with good friends, good wine, and good food. We'll lead you through simple yet refined dishes that are perfect for a cozy Sunday, or any day that calls for that extra something.

Menu:

• Polenta and Gorgonzola Corn Cakes with Pan Roasted Wild Mushrooms
• Roasted Whole Fish and Fennel with Crushed Potatoes, Perserved Lemon, and Charmoula
• Simple & Elegant Roast Chicken
• Autumn Trifle with Roasted Apples, Pears, and Pumpkin-Caramel Sauce

Check back later to see the results!

Opening Up

So there's someone that I particularly care about and would like to get to know even better. We met online a while ago but randomly ran into each other in person back in June this year while I was visiting home in LA. We celebrated his 25th birthday together and had a fun time at LA pride... all in the same weekend. Since then, he's moved up to San Jose for Grad School. We've hung out about once a week, unless we've been out of town.

The problem? He doesn't doesn't talk. :/

I know it's hard for people to open up. It's usually really hard for me too. But it's been over 5 months and I really want to help him during his transition period. If something is on his mind, he usually doesn't want to talk about it.

If we do talk about anything, his responses tend to be super short.

I think he's adorable, very attractive, funny, smart, caring and just a fun guy to be around. We have things in common, too.

I just need to find the key to his lock...

Comparing Gay Marriage and Racial Segregation

Here is an interesting NY Times / Freakanomics article on the topic of Gay Marriage. It compares it with racial segregation and how it's morally wrong.

http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/15/my-wedding-ring/

Mobilization

I'd just like to remember that I've never seen a group like the supporters of No-On-8 in California mobilize so quickly in my life.

The number of emails, phone calls, fundraisers, volunteering events, and parties are astonishing. From West Hollywood to San Francisco, I've seen No On 8 out in force.

I'm proud to see action happen so quickly. I wish I could personally do more beyond donate for the time being.

I personally think it's important to spread the No On 8 message beyond your circle of friends. One should now be sending messages to family, allies, straight friends, etc. More importantly, encourage everyone to vote (and register!) if they haven't done so. Poll numbers mean nothing unless people are voting.

I'm looking forward to the Nov. showdown. Let's hope that the incredible mobilization (shall I say the Jedi Knights) defeats supporters of Prop 8 (let's just call 'em the Dark Side of the Force.)

Is silence really golden?

While vacationing in Hawaii, It's not uncommon to see a lot of couples. I mean... a lot of couples. Couples that are dating, married, on honeymoons, getting married... you get the whole bit in one place.

Over the past week, I've done a lot of observing. I'm noticing something I really didn't care too much to think about in the past.

What you ask? Silence

Can you hear it? Neither can I.

I've always assumed that most couples spend their time being chatty. Oh no. They're really not. We're talking a lot of time is spent being eerily silent.

I guess I've gone through life assuming silence is boring or the other person is uninterested if both people are quiet.

I mean, I know you have to be ultra comfortable with someone to get to the point of silence being golden, but I don't think I've quite been there yet.

I'll let ya know if I ever do...

Ass Play

Okay... so I know by now this still photo has made its way on the internet with many amusing captions after the last presidential debate.

To put some context, this was McCain's reaction to exiting from the wrong side of the stage.

I was watching Anderson Cooper and Jason Carroll last night on AC 360 have a caption contest for this. Quite amusing.

Anderson Cooper should just run for president already.

Newest No On Prop 8 Ad: Unfair

Below is the newest No on Prop 8 ad. It's titled 'Unfair.' I think this is one of the best No on Prop 8 ads to date. I'm actually surprised they didn't pick from a larger selection of those against Prop 8... including many conservative newspapers in California. Just see who is against Prop 8 here.

Why YOU should Vote NO on Prop 8? (If you live in California, that is)

Okay, I've made a conscience effort in the past to not be so preachy on political things on my blog. I used to be back when Bush was up for president... and we all know how that turned out. Anyways, if my company can write an official blog entry on why to defeat Prop 8 in California, I sure as hell can!

I should first start off by saying that I donated a sum of money to No on Prop 8 last week. I should have done it sooner. If you can't donate, but live in California, you can also donate your time by volunteering at a local phone bank.

Here is what you need to know:

What is Prop 8?
Dispelling the lies: Fact vs. Fiction
Why Vote No On 8?
Who Opposes Prop 8? (We're talking hella people and organizations!)

My Opinion:

Prop 8 discriminates based on sexual orientation. Just as interracial marriage laws were defeated in the past based on not discriminating against a group, gays and lesbians must not be discriminated against when it comes to the basic right of marriage.

Even when you think of this purely from an economics standpoint, Gay Marriage will help the California Economy. Think of all the new fabulous weddings you'll get to attend or plan. In all seriousness, this will help boost the economy by stimulating spending.

Just Listen to Ellen for a moment, why don't you?

Clothed

I admire the older generation being able to be so damn comfortable with their bodies.

As I lay tanning by my hotel pool in Kaanapali, I can't help but notice how comfortable the older generation is with their bodies. Of course, they've grown older together with a significant other in many cases. My assumption is by this point in their life, they have a 'i don't really care what others think' 'tude. I truly admire that.

Here I am, really uncomfortable with my body --- due mainly to the effects of major weight loss -- cringing inside when I have to remove my shirt to get rid of my farmers tan.

I do realize I won't see any of these people around me ever again, so I really shouldn't care what they think.

It's just so damn hard.

Why Vacation Matters

Aloha. So I'm on my first real vacation (i would define as a week +) since I started to work.

I've been pressured by many to take a vacation and I'm finally doing it. My old manager said to me in our last 1:1 meeting together, 'If it's one thing you learn from me... take a vacation.'

I always deemphasized this when working. I don't want to have to look at my inbox when I come back to work seeing hundreds of emails to sift through. But you know what... I freaking deserve this vacation.

Now It's Day 4 of my vacation. I haven't really done too much. Some tanning, eating, exercising, touring and photography. I also went Wine Tasting at a winery in Maui.

I forgot how much perspective you gain when you're on vacation. Especially to a place like Maui where life is so slow. You have time to think. It's really refreshing. Instead of thinking about the economy, presidential election or another world crisis, you think about what your next meal or activity will be. Sure, I feel guilty. Really I do. I even told my Mom this and she felt the same way.

I'm glad I'm gaining a bit more perspective on this trip. I'm becoming more observant. Noticing the little things around me that I would otherwise skip in my everyday life. I'm rediscovering what I love about living... things often lost in the shuffle. When I get back to Cali, maybe I'll change some of the things I was more hesitant to in the past, as well.

When I get back, I'm taking a post-vacation sanity day to recoop.