Silicon Valley-A Drive Down the Memory Lane

 

Point to Ponder: While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things is extraordinary.-Matt Bevin

Sand--Silicon--Semiconductor- Computers, Phones, Systems and Devices--The Way We Live and Interact

Story Line: The short video above captures some of the landmarks of Silicon Valley; The Garage where Hewlett Packard was formed, The place where the first Silicon transistor was made, The place where the first commercially viable Integrated Circuit was developed, The Garage where Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniack created the first computer and Apple, the place where Steve Jobs grew up, also where Steve Jobs lived in the later years, the beginning of Intel and some popular food places since the mid-1960s.

Reflection: About 12 years ago there was a visitor from Japan in my work place. After lunch there was a scheduled meeting to discuss business issues. Instead of going back to the workplace conference room, I offered to take him around some historic Silicon Valley places and during travel between the places, to continue our business discussion. We accomplished our meeting agenda and he also he went home very happy and created a very nice trip report that included the photos and narration of our sideline tour. Thus began the tradition of my Silicon Valley tour that has been enjoyed by over 100 people from many countries over the years. And for me they have been drives down the lanes full of memories.

Having spent five decades in this valley and seeing it evolve from mostly a farmland to the center of world's most innovative companies, their wonderful inventions and the experience of dealing with many cultures has been very fulfilling.

I had planned this reflection for almost a year. It was pure coincidence but an immense source of joy to find out that this week happens to be celebration of The Birth Place of Silicon Valley. Additionally Intel, one of the only two remaining valley semiconductor companies from 1960s, is still thriving and just celebrated its 50^th anniversary.

Who would have imagined then the immense impact Silicon Valley and its product would have on the world the way it has?  The last clip in the video sums it up well.

 

Comments

[SS]

Just like a subtle gaseous thing like steam built the foundation for locomotion; a simple way by Nikola Tesla, of harnessing the already existing energy of electricity through a motor has grown into practically every imaginable form of convenience we live in and live by today.

[Yoshinaga]

Thank you very much for having me remember heartful days. Actually, I’m A person among those 100 people in your Silicon Valley Tour. You have kindly taken me to Silicon Valley tour at almost every time of my intel SC visits with your car, listening to Kitaro after the dinner. Actually, I still feel that happened at just yesterday, and I can remember the tours clearly. And that time was good days for both us and Intel, too.

Again, thank you ve

[Scientist friend fr China]

I hope you are doing well.
Missing the days working with you.
Unfortunately you had ache in your back when I visited SC office so didn’t make the drive. So good to read the article and view the video today to catch up :)
All the best for you!
Thanks and regards

[Lynette Caubin]

Awesome video Anand P Shah. Wonderful historic trip down memory lane of Silicon Valley. Love that I was part of HP and Intel...

[Evelyn Tan]

Very informative n Nostalgic...☺

[Vatsal Parikh]

Great Memories , even I love PALO ALTO , LOS GATOS , CUPERTINO , SUNNYVALE , SAN JOSE 😁😁

[BHSC]

I love it!

[ThankYou from TPE]

Thank you Anand! Not only for being my tour guide to Silicon Valley, but also for being my best tour guide of my Intel career and rest of my life…..

[Prasad Vepa]

A beautiful, familiar and nostalgic capture of the landmarks of Silicon Valley. As a resident of the Valley since 1976 and having personally known Jack Kilby (co-inventor of the Integrated Circuit along with Bob Noyce) when I worked at Texas Instruments in Dallas, prior to moving here, this really resonated with me. Living in the Valley and having worked for some industry giants, we are lucky to be a part of this storied and magical place — a veritable fountain of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that the rest of the world envies us for. While we celebrate the success of Silicon Valley we should ponder on the ingredients of its secret sauce, protect the cherished values and guard against their erosion to ensure that the flame of this spirit burns brightly for a long time to come.