‘GD’ to ‘WD’
I read Andrew Simons’ Oct. 18 story on the new “WD” logo for Western Digital. The change makes good sense.
Here’s the story of how I named the company: In 1970, I had the vision of becoyming another General Electric or General Motors, so I named it General Digital.
One year after startup, we discovered that there was a small local company named Digital General, which produced test equipment similar to our Spartan 770. After getting the usual “cease and desist” letters, I decided to change the name.
Since we had spent a few dollars machining plastic letters for our flagpole sign, I did not want all of it to go to waste, so I came up with the name “Western.”
We simply removed the “G,” the “A,” and the “L” and replaced them with “W,” “S,” and “T.”
Then I ran the attached ad in the electronics media to let the world know that the “General’s gone Western!”
Al Phillips
(Phillips, founder of Western Digital, now is president of A.B. Phillips & Co. consultancy in Newport Coast.)
Stem Cells
I wholeheartedly agree with Rick Reiff’s Oct. 25 assessment of the various propositions, in particular Proposition 71, the stem-cell research initiative.
While I support additional research and the possibilities that stem-cell research offers (my husband is diabetic), the state should not be obligating its citizens for this huge debt. We have enough other critical infrastructure and other needs that deserve this funding, however difficult it may be to overcome the emotions of the Michael J. Fox/Chris Reeve ad campaign.
Ann Romano
Ann Romano Associates
Capistrano Beach
Campbell Critics
How could anyone imagine spoiling Assemblyman John Campbell’s dreamy interlude with his Cabernet to address real issues (Oct. 18 letter)?
What silly constituency would focus on record job losses, a massive deficit and porous borders when it could hide away with a fine wine and ignore it all?
And if someone questions the indifference, let’s follow his lead and point to height or hairstyle in drawing specious comparisons to other politicians.
Thanks for providing such enlightened leadership and guidance in this stressful campaign.
Ken Anderson
Chop Shop
Irvine
In his Oct. 4 letter about media bias, Assemblyman Campbell stated, “How can the content of the report be correct when the only evidence to support the conclusion is fake?”
In the case cited about the gas tanks, the tanks were, in fact, faulty. GM did not refute the problem, just the “Dateline” dramatization.
In a 20-year span, many problems have been brought to light by good journalism. Like any profession, TV news journalism has had instances of going over the line, and on occasion, there have been outright fabrications. But the great majority of stories are legitimate attempts to protect the consumer from fraud and danger by spotlighting bad businesses.
What would someone watch if they wanted to see responsible journalism? Fox News? Fox has made a mockery of the word “journalism.” And now the TV station-ownership group Sinclair Broadcasting is airing a politically motivated lie under the false banners of “news” and “journalism.”
Pick your “news” sources carefully. Fox and Sinclair are not legitimate news sources. CBS, NBC, ABC and CNN, with their flaws, are.
OCBJ makes no secret of its “editorial” bias, but presents stories with journalistic integrity and publishes differing opinions. That also is responsible journalism.
Ed St. Amour
Mesa Verde
Good Deed
There is nothing more consequential than for a business to have the vision to support future generations and advocate on behalf of our schools.
It’s one thing when parents are involved with their children’s and young adults’ schools, but there is a gap when it comes to sweeping support for public education from the business community.
That is a particularly important mission of the Irvine Public Schools Foundation. Past support for the foundation has saved art, science and music programs and provided positive after-school activities for over 5,000 students each year.
This year’s revenue goal of $4.5 million sets a new standard for Foundation support. A key part of this expanded effort is the establishment of the Small Business Industry. It’s an outstanding way to maximize your investment in our schools and gain more visibility for your company.
Visit www.ipsf.net or call Tim Shaw at (949) 263-8340. Please join us with a 2004/05 pledge.
Mitch Goldstone
President
30minphotos.com
Irvine
