MH Couple Opens TechSmart Kids
Morgan Hill – TechSmart Kids, Inc., a technology and computer education company, opened Monday, Sept 25 at 222 Cochrane Plaza in Morgan Hill.
The business, owned by Morgan Hill residents Peggy and Nick Piagentini, offers technology and computer classes to children ages 2-10 Monday through Saturday. Classes are offered in the mornings, afternoons and early evenings.Â
Nick Piagentini works for Juniper Networks in the security products group and has been a technical trainer and college educator. Peggy Piagentini has a technical background in computer training and curriculum development. They have worked with young children in teaching capacities and as camp counselors.
The Morgan Hill couple said the idea of teaching children about technology and computers began several years ago when they had an adult technical training business in Sacramento.
Having three daughters who became interested in learning about computers the Piagentinis said they used their children as teachers as they evaluated software and curriculum.
Once they found products they felt were educational, fun and age appropriate, they began designing a business around what they, as parents, wanted their children to learn about computers and technology.
“Our focus is on education about computer and technology concepts and how the computer is a fantastic tool, not just a way to play games,” Peggy said, adding that the business also provides awareness for parents and children on how to use the Internet safely and effectively through classes on CyberSafety.
For more information on TechSmart Kids, Inc., visit www.techsmartkids.net
or call (408) 776-9737
United Way Honors Two Local Donors
Morgan Hill – Morgan Hill residents Jeff and Laura Lundy have been honored by the United Way of Silicon Valley for their charitable giving.Â
Laura Lundy, senior loan consultant at Washington Mutual in Morgan Hill, has served on the United Way Silicon Valley board of directors for two years. She is also a founding member of and contributor to United Way’s Women Leading Change, an innovative initiative designed to empower single mothers to achieve self-sufficiency through financial education and a matched savings program. Jeff Lundy owns Golf Simulator Experts Inc. in Morgan Hill.
“We are at that stage in our lives where we can give larger sums of money and we felt that by giving to United Way we were reaching a large number of charities and focusing our donations for the betterment of our local community,” Laura Lundy said. “I first got involved with United Way because I wanted to give back to the community, but I didn’t know which nonprofits to support. United Way is an umbrella organization that does its homework on which charities are doing good work and are using their funds appropriately.”
The Tocqueville Society is United Way’s pinnacle of leadership giving, with members donating $10,000 or more each year. Like their namesake, Alexis de Tocqueville, members take a leadership role in the community.Â
Last year, the Tocqueville Society’s 106 members contributed a total of $1.36 million to United Way Silicon Valley.
Richard M. Levy, Ph.D., Varian Medical Systems board chairman, and his wife Sue were awarded Philanthropists of the Year for their dedicated service and generous contribution to United Way’s campaign to bring the 2-1-1 information and referral system to Santa Clara County.
2-1-1 is a 24/7 hotline and Web site that will connect Santa Clara County residents who need assistance with those who can help. 2-1-1 will streamline health and human services and serve as a critical link during a disaster. United Way Silicon Valley recently received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to use the toll-free telephone number, which will be available to the community in February 2007.
For more information about United Way Silicon Valley, visit www.uwsv.org
Judge dismisses key part of AMD antitrust lawsuit against Intel
San Jose –A federal judge dismissed a major portion of Advanced Micro Devices Inc.’s antitrust lawsuit against archrival Intel Corp., ruling that AMD cannot sue in the U.S. for Intel’s alleged monopolistic tactics overseas.
The judge also set a trial date of April 27, 2009 for AMD to argue that Intel forced major customers into exclusive deals and offered secret rebates to undercut AMD in the market for microprocessors that act as the brains of computers.
On Tuesday, the Delaware-based judge ruled that AMD failed to prove that Intel’s alleged strong-arm tactics abroad had “direct, substantial and foreseeable effects” on AMD’s operations in the United States.
Santa Clara-based Intel, the world’s largest computer chip maker, argued that AMD should not be able to sue in the U.S. for alleged lost sales of microprocessors that were made and sold in other countries. It also argued that part of AMD’s case should be dismissed because AMD was seeking redress abroad for “foreign commerce claims.”
AMD, which filed its lawsuit in June 2005, maintains that the market for microprocessors is global and that Intel’s conduct domestically and abroad are inextricably linked.
“We are pleased that the judge understood and agreed with our argument and analysis of the law,” said Intel spokesman Chuck Mulloy. “Nonetheless, we plan to vigorously defend ourselves on the remaining portions of this case.”
AMD has not yet decided whether to appeal the ruling, said company spokesman Michael Silverman.
