Bubble Talk bet
Altman discusses recent talk of a bubble in Silicon Valley valuations:
I’m tired of reading about investors and journalists claiming there’s a bubble in tech. I understand that it’s fun to do and easy press, but it’s boring reading. I also understand that it might scare newer investors away and bring down valuations, but there’s got to be a better way to win than that…Investors that think companies are overpriced are always free not to invest. Eventually, the market will find its clearing price.
He then opens a bet saying that, to win, he must be right on all three counts by Jan 1, 2020: 1) the value of the top six “unicorns” will rise from $100 billion to $200 billion 2) Some mid-stage YC companies will rise in value from $9 billion to $27 billion and 3) the Winter 2015 batch to rise in value from $0 to $3 billion.
This bet is open to the first VC who would like to take it (though it is not clear to me anyone who wants to take the other side should be investing in startups.) The loser donates $100,000 to a charity of the winner’s choice.
Exits rehab
After completing a 30-day rehab program for alcohol abuse, Hamm is released from Silver Hill Hospital.
With the support of his longtime partner Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon Hamm recently completed treatment for his struggle with alcohol addiction. They have asked for privacy and sensitivity going forward.
Hired by Google
Porat is hired as Google’s CFO, two weeks after the previous CFO, Patrick Pichette, announced his decision to retire from the role in a candid memo about work/life balance. She will start May 26. Page:
We’re tremendously fortunate to have found such a creative, experienced and operationally strong executive. I look forward to learning from Ruth as we continue to innovate in our core—from search and ads, to Android, Chrome and YouTube—as well as invest in a thoughtful, disciplined way in our next generation of big bets.
Porat:
I’m delighted to be returning to my California roots and joining Google. Growing up in Silicon Valley, during my time at Morgan Stanley and as a member of Stanford’s Board, I’ve had the opportunity to experience first hand how tech companies can help people in their daily lives. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get started.
Ovaries removed
Jolie undergoes a laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy to have her ovaries removed, after her doctor warns her that she could have cancer. She is entering early menopause and can no longer have children. Describing the process:
Your CA-125 is normal,” he said. I breathed a sigh of relief. That test measures the amount of the protein CA-125 in the blood, and is used to monitor ovarian cancer. I have it every year because of my family history. But that wasn’t all. He went on. “There are a number of inflammatory markers that are elevated, and taken together they could be a sign of early cancer.” I took a pause. “CA-125 has a 50 to 75 percent chance of missing ovarian cancer at early stages,” he said. He wanted me to see the surgeon immediately to check my ovaries.
I went through what I imagine thousands of other women have felt. I told myself to stay calm, to be strong, and that I had no reason to think I wouldn’t live to see my children grow up and to meet my grandchildren. I called my husband in France, who was on a plane within hours. The beautiful thing about such moments in life is that there is so much clarity. You know what you live for and what matters. It is polarizing, and it is peaceful. That same day I went to see the surgeon, who had treated my mother. I last saw her the day my mother passed away, and she teared up when she saw me: “You look just like her.” I broke down. But we smiled at each other and agreed we were there to deal with any problem, so “let’s get on with it.
Regardless of the hormone replacements I’m taking, I am now in menopause. I will not be able to have any more children, and I expect some physical changes. But I feel at ease with whatever will come, not because I am strong but because this is a part of life. It is nothing to be feared.
Lee Kuan Yew dies age 91
Yew dies at the age of 91. He was hospitalized for severe pneumonia. Singapore Prime Ministers office:
The Prime Minister is deeply grieved to announce the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the founding Prime Minister of Singapore.
Russos to direct Avengers films
The Russo brothers replace Whedon as directors for the Avengers franchise. The first movies in the series they will direct are Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 / Part 2, which will be shot all at once. Whedon had hinted that Avengers: Age of Ultron would be his final one:
I couldn’t imagine doing this again. It’s enormously hard, and it [will] be, by [the time I would make ‘Avengers 3 & 4′], a good five years since I created anything that was completely my own. So it’s very doubtful that I would take on the two-part Infinity War movie that would eat up the next four years of my life. I obviously still want to be a part of the Marvel Universe – I love these guys – but it ain’t easy. This year has been more like running three shows than any year of my life. It is bonkers.
X17 interview
In an X17 exclusive interview Snider says Pero died of a massive heart attack.
He had a massive heart attack in his sleep. We lost him. The first member of the band to die. It’s very sad.
Retires after 19 years
After 19 years in the NBA, Nash announces his retirement. During his career, he won the MVP twice and he accumulated the third-most assists in NBA history.
The greatest gift has been to be completely immersed in my passion and striving for something I loved so much — visualizing a ladder, climbing up to my heroes. The obsession became my best friend. I talked to her, cherished her, fought with her and got knocked on my ass by her.
And that is what I’m most thankful for in my career. In my entire life, in some ways. Obviously, I value my kids and my family more than the game, but in some ways having this friend — this ever-present pursuit — has made me who I am, taught me and tested me, and given me a mission that feels irreplaceable. I am so thankful. I’ve learned so many invaluable lessons about myself and about life. And of course I still have so much to learn. Another incredible gift.
I'm retiring from basketball. Thanks for all the love through the years. http://t.co/CMqDBSYIrr pic.twitter.com/iNTG6eap4D
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) March 21, 2015
Warns supporters
In his column in The Sun, Clarkson warns his supporters that protests never work
The simple truth of the matters is this: Protest never works. Because we are all plankton. And the world is run by whales. Oh, you can be a big and important plankton but that doesn’t make a jot of difference if a whale has decided to eat you up.
Oldest woman military veteran dies
Coffey, the oldest living woman U.S. military veteran, who served with the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps in the Pacific Theater during World War Two, dies at the age of 108, veterans officials in San Antonio says.
It is with great sadness we learned that our beloved Ms. Lucy Coffey, our nation’s oldest female veteran, passed away this morning. Her contributions to our country and community will never be forgotten.
AJ Pero dies age 55
Pero dies at the age of 55. No cause of death is mentioned in the band’s statement.
The members of TWISTED SISTER are profoundly saddened to announce the untimely passing of our brother, A.J. Pero. The band, crew and most importantly the family of A.J. Pero thank you for your thoughts and prayers at this time.
$25 million bail set
Judge Ronald S. Coen sets the rapper’s bail at $25 million. Prosecutors had argued that the bail should be set at $25 million because of Knight’s past criminal record, citing police reports showing past links to robberies, assaults and battery. After hearing this, Knight collapses and is taken to the hospital.
Moved to rehab
Brown, is being moved from Emory University Hospital to an undisclosed rehabilitation facility in Georgia. Although she remains in a medically induced coma and is dependent on a ventilator to breathe, Brown’s family remains hopeful she’ll recover, and have asked the public to keep her in their prayers. Family:
Though it seems the odds are against her, though Doctors don’t see any hope for change, though it looks like it’s impossible for her to ever stand again, still pray for BK [Bobbi Kristina].
Slashed by knife
Walden’s ex-girlfriend, Palmer, slashes Walden in the arm with a knife. Walden calls 911 after wrestling his gun away from Palmer, who was also armed with a baseball bat. Before fleeing, Palmer struck Walden’s female companion in the arm with the bat, breaking the woman’s arm. As Walden was trying to get the woman to the hospital, Palmer reappeared and slashed him in the arm with a knife before fleeing again. Walden did not suffer any major damage in the attack.
Blues Anthony Kastner born
Paré gives birth to a son, Blues Anthony Paré Kastner. This is Paré’s first child and Kastner’s second.
https://instagram.com/p/0eac2zJt1I/
Remains found
The remains of the Wall Street Journal reporter missing for 14 months are found in the Passaic River. Two canoers saw a red jacket caught up in some branches and called the police. Authorities were able to identify Bird by his dental records.
Files for divorce
Fisher files for divorce from his wife of ten years. The Fishers have two children together, as well as another child from a previous relationship.
This is a difficult time for me personally. For the sake of our children, I ask that everyone respects our privacy during this process.
Retires after 16 seasons
After 16 seasons in the NBA, Harrington retires. He averaged 13.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game through a career in which he played for seven NBA teams. He is only one of five players to play more than 15 seasons after making the leap from high school to the NBA.
I’m very happy with what I was able to accomplish. I was able to change a lot of people’s lives in my family, including myself, in a game that I eventually fell in love with and will always be in love with. And hopefully, I can stay around the game until I die.
It was a fun ride. It went by fast, too. It was like one minute I was 18, the next I was 25, then was 30 and now I’m 35. It was a fun run. Met a lot of great people.
Cannon, White dating
Cannon is dating White. Source (referring to Cannon’s relationship with Mariah Carey):
Jessica fully respected Nick’s relationship and would never get in between anything with them. When Nick was going through his breakup, Jessica was there for him as a friend.
Jack Haley dies at 51
Haley passes away from heart disease at the age of 51. Foul play is not suspected, but an autopsy will be performed. Family statement:
He cherished every moment and gave 100 percent whether on or off the court. And more than anything, Jack dearly loved his family. We are humbled and grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from around the country.
The Bulls:
The Chicago Bulls family was saddened to hear of the passing of former Bull Jack Haley. Jack was always a supportive and enthusiastic teammate and a valued member of the 1995-96 championship team that went 72-10. He always brought energy and enthusiasm to our organization and we send our condolences to Jack’s family.