Phyllis Cole
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With a Harvard master's in teaching secondary school mathematics, I entered
a 25-year career in the computer industry, starting at Stanford University in
1963 where I worked in the new field of computer-assisted instruction.
I was very honored when, in 1976, Bob Albrecht, PCC founder, asked me to
take over his job editing People's Computers, published by the People's
Computer Company. The job landed me at a wide window into the information
revolution: People's Computers was the first magazine designed to introduce
teachers to computers. With the job came unexpected power: a request to
review computers for educators brought an early TRS-80 and a PET. It was a
heady time, when even a small publication could have a surprisingly large
effect.
PCC was a very exciting place to work: we knew we were riding the leading
edge of a powerful wave into the future. The shared vision was wonderful
but the physical setting not less than optimal. Did Jim Warren (West Coast
Computer Faire founder, Dr. Dobbs Editor) or John Snell (The Computer Music
Journal Editor) have desks? I don't recall--my senior moments are becoming
a senior blur. I do know that I had no desk, but was quite happy with
boards balanced on boxes in a closet-like area. Our eyes were fixed on the
future, the possibilities of chips--our surroundings were largely
irrelevant.
After leaving PCC in the early Fall of 1978, I built the documentation
department for Apple Computer, during that company's first five years.
Leaving Apple in 1983, I did graduate work in transpersonal psychology and
received my Ph.D. in 1987.
Married since 1993, my husband, Lee Yamada, and I are now both officially
retired and busier than ever. Our home is south of San Jose, CA, near the
coast, on an acre with large oaks and redwoods. We are kept busy with our
gardens, including many rhododendrons. Lee's passion is wild mushrooms,
especially finding and eating them (he's a great cook) and teaching others
about them. I have also become active in the field, and am now President of
the North American Mycological Association.
Lee and I travel quite a bit: in spring 2001 we went to northern Spain and
southern France, in October 2001 on a 3-week Elderhostel tour of China. As
members of Servas, an international peace organization, we host members from
many countries in our home. When traveling, we sometimes stay with Servas
hosts--itıs a great way to get a view of a country from locals! When not
traveling, we may also host foreign exchange students. Last, but not least,
we are assistant leaders on an American Red Cross Disaster Action Team. And
tomorrow? No doubt more adventures--
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