A bizarre story is unraveling about the co-founder of Broadcom, Henry T. Nicholas III. Backdating stock options was just the tip of the iceberg. (Be sure to scan the story linked to if you are not familiar with it.)

How can so many people have let this guy get so out of contol for so long? Among lawsuits filed was one involving a secret underground party room that even his wife did not know about.

A secret room! Just what every house needs. I roll my eyes every time my mom rattles off the latest "must-have" home feature she heard or read about in some press release presented as a news story. But this one might be worth pursuing. Not that every secret party room would be used like the one in this news story. (Again, read it if you have not.)

I imagine my mom’s secret party room would have a little TV room for every person, equipped with a big cushy Lazy-Boy, a fridge with an ice dispenser and a bottomless ashtray. My secret room would be just for me. No TV. Just peace and quiet to escape the loudness of a home otherwise run by a noisy pre-schooler.