Short Takes Short Takes (September 01, 2004)

The all-important local angle

By now, the news stories about Google Inc.'s IPO must number nearly a googol. But in case you'd like to read one more thing about the popular search engine with the much-ballyhooed initial stock offering, here you go: In classic Silicon Valley fashion, the company was founded in a garage -- in Menlo Park.

There are numerous versions of the tale, but Google's own version is this: "On September 7, 1998, Google Inc. opened its door in Menlo Park, California. The door came with a remote control, as it was attached to the garage of a friend who sublet space to the new corporation's staff of three. The office offered several big advantages, including a washer and dryer and a hot tub."

Google's stay in Menlo Park was short-lived, but if any reader knows the street it was located on, send it to agemmet@almanacnews.com.

Kind of like 'jumbo shrimp'or 'down elevator'

An alternative Republican convention is being held in Palo Alto on Thursday, September 2, by the Peninsula Republicans for Kerry-Edwards to coincide with President George W. Bush's acceptance speech at the actual Republican national convention.

It sounds like an oxymoron, but a lot of local residents identifying themselves as current or former Republicans are involved in the event, which is sponsored by venture capitalist and Woodside resident Reid Dennis. Former Congressman Pete McCloskey is the featured speaker. Other notables include Portola Valley's Mayor George Comstock, former councilman Jon Silver and Trish Hooper; county supervisor Jerry Hill; former Atherton councilman Malcolm Dudley; and former Menlo Park councilwoman Gail Slocum.

"It has been 40 years since so many Republicans found themselves unable to support the presumptive standard-bearer of our party," says Mr. Silver.

The nonpartisan event is open to all -- Call Mr. Silver at 851-7519 or e-mail jon3silver@yahoo.com.

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