Short Takes Short Takes (January 21, 2004)

Wedding bells for Ellison

Larry Ellison's Woodside spread - the 45-acre Japanese-style compound known as Larryland-- was the venue for the December nuptials of the Oracle founder and his bride, novelist Melanie Craft. The merger made headlines as far away as India.

It was wedding No. 4 for Mr. Ellison, 59, and the first for Ms. Craft, 34. Fellow Woodside homeowner Steve Jobs of Apple Computer was among the guests, as were Mr. Ellison's two children.

Big search afoot

It's not strictly local, but it's too good to pass up. And who knows? There could be some local takers. Redwood City resident and self-proclaimed "Bigfoot explorer" C. Thomas Biscardi is organizing an expedition this spring and inviting journalists and corporate sponsors to come along. The "American Bigfoot Expedition" was prompted by the recent sighting of an albino Bigfoot, according to Mr. Biscardi.

However, the white fur doesn't necessarily make it an albino, the press release explains gravely. The announcement includes an inscrutable photo of a darkish blob in a forest clearing holding what appears to be an ecru opera-length glove.

Would-be participants can sign on to the trek, which will be "both a commercial and scientific expedition" complete with television rights. Contact Mr. Biscardi at his Redwood City office, 430-0022.

Soylent Green, anyone?

A West Menlo Park English purist, who wishes to remain anonymous, says she has tried to get the butchers at Bianchini's to reword a sign that says "Our Beef Is Ground Fresh From Our Butchers Every Day."

But her beef has fallen on deaf ears. Now she says she suspects they really are tossing their butchers into the grinder, which is why there seems to be new ones behind the counter every week.
Short Takes is edited by Andrea Gemmet.

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