Short Takes Short Takes (May 04, 2005)

Twisted knickers

Diving into the depths of the Internet last week, an Almanac reporter found herself on the Web site of a London band called Menlo Park.

The Menlo musicians describe their sound as "dark Cajun country voodoo folk" and perform in get-ups such as pink suits and Napoleon hats.

Like local politics, the band is perhaps an acquired taste. A reviewer from the Guardian newspaper once wrote, "The freakish Menlo Park suggests the sort of many-headed monstrosity you would be left with in the aftermath of a nuclear Armageddon."

The band's Web site (www.menlopark.co.uk) also sells panties emblazoned with a large "Menlo Park" logo.
More Internet adventures

Big fans of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger looking to amend the U.S. Constitution so he can run for president, beware. The Web site AmendforArnold.us is probably not the one you're looking for. The site, run by people who are definitely not pro-Arnold, offers bobblehead dolls of "Gov. Girlie Man" in a pink dress and high heels.

The folks who would vote for President Arnold have a site at amendus.org and an office across from the Almanac, with "Girlie Man for Arnold" and "Girlie Girl for Arnold" T-shirts for sale.
Out of left field

A new baseball field in Portola Valley's Town Center is still just an idea on paper, but already it's being used to characterize the limits of one resident's athletic prowess.

The field has two proposed outfield fence lines: one for Little League and one for adult softball players.

The adult line, at 220 feet from home plate, "is plenty beyond the reach of even (councilman) Ted Driscoll," said Councilman Steve Toben at a recent meeting.

But the unusual spark of verbal horseplay was over almost before it began. "Hey!" was Mr. Driscoll's one-word response.

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