Short Takes Short Takes (June 01, 2005)

[Slang ] courage, pluck, perseverance

Every once in a while, someone comes along with either the uncommon courage to redefine moxie for the rest of us, or the uncommon stupidity to help the rest of us feel smart.

Take, for example, the person who owed some money to the Menlo Park Police Department for a record of some kind and in paying for it, handed over a counterfeit $100 bill.

The bill was apparently accepted by the police.
No guarantees on the fading

An Almanac reporter recently saw an over-sized, faded-out decal on the tail end of an SUV, also over-sized but not faded. Straining her eyes, she detected the faint ghost of an American flag on the decal, but couldn't make out the phantom letters beneath until crossing the street.

The slogan read: "These colors don't run."
Checkmate, chief

Atherton police Chief Bob Brennan didn't prove much of a challenge for 9-year-old Jeremy Chow of Menlo Park, the winner of the Atherton Library's chess tournament held May 14. The prize was playing chess with the chief.

Chief Brennan copped to the loss, saying it took about five minutes for Jeremy to win. In an immediate rematch, the chief was able to hold him off for 15 minutes before losing again.

Other kids from the Chess for Fun program gathered around and chanted for Jeremy, offering him advice, said librarian Marlene Lee.

"The police chief was threatening to give them tickets when they all became driver's age, for helping Jeremy out," said Ms. Lee. "It was very fun."
Quote of the week

"We ought to take advantage of our council members -- I think they're the most effective streetwalkers we've got."

--A member of Atherton's Yes on Measure W campaign, discussing the importance of precinct-walking in campaigning for the parcel tax.

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