Short Takes Short Takes (July 20, 2005)

Tony Atherton spotted in Canada

Nearly every time you read a story about the town of Atherton in a newspaper that is not the Almanac, you'll see a reference to "tony Atherton." But just who is this mystery man who receives so much ink? The Short Takes editor was delighted to discover that Tony Atherton is in fact a staff writer at the Ottawa Citizen. Now that we know who he is, the real mystery is why he is always being linked with a quiet Midpeninsula municipality.
Wild about Harry, part 6

Hopped up on Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, about 2,000 Harry Potter fans and their chaperones crowded Kepler's bookstore Friday night, waiting for the clock to strike 12:01 a.m. so they could buy "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Kepler's transformed into Hogwarts School for the occasion, offering classes such as transfiguration and potions, says Sophia Duncan-Hubby, who coordinated the event. By Monday afternoon, 1,650 of the hardbacks had already flown out of the store, she said.
You wish your tired feet were fire-proof

Brimmed hats, flushed cheeks and bright sundresses were a popular ensemble at last weekend's Connoisseurs' Marketplace in downtown Menlo Park. Soaring temperatures didn't seem to keep people away, however. The Saturday night Pride & Joy concert in Fremont Park was so packed, there was no room to dance. And why does it seem that the hottest two days of the year always fall on Connoisseurs' Marketplace weekend?
Equestrian artifacts wanted

Anyone with paraphernalia related to the town of Woodside's horsey history may contribute to the Woodside Community Museum's upcoming exhibit. In conjunction with the town's Day of the Horse event planned for October 8, museum officials plan to highlight the historic role of horses in Woodside. Anyone with items to loan should call the museum at 851-1294 before August 1.

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