American Journeys – Searching for Silicon Valley; a Place and a State of Mind – NYTimes.com
American Journeys – Searching for Silicon Valley; a Place and a State of Mind – NYTimes.com
That diversity is immediately apparent almost anywhere in Silicon Valley. You can see it on Castro Street in Mountain View, dotted with a proliferation of ethnic restaurants. Elsewhere, you can turn down a street seemingly at random and find the shop signs are all in Chinese or Spanish or Vietnamese.Standout restaurants include La Costeña, a hole-in-the-wall grocery in Mountain View that has great burritos (and a Guinness World Record claim for making the largest), and Evvia in Palo Alto, which serves a spectacular version of arnisia paidakia, or lamb chops.
Congratulations to Silicon Valley for being featured in the New York Times travel section today.
In addition to our powerhouse tech/green tech industries, we now have a booming tourism industry.
I hope you’re having a great Friday, because I am! The stars are aligned for a major take off in Real Estate as more foreigners will soon be trying to snatch up vacation homes in Cupertino, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and other Real Bay Area cities. Who needs Cannes when you can have Campbell!
April 17th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
La Costena? That’s a standout? While they do have good burritos they are not as good as they used to be back in pre-2001 or so IMHO. A few of the people who used to do the cooking left and they took their secrets with them. Similar thing happened to the place right next door; great burritos back in the day but all the good cooks/chefs left and took their way of making things with them. Still decent food though…
April 17th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I prefer Los Altos for carne asada and Tres Potrillos for carnitas.
April 17th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Hmmm. Was la Costena the Salvadoran burrito joint or am I gewtting the name wrong? Place was on Old Middlefield back before 2001 anyway.
Who needs the South of France when you could have South Sunnyvale?
April 17th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
At Old Middlefield and Regstorff you have Taqueria La Bamba (never a favorite of mine), La Costena (hellboy is right, still the Al Pastor is mighty tasty), Los Altos Taqueria (props to unearthly for caliing it out) and then Uncle Frank’s BBQ. It is Mountain View’s own Gourmet Ghetto.
April 18th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Uncle Franks kicks BUTT…..Los Altos Taqueria next door ROCKS
April 18th, 2009 at 1:12 am
Problem is that foreign buyers don’t care about burritos and cheap oriental fast food which flooded Bay Area. There’s a few decent restaurants around here actually and number of those per capita is pretty much in line with any major metro area.
April 18th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I drove by “South of Sunnyvale” today, and saw a huge development next to Fremont Blvd near Madhaus’ neighborhood. Out front is a sign that says “42 new homes coming in the Spring of 2009″. The homes look like they’re good sizes, and given they are in Homestead High area, I wouldn’t be surprised if they are priced in the $1M+ range. That’s $42M of wealth coming soon to South of Sunnyvale!
April 18th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
What you mean to say is that that is 42 new homes that will languish on the market, further devaluing other properties.
April 18th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Tsk tsk, excreter. Wealth and value are not created by sales.
April 18th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
anon says,
>>What you mean to say is that that is 42 new homes that will languish on the market
That’s what would happen if they were built in your neighborhood.
April 18th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Which is where, again?
April 18th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Where the air smells like trash…
April 18th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Quote of the day:
These quotes are actually not from Burbed, but I couldn’t stop laughing:
“The revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK are always keeping themselves fully ready to go into action any moment to mercilessly punish anyone who encroaches upon the sovereignty and dignity of the DPRK even a bit”
Author: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
There are more laughable statements in the article. What’s the relationship to real estate? Well, if war actually breaks out on the Korean Peninsula, you will see huge waves of people moving out of Korea, Japan, and China to the U.S., and the real estate market here will be swamped. Cupertino will be extremely popular.
April 18th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
#12 – it’s so much easier to insult people than apologize for it, isn’t it
April 18th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
DreamT,
Don’t fabricate things. Who is insulted in #12? The air?
April 18th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
“Where the air smells like trash…”
Is this a reference to that post by another anon that referenced the Fremont area?
Not me. Guess again.
April 18th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
DreamT,
Is this your recommended area?
http://www.movoto.com/real-estate/homes-for-sale/CA/Santa-Clara/222-Rodonovan-Dr-100_80917749.htm
I like that air-conditioned rental unit in the back.
April 18th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Don’t fabricate things. Who is insulted in #12? The air?
—–
Again the pathological liar accuses others for fabricating things. This was just yesterday.
April 18th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Pralay,
According to the article in this post, it’s good that you already have a wife!
April 18th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
But I thought that’s enough. According to YOU one needs to have trophy wife to get admission into high end of “the spectrum”.
April 18th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Oh, RealFabrikator is in good form again. Amazing what some sleep can achieve.
Your #17 link points to a house, not an area. That house is on a street corner, short sale if I recall, gets lots of traffic from the school and to Stevens Creek, and doesn’t look very maintained. Strange that I have to spell it out to you?
April 18th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Pralay,
Why are you even talking about high end? What exactly can you offer Indian parents? What benefit is there for them to send their daughters to be with someone without a house?
April 18th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
DreamT,
I can’t possibly know that area as well as you do. From the description, it sounds reasonable enough:
Cupertino Schools
Huge 9 K SF lot*
Million $$ tree-lined neighborhood*
Close to Santana Row, Kaiser
Low SC utilities*
Updated kit & bath*
Sep bonus rm (SF not include)*
Crown molding,new paint in & out, hardwood flr, dbl pane windows, oak cabinets, jet tub, fireplace,air,Built in BBQ*Park-like garden backs to creek w fruit trees*
Seller 2nd financing
It sure doesn’t sound like it’s not maintained. The seller must be really resourceful. He can provide financing despite being a short sale?
At that price, it can be cash-flow positive as a rental. I do see some potential there.
April 18th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
The seller must be really resourceful. He can provide financing despite being a short sale?
By resourceful, you mean stupid, right? Why do you think he is willing to provide financing on a short sale?
April 18th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
I was wrong: 196 (four houses away) is the short sale that has been languishing on the market for a while and doesn’t look maintained. This one just came out this week and is closer to the school, doesn’t have much traffic, backs to the creek (hence the larger lot), the neighboring houses are maintained well enough and across have those huge 6-7 bedroom two-story houses on court corners. I wouldn’t call this one overpriced since you have another one for sale across the creek for $1M+. On the other hand, no idea if this would be cash-flow positive as rental, and it’s not the cheapest house around either by far.
April 18th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
anon – my mistake.
April 18th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
To my defense, Rodonovan, while only a few blocks long, is quite the mix (just like Cupertino). Some houses are basic 3/2, some are huge two-stories. Half is on a tree-lined street (no sidewalk), half no tree but sidewalk. The bit close to the school & park backs to the creek, whereas the rest is typical residential. Backing to the creek isn’t so good, they closed access many years ago (on this stretch anyway) and don’t plan to reopen, yet teenagers regularly walk alongside it despite the water district’s efforts to condemn access. I wish they opened access to the whole neighborhood instead. Anyway, this post is only of interest to the folks looking in this specific area.
April 18th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
“anon – my mistake. ”
Oh. Well, anyway – when a seller ‘provides financing’ it means one thing – they need a bagholder.
April 18th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
You’re probably right about needing a bagholder, anon. Normally I’d say it’s not such a bad idea to get some good return on your money – I bet you could charge 7% or more on a private mortgage these days. However, with all the foreclosures and job losses I’d be pretty nervous about carrying a second; you’d get wiped out if the new owners default.
April 18th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
#13 was a bizarre tangent, but I’ve always wondered why communist nations like to put “democratic” in their names.
April 18th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
communist == anticapitalism == prioritize people over money (demo means people, crat means rule)
esp. considering it’s not them who freed the slaves
I’ve always wondered why the American party is called Democratic
April 18th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
>>I’ve always wondered why communist nations like to put “democratic” in their names.
It’s their version of marketing.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
What exactly can you offer Indian parents? What benefit is there for them to send their daughters to be with someone without a house?
—–
Why do I have to “offer benefit”? Do YOU consider that marriage is business? If so, let me ask similar question – what benefit is there for some parents to send their daughters to be with a LIAR?
April 18th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Daughters? Plural? My vote for scariest post ever.
So, RE, how much did you have to pay for your wife then? I hear those mail order brides are pretty obedient; maybe that makes her a “trophy?”
April 18th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
LOL! nomadic, you mean RealEstater is a fundamentalist mormon with mail-order wives?
April 18th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Pralay says,
>>Why do I have to “offer benefit”? Do YOU consider that marriage is business?
Read the WSJ article. Indian arranged marriages is all about economic benefits, so you can say it’s a type of business. Don’t ask me why. I did not invent that system. Go ask your parents if you don’t know already.
>>what benefit is there for some parents to send their daughters to be with a LIAR?
It’s not so easy to lie about owning a home. I’m sure Indian parents will check out all documents before handing over their precious daughter.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
madhaus, you can go ahead and set your watch now
April 18th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Read the WSJ article. Indian arranged marriages is all about economic benefits, so you can say it’s a type of business. Don’t ask me why. I did not invent that system. Go ask your parents if you don’t know already.
—–
You answered your own question then. Then why are you asking ME?
April 18th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
In some parts of India, there’s a practice called wife-sharing. Sometimes 2 brothers would share the same wife.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Pralay, I don’t think those fundies get them mail order. More likely they just go ask their neighbor for their 14-year-old’s hand in marriage.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
That practice exists in Palo Alto as well. It’s called an affair.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
In some parts of India, there’s a practice called wife-sharing. Sometimes 2 brothers would share the same wife.
—-
May be some of them are trying to “secure land” in Palo Alto too. I am getting an idea about the “foreigners” referred by RealEstater all the time.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Pralay, I don’t think those fundies get them mail order. More likely they just go ask their neighbor for their 14-year-old’s hand in marriage.
—-
I understand but things could different for a person in prestigious zipcode. First of all, the neighbors probably dislikes him (how many people likes him here?). Mail-order could the only option for him.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Pralay,
That’s why I say it’s good that you already have a wife. Despite not owning any land, you got a wife that you don’t even need to share! This really belongs in the “Good News!” column.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
That’s why I say it’s good that you already have a wife. Despite not owning any land, you got a wife that you don’t even need to share! This really belongs in the “Good News!” column.
—–
So I am assuming you are sharing your wife with someone to protect your land in prestigious zipcode. That’s ‘Good news’ too.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Atleast RealEstater is not losing his land in 94301 and still getting respect from co-workers.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Easier to afford a trophy wife when she has a boyfriend to buy her gifts.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Easier to afford a trophy wife when she has a boyfriend to buy her gifts.
—–
And that gives some extra time to RealEstater for trolling at burbed.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
and going to open houses on the weekend!
April 18th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Didn’t she have a torrid story with the talented yet blue repairman of her sub-zero fridge?
April 18th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
You mean this one.
April 19th, 2009 at 12:09 am
Pralay,
We have a free market system here. The successful guys who are good providers and home owners will score most easily and most frequently.
In any case, I’m still puzzled by what benefit you offer to your wife based on your country’s arranged marriage system. Is it the case that the well-to-do guy will get the trophy wife, and the zero-value guys will get the leftovers?
April 19th, 2009 at 12:09 am
That’s the one, Mr. Gold Digger.
April 19th, 2009 at 12:18 am
Hey everyone,
How about we just cool it on this thread. Isn’t it time to go to bed?
April 19th, 2009 at 12:35 am
We have a free market system here. The successful guys who are good providers and home owners will score most easily and most frequently.
—-
That goes back to my original question. What does a pathological liar get in “free market”? I mean prothological liar like this one as documented there. My best guess is Paris Hilton.
April 19th, 2009 at 12:41 am
BTW, RealEstater you disappointed me. What you described is not the America I know. You description “successful guys who are good providers and home owners will score most easily and most frequently” does not sound much different from socially backward Indian arranged marriage.
April 19th, 2009 at 12:47 am
Is it the case that the well-to-do guy will get the trophy wife, and the zero-value guys will get the leftovers?
——-
That’s sounds like a pretty much “free market system”.
April 19th, 2009 at 12:53 am
A student of Tom Vu (the orginal real estate infomercial guy) would know this. His quote:
“Do you think these girls like me? NO, they like my money!”
April 19th, 2009 at 1:00 am
A student of Tom Vu (the orginal real estate infomercial guy) would know this. His quote:
“Do you think these girls like me? NO, they like my money!”
———
LOL! I guess this is how RealEstater “scored most easily and most frequently”.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:01 am
In conclusion: Human nature is universal. There’s actually biological basis. Females are inclined to pick the best providers to ensure the offsprings will have the best chances of survival (and of course best chances of getting a well rounded education
). Can one be considered a good provider if one can’t offer the family a home?
April 19th, 2009 at 1:05 am
a home and a house are two distinct concepts (not to mention land). it’s never a good idea to mix your concepts, in a conclusion. very sloppy. bad for credibility. bad kitty.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:07 am
There’s actually biological basis. Females are inclined to pick the best providers to ensure the offsprings will have the best chances of survival (and of course best chances of getting a well rounded education
). Can one be considered a good provider if one can’t offer the family a home?
—–
You never read any biology book. Did you?
The “best chances of survival” has nothing to do with money or power. Didn’t all the powerful dinosaur got extinct but small insects like beetles survived?
You need to read some high school level biology book first. More you talk more you sound ignorant.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:09 am
yes, it’s more about fitting in your environment. does RealEstater fit in? Yes, He Can! and He Will! (once he gets his master’s degree)
April 19th, 2009 at 1:10 am
and of course best chances of getting a well rounded education
———
According to your theory, your own kids have very low chances of survival, because you definitely don’t have “well rounded education”.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:15 am
yes, it’s more about fitting in your environment. does RealEstater fit in? Yes, He Can! and He Will! (once he gets his master’s degree)
——
I am trying to imagine the environment – Apple-Guy, Google-Guy and then Burbed-Troll.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:18 am
anon,
Where the hell are you? Wake up! Your welfare check is here.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:21 am
Probably driving around in his Cayenne.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:27 am
DreamT says,
>>yes, it’s more about fitting in your environment.
Whether or not once is successful at adapting is judged by the outcomes. The dinosaurs died and the beetles thrived; that is one outcome.
Person A owns a home in RBA. Person B owns a home in RGA. Person C is priced out forever. Those are also outcomes.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:34 am
Too bad Person A is the only one in the lot with zero credibility! What happened? Did Person A confuse outcome with means to other ends?
April 19th, 2009 at 1:36 am
Person A owns a home in RBA. Person B owns a home in RGA. Person C is priced out forever. Those are also outcomes.
——
LOL! RBA is closer to San Andreas Fault line. Therefore, in earthquake, the “chances of survival” is lower than RGA. RealEstater is doomed.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Too bad Person A is the only one in the lot with zero credibility!
—-
At least he could comprehend the dinosaurs/beetles story and able to write it correctly in #68. Must be the brightest point for zero-credibility ignorant guy.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Again, you guys can be as vicious as the dinosaurs, dishing out libel, slander, and trolling lies. It still doesn’t help you with the outcome one bit.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:56 am
well it did take him at least 9 min, possibly double that. so unfortunately, we cannot exclude the possibility that he got help with the writing part.
April 19th, 2009 at 2:00 am
aren’t the dinosaurs viscous rather than vicious? unless you’re talking about the Real Dinosaurs, who happily still dish out Cobol and ADA during daylight
April 19th, 2009 at 2:30 am
Looks like the uncompetitive guy unable to adapt fell asleep already.
April 19th, 2009 at 2:42 am
venomous kitty
April 19th, 2009 at 3:12 am
DreamT,
Go to sleep now. You can’t keep up with me, so you better adapt.
April 19th, 2009 at 3:32 am
It’s not *all* about you, RED2.
These are my chosen working hours, since I can concentrate better in the night.
You might want to get some sleep yourself – for Pralay, sleep is a sign of his inability to adapt, but for me it signals my ability to adapt? You don’t make any sense, as usual.
April 19th, 2009 at 10:59 am
“anon,
Where the hell are you? Wake up! Your welfare check is here.”
Looks like someone stayed up until past 1 on a Saturday to talk about me.
April 19th, 2009 at 11:15 am
anon,
Did you get enough beauty sleep last night?
April 19th, 2009 at 11:22 am
not particularly. Thank you for asking.
April 19th, 2009 at 11:43 am
It still doesn’t help you with the outcome one bit.
———
Considering the fact that RealEstater is a pathological liar (as documented here), his words/claims should not be believed.
That makes his “outcome” claim irrelevant.
April 19th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
“It still doesn’t help you with the outcome one bit.”
That’s correct. Property owner or not, rich or poor, we all wind up in a box underground, scattered as ashes, or eaten by some sort of organism…
April 19th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Holy sh**! 90+ degree weather forcasted for the next 2 days. Can’t believe I’m already using AC in the middle of April! Must be anon’s car causing global warming.
April 19th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
I’d invest in more insulation if you care about the environment. Two days at 90 degrees down here in LG and my house is only 74 degrees inside (without running the AC).
April 19th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
The smart money is in palo alto.
April 19th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
True. If I had RE’s money, I’d burn mine.
Or buy another house. Same thing.
Nah – the other thread says we’re cleared for takeoff!