L.A., CA, December 3rd, 2001

L.A. - the city with more university graduates per capita than any other, and where the margarita and fortune cookie got their start. So, how are these things connected? By freeway, of course.

It might be trite, but it would be remiss to try to define this city without mentioning the one character, which keeps it alive: automobiles and freeways. Unlike New York City, with its efficient subway and proximity of commerce, LA is spread out all over the map, making it impossible to live here without owning a car.

And, like pedestrians in Manhattan, the traffic here is endless, but it's truly the lifeblood of the entire region. When these arteries get clogged, the 'patience' has a mild heart attack and bypass surgery is performed. Eventually, these bypasses get clogged as well, especially during rush hour, and who knows when or where the process will end.

But, to their credit, Los Angeleans are the best drivers in the world, hands down. They have to be, or the economy of the city would come to a halt. Horns are never used, because they don't have to be. Drivers, cell phones in hand, move with the intensity and purpose of subway riders, bagels in hand, catching a waiting train.

If you've ever bitched at the idiots on the road who somehow create ingenious ways of impeding traffic, now you can rejoice, for here you will find driving Utopia. But, be prepared to do a minimum of 65 mph in the slow lane, while the fast lane is reserved for NASCAR professionals only. I love it and I'm coming back.

Southern California and Brrrrr. It's surprisingly the coldest and wettest leg of this trip. Ah well, into each life a little rain must fall. Besides, the palm trees need it. But, hangin' out with the Sultan of Sunset (nephew Alec) was great fun, and taking his money at the golf course was even more fun. Cousin Kenny is a piece of work, or no work, as the times dictate. Having dinner with both was relatively edifying. (Also, "The Vagina Monologues" was superb - my second time),

As I turn right and head north, it's long overdue that I extend a huge thanks and many kudos to the one guy who deserves it, my son, Joe. He's the technical genius behind the creation of this website. He suffers my comments as I email them to him, and then performs his electronic magic by posting them and updating the map. Without him, this site would not be possible, so it's all his fault.

And it's all his idea as well. Here's why: pro bono, he created an elaborate website for the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers (voted the best amateur scientific website in the Bay Area - reachable through Zennla.com). And, after buying his (too expensive) telescope, he created the "ebservatory" on that site, a running commentary (sometimes funny, sometimes technical, always interesting) of his experiences in learning and using the apparatus in the cold nights atop the northern California hills. Reading his commentaries was an inspiration to me. His hobbies and success at work never cease to amaze me. Thanks, Joe.

On to home, and a final different sort of wrap-up comment.

Ciao.