Lost is over, Jack Shephard saves the island, and now part of my Pennsylvania zombie protection plan is leaving? What's next???

Seriously though, best of luck.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha sucker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've lived in Pittsburgh and in NJ about 20 min. from the PA line. I grew up going to New Hope and Yardley all the time. In the days before Costco, we went to Macro in Yardley. I love PA, know tons of people there and seriously considered moving to the Philly area a while back. The city itself blows, but it has awesome suburbs, especially the Main Line area. Food is awesome and I love the local accent too. As the license plate used to read, I've "got a friend in Pennsylvania." I could almost see myself living there again one day, though the prop. taxes and closing costs are insane. I just like warm weather all the time. KA is great to visit, but I couldn't live there. I have met a ton of the KA Pelican crowd and always enjoy hanging with them. Might make another visit to LA next weekend just for the Chinese food.

Lemme know. I'm ready for hot pot or dum sum. Have a tai chi competition on Saturday but otherwise am around next weekend.

Seriously, Leland, it's not that bad,




its WORSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No, no, seriously. I live a few miles East of Turlock and it's tough to beat - but then, I DON"T LIVE IN MANTECA!!!!!!!!

All kidding aside, welcome to the neighborhood. If you need anything, let me know.

My wife still raves about Yunnan Garden, where we all ate last time. Haven't had hot pot in LA yet, so we may have to do that. I might bring the 993 this time too.

NJ shore points are all very close.

http://mrsbroccoliguy.files.wordpres...-boardwalk.jpg

http://www.flyingeyes.com/images/nj%.../mf003copy.jpg

Turlock gets props just for being mentioned in one of the greatest American films ever, "American Graffiti". :cool:

Reading the headline, i first thought you were planning to move to China (People's Republic of China).

As a foreigner, you will be very popular with the local ladies... But i am digressing

Do they like white boys over there?

Hmmm......

Yup. Well put. As a regular visitor, I love California. It certainly has more of everything than any other state I can think of. All the things you mention.

That said, I think the contrast between everyones "California Dreamin" image of California—the California of the '60's (or even '50's) — and the California of today is stark.

Could it be that California has lost more and fallen further compared to other parts of the US? And that this is what colors people impressions?

Just a thought.

There are parts of Australia that remind of of California in the old days, when life was simpler and slower. Perth for example.

Haven't been to Aus/NZ. I was born in San Diego in 1961 though, so I grew up during some/many of the "golden years." Is it different now? Of course. Is there less culture? No, in fact I'd argue that there is a lot more diversity of culture now due to various immigrant neighborhoods and their influence. And that is where CA remains head and shoulders above the rest of the country imho. But then again, I like being able to go into parts of town where I hear other languages being spoken. LA is a "world city."

I think CA has "fallen" in the eyes of others because it no longer is the idyllic home of the blonde haired, blue eyed surfer boy and girl. Many in America have a strong sense for what they consider to be "American." And part of that certainly is the simpler/slower times. But the world changes with or without us. And you can still find simple/slower in CA - in fact it is present in many places. But San Diego and LA will never be like they were in the 60's. Wrt LA, thank gawd for that - LA had terrible smog in the 60's. That actually has gotten better. But the crowds? Well, it is what it is. Take a look at other urban areas around the world. There you have the crowds and don't have the good weather. So 1 out of 2 ain't bad...

burning..you live near turlock? turlock is my stop for fuel on my run to mariposa. havent seen much of it, though.

1. It is very crowded
2. It is very expensive
3. The State Government is over intrusive
4. Taxes are way too high

1. yes, but you can easily find open space
2. yes (though not compared to NYC, SF)
3. frankly this doesn't significantly impact my day to day life
4. this is part of #2 - you're double dipping. You belong in Sacto.

And the counter point:

1. Houston in August.
2. Chinese food in TX.
3. Lack of diversity.
4. See #1

Just depends on where your priorities lie...my only point is that CA isn't really as disgusting as some here would lead you to believe. And of anyone here, I should be the *most* bitter since I was born here and have seen it change directly as a resident over the past nearly 50 years.

Shhhh!

Your ruining the fantasy!

What do you go to Mariposa for? My Father-in-Law lives on Mt. Bullion. Which route do you take? If you go the "back way" you go right past my place.

For me, the only truly negative aspect of living in California is all the friggin' people. I have a very low tolerance and avoid folks as much as possible but there is just too many of them. Why, back when I was a kid . . .

You might be surprised to learn that Houston has a huge Asian population and probably as good Chinese food as anywhere in CA. Houston is not my cup of tea at all, but I'd not hesitate to call its Chinese food some of the best in the country.