California Knows How to Party
by Lisa Anderson on 04/28/2009 at 2:00 PM
I'm in Los Angeles on a media trip. One of my team members and I flew in Saturday for meetings with producers at several media outlets. I grew up in the Bay Area of California and have been to SoCal many times, but each time I return, I smile. There is such a relaxed vibe here. It's reflected in the sunshine and palm trees, the glut of juice bars and nail salons, and the "whatever" timbre of natives' voices.
I cut no less than six people off on L.A. freeways yesterday. Not one person honked at me. One offense was particularly egregious -- I started taking a wrong exit, and instead of humbly accepting my fate, I veered back onto the freeway, weaving in between several cars, blasting over a median and dumping myself in front of a bus traveling at about 70 mph. No one blinked. In fact, I got the feeling that the surrounding motorists didn't even notice. It's as if they were saying, "Ok girl, get on in here." This was strangely comforting, as it made me feel accepted, like one of the SoCal working herd. And let's be honest: it allowed me to listen to my Black Eyed Peas uninterrupted by the din of honking horns and squealing brakes. Thanks, folks.
The laid-back loveliness continued as my coworker and I visited the set of Larry King Live last night. We overshot the exit by, oh, ten miles...so I called the producer (while driving, of course, as now I was grossly overconfident in my motorist skills) to say we'd be a few minutes late. She was completely understanding. "Don't worry about it," she assured us. "I just changed into my workout clothes, so I'll meet you in the lobby when you get here." All of a sudden I wasn't as concerned about my "I just stepped off a senior citizens' cruise" outfit. In L.A., anything goes. (Side note: While watching Good Day L.A. this morning, I noticed that one of the hosts was wearing ripped jeans, a terrycloth jacket and platform sandals.)
Larry's producer welcomed us at the CNN building, led us to the studio, and plopped us in chairs about ten feet away from Larry. He was waiting to go live, so he looked over and said, "Hello! Are you the ladies from Focus on the Family?" We said we were, and he asked how Dr. Dobson is doing. We offered a semi-professional response, then he went live with segments on swine flu, Bea Arthur and Mia Farrow. I listened while wondering what I would've said if someone told me in college that one day I'd be sitting in studio with Larry King. I then took a photo of him and posted it on Facebook immediately.
To top off the evening, my coworker and I drove downtown to the Staples Center, where we had box seats for the Lakers playoff game. I mention this only to make Lakers/NBA fans insanely jealous. You all know that I don't know much about pro team sports, but to my credit, I actually like (and can follow) basketball, so we had a good time. We saw Jack Nicholson, P. Diddy (if that's what he still calls himself), Tobey McGuire, Dustin Hoffman, Diane Keaton, Rihanna and a few others. Just another day, folks. Just another day. :)
Today we have more meetings, this time around with our radio friends here in SoCal. I need to pick out another semi-casual outfit that looks effortless yet coordinates perfectly with my new pedicure. I also need to decide which smoothie I'll order today at Juice It Up. I'm exhausted just thinking about it.
Do you have parts of the country or world that when you visit them, you just smile? That you feel at home away from home? Talk to me, people! I mean, like, only if you want to. You know, totally, like, whatever.
1. Tami said the following at 2:29 PM on Apr 28:
Don't forget to add "the" in front of any freeway number.
As in: "I was taking the 101 to the 405 and was, like, totally stuck in traffic for an hour. But I forgot my Bluetooth so I couldn't pick up the phone until later. I got a message from my friend and she was all, 'um, you are so late... I'm totally waiting for you... I already ate all the whipped cream off my Ice Blended.'"
2. Rachael_S said the following at 2:36 PM on Apr 28:
LOL. This post brought me out of lurking.
I’m a SoCal resident and I’ll tell you why no one honked at you on the freeway: They weren't sure if you had a gun in the car or were one of those “how dare you honk at me…now I’m going to ride along side you and stare in your car until I’ve sufficiently scared you”. It’s not worth the risk.
When drivers cut me off, I apologize for not giving them enough room to merge or changes lanes.
Welcome to Cali!
3. DannieA said the following at 2:45 PM on Apr 28:
This is why I love California...people don't honk!!!!! I hate honking...it's rude behavior. (sorry NYCers)
hey...shame on you for not contacting me...I'm in so cal...work in Pomona where FOTF used to be years ago...I so coulda gotton your autograph.
ah well welcome to not the warmest week here though....bummer.
4. Melisssa S. said the following at 2:56 PM on Apr 28:
I haven't really been anywhere but SoCal. Two trips to Colorado, one Oklahoma, one to San Francisco. That's it. Other than that we stay fairly close to home. I love SoCal. I know there are lots of other terrific places to live but I can't imagine living anywhere else.
My mom and sisters saw Diane Keaton once. They were all at a swim meet that my sisters were swimming in. I asked if Diane Keaton looked like she was trying not to be spotted by wearing huge, dark glasses or something. The girls said, no, she was standing at the end of her daughter's lane and shouting and screaming to cheer her on. Lol!
I'm on the 5 and 110 freeways to Torrance or L.A. fairly frequently and hardly ever hear someone honk. But I hadn't thought about it until you mentioned it. Have fun!
5. Patricia C said the following at 2:57 PM on Apr 28:
Yes. We are awesome. I'm currently living in Texas but originally from California. When I was back home about two weeks ago my friends wanted to inform my Texas friends that "Everything may be bigger in Texas but everything is better in California." Glad to know we've made another convert. ;)
6. Kristy said the following at 2:58 PM on Apr 28:
The South. I grew up in NC and live here now, but went to away to college up north. Brrr, was it cold! I can still remember my first winter there, and how I cried because it was so cold. I also will never forget when one of my girlfriends had a pool party for her birthday one year (she has a mid-June birthday, which in NC is a totally ok time for pool parties.) It was too cold to go in the water! Her pool was freezing! It was crazy to me. Aside from the whole "too cold" thing, and not being able to find decent sweet tea up north haha, I always found coming home that people were friendlier and had better manners. Southern Hospitality doesn't disappoint:-) Anyway, coming home was always GREAT and now that I'm back I'm never moving!!
7. brx said the following at 3:07 PM on Apr 28:
Ahh, LisaA!
We soooo missed you at the Catalyst West conference in SoCal last week! I saw the FOTF booth, but was disappointed Boundless didn't have a rep present. I figured it was just the sort of event that could benefit from your daring persona! By God's grace I was there as a volunteer tech and came upon an opportunity to give y'all a plug to a new guy who was wandering around looking for the singles ministry gathering on the host church campus.
Speaking of some aspects of SoCal culture - these incredibly beautiful church campuses do make me wonder... about the balance between worship through expensive art construction vs meeting the needs of the poor and destitute...
8. Ashley Harris said the following at 4:02 PM on Apr 28:
brx:
Did you see Laura Beth at the Focus on the Family Institute booth?
9. Saidahwk said the following at 4:06 PM on Apr 28:
Oh, you need to come to San Diego. You're life will never be the same... lol
10. Texas Craig said the following at 4:23 PM on Apr 28:
In my typical fashion, I will be the voice of dissent. :-)
I took my daughter to Los Angeles for her 10th birthday trip and we had a great time. But, both she and I were VERY GLAD to get back to Austin, Texas! So, for those of you that like Cali, more power to you. You can have it!
I definitely disagree about the drivers. There is a difference between not getting angry and being intentionally courteous. During my few times out there, I can definitely say that the drivers are not nearly as courteous as other parts of the country. That, and the incredible amount of traffic, the high cost of living, the rampant worldliness, and the pollution, and I have no problem being thankful I live in Texas (after having lived in many other parts of the country during other parts of my life)! :-)
Viva la difference!
11. Kellie said the following at 4:34 PM on Apr 28:
SoCal relaxed?! I think that's a terrible sterotype. I spent two years down south for school and I couldn't stand the crowds, traffic, etc. Northern and central cali are much better!!
12. shawni said the following at 4:56 PM on Apr 28:
I've lived in SoCal all my life, but traveled throughout most of the US over the past several years. There are definitely things I love here... and the way people drive is indeed one of them. Perhaps they aren't intentionally courteous, but at least they are GOOD drivers. I grew up in a semi rural part of the state, so I'm a funny mix of California girl and hillbilly... I love my Juice It Up (and Jamba Juice, and Robex etc etc) but I've never made use of any of the several dozen places to get a pedicure within a 10 mile radius, for example. lol
I think I could feel at home almost anywhere in the US, and hope to be able to live in many different states at some point, except possibly New York. That was one place where, I am afraid, every negative stereotype I know was proven true!
13. brx said the following at 5:02 PM on Apr 28:
Re: AshleyH [#8],
Yep, saw Laura Beth and suggested she rattle the cages to get Boundless out next time. But, Laura Beth seems too gentle; I can't see her rattling cages. :)
I mentioned Alan & Debora Hirsh brought up an interesting idea that FOTF could promote more... we already hear much about how healthy the Christian nuclear family model is, but that doesn't exactly provide a lot of encouragement and hope to those who may likely never see that model come together or be restored in their lives. However, God has a history of redeeming broken lives as He assembles them into other models of Christ-centered families. Laura Beth kind of gave me a quick and polite :-/ expression.
:)
14. Casey (the Student Nurse) said the following at 5:22 PM on Apr 28:
Parts of the world that i visit and just smile?
Nashville & Hong Kong.
Love 'em both.
15. BDB said the following at 5:31 PM on Apr 28:
If you're going to visit KSGN, you'll drive past my house. I can fire up the grill for you folks...
16. Julie said the following at 5:32 PM on Apr 28:
Yes, San Diego is superior to LA in that it lacks the mad traffic congestion, bad air, dirt, and constant edgy/glam/funky vibe. However, if you do get juiced from the nightlife, image factor, lifestyle diversity, and overall weirdness, soak up the sun in la la land. Born in LA, later school years in Michigan, then moved to San Diego.
17. BDB said the following at 5:38 PM on Apr 28:
The OP wrote:
>>(Side note: While watching Good Day L.A. this morning, I noticed that one of the hosts was wearing ripped jeans, a terrycloth jacket and platform sandals.)<<
Oh, she must have dressed up for something today. At least she was wearing a jacket instead of...ahem...clubbing attire.
Incidentally, KSGN is 89.7 and they play FOTF at 9pm I believe. Very nice bunch of people. And yes, you can become a fan on facebook.
18. BDB said the following at 5:42 PM on Apr 28:
I'm not an aggressive driver, I'm a precision driver.
There really should be separate roads for people who know where they are going.
But driving in the Pacific Northwest is much more laid back. In SoCal, they don't honk because you might be armed. In Seattle, if you double-park and block traffic to run in and get some coffee, traffic will just calmly wait for you to return...
19. BDB said the following at 5:45 PM on Apr 28:
Oh...so, when you were in the Laker suite (I can tell you how much those tickets cost if you really want) did you look at the other suites? I'm wondering if it's still 50-something guys and 20-something women...
20. DannieA said the following at 6:01 PM on Apr 28:
To Texas Craig and Kelli:
I don't understand why people equate Southern California to just "LA". There is more to So. Cal than the city of LA....
And CA people are GOOD drivers...I remember my college years in Texas...seriously? I never was such a defensive driver til I lived in TX.
Austin has worse traffic than here, it's as liberal as it is here (Austin mind you not the state of TX)
I will say though....I'm grateful that I could eat really good vegetarian food in Austin Texas ;) The only reason I would live in TX would be because I have wonderful friends there in FT.Worth/Harker Heights/Pflugerville/Round Rock...
I take it TX Craig you've never been to NYC? It makes LA look so tame :)
But again...look beyond the city limits of LA
21. Leah said the following at 6:49 PM on Apr 28:
Re: DannieA saying honking is rude behaviour...
I live in a small regional city where half the drivers are either lazy, bad, or both. Most people refrain from honking anyway, but when a car twice your size has just changed lanes without shoulder checking and almost wiped you out, you slam your foot on the brake and your hand on the horn. Idiots. (Not you- drivers who don't shoulder-check.)
Everyone who comes to Australia comments on how laid-back and relaxed it is. Those people obviously don't spend much time in Sydney, but outside of Sydney, that's pretty much true. I've heard Americans compare Queensland to California a lot. Except our beaches are better ;)
22. DannieA said the following at 8:00 PM on Apr 28:
*snickers* at BDB comment #19
23. beatrice81 said the following at 8:36 PM on Apr 28:
Will the people who think it's swell to refer to California as "Cali", please go find another word to bowdlerize? No one -- and I mean no one who actually lives in California -- ever calls it "Cali" (just like no one who lives in San Francisco would ever, under any circumstances, refer to it as 'Frisco'; that's pretty much reserved for air-conditioning salesman from Des Moines trying real hard to imply that they know their way around the city).
And Casey #14: you're right about Hong Kong. Gotta be one of the greatest cities on earth.
24. BDB said the following at 10:08 PM on Apr 28:
The first weekend I had a car in California, I was supposed to meet some people at the beach. Their directions were:
Take the 10 to the 91 to the 55 to the 405 to the 73 to the 1 and exit Margaurite, lifeguard station #4.
The problem is, the 91 doesn't hit the 10. It turns into the 215 first, and I missed it.
But I had an atlas. (Kind of a paper version of a GPS.) I ended up taking the 10 to the 57 to the 91 to the 55 to the 405 to the 73 to the 1. I was somewhat late.
I also got a really bad sunburn on my head since I used the sunroof. I learned to NOT use the sunroof. Yes, I have a sunroof on this car, but I couldn't get this model without it. After years without them, I forget I have it.
Unless the moon is out. Then it's kinda cool.
25. Merly said the following at 10:30 PM on Apr 28:
Lisa...you crack me up!
#20, I agree that I have become a defensive driver in TX...it started in Houston. Eww...
I love visiting Chicago as I grew up there and still have family and friends I keep up with...hopefully going back up this summer! The driving is, well...different from TX. =)
26. Jade said the following at 10:39 PM on Apr 28:
Greetings Lisa from another Bay Area native! That's so cool! Ahh, I love CA, well, not everything, but most things. I think my life goal is to get back to the West Coast, there's no place like it!
27. Janice said the following at 10:42 PM on Apr 28:
Ok, the next time you're planning a trip to SoCal, you need to give us a much bigger heads up so all your loyal fans can show you a REAL Cali party!
Don't hurt yourself ordering that smoothie tomorrow. ;-) The Strawberry Wave is always a good choice.
28. Derek Wong said the following at 11:22 PM on Apr 28:
What an interesting article. I have grown up in Orange County (yes there is more to socal than just Los Angeles), go to church in Los Angeles, and went to school in San Diego. So I have gotten the full experience. Most of the comments hold up, but I thought:
1) I am not afraid to honk at all. This has gotten more as I have gotten older.
2) I am so jealous that you got to go to a Laker game. I am a lifelong fan, but I can't reasonably pony up the kind of money that I would need to get in the door.
3) You are definitely right about anything going!
29. Texas Craig said the following at 11:23 PM on Apr 28:
DannieA (#20):
Hey, I never said Texas drivers are good - just courteous! :-) I realized that the first year I moved here and I was driving to Houston on a state highway. I kept coming up onto drivers who would keep driving 50 miles per hour but would ease onto the shoulder as I came up behind them. I quickly realized, after the second one waved his arm, that they saw I was driving faster and were getting over to let me go by them easily. Contrast that with sitting in LA trying to turn left into my hotel across a couple of lanes of traffic near (but not at) a busy intersection and having not one person even think about giving me room to turn through while they were sitting stopped at the light. After sitting through three light changes, I finally realized I would have to go straight and find some way to get turned around because no one was ever going to let me turn left. That was typical of my experience with LA drivers.
But, I will say that it is not fair to equate Southern California with just Los Angeles. It is just that is what most people think of when you talk about that area.
As for the worldliness, there is a huge difference between "liberalness" and worldliness. There is a reason that most porn in the US is made in Southern California and not Austin, Texas, and it is not tied to being liberal or conservative, per se.... But, I digress.
As for the places that make me smile, well, I do love being in Texas. I also must say that I always smile when "in my mind, I'm going to Carolina...." (also known as the southern part of heaven......) :-)
30. Texas Craig said the following at 11:27 PM on Apr 28:
Oh, and ,yes, I have been to NYC. Many of the same issues as LA, except the people are a little more "normal" and you don't even try to drive - you have to take the subway or a taxi if you are going to get anywhere. (I wouldn't live in NYC either!) If I had to pick a big city, it would be Chicago, although the winters there are brutal..... so I will stay in Texas.
31. Rachael_S said the following at 12:05 AM on Apr 29:
#23 Beatrice81 said:
"Will the people who think it's swell to refer to California as "Cali", please go find another word to bowdlerize? No one -- and I mean no one who actually lives in California -- ever calls it "Cali"
Not true. I was born and raised in Cali (I'm still here) and I say Cali so...
32. Tigger said the following at 6:34 AM on Apr 29:
"Do you have parts of the country or world that when you visit them, you just smile? That you feel at home away from home?"
Yes. Hawaii. Specifically Maui and Kauai, although I really enjoyed Waikiki too. I spent three weeks there and cried when I left; I felt so at ease, so simple, so clean and fresh, so rejuvenated. Three weeks and it felt like home.
I've lived in Indiana, England, Spain, and now Seoul, South Korea. And Hawaii, despite the prices, is just ... indescribable.
PS: I only honk when someone else is rude, like endangering my life and limbs by running late for the latest salon appointment. You deserve something to get your attention for that.
33. Dan Gill said the following at 7:41 AM on Apr 29:
Honking is warning: "I'm here. Don't hit me." Sometimes it's scolding: "Look at what you just did." I've been saved from doing damage to myself and others by a honk. I've also been notified that I did something foolish and dangerous.
You deserved a ticket. You endangered life and property. Next time take the exit and live with your mistake.
Texas Craig, some Texas drivers are courteous, some are not, some are downright insane. I seem to see more and more nutty, arrogant people on the Texas roads these days.
34. Jo said the following at 8:22 AM on Apr 29:
Texas Craig 29:
"I quickly realized, after the second one waved his arm, that they saw I was driving faster and were getting over to let me go by them easily."
Hey I do that too! And I'm not even in Texas.
I might be going to California this summer. I might not be, depends if the trip organiser gets his act together... but I hope it happens. :)
35. Jeremy said the following at 8:46 AM on Apr 29:
"There is a reason that most porn in the US is made in Southern California and not Austin, Texas, and it is not tied to being liberal or conservative, per se.... But, I digress."
I think that is more because most films of all types are made in Southern California than because of any particular ideology. Studios, equipment, and skilled labor are all readily available in Santa Monica whereas they are not in Austin.
36. Janelle said the following at 9:23 AM on Apr 29:
31. Rachael_S said:
Not true. I was born and raised in Cali (I'm still here) and I say Cali so...
Rachael, what part of California are you in? I was born and raised in Orange County and I've never once heard it called "Cali" except by people from Seattle.
37. IMO said the following at 9:32 AM on Apr 29:
beatrice81,
Are you really that hung up about it? Just wondering if this is a major pet peeve of all California people.
People butcher my state's name all the time. It just makes me realize that yes, in fact, they are from a different state.
38. Texas Craig said the following at 9:49 AM on Apr 29:
FWIW, Jeremy, actually quite a few films are made in Austin, in whole or in part. Just from my office downtown I have seen at least three major releases filmed. But, you do make a valid point that there is more studio equipment in LA.
39. e.j. said the following at 10:50 AM on Apr 29:
Really? What kind of fantasy land are you living in? This is not the real LA (access to CNN studios, the Laker game?)most Angelenos can barely afford the "cheap seats", Ive lived here for most of my life, don't perpetuate the stereotypes!
40. BDB said the following at 10:50 AM on Apr 29:
Janelle (#36) wrote:
>> I've never once heard it called "Cali" except by people from Seattle.<<
I don't think L.L. Cool J is from Seattle. But his video was funny.
41. Rachael_S said the following at 10:55 AM on Apr 29:
#36 Janelle asked:
"Rachael, what part of California are you in? I was born and raised in Orange County and I've never once heard it called "Cali" except by people from Seattle."
I live in Los Angeles County - South Bay area.
Three examples of when it's used: If I'm talking to my cousin who moved out of state I'll ask when he's coming back to Cali. As I'm headed south on the 15 fwy driving home from Vegas (should I not shorten that either?) I say I'm going back to Cali (well I'm actually singing it). When I'm sitting in traffic after work...tired and hungry...I scream Cali give me love in hopes of traffic clearing.
42. Afton said the following at 11:06 AM on Apr 29:
As some one who has grown up and currently lives in southern California half way between San Diego and LA (and have driven extensively in both places), I don't think it's so much politness or that we're scared as much as a way broader deffinition of "good driving" then other places. We drive so fast and close here that its not cutting someone off unless you're actually trying to get into the space where their car currently is. 70 mph? That actually means 80 mph. I remember driving in Missouri one time and I was confused because everyone was going the speed limit and were evenly spaced the correct 3 car length.
43. DannieA said the following at 11:18 AM on Apr 29:
Let me give you a view from my balcony window in my townhome....
*the gorgeous foothill stands out green after any drop of rain(although right now it's green/turning yellow)....touching the blue sky at the top and the aqua color lake at the bottom*
The funniest thing I ever heard was the ACU in Abilene TX was called the city on a hill because it was built on a hill....when I got there, I went....where's the hill???????? It actually was on the highest land in Abilene but it still was flat.
SoCal where you could visit the beach, the snow in the mountains, or the desert all within an hour...where else do you have that wonderful option of 3 vastly different places within hours of each other?
44. christina said the following at 11:24 AM on Apr 29:
hahaha!! Being a person who has NEVER visited California, it feels as though you are all talking about some alien nation. I guess I forget that it's real and not some made up place on TV.
However, to answer your questions, Lisa, Santa Fe is my home away from home.....
45. Texas Craig said the following at 11:58 AM on Apr 29:
DannieA said:
"SoCal where you could visit the beach, the snow in the mountains, or the desert all within an hour...where else do you have that wonderful option of 3 vastly different places within hours of each other?"
I can honestly say I have never had the desire to go to the desert. And, other than "Burning Man" (which I would not want to attend anyway), why would anyone want to go to the desert?
But, if you like mountains and beaches near each other, then I highly recommend North Carolina! Plenty of great beaches near the outer banks, and mountains in the western part of the state. Add to that the proximity to other beach destinations in the southeast, and Washington DC for some cultural events, and it is easy to see why North Carolina (and particularly Chapel Hill, NC) is called the "southern part of heaven." :-)
* this posting is not paid for by the North Carolina Department of Tourism.... :-)
46. RachelM said the following at 12:11 PM on Apr 29:
Yes, it's beautiful and pleasant and kind-of like fairyland. But let's not ignore all of the exorbitant spending, greed and bankruptcy in the state. Why are people leaving California in droves??
47. Leah said the following at 12:17 PM on Apr 29:
Wow. I never knew there were so many boundless readers in the area (LA-ish). Cool! We should all do a random bonfire on the beach or something (preferably in December. Why? Because we can.)
Anyhow, having lived here all my life and done the horrible IE to LA commute for years now, I have to weigh in on the driving question. I don't think it's that we're better drivers or less inclined to be annoyed when other people exhibit bad driving skills, I think it's that we sort of expect it out of you. We share the roads with hundreds of people - Some of them are going to be fantastically bad drivers.
48. BDB said the following at 1:12 PM on Apr 29:
Texas Craig (#45) wrote:
>> and mountains in the western part of the state.<<
Well, to be a "mountain," it needs to be 10,000 feet (3048m) in elevation.
The highest point in North Carolina is Mt. Mitchell, which is only 6,684 ft (2,037m).
So, apparently you CAN'T go from the ocean to the MOUNTAINS by driving in an hour in North Carolina.
49. DannieA said the following at 2:16 PM on Apr 29:
Texas Craig said
"I can honestly say I have never had the desire to go to the desert. And, other than "Burning Man" (which I would not want to attend anyway), why would anyone want to go to the desert?"
Oh my! my friend, hello Joshua Tree....rock climbing....camping...scenery (desert life is actually quite beautiful...not all desert is sahara you know)....hiking....star gazing at night!!!! That makes for an awesome date...in groups of course ;)
You know in all seriousness (you know I like bantering with you on this ya?!) our family loved to drive the states so I've been to Tennesse and North Carolina, and Virginia....and it's beautiful...to visit...I can't do humidity....it would be perfect aside from that ;)
FYI if you ever are in socal during April/Mayish (this weekend is the last weekend for it) the RAMONA play in the natural foothill outdoor ampitheatre is wonderful! Good cultural show emphasizing the original Californians and Native Americans of socal in the 1800s.
ah I truly am a born and bred Californian...LOL I hope you are having a great day Texas Craig :) :) :)
50. DannieA said the following at 2:17 PM on Apr 29:
Leah...I'm with you on the boundless campfire on the beach.....let's set it up ;)
51. Texas Craig said the following at 6:19 PM on Apr 29:
BDB: Well, I guess you need to let the atlas people know, so they can change the names of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Smoky Mountains - both of which are classified as being in part in North Carolina! ;-)
DannieA: In all fairness, one of my fondest memories occurred while I was in SoCal, so I do have a soft spot for the area. Namely, I was out there to go to the Rose Bowl game where Texas won the national championship over USC. Good times, good times..... :-)
I know this bantering is all in fun. I have no dislike for SoCal, and I certainly can understand the things about the area that appeal to people. There really is some great beauty there, good weather, and many things to do. Ok, now that you got me to be a little serious, I guess I will have to stop slamming SoCal!
52. Lisa Anderson said the following at 9:57 PM on Apr 29:
Ok, I'm back from California and now have time to weigh in here. First of all, there is a lot of passion surrounding California (for or against)...wow!
#2: Totally true what you said, and I had this confirmed by some of my hosts after I read it.
DannieA, BDB and Janice: I'm so sorry! I'll do better at announcing my visit next time. BDB, I tried to fit a KSGN visit in, but couldn't swing it. The general mgr there is a friend, btw!
#7: Sorry I wasn't at Catalyst! Maybe next time. And Laura Beth is totally sweet...unlike me. :)
#9: I love San Diego! My sister lived there in the 80s, and I almost went to work for San Diego Magazine at one point.
#19, 28, 39: I was in a Staples Center box due only to a fun and generous connection, trust me. Focus doesn't spring for stuff like that. :) And while scanning the other boxes, I noticed mostly business dudes holding beers. Oh, and Jack Nicholson has security. For every game? Crazy. Well, another few months on The Boundless Show and I'll have to look into it too, no doubt. Haha. As for CNN, that's just business. It's my job to pitch our experts to their producers.
#33: Agreed, and rebuke humbly received.
#44: I love Santa Fe! The art and food are unparalleled.
Everyone: Organize that BBQ and invite me!
53. DannieA said the following at 11:16 PM on Apr 29:
Well Lisa there you go...you want Passion....come on down to CA...or talk about CA LOL LOL LOL ;)
Is KSGN still in Riverside? I used to know where it was when it was owned by the mainly Seventh-Day-Adventist board...but since it's not primarily an SDA owned station anymore lost track...we were at the vegetarian store by the la sierra university and my dad mentioned that he wondered if it was still around there. Since I don't live in the La Sierra area of Riverside anymore, I don't check.
***giggles at Texas Craig**** wanna know a secret? I have love in my heart for Texas...and when football comes along, I have fond memories of attending many football games in Texas with our small university to A&M to UT...so I do cheer for anything Texas Football Related.
Lisa I would bust out in a song about California and how proud I am on here, but then the whole boundless commentors would think I was really crazy.
54. BDB said the following at 12:19 AM on Apr 30:
#52 wrote:
>>I guess you need to let the atlas people know, so they can change the names of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Smoky Mountains - both of which are classified as being in part in North Carolina! ;-)<<
Yes, I'm writing to my congressman to get them reclassified as 'hills.' I know they were named "mountains" by guys who hadn't been out West yet, so they just didn't know any better...
If you want to see a "river," go look at the Rio Grande in New Mexico...it would have been named the Rio Pequeño if they'd named it there...
Reminds me of something my ground school instructor said once. Visiting somewhere in the midwest, they were trying to warn him about some "mountains" near where he was renting the plane. They asked where he was from. Southern California. Oh, well, you'll fine then.
55. The G said the following at 12:54 AM on Apr 30:
# 43 DannieA: They keep touting beach/mountains/desert "within hours of each other" ... and I don't know anyone who's ever actually done that: go to the beach, then to the mountains, then the desert the same day just because it's possible. As for me, hopefully I'll finally try surfing soon :)
What's with all these Boundless Angelenos? I'm at 'SC 'til graduation in May (prayers, please?), though I'll be nearby in the summer.
Let's have that bonfire!
56. DannieA said the following at 9:58 AM on Apr 30:
"the G"
I don't think people plan to do all 3 in one day...it just means you have options....and I have gone to the mountains and desert in one day....and I have gone to the beach and the mountains in one day...but that's just cuz I love my weekends LOL
How exciting to be graduating....I'll keep you in prayers.
57. BDB said the following at 5:43 PM on Apr 30:
DannieA (#54) wrote:
>>Is KSGN still in Riverside?<<
Their new location is in Redlands near Pharoh's Lost Kingdom - surronded by Orange trees.
While they aren't technically SDA anymore, there are still SDA supporters. "Family-friendly" embraces a wide variety of doctrines.
You can become a fan on facebook...
58. Janelle said the following at 6:44 PM on Apr 30:
Just for the record: I don't have anything against "Cali", I just don't think to use it. But I do shorten just about everything else so maybe it's time...
School's out for me in three weeks, and I'll be ready to party! I'll bring marshmallows to the bonfire!
59. Lisa Anderson said the following at 2:24 PM on May 1:
Oh, one small California freeway gripe: What is up with freeway exits being one small, hidden lane that goes under an overpass and is shrouded by trees?! In LA!! I just about blazed away when I kept seeing (mostly in the city) a small white sign that read "Freeway Entrance", but it looked more like I was exiting into someone's driveway. I need HUGE overhead signs that repeat themselves, then offer multiple lanes for exiting. Oh, and all those left exits?!?!? Confusing. Ok, rant finished. :)
60. BDB said the following at 3:15 PM on May 1:
Lisa (#60) wrote:
>>Oh, and all those left exits?!?!? Confusing. Ok, rant finished. :)<<
Yeah, the 110 freaks me out, too.