Thoughts About Our Golden State

As I flew from foggy, chilly SacTown to San Diego yesterday, I read Angle of Repose, a book about how opposites achieve reconciliation--or not.

I have often wondered if California should be divided into two states, with the border somewhere in the Tehachapis. Northern California, a place of abundant natural resources and a rich culture, would be better off without SoCal, an overpopulated desert.

We'll keep the water.

I have a number of other thoughts about Angle of Repose, and if anyone wants to email me about it, please do so. I thought it was a fascinating book.

Today's rant: Spam blog comments

Just one word, folks: DON'T.
It's rude.

If, friends, you see that I've deleted a comment, please trust that it was pollution rather than a meaningful contribution to the day's discourse.

Rant of the day: The BALCO steroid "scandal"--does anyone really care, and if so, why?

Why was this insignificant story on the front page of my local fishwrap, above the fold?

Isn't there more important news? Aren't we at war somewhere? Isn't a nomination to the Supreme Court pending? Isn't there an investigation into a CIA agent's exposure that could potentially bring down the Vice President?
Wasn't there an earthquake that killed, oh, a gazillion people?

I could go on longer and make this a real rant, but I've already expressed what I think.

Some people should not be allowed out of the house...

Seen yesterday at CalExpo, Sacramento: A man wearing a 2005 Neil Diamond concert T-shirt. He was strutting in the way that people do when they're wearing really cool theads...

...I figure he's got titanium balls, a great right hook or a Teflon ego.