trinacriabob

Yep, I have seen various exhibits on this topic. Most are running deficits. Of the very populous states, I think Texas was the only one in the black. Incidentally, on a stand-alone basis, California is the 8th largest economy in the world. Also, 12% of the U.S. population lives in California (37 mill. out of 305 mill.) Now, California has a lot of nice things, but NOT ALL of California is nice. Of that, I can assure you.

Still, she started with six and had no husband, nor significant other, around. My parents were aiming for 3 and, after I was born, that wasn't possible. I guess I broke the mold.

fart (In the good 'ole USA, we say "artsy-fartsy")

Someone at work comes by and says "Hey, did you hear about that lady who had octuplets?" I asked where and they said "So Cal, around Whittier or Bellflower." I Googled this and saw that (1) she already had 6 kids, (2) she is a single mom, and (3) she had to have embryos implanted to pull this off. I read that the latter item on this list is considered very uncool among gynecologists when a family already has a certain number of kids. Unbelievable. This woman has got to be a pimple on California's ass. Just think of the money to pay for the education, health care and possible incarceration of some of these kids downstream. And some people who want just ONE kid, have the income and set-up to raise that kid properly, and have fertility problems will NEVER have that ONE kid.

collection (ties are cool)

stuffy

Dave Brubeck

You look very Canadian or from a northern latitude of the US...the obligatory black leather coat. You'd almost never see that in LA, Houston or Miami. I take it you took United or USAir part of the way and then connected onto AirCanada? How was Vegas?

jam

tree

Georgia

I have a friend from Birmingham AL who told me there was a Little Italy there and that there was a sizable Guido contingent at his Catholic HS there. Also, there are small Greek communities in certain Southern cities. I once saw a beautiful Greek Orthodox church on the Florida panhandle (the Redneck Riviera). You probably know that Tarpon Springs, north of Tampa, has many Greeks. So, yes, it can be found.

Hey, so are there are good "gotta go to" food establishments in RDU and CLT that locals faithfully go to? Camino has already mentioned Hugo's Diner in CLT. Any others recommended? Favorite food types: American, Italian and Greek.

hyena

bird

rock

haberdasher

pillage

Portuguese Water Dog (looks like a black standard poodle with a real messy coat)

A picture is worth a thousand words -- Look, there's a G8 out ahead of the Allure -- now that looks nicer and cleaner.

matronly

Can't hear you, sonny. Can't see you either, sonny. Come again?

I am very sorry to hear this, Dodgefan. You've written very caring words about her. That speaks to your love for her and I am sure she knew and was inspired by that. I remember getting the call that my Dad had passed away. I was living in Seattle at the time and had to drive down to Portland for the funeral. It was surreal...that whole 175 mile drive. I know what that feels like. My condolences.

moltie. That's great. A lady at work said he looked like one of those zombie people / living dead that you see in the movies. However, your description seems to be more accurate.