California, Here I Yam!

Well, after a week in Scottsdale, working with one of the most unpleasant teammates I've experienced, I welcomed returning to La La Land.

Flew into Ontario instead of LAX or Orange County. Rented a boat (Dodge something; a big ol' truck that could seat a dozen for sure) and headed down to my beloved south coast, specifically San Clemente. Stayed at the Hampton Inn, just off I-5 and overlooking the expansive and enigmatic Pacific Ocean. With a fabulous room (303) with an ocean view , great bed, and quiet (except for the white noise of the freeway which, amazingly, does not disturb me) -- I was set for a restful, enjoyable weekend.

On Sunday, I headed to San Diego to see two movies: Fan Fan la Tulipe and Jesus Camp. The first was a French swashbuckler film from the early 50's, and was wonderful to experience on the big screen -- a privilege I rarely get when viewing foreign films. To be honest, I'd never heard of the film. Was it up to the aesthetics of a Rossellini, Visconti, Godard, or Truffaut? no where close; however, I still enjoyed it. Even the worst foreign films seem so much better than the typical Hollywood pablum.

Jesus Camp was a bit of a disappointment. Not that it was bad, but I kept thinking that this documentary would fit better on the PBS P.O.V. program. It didn't seem "at home" on the big screen; in fact, I think the film suffered by not being on television. The film is about the indoctrination of a young army of "God's warriors" by the Christian fundamentalists who insist on integrating their version of 'God' into all things public and private. Yet, only the truly gullible wouldn't recognize that instead of "God's warriors" these kids are becoming tomorrow's neurotics and sociopaths. Oy vay!

On Monday, I headed to Paramount Dialysis, in Paramount, California, somewhere in the "South Bay" area of LA. It was, for all purposes, a ghetto. The clinic was nasty, but the clinicians (most filipino) were wonderful and generous. More later ...