[TheOtherOne]

He described the U.S. as a giant platform the was tilted slightly toward the west -- and all these people with various mental disorders ended up tumbling down to the west until the Pacific Ocean prevented them from going any further.

I will tell you this, living 10 blocks from the ocean...we have many homeless. But it makes some sense, we have no snow, no brutal cold. Actually, it is mostly like camping. I think is the main draw. Whenever I see a freezing east coast homeless, I think, man ours have it so much better.

[annyokie]

When I lived in Santa Barbara in the late 70's, we had many homeless as well. And, yes the weather was a big draw. There were always slews of guys from Boston or Philadelphia who had decided to "go West, young man!" working as bartenders and busboys or waiters, as well.

I think the myth-making machine of Hollywood creates a reality to the weak-minded. I grew up in the Central Valley and always knew the "make it in Hollywood" scenario was nonsense. Unfortunately, when I lived on the East coast I can't tell you how many people, young and old, got starry-eyed when I told them I was from California.

They were under the impression that it was wall-to-wall movies stars and we all palled together.

[Feiny]

You must live near me.....the urban outdoorsman have it pretty good in Santa Monica. They get ocean front meals and sleep on the beach.....people in 3rd world countries don't live as well.