Sea world. The place of my dreams. Really, I figured if I went to California I would definitely get to Sea World. And I did. And it was a let down times ten.

First is Shamu. We went to the Shamu show and it was corny. the lighted screen flashing "Believe" and then, from the pool behind the screen enters the star of the show to jump out of the water. And that's all Shamu and his friends did. Jump up. get a fish. But the biggest trick up Shamu's sleeve was to splash the audience.

Sea World was not a cheap ticket nor did it include little rides around the park. I felt as though I was shelling out money right and left. I know money shouldn't be such a big issue while on vacation, but I couldn't help but to feel fleeced. Well, at least the San Diego Zoo lived up to my expectations.

Education is really important. Dumb kids are not dumb enough to know they are not smart and get angry.

Why, if we all have access to the same media, are some places more tacky than others?

Take Las Vegas, for instance. The people here are multiply pierced and possess many tattoos. I wonder if these people are aware that those markings may significantly reduce their chances of getting hired in other places? Or, if they are aware that their look is not necessarily desired in other places.

I know some may not care, but I am still curious. New York women dress so much better, seems to me, than women in other cities in this country. I always feel fat in Manhattan; I never suffer such body-doubt in other cities.

When I was growing up -- my high school years -- I lived in a community that was pretty wholesome and the dress was considered, mostly, preppy. In neighboring Rockland county, the girls were dressing rather trashy. The same was true of the girls in Syosset if my future roommate was any indication. I wonder if it's economic differences or simply values of the community. Does a more christian community necessarily have a more conservative dress?

Just something to think about.