My nephew Danny moved to California one year ago to pursue a film career. He originally located at Venice Beach, which I have been told is somewhat tawdry. His parents and I have heard from Danny for three months. Forgive my naivete (I have never visisted any place outside of North Carolina), but is my nephew safe in the Los Angeles area. I hear such horrible things about the crime there. Label me concerned.

I mistyped and meant to say we have NOT heard from Danny for three months.

Since he is from North Carolina we can only assume that he was involved in running Moonshine and since moonshine is in low demand in the LA area he has now become a crack dealer and you should fear for his life unless he is successful in which case he will be a mover and shaker and be living in Beverly Hills where he would have an unlisted number which would explain the inability to contact him. Of course I did't need to use my psychic powers in this instance, just the utilization of everyday common sense and the reliance upon reliable sterotyping.

Trollmaster,
Fortunately, not all persons living with HIV infection or AIDS are outcasts of society, although they must daily deal with being stigmatized for having an illness by crass individuals like you.
Some even like to read travel forums and
travel when they can.

I'm from Southern California and found these posts hysterical, really did LOL! I just hope the original post was not serious. I would not live in Venice tho. Just in case, Danny may be having the time of his life, being so far from Kansas.

I live close to Venice, and go Golds Gym in Venice about 4 times a week, so I am familiar with the area. Venice does have the reputation for attracting "unique types". There is no shortage of mega tatooed, pierced, and grungy looking locals. This, however, varies by STREET! One block is a haven for gang violence. Three blocks down is an upscale restaurant and renovated bungalows. The homes by the canals are valued around $800,000.
If you tell me what street he lives on I can give you more information.

I'm glad you mentioned Vermont. How is the backwoods camping there? I have never been to that part of the country and I'm always looking for places to get away from the hustle and bustle of people, do some(a lot) of fishing, build a little fire and cook what I catch. My wife also enjoys that. In Oregon one can't do that without being visited by the Forest Service and being grilled by state police game wardens and deputy sheriffs because they profile out of state vehicles.

If you love the outdoors you really owe it to yourself to visit Vermont. And if you have liberal leanings, so much the better. Oregonians are the opposite of Vermonters in many ways, but similar in that they tend to have a deep love of nature and are very proud of their homestates and what they stand for.
I'm not a New Englander, but really love Vermont (and I'm a conservative Republican!) If not for the winters, I'd probably move there. Check into vacationing there. Try to fly into Manchester, NH to save on both hassle and fare.

Thanks Cary. Vermont it is next year. I do not fly on vacation however. I hook up my pop-up trailer to my pick-up and see the country. By the way - I am also a conser. Republican

Maybe this will stop when the children go back to school in the fall. Meanwhile, we'd appreciate if they'd go elsewhere with their nonsense because we are no interested. What ever happened to summer jobs and earning money instead of wasting away in front of a travel forum? Sad.

Well frank, if my parents gave a rat's ass about me maybe I'd be doing something else, but since they just to try to buy me off by giving me whatever electronics and stuff I want so they don't have to feel guilty about spending all there time at the club and travelling your stuck with kids like me. At least we're not out smoking crack or breaking into your house.
Danny's cousin JB

This was a humorous little thread until some dull-witted fellow with Fodor's struck down the replies of Bruce, Danny, Hortense and Sam. The Fodor's censor probably has the same lack of a sense of humor that Frank Counselor has.