I was just in Santa Barbara for a few days.

1: My former thesis advisor said he was glad I liked it in the heartland because someone had to live there.

2: I was walking out the wharf, which passes over the beach before it passes over the water, with 2 scientists from New Zealand. Some enterprising homeless (or, they weer clever enough they may not be homeless) had put blankets on the beach and a suspended cup. The idea was to toss coins and try and get it into the cup. There were a lot of coins on the blanket but few in the cup. I said I was goin to toss a quarter for luck for my proposal (due May 18). Plunk, right in the cup.

Now that I know it will be funded I have to complete it.
Chris