RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY

A western made in the 60s about two old cowboys in their later years. Here's an eloquently simple speech a judge makes to a couple before he marries them:

We're gathered here in the high mountains, in the presence of this august company, to join this man and this woman in matrimony. Now, I'm not a man of the cloth and this is not a religious ceremony. It's a civil marriage. But it's not to be entered into unadvisedly. But reverently and soberly. A good marriage has a kind of simple glory about it. A good marriage is like a rare animal. It's hard to find. It's almost impossible to keep. You see, people change. That's important for you to know at the beginning. People change. The glory of a good marriage don't come at the beginning. It comes later on. And it's hard work.

TIME'S ALL-TIME TOP NOVELS

I'm surprised how much I'm reading these days. Why do I read? I find that I'm just a knowledge seeker. It's like an addiction. I'll never be satisfied yet I continue to search. For what? I don't know.

But Time's list came upon me as I did some research (more like learning more about) on A Place In The Sun. Turns out the movie was based on a novel, "An American Tragedy." The book then, was based on actual events and that's why they always say, "truth is stranger than fiction".

VINEGAR TASTERS

This image is also known as the Three Teachings from China. Can you figure out what it means? Let me help you a little. From left to right, it is Confucius, Buddha then Lao Tzu. They each dip their finger in the vinegar and have a different reaction to it.

SECRET HOT SPOTS

YourLA on NBC listed a few low-down spots that I will need to check-up on sometime.

#5 - Secret Restaurant (so secret, they could not even list it)
#4 - Match 4657 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood
#3 - Sapphire 11938 Ventura Blvd., Studio City
#2 - Codda 5248 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks
#1 - Xenii 8228 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood

BARGAIN TIME

I love bargains because I'm a frugal (perhaps cheap) guy. Here's some bargains from Your LA:

Fashion
California Market Center and the New Mart every last Friday in downtown.

Furnishings
The Dock downtown

Not satisfied? Check out Bargains LA!

HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREETS

One of my favorite television series. The lieutenant is half black, half Italian. He tells one of his detectives, "The Italians like to say, 'let Fate hold you by the hand and lead you, if not, she'll drag you by your heels.' "