World News Reports in Los Angeles

They say we shouldn't believe everything we read, but I believe this: a recent report in the LATimes with the headline: "India lags far behind in sanitation facilities." The report states that 638 million people in India lack access to a toilet & have to use roadsides or fields. Corruption & a lack of civic pride are blamed.

Imagine twice the population of the United States doing their business out in the street & that'll give you an idea of the smell in India.

I think it's shameful that a country with such wealth & resources has no interest in cleaning up its poisoned air & water. But they are madly producing more cars & garbage to add to the pollution, the rich are getting richer & the poor are shitting in the streets.

Will I return? Good question.

Next: A recent travel section item announces a "Spiritual trip to Bali" organized by an agency in Las Vegas, in which meditation, yoga, day trips to temples & indulgence in upscale lodging & dramatic dining & spa treatments are also featured. The tour will also include a meeting with Ketut Liyer, "the impressive shaman" from the book eat, pray, love -- which I found to be not good at all (except for the part about Italy) & don't mind saying so. Nevertheless, Julia Roberts is starring in the film set to open in July, & Ketut will be featured in it.

I can't imagine how many visitors & how much money will be coming his way now, but I've no doubt it will be impressive.

Will I return? You bet I will.