IN RETROSPECT
Kirk, who has been home since Sunday afternoon, is reflecting on his four months in Argentina, comparing and contrasting the cultures. Right now, he says, Turlock looks awfully good -- no one smokes in public, the sidewalks aren't covered with dog poop, building codes are enforced, children have decent educational opportunities, store clerks don't grumble when you hand them a ten dollar bill for a $7 purchase, and there is a collective social consciousness. I think he likes it here, too.

In related news, it appears that he has lined up a place to live in San Diego so that he can return to university in January. BTW, in case you've been out of the country, San Diego is having a bit of a political crisis.