Doug, I've read many of your columns, and I know for a fact that being halfway around the world deprives you of nothing you need to write a 'real' article.

This seems to be true of every car on the road. Everyone seems to love using their fog lights, never mind they can't tell whether they are on or not.

New Fords & Chevys have convex inserts on both side mirrors.

That's nice. That's exactly what I said, actually.

I thought they said the first Latino was Jimmy Smits (who was supposed to have a much larger role in Ep III, but that got cut).

LOL. That's funny.

You're right. It really is that simple, just like it's simple to turn on a stereo and adjust the volume. There are millions of such devices that have never failed in any way in homes across the globe.

Thank you for your opinion. I and my friends are 'mobilizing' just fine where we are.

I agree that paddle shifters are better in theory. I've just never warmed up to them. I'm just too used to a gear shifter.

Recent rentals I've had (Focus, Malibu) had the radio stay on even after removing the key. I found a menu setting for the Malibu, but not the Focus. But Ford's stereo systems are the complete opposite of simplicity.

I think the Prius & other Toyota hybrids are similar. However, that did lead to some problems with the unintended acceleration fiasco. People said they didn't know how to put their car in N, which on the surface seems implausible, but after getting in a Prius for the first time, I realized it wasn't obvious like most…

I have never warmed up to paddles. They aren't for me.

Who has me believing what? All I can speak to is my own personal experience and the experience of those I know. My comments are true to those experiences.

That's the first half of what I said. Mechanically, it's simpler.

Texas is a land of opportunity. There are plenty of people who are able to start businesses and be successful, and that's very appealing to people with money. But, if you have so much money that you don't feel any need for any more, then sure, move to CA or some other gorgeous place and live comfortable.

"requirement for private schools because publics are crap"

The difference is you can choose how much house you buy, and if you are willing to live more modestly, you are rewarded with more money in your savings account. But if you want to own the biggest house you can get, then you get to pay the taxes for it. Obviously, YMMV, but I like having that option.

Weather in TX isn't as nice as CA or even CO, but it IS sure better than the rust belt or the northeast.

Not really. The ratio of pay to cost of living is usually quite good in Texas. I'm not sure what all these "employee protections" are that we live without, but when I look around and discuss such things with my friends who moved from CA, no one complains about being exploited. I don't deny it happens, but it's too…

And you can always choose to buy less house. That is a benefit of consumption taxes—you can choose to keep more of your paycheck by not 'living it up.' Income tax doesn't afford you that leeway.