where is everyone?

[Dkipen at aol.com]

Dear listerines, passerines & tchitcherines,

Maybe here's a question that can rouse us from our collective lethargy,
proffered for the most selfish of reasons. I'm on the program committee of
next February's 8th annual California Studies Conference, and I'm on the
lookout for a title, a theme, three seminar tracks, anything to give the
conference a semblance, however illusory, of cohesion. My thoughts turn
predictably to thoughts of Pynchon, not least because I hope to field a panel
on his work and/or images of California therein. For a chance at a
no-expenses-paid vacation in scenic Long Beach, California, who out there's
got the best Pynchon quote on the subject of the Golden State? Please e-mail
all answers, along with two Raspberry Flavor Jell-O Brand Gelatin boxtops, to
me, care of us. 

Love David

P.S. Thanks to all of you who suggested Torah portions for my nuptial day. I
intend to use at least one and possibly more. If my bride gets fed up and
walks out, I may conceivably recite them all. Sorry to keep using you all for
a concordance, but friends, you just know so damn much....