Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble
When you’re perfect in every way;
I can’t wait to look in the mirror
I get better lookin’ each day
--Mac Davis

I understand there has been some objection to my review of February’s speaker and that this might reflect badly on the BCSS. My letters are my opinions and are not necessarily those of the BCSS. I tried to be humble and included a criticism of myself (from the Fresno Newsletter), but apparently this was not enough. Please feel free to criticize my criticisms. My comments are meant to be constructive and I hope will be taken in that way.

On 17th February we finally saw 12 Years a Slave since it finally reached the dollar theater. Thus we actually formed our own opinions before it won its Oscars. (Not that we disagree with the prizes!) It was well done, but the whole point of a freeman suffering was a bit hypocritical. The suffering of those who were never free was greater.

On the 20th we heard Maynard Moe speak to the California Native Plant Society on the succulents of Yemen, Madagascar and southern Africa. It was a great talk and drew a large crowd. The newspaper coverage was fantastic.

On the 27th I heard Rick Waitzman speak at BC on the banning of the Grapes of Wrath. It was informative and it appears the socalled obscenity was not the real reason for the banning. We learned that the political climate of the time was set by a leftleaning Governor who appointed a socialist as head of the State Commission on Migrant Labor. Thus the book was yet another source of fear for the farmers.

On the 6th of March we went to Fresno and heard Peter Beiersdorfer speak on rare cacti in Puerto Rico. He had lots of good pictures and enough names to help us keep track of the plants. I was amazed at how many variations there were in the cephalia (heads) of many of them.

On the 11th, of course, we heard Woody speak on the giant succulents of Madagascar. It is interesting to see his talk and compare it with those of Maynard and Rob Skillin. I have only mentioned Madagascar briefly in my talk on Baobabs, but if Polly or I were to give a talk on Madagascar it would be even more different.