He takes my hand and walks me through the planetarium, a great old art deco building perched on a hill above Los Angeles. There is nothing like thinking about the stars and planets that make up our universe to put things in a broader perspective. I am intrigued by the various displays, but the real thrill is when he takes me to the walkway behind the building.
It is a clear crisp night and the city lies before us, a jewel box lit from within. It sparkles and hums with energy.
"Wow," I gasp as I lean over the rail. "This is unbelievably beautiful." The view sweeps far north to south and all the way to the ocean, a rolling blanket of twinkling lights.