Interesting class session today.  I had to say, it was an enjoyable experience hiking the short trail.   We were lucky that it was a clear day, being able to see as far as Oakland and San Francisco was pretty interesting, especially when you consider how many people live in the Bay Area.  It was almost like a bird's eye perspective, zoomed out even further being able to spot all the things you were familiar with, but only at a different range.  I wish I had brought my digital camera; I'd take it home and spot even more locations by zooming around.

As usual, Professor Lovas had some interesting anecdotes to give us some background information.  Having seen Hearst's Castle I tried to picture what the housing would have been like in it's prime.  What's up with members of the press having so much damn money?  I can understand how the Newspaper Giant Hearst had so much money, but an editor for the San Francisco Post? Especially one who championed against corruption.  The most interesting thing about Hearst castle was the "documentary" that was put together by the Hearst corporation (Voluntary and separate from the tour, actually our tour guide was very helpful in painting the real history and some of the politics behind the castle.)  The video gives you an idea, even though unintential, of Hearst's life.  The material was totally ridiculous, spewing out all kinds of propaganda of how magnificent and generous Hearst was; I always remember the line, supposedly from the viewpoint of one of his guests, a woman, to her mother:

"He let all these people stay at the castle without asking anything in return.  Isn't that generous? Don't ya think?"

too swanky

Btw ,Citizen Kane, directed by orson welles, was about the life of William.  Yahoo link:here

You can find this dvd in the san jose public library system:here