I always thought that Mogen David was just a wine, until I spent time in the Jewish neighborhood surrounding the Beverly Hills Marriott.  Just down the street was the Congregation Mogen David (CMD), “a place of prayer, learning, and growth for all Jews,” and I became curious.   I then learned that Mogen David in Yiddish actually means Star of David, the six-pointed Jewish symbol, and that Magen David in Hebrew translates to Shield of David.

The familiar Mogen David Wine Company uses Concord grapes in their fermentation process.  According to Wikipedia, back in 1973 they were the fourth largest winery and had the third largest advertising budget, so it’s not surprising that I was familiar with the name from commercials.  What I didn’t know at the time is that the “MD” in MD 20/20 was an abbreviation for Mogen David, not “Mad Dog” as I had been told.  Mogen David was the leader in kosher wine sales at that time, but now apparently ranked second to Manischewitz.  However, Mogen David also made a much cheaper, fortified wine that was paper bag or bong worthy.

I’ve now checked into the J.W Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot, meaning backwater in French.  It does sit back from the Pacific Ocean, but it’s hardly desolate or in the “middle of nowhere.”  “Backwater” does sound like a place where they drink Mad Dog 20/20, and yet have no “vision” for the future.  It is however just a couple of doors down from The Hotel California where you “can check out at any time you like, but you can never leave,” according to The Eagle’s lyrics.  We plan to both check out and leave on Sunday, so I hope it’s not a neighborhood rule.

It’s much warmer here in Santa Monica than the Oregon coast, and no giant rocks or fog block my view of the horizon.  I see palm trees gently swaying in the breeze and blue skies, plus my shoes are slowly drying out from that all-too-familiar dash through the puddles and pouring rain at the Portland Airport yesterday.  I’m looking forward to some hand-in-hand strolls on the sandy beaches, once my wife completes her work week.  I do see a few other retirees, but most of the guests here are taking breaks from work-related seminars.  A couple of young ladies just passed by in bath robes fresh from the spa with cocktails in hand.  It may be “backwater” but not backwoods.