In the musical Jekyll & Hyde, a major point has to do with the façade we present to the world. I was thinking about that as I looked over my collected news chum, for all the articles I’ve selected have to do with the image we present to the world:

• It’s Written On Your Face. As a parent — correction, as an older parent — there are degrees of things you don’t want to hear from your child. One is, “Dad, I got a piercing.” These run the range from the simple ear (no big deal) to the nose (ummmm, but growing in acceptance) to the (unmentionable) (ohh, ick). Another is, “Dad, I got a tattoo.” Tattoos are growing in acceptability with the current generation, but for at least some in my generation, they aren’t mainstream (although I have many contemporaries that enjoy their tats–to each their own). Still, there are bounds of conventionality — and this article talks about a growing trend that is pushing those bounds: facial tattoos. That’s right: tattoos … of words and other stuff … all across your face. What’s your thought on that?
• Big Yellow Taxi. Washington DC is planning the cab of the future. More specifically, they are planning the look of their authorized taxicabs, and working to make them all looks the same, no matter the company. Now, I’m from Los Angeles, where most people don’t even know what a cab is, let alone how to call one. Still, cabs are a major part of many cities — including DC — and I can’t say that I like the look of any of their proposals.
• Living Up To Your Name. There is a burger joint in Las Vegas called the “Heart Attack Grill“. They work hard to emphasize that them. So it should be no surprise that their unofficial spokesman, whose caricature graces the front of their menu, clothing line and merchandise, suffered a heart attack last week as he waited at the bus stop in front of the restaurant. He was 29 52 [ETA: The first guy to die, of the flu, was 29], and weighed about 180 lbs.
• The Sound of the Sea. You have an old piano that is rusting. What to do with it? One enterprising San Francisco artist set it up on a bluff overlooking the ocean, and invited people to play it as it deteriorated. Alas, the city has caught on, and it will be removed after Thursday. Still, the image of a once grand piano falling apart is a wonderful parallel to how life is lived, and the fact that even as we are deteriorating, we can still bring joy to others.

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