Ahhh, Sunday. The day to relax with the Sunday papers and clean up the mess from the previous day. Here are some stories that caught my eye:
- From the “Movies and Chinese Food” Department: Ask someone who isn’t Christian (and some who are) what they do on Christmas, and the answer is often “Movies and Chinese Food”. The LA Times has an interesting article on the phenomenon of Dim Sum on Christmas. It seems the loads of people trek to Chinatown that day—it is Empress Pavillion’s busiest day!
- From the “Read a Good Book” Department: The LA Times also has a nice article on the declining role of publishers, and more and more authors turn to self publishing. What is unsaid in the article—and is even more critical—is the declining role of the editor. The editor is seen as superfluous these days, and we’re losing what they add to improving a story or filtering out the crazies. Self-publish if you must, but find a good editor.
- From the “Better Straighten Out Those Priorities” Department: Two articles from the NY Times reflect our some priorities have changed in these recessionary times. First, it appears that the Estate Sale business is booming. As people need to downsize and move, the
crapheirlooms they had in life are available for a song… and people are flocking to pick them up. On the other hand, science fairs are having hard times—donors are harder to find for this critically important activity. Related to that, a plug: If you’re a scientific type, and in Los Angeles in early May, consider judging for the California State Science Fair. Click here to learn about judging, although judge registration isn’t open yet. - From the “Treating Students Right” Department: Lastly, another interesting article from the LA Times on the new High School for the Performing Arts, or should I say Central High School No. 9. This was to be the showpiece arts school, but the admissions policy is all screwed up and they are not focusing on performing arts admissions. The current policy appears to be 70% local, and the rest first come, first served. They aren’t in the magnet brochure as an arts high school. This is unlike the other LAUSD arts high school magnet programs that don’t get the corporate support for the performing arts community and limp along.
P.S.: Looking for something to do New Years Eve? Turner Classic Movies is doing a Marx Brothers marathon: Animal Crackers, Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, Duck Soup, A Night at the Opera, A Day at the Races, then Go West — in that order, starting at 8pm Eastern. This certainly is a great way to usher in the year. If you aren’t familiar with the Marx Brothers (youngsters!), you should really watch these. They may not be the rapid fire delivery of what passes for humor today, but you’ll find great classic comedy.
