December, 4, 2004 archives

this commentary in the los angeles times attributes the decline in book readership to the rise of book prices (at least in part). i’m not sure i believe it is a significant component. the commentary neglects the impact of internet usage (which involves lots of reading and time).

but i do wonder what the trend of per-capita spending on libraries looks like.

oh, and of course the major thing neglected is the impact of amazon and other online retailers. book prices aren’t as high as they seem, especially not for books that have been out long enough to make it into the used market.

they’re doing three nights of a holiday laser show in pershing square, along with performances by various artists. last night was the cast of beatlemania, tonight is sheila e., and tomorrow is “big bad voodoo daddy’s wild and swingin’ holiday party.” and, of course, the skating rink is now open in pershing square. more info here.

i guess i’ll jump on the la insight bandwagon this time.

1. Do you own a winter jacket? no. the closest i’ve got is a fleece jacket that i was cajoled into buying on january 1, 2000, in morro bay. when i go home to minnesota over the holidays, my family generally brings a warm coat to the airport for me.

2. Do you like the winter mountain sports? Skiing, boarding, sledding, snowshoe, etc... i enjoyed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when i did it in the past, but it’s not something i do regularly. (and sledding is fun, of course.)

3. Big Bear, Mammoth or other? no.

4. Favorite hot drink? there’s no hot drink that i have regularly. i do enjoy hot chocolate, but there’s the whole lactose thing to contend with.