other front-page news -– the stock prices plunging, the gas prices

rising –- seemed less important to me. Hey, after all, I live in LA, in

close proximity to the gods and goddesses of Hollywood who, for almost

a hundred years, have kept us enthralled in dark theaters across the

world. They are the objects of our worship, inspiration, gossip, and

ridicule. I can't resist quoting Frank Sinatra: "Call me

irresponsible... tell me I'm impractical... throw in undependable too..."

But today, I feel it would be appropriate to mention their less

celebrated role as patrons of art who in the past have generously

donated numerous artworks to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art...