Off the News

Now that you know when meetings are, go

Community organizations that protested when the state Reapportionment Commission changed a key rule: Now you can cheer. The panel this week did an about-face and voted to reinstate the requirement for providing six days' notice of meetings.

The panel met Wednesday to tackle what was essentially organizational matters, so the real meat of redistricting won't be served up for a while. But even at this preliminary stage, it's good to see evidence that members are listening to the public. Now it's the public's responsibility to weigh in on the process.

If you're superstitious, loads of luck today

She's into superstitions

Black cats and voodoo dolls …

If those opening lyrics from Ricky Martin's "Livin' la vida loca" keep rolling in your brain today, welcome to Friday the 13th.

As it turns out, today is the lone chance all year to spook yourself on this classic bad-luck day.

But friggatriskaidekaphobiacs (you folks with Friday-the-13th phobia), beware: Unlike this year, which has just the one, there'll be three such 13ths next year — in January, April, and July. Steer clear of those black cats and ladders.