You get the nice weather and wide, modern freeways but I get to read the news a couple hours earlier. 

Although in this case it's mixed news emblematic of a change in the once thriving hometown "Southland" paper.  Today, you might say Southland news starts to look a little more "Greatland" as conniseurs of T-Magnin (the Targ-Majal to some) will agree.

Dana Parson's era as a L.A. Times "columnist" with a protected, stand-alone column has come to an end, so reported LAObserved late last night, here.  "Put it in the back with the discount racks, like another can of beans," said Billy Joel.

So we see another ray from the dawn of megamart print media where news from Lompoc, Ladera  and Lancaster are lumped together as if many miles and millions of bodies didn't separate and specialize the news from each place.  From shotgun shells to organic breakfast cereal the megamart has something for everyone and in ways is missing that something special for many. 

What the megamarket lacks is the distinct feel of a Zlacket's, Promelis or Pacific Ranch market.  Sometimes it's maddening you can't get Windex with your wellington.  And some times the maddness--er, uniqueness--is what makes the place (or paper) so special.

There was a time when the news had something for everyone--that columnist, cartoonist, photographer or advertising circular.  "Z"ign of the Times, I guess.

I guess a H/T from the world of Red County and our local blogging brethern is due as a thousand of us are ready to provide that off-beat, personal look at local news.