The Black Bear Chairlift at Eaglecrest will be down for unscheduled maintenance and will not operate today, according to a release from the ski area.

New large print books on the shelves at the public libraries include bestsellers like Patricia Cornwell’s “The Scarpetta Factor,” Iris Johansen’s “Blood Game,” Robin Cook’s “Intervention,” and Jim Butcher’s “Turn Coat,” as well as the titles below.

ART, EVENTS &PERFORMANCE

“Paintings by Dan DeRoux” will open at the city museum on Friday, Jan. 8

Perseverance Theatre’s 31st season continues with “Eurydice” by Sarah Ruhl on Nov. 8.

The FILM Juneau Contest is still under way. Sponsored by the City and Borough of Juneau, Juneau Arts & Humanities Council and the Juneau Economic Development Council, the contest organizers welcome submissions from videographers and filmmakers who are interested in creating a Juneau promotional video that will be aired on the Web. The application deadline is Feb. 15, 2010.

The Juneau Arts & Humanities Council announces its 10th annual Wearable Arts Extravaganza fundraiser, Cirque de Pluie, (Circus of Rain), a uniquely Alaskan take on Cirque du Soleil (Circus of the Sun). Based on a concept originating in Nelson, New Zealand, the show features artwork specifically created to be worn on the human body. These wearable artworks are displayed by models during a runway show accompanied by music and narration. With special effects lighting and other production surprises, this event goes far beyond a fashion show into a zany, magical mix-up of imagination, humor, beauty, and the fantastic. More than 200 volunteers contribute their time to produce the event, which also includes a silent auction featuring donated artworks and experiences.

If any Alaska legislator doubts the relationship between the University of Alaska and the state’s economy, that legislator can be handed yet another example by visiting the Juneau campus.

Just when President Barack Obama thought his toughest decisions were behind him – his Afghanistan strategy, tackling unemployment, what to say to Tiger Woods if he calls – now he has to draw up a Christmas gift list. What will the current “decider” decide to give this holiday season … to both the naughty and the nice?

“Slow-flakes.” That is what my tiny little eyes used to think. Standing on the couch, I would look out the front room window as they barely moved past the street lamps and disappeared into mass conformity.