As of Wednesday, NBC News was reporting that the death toll from fires in Los Angeles had climbed to 24, while CNN was noting that more than 6 million in L.A. remained under critical fire threat as high winds threatened more devastation. Meanwhile New York magazine's Vulture blog was focusing on how paparazzi were braving flames to get pictures of celebrities evacuating their homes. "It's like war photography - they don't get paid any differently whether they're in a hot zone. That's the nature of the job," said Randy Bauer, owner of the Bauer-Griffin photo agency.

  Every three-day weekend counts and the continuing cold snap might tempt us to stay in. But consider hitting some exhibitions instead. This idea, thanks to MAD Museum (above), inspired a look at what’s happening around town.   Museum of Arts & Design [MAD Museum] is offering a range of shows and activities across the long weekend: • Explore the creative rewards of collaborative learning and working in Craft Front & Center: Conversation Pieces. • Mak...