SELF-HOOPLA

My father-in-law asked the big question. Born in Russia, he retains a distinctly Russian character and is very wary of American show-biz hoopla. On an extended visit from Iran last year, he had occasion to view the Oscars, Grammys and Emmys.

Finally, he turned to me and asked, “How many times these people give themselves Nobel?”

AL SMITH

Redondo Beach