Christmas turns things tail-end foremost. The day and the spirit of Christmas rearrange the world parade. As the world arranges it, usually there come first in importance -- leading the parade with a big blare of a band -- the Big Shots. Frequently they are also the Stuffed Shirts. That's the first of the parade. Then at the tail end, as of little importance, trudge the weary, the poor, the lame, the halt, and the blind. But in the Christmas spirit, the procession is turned around. Those at the tail end are put first in the arrangement of the Child of Christmas.

These are days you'll remember. If you recall nothing else from your graduation ceremony, remember you heard the New Jersey Governor quote from 10,000 Maniacs.

Official intelligence on Iraqi weapons programs was flawed, but even with its flaws, it was not what led to the war.

Everything pales in comparison to deer.

The mind of a wise man is the safest custody of secrets; cheerfulness is the key to friendship; patience and forbearance will conceal many defects.

In order to pay it's got to be a pretty big winner. But if it's a big hit from a financial standpoint, then next year you've got a very tough comparison.

Virtue, like a dowerless beauty, has more admirers than followers.