Psssst...Season's Greetings!

As a front-liner in the War on Christmas, I would like to wish all of you HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Hope the season is warm and wonderful for you and yours. And how about a little peace in the New Year?

I was lucky enough to spend a few days in the northern climes with the World's Greatest Nephew. Thought you all might like to see what an unbelievable pumpkin he is. Really, hanging out with him is the best present of all.

Part Man, Part Monkey Redux

At last, Pennsylvania enters the 20th Century!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/20/science/sciencespecial2/20cnd-evolution.html

R.I.P., John Spencer

Yesterday was one of those strange days where I found myself feeling cranky and a bit hormonal, for no apparent reason. I met up with my dear hubby for a cup of tea and a blustery stroll around town late in the afternoon, and my little heart just sank when he told me of the passing of John Spencer, who we affectionately referred to as "Uncle Leo," referring to his wonderful character from "The West Wing" (to which we were religiously devoted for several years, but have long since abandoned.) This wonderful actor had a great impact on us; we would often imitate the way he would bellow "Mar-GRET!" to his faithful assistant. During its prime, "The West Wing" was incredible television - intelligent, snappy, passionate, educational and filled with civics lessons that would always get to me in a very fundamental way. John Spencer was such a huge part of what made the show special. His passing seems like such a terrible waste.

A few Christmases ago, as I was strolling up Broadway by the Fairway on the Upper West Side, I did a massive double-take when I passed someone who I was convinced was John Spencer. When I got back to my sister's place, I told Mike, "I SAW UNCLE LEO!" Maybe it wasn't him - maybe it was someone who just bore an uncanny resemblance to him. But I doubt it. That guy was just too unique, one of a kind, really. May he rest in peace.

Do You Know What it Means?

This poor, neglected blog. And my poor, neglected legions of readers. The fall has really gotten away from me, and Holy S***, it's almost Christmas. I really have no excuse.

I am trying to write a brief here at work, and it's slow going. (There are people on the 8th Floor who are paid to do this stuff, but I blew a deadline, so here I sit with case law and notes of testimony piled high on my desk, as the sun begins to set.) But I need a break, and I thought I would post some things.

Mostly, this past weekend, I have been thinking about New Orleans. It's in my soul, people. I can't help it. If you have lived there, or live there, or are about to move back, or can't figure out how to get back, you understand me. (God bless my friends Brad and Tim who moved back just before Thanksgiving - their committment to their city makes me want to cry...hell, the whole thing makes me want to cry.)

I want to give a big SHOUT OUT to C-SPAN (my favorite TV station). On Saturday, I caught some of the Congressional hearings on Katrina from last week. This was deep drama, a stark illustration of the racial divide in America. A whole panel of people of color - New Orleans resident and evacuees - lined up before a Congressional committee composed largely of white men. It was as if they were speaking two different languages. I was totally mesmerized. And last week, I didn't even know the hearings were going on. Where has the media gone? Can we not face ourselves during this holiday season, if we stop to think about what has happened to New Orleans?

Let me also thank NPR, which continues to cover Katrina and its aftermath with sensitivity, compassion and just a whiff of rage. My new favorite program on our local affiliate is "American Routes," and last night's program was a brilliant tribute to the musical artisits who are determined to help keep the city's proud traditions alive. I was choked up for the whole two hours.

I guess what I really want to say to anyone reading this is, please don't forget New Orleans. She is so wounded and sad right now, and she needs us now more than ever. Anything you can give her this holiday season, even if it is just a warm thought or prayer, please do it.

Happy Holidays.