December 18 marks one week until Christmas and the day that I start listening to Christmas carols whenever they come on the radio. Before December 18, the only Christmas song I'll listen to is O Holy Night, my favorite carol. The only time I will change the station is if the rendition of the carol is awful, and there are some awful renditions. My favorite modern Christmas song: Christmas Eve Sarajevo by Trans Siberian Orchestra.

You've Got B.O. Appeal: That's BO as in Box Office. King Kong made $66.2 million in its first five days at the theater and only $50.1 from Friday to Sunday. Considering the expectations, some analysts were predicting $90, this is disappointing. It's disappointing anyway since it's supposed to have been a big blockbuster and one of the holiday hits. It was still number one for the weekend but here's a little perspective. Brokeback Mountain, open in only 25 cities, made $10,000 more per theater than King Kong which opened nationwide. Yes, the gay cowboy movie is a hit, selling out most of its shows, even in the red states.

Psycho Santas Unite: New Zealand was the scene of some kick ass Santas. You don't want to sit on the laps of these Santas, not that they'd let you. 40 people dressed as Santa rampaged through the streets of Wellington, New Zealand. They threw bottles at passing cars, scribbled graffiti, assaulted security guards, and robbing stores. One Santa even climbed the mooring of a cruise ship and was ordered down by the captain. Many of the Santas were drunk and they were all protesting the commercialization of Christmas. Ho, Ho, Ho, indeed!!!!

paul