Christmas Stories, Part 4: One Christmas, I noticed that the roll of wrapping paper in my parents' bedroom was the same kind that Santa had used for his presents to us. My sister tried to convince me that Santa was running late this year and wrapped the presents at our house. Game over. Santa was a lie!

Esther Chavez: The outspoken woman who drew attention to the violent crimes of Ciudad Juarez in Mexico has died at the age of 76.

Keep your ass in your seat: Due to the recent attempted terrorist attack aboard a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, the TSA is imposing new restrictions on air travel.

Israel vs. Hamas: Today marks the one year anniversary of the major Israeli offensive in Gaza.

Christmas Stories, Part 5: One year I asked for Will Smith's "Willennium" album...and I got it. Enough said.

Awesome (the flight part, that is): Ill and disadvantaged children get to fly to the North Pole to see Santa.

Quick recap: Expected healthcare changes, and when you can expect to see them.

Sky terrorist: The man who tried to blow up a Northwest Airlines flight in Detroit was in the U.S. Database, but not on any "watch list."

Christmas Stories, Part 6: In 4th grade, everyone got awesome Secret Santa gifts (like Legos and shit) and my Secret Santa forgot, so I got a bag of plain M&Ms.

Meanwhile in Iran: Protesters and security forces clash in the streets of Tehran.

Meanwhile in Pakistan: U.S. drone missile attacks a militant hideout, killing 13 people.

Percy Sutton: The prominent black equal rights advocate has died at the age of 89.

Christmas Stories, Part 7: One Christmas, I got a Ghostbusters proton pack. Okay, I had at least one good Christmas!