This week, I find it challenging to report the news. For all of us, especially parents, this is a time of deep sorrow… it’s heartbreaking how the malevolence of a few can shatter the lives of countless others. During Christmas, we cherish the joy and companionship of family, and there should be (or at least, there ought to be) peace and goodwill for everyone. How can one put into words the anguish and sorrow we experience when we learn about the murder of innocent children? All of these children were looking forward to opening their gifts on Christmas Day. I cannot fathom how their families will manage to face the unwrapped presents… forever untouched… never witnessing the delight on those little faces as they discover their eagerly anticipated toys. Grief and anger have obliterated the lives of parents and relatives, leaving them struggling to comprehend why such a devastating tragedy has befallen them. Across the globe, sadness permeates the atmosphere as we pray for those enduring hardship in this small American town. My faith in politicians is minimal. Q: How can you identify when a politician is being truthful? A: When their mouth is moving. They claim that the ease of purchasing guns leads to gun violence. Why do they insist on stating the obvious? Repeating known facts and offering empty sayings accomplishes nothing. We need action, not words. If you desire stricter gun control laws… declare it, and demand them… IMMEDIATELY! We require action, not postponements. Do we really wish to witness another disaster? Let us not overlook the courageous teachers. Many sacrificed their lives while trying to protect their students. One can only imagine the fear, anxiety, and terror faced by those within the school… six- and seven-year-olds, along with their young teachers. The darkness within humanity is a veil of malevolence that defies understanding. However, perhaps by making it harder to acquire guns and enhancing our mental health systems, we can pave the way for a brighter future for our children. With a heavy heart, I proceed with my news brief, aiming to provide a glimmer of joy during this tragic period. At this time of year in Australia, school reports make their way to your mailbox or inbox. Just as your child anticipates a joyful Christmas, those B’s, C’s, and even D’s arrive. My advice is to kiss it all better and simply say, “work harder next year.” Unless they achieved all A’s, then it’s a relief you chose a good school for them. Teachers face significant challenges, and we wish them all a Merry Christmas. In sports, our performances in cricket, golf, and surfing have been commendable. In finance, the Australian dollar continues to show strength. Next week, I look forward to our regular psychic’s predictions for 2013. All predictions from last year came true. If only we could find a reliable racing tipster. Lucky Legs, our tip for the Melbourne Cup, ended up as a hamburger somewhere in Perth. To be fair, he had such a wide draw that he began his race from the car park—and had to push the beer cart on his way to the track. Let’s hope for better luck next year… or we might just ask his brother, Unlucky Legs Milligan, to pick the winners instead. Were the Mayans slightly off with their calendar? Who can say! The investigation into Jimmy Saville at the BBC concludes without a word. In South Australia, the passage of gay marriage occurred without any protests or marches. Recent polls reveal that Christians are the largest religious group worldwide. Is there a connection between this news and current global events? Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. by Tommy Taylor