This Will Drive You Up the Wall

Thanks to Bonnie B for sharing this one!

This will drive you up a wall!!

CLICK ON BELOW:

Click here: http://www.quizyourprofile.com/guessyournumber.swf

and please don't ask me how this works because I don't have a clue)!

Check out The Year in Review: Shares rebounded for area retailers, not banks

The year in review

Ups and downs

Shares rebounded for area retailers, not banks

Sunday, January 3, 2010 3:30 AM

By Steve Wartenberg

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Big Lots' stock doubled in price in 2009, as investors favored discounters thriving among value-conscious shoppers.

" href="/wwwexportcontent/sites/dispatch/images/jan/Year_in_Stocks_KR_01.JPG_01-03-10_D1_7TG4QPL_large.jpg" jquery1262574159789="2">Big Lots' stock doubled in price in 2009, as investors favored discounters thriving among value-conscious shoppers.

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Kyle Robertson | Dispatch

Big Lots' stock doubled in price in 2009, as investors favored discounters thriving among value-conscious shoppers.

The price of stock in Limited Brands, the parent company of Victoria's Secret, rebounded in 2009.

" href="/wwwexportcontent/sites/dispatch/images/jan/0103_limited_bn_01-03-10_D1_3LG5REJ_large.jpg" jquery1262574159789="3">The price of stock in Limited Brands, the parent company of Victoria's Secret, rebounded in 2009.

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Rogelio V. Solis | Associated Press

The price of stock in Limited Brands, the parent company of Victoria's Secret, rebounded in 2009.

|

The past year brought good news for many central Ohio-based public companies, with many benefiting from a rebound in the stock market.

In fact, some local companies' shares stand above their values on New Year's Eve 2007, when the recession had just come home to roost.

For local companies -- and the market -- the past year featured two distinct trends, with March 9 the dividing point.

"That day was the bottom," said Matt McCormack, a portfolio manager and banking analyst with Cincinnati investment adviser Bahl & Gaynor.

The Dow Jones industrial average dropped to 6,440 at one point on that day; that was less than half its level at the end of 2007 and well below the 2008 closing of 8,776.

Through March 9, "you were dealing with the mindset of 2008," McCormack said.

That mindset was one of gloom and doom in the face of a near collapse of the nation's financial system, and rising unemployment and foreclosure rates. There was even talk that the recession could morph into a depression.

"But after this day, you saw the rally begin," McCormack said.

This slow, steady rally continued, and the Dow closed the year at 10,428, up 59.3 percent from the low point on March 9 and 18.8 percent for the year.

The nation breathed a collective sigh of relief.

The stock market recovery, however, is far from complete: The Dow ended 2007 at 13,264.

That said, many central Ohio companies had plenty to cheer about in 2009.

A retail rally

The local retail sector did especially well, as most of the central Ohio companies in that line of business enjoyed big bounces in 2009.

"Historically, this is usually one of the first sectors to recover" after a recession, said Richard Jaffe, a retail analyst with Stifel Nicolaus & Co.

Shoe retailer DSW, which has been expanding and recently announced a partnership with the Miss America organization, showed a gain in the year of 108 percent. Retail Ventures, which owns a majority stake in DSW, did even better, soaring 156 percent.

Big Lots ended the year at $28.98, a gain of 100 percent; the price is almost double the stock's 2007 close of $15.99.

"The off-price industry, including Big Lots, did very well," Jaffe said. "The consumer in 2009 demonstrated a remarkable propensity for value and spent a lot more time seeking value."

Value and low prices are what Big Lots does best, said Tim Johnson, vice president of strategic planning and investor relations.

"We believe value and saving money never go out of style, even more so in light of the recent economic backdrop -- and we don't see that changing anytime soon," he said.

Johnson also believes that when the economy does recover, Big Lots has positioned itself to continue to do well. Now that real-estate prices have dropped, he said, the company is ready to add about 20 stores; it has about 1,350.

And when consumers are ready to buy more big-ticket items, Big Lots is an option.

"People who want to make a dollar go further come here," he said. "They look at some of the more-expensive items and say it's a great deal, but I don't need it now. But when they're ready for it -- they know where to find it."

Away from the "value" end of the retail spectrum, shares of the more-upscale Abercrombie & Fitch and Limited Brands also rebounded. Both suffered substantial stock-price declines in 2008 as consumers turned to lower-cost alternatives.

But both did well in 2009.

Abercrombie shares were up 51 percent to $34.85, but still far below their 2007 closing price of $79.97.

The Limited was up 92 percent to $19.24, which was just above its 2007 closing price of $18.93.

"The reason they began to bounce back was that, at some point, they began to understand consumers still wanted their brands, but also wanted value," said Janet Kloppenburg, a specialty retail analyst with JJK Research.

"They didn't have to be dirt cheap, but they began to play with price, to offer discounts."

Despite the stock gains of 2009, the retail sector is not out of the woods and is dependent on continued improvement in the economy.

The industry did well in 2009, Jaffe said, because companies cut employees, inventories and other costs. But that leaves little that could be cut this year.

"We're still facing continued economic pressure," he said. "Consumers have shown a propensity to be frugal and have spent the past 12 months being frugal and reducing their debt."

They re-emerged in the holiday season but could go back into hibernation.

"Consumers may pull back a little, and I have a cautious outlook for the spring," Jaffe said.

Struggles in banking

Central Ohio financial institutions didn't do as well as their retail counterparts.

"You had a situation where the tone was so bad, where many banks were trading below $5, cut out their dividends and had no earnings," McCormack said.

Stock in Columbus-based Huntington Bancshares reached a low of exactly $1 on Feb. 20 as it wrote off millions of dollars in bad mortgage loans and began a campaign to raise capital.

The measures seemed to work, as Huntington stock began to gain ground and has stabilized between $3.50 and $4.

Huntington stock ended the year down 52 percent at $3.65, well below its 2007 closing price of $14.76.

The same scenario played out for Ohio's two other large regional banks: Fifth Third and KeyCorp.

Fifth Third stock ended 2007 at $25.13 and the following year at $8.26, then plummeted to $1.01 on Feb. 20. From there, the price began to rise and settle around $10 a share, ending the year at $9.75.

Park National stock fell 18 percent to $58.88. In 2008, the Newark-based bank's shares were up 11.2 percent.

Other companies

The biggest gainer in 2009 among central Ohio public companies was Commercial Vehicle Group. It was the biggest loser in 2008, dropping 93.6 percent to 93 cents.

The New Albany-based company makes vehicle accessories, mainly for heavy trucks, and was hit hard by the economic downturn.

Despite the tough economic environment, Commercial Vehicle stock ended 2009 at $5.99, up 544 percent for the year, but is still well below its 2007 closing price of $14.50.

State Auto Financial had the highest percentage gain of any local company in 2008, rising 14.3 percent to $30.06. But the Columbus-based insurance company struggled in 2009; its stock fell 38 percent to $18.50.

The area lost one publicly traded company in 2009.

Dress Barn bought Tween Brands for more than $300 million in November. Tween now operates as a subsidiary of Suffern, N.Y.-based Dress Barn.

swartenberg@dispatch.com

The past year featured two distinct stock-market trends, with March 9 the dividing point.

Check out Consumer 10 Report: Clock is ticking for returning Christmas gifts

Click here: Consumer 10 Report: Clock is ticking for returning Christmas gifts | The Columbus Dispatch

CONSUMER 10 REPORT

Clock is ticking for returning Christmas gifts

Sunday, January 3, 2010 3:39 AM

By Chuck Strickler

WBNS-10TV

With the holidays over, it's time to return.

Time to return to work.

Time to return to school.

And time to return the last of those Christmas gifts you didn't want or need.

Heading into the holiday season, 19 percent of Americans said they expected to return at least one gift, according to a survey by Consumer Reports.

Those trying to make good on their predictions might be finding the process more difficult than last year, when U.S. retailers took back an estimated $47 billion in unwanted Christmas gifts.

About 17 percent of retailers tightened their return policies this holiday season, the National Retail Federation recently reported. Most cited a desire to boost profits and/or curb fraud, the trade association said.

"Retailers are constantly trying to fine-tune return policies to create guidelines that honest customers can live with and dishonest people can't get around," said Joe LaRocca, a senior adviser to the federation.

Whether a given retailer's return policy is brand new or decades old, someone seeking to return a holiday gift should act quickly because the clock almost certainly is running.

Although a few retailers offer full refunds for up to six months or more, others have much tighter deadlines -- and many more caveats.

In some cases, the amount of time you have to return an item depends on the item itself. Several big-name chains, for example, stipulate that certain electronics -- things such as camcorders, computers and digital cameras -- must be returned within 14 or 15 days.

And if the item you're returning has been opened, some of those chains will offer only an exchange -- not a refund or store credit.

Other retailers charge a restocking fee, especially if the returned merchandise has been opened. Such fees typically range from 10 percent to 15 percent of the item's purchase price, although they can go as high as 25 percent.

"There is good news," said Tod Marks, senior editor for Consumer Reports and author of the magazine's "Tightwad Tod" blog. "Most big retailers will generally accept returns on merchandise purchased between November and Christmas through the end of January."

Consumer Reports reviewed the policies of a number of high-profile retailers and found that their return periods typically range from 30 days to 180 days. The list of retailers receiving high marks from the magazine included Bed, Bath & Beyond; Costco; Kmart; Kohl's; Lowe's; Nordstrom; and Sam's Club.

The magazine said some chains offer "exemplary policies year-round." Among them: Orvis, L.L. Bean, Lands' End and Zappos.

Zappos gives you a year to decide and asks only that the goods be returned in their original condition and packaging. The others say you can return anything, at any time, for any reason.

That might be something to remember next fall -- come the start of yet another holiday shopping season.

chuck.strickler@10tv.com

---

■ Watch "Consumer 10 Reports" on WBNS-10TV or visit the "Consumer 10" section of 10TV.com.

Snowman Comics!!!

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

If you go to the web site shown below you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one! It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.

This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you.
Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never thank the men and women serving in the armed services enough for their sacrifices.

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html

SANTA' SECRET PRAYER

"SANTA' SECRET PRAYER"

On Christmas Eve, a young boy with light in his eyes
Looked deep into Santa's, to Santa's surprise
And said as he sat on Santa's broad knee, "I want your secret. Tell it to me."
He leaned up and whispered in Santa's good ear

"How do you do it, year after year?
I want to know how, as you travel about,
Giving gifts here and there, you never run out.
How is it, Dear Santa, that in your pack of toys
You have plenty for all of the world's girls and boys?
Stay so full, never empties, as you make your way
From rooftop to rooftop, to homes large and small,
From nation to nation, reaching them all?"

And Santa smiled kindly and said to the boy,
"Don't ask me hard questions. Don't you want a toy?"

But the child shook his head, and Santa could see
That he needed the answer. "Now listen to me,"

He told that small boy with the light in his eyes,
"My secret will make you sadder and wise.
The truth is that my sack is magic. Inside
It holds millions of toys for my Christmas Eve ride.
But although I do visit each girl and each boy
I don't always leave them a gaily-wrapped toy.
Some homes are hungry, some homes are sad,
Some homes are desperate, some homes are bad.
Some homes are broken, and the children there grieve.
Those homes I visit, but what should I leave?
My sleigh is filled with the happiest stuff,
But for homes where despair lives toys aren't enough.
So I tiptoe in, kiss each girl and boy,
And I pray with them that they'll be given the joy
Of the spirit of Christmas, the spirit that lives
In the heart of the dear child who gets not, but gives.

If only God hears me and answers my prayer,
When I visit next year, I will find there,
Homes filled with peace, with giving, and love,
Boys and girls gifted with light from above.
It's a very hard task, my smart little brother,
To give toys to some, and to give prayers to others.
But the prayers are the best gifts, the best gifts indeed,

For God has a way of meeting each need.
That's part of the answer. The rest, my dear youth,
is that my sack is magic. And that is the truth.
In my sack I carry on Christmas Eve day
More love than a Santa could ever give away.
The sack never empties of love, or of joys
Cause inside it are prayers, and hope. Not just toys.

The more that I give, the fuller it seems,
Because giving is my way of fulfilling dreams.
And do you know something? You've got a sack, too.

It's as magic as mine, and it's inside of you.
It never gets empty; it's full from the start.
It's the center of light and love. It's your heart.
And if on this Christmas you want to help me,
Don't be so concerned with the gifts `near your tree.
Open that sack called your heart, and share
Your joy, your friendship, your wealth, your care."

The light in the small boy's eyes was glowing.
"Thanks for your secret. I've got to be going."
"Wait, little boy," Said Santa, "don't go.
Will you share? Will you help? Will you use what you know?"
And just for a moment the small boy stood still,
Touched his heart with his small hand and whispered,
"I will."

Author Unknown

THOUSANDS Gather to Protest Global Warming

It's a romantic full moon

It's a romantic full moon, when Pedro said, "Hey, mamacita, let's do Weeweechu." Oh no, not now, let's look at the moon!" said Rosita. Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I do Weeweechu. I love you and it's the perfect time," Pedro begged. "But I wanna just hold your hand and watch the moon." replied Rosita. Please, corazoncito, just once, do Weeweechu with me." Rosita looked at Pedro and said, "OK, one time, we'll do Weeweechu." Pedro grabbed his guitar and they both sang..... "Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year." MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

WHERE DID IT GO??

Where did the year go? Suddenly it is December .......again - and we realize that with giant strides we started in January and within a blink of an eye, 2009 is on its back!

Watchout for this Snowman!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!!

FYI, If you see a snowman like this with his back to you...

RUN, RUN, RUN.... LOL

Snowmobile trail closed due to TRAFFIC JAM !!

Christmas Comics!

A Christmas Story

'Twas the night before Christmas--Old Santa was pissed.
He cussed out the elves and threw down his list.
Miserable little brats, ungrateful little jerks.
I have a good mind to scrap the whole works!
I've busted my ass for damn near a year,
Instead of 'Thanks Santa'--what do I hear?
The old lady bitches cause I work late at night.
The elves want more money--The reindeer all fight.
Rudolph got drunk and goosed all the maids.
Donner is pregnant and Vixen has AIDS.
And just when I thought that things would get better
Those assholes from the IRS sent me a letter,
They say I owe taxes--if that ain't damn funny
Who the hell ever sent Santa Claus any money?
And the kids these days--they all are the pits
They want the impossible--Those mean little shits
I spent a whole year making wagons and sleds
Assembling dolls...Their arms, legs and heads
I made a ton of yo yo's--No request for them,
They want computers and robots...they think - I'm IBM!
Flying through the air...dodging the trees
Falling down chimneys and skinning my knees
I'm quitting this job there's just no enjoyment
I'll sit on my fat ass and draw unemployment.
There's No Christmas this year now you know the reason,
I found me a blonde. I'm going SOUTH for the season

Merry Christmas

Thanks Trudi for sharing!

'Twas the night before Christmas & out on the ranch

The pond was froze over & so was the branch.

The snow was piled up belly-deep to a mule.

The kids were all home on vacation from school,

And happier young folks you never did see-

Just all sprawled around a-watchin' TV.

Then suddenly, some time around 8 o'clock,

There came a surprise that gave them a shock!

The power went off, the TV went dead!

When Grandpa came in from out in the shed

With an armload of wood, the house was all dark.

"Just what I expected," they heard him remark.

"Them power line wires must be down from the snow.

Seems sorter like times on the ranch long ago."

"I'll hunt up some candles," said Mom. "With their light,

And the fireplace, I reckon we'll make out all right."

The teen-agers all seemed enveloped in gloom.

Then Grandpa came back from a trip to his room,

Uncased his old fiddle & started to play

That old Christmas song about bells on a sleigh.

Mom started to sing, & 1st thing they knew

Both Pop & the kids were all singing it, too.

They sang Christmas carols, they sang "Holy Night,"

Their eyes all a-shine in the ruddy firelight.

They played some charades Mom recalled from her youth,

And Pop read a passage from God's Book of Truth.

They stayed up till midnight-and, would you believe,

The youngsters agreed 'twas a fine Christmas Eve.

Grandpa rose early, some time before dawn;

And when the kids wakened, the power was on..

"The power company sure got the line repaired quick,"

Said Grandpa - & no one suspected his trick.

Last night, for the sake of some old-fashioned fun,

He had pulled the main switch - the old Son-of-a-Gun!

-anonymous

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

Thanks to Karen B. for this info!

1.
> Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table
> knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see
> carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're
> serving rum balls.
>
> 2.
> Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's
> rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So
> drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every
> sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an
> eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it.
> Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think.
> It's Christmas!
>
> 3.
> If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole
> point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make
> a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy.
> Eat the volcano. Repeat.
>
> 4.
> As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with
> skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother?
> It's like buying a sports car with an automatic
> transmission.
>
> 5.
> Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to
> control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday
> party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of
> it. Hello?
>
> 6.
> Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and
> New Year's. You can do that in January when you have
> nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which
> you'll need after circling the buffet table while
> carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
>
>
> 7.
> If you come across something really good at a buffet table,
> like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of
> Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have
> as many as you can before becoming the center of attention.
> They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave
> them behind, you're never going to see them again.
>
>
> 8.
> Same for pies. Apple,
> Pumpkin, Mincemeat.
> Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat,
> have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When
> else do you get to have more than one dessert?
> Labor
> Day?
>
>
> 9.
> Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with
> the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all
> cost. I mean, have some standards.
>
>
> 10. One final tip: If you don't feel
> terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table,
> you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start
> over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember
> this motto to live by:
>
> "Life should NOT be a journey to the
> grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive
> and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways,
> chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up,
> totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a
> ride!"
>
> Have a great
> holiday
> season!!
>
>
>

Santa's puzzle

Another good one from Trudi!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

When you finish putting it together,

watch what happens.

Click here: Santa's Jigsaw

A doggy Christmas surprise

Thanks Trudi for sharing this video!

For you Dog Lovers!

This is so darn cute, how long this must have taken to put this video together for us to enjoy !!! :-)

- A doggy Christmas surprise -

A Christmas Story - From Bill H.

At this hectic time of the year it is very easy to get caught up in tasks: our work, travel, shopping, etc and sometimes we forget what it is all about. All you need to do is read the following story to remember what is really important : friends, family, God and country.

Merry Christmas and may God bless. .

Bill

Team-

As I sat in the lovely Detroit Airport yesterday recouping from 2 days with Dave and Mark, I saw a great example of what Christmas is all about. I was standing in a very crowded waiting area while my delayed plane was finally arriving. Everyone was crowding and shuffling to get a position in the cattle stampede when it happened. The passengers began to come off the plane FINALLY, and a wounded soldier in uniform coming back from fighting for our country, departed the plane and the restless, frustrated, angry crowd all of a sudden, transformed themselves into a family type group welcoming a loved one home. We all stood up and applauded, totally impromptu, for about 2 minutes. The soldier was weeping under his sunglasses and tears streamed down his face. His family ran to the front of the waiting area, his wife and 2 kids and they jumped in his arms and embraced. He turned to all of us and said he was so thankful to fight for such a great country and be home after 2 years and he yelled MERRY CHRISTMAS and God Bless America!!!

I will never forget it. I am sorry for the emotional email, but I thought who better to share it with than you!

Please be safe today and listen for the ringing of the bell, because it will always be there for those who truly BELIEVE!!!!!

Jeff

FYI…Jeff is a DVP at Dollar General

A Rescue Dog's Christmas Poem

Thanks to Milda for our pet story!

Based on the epithet that: "A dog is not just for Christmas".

'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full - we are lost but not found,
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care,
They'll come to adopt us and give us the call,
"Come here, Max and Sparkie - come fetch your new ball!!"

But now we sit here and think of the days...
we were treated so fondly - we had cute, baby ways,
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew -
now we're no longer young and we're no longer new.
So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
they reacted so quickly - why were they so rash?

We "jump on the children", "don't come when they call",
we "bark when they leave us", "climb over the wall".
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the errors they made.
If only they'd trained us, if only we knew...
we'd have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.

We were left in the backyard, or worse - let to roam -
now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye...
"Maybe someone else will give you a try."
So now here we are, all confused and alone...
in a shelter with others who long for a home.

The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat,
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer...
we know that they wonder how long we'll be here.
We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads...
of a home filled with love and our own cosy beds.

Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears -
our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.
If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn -
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year -
can you give more than hope to everyone here?

Please make a donation to pay for the heat...
and help get us something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people will give.

Author unknown

Christmas Trees Around The World!

Thanks to Trudi!!

" Holiday Trees"

What's really interesting at the end is the real meaning of the 12 days of Christmas - I didn't know that... " : Christmas Trees From Around The World Seasons greetings to all! Make sure you go all the way to the bottom of the e-mail, the picture and information about Arlington Cemetery in the winter, before Christmas is beautiful!

The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington , D.C. , is decorated with 3,000 ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren. Encircling evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. states.

The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy 's Umbria region. Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire, the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city.

A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo 's nighttime neon display is projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.

Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague 's Old Town Square , and casting its glow over the manger display of the famous Christmas market, is a grand tree cut in the Sumava mountains in the southern Czech Republic .

Venice 's Murano Island renowned throughout the world for its quality glasswork is home to the tallest glass tree in the world. Sculpted by master glass blower Simone Cenedese, the artistic Christmas tree is a modern reflection of the holiday season.

Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox calendar on Jan. 7. For weeks beforehand, the city is alive with festivities in anticipation of Father Frost's arrival on his magical troika with the Snow Maiden. He and his helper deliver gifts under the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir.

The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall) can be found in the Praça do Comércio in Lisbon , Portugal . Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special

enchantment of the city during the holiday season.

'Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree': Even in its humblest attire, aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany 's Karwendel mountains, a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.

Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette! In Paris , even the Christmas trees are chic. With its monumental, baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

In addition to the Vatican 's heavenly evergreen, St. Peter's Square in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity scene in front of the obelisk.

The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol is dressed for a party. Madrid 's two-week celebration makes millionaires along with merrymakers. On Dec. 22, a lucky citizen will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.

A token of gratitude for Britain 's aid during World War II, the Christmas tree in London 's Trafalgar Square has been the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947.

Drink a glass of gluhwein from the holiday market at the Romer

Frankfurt's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a taste of Christmas past.

Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me.

What in the world do leaping lords, French hens,

swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out

of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

This week, I found out.

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.

It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness,

Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'

Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone

CHRISTMAS AT ARLINGTON CEMETERY

I wonder why the press hasn't enlightened the public about it??

Arlington National Cemetery

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.

Know the line has held, your job is done.

Rest easy, sleep well.

Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.

Peace, peace, and farewell...

Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine . The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

Please share this with everyone on your address list. You hear too much about the bad things people do. Everyone should hear about this.