As news about the global economy worsens, each day seems to bring a gloomier long-term forecast. So why did a 2000-person survey that we conducted just a few weeks ago find that Americans are, overall, hopeful about the future? Full Article at Huffington Post

MURRIETA ---- Though it's Christmastime, the boxes of dolls Phyllis Braido gave to the Toys for Tots drive were full of Barbies dressed for Easter. Full Article at North County Times

Dec. 22--With one ear flopped forward and her tongue dangling in anticipation of another item to fetch, Mira seemed like any other playful pup scampering around Eastwood Park in Tamalpais Valley. Full Article at Ventura County Star

With one ear flopped forward and her tongue dangling in anticipation of another item to fetch, Mira seemed like any other playful pup scampering around Eastwood Park in Tamalpais Valley. other family members; Mani lives with a scientist in Phoenix; and... Full Article at Contra Costa Times

other than to ask what ^if Jonah Goldberg thinks. Nothing to add except to note Ferraro has fallen pretty far if she’s sitting for interviews with the NYP. Next stop: An advice column in the National Enquirer called "Dear Clueless Shill." Full Article at Balloon Juice

The plot of Spanish director Nacho Vigalondo's feature film debut, Timecrimes, is simple. Full Article at KQED

First lady Laura Bush said Thursday that her husband, President Bush, teases her about her cooking because she hasn't banged pots around for more than a decade. Full Article at The Seattle Times

Need applications to talk and share data? You can learn several formats and languages to get the job done, or you can use middleware to translate. Full Article at TechRepublic

Alternately bold and subtle effects, from more realistic planets and spaceships to a blinking Gorn, bring the show up-to-date without destroying the classic appeal of the original. Full Article at Wired