Most people just aren't saavy enough, cannot deal in large numbers, don't understand puts/selling-short, have much less insider/sector knowledge, etc. to really make good on the market. Given the various busts, it seems that the publicly-traded aspect is a mixed bag indeed.

Wild Card -- Weekend

Only 3 more days until we get after it again in the new year. I hope you're enjoying yourselves as 2005 comes to an end. If you have some thoughts on the old year or resolutions for the new one, you can post it here. Or start your own thread. Or wait until Tuesday ...

Jon Mark Beilue: Gift cards will stop the insanity

Experience is a great teacher, and experience taught me to give up when trying to surprise someone like my wife with a Christmas/birthday/anniversary gift. If I'm told the store, the aisle, the table, the color, the sales associate, the brand - and it's written down - it's even money I'll get it right.

If I strike out on my own for that something that's a surprise and they like it, it's an absolute fluke if they do. Such as a very recent birthday when I bought a jewelry box from Penney's for my wife because (a) it would have been perfect on the dresser, and (b) it was the first thing I saw in a nice display when I walked in the store.

"Would it hurt your feelings if I took this back and..."

No, not at all. In fact, it just reaffirmed I should have bought a gift card in the first place so you could go and shop and take your time and find the perfect item.

The Vicky Files: Is Emery in the doghouse?

Super Bowl Sunday is upon us, and in my opinion, the biggest story isn't the perfection of the New England Patriots. It isn't whether another Manning can win a Super Bowl. Or even if "Spygate" will hang over the whole thing. It's halftime. Ever since the "wardrobe malfunction", the NFL has chosen "safe" acts for its biggest stage. This year, it turned to "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul, who -- many, many years ago -- had a music career. Now, she wasn't the most gifted singer or dancer, nor was she the most attractive musician, but somehow, she maintained a career long enough that she got the producers of one of America's top shows to buy into her. Her behavior on that show often is cringe-worthy, but it's nothing compared to what she is up to now. You see, Ms. Abdul wants to pre-tape her routine, because, ummm, she is too nervous to perform live.

Unionist ‘summit’ in bid to thwart SNP

S.C.U.M. (thanks to Wullie for that appropriate designation) wants to talk about Scotland's future - so they go to London. When this is pointed out - it's an ant-english rant! Here's an idea - why don't these parties, instead of colluding and conspiring, challenge the SNP to debate the issue on television? Alex Salmond would wipe the floor with the lot of them. .