Dear Santa:

I've been a little down lately. Our friend and colleague, Michael Lavenant, will be buried today. And I'm still feeling for the residents of Newtown, Connecticut, and what a grim holiday this will be for them.

So, what do we want for Christmas? Most of us sure don't need more stuff -- maybe you can give our stuff to someone who is unemployed, or to someone who can't work because of an ...

Michael Lavenant, head of our Los Angeles County, California, office, died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack on December 12, after returning home from an exercise session. Michael was only 42 years old, and is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Dana, and his three children. Here is an article that appeared late last week in Michael's local newspaper.

Michael's ...

DISCLAIMER: Today's post has absolutely nothing to do with Veterans Day. But thank you, veterans!

Last week, I was pretty hard on Herman Cain and his response to allegations of sexual harassment. Since then, two women have come forward publicly, and all I can do is quote from my partner John Doyle:

*shrugs shoulders and sighs* "Well, you don't get your witnesses from Central Casting."