Chafed Chafee’s Surprise Ceremony

Better not call that a “Christmas” tree. Politically correct Governor Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island doesn’t want to offend the delicate sensibilities of any of his constituents by showing favoritism toward Christmas. So last year, he decreed that the beautifully decorated tree in the rotunda of the State House be known as a “holiday tree.” At the official lighting ceremony, however, a group of carolers showed up and burst into song. The tune? “O Christmas Tree,” of course. So this year, the Governor’s office gave just 30 minutes’ notice before the tree lighting. Can’t have any of those nasty carolers upsetting the non-believers, can we?

Betting on the baby’s name. The news that Prince William and his wife, Kate, are expecting a royal baby has sent the British public into a joyful frenzy. Since Brits can bet on almost anything, bookmakers there are taking bets on the baby’s sex and birth weight, along with his or her name. Among the favorites for the latter are Charles, Elizabeth, Victoria, George, Diana, John and Frances. The baby will be third in line for the British throne, bumping Prince Harry down a notch.

Britain’s vanishing taxpayers. The Telegraph reported that in the 2009-2010 tax year, more than 16,000 people in the U.K. reported having an annual income of more than £1 million. But after taxes were raised to a new top rate of 50 percent, that number fell by more than 60 percent. In the latest tally, only 6,000 Brits admitted making that much. So 10,000 of Britain’s wealthiest residents either fled the country or reduced their taxable incomes. Maybe some folks in the Administration of President Barack Obama should consider whether the same thing is likely to happen here.

What happened to all those Hostess products. A friend reports that when Hostess Bakery shut its doors, its most popular products quickly found new homes. The Secret Service hired all the HoHos, the State Department hired all the Twinkies, the generals are with the Cupcakes, and the voters sent all the Ding Dongs to Congress. Hey, it makes sense to me!

–Chip Wood