JOHN HINDERAKER ON PROSPERITY: “For the first time in history, the average Canadian is wealthier than the average American. Canada has a conservative government, and they have passed us like we are standing still. Which we are, at best. . . . Do Barack Obama and his minions want America to be one of the world’s ten most prosperous countries? If you believe, as I do, that actions speak louder than words, the answer is No.”

AT AMAZON, Top Holiday Deals. New deals every day, fresh “lightning deals” every hour.

Also, a reminder: InstaPundit is an Amazon affiliate. When you do your Christmas/Hanukkah shopping — or any other shopping — through the Amazon links on this page, including the “Shop Amazon” tab at the top or the searchbox in the right sidebar, you support the blog at no cost to yourself. Just click on the Amazon link, then shop as usual. It’s much appreciated!

BITTER CLINGER: As freedom in Egypt slips, Thomas Friedman clings to delusions about the Muslim Brotherhood.

ED DRISCOLL: Obama Passes Conservative Blogosphere Full Employment Act. “If true, as I wrote the other day, the sixties are now complete: A president supported by an ex-Weatherman and the New Black Panthers might as well have a Winter Soldier in his cabinet for the complete Radical Chic Meets Geritol experience. If only Leonard Bernstein was still around to savor the moment.”

LOOKING FOR YEAR-END CHARITABLE DONATIONS? Consider supporting The Foresight Institute, which addresses all sorts of interesting nanotechnology issues.

I also recommend the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, and the Lifeboat Foundation. And don’t forget the Cato Institute, and the Institute for Justice.

TWEET OF THE WEEK: To all the celebrities who’ll surely be ramping up pro gun control rhetoric,how about u tell ur bodyguards to disarm,as a show of faith.

ON ADVICE GODDESS RADIO, Amy Alkon talks to Mark Sanborn about entrepreneurialism in business, life, and love. Starting in just a minute.

IMPROVEMENTS IN DATA VISUALIZATION.

AT AMAZON, markdowns on bestsellers in Headphones & Earbuds.

Also, markdowns on Monty Python and Mr. Bean.

WHAT CONSTRUCTIVE ACTION LOOKS LIKE: Texas School District Will Let Teachers Carry Guns.

UPDATE: Texas school where teachers carry guns prepared to protect students.

ER. . . . ‘We’re not federal employees,’ says federal spokesperson for secret Colorado lab.

NICK GILLESPIE: 4 Awful Reactions to Sandy Hook School Shooting – And Thoughts on a Better Response.

NEWS YOU CAN USE: Disappearing Products: What To Hoard Now.

HOW’S THAT HOPEY-CHANGEY STUFF WORKIN’ OUT FOR YA? (CONT’D): U.S. Falls Out of Top 10 On Prosperity Index For The First Time. “Over the past four years, prosperity has increased around the globe, while it has remained stagnant in the United States, the Legatum Institute reports. As a result, the Institute ranked the United States 12th out of 142 countries on its 2012 Prosperity Index, putting the country outside the top ten for the first time.”

Forward!

Related: Spreading Misery Widely.

ADVICE FROM JAY LENO: How to Keep Classic Cars Road-Ready.

REASON TV: 5 Rules For Coping With Tragedy.

FROM GARDEN & GUN: New Southern Cookbooks. And recipes!

MATT K. LEWIS: The media should be ashamed of its Connecticut coverage. “What journalistic rationale could compel a reporter to interview young children at a mass-murder scene?”

They’re just Big Evil Corporations who don’t care what happens to children as they pursue profit without end! Lewis proposes some “sensible press controls” to rein in their greed.

UPDATE: If the Second Amendment is to Blame for Mass Murder, Then the First is to Blame as Well: Do We Get Rid of Both?

GHOULISHLY EXPLOITING TRAGEDY: Bloomberg Uses Tragedy to Tell the 99% How to Live. Plus, a look at his 24-hour armed security, paid for by the taxpayers he likes disarmed.

I COULD DO THIS: Man Ironed Face When Phone Rang.

WHY DO PEOPLE BUY those ugly Christmas sweaters?

READER BOOK PLUG: From reader Douglas Hufnagel, Tales From The Shining Hand.

WHAT DID KIDS READ Before Hans Christian Andersen?

“SMART DIPLOMACY!” The Top 5 Foreign Policy Screwups of 2012. Hey, the year isn’t over yet!