What will 2008 Bring? No one can be certain but it is sure to be an interesting year.

Good - We have the first presidential election in over 50 years where no incumbant is on the ticket.

Bad - Prices increased 10% in 2007 and you should expect the same again in 2008.

Good - OJ Simpson will likely get his come-upance.

Bad - Airlines will continue to operate at capacity so expect delays to be as bad or worse.

Good - Iraq Troop reductions are likely as Iraqi Security Forces are nearing operational rediness in 15 of the 18 provinces.

Bad - Vladamir Putin will likely lead the Russian nation back to totalitarian rule.

Good - Castro can't live for ever!

Bad - The stuff coming out of Hollywood is getting worse...believe it or not.

Good - Market pressures will inspire new innovation bringing more jobs to the Silicon Valley

Bad - The housing market will continue to struggle until after the elections

I met Loretta Young once about 20 years ago. She was just as charming in her 70s as she was in the movies. My grandfather's brother was the head of security for MGM for years and, as such, knew many hollywood stars. One year when I was visiting he had a few guests over including Loretta Young. I couldn't help but remark that my favorite of all her movies was "The Bishop's Wife". We talked about the ice skating scene in which Cary Grant convinces Young to go skating and, with a little angelic help, had her skating like a pro. She and Grant actually did much of the skating scenes together but for the difficult stuff Sonja Henie stepped in.  

Well, Sonja and Cary aren't available to step in but now is your chance to find your inner Loretta Young. From November 16 through January 13 you can skate at the DownTown Ice Rink in San Jose under the stars at the Circle of the Palms on South Market Street across from the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Open daily (subject to weather). For times call 408-291-0525 or visit www.sjdowntown.com