Who can forget those immortal words of George W. Bush? “Go shopping” Bush said. In the face of crisis, this is the new American answer. Now we live in a world of increasing income inequality and increasing racial divide. Could George Bush’s words ever ring more true? Go shopping even if you have no money or are in the ‘wrong’ part of town. And when best to go shopping than that unique American holiday, Black Friday? Makes it one proud to do their patriotic duty!

Were you paying attention last week or were you so stuffed with turkey you slept through the week?

1) Feel a smile coming to your face today? November 30th is the birthday of America’s greatest humorist and observer of humanity. What great humorist was born on this date in Florida, Missouri in 1835?

2) This man’s name became a household name by the end of this week. What is the name of the St. Louis County prosecutor who announced the decision in the Darren Wilson case this week?

3) Liberals held their breath when news that what SCOTUS justice was treated for a heart blockage with a stent?

4) OPEC met last week and decided to do what with their production in the face of falling oil prices?

5) What legendary writer, performer and director and one of the few winners of the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) awards died last week?

6) Negotiations between the state of Iowa and its employees union began last week with the parties far apart on what two issues?

7) The European Parliament is considering a proposal to break up what company?

8) Russia is losing as much as $100 billion a year due to what?

9) December 1, 1955 Rosa Parks is arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white person in Montgomery, Alabama. On December 5th what response to her arrest began?

10) Pope Francis is on a little trip. Where is the Pope venturing out to?

11) A gunman in Austin, Texas went on a rampage Friday morning shooting at several government buildings, including the Mexican consulate. One motive was thought to be what?

12) President Obama and his family kept up their Thanksgiving tradition of doing what for the poor on Wednesday?

13) A work of art by what woman was auctioned off for a record $4.4 million, a record for a woman artist?

14) Workers for what major retailer once more staged demonstrations throughout the country on Black Friday?

15) Protestors of the Ferguson grand jury decision temporarily shut down 3 malls in what major city Friday?

In a time honored tradition, yours truly will do his shopping sometime on December 24th. I mean, what’s the hurry?

Answers:

1) Mark Twain or Sam Clemens if you wish

2) Bob McCulloch

3) Ruth Bader Ginsburg

4) nothing – maintain their current production

5) Mike Nichols

6) wage hikes and who pays what for health insurance

7) Google

8) the downturn in oil prices

9) the Montgomery bus boycott

10) Turkey

11) the new executive order on immigrants

12) handing out food at Bread for the City.

13) Georgia O’Keefe

14) Walmart

15) St. Louis

Here is a brief video of the first family handing out food. For the life of me I can not understand why they are so vilified.