AS YOU have no doubt already gathered, The O'Toole File is enjoying a little not-so-quiet time with friends and family this holiday season. Regular blogging should return next Tuesday.

In the meantime, let me just wish everyone a belated Merry Holidays (as always, O'TF seeks out the vital center on divisive cultural issues) and a Happy New Year.

See you next week.

PS: Mrs. O'TF was kind enough to make sure that there was copy of The Assassins' Gate under the tree with the File's name on it this year, and I have to say, it more than lives up to its advanced billing. If you haven't gotten around to it yet, do yourself a favor and put your hands on a copy post-haste.