Pursuant to yesterday’s Olympic tirade comes word out of Montreal that, after 30 years, the city has finally paid off the cost of its Olympic stadium. Congratulations to all those who helped make Opération Elephant Blanc such a rousing success.

The news didn’t do much to inspire the dogs who are clearly resting up for the big week ahead. I, on the other hand, have no time to rest as it looks like my wife’s Christmas gift isn’t going to buy itself. So I headed downtown today, determined to make it as short a trip as possible. After all, I had finally decided on the perfect gift: one of those new WII Nintendo gaming consoles. No, really! Alas, by the time I stepped into Future Shop, they were all sold out. I hit the streets in a panic. What should I get her? What? Well, jewelry is out of the question as she’s a diamond broker and can certainly get herself a better deal than I ever could (if any of you are looking to purchase, say, a tiara for that special someone). She’s very picky about her footwear so those yeti boots that seem to be all the rage may not be the best way to go. I could buy her some really nice imported chocolates but I fear the same reaction Marge gave Homer when he got her that bowling ball for her birthday. Think, think, think. What does Fondy like? Hugh Laurie. Chicken shwarma. Books. Yes, she loves to read! I hit our local bookstore and made some terrific purchases in no time at all: Neil Gaiman’s collected short fiction “Fragile Things” and “Smoke and Mirrors”, Heinlein’s “The Puppet Masters” and Robert Silverberg’s “The Alien Years”. Truly a great score. Now if only my wife liked scifi or fantasy. I kept looking and, in the end, picked up two books – one by Amy Tan , who I know she likes, and another by Winston Choy, who I thought she liked – but it turns out she doesn’t.

Well, another day draws to an end and I’m about as close to finding my wife a Christmas gift as I am to finishing the first act of my script. Maybe if I wake up early to work on it.