The Daily Grind

Neat: Stephen King pays almost $13,000 for Maine troops to come home for Christmas before shipping out for Afghanistan. Video: The Nobel after party featured Will Smith, Wyclef Jean, and Toby Keith? Obama’s approval level hits lowest ever (46%) for a first-year president in December. Why are Dems pushing health-care reform that will kill them? Spotted Monday evening: The Washington Post’s Dana Milbank outside the White House gates, ahead of the media party, with a videocam and a sign that reads “Need one ticket.” The ultimate snub: Wall St. bankers call in via speakerphone to Obama meeting. Turning point: Kos wants to kill the health-care bill. What happens when you demonize assimilation. Gitmo detainees, welcome to beautiful Illinois!