Been trying not to read the news in the last week, but now going into full hibernation until the day after January 20.

Meanwhile, thought this news could be of interest to those of you who make little money teaching in China, thinking that you are the only ones who are poor: "Nearly six in 10 Americans don't have enough savings to cover a $500 or $1,000 unplanned expense, according to a new report from Bankrate. Only 41% of adults reported having enough in their savings account to cover a surprise bill of this magnitude."