1.   And Rudolph, who was different from the other reindeer, teaches us important lessons about life and diversity, writes columnist Chuck Colbert.

2.   Bill Clinton is a political Houdini, an escape artist who must at last decide where he stands, writes political columnist Joe Klein.

3.   A kettle will be returned to the Ho-Chunk people when all the legal documents are in order, writes columnist Karen Lincoln Michel.

4.   A topic discussed in temples and churches around the country, writes columnist Linda Marx.

5.   But their disappearance, unlike that of mangrove trees, has gone virtually unreported, writes columnist Bill Maxwell.

6.   Christmas in Florida is a tropical bazaar, writes columnist Bill Maxwell.

7.   Nationwide, gay pride has become more than just a political parade or rally, writes columnist Chuck Colbert.