SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:51 P.M. ET: 

THE NATIONAL CRISIS – FROM PJ MEDIA:   Shoppers at Whole Foods Markets across the U.S. have been astonished to discover empty shelves at their local stores in recent months, with one customer describing the stores as "the Soviet Safeway." Barclay analysts found stores in disarray with "entirely empty" shelves and deteriorating produce, Business Insider reported.  "Analysts said they encountered 'high' out-of-stock issues last week in every department of one Midwest store across both private-label items and branded items," according to the report. One East Coast store had "extraordinary" inventory problems, according to the analyst.  "The store had no bananas and the supply of eggs and Tropicana products was very low," the analyst reported. "Entire displays, refrigerated cases, and end caps were completely empty. The prepared foods hot bar was entirely empty."  Recently acquired by Amazon.  Maybe if you ordered the bananas online you'd have better luck.

IS ANYONE SURPRISED? – FROM THE GUARDIAN:   The United Nations has allowed sexual harassment and assault to flourish in its offices around the world, with accusers ignored and perpetrators free to act with impunity, the Guardian has been told.  Dozens of current and former UN employees described a culture of silence across the organisation and a flawed grievance system that is stacked against victims.   Of the employees interviewed, 15 said they had experienced or reported sexual harassment or assault within the past five years. The alleged offences ranged from verbal harassment to rape.  Seven of the women had formally reported what happened, a route that campaigners say is rarely pursued by victims for fear of losing their job, or in the belief that no action will be taken.  “If you report it, your career is pretty much over, especially if you’re a consultant,” said one consultant, who alleged she was harassed by her supervisor while working for the World Food Programme. “It’s like an unsaid thing.”  Is anyone surprised by this?  The UN is one of the most corrupt organizations in the world.  Why not add sexual harassment?  I wonder if "feminist" groups will show the slightest interest.  Mustn't be too critical of "multicultural" organizations.

GOING THE WAY OF THE NFL – FROM THE WRAP:  The National Alliance of Theater Owners (NATO) announced on Wednesday that the national ticket average for 2017 rose 3.7 percent year-over-year to $8.93, up from $8.65 last year.  At that average, the estimated number of movie tickets sold last year is 1.23 billion. While that is only a rough estimate that does not account for the higher ticket prices for premium formats and theaters in more expensive cities like New York and Los Angeles, NATO’s estimate is the lowest since 1993, when “Jurassic Park” was the top grossing film of the year and an estimated 1.24 billion tickets were sold.  Put out an inferior product and raise prices.  What a great formula for success.  No hoorays for Hollywood.

January 18, 2018