There was no refusing him, for he had got the complete upper hand of the community, and the peaceful burghers all stood in awe of him.

Toby is my maternal uncle.

My brain was fritzing like an elderly TV set about to die. I hit the side of my head with the heel of my hand. Percussive maintenance. It didn't work.

If you're working on a budget, finding a thoughtful Kris Kringle can bring on a headache … or two.