Happy New Year! And thanks for reading Wade on Birmingham in 2005, its debut year. More fun on the way for the next 364 …

“Make it idiot-proof, and they’ll just build a better idiot.”

My copy editor said that a lot around the newsroom, when we used to work together in our dingy fluorescent chilly section of the office. That seems like a world away now, but I take comfort in the constancy of idiocy.

Such was 2005, replete with dunderheadedness unmatched in this millennium.

That’s not to look down on other people — which I do with alarming frequency — because I have had my share of idiot moments this year. But I’d like to think I learn from my moments of lucridity, even if it takes multiple repetitions.

I may be slow, but at least I’m pretty.

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Merry Christmas! And for our Jewish friends … Merry Christmas!

(Kidding. Happy Hanukkah, too!)

As you while away the remaining hours till Christmas, let’s review some cheery holiday posts you may have missed …

Plus, we found the true meaning of Christmas, and Easter, and even Flag Day, on someone’s windshield today.

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With Christmas just three weeks away, you may be struggling to get your holiday shopping done. What to get for that “hard”-to-shop for DVD fan?

Well, if they liked "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Crazy in Alabama" and even "Crimson Tide," they’re sure to like this new man-tastic movie, “Alabama Takedown.”

[Warning: not safe for work!]

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Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your popcorn and toast …

And now, a special message to our patriotic shoppers at home and abroad.

While out pre-Kwanzaa shopping this week, I noticed one shopping center along U.S. 280 had seasonal banners up in the parking lot. Not unusual, except for the mixed message.

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The Galleria 10 shut down Sunday after more than 15 years showing movies in Hoover. Two fond memories spring to mind, one mine, one someone else’s.

My fondest memory is also my absolute perfect moviegoing experience. About a year ago, I showed up for an afternoon matinee, shoulder bag loaded with a can of Coke and a box with a half-dozen Krispy Kremes. I don’t even remember what movie it was.

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Last week, we told you to get your flu shot, but it ain’t as easy as it sounds.

[Updated]

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Time to stick it to the man. And the woman. It’s time for flu shots.

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My colleague Elaine fielded some tough questions the other night about Birmingham and the state of journalism. She handled the questions admirably, with thoughtful well-reasoned answers.

But we are not about thoughtful here.

I’ve never been shy about my hometown and my industry, so let us tackle a few of the nagging questions out there.

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Who says airlines aren’t sensitive to the plight of millions of victims of natural disasters?

Take JetBlue, for instance, which recently had its own near-fatal disaster. Fortunately, passengers could watch their brush with death and/or the runway live on TV from the comfort of their seats.

Now, Song one-ups its competitors in the daring stunts department.

[Thanks to BJ for the screencap, after the jump.]

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Our spy tells us that Zoe’s in Forest Park was filled yesterday with young women on the prowl for last-minute costume ideas.

Nothing scarier than going out on Halloween with ye olde kitty cat costume again.

As a public service, we present a few ideas of our own for those still without a stitch to wear for this weekend’s many Halloween parties.

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At dinner the other night, Kay passes me a note. Like we’re in study hall or something.

Apparently she needs help with her math homework, as it appears to be some sort of banking problem.

My mistake, her note is written on the back of the ATM receipt.

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Mike travels a lot for his job. So when he came back a few days ago from L.A. on the redeye, all he wanted was a restful ride in a quiet corner in the tail section.

What he got was rowdy collegians.

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