A gambler watching the Santa Claus Fund numbers

Since writing a post on the Star's annual Santa Claus Fund, I've found myself needing a daily fix of checking out the numbers. There're not good. In fact, Barb Mrozek who's in charge says she need $45,000 a day every day until Christmas Eve just to reach the $1.5 million target. "We're in deep trouble," is how she put it.

There are a lot of pressures on people this year, and especially at Christmas.  I simply want to use the Decoder to remind people the Star fund to deliver gift boxes to 45,000 children at Christmas is out there for your consideration.

To Date:  $957,484

To Donate: For secure online donations, please go to thestar.com/santaclausfund

Visa, AMEX, MasterCard: Call 416-869-4847

Cheques: Please send to The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund, One Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M5E 1E6

The Star does not allow anyone to solicit on its behalf. Tax receipts will be issued.

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While I'm on the topic of our tough economy, let me break the news that Up in the Air was not the movie I thought it was going to be. I have a bone to pick with film critic Peter Howell who loved it. 4 stars.

I'm not saying the film won't load up on award show hardware. Its message fits perfectly with the zeitgeist and the ultimate message it delivers is a warm and fuzzy one. Which is what one would expect of a Hollywood movie. It was at least fun to carp over dinner Saturday about why we didn't like it. (Yes, Peter, I was pumped by your review into going out opening weekend.) Besides, I'll know what everybody is buzzing about this year at the Golden Globes, Oscars, et cetera.

I won't worry this blurb will affect moviegoers. After all, who're you gonna believe, me or Howell?

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In a roughly similar view, my taste runs to About Schmidt.  Kathy Bates in the hot tub is an image forever burned in my brain. You want small town? Two words. Dermot Mulroney.