Free Republic

WHITE PLAINS - Officials at Simon Malls are rolling back their new space-age Santa display at the Westchester Mall in White Plains. Its new, space-aged Santa display upset many shoppers earlier this week. Instead of elves, reindeer and a tree, the display flanked Santa with fake glaciers. In a statement earlier in the week, mall management had said elements would be added, including a traditional Christmas tree.

<p>Only a year ago, the most boring story in politics revolved around the Democratic nomination for governor in 2004.</p> <p>It was Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan's for the asking.</p> <p>Except he didn't ask.</p> <p>Ever since, it's been one surprise after the next, culminating last week when Joe Andrew, one of three Democrats seeking the 2004 nomination, announced that Bren Simon, wife of Indiana Pacers co-owner Mel Simon, would be his running mate.</p>