To the Point

Are Wikipedia, Google and an infinite number of web blogs, liberating our culture or killing it by abolishing traditional standards and blurring the difference between what's really true and what's false. We consider the backlash against Internet 2.0. Also, the upcoming Iowa caucus, and despite the unhealthy aspects of America's diet, Michael Pollen says some food is OK after all.

• Note: This archived edition of TtP, will not air live on KCRW as it will be pre-empted by special holiday programming.
  

Aristotle said "to give away money is an easy matter…and in any man's power.  But to decide to whom to give it, and how large and when, for what purpose and how, is neither in every man's power nor an easy matter." Many Americans will be making those decisions in the final days of tax year 2007. Guest host Lawrence O'Donnell explores how we can target our charitable giving to be most effective. Also, this year's lackluster holiday sales, and  the tiger attack in the San Francisco Zoo.

Flights are delayed, baggage lost, and the investigating arm of

In the western world, child labor is a thing of the past--or is it?  Also, Japan agrees not to hunt humpback whales, and life for Iraqi Christians at Christmas time.

Thirteen million American families go hungry for part of the year, at the same time that food prices are rising while donations to food banks are on the decline. the Bush EPA blocks California bid to limit car emissions, and the new, Democratic Congress has ended its first year.

In Afghanistan, US troops are not just fighting, they're building

The "inevitability" of Hillary Clinton has morphed into a three-way campaign for the Democratic nomination. Barack Obama is coming on strong and John Edwards is still a viable contender. Also, the African National Congress is no longer the party of Nelson Mandela.

Public-housing projects in New Orleans are facing the wrecking ball—despite a shortage of places for low-income people to live. Also, a watershed moment for Iran's development of atomic power, and a Saudi Arabian rape victim won't be getting 200 lashes after all.

The Magna Carta—signed by the King of England 700 years ago—established the rules of law that are basic to the United States and other governments all over the world.  There's only one original copy in private hands, and next week it's going on sale. Also, a possible compromise out of the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali, and steroid use in Major League Baseball.

Former Baptist preacher Mike Huckabee leads Mitt Romney in Iowa, and in national polls, he's catching up to Rudy Giuliani. Also, difficulties in Bali and Washington over emissions and energy. On Reporter's Notebook, baseball stars and steroids: will there be asterisks on the records?