Page 1 Consider (01/02)

Notify ACES: They Might Be Giants, or Not / Anyone who knows me knows why this is the best headline ever. How did we not think of this one? (Washington Post)

'Stroke' of Midnight: Dick Clark Returns to TV to Mark New Year / Say what you want about his bravery and determination, I thought it was just plain sad -- and not the right tone for celebrating the new year. On the flipside, did anyone notice that Susanna Hoffs has made a pact with the Devil and actually looks hotter than she did in 1986? (AP)

Sour Note: Sony BMG Tentatively Settles Suits on Spyware / Whoever told Sony it was a good idea to put copy-protection software on legally purchased music CDs that also surreptiously installs spyware and makes computers vulnerable to viruses should be severely punished. As if we needed another reason to not pay for music. (AP)

Heroine Addict: Rona Jaffe, Author of Popular Novels, Is Dead at 74 / Her 1958 debut, "The Best of Everything," told the melodramatic story of four nubile, cashmere-sweatered career girls torn between storybook romance and cutthroat corporate Manhattan. Carrie Bradshaw and the gang tip their designers hats to you, Ms. Jaffe. May you rest in peace. (NY Times)

Gems of 2005: It's always fun to see how the critics' music and movie picks stack up against your own. (Washington Post)

Blue Goodbye: Actor Patrick Cranshaw, Who Gained Cult Fame As Frat Brother Blue in 'Old School,' Dies at 86 / We'll miss you, you funny old man. (AP)