SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:55 P.M. ET: 

HOW DEMOCRATS MOURN – FROM LONDON'S EXPRESS:  Hillary Clinton's post-election holiday party has been compared to a "wake" by an attendee of the event.   The party, which provided an opportunity for Clinton to suck up to top-tier donors whose money was squandered on a disastrously failed election campaign, took place at New York's Plaza Hotel on Thursday.  Donors at the gathering included investment guru Alan Patricof and hedge fund manager Marc Lasry, who have a combined net worth of nearly £1.6billion ($2 billion).  Among the VIP guests were Clinton advisors John Podesta and Robby Mook, designers Vera Wang and Tony Burch. Clinton's ageing husband Bill and their daughter Chelsea were also seen.  But despite the glitzy guests, one person there likened the event to "group therapy".  They said: "It was like a wake with a band.  "It was a little bit of group therapy and a lot of love."  And I trust all came out with a soft and glowing feeling.

THE LAST MANEUVER – FROM CNN:  (CNN) Dr. Henry Heimlich, who invented the world-famous Heimlich maneuver to save people from choking, died Saturday at age 96, his family said.  The news was confirmed by the Episcopal Retirement Services, which owns and manages Deupree House, where Heimlich lived in Cincinnati.  Heimlich died at Christ Hospital after suffering a massive heart attack at home Monday.  "We are deeply saddened at his passing," said Laura Lamb, the incoming chief executive of Episcopal Retirement Services. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. It was an absolute pleasure serving Dr. Heimlich. He was very kind and caring, and was respected by all."   Everyone at the funeral will get a free squeeze.

WISDOM OF THE AGES – FROM CBS LOCAL:   CHERRY HILL, NJ (CBS) — A woman in Cherry Hill, New Jersey is celebrating a milestone birthday.  Concetta Talucci turned 102-year-old on Friday.  Family and friends threw a big party for her at a Cherry Hill assisted living community.  Talucci was born in 1914 and says the secret to her longevity is “just don’t diet!”  She continued, “Eat! Eat everything you see… but not overeat.”  Talucci said earlier in life she worked as a glass blower and also in the emergency room of a hospital.  Her 99-year-old younger sister joined her at her party.  If you're a married man with notoriously bad eating habits, show this article to your wife for reassurance.

December 17, 2016