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

HOORAY FOR... – FROM AP:  The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science announced Wednesday that it has adopted its first code of conduct for its 8,427 members.  Film academy chief executive Dawn Hudson introduced the new rules to members in an email. In October, the academy broke with tradition and made Harvey Weinstein just the second person ever expelled from the Oscars’ governing body.  The new code of conduct stipulates that the academy is no place for “people who abuse their status, power or influence in a manner that violates standards of decency.”  The academy’s board may now suspend or expel those who violate the code of conduct or who “compromise the integrity” of the academy.  The standards of conduct were drafted by a task force launched by the academy in October. It was formed after Weinstein was accused by dozens of women of sexual harassment and abuse.  I'll believe it when they give out an Oscar for best behavior by a known predator. 

I CAN'T WAIT TO GET ONE – FROM FOX:   Those looking to celebrate "Resist-mas" now have the perfect accessory: a Hillary Clinton tree topper.  The newly-released 3D-sculpted ornament features the former first lady "in her iconic power suit with angelic wings." The tree topper sells for $107 for a standard-size tree and more than $900 for a tree taller than 10 feet.  U.K.-based Women to Look Up To is selling the item, along with similar ones to honor Beyonce and Serena Williams.  Will anyone actually buy this?  Why?

SO SAD – FROM POLITICO:   Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) announced Thursday that he would resign from office as of Jan. 31, 2018, after discussing surrogacy issues with female staffers.  “I have recently learned that the Ethics Committee is reviewing an inquiry regarding my discussion of surrogacy with two previous female subordinates, making each feel uncomfortable,” he said in a statement. “I deeply regret that my discussion of this option and process in the workplace caused distress."  Franks’s announcement shocked Capitol Hill. He has been a vocal social conservative since being elected to Congress in 2002, and has authored numerous anti-abortion bills. He is married, with twin children.  I don't know the details.  I wish there'd been a full inquiry.  That's the right and fair way to do it, as I've said here many times.

December 7, 2017