SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:56 P.M. ET: 

DID THE CUBAN PEOPLE APPROVE THIS? – FROM THE MIAMI HERALD:   With little fanfare, the U.S. government recently amended regulations to allow Cuban government officials and members of the Communist Party to benefit from the softening of sanctions, including receiving cash remittances and other perks.  The new beneficiaries include members of the Cuban Ministry of the Interior (MININT), the Central Committee of the Communist Party (PCC) and other branches of the Cuban government.  The change is part of the new round of regulations announced last week by the Obama administration. Along with measures that attracted widespread attention — such as the removal of the restrictions on the purchase of rum and tobacco by American travelers — this more discreet provision debunks a long-standing policy of prohibiting U.S. transactions with most members of the Cuban government, its political organizations and defense system.  Another advance for human freedom.  Choke.

THE PRICE OF THINGS – FROM FOX:   Looking for a salty snack that will really knock your socks off?  This potato chip may do just that—and leave a gaping hole in your wallet.  Bet you can't eat just one. But you can't afford more than that.   St. Erik’s Brewery in Sweden says it's crafted the world’s most expensive potato chip. Of course, it pairs perfectly with their signature India Pale Ale, but they’re meant be savored—not inhaled like a can of Pringles.  The chips were made in partnership with the Swedish National Culinary Team as a project to create “the world’s most exclusive chip.” And one box of just five crunchy chips will set you back $56.  I thought Sweden was the socialist paradise.  That's the kind of snack only Hillary could afford, after she delivers a speech.

DYLAN DALLIES – FROM THE DAILY MAIL:   Just one day after finally acknowledging his Nobel Prize win on his website, Bob Dylan has deleted the brag.   The folk singer won the award for his book 'The Lyrics 1961-2012'. In typical Dylan fashion, the elusive musician refused to make a public statement after the honor was announced last week.   It seemed that he had finally acknowledged the win though on Thursday, when a sentence was added to a description of the book on his website, saying - in all capital letters - that the book was the 'WINNER OF THE NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE'.   Come Friday though, the sentence was bizarrely removed without any explanation.  They named the wrong guy.  Had they given Donald Trump the Nobel Prize in – something – he would have treated all of Stockholm to dinner.  You gotta know how to celebrate. 

October 22, 2016