Thumbs Up - To NDP MLA Nicholas Simons, for a proposed Farm Gate Sales Act that would allow farmers to sell meat they have raised directly to local shoppers. Processing regulations aimed at large-scale meat farming have made it increasingly difficult for local farmers to sell chickens or beef to neighbours. The change would be welcome.

Thumbs Down - To Canada Border Services Agency officers, for grilling U.S. radio host Amy Goodman about whether she planned to criticize the Olympics when she tried to enter Canada for speaking engagements, including a talk at the University of Victoria. In a free country, criticism is allowed, even from visitors.

Thumbs Up - To the Nanaimo Airport Commission, which will celebrate in December the completion of its runway extension. The work means that larger airplanes, such as Boeing 737s, will be able to use the airport. Next up: Improvements to the terminal and parking lot.

Thumbs Down - To the vandals in Bergen, Norway, who destroyed the city's traditional Christmas decoration -- a tiny town made up of 650 gingerbread-cookie houses. While police set out to find the culprits, efforts are being made to re-create the little town of Bergen.

Thumbs Down - To the Christmas shoppers who have created a shortage of Zhu Zhu Pets, the cute little robotic hamsters who have become the toy craze of the season. Have we all forgotten Cabbage Patch Kids? Tickle Me Elmo? Or the other silly fads?