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This article presents the ten myths that surround global terrorism. The myth that poverty breeds terrorism is superficially plausible because it appeals to the intuitive belief that terrorists are motivated by madness under the pretext of despair. There is also a myth that Secularists and Islamists do not cooperate. The notion that Hezbollah and Hamas do not consider the U.S. an enemy in their global war is belied by the many attacks that each has sponsored against the U.S. and its allies.

The article focuses on Scotch, the alcoholic beverage that Scotland is renowned for. Scotsmen have been making Scotch for over 500 years, and Scotch can only come from Scotland. There may be no other beverage in the world as intimately linked with a culture, history, and identity as Scotch is with Scotland. The two categories of Scotch are blended whiskies and single malts. Blended whiskies are the most popular and are commonly consumed in cocktails or on the rocks with plenty of soda or water.

This article presents information on the history and the making of cognac. To make cognac, the grapes--usually Ugni Blanc--must be naturally fermented into wines that are distilled twice to make eaux-de-vie--waters of life--that are poured into oak barrels to age a minimum of two-and-a-half years, a maximum of about half a century. The eaux-de-vieare then married, blended into a finished product. Cognac is meant to engage all five senses.

The author anticipates that an Irish whiskey boom will be emerging in 2013. He explains that Irish whiskey was the drink of choice in the U.S. from 1850 to 1910, but the establishment of the Irish Free State cut short the export of Irish whiskey to other countries, thus scotch became the most popular spirit among Americans after World War II. However, he adds that demand for Irish whiskey has grown significantly in the 21st century, especially in Russia, Germany, France and the U.S.

The article highlights the public tours and whiskey tasting offered by Scotch distilleries in Scotland. Dewar's World of Whisky in Aberfeldy, about an hour and a half north of Glasgow, is the most informative and elaborate. Glenmorangie offers Malt Whisky Weekends at the Highland home about 33 miles north of Inverness. Accommodations, meals, afternoon teas, entertainment, golf, and fishing are included.

The article discusses several books recommended by authors as holiday gift suggestions. Author and editor Brian C. Anderson recommends "The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work" by Alain de Botton, the 2009 Newbury Medal winner for best children's titles "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman, and "After the Fall: Saving Capitalism from Wall Street--and Washington" by Nicole Gelinas. Other recommended books from Jed Babbin, Bob Barr, Matthew Continetti, and Andrew Ferguson are discussed.