Contrasting troubles...by Sybil Adelman Sage

The account in today's "New York Times" about a 45-year-old Los Angeles man who, having been wiped out financially, shot his wife, three sons (described as outstanding students) and mother-in-law before shooting himself drives home the tragic desperation caused by this epic economic disaster.

But even without this story, it's hard to feel sympathy either for Charlize Theron or Raymond Weil, the Swiss watchmaker suing her for $20 million, claiming the Oscar-winning acress didn't fulfill a contract to wear their high-end watches.

This is a time for those who have it not to flaunt it, but to share it. It's also a time for those in trouble to make it known. Friends of the Los Angeles family are bereft and wish they'd had a chance to help.