It has been tempting to view the C.I.A. as omniscient. Yet Coll’s chastening new book about the events leading up to the Iraq War, in 2003, shows just how often the agency was flying blind.

Sure, you could always show up with something random from your junk drawer and call it a gift, but these fun (and functional) white elephant gifts will actually get everyone in the stealing spirit ...

oxbowbeer.com The Fab Four: USA Meets The Beatles, Jan. 26. Westbrook Performing Arts Center, $24.50 to $54.50. waterfrontconcerts.com Get the Led Out, Jan. 30. State Theatre, Portland ...

We asked the queen of hosting to share the recipes she thinks everyone should learn how to make for ... and it's so annoying." Read next ...

And, as USA TODAY's new Books Reporter, I’ve got a lot to share. Out of the 50 books I finished this year ... your typical campus novel – you'll read about the Dream Act, ambition, sex ...