The Dow finished down 18 points, making up most of a 150-plus loss earlier in the session. What seemed to turn things around was word that the House would reconvene Sunday night.

"Les Misérables" led the way, with $18.1 million in domestic ticket sales. Actually, this is shaping up to be a very strong year for Hollywood, with domestic box office expected to run around $10.8 billion.

Doubtful, at least based on what the major players are saying publicly. As with any negotiation, there's always the chance of some unexpected breakthrough, though at some point all roads must get through the House Republican caucus.

The value of homes in the L.A.-OC County area rose $122 billion in 2012, the biggest cumulative gain of any major metro area in the nation.

"How about if, just once," writes Bruce Feirstein,"the long-suffering black character didn't end up providing wisdom and salvation to the white folk?"