Exactly 1, 998 years ago Mary, also heavily pregnant, would have had to struggle along a crowded street full of people jostling and pushing.

BBC: Seeing chaos at Christmas

The study may overestimate the number of bankruptcies caused by medical bills yet underestimate the financial burden of health care on American families, because most people struggle along but don't end up declaring bankruptcy, according to Cunningham.

CNN: Medical bills prompt more than 60 percent of U.S. bankruptcies

In the real world, when companies fail people struggle right along with them, and no threats can cajole a different outcome.

FORBES: Anonymous Targets Zynga - But They Should Let The Market Take Its Course

That left a lot of buyers with a garage stocked with unused, new parts, along with the struggle and inconvenience of removing and replacing parts themselves.

FORBES: Harley-Davidson Announces New Lineup for 2012

As we'll hear later, residents along the gulf coast continue to struggle from Gustav, which hit west of New Orleans a week ago today.

NPR: Hurricanes Wreak Havoc In Haiti And Cuba

The aforementioned Mr. Armstrong, back from watching his Discovery team struggle without him in France, will be along for part of this year's ride.

WSJ: A Ride Across Iowa

Along the way, in its brooding, central section the ballet suggests some struggle and menace as the surrounding men and women, 15 in all, turn into a sea of trouble for the two lovers.

WSJ: Restless Princess | The Sleeping Beauty | New York City Ballet | By Robert Greskovic