Why was Sharon Bialek Fired?

After reading the news and watching the videos of Sharon Bialek, the Herman Cain accuser, I noticed that many of the articles mentioned that Bialek was fired or let go " from the NRA’s educational foundation." However, none of them mentioned why. Being let go or fired is more serious than simply being laid off. I wonder why there is no mention of the reason she was fired? This might give more insight into her character and whether she is a trustworthy person or not. Why was she fired? Does anyone know or has anyone seen a report as to what happened with her job in the summer of 1997? Here is more from the New York Times:

Ms. Bialek said she first met Mr. Cain during her time at the association’s Chicago office, when he sat next to her at a dinner during one of the group’s conventions. He later invited her and her boyfriend to an after-party in his hotel suite, she said.

But the alleged harassment did not occur until after she was fired, she said. Sue Hensley, a spokeswoman with the restaurant association confirmed that “Sharon Bialek was employed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation from 12/30/96 – 6/20/97.”

She didn't work there long, I wonder what happened?

Most people have about 2 people they consider friends.

A new study shows that most people have only two good friends:

About 48 percent of participants listed one name, 18 percent listed two, and roughly 29 percent listed more than two names for these close friends. On average, participants had 2.03 confidantes. And just over 4 percent of participants didn't list any names.

The study asked what the friends did for people such as provide companionship, loan money, give you a place to crash etc. and those with one friend said that their friend would not provide such things. I wonder if people just say that they have friends when what they really have are acquaintances? And what if your spouse is your friend? Does that not count?

Maybe more of us need to read books like How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie if we want friends or Living Alone and Loving It: A Guide to Relishing the Solo Life if we don't.

Do you think it's important to have friends?

Hottest Holiday Toys for 2011

Now that Halloween is past, there is more talk of Christmas and holiday gifts as retailers, I am sure, are desperate this year to increase their profits.

I am already looking for holiday gifts and took at look at CNBC's list of "Hot Holiday toys" to get some ideas. The list looked pretty much like updated versions of old toys such as the Sesame Street Let's Rock Elmo that interacts with kids 18 months to 3 years old and recognizes which instrument they give him. Nerf is putting out a new line of four guns that shoot greater distances for kids 8-10 or so. The Nerf Vortex Praxis is said to be the least expensive of the bunch and seems kind of fun. Finally, there is the top toy of the CNBC list called My Keepon - Interactive Robot that is supposed to be exclusive to Toys ‘R Us but it seems to be on Amazon, at least when I looked and there were a few left. A couple of the comments at Amazon did not make this toy sound too good, however.

Anyway, the holiday season is always fun for kids and for adults who like toys. What were your favorites as a kid or now?