Marley was dead: to begin with...

Huh? What are you talking about, Monte? Who's Marley?

I'm reading "A Christmas Carol" aloud for half an hour every day between now and December 25th. Want to join me?

Heck no! Ain't nobody got time for heartwarming Victorian parables on the enduring spirit of empathy and love alive in even the cruelest breast.

Heh heh. Breast.