I have a better idea: Don't go shopping at all and save 100%

Trick paint job! That's one vehicle. (click to enlarge and see it better.)

The movie "Nacho Libre" stars Jack Black. It was written by Mike White.

I read an article this afternoon that said donuts left over from church are the ideal fuel the night before a bicycle ride. Evidence suggests that a minimum of 2 donuts, three if they're not frosted, will help you ride further and faster.
I am not one to argue with science!

Speaking of science, Obama's plan to lift Bush's ban on embryonic stem cell research is meeting with some criticism, primarily from Congressional Republicans. Melody Barnes, a White House domestic policy adviser, said the move, expected tomorrow will separate science from politics. She said it is part of the effort to boost our economy. "Advances with regard to science and technology help advance our overall national goals around economic growth and job creation."
This is like one of those pictures in a children's book, "How many things can you find wrong?"
Do we need, or want to separate science from politics? Only if we see science as completely amoral and/or government as having no responsibility in issues of right and wrong. But nobody thinks either is the case. We correctly condemn the "scientific" research of Hitler's medical engineers who sacrificed humans in an effort to perfect the Arian race. It is a key part of the government's (read: politics) mandate to protect all of us, especially the most vulnerable, from victimization, even if it comes in the guise of "science."
And to pass stem cell research off as a good thing because it will create jobs is nonsense of the first order. Follow that logic and see where it leads. Legalize prostitution; it stimulates the economy by creating jobs and commerce. Why fight the war on drugs? Imagine what free trade in illegal pharmeceuticals could do for the economy! (Hey, it filled the seats in baseball stadiums all across the country.) Is economic growth the greatest good, overriding all other considerations?
I'm insulted by an adviser who thinks I'll buy into the destruction of individuals (embryos) because science and the economy trump government's responsibility to protect its most vulnerable citizens and grow the economy.

The last Circuit City stores shut down at the close of business today. I didn't think it would happen. I figured they were too big to allow to fail.

At sundown tomorrow the Jewish celebration of Purim begins. That holiday (not a holy day) celebrates the Jews' victory over wicked Haman as recorded in the book of Esther. You can read about the traditional means of celebrating here. The short book of Esther is a fun story with some great lessons built in. Lots of fun stuff, like graggers and hamentaschen (mmm!).
BTW, if you watched any of the USA/Venezuela baseball game tonight you probably saw Venezuelan fans in the stands with noise makers - the kind with a wooden ratchet-like top that spins around the shaft you hold. Those are graggers.

Tomorrow (Monday) is also Steve's birthday. He was born 34 years ago in the wee hours of a Sunday morning in San Clemente, CA where I was the pastor in my first church. Back then San Clemente was mostly a sleepy beach town mid-way between L.A. and San Diego famous for great surfing. Only one hospital, so the nursery was a fairly busy place, and the presence of a 10 lb., 5 oz. baby boy who measured 24" long and pretty much filled up the plexiglass basinette caused a bit of a stir.
"Look at the size of that kid! Pity his poor mother."
I preached that morning but announced I was taking the evening service off. It was a very small group, all of them were 65 or older, and I caught some flak for deciding that spending time at the hospital with my wife and our firstborn ranked above preaching to a dozen old people.
That was a long time ago. And while he had his moments he was a pretty easy kid to raise. Teachers loved him and parent/teacher conferences were almost embarassing. He went off to college (good), a few years later moved back home (also good) and now depends on Michelle to save him from self-destruction (very good).
Sons are a heritage from the Lord. (Ps. 127:3)
Happy birthday, Steve!

Income tax payments are normally due April 15, unless that date falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, in which case they are due on the 16th or 17th. However, the government has announced that this rule has been changed for the next four years. During that time tax payments are not due unless and until you get appointed to a cabinet position.