Black Thursday

It's that time of year again: That time when television and radio hosts and various commentators and bloggers throughout the land can begin their submissions with the tired old phrase, It's that time of year again.
Shopping is a skill not evenly distributed among us. While in Paris we wondered if they might sell little tin reproductions of some significant local landmark like, say, the Eiffel Tower. Using our uncanny acquisitive instincts we soon discovered that such things are available approximately every fifty feet (15.24 meters). We found two dandy ones and the boys were delighted. They make terrific blunt instruments for the sibling squabbles and I have another instinct there is an emergency room visit in store for the holidays.
Speaking of stores -- as good and awkward a transition as any -- today is known as Black Friday. Having grown up Catholic I can't hear that without thinking it is the day my mom would burn the salmon patties. It is in fact the biggest shopping day of the year, the day that retailers go into the red or black for the year, and the day we burn the faces off of our credit cards.
I'm torn. Do I do my part for global resource management and refrain from over-spending this holiday season? Or, do I contribute to the success of our economy and protect those at the bottom of the wage ladder -- the first to be hurt in times of recession -- through impulse buying and material gluttony? The first option is cheaper and more responsible, the second more fun.
Carpe Diem. It's on sale.