What's in a name?

Oh, everything.

For some, choosing just the right baby name is about evoking family history or bestowing a sense of individuality on a child. (We're looking right at you, Mrs. Ashlee Simpson-Wentz.) Sometimes, it's the only thing that keeps your kid from getting stuffed into a locker every day of his educational life. And sometimes it's the thing that causes it.

by Mir Kamin

My name is Mir, and I am a cheapskate.

I'm an unapologetic cheapskate, in fact. More accurately: I'm a braggart of a cheapskate. Tell me you like my shoes, and rather than responding "Thank you!" like a normal person, I'll probably grab your arm and say, "I know, aren't they awesome? And they were originally $120 and I only paid nine bucks!"

People sometimes inch away from me when I do this. Hey, that's fine. They probably paid full price for their shoes. Suckers.

Every year on Black Friday, some store offers crazy discounts (like a laptop for $50) to the first 5 shoppers (or some other number) which always results in angry mobs crushing some poor soul.  This year, the Walmart in Valley Stream, NY gets this prestigious honor but every year it's the same story.  We can't whine that it's the economy because this has been happening for years.  I provided commentary on this very topic for Court TV , check out the link to my clips.  Why do people feel the need to get up at 3am for these so-called Door Buster deals??  Don't they know it's just a ruse to get you in the door?  That they only have one or two of these items?  What happens to people around the holidays that makes them so crazy?  Is it the fruitcake?  Is it the endless, awkward hours spent with family?  Is it the cards?  They never stop coming.  It's not Sarah Palin anymore.  During the election, sometimes I'd feel like stampeding a mall after listening to her speak.  What possesses people?

by Nordette

Name at least three items you will never cut from your family budget. I'm trying to do that, but my guilt reflex makes me ask, "How can I name what not to cut from a family budget when there are people who have less than I do who must slash items such as treatment for a special needs child?" Many Americans no longer have choices about what to cut and what to keep.

What I loved this year the most about Thanksgiving was the fact that I didn't have to cook it...again.  Though I did bring several awesome (if I do say so myself), Weight Watchers friendly side dishes, I didn't have to serve a lot of people.  What a relief.  It's not like I don't do it all year long, between birthdays and barbecues and Easter/Passover, I'm all 'entertained' out.  In fact, we had such a good time at our friend's gathering that I already put in dibs to have it there again next year.  Our friends and family all drew straws to see who would be doing it next year.  I put in for our friends twice.  They had no idea.  I acted all bummed out when I didn't draw the short straw, "Darn it.  I lost again!"  That acting training comes in very handy.