On Friday, for the third year in a row, management went out and bought some nice Costco-brand cakes to help celebrate some birthdays. The announcement went out over the in-house messaging system: "Come grab a piece of cake to celebrate Mitch and Gordon's birthdays." Mitch was born June 30, Gordon on July 5. Yours truly was born today, July 3. Which brings us to one of those "everything I know I learned in kindergarten" moments: You should do that sort of thing for everyone or no one.

So, I told you that story so you'd be in the proper mood for the monthly banging of the tip jar -- you can find Amazon Honor System and Paypal buttons on the left. Or, if you'd like to get something a little more personal, you can find my Amazon wish list here.

Oh, Mr. Bill Gates, you didn't get me anything last year. I'm sure it was an oversight on the part of your personal secretary. Feel free to drop me a line and I'll set up the delivery of either a Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum or Ford Mustang -- surprise me.