There is a Power Mart gas station at 127th and Ridgeland in Palos Heights, a suburb SW of Chicago. I was in the area the other day, stopped by on a whim, and left mesmerized by their marketing brilliance. On the gas pump was a note that said "5 cents off a gallon if you pay in cash." Now, loyal reader Brent recently told me this was illegal, but they're doing it. I walked inside to hard-wood floors, beautifully displayed wine racks, and a SEPARATE deli/food stand inside the gas station. This is important. Now, you're not getting your hot dog at the Power Mart but at a local deli. Last but not least, they handed my change back to me the right way. If you're in the area, stop by. They've earned it.

Once upon a time, a coworker angrily confided in me that no one from work was coming to her party. I stupidly replied, "Well, it's probably because none of us are REALLY friends. We're just coworkers. Do you really want people to come to your party that don't really want to be there?" She quickly replied, "When you get invited to a party, you should go." Needless to say, I attended said party I had been planning on getting out of. I have since learned that she's right. Go to parties when you're invited. It really means a lot to the people planning it. And it's good for you, too.