Sometimes I feel, sometimes I feeeeeeeeeeeel, like I've been tied to the whipping post...

Capitalism endures its share of lashes from the left, right, center...basically, all over. Lord knows, I'm not accustomed to singing its praises, which makes this post admittedly hard to write.

But sometimes, you've just got to give respect to the soulless economic system. Today is one of those times.

It all began with the introduction of this little doohickey:


Upon laying eyes on this magical device several months ago, Abbzug, never afraid to say what she wants, proclaimed that one would be awaiting her under the tree on Christmas morning. The definitiveness of her proclamation immediately made me responsible for finding one. No problem, I thought, procuring a mass produced gadget in six months would be the easiest thing I've done in a while.

Well, since Christmas was beyond the horizon of my perspective, I procrastinated until last weekend. And, my procrastination almost the upset wedded bliss characteristic of my household.

As surprising as it sounds, I was not the only one who planned on gifting this device. Apparently, my quest was shared by just about everyone else engaged in holiday shopping.

After searching every electronics and computer retailer in the Columbia/Ellicott City/Laurel area, I grew concerned that my quest, and more importantly, my wife's wishes would go unfulfilled. Nevertheless, I visited the online Apple store, thinking that if I could at least bring one of these plastic players into my house before the end of the twelve days of Christmas, I could get by on a technicality.

Sure enough, Apple was more than willing to take my money, crank up the Chinese assembly line, and ship one of these bad boys posthaste. I placed the order on Saturday and prayed to the gods of commerce and shipping that it would arrive before Christmas morning.

And, of course, it did. However, not only did it arrive well before deadline, it awaited me upon my arrival from work today, four days after ordering it. Four days! It left China Sunday night and was in Columbia today! I don't think even Santa works that fast.

So, thank you, Capitalism. The profit motive has again brought about the highest level of utility for me, Abbzug, and everyone else smart enough to order their Nano before Monday, at which point the Apple store could no longer guarantee shipment by Christmas.

Now that I've said all that, I think I need to go take a shower.