Years ago a town would have, on average, 20 acres annexed in a given year. Last year alone 120 acres were annexed. The rate is happening faster and the parcels that are going are bigger. Which I don't think bodes well for the town.

I would say this year will be about an average year. But even though it may not be as strong as other years, it will play itself out in the end.

And we never got the mule, let alone the forty acres.

We're finding that our average payday loan customer earns just over $50,000 a year. We've given loans to a wide range of customers from nurses to construction workers - the payday-loan business isn't simply a blue- collar business anymore.

I think Barry Bonds was in a unique situation given his injuries from a year ago, the fact that he played in just 14 games. Even though I spoke to Barry in December and he was enthusiastic and excited about the possibility, I think the closer he got to the reality of spring training, and as he got himself in shape for the regular season and the San Francisco Giants, he felt like it may be too much of a challenge to try to push his body at this point in his career.

I thought the Hall of Fame was for superstars, not just average players like me.