I heard that 52% of Americans will be shopping today.  I'm content to live as a stranger in a strange land.

@LoBornlyte@xanga - Is there anything in the world that you like and agree with?

@LoBornlyte@xanga - What do you believe Christianity is, then? All I ever see is you complaining about things and never having anything good to say. I see no love in you, sister, and it makes me sad. 

@sierrraa@xanga - ditto, and I especially like how his idea of Marxism is just about anything he doesn't like that can be even remotely construed as secular.

I'm an atheist and I can't find enough of a lack of love in everything to be as cynical as LoBornlyte.

I almost spent $400 on a laptop that I don't really need today. I failed to get it because I got to walmart at 5:00am instead of midnight. People where going through that store like rats in a maze. I'm kind of glad that I didn't get it.

@Diogenes - The original Diogenes would have been proud.  =P

@LoBornlyte@xanga - Perhaps you're right, but consider this: 66% of Black Friday shoppers buy for themselves (supposedly according to Consumer Reports, though I can't hunt down the original article).  Also consider last year's Wal-Mart fiasco where a security guard was crushed to death by the massive crowd "waiting" outside.  I find it difficult to say that that incident was a benign consequence of "charity" per se.

@LoBornlyte@xanga - Amen to that.

If you can get a great deal on something that you need (like I need a new laptop for my old one died halfway, has no battery, and needs a new harddrive), then I'd say if the deal is there on black friday, go for it.
But it does not have to do with this salesday. If that same deal would be gotten (eg: 30% off) on a regular weekday, and you need it, well, purchase it!

As long as you know how to handle your money, save up about 10% of your combined wage for unexpected events, save up between 5 to 10% for your retirement, give 10% to God, you still have 70% of your money to spend.

You may say "with 70% of my wage, I can't even pay rent!", well, then it's time for you to move!
I was brought up that 30% of your wage, and no more should go to rent!
Because of the increase in the amount of people in our country (due to immigration and higher birth than death rate), the housing became more expensive.
Right now, if you can find a house where less than 50% of your combined wage goes to rent, you're good. Preferably 50% to rent, water, electricity and gas if you have gas.
That way, in case a person loses his wage, you'll not lose your house.

To be good, you need 30% of your combined wage in rent. That means most likely living in a small apartment,or condo instead of a large house.

There are many people cutting on cost like in:
doctor appointments,
insurance
dentist appointments
car mechanic appointments
to save money, just because they don't have the money.

A lot of 'not having the money' could be prevented in buying what you don't need, like clothes!
When was the last time you purchased clothes, because most clothes you had where worn out, and not because you had a closet full of clothes, and just wanted something different?

Are we really happy with the way we are, and who we are?
The value of the person lies within, not without.
"The clothes make the man" is often said... In this you can see how superficial most people are.
The man makes the clothes! And I don't mean a textile worker, I mean, the man that is formed in his mind and heart, will develop a characteristic that his dressing code does not matter, for he is established because of his knowledge and wisdom.
If such a man would show up in a tshirt and sweater and jeans, instead of a suit, true people will be able to distinguish what is important. His counseling and presence, or his appearance?

So instead of looking to be like a model, work within to improve yourself!
Perhaps once you gain enough strength from within, it will start showing from the outside!

I've seen plenty of people spending more time working on their appearance, but when you talk to them, they are friendly, but very shallow.
I know there are a lot of people out there, who would do better with working on their inner person, than on their outer person.