The insanity continues, even after finals.

It's amazing how a gift certificate can burn a hole in your pocket in a way unattainable by, say, a dollar bill you inadvertently let through the wash.

There are two problems with the mango splitter. First, it's not so good for your health to eat too many mangoes (they are heating and will cause breakouts). Second, I question the durability of the blade because it has to flex to accommodate the mango pit. In which case it would turn out not to be a cheap whim.

The problem with the citrus squeezer is the distinct possibility that I might not have the arm strength to use it effectively. Or rather, use it to squeeze more than a couple oranges. There is also the distinct possibility that, slob that I am, the squeezer would cause me to squirt juice all over the floor.

The problem with the microplane grater is it doesn't seem to qualify for free shipping.

The problem with the CD I want is it installs insidious copy-protection software when played on a PC. The software can be removed, but it's the principle of the matter.

The problem with the magazine subscription is twofold. First, it would have to be ordered along with other things. Second, ordering it would give the publisher yet another e-mail address to spam.

The problem with books is I no longer have any spare time to do much reading for fun. The to-read pile is getting larger.

The problem with the ice cream machine is the canister may not fit in my freezer. I plan to measure the freezer tonight.

The problem with the gift certificate in the first place is it's like cash, but not at all. It's insidious.