Don Bodreauk writes about an effort in 2002 by ExxonMobile, Texaco, BP to keep gasoline prices from falling in Virginia. It's ridiculous that we so frequently see corporations on one hand use the free market as an excuse to keep themeseleves from being regulated and also look for legislative protection from its workings.

Local distributors for ExxonMobile, Texaco, BP, and other major oil companies asked the state legislature to protect them from the low gasoline prices charged by Sheetz and Wawa, two innovative companies that operate conveniences stores on the east coast.

The Sports Economist links today to a Guardian story on Arsenal's incredible Premier League season. The team managed to go unbeaten through the League (that's all ties and wins for you non-footie fans) which is a feat last accomplished in the late 1880's. Modern sports training is pushing the age at which a player is competitive higher. The article discusses how Arsene Wegner, Arsenal's manager, motivated his millionaire squad to live up to the standards of being a professional footballer.

So successful has Wenger been that Arsenal cannot bear the thought of losing him. They recognise the allure of Real Madrid, even though Wenger has shown no sign of responding to Spanish overtures, and when he tires of coaching they hope to persuade him to stay on in a supervisory role to continue guiding the club.

Luckily Staci won't have to auction any collections on ebay once we're hitched. Despite being a big D&D geek in middle school, I got out before Magic was on the scene.

I'm selling these on behalf of my brand-new husband. We're in our first apartment, a tiny little thing with no room for random collections. Therefore, the Magic cards have got to go!