It is not immediately apparent, but over a period a time a pattern has emerged. For no clear-cut reason, black pets languish the longest in shelters nationwide. Light-colored dogs, even those who are not housebroken or who may harbor undesirable behavioral traits, are chosen time and time again over black dogs that have good training and wonderful dispositions.

Surely with the enduring chic of the little black dress and the current popularity of Gothic icons, basic black has not lost its luster. With so many distinctive looks and personalities available, we feel you will have no trouble finding the perfect black dog for your family.

So often are they overlooked that black dogs on average spend twice as long as their lighter counterparts at our shelter and shelters elsewhere.

Consumers have a strong reason to procrastinate. There will be more and more deals and bargains, and everybody knows it.

It's estimated that 80 to 85 percent of all people currently eligible for EITC do apply for it. The reason we do this tool kit is not only to help employers provide better information to the 15 to 20 percent who are not applying for it. But, also this year, we're using it as a platform to publicize and connect employers to other federally sponsored public benefits that meet the same eligibility requirements as EITC.

You just sort of let them go for a while, but it was time to have something done to my teeth. I'm glad. It's going to be good. Tom Cruise has braces now, too. I'm right in style.