Our current offices are so tiny, a little noise goes a long way. So around the aluminum table in our tiny conference room, it's quiet time until 10:30 a.m. And yes: I will shush you.

Have you filled out your bracket yet? Don't obsess too much: the odds of picking a perfect bracket are 9,223,372,036,845,775,808 to 1, at least according to one source. In honor of Kansas's top seed, alum Michael reminisced about his Jayhawks-era drinking haunts. Average spending on dining out for college-age folks in Lawrence, in December: $263. Odds are it'll be more this March.

We are creatures of habit: And sometimes, that is reason enough to spend a little extra on gas. So suggests one-time gas station clerk Tom, in an insightful response to Presh's query about who on earth would pay more for gas when there's a cheaper station across the street.

Can I write off my new shoes? What if I only wear them to work? Today and tomorrow only, tax lawyer/blogger Kelly Phillips Erb is taking your questions on taxes. We'll be back Friday with answers.

Bundle fact of the morning: In Chapel Hill, N.C., married parents gave an average of $543 to charity in December. Good find, Moriah!

Question of the day: Are gift certificates bad gifts? Mark (@Markarms) and I (@jpaskin) are fighting about it on Twitter. What do you say? Weigh in here or on Twitter (#goodgift, #badgift).

Related Links:

Feds crack down on unused and expired gift cards

My in-laws owe me a wedding gift

How should I refuse presents from my students?