Every day, the miracle of the internet solves another problem for me that I didn't know I had. Today's example: BuyYourFriendADrink.com. This new service allows me to buy real, physical drinks for friends I may never have met in the flesh. To buymyfriendadrink, I need only log onto their site, upload some cash, and write a personalized message.
The message is then sent to my e-buddy, who can take it to one of the bars listed on the BYFAD roster, give the barkeep his gift code, and sip a cold one on me.
Unfortunately, for those of us in flyover America, the service is currently only offered in the New York City area. However, I can't help but think the concept is applicable to many other markets. For example:
- For Floridians: BuyYourFriendASeniorsSpecialAtDennys
- For your boss: BuyYourBossABagOfIceBecauseHeNeedsToLearnToChillDude
- For your friends in California, perhaps: BuyYourFriendAnUnpretentiousButQuiteQuaffableCabernet?
- Maybe for your ex-spouse: BuyYourExADonkeyBecauseSheWon'tHaveYourAssToKickAroundAnyMore
- For the New Orleans market, how about: BuyYourFriendAnHourWithAFEMAOfficialAndAHorsewhip?
Free enterprise -- you have to love it.

I've noticed that there hasn't been a whole lot of ballyhoo about the communist party setting up its tent in the Chinese branch of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT). I'm thinking that possibly most of you are seeing this turn of events in the same way that I am. Personally I think this is more of a dilution of the classic "red" communism than the rise of collectivism into an American corporation. Even the communist party dialog in this scenario gives hints that capitalism is once again prevailing. Did you doubt that it would?

