Merrill's Minions

Now that the ACES auction is over, and I've finished writing a serious story about it for the main ACES Web page conference coverage, I can divulge these things: I did, in fact, try to bid up Merrill Perlman on a certain glass pitcher (as did several others), and Merrill knows how to play hardball. Just what did she promise you for guard work, Eileen? I also can divulge that at one point, I thought I was going to be buying a $60 pitcher I have no room for in my house. So Merrill, the ACES Education Fund, and a certain Quincy copy editor, both thank you for the contribution. (Now, why did I pay $25 for a DVD of "The Paper" when you can pick it up for $7.99 at Target?)