[Mike McCarty]

Yesterday I had occasion to talk to a friend of mine over a Pepsi light. Bill would love to have a portrait of either his wife or his kid or both but is astounded at what I charge (a comparative pittance). And so I prod and I cajole and try to educate as to the value of my product.

As we approach the bottom of our second Pepsi light we are joined by Bill's brother Bob. As it turns out, Bob is a connoisseur of art. Bob offers that he has several art pieces by Thomas Kinkade which he acquired at the mall. Bob goes on to say that he could get four times what he paid for each of his