I bought some NyQuill just a few minutes ago.  It cost 4.99 with tax for some unknown reason.  Usually, it's tagged at 4.99 and with .06% sales tax, well you know how it works.

I told the girl, I don't need the change. 

It's a penny.

But, there is no way to say that without sounding like an asshole.  "Oh, by the way, sweetheart, no change for me."  It's almost as if either party HAS to acknowledge that the "change" is only one penny. 

"You don't want the penny?" she'll invariably reply.  Or, I'll head her off at the pass and say "It's only a penny."

Which leads me to my point, the theme of this slipshod essay if you will.  Pennies are no more than formalities anymore.  No one cares about em.  It's time to start rounding to the closest Nickel.  Embrace the round, ostracize the penny. 

This will of course render the old adage "my two cents" obsolete.  So, start saying "That's my two cents rounded to the closest nickel."

Currently reading : The New Complete Joy of Home Brewing By Charlie Papazian Release date: By October, 1991