Consumerist Manifesto: Here’s the dynamic behind those holiday shopping deals.

Burnt Orange Report: Here’s something you don’t see every day—a Texas Republican judge comes out against the death penalty.

Addicting Info: Here’s the Red State blogger who declared he “would have shot Michael Brown in the face.”

Oregon Live: Here’s the hug felt ‘round the world.

Speaking of which, your quote of the day:
"He said he wanted to apologize, that he was sorry, and I said, 'I forgive you.' And I don't have any bitterness or hatred, because it was in keeping with what we believed it, that we should have that we should have the capacity and the ability to forgive, that love is much stronger than hate. And it was very moving and touching for me for him to come to Washington and say, 'I'm sorry for what I did.'" (Rep. John Lewis, accepting the apology of the man who fractured his skull during the 1961 Freedom Rides, November 2009)

Guest blogging Mike's Blog Round for the last time this week is Jon Perr from Perrspectives. Send your tips, recommendations, comments and angst to mbru AT crooksandliars DOT com.