While I was out running errands over the weekend, I stopped by a Marshall's and the line at the layaway counter was full of people, who had their arms and carts full of merchandise. The store in Towson was packed because there was a 25 percent sale on already marked down prices.

At first, it made me think that maybe retailers won't be hurt as badly from the long-suffering economy as everyone is predicting. But then, I thought, if big sales are already being offered before Black Friday then how much money will retailers really make if they keep slashing prices to lure customers into stores?

I don't know the answer to that. But I do know I was heartened to see so many people taking advantage of the layaway plan since I do think it's the most useful tool out there right now for people trying to avoid racking up more debt, but who still want to be able to buy nice things for the holidays. 

Put some money down, make some payments over the few weeks until it's paid off and then take your goodies home with you worry-free. That's awesome. 

You know what else is awesome? Liz alerting the Department of Transportation's Adrienne Barnes to the dangerous crosswalk at Pratt and Eutaw streets. DOT will repaint those lines so drivers will see there is, indeed, a crosswalk there where they are supposed to let pedestrians have the right of way. DOT will also re-examine the timing of the lights to make sure impatient drivers aren't blowing through red lights because the green light is too short.