In 2008, International Speedway Corporation doled out smaller bonuses to its top two executives, Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy. And while almost no one will shed many tears for a guy earning north of $1 million and a woman pulling in more than $750,000, I do think ISC should be commended for sending an entirely appropriate message.

At a time when corporate chieftans are taking rides on private luxury jets on the taxpayers' dime, it's becoming just a bit harder for companies to justify any unnecessary payments to its employees.

I think the powers that be who run AllLeftTurns.com adopted the same philosophy when they chose not to pay my bonus this year. I mean, that's what they told me ...