Banks are evil. Mine (which has gone through more name changes and ownership transfers than I can keep track of) on occasion would put a hold on my paycheck. Once because it was on an out of town bank (they'd happily been accepting them for at least a year at that poing) and once for no discernable reason (dude, it's on this bank ... it's on this branch of the bank).

In better news, remember the guy who'd bought his house for cash and the bank (Bank of America, I think) tried to foreclose on it? Took him several months and lots of lawyering to get that cleared up. The court found in his favor and said the bank had to pay his costs; said bank, of course, didn't pay. And didn't pay. Until he got a court order, went down to the local bank office with marshals and truck, and had them start the process of taking their furniture, etc., to cover what they owed.

Amazing how quickly a bank can come up with a check with the right incentive.

I have heard from some of my conservative friends that Obama and Michelle are doing far more personal appearances than previous presidents?

I really doubt it. And frankly I'd rather have POTUS out there making connections than "cutting brush" at a ranch 1 day out of five, or whatever it was with Bush II. He took more vacations than any president ever.

Speaking of conservative friends, someone on my FB list just "liked" Michele Bachman.

This is why we can't have nice things, America.

I hate BoA. I only have accounts there because they devoured all my other banks.

The Obamas do make appearances around DC - they'll go to a local restaurant, make infrequent appearances at a local church. Unlike Bush who seemed to be terrified of the city - he'd make occasional appearances around town, but avoided having to actually be with the locals.

Sophia, I suspect it's more perception than anything else. As in, it bugs them so much every time they see photos of the Obamas being warmly welcomed at home and abroad that each and every instance feels like a personal affront. I felt like GWB spent like half his presidency vacationing at his ranch in Crawford, but I suspect that was perception too, and it just bugged the crap out of me to see him posing in a cowboy hat all the time.

ETA: crosspost with Consuela confirms the annoyance of the Bush-in-Crawford photo meme.

Speaking of conservative friends, someone on my FB list just "liked" Michele Bachman.

In a sense, I do like Michele Bachman. It's kind of entertaining having her around saying batshit crazy stuff every so often. I just don't fancy the idea of her running the country.

In a sense, I do like Michele Bachman. It's kind of entertaining having her around saying batshit crazy stuff every so often. I just don't fancy the idea of her running the country.

Have you heard the latest? Michele Bachman has promised to ban pornography.

It startles me to think that I have had the same bank account for 23 years. Like Todd, more bank names than I can recall...and about to get a new one.

I love the story of the fellow repossessing bank furniture. Good for him!

Have you heard the latest? Michele Bachman has promised to ban pornography.

Doesn't that put her on the same side as Andrea Dworkin? I mean, strange bedfellows and all, but I can't see them arm-in-arm...

At one point there was this bank whose strategy was when BoA would buy out a competitor, they would open branches right next to them, to pick up all their disgruntled customers.