I’m about to head out to sign up for my credit union’s credit card, after Bank of America sneakily increased my minimum payment due and charged me a FORTY DOLLAR LATE FATE. It’s an act as graceful as Vince Fumo and Ed Rendell’s passage of the Pennsylvania Casinos bill at 4AM.

I am henceforth sticking with putting my money in public credit unions, which don’t support any of this Wall Street nonsense. Plus, I get a better interest rate from my credit union, and they are REAL PEOPLE who REALLY CARE about your well being, not their corporation’s latest quarter profit returns. I am also now dedicated to convincing any other Bank of America customer’s to switch immediately.

Demand consumer justice!

One more reason to stay tuned to Collateral News:

A sheriff’s office in Cook County, Illinois has refused to execute foreclosure orders indefinitely. Know where he got the idea? From citizens in his jurisdiction. Could it be a trend that spreads?

Let us all organize to protect our cities during our indefinite economic doom.

Full Story: Philly Life – Why Stay? (WHYY It’s Our City)

I’m currently living in Portland, Oregon — without internet access, a desk, or a bed!  It is quite an experience moving to a new city, and it’s only starting to sink in.  I appreciate all the friends who have been checking in and updating me on what you all are doing.  Living in a new place with few friends is exciting, daunting, lonely, challenging, but perhaps the greatest feeling is that of new opportunity and new beginnings.

I’ve been continuing to ‘dig’ stories and update my ‘status’, which is all syndicated on the right column.  Until then, I’ll be trying to put together a desk, try to get some internet going (WHY, oh WHY, do we not have more than 2 options when considering high-speed internet?!), and get back to some writing.

Please remember to vote!  We recently stayed with some new friends in Missoula, Montana, who are supporting Sponge-Bob Squarepants for president.  I’ll leave you with Gene’s news alert:

Since you’ve been here I’ve taken over the regional directorship of the write in campaign for Mr. Squarepants. Perhaps you can spread the word a bit via your connects?

I recall the Presidential campaign of 1952 when Pogo, (the opossum from the Walt Kelly strip), ran against Ike as a write in. Pogo garnered over 250,000 votes! Sponge Bob can surpass that amazing record, even though he is no match for Pogo’s extraordinary depth and insight. I admit Sponge Bob is the very definition of insipid. But he’s my candydate and I’ll dive the seas for him.