18 Sep 2004
A new law hastens the check's demise. But is that a good thing?

Given the security flaws that exist in current "paperless" payment methods, I try to stick to checks for bill payments. I never let a merchant automatically debit my bank account: I will let them tap credity cards for monthly payments, but only because credit cards have that Federal liability limit in place. Debit cards (and checking accounts) don't.

The rise of cheaper and faster payment alternatives such as credit cards, debit cards, and online banking started eating into the check's market share in the 1990s. And next month, a new law takes effect that will eliminate many of the check's few remaining advantages for consumers. As a result, the current 4 percent-a-year decline in check writing is expected to accelerate. Within a generation, checks are likely to be a rarity, used only by a few stubborn oldsters or in special situations, such as giving a nephew money as a graduation gift.

(link) [U.S. News & World Report]

00:00 /Technology | 0 comments | permanent link

Batch # 2

Two hundred and ten baby chicks arrived this morning at 6 am, via Priority Mail. Of course, it was pouring down rain, and by the time I had them safely ensconsed in the brooder, I'd changed clothes twice. The only clean jeans I've got left are, well, slightly small, so not only am I soaking wet, I'm being squeezed around the middle. It's not gonna be a comfortable day.

The picture at left is from the McMurray Hatchery site, and shows the full grown bird. And it's a good picture, too, in the sense that the real birds are alot uglier than the picture...

I hope this batch goes well: it's later in the year than I've ever done meat birds before, and I'm a little worried about early frosts.

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