I didn't know about the credit card fee coming out of a waiter's pocket, but I should have. As a small business, I have to pay a not-unsubstantial fee for every credit card transaction my clients make. It's sometimes a painful chunk.

The credit card companies agree with -t, that the ability to use cards attracts customers. What I didn't know before signing up for the service, is that it's 'illegal' (though I suspect that's a strong bit of propoganda on the credit card companies' part) for me to express a preference to my clients for receiving payment by cash or check.

Could that really be legislation?

Finally watched the Bernard Goldberg interview, and I loved it, even if I did end up feeling kind of sorry for the guy after the commercial break because he was just so clearly out of his league.

Last night's was good too, but my Tivo got the guy's name wrong. (Tivo said it was going to be the other Newsweek reporter who's on all the time. Bad Tivo! No biscuit.)

I'm at home today, FINALLY taking one of my summer Fridays off, and electricians are fixing an outlet in my kitchen that's been dead for three months. (My landlord is refinancing, so she's finally getting her ass in gear and fixing all the various things we've mentioned to her. In September we may even get new doors on the bedroom and bathroom to replace the ones that are there now with big holes in them! Exciting!)

msbelle, where are you travelling to?

I ask for the check because I'm not usually a lingerer. Usually I'm an eat, pay, leave kind of girl.

I did the warm salt water last night. In case anyone has forgotten, it is NASTY.

I am pushing lots of water and right now hot herb tea.

Also, I don't think I want to kiss my Dr. Pretty sure, no.

Beej, that sounds like BS to me. My doctor will take credit cards, but if you pay cash or check she charges less.

Considering the highest class place I've ever been to on my own nickle is Olive Garden, I'm not too concerned about the etiquette of bill delivery. Bankroll a trip to Le Cirque or something for me, and I'll be happy to conduct an investigation.

Trip one is PA.

Trip two is west coast, but we are not sure on exact places yet. It will get finalized today and Monday.

Trip two is west coast, but we are not sure on exact places yet. It will get finalized today and Monday.

oooh! Fancy! I know you'll be swamped but if it is nearby i'd love to see you for a meal.

I get dinged and extra x% for paying with a credit card all the time.

I always liked gargling with warm salt water, It's miles better tasting than gargling with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and Lavoris, that's for sure. Used to have to do that when I had chronic sore throats of indeterminate origin.

Is it midnight yet? And why can't I get the newest "Harry Potter" if it's midnight SOMEWHERE? I mean, I'm pretty sure it's midnight by now in New Zealand or Australia or the "Lost" Island. What's the point of time zones if I can't get them to work for me for a change?

Rumor has it that a few were sold in Indianapolis early yesterday. But the buyers weren't naming the bookstore.

We tend to pay our restaurant bills with a debit card but tip in cash. I waited tables for a while--and while some waitstaff do make good money, I'd rather them not have to pay taxes through the nose just because they're worried Uncle Sam can track their credit card receipt totals.

When I worked in a flower shop, we had a minimum amount that could be charged to credit cards. I think the credit card fee was 5% at that time (but that was easily 10 years ago).

I prefer my bill to be placed on the table without my asking--just because it seems whenever I'm in a hurry and have to ask for it, the server never seems to show up and I have to flag someone else down to get my bill and get out of there.