Observations for Friday

Super Cool
The deposit feature at the new ATMs at the brand new Chase bank branch at 330 N. Des Plaines. Just insert your paper check into a feeder slot in the new ATM. Within seconds, an image of your check appears on the screen with a message: Your deposit amount is $154.99. Correct? No need to fill out an envelope or even use the keypad to tell the machine how much you're depositing. Why didn't someone think of this before?

Not-So-Cool
Seen for sale at the new Jewel grocery store at 330 N. Des Plaines: Potted Norfolk Pines bedecked with Christmas decorations. I'm as big a Christmas freak as anyone, but really ... it's the first week of November, people.

Also Not Cool
The fact that I popped out of the office at lunch without my cell phone. I could have supplied photos of both of the abovementioned items, which would have made this post a lot more interesting.