If Wachovia opening a new ATM across the street from Bank of America — in a city where both banks have operated for decades — warrants a front-page “news” story in the Observer, I expect an entire commemorative edition the next time Bojangles opens a fast-food joint across the street from a Hardee’s.

Must’ve been a really slow news day in Charlotte yesterday.

Happy 125th anniversary to the LA Times, still one of the four best newspapers in the US. Long may it remain Gannett-free.

Why yes, my new decoration really does put me in the Christmas spirit, thanks. After all, I’ll probably be doing a significant chunk of my Christmas shopping there. And it’s so cute with the little skylights and all.

And no, I don’t really care how much they paid the person who hand-painted it.

Things I love today:

• Pop-up Video re-runs on VH-1 Classic: my only complaint is that no one ever shows my favorite: the Pop-up Behind the Music with Leif Garrett, which was one of the single funniest things I’ve ever seen on TV.
• My fast food cup overfloweth: The McRib and Burger King’s Italian Chicken Sandwich have returned simultaneously.
• Best of all, in only six more days, I get to have my boy home for nearly an entire month. Which is nice, because it’s getting cold here.