Remember the outrage a decade ago when banks wanted to charge us extra for dealing with a human being?

We got over it.

So companies started charging us extra for dealing with a machine!

Which doesn't make one son-of-a-bitching bit of sense.

And which is why Chicago's electric company, to whom I just paid my bill by automated phone interface, called the $3 charge a "bill matrix convenience fee."

Oh, of course, they must expect me to think. Yes, I should have anticipated a bill matrix convenience fee. What, do I expect to be able to pay bills from the comfort of my own home? Do I think matrices grow on trees? Three dollars is a pittance to pay for the privilege of … paying.