Ed, Sidney, Ohio

US Bancorp: The Other Big Bank with Big Problems

As a customer of USB, their customer service has picked up as a result of this recession. They've made personal contact with their customers on the homefront to entice customers with the offer of "platinum services" to preferred customers, home equity loans, as well as friendly reminders on how to alleviate PMI insurance on devalued properties below initial mortgage rates, with step by step instructions in plain english on how to request in writing cancellation of PMI. So I am impressed with their efforts. Completely professional and cordial from our downtown home office, population approx 20,000. "Customer Service is the key." Believe it or not, not the usual strong arm tactics involved in sales pitches, this was quite refreshing.

Shipping Stocks: I'd Wait To Buy Frontline and Overseas

You raise several good issues, but having sailed the high seas in the Middle East, I can assure you the threat to shipping remains constant, and Iran's ongoing shadow dancing with their nuclear energy program is surely one of International concern and remains a strong threat to the region. Should the Iranian's revert to days of old by straffing oil tankers in the Persian Gulf out of Farsi Island, then your shipping companies would be great investments.

Shipping Stocks: I'd Wait To Buy Frontline and Overseas

You raise several good issues, but having sailed the high seas in the Middle East, I can assure you the threat to shipping remains constant, and Iran's ongoing shadow dancing with their nuclear energy program is surely one of International concern and remains a strong threat to the region. Should the Iranian's revert to days of old by straffing oil tankers in the Persian Gulf out of Farsi Island, then your shipping companies would be great investments.