Bank of America's soap saga

Talk about media scrutiny: CNBC reported about a week ago that Bank of America, in its bid to cut costs, was preparing to stop offering soup, crackers, flavored teas, sugar-free hot chocolate and hand soap. That led to lots of Soup Nazi-like jokes. It was a hoot. According to a bank spokesperson, the notice reported by CNBC was a draft that had since been "cleaned up." Get it? The New York Post weighed in, reporting that the bank had posted notices all over the bank. It also noted CEO Ken Lewis's $28 million paycheck. The Charlotte Observer seems to have had the last word: The cutbacks were limited to two buildings in New York--a ploy to drive out those pesky investment bankers?--and soap was again flowing in all kitchenettes. So it's okay to shake hands with Bank of America employees again, not that this ever hit the Moises-Alou-pees-on-his-hands level of newsworthiness.  

For more:
- here's the Dealbook item
- here's the New York Post item