While total Fed earnings include fees for services like check clearing and wire transfers provided to depository institutions, the bulk of the earnings come from interest on loans and securities acquired as a by-product of its monetary policy.

FORBES: Big Fed Profits Are Another Benefit Of Wise Balance-Sheet Expansion

That meant clearing a security check at the Pentagon and waiting for hours before the cue to start moving arrives.

BBC: Obama's inauguration: Faces in the crowd

Effective next month, anyone presenting identification and clearing a warrant check would be released directly from the precinct with a ticket and court date.

WSJ: Mayor Celebrates His Achievements

Another site, reportdangerousdrivers.com, sports a look from the '90s and appears to be more of a resource to check if you've ever been reported rather than a public clearing for victims to console one another and look out for particular drivers.

ENGADGET: This is the Modem World: When tech can't save us from road rage

"We are the victims of our own success: We have created a very efficient check-deposit system, " said Elliott McEntee, president and CEO of the National Automated Clearing House Association in Herndon, Va.

CNN: House panel explores electronic billing