Chasing a bank robber can be a bad career move

Life is complicated. You can do the right thing, and it can still be the wrong thing.

If you live in Seattle, you've probably heard this story. Jim Nicholson, 30, was working at a Key Bank as a teller when a skinny man, wearing a beanie cap, dark clothing and sunglasses, came in quietly and apprehensively. Nicholson had a bad feeling right away, and sure enough, after a few minutes, the man approached the counter and said, "This is a ransom. Fill the bag with money."

Since the word ransom is usually used in association with a kidnapping, Nicholson paused and then asked to see the man's gun.

"It's a verbal ransom," the man said, which still doesn't make much sense, when you think about it. Not that I expect bank robbers to be extremely educated, but you'd think they'd know the lingo in their chosen career.