The Federal Reserve Board is currently taking opinions on the proposed changes to the credit card rules until Aug 4th. Below is a summary as well as a link to the proposal on the website.

Links:

1. <http://federalreserve.gov/consumerinfo/default.htm>
2. <http://federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/bcreg/20080502a.htm> Proposed C/C and Overdraft Services. Scroll to the bottom to comment on this proposal.

Summary:

• Banks would be prohibited from increasing the rate on a pre-existing credit card balance (except under limited circumstances) and must allow the consumer to pay off that balance over a reasonable period of time.
• Banks would be prohibited from applying payments in excess of the minimum in a manner that maximizes interest charges.
• Banks would be required to give consumers the full benefit of discounted promotional rates on credit cards by applying payments in excess of the minimum to any higher-rate balances first, and by providing a grace period for purchases where the consumer is otherwise eligible.
• Banks would be prohibited from imposing interest charges using the “two-cycle” method, which computes interest on balances on days in billing cycles preceding the most recent billing cycle.
• Banks would be required to provide consumers a reasonable amount of time to make payments.

First I would like to say I commend Dennis & Tom and all individuals who foster and/or adopt kids. This is a huge undertaking to assume responsibility for others kids regardless of the reason.

I tried watching this episode but the little bits I saw made me mad (nicer way of saying what I felt). I also kind of knew Kati would not come around the way some may have thought. I fine when someone uses religion to justify something it’s generally impossible to change their mind.

As for Kati being angry because the 6 year old was told he might be teased about having two dads and he can make the decision on whether he tells the kids who don’t know was so misguided on her part. I think she underestimates the intelligence and the understanding kids have today. For most six year olds the issue maybe as simple as why he has two dads and not a mom and dad, I am quite confident that most six year old kids aren’t going to ask about the parents personal lives; which seems to me was Kati’s concern. Having to explain why some white kids did not like my 6yr old black godson (he lived with my for a time) because of the color of his skin was difficult but I was as honest as I could be based on his maturity level. So I applaud the parents for being open and honest but in a non-judgmental way instead of sugar coating the facts, yes it’s bad when your kids get teased it’s worst if they felt you lied about a situation.

It is ashamed that she thinks it’s better for kids to grow-up with no home or sense of security. Personally, I think maybe Kati needs to spend her next 30 days around the kids in group homes maybe then she wouldn’t be so closed minded. And her comment regarding more straight people adopting or fostering, she needs to remember those kids in the group homes are not products of same sex relationships but those straight people she holds in such high esteem.

This is one of my favorite shows. I know season 6 wasn’t great but I wished we were able to see the original season 7. I wonder know if the writers and produces will continue with the original premise for season 7.

Are they trying to replace the Electric Slide or just really big MJ fans.

Wedding Thriller Dance

Am I mean because I am tired of people who complain about the sorry state of affairs but don’t do anything about it. I guess maybe I am either naive are a bit idealistic to believe if you want the world around you, no matter where you call home, to be better you don’t only complain you identify the problem and make an attempt to make it better. If you don’t then don’t expect change.

Here are somethings I am tired of hearing, these come from my friends, family and strangers whether in the media or just people you meet. I am also going to add a brief suggestion for each.

1. There is nothing to do in whatever state: I am going to choose California because that’s where I live.

• There is hiking
• There is Kayaking
• There is beaches
• There is Strawberry picking (seasonal)
• There is skiing (snow)
• There are lakes for fishing or water skiing
• There is camping (Yosemite for example)

There are quite a few things one can do in their area if they search the internet or leave the house its amazing what there is to do.

2. There are to many kids in foster care

• Become a foster parent (If possible)
• Volunteer (again if possible)
• Ask if they help
• Pro lifers adopt or foster the babies you guilt unprepared people into having
• Promote safe sex
• Make a choice to teach kids about sex or if uncomfortable check into having a program at school. I think it’s better when parents talk to their kids but that’s not always an possible but the one thing you don’t want is for their friends to tell them about sex.

Two of the above options do involve government investigations after all the person is requesting to take care of kids. Also, there are still some small minded states who would put same sex couples through hoops, but again if no effort is made then no complaint should be made about the problem.

3. When a Foster care kid comes up missing, the Social childcare system is broken and need to be re-vamped.

• See #2 for some suggestions
• If you see someone mistreating a child say something.

4. There are to much homeless in the US.
This one is a little more complicated when dealing with adults, because

• Some are on the street voluntarily
• Some are mentally ill, and may not be harmful to themselves are others

There are still options:

• Volunteer at an organization like Habitat for Humanity or something similar in the area.
• Check into volunteering or donating to a facility that helps the mentally challenged.

5. As one of the richest nation why do we have people going hungry

• Volunteer your time at a food bank
• Donate to organizations that feed not only those abroad but to some that take care of those in the your area
• Help out during the holidays at an organization in the area that feeds the hungry.

Sometimes a little bit of time goes a long way in helping just one person.

Just once when someone points out the above issues I would like it followed by, “and this is what I did to help…”