I know the census might seem a bit tedious, but I was SHOCKED to find out how much each person counted is worth to the city they live in! Please fill it out and send it back on time– it’ll only take a few minutes of your time, but its effects will last an entire decade~!!!

By M. Margaret Bates
For some people, the United States Census is a too long, too cumbersome questionnaire that is a once-a-decade hassle.

That attitude, however, can be very harmful to our cities’ futures. The census is an opportunity to improve the quality of life for all of our residents for years to come. As an elected official for Lauderhill and immediate past president of the Broward League of Cities, I want to bring to everyone’s attention how the census affects our cities.

The Census Monitoring Board found that just one uncounted person in 2000 meant the loss of an estimated $1,300 in funding, which would be $1.3 million less in funding if just 1,000 people did not complete the census.

Here are some important facts:
April 1, 2010, is Census Day: Residents will receive their census packets now through the end of March and must return them via mail by Census Day, April 1.
The 2010 Census questionnaire can be completed in 10 short minutes and asks only a few simple questions, like name, marital status, gender, age and race. Census employees will visit any resident who does not complete the questionnaire between April and June.
Be Counted: Stand up and be counted. Since the census determines seats in the House of Representatives, an accurate count guarantees Florida has appropriate representation in Congress.
Local, state and federal governments also use census data to distribute funds for services like public safety or building roads and bridges.

Valuable Information:
Census information helps determine dollars for programs like child care and hospitals. The data shows important information like areas of population growth, which can help determine new school locations and needed dollars for educational programs.
Businesses also use census data to determine areas of expansion. Some businesses look for bustling communities in need of services like supermarkets, and others are interested in growth like shopping centers and new housing.

The 2010 Census is easy and ultimately important to the future of our communities: An accurate count can give our cities the chance to grow and thrive. For more information, please visit http://www.broward.org/census2010.

Credit cardholders, listen up: On Monday, new federal regulations will take effect, changing the relationship between you and your card issuer.

The changes are part of the Credit Card Act of 2009, signed into law last May. Congress approved the legislation to end what consumer groups have called unfair and deceptive business practices. But critics say the heavier regulations will make credit cards more costly for everyone.

The primary focus of the law is to eliminate unexpected fees and interest-rate hikes. Many consumers had complained to lawmakers and regulators about credit card issuers retroactively imposing interest-rate hikes on existing balances. In other words, a customer would borrow money under one set of terms — only to get an ugly surprise when the bank suddenly pushed up the interest rate.

Studies estimate that by eliminating unexpected rate hikes and fees, the law could save consumers about $10 billion a year.

But critics say tougher rules will make credit more costly for good customers. If card issuers are barred from imposing retroactive rate hikes on existing balances, then they may try to make up the difference elsewhere. So, for example, consumers may see the return of annual fees on credit cards.

Years ago, credit card issuers routinely charged annual fees. But since the 1990s, most have eliminated them. Now, they may come back. Or there could be inactivity fees imposed on customers who don’t use their card very often.

Here are some of the key provisions:

— Interest Rates: Card issuers cannot increase interest rates during the first year on new accounts. In most cases, retroactive rate increases are prohibited.

— Payments and Billing: The issuer has to set the payment-due deadline on the same day each month.

— Fees: Consumers cannot be charged extra fees for making payments online, by phone or by mail.

— Disclosures: Issuers must notify cardholders of significant changes to their account terms at least 45 days before the changes take effect. If the consumer objects to the changes, he or she can close the account, or “opt out.”

— Young People: Consumers younger than 21 need an adult co-signer to open a credit card. In addition, the card issuers cannot entice students to sign up by offering free pizzas or other gifts within 1,000 feet of a college campus.
by Marilyn Geewax

The economy is so bad that:

- I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.

- I ordered a burger at McDonald’s and the kid behind the counter asked, “Can you afford fries with that?”

- CEO’s are now playing miniature golf.

- If the bank returns your check marked “Insufficient Funds,” you call them and ask if they meant you or them.

- Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.

- McDonald’s is selling the 1/4 bouncer.

- Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children’s names.

- A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico .

- Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.

- Motel Six won’t leave the light on anymore.

- The Mafia is laying off judges.

- Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.

Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal. Oh Great!!
The guy who made $50 Billion disappear is being investigated by the people who made $1.5 Trillion disappear!

And, finally…

I was so depressed last night thinking about the economy, wars, jobs, my savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc., I called the suicide hotline. I got a call center in Pakistan ,
and when I told them I was suicidal, they got all excited, and asked if I could drive a truck.