being an active, informed, consumer, for benefit of all

This year, I've been especially active with Consumer Reports.

A petition that needs signed to get the ball rolling?

I got you!

An email to my elected Congress members?

I'm on it!

Personal comments requested to save national treasures?

I'll get right on it!

Today, they sent me a thank you, with a list of accomplishments.

How very nice!

 

* * * * *

Dear Faustina,

If you ever doubted the power you have when you sign a Consumer Reports’ petition, or send an email to a lawmaker or a company, just consider what we achieved together in the past few months:

    - Convinced Amazon, Walmart and Target to stop selling dangerous water bead toys – saving countless families from tragedy when these tiny gel beads are accidentally swallowed by toddlers and balloon in their vital organs.
    - Delivered massive consumer support for a proposal to cap credit card late fees at $8, rather than up to $41 – saving struggling Americans $9 billion a year in unnecessary fees if implemented next year.
    - Passed the first-ever state ban on the known carcinogen Red Dye No. 3 in food. This California law is already prompting companies to remove the toxin from food sold nationally – the maker of PEEPS Easter candy has committed to ending its use, and others are considering removing it before the state law goes into effect.
   - Pressured credit bureaus to give you permanent access to FREE weekly credit reports – helping everyone have a stronger financial future, and saving you up to $14 for each time you check your credit record.

Of course these and other victories weren’t easy. They took months and even years of us working tirelessly together – signing petitions and sending emails to lawmakers, testing products for safety and reliability, exposing anti-consumer practices, and pushing industry to change its ways.
We couldn’t do this without you, Faustina. And we have a lot more to do together in 2024.
We are already gearing up in the New Year to pass strong rules and laws that would finally end junk fees on everything from airline flights, hotel stays, cable and internet bills, and bank accounts – saving an average family of four up to $3,200 a year.
We’ll be expanding on work to get more data privacy rights that protect you and your family online; take on the threats and biases from Artificial Intelligence; as well as make sure you have the Right to Repair your expensive electronics yourself or at the shop of your choice, rather than having to go through the manufacturer.
And don’t forget safer food – we’re keeping up the pressure to get dangerous lead and heavy metals out of dark chocolate, and we have new rounds of testing coming out in the New Year that should change the food industry.
Of course, the special interests will try every trick in the book to undermine the things we’ve fought together for – and to block any new reforms. We're nimble, we're tough, and we can multitask like crazy, but to fight on all these fronts we need your support. So this is where we ask for your help.
Consumer Reports was founded by consumers, for consumers. We are a strictly independent nonprofit, and for more than 87 years we have been supported by people like you – through your subscriptions, through your donations, through your continued partnership.
Thank you for all that you do for a more fair, just and safe marketplace. And may you and your family have a Happy New Year!

Regina Schwartz
Consumer Reports

https://www.consumerreports.org/

 

* * * * *

 

Thanks for the acknowledgements, y'all!

(smile!)

turkey, with a side of cambodia

Today, I brought my number of countries supported via Kiva to 36.

Very nice!

I do like their new lending policy!

In all the years - a dozen and counting - that I've been with Nerdfighters on the Kiva crowd-sourcing site, each loan had to be a minimum of $25, or multiples thereof.

Now, the minimum amount lent is set to $5, allowing more flexibility and more lending.

That flexible option has allowed me to help finance two loans.

 

The first that I chose was to Davy, in Cambodia.

Here is the profile on the website.

"Davy is a seller and business owner. 

Since she has been making foods to sell for about 60 month. 

It has gained a good reputation and now has a strong base of loyal customers. 

She started that business to provide for her family. 

She has applied for a loan from Kiva to buy some groceries to make foods to sell. 

This business is offering her community more options and giving her the opportunity to build a better life for her family. 

More competitors and the rainy season are her major challenges.
This loan is special because it provides entrepreneurs with resources to increase income and improve their living conditions."

She sounds like she's running a diner, to allow folks to purchase meals she makes fresh.

I appreciate how valuable a service that is to her community!

 

As I have kept my sanity by such services in my own seaport, I loaned her $20.

Thanks to repayments from several of my Kiva loans, I had a credit of $42.

That was enough to make two good loans, as well as help Kiva in their funding. 

As that fee for the loan to be processed is about $3.50 per loan, that left $15 for me to make a rare second loan.

I chose Yasemin, in Turkey, for that second loan.

Here is her profile.

"Yasemin is 50 years old, married, and has a daughter. 

She started working to support her husband and daughter. She sells food containers and food storage boxes.
She will buy food containers and food storage boxes with the loan she will receive through Kiva.
This loan is special because it supports underserved women in rural parts of Turkey."

Those are all plastic, no doubt the same linear, high density, polyethylenes that I worked with for my doctorate in analytical chemistry, almost thirty years ago.

Good for her, I thought!

So, to help her loan get fully funded, I left a comment on her profile.

"How wonderful that she is selling a reusable product! 

Not only will the foods stored in the plastic containers stay fresh longer, but those foods will also be safe from infestation from bugs or animals. 

That's good for the health of those who eat the food.
- Faustina
Nerdfighters "

 

I do hope both women will soon see their loans fully funded...

and wish them much success in their endeavors!

from OHM to a horseshoe crab

Waiting in my email box this afternoon as this little poem, for me!

"'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town,
OHM staff were rushing and running around:
Checking the post box, hoping petitions were there;
Fighting for good quality water and air;
Ensuring the payroll was submitted on time;
Sending in their comments before the deadline;
Squinting in winter sun while counting up birds;
Learning to listen well and act on their words;
And the whole time, rememb'ring the reasons they race:
For the future, protection, and love of this place.

Happy holidays from the One Hundred Miles team!" 

How very kind of that organization to think of me, a lowly horseshoe crab!

Keep on protecting this Georgia coast, please!

See you next year!

gift to the church for 2024

Today is the day for pledging funds for the their budget for 2024.

My pledge is lower than in past years.

However, the amount I have promised to Asbury Memorial Church makes them the second largest charitable organization to which I give.

They had been the largest for the past few years.

So, why the decrease this coming year?

I know they will have other fundraisers, just as they have had this year, and every year.

As a retiree, my funds are limited, and I already have other debts (for the repair of my car, for the repairs to my house, for the repairs to my roof) acquired in the past few months that I will be tasked with paying off next year.

Therefore, I found it necessary to decrease my pledge.

Fortunately, this pledge drive will allow them to amend their budget.

Meanwhile, I will feel freer to contribute to the fundraisers that arise.

I call that a win-win for all.

(smile!)

honoring my stepmom on bday75

Happy 75th birthday, Bonnie!

 

As I mentioned a couple of days ago, I decided to gift you by giving money to someone else.

 

Yeah, maybe that doesn't sound like a good present, but I know you will be pleased.

 

This is the fellow I chose especially for you.

 

His name is Munkhbat, he's 49 years old, and Kiva describes him as "modest and hard-working".

 

Believe it or not, he's a cobbler.

 

No, not like peach or blackberry! LOL!

 

The man makes shoes.

 

Right?!

 

In this day and age, there are still people out there who craft shoes by hand.

 

He must do quality work, as he sells five pairs of shoes every day from his home in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

 

Pretty amazing!

 

But you know what I like most about this?

 

His favorite part of his business is seeing people wearing his shoes.

 

Very nice.

 

So, to help him buy more materials to make more shoes, I gave him your birthday money.

 

That $25 will go a long way over there!

 

Maybe one day he'll be able to sell his shoes on the internet; one never knows.

 

So, happy birthday to you, dear friend and stepmom!

 

(smile!)

communication in madasgar

When I finally had the funds, I didn't have time to look for someone.

Now, Jean Charles, a 34-year-old man like my nephew Michael, is one step closer to helping others stay in touch with their family.

Here's what Kiva had to say about this father of three in Madasgar.

"He is enterprising, he has been in the business of mobile phones for a dozen years. He has a place of sale at the edge of a popular street. He manages to meet his family's food, schooling, clothing and other basic needs with his earnings. However, he wants to progress. He wants to further improve the living conditions of his family and also wants to carry out major projects such as buying building land.

Jean Charles takes out loans to strengthen his selling capital. He is one of Vahatra's good partners. He profited from his previous loans. He manages to contribute savings with his profits.

Jean Charles is applying for this loan to buy various cell phones to put back on sale. He's going to buy touch-tone phones and androids. He will be able to increase his merchandise."

The need for people to stay in touch, even when at a distance, is vital for their mental health.

This nerdfighter of Kiva wishes him much continued success and applauds the fine example he has set for his children.

Kudos to you!

another church roof

This time, it isn't at the sister church, it's here at Asbury Memorial Church.

Rather than a low country boil, a different technique has been devised.

The members of the congregation are being asked to pledge by choosing a date on a calendar that holds importance to them, then to pay based on that date's corresponding placement within a calendar year.

Let me explain.

I chose May 17th.

That date happens to be the 137th day of the year, so I wrote a check for that amount this morning and dropped it off with Claudette.

What did I choose that date?

It certainly doesn't mark the birthday or anniversary of anyone in my family, nor does it mark a special day for my friends.

However, Joan Hester Byrd would have been 94 on that date.

I do miss that songbird.

gift of time and talent

As a member of Asbury Memorial Church for some years now, I have pledged to give to that congregation my presence, my gifts, my talents, and my service.

Once upon a time I gave my service - meaning my time - to the Hospitality Team for over a year, helping to take care of food service before and during any meals or "big" coffee hours, as well as dish clean-up and trash removal afterward.

Another time, I gave my service - meaning my time - to the Flower Ministry for about a year, helping to transform the huge displays at the front of the church on Sunday mornings into smaller bouquets to brighten the homes of those ill or celebrating a big birthday.

This year, I gave my service and my talents to the Vacation Bible School, a week of evenings spent with children in grades pre-K through 6th, to better inform them about Bible stories.

I was given three evenings to enact those tales, along with others who were volunteering their service and talents.

I had so much fun, I'm going to do this again!

i thank You, God, for the opportunity to let my light shine.

(smile!)

bday65 to celebrate at gala20!

While I was at the venue tonight, I thought: "Why not?"

So I bought the ticket for the future event, knowing it was a good deal more than I typically spend on one-night deals.

So why did I do it?

 

First, I was at the Savannah Children's Theatre to see their latest musical - featuring a story I was raised with - for the second time.

They just keep getting better, giving more every year.

This is their fifth production this year - THIS YEAR! - with more on the near horizon.

 

Second, I like the idea of going to a gala... I do!

I recall having an in-depth conversation with Deborah Ray and perhaps K.T. Aull, and who knows who else, about the differences between a gala, a fete, a party, and a soiree.

They actually have better recollections of my descriptions than I do!

But here's the main thing about a gala: cocktail attire is required.

Cocktail dresses for the women, cocktail jackets for the men.

I have a new black dress that I've not ever worn and this sounds like the perfect occasion for me to get dolled up and go out for the evening...

and a Saturday evening at that!

Third, I need a worthy event for my bday65 gift to me.

At a cost of $75 per ticket, this certainly qualifies.

It also benefits a cause I believe in, so that makes it perfect.

Now, to wait for the day...

and try to decide later whether to bid at the silent auction there.

(smile!)

birthday money to foster mom elsewhere

I knew I had money waiting at Kiva... but I didn't realize how many of those I've loaned to have fully paid off their loans.

My thanks to the Rosa Mistica group in Paraguay - brava!

They paid off in less than a year.

My thanks to Fatima Marisela in El Salvador - brava!

She is 100% paid in full in less than a year, too.

My thanks to Cucu Kurniasih in Indonesia - brava!

She received birthday money from me last year, and she is paid in full.

 

All together, they have returned to me the funds to support Jully in Uganda.

She is a refugee mother to six children, farming millet, sorghum, maize, and beans to support them and help provide them with an education.

Now, she wants to branch out -

wait for it -

by planting trees.

(smile!)

(Yes, that's a little pun humor, from me to you!)

 

One of the reasons I chose her and her loan is because there was an anonymous donor -

going by "the moonshot factory" -

who was doubling all monies for her loan.

Most excellent!

In fact, she is completely funded and good to go.

(smile!)

 

i thank You, God, for leading me to this opportunity to help another!

stamping out hunger, again

I even made a special trip to the grocery store yesterday, just for this occasion.

Specifically for this bag, I bought

canned beans, canned corn, canned hominy...

ramen soup, penne pasta, cereal...

then I even added a jug of electrolyte renewal fluid that Tony and Laura had bought for me last month.

I was sure to double-bag the load...

got to make sure it travels safely to those in need.

i thank You, God, that I am able to help.

car parts to go, please

Hey, that's a little inside joke to myself, y'all!

Happy International Women's Day!

Yes, it's that time again, and, as I have for the last seven years or so, I've ventured over to Kiva.org to find a loan that will get matched funds.

Remember that I'm trying to make sure I find a worthy candidate in a country that's not yet on my list, as well as having a market sector that's new to me.

Well, I was hardly on the site ten minutes when this one popped up!

A woman dealing in car parts in Togo?

That was too good to be true!

I have not yet been to that country, but my heart goes out to those in need of parts to make their vehicle work again.

Once upon a time, I used to do my own car repairs, first on a Chevy Monza for two years in San Diego, then on a Subaru in Tallahassee and Savannah for thirteen years.

Now, I drive a 2001 Saturn, my first new car ever, and after 20+ years, its parts are getting to be a bit harder to find.

So, I salute Ablavi and her endeavors to help the women and men in her community by trying to stock some of the items most needed.

I'm sure her two children are proud of their mom!

Me, too!

And to anyone out there in the ether that wants to help,

and especially wants to see their $25 in aid go twice as far,

here's the link to help her or anyone else!

Then you can get a special badge of honor, too.

Thanks!

salt marsh protection!

When the Georgia Wildlife Federation calls for action, I jump to it!

Most especially when someone threatens my beloved saltwater marshes, I respond.

Ah... I do so love their smell!!!

That always speaks of home to me.

And now, again, there are developers out there trying to pave that paradise to put up yet another parking lot...

but they're being tricky about it.

That's okay - the Camo Coalition knows their tricks!

Here was the call to action for me.

 

***

Dear Faustina,

Public ownership of Georgia’s coastal marshlands may be at risk. Votes taking place Monday, March 6, are imperative – please take action immediately.

HB 370, which passed out of the Judiciary Committee last week, substantially reduces the burden required to claim ownership of coastal marshlands. The current procedures maintain a high standard that is very appropriate to keep critical marshes under public ownership while allowing a person to assert and prove if they have a legitimate claim to the property.

Under the current public trust doctrine, Georgia’s coast is unparalleled in its quality. It is without question the best functioning coastal marshland along America’s Atlantic coast. HB 370 fundamentally changes the burden of proof to benefit petitioners that want to assert their personal ownership of Georgia’s coastal marshlands.

Ask your Representative to protect our coastal marshlands by voting NO on HB 370. Take action immediately to stop HB 370 from advancing.
TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY

MORE INFORMATION

HB 370 establishes an expedited process for the establishment of title to coastal marshlands (Kings Grants & State Grants). It would require a petitioner to provide the State Properties Commission an abstract attesting to the tracing of title to a King’s Grant. The State Properties Commission either agrees with this tracing or, after 180 days the tracing of the grant is affirmatively established and it becomes an affirmative factor in a special master evaluation. If the State Properties Commission does not accept the tracing and a subsequent court ruling establishes that not accepting the tracing is without just cause, the State must pay for the court proceedings. This type of ruling would be used in subsequent legal proceedings as an affirmation of the petitioner’s claims.

This legislation appears to favor the petitioner substantially in successfully claiming ownership of coastal marshlands and adjacent uplands…ostensibly to ensure they are protected for the future by securing them under conservation use of some type. Currently, coastal marshlands that are not designated as part of a King’s Grant are owned by the people of Georgia and are held in trust by Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources, thus they are already protected. Under the current public trust doctrine, Georgia’s coast is unparalleled in its quality. It is without question the best functioning coastal marshland along America’s Atlantic coast. This legislation fundamentally changes the burden of proof to benefit petitioners that want to assert their personal ownership of Georgia’s coastal marshlands.

These evaluations of claims of Kings Grants and State Grants of private ownership are fraught with complicate details and stipulations over property grants that might date from the 17th or 18th century. 180 days is simply not enough time for the State to adequately evaluate all aspects of these claims…the current system works, as is exemplified by the fact successful applications are regularly processed and granted.

Sincerely,

Mike Worley

President & CEO
Georgia Wildlife Federation

no more junk fees, please

Dear Faustina --

The day after the President targeted junk fees in his State of the Union address, we took your petition signatures and stories about unfair junk fees directly to the Federal Trade Commission – demanding it stop companies from charging you these outrageous and arbitrary fees.

[NOTE: I had signed the petition about two weeks ago.]

More than 40,000 of you signed our petition, and hundreds more shared your frustration over junk fees on your bank accounts, hotel rooms, airline and concert tickets, and internet/cable services. You can read our comments to the FTC here (pdf). 

We have HUGE momentum in the fight against junk fees. Not only is the FTC investigating these fees, the President is calling on Congress to pass the Junk Fee Prevention Act, and our experts are working right now to make sure that proposed legislation is as strong as possible.

Faustina, you helped make this happen! And we hope you’ll keep fighting with us in the coming weeks and months as we pressure federal regulators and members of Congress to end these fees, which can cost the average family more than $3,200 a year!

One thing you can do right now is to share our petition against junk fees with friends and family so they can be part of this money-saving campaign. We will need every consumer to join this fight, since so many corporations make huge profits off these junk fees.
Share the Petition

Share Your Junk Fee Story

Thank you again for all you are doing to fight junk fees. And we will back in touch soon with more ways we can work together to end these fees once and for all.

Marcus Jones
Consumer Reports

 

------- ------ ------

Always nice to get a pat on the back for doing the right thing.

Even better to find out that what you do has an impact on making life better for all.

Thanks, Consumer Reports, for letting me know that what I do helps!

a canadian marine sanctuary? yes, please!

This was the email I received.

"Speak up and make your voice heard by urging the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to designate the proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary!

Under the waters of eastern Lake Ontario lie historic shipwrecks that tell the story of America’s history. The 1,724 square miles proposed for the sanctuary designation encompass 43 known shipwrecks and one submerged aircraft that span over 200 years of history in the eastern waters of Lake Ontario.

These waters were transportation and trade routes for Indigenous Peoples and early European explorers. They were centers for military conflicts from land and sea, and they were critical to the development of the American West and the nation’s industrial core. Many more shipwrecks, historic aircraft, and several other underwater archaeological sites that may be of religious and cultural significance to Indigenous Nations and Tribes are also likely located in the area just waiting to be discovered.
Take action today and sign our letter to show your support for designation of Lake Ontario as a national marine sanctuary!

A Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary designation would:

    preserve and raise national awareness and appreciation of a historically-significant collection of shipwrecks and other maritime heritage and cultural resources;
    foster partnerships with researchers and educators to discover additional wonders beneath the waves and tell the story of our past in order to shape our future; and
    create business and job opportunities and benefit local community economic growth from tourism and outdoor recreation."

Please feel free to click the link and sign, too!

Thanks!!!

in memory of my middle brother

After becoming bereft from film of a football game...

and bouncing back to this time and space via a crossword puzzle...

I decided to go in search of a loan to honor memories of Ronnie.

Kiva showed this nerdfighter one that was perfect.

No, the recipient did not bear his name... but his heart is close to that of my brother's.

Marcel lives in Rwanda.

He has two children, as did Ronnie.

He is active in helping others around him and his well-liked, with loyal customers.

His store is helping those in a refugee camp to have needed supplies.

I know Ronnie, who chose to live homeless for the last years of his life, would approve.

Better yet, the loan only has a few days left to secure funding.

Right time, right place.

i thank You, God.