AARP Lobies for Financial Reform.

AARP has launched a multi-faceted initiative to pass financial reforms necessary to safeguard the pocketbooks of Americans. The initiative includes targeted local TV, radio and print ads in states; grassroots engagement; national and local research; and social media outreach.

AARP is calling on the Senate to put consumers first, not the financial institutions that caused the economic crisis that hurt millions of older Americans. The ad campaign highlights the consequences of the financial industry’s reckless behavior, using a jingle that asks Congress to "Stop the fat cats from putting your money at risk."

"Older Americans, whose retirement nest eggs were decimated by the failure of an outdated and compromised financial regulatory system, overwhelmingly say they want reform," said Craig Eichelman, AARP Missouri senior state director. "We strongly believe that any bill the Senate passes should protect the rights of consumers first and foremost."

"Our recent polling shows that Americans 50+, regardless of party affiliation, people want these protections and that now is the time for Congress to act," added Eichelman. "They want clear information so they can make better, more informed decisions and greater transparency about the financial products available to them. The Senate must act now to protect investors."

Polling revealed broad agreement among Republicans, Democrats and Independents for a number of initiatives, including:

• 96% favor requiring banks to explain in plain language the terms, conditions and fees associated with mortgages and credit card debt. (Including Republicans (98%), Democrats (95%), and Independents (96%).)

• 92% favor requiring investment companies to disclose the costs, risks, and benefits of all the financial products they market and sell using plain language and a user-friendly format. (Including Republicans (91%), Democrats (91%), and Independents (95%).)

• 89% favor protecting people from predatory lending practices, such as excessive fees and penalties, on products ranging from mortgages to credit cards to automobiles. (Including Republicans (86%), Democrats and Independents (91%).)

• 93% favor requiring financial advisors to tell consumers upfront about fees or commissions they earn and any conflicts of interest that potentially could bias their advice because financial advisors should put consumer’s interests ahead of theirs when making recommendations. (Including Republicans (91%) Democrats (91%) and Independents (95%).)

• 59% favor banks only selling consumers mortgages, loans and other products that meet the customer’s needs and stay within the person’s budget. (Including Republicans (64%), Democrats (55%), and Independents (59%).)

• 66% favor the federal government not being allowed to take away a state’s right to enforce stricter consumer protection laws. (Republicans (68%), Democrats (67%), and Independents (66%).)

"AARP is calling on Senators to pass a strong bill that includes, among other protections, a strong and independent consumer watchdog, rules that forbid the financial industry from selling products they know their customers can’t afford or don’t understand, and greater transparency in an industry that has historically operated behind closed doors," said Eichelman.

Looks like after a while I’d learn.

I pulled that one-a-the-oldest-dumb-tricks-in-the-book the other day. Tried to break off a loose thread from a button. Still haven’t found the button. Last I saw it it was rollin’ off in the sunset somewhere.

I don’t know what it is that make ya figure this time you can outsmart a piece a thread. Looks simple enough. Just yank a little harder and at just the right angle.

That technique works great for removin’ buttons, but does little to relieve the annoyance of a loose thread danglin’ on the front of your shirt.

Some lessons just need ta be relearned from time to time. Someone say somethin’ ‘bout bein’ smarter than a piece a thread?

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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To Your Good Health

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

Knobby Finger Joints Indicate Osteoarthritis

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I’m beginning to get little knobs on my finger joints. I believe this is arthritis, and I have seen it in the advanced stages. What can I do to prevent it from getting worse? -- Anon.

ANSWER: The knobs on the finger joints below the fingernail are Heberden’s nodes, named after an English doctor who died at the start of the 19th century. Knobs on the middle finger joints are Bouchard’s nodes, named after a French doctor who died in the early years of the 20th century. Both of these knobs are signs of osteoarthritis -- the common kind of arthritis, the kind that most seniors have at least a touch of. They’re similar to bone spurs seen on backbones and other bones, another consequence of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis comes from fraying of the cushioning cartilage inside joints. How extensive or how incapacitating it will be is unpredictable. Most people manage to get along in spite of it. However, it can be a great burden to others.

There is no preventive medicine to stop osteoarthritis in its tracks. It has a predilection for the fingers, hips, knees and spine. Should it strike larger joints like hips, knees and backbones, muscle strengthening will serve you well. Strong muscles protect joints. The exercise should not be so vigorous that it causes pain, but it should be vigorous enough to encourage strength building. Being overweight increases the stress on knees and hips, so you should strive to stay on the lean side.

Many people swear to the effectiveness of chondroitin and glucosamine, both of which are available without a prescription, and often they come in combination. Not a lot of evidence exists to endorse them wholeheartedly, but if you want to give them a try, they won’t hurt you.