Kiki’s Korner

I spent this past Sunday in Fresno watching my ‘nephew’ throw down on a mat in a California State wrestling tournament.

I have seen Fos play soccer. I have caught several of his football games. This was the first time I have seen him wrestle. And you know what? My boy done good. Real good.

I didn’t know anything about wrestling before I walked into that gym, and to be honest, I can’t remember much now. I do know I did not like seeing the bodies twisted into different directions. The worry wart in me kept peeking out, and I am sure I freaked him mom (Jones) out a few times. I also did not like the waiting around for hours in between matches. What the hell is that all about? Just seems like everyone’s time could be better spent, but what do I know.

I was glad to get the chance to see Fos wrestle. he did really well and seems to enjoy being in the ring…but I will admit, I cannot wait for football season. So much more my sport.

We recently went through a little credit card theft scam fighting over 40 fraudulent transactions charged in Mexico, and worked with Citibank to reverse the charges and settle the account.

Thankfully, Citibank has made the account whole, but in the process – I think they killed their share of a few trees. First they sent out one letter for every transaction that was being declined by us to confirm they have opened a file on it. Then they sent one letter for every transaction letting us know it was being reviewed. Then, we received one letter for every transaction to confirm the charge has been credited back to our account and the file was closed.

120+ envelopes. 120+ letters. Who knows how many ink cartridges. And stamps? This is a sure fire way to keep the USPS in business.

Since all these transactions were reported at the same time, me thinks a smart(er) way to handle this going forward is to send ONE letter confirming all the charges we are declining. Then send ONE letter to confirm our account is in review. Then ONE final letter on all the charges that were being credited back to our account, and if need be, ONE more letter in case some of the charges were not credited (confirming why). Seems a much more efficient use of time. Of money. Of Mother Nature’s resources.

How about it Citibank…care to work on greening yourself?

I just received an email from the San Francisco For Obama group about two major upcoming events which I believe deserve some attention, Eve of Justice and the 100,000 People To San Francisco march.

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Copied straight from the email:

Both events are results of legal arguments to overturn Proposition 8, which reaches the California Supreme Court this week. The Eve of Justice is a candlelight vigil, while the march is our ONLY CHANCE to have our voices heard.

Why?

We just found out that Thursday, March 5th is the ONLY day they will be arguing the case.

There will only be one day of arguments and then the judges get 90 days to decide. Basically, no second chances here to make our case outside the courthouse… so PLEASE COME and show up. There will be press conferences by the lawyers afterwards – all on March 5th – and the opposition is going to be there in full force so we need to be there in greater numbers.

Eve of Justice – San Francisco
March 4, 2009 at 5:00 PM at Harvey Milk Plaza
This is the day before the California Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the validity of Prop 8. Stand together and send a unified message to our fellow Californians, including the Supreme Court Justices, that individual liberties like the right to marry are guaranteed by the Constitution to everyone and cannot be stripped away at the ballot box by a bare majority.

Prop 8 – 100,000 People To San Francisco
March 5th at 8:00am at the Supreme Court of California
Be present outside the court to show the judges how much we support overturning 8. Don’t wait and react to a decision, go out and show you will fight for equality. No matter what the courts decide, this will be a landmark case in determining if the rights of any minority are safe in our society, so now’s the time to take a stand. If you’re able please come stand outside the courts and wear white in solidarity.

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I hope you will show your support by attending one or both of these events and help overturn Proposition 8. I believe we are, as a whole, a forward thinking nation and ask that we all work to guarantee the same freedoms and rights to everyone.