PSoTD

So the Dow dropped almost 7 % of price on Monday. What's everybody doing? Are they bailing out the market and swelling the catastrophe, or are they holding steady in their positions? I have to admit, my faith in the people who invest in the market isn't that high right now...

And, by the way, what would regulators say about this?

When John Dykstra got his September credit card bill from Advanta, a small-business card issuer, he was shocked: Dykstra says he has a good credit score and has never missed a payment, but his interest rate had jumped from 7.99% to 26%.

He was even more shocked by the explanation: A brochure in the mail told him he needed to be aware of the "continually changing business environment."

He's not alone. Card issuers from Bank of America to Capital One are using the economic crisis as a reason to raise rates. According to Consumer Action's 2008 survey of card companies, Bank of America, Citi, and Capital One have recently said that "market conditions" could cause them to increase APR's.

After seeing Smart cars all over the place in Rome, you get used to the look and appreciate the fact that they can turn around on a dime, which in those kinds of cities is a REAL benefit. Plus park perpendicular to the curb.

I was even passed by one while driving our Renault on the highway to Pisa. And I am not ashamed.

I don't think that photo is of them, but when you read their front page...

GOVERNOR PALIN "ROCKS THE NATION"!

Citizens of Wasilla, the Mat-Su Valley and the great state of Alaska can be proud of Governor Sarah Palin as she joins Presidential hopeful Senator John McCain as the Vice President candidate. Political party’s aside, this is an amazing opportunity for Alaskans to show the world that the Gread Land abounds with creativity & American pride. Alaska...the last frontier is also a state rich in natural resources, dynamic tourism, pristine beauty with a population of business savvy entrepreneurs. The GWCC/CVB Board members and staff will continue to provide our members and community the best service possible toward our mutual success. Palin rocks! Business rocks! The Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce and Convention/Visitor Bureau rocks!

I'm now watching the Stock for Luxottica. They own LensCrafters, and with a public personality on the campaign trail displaying something so close to the advertised LensCrafters look for the next two months, I think their stock should be interesting to watch.