As the Official Bank of the National Football League, Bank of America is celebrating the 2008 season kick-off by issuing the Now Prove It™ challenge to fans in some of the most passionate football cities in the country. The Now Prove It challenge, taking place in the hometowns of the Carolina Panthers®, Dallas Cowboys®, New England Patriots® and Washington Redskins®, will test the limits of fans' loyalty in each of these four markets as they attempt to outlast fellow competitors by maintaining contact to a giant 20-foot inflatable team jersey. The last fan standing will be honored as their team's most dedicated supporter and win a pair of tickets to every 2008 regular season home game of their favorite team. Read full article here

Brooklyn and Chicago recently used J.P. Morgan prepaid debit cards in successful campaigns to take firearms off the streets. The gun buy back programs were sponsored by local law enforcement officials who offered citizens prepaid debit cards for working guns, no questions asked. More than 7,500 firearms were collected at community churches and other turn-in sites in the two cities. A recent program sponsored by the New York Police Department and the Brooklyn district attorney's office netted almost 700 guns. People who dropped off guns received a $200 J.P. Morgan prepaid debit card and a $20 card for BB guns and air pistols. Overall, 697 functioning guns were collected, including 204 revolvers, 193 pistols, 226 rifles and shotguns and 12 assault weapons. The guns will be melted down into hangers to be used at dry cleaners. Read full article here.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HSBC Bank USA, N.A., the U.S. banking unit of one of the world’s largest financial services companies, today announced the results of an HSBC Direct Consumer Survey which revealed that, despite consumer confidence at an all time low1, Americans continue to treat themselves and others, with over half having “splurged” within the last month. However, 82% of respondents are aiming to save, and also recognize the control involved in saving - as one in five claimed that saving requires more discipline than quitting smoking. Respondents indicated emotions are strongly tied to spending decisions, with nearly half citing “it just feels good” as a reason for splurging.