Well, Ballentine Blvd. is back to normal. I enjoyed the peace and quiet
and not hearing the big trucks hit that bump between Corprew Ave and
Lakebridge Dr.
Here's some important info for those of you who use Adobe Acrobat
and/or Adobe Reader version 9.
You should update to version 9.1 to repair a security vulnerability
that could give control of your PC to hackers.
You can get more details here:
http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-03.html
Updates for versions 7 and 8 should be out later this month. In the meantime,
you can remove the the risk by simply disabling JavaScript in Reader.
Here's how: Open Acrobat Reader, then:
Click: Edit -> Preferences -> JavaScript... then uncheck Enable Acrobat JavaScript
That will keep your computer safe from the threat until the update is ready.
I leave JavaScript turned off in Reader all the time. I see no need to enable it.
USPS Rate Increase Info
Here’s everything you need to know.
On May 11, 2009, the U.S. Postal Service will implement a new postage rate
increase for the majority of mail services including First–Class Mail®,
First–Class International®, Postcards and Special Services.
Here is a summary of the USPS 2009 postage rate increase:
The price for one–ounce First–Class™ stamps has increased to $0.44 from $0.42.
On January 18, 2009, the U.S. Postal Service increased pricing for shipping
services by an average of 5 percent.
Prices were adjusted for Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Select,
Parcel Return Service and some international shipping products. 
According to the U.S. Postal Service, the average postage increase by class
of mail will be at or below the rate of inflation (as measured by the
Consumer Price Index).
The U.S. Postal Service also introduced Commercial Plus pricing for
high–volume shippers.
Stamps.com customers who qualify as a high–volume shipper can receive a
discount up to 14.5% off Express Mail retail pricing.
With Stamps.com you can print postage from your PC. As an incentive,
they are giving those who sign up $25 in postage, a digital postal scale
worth $50, $5 in supplies, and a four week risk free trial. Try Stamps.com today!
Finally, here's an inspirational tale you might enjoy. Feel free to
copy and pass it around.
Why There Is So Much Pain And Suffering
A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.
As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.
They talked about so many things and various subjects.
When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:
'I don't believe that God exists.'
'Why do you say that?' asked the customer. 'Well, you just have to
go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist.
Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people?
Would there be abandoned children?
If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain.
I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.'
The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because
he didn't want to start an argument.
The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.
Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with
long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard.
He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered
the barber shop again and he said to the barber:
'You know what? Barbers do not exist.'
'How can you say that?' asked the surprised barber.
'I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!'
'No!' the customer exclaimed. 'Barbers don't exist because if they did,
there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards,
like that man outside.'
'Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me.'
'Exactly!' affirmed the customer. 'That's the point! God, too, DOES exist!
That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help.
That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world.'
Edward L. West Sr.
