James Stabile Info News Blog June 2007

Discussion of The Month

June 2007 and the start of the 2007 Atlantic Hurricane Season. OK I may seem a little glib about that, but I'm dead serious. And dead is what you could be if you live in the hurricane prone states and don't take heed to the consequences of the start of the hurricane season. Hurricanes are deadly. The time to prepare for the storm is now, not when the hurricane strikes. Read below in the Health, Fitness and Lifestyle section of this blog more on the subject. June is the start of summer and summer can be very much fun. Many people take their yearly vacations during the summer months. Summer is the time for vacations, trips and out of doors activities. Enjoy the summer fun, but remember to play responsibly and safely. "Take me out to the ball game... Buy me some peanuts and Crackle Jack I don't care if I never get back", Yea, this Take Me Out To The Ball Game song seems to suggest what summer is all about, but there is a lot more to June, July and August than a ball game. Although the great American summertime pastime is baseball. Let's not get too serious here. After all school's out for summer, at least that's what Alice Cooper has been singing about for decades and no school for some of us is like the best. Summer is also good for summer jobs, making money for college and preparing for school in the September. Although I think that most schools especially colleges start the fall term in August. Anyway, no matter what summer means to you, it's here, enjoy.

Entertainment

Disturbia An excellent thriller. At first look it seems to be a remake of Rear Window directed by the one and only Alfred Hitchcock, but there is much more to it than being a remake. Yes, it does appear to be a teen movie, but into the last third of the movie the teen thing disappears. The movie explores what can happen to a teen who loses his father in an automobile accident where he was the driver. The subtle lesson of the movie, people's as well as teens' behavior is always a direct result of the good and the bad in their lives. This movie depicts this belief in realistic terms. The movie teaches that lesson for about two minutes, then it changes into a movie that is suspenseful and an intense, nail biting and sit on the edge of your seat thriller. The young actors are great; the old ones aren't bad either.

What's the catch? Received a letter from my cable company, Comcast, the other day. It said that one of my favorite cable channels, The Hallmark Channel, was being moved from it's current position at 46 to a new channel, 137 effective May 22, 2007. To continue receiving The Hallmark Channel it would be necessary to order Comcast Digital Starter requiring a Comcast Digital box needed to reach the channels over 99. The next day I went to my neighborhood Comcast office and secured the necessary device and upgrade. By the way, the letter had said that this was being done totally free of charge. When I got home I immediately installed the new device, read the directions for it and the brand spanking new, top shelf, loaded remote and proceeded "getting to know" my new cable addition. I couldn't believe how technologically advanced and improved my TV viewing would be using the Digital Starter system. I still can't believe how many cable channels, movie channels, music channels, news channels, etc. channels that are accessible on my TV. And it's all for free. Yes, there is convenient access to pay-per-view and other pay as you go channels, but the box and convenience of selection are all free. The set-up and operation was confusing to start, but now it seems second nature to me - easy as pie. I keep checking my Comcast account online to see if any additional charges or services have been added to my account, but so far it appears to be what it was promised to be, free. I think the catch, so to speak, is easier access to pay channels and ease of selecting those pay options. I think that the cable company is trying to temp it's customer into opting for those additional pay as you go services. And that's fine. I will not succumb to such trickery. I'm just not that kind of consumer. I do not easily fall prey to those slick marketing strategies. I work hard for the money, as Donna Summer would say, and I value my financial standing much to seriously to be swayed by phony commercialism. Don't get me wrong, some day, sometime I may opt for a pay as you go movie or special event or a pay-on -demand transaction, but it will be my decision, one that will be made by me after much serious deliberation. In the meantime I will enjoy the option of watching all of those extra channels of TV viewing, all for free.

By next year or so, I believe all TV broadcasts must be digital no more analogue broadcasts. To receive such digital service a digital box will be required. I'm not too sure of all the technology and logistics required, but I view the Comcast free of charge upgrade is an attempt to usher in the digital mode in TV cable viewing. Also, this free of charge upgrade seems to me to be a marketing ploy to get customers "hooked" if you will, on the digital, pay-per-view, pay movies, etc. cable money making options. In the meantime, who cares? I will utilize the free parts of the upgrade and ignore the for-pay options.

This brings me to another startling discovery concerning the technological explosion in TV viewing, cable, cellular and all the other outlandish 21st century entertainment options - people are paying exorbitant amounts of money just to be entertained! I can not believe it. No wonder people can not afford the basic essentials in life like food, clothing and shelter. They are pilfering their future financial existence on all these extra, nonessential expenses - entertainment for one. No wonder the middle class seems to be shrinking, actually it's self induced when this extreme waste of money is factored into the equations. No wonder people have no real money; all their money is being spent on these extreme measures. Talk about saving for the future, their financial future will never be solvent. When compared to the manner in which a majority of Americans spend their money, I seem to be one of the last people on earth to comprehend and practice fiscal restraint and saving for the future. This is unbelievable. I have no empathy for anyone who squanders their hard earned money on such frivolous and unnecessary exorbitant expenditures. Is it that important to have the most up-to-date, technologically advanced apparatus to watch television? At the expense of one's financial standing and future solvency? I say no.

WB's Gilmore Girls has come to the end of their run. Yes, Lorelai and Rory will not be seen in prime time anymore. The show has been on The WB for at least 7 or 8 years, but it is coming to an end. The final episode kind of tied up loose ends in the life's of these two women - the mother, Lorelai faced her life without her daughter Rory in it 7/24, even though Rory had been at Yale for the last 4 years. It seemed that Rory was home almost every night or weekend. The daughter, Rory graduated from Yale, rejected a marriage proposal from her long time suitor, in fact she ended their relationship, and moved to the west coast to start a journalism job. Lorelai also deepen her romantic feelings about Luke and Luke did the same. We can only assume that they were on the road to a blissful relationship. Tuesday night will never be the same. Although I very seldom would watch the show as it is customary for me to do with TV shows, I would always know that it was on if I wanted to watch it. Never fear, it will be in syndication on The WB and The Family Channel for years to come.

Some cable channels, USA, The Family Channel and TNT among others premier their new TV season during the month of June. These cable stations start their new seasons during the summer and some in winter right when a new episode of a regular TV show is needed. Monk, Kyle XY, and The Closer, respectively are a few of my favorites.

Health, Fitness and Lifestyle

It's summer time, does that mean it's time for a sun tan or worse yet a sun burn? Not on your life. There is no such thing as a safe way to sun tan. Every time you sun tan, regardless of how dark you are, your skin is damaged, it ages, wrinkles and is more susceptible to skin cancer. Sunscreen can help, but in not the miracle cure to sun tanning dangers. That's the bottom line.

There are myths about sunscreen and skin cancer:

You need to wear sunscreen only if you are going to the beach or be out in the sun. Wrong, you should wear sunscreen ever day of the year. The sun damages your skin whenever you are exposed to it.

All sunscreens are the same. Wrong. To be effective sunscreens must protect against both Ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays, which causes wrinkling and leathering of the skin, and Ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays, which cause cancer, including the deadly melanoma. An effective sunscreen must have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and contain one of the following ingredients - Avonbenzone (also known as Parasol 1789), Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide.

A little sunscreen goes a long way. You must not skimp on the sunscreen and you must apply it often at least every two hours.

The higher the sunscreen’s SPF, the better it is, and the longer you can stay out. No matter how high the SPF, you must reapply the sunscreen often, more if you are perspiring or in the water. An SPF of 30 is about as effective as 50 or higher. Save the money and use a 30, but apply it often.

Sunglasses are just for aesthetic purposes. No, the sun can damage the eyes. Look for sunglasses that offer 100 percent UV protection.

A good tan makes you look healthy and young. What a misconception. A tanned body is a damaged body. Over time your body will age faster and look diseased and it may be subject to deadly skin cancer if you continue to sun tan, with or without protection, but faster without protection.

Yes, it's summer time, but you must be proactive when it comes to the damaging effects of the sun.

Low fat does not necessarily mean low calorie. Actually a lot of people think that they are eating less when they eat low fat foods. The truth is that both low fat and low calorie are important for weight control. Reading the nutrition labels on foods and making wise decisions based on the information on the nutrition labels will help you to eat much more healthy and weight conscious diets. On the nutrition labels look for the amount of such things as sugar, fats, carbohydrates, sodium, cholesterol, vitamins and minerals in the food. You should know that sugar, fat, sodium, cholesterol are not real good for you. The lower amount contained in your food the better.

Also, when checking food labels be concerned with the caloric content of the food. Weight is determined by the amount of calories you consume in a day proportionate to the amount of your physical activity in a day. For weight loss, chose foods that are lower in calories. If you choose foods with higher caloric content, then to offset weight gain, you must increase your physical activity that day. Both go hand in hand with weight maintenance. Become familiar with the caloric content of the food that you eat and then balance that intake by more or less physical activity to establish your weight goals.

Another important bit of information on most food labels is the serving size of the food. You may see 200 calories on a food label, but that 200 calories may be for each serving of the food, but there may be 3 serving contained in the food package. If you consumed that entire food package, you would devour 200 calories times 3 or 600 calories. Depending on the food and size of the portion or serving size, in proportion to the total number of calories on your daily weight plan, you may be devouring too many calories for that particular food. Be conscious of the calories and the serving size in all foods that you eat.

Weight maintenance is usually a constant battle for most people. It usually continues throughout one's life. The rule of thumb for weight management - information, healthy eating, lower caloric content and physical activity. Perhaps the most important requirements in any weight maintenance program - forgiveness for faltering and motivation to start anew.

How do you test baking powder? I didn't know that you should test baking powder. Take a pinch of baking powder and put it one cup of hot water and watch for the bubbles. The more bubbles, the more active the baking powder. By the way, storing baking powder in the refrigerator makes it less active (I didn't know that). I learned something. I guess I better move my baking powder from the fridge to the cupboard and test it.

The Love Bugs are back. Florida drivers know what I am talking about. Every May those tiny little pests make their way to Florida, South Florida for sure. Daytime driving is hampered by their attacks. No the attacks themselves are not so bad. It's the mess they make when their little bodies squash on the car windshield, front bumper, hood and grill. It's a mess. If you've been driving for an hour or more in South Florida in the daylight hours, you should stop and use a high power car wash spray to get the bug debris off your car. One problem with that bit of coping advice, South Florida has a severe water shortage, a drought, and car washing is curtailed. In fact you can wash your car only one day a week for a couple of AM hours before 8:00 am. Bug removal sprays are available, baby or vegetable oils work (do not apply to windshield), but you would still want to wash the car after applying. You could also use a bug screen or deflector in the front of your car. Do not use Coca-Cola to remove the bug junk, it may stain your car. Or if all else fails, just don't drive in the daylight hours. Now that's easier said then done in South Florida, although it would cut down on the traffic.

June 1 is the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. Lucky for those of us who live on the east coast and gulf coast. I'm sure the coastal states have their hurricane preparedness campaigns under way. We in Florida are no exception. Floridians are gearing up all over the state. Anyone who is not aware of what is meant by hurricane preparations must be choosing ignorance. Campaigns and hurricane talk are statewide. The most important parts of preparing for the hurricane season are information, awareness, preparation and immediate action. Information and awareness are provided by the state and local governments and the media - print, TV, radio and online. Each person must familiarize himself or herself with hurricane preparatory procedures now. Now before a hurricane develops is the time for preparatory action. Now is the time to stock up on hurricane supplies including bottled water, nonperishable food, batteries, flashlights, and anything that one may need in the event of a hurricane. Remember when a hurricane strikes your location, you, your family and friends may be without the ordinary conveniences of electric, water, restroom facilities and maybe even a home. Think of everything you may need in such an eventuality. Now is the time to prepare for those kinds of situations. The first 12 days of June has been declared a tax-free holiday for spending on hurricane supplies. This is an excellent time to stock up on these necessary supplies and save money doing so. Some stores like Home Depot are offering other savings for hurricane purchases during that time. Floridians can check http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/ for information concerning the tax-free holiday. Also, important hurricane information may be obtained at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml

June 27, 2007 is the anniversary of the Birth of Gay Rights in America. In my April 2007 blog I discussed the Stonewall Riots, "...In June 1969 the Stonewall Riots took place in New York. In June 1969 NY police raided a gay bar, The Stonewall Inn. Such raids happened often in an attempt to discourage Gays from meeting in such places, but the Stonewall Riots were different – the “queers” and I use this term endearingly, fought back. A mêlée broke out, the exact cause or impetus is not clear, and the “queers” defended their right to exist. And thus the birth of Gay Rights." Why do I mention it now? As a reminder that if any American or group of Americans is not free to live his or her or their lives in their own pursuit of happiness, then none of us is really free. According to the United States Declaration of Independence, "...We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...". If one American or one group of Americans is not free to live his, her or their lives in his, her or their pursuit of happiness, then no American is free. Throughout the history of the United States of America the United States Constitution has been amended many times to ensure the rights of all Americans. I think that it should be amended one more time to ensure the rights of Gays and Lesbians. The time has come to undo a gross violation of the individual rights of a large group of Americans. The term, "sexual orientation" should be added to all statements concerning the protection of rights of Americans, especially to such a large and unique group of Americans - Gays and Lesbians.

Politics and the World

The Florida State Legislature closed it's 2007 legislative session in May with no tax reform. A big disappointment for the people of Florida, but Governor Crist has called a special session of the legislature for the beginning of June to tackle the property issue. Yes, the Florida House and Senate failed to put through sweeping tax reform. However, the prospects for real tax reforms for the special session are looking positive. We may even get real relief on property tax without an increase in the state income tax. Stay tuned for the special session.

The Florida Legislature's 2007 session did end on a positive note. The most significant result of the session was the bipartisan, cooperativeness and statesmanlike behavior of the governor. Governor Crist was the hero of this legislative session. He is proving to be a very well meaning, energetic and intelligent leader of the state of Florida. I do hope this continues and I have a feeling that it will. The governor seems to be a governor of all the people of Florida. Now this is major, coming from me a staunch liberal Democrat. Governor Crist may be emerging as a role model for true bipartisanship in government.

Let's review the important issues that were acted upon during the 2007 session. The following legislation is dependent on the signature of Governor Crist to become law.
What passed:
Budget, effective July 1.
Elections, there will be a paper trail with all voting in the state of Florida, a real accomplishment in my mind.
Property Insurance, rates for Citizen's (the state's insurance company) policyholders will be frozen until 2009, Citizen's may be chosen as your property insurance company if your present company's rates exceed Citizen's rates by 15% (that may not be the exact figure but it's either 15% or 20% and Citizen's will now be a full service property insurer covering all aspects of property insurance, not just hurricane coverage.
Nail Salon Specialists, strengthening of licensing requirements.
Florida's Primary moved to January 29, a mistake in my opinion. Let's keep the southern primaries on the same day, February 5.
$200 million, Everglades and Lake Okeechobee cleanup.
Violent criminals, go directly to jail if violate probation unless a judge rules they are not a danger to the community, a little shaky to me.
150 minutes of PE required weekly for public elementary students, bravo!
Increases penalties for those leaving children under 6 in an unattended running vehicle.
Private companies would be able to take over public roads except for the Turnpike.
Deregulation of cable TV to allow more competition. Bravo!
Carbon monoxide detectors required in new homes, buildings and hotel rooms near boilers.
State pension fund required to divest itself of investments in Iran and Sudan.
People can be buried with their pets. There they go again, acting stupid. Is this a state matter? Stupidity run amok.

What failed:
Property tax, but it will be revisited in the special session in June.
Stem Cell Research, Proposal for $20 million in funding for stem cell research, proving that Florida is still under the control of right wing, misguided conservative legislators.
Continuation of the state's requirement for drivers to carry personal injury protection, schedule to end Oct. 1. This issue may be taken up in the special session. It should be passed.
Revival of a private school voucher program that was declared unconstitutional by state Supreme Court. Now this is really ridiculous. Improve public school by sending students to private schools, free of charge? Put the money back into the public school.
Changes to ease state's subsidized health care program for children.
Tax breaks for Florida Marlins, Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers and Miami Heat to help renovate their facilities. Oh really.
Expanding gaming by allowing video lottery machines at pari-mutuels across the state. To me, gambling is a personal decision.
Ban of automated election-season phone calls (robo-calls). We have a national do not call registry - to my way of thinking, this should apply to all unsolicited calls.
Ratification of proposed Equal Rights Amendment to US Constitution. Once again, Florida seems to be a red (Republican) state.
Requirement that restaurants post signs warning that trans fats are used in cooking. I think nutritional information should be made available, but there's no need to post anything.
Repealing state ban on gays adopting children. I thought discrimination was dead? Not in the deep south.

Let's talk about the tax issue for a moment. I am a liberal Democrat. I do believe in conservative fiscal restraints and liberal social service issues, however, I do believe that we must pay the bills for the state. Yes, I support lower property taxes and not increasing the state sales tax rate, but I do think that I am in favor of a state income tax. I think the state income tax should be fair and equitable for people of all income levels. I believe that the rates should be much lower for lower income people and should increase proportionately as an individual's income increases. The wealthiest Floridians should pay the highest taxes and the poorest Floridians should pay the least in income taxes. I support the repeal of any incentives to make Florida more appealing for individuals to migrate to the state. In 2007, we do not need more people in the state. All, including the Homestead Exemption, should be abolish. In fact there should be some deterring conditions, although fair and equitable, for new residents moving to the state. I think the tax burden for the state must be met be all Floridians in a fair, just and equitable manner.

By the end of May Governor Crist will have either signed or vetoed the legislation discussed above. As of May 27, the Governor has vetoed a record number of bills passed by the Florida state legislature. I am delighted to report that most of the vetoes are in support of the middle class, the common man if you will. This is a great sign supporting the bi-partisanship of Governor Charlie Crist. Hopefully this will be an omen of the next three years of the governor's term. The Republican controlled Florida legislature has a balancing act - Governor Crist. Finally the state's Democratic legislators have an ally. at least they have an ally in state government - the Republican Governor, Charlie Crist. Optimistically I say, "Florida is on the move in the right (as in correct and appropriate) direction, the people's direction".

Religion

The Rev Jerry Falwell died in May. At first glance one might think that this webmaster would be dancing in the streets upon learning the news of Rev Falwell's death, but this is not the case. I heard of Falwell's passing on the 5:00 a.m. TV news the morning after his death. My first thought was one of disbelief immersed in contradictory and incongruent thoughts. I couldn't believe that the time had come for this very controversial and deeply divisive man to meet his eternal destiny. In those early thoughts I tried to think, "Good, he is dead", but I couldn't really give into that thought. I tried to think the way I usually think and feel when I hear that someone I know has died, "God rest his or her soul", but that didn't surface either. Actually all of those thoughts - good, bad and indifferent entered my head all at one time. My feeling and emotions were confused and mixed. I kept telling myself that I should be glad that he is dead; now he would get what he deserved from a just God. Some how that thought just didn't last in my mind. I thought that now he finally knew that he was wrong all of these years for preaching hatred, intolerance of other people and seeing the world's condition as sinful through his self righteousness, but that didn't work either. The sad truth was that one of God's children had died and I really did not know for sure what he found across death's door.

I guess in a way my life's lessons concerning how I saw the world and it's people came through. My lifetime of tolerance to all of God's children, my acceptance of the good and the bad in life and my caring and nonjudgmental attitude concerning God's creation with all it's good and evil had proved itself. At first I felt sad that I could not hate this man and his intolerance and bask in the thought that he was receiving his due judgment from God and it wasn't good, but then I came to realize that I was truly tolerant and accepting of all people. This epiphany didn't happen over night. It took a few weeks, but none the less it did happen.

I think one thing that helped me come to this realization was the fact that watching the news about the death of Jerry Falwell I discovered that his most ardent archrivals were mourning his death in their own way. Almost all of his contemporaries who opposed his politics and his religious concepts and teachings were very sad with his passing. Many of them actually admitted that they liked him and thought he was a pleasant and sincere man but with views that opposed their views. All of this made me think that it is very important in life to really support one another, support the person, maybe not the person's views or actions. Some of my heroes or at least people who challenged the views of Rev Falwell supported Falwell the person and not necessarily his views.

I will remember Rev Dr Jerry Falwell as a man of his beliefs. A man of our God, but a flawed man of our God. A man who was sincere and totally committed to his beliefs, attitudes and actions. A man who is with God now and who is wise and all knowing now.

One important fact that I learned from Rev Falwell's passing is the importance of one being true to his or her beliefs. However, in this commitment to one's beliefs we must never loose our childlike attitude concerning our pilgrimage to God's house. We must be open to new and different people and beliefs and eager to share our commonalities and to tolerate our differences. In the end, none of us knows for sure the direct route to God's kingdom and what we will find once we get there.

Pope Benedict XVI reversed the Roman Catholic teaching about limbo. Up until a few weeks ago it was a commonly held catholic belief that un-baptised babies who died did not go to heaven or hell but went to limbo. The pope suddenly reversed that belief. His Holiness said that the souls of these innocent babies must be in heaven. They could not have been banished to limbo, a place that was thought to be not heaven something good or not hell something bad. This is an excellent example of what I preach each month in these monthly blogs, the Catholic Church, my church, is based on God's Word at the interpretation of the hierarchy of the church including the pope. How can such a human body of clerics be so bold as to seem to hold what they say as God's Word. Each of us, the members of the church has the right and responsibility to disagree with these men, at least men at the present time, and follow our own conscience on such matters in a free, accepting and non-prejudicial environment. If this were true, I feel that more people would not only call themselves Roman Catholic, but remain practicing Roman Catholics. This is a supreme example of the arrogance of the hierarchy of the church. Perhaps this arrogance is starting to erode a bit. Time will tell.

Let me mention a clarification concerning my feeling and attitude towards the Roman Catholic Church. I am a Roman Catholic. I believe in the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Christian Church as it relates to the original teachings of Jesus. I believe in The Apostles' Creed. I believe the current Roman Catholic Church is the direct descendent of the Christian Church founded by Jesus Christ and Pope Benedict XVI is the successor of St. Peter, the first pope of the Church. I do believe that the descendent of Peter including the entire hierarchy of the Church is only part of the Roman Catholic Church. We, the laity are also part of the Church, no more or no less important than any other part of the Church. We, in total, have the obligation and privilege to develop the Catholic Church and to mold it into a 21st century, or current time period that exists, living Body of Christ. We are the Body of Christ. I also believe that the Church is a social organization, to that end it is to be governed by the hierarchy in a mutual respect and inclusiveness of the entire membership. We hold our hierarchy in reverence and respect because they are the leaders, but they are not any closer to God than the lowliest member of God's Church. In other words, we are together totally in ownership and implementation of God's Word.

This brings me to the principle of infallibility of the pope. After stating my beliefs in the last paragraph, how can I believe that the pope speaks infallibly in terms of faith and doctrine? I do believe that the pope has the ability to speak infallibly on such matters. I believe that over the centuries the popes have chosen very carefully the faith and doctrine matters that they have spoken infallibly. These matters are distinctive differences from doctrines and beliefs of other religions. The popes have been very deliberate and painstakingly diligent in using this principal of infallibility in matters of universal acceptance by Roman Catholic Christian hierarchy and laity. I think that this represents the belief on the part of the popes that all men and women are human with human frailties. This is sometimes hidden or ignored when church officials speak or preach, they like to give the impression that they are all knowing. The truth of the matter, no one is all knowing but God, who is the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

With all of this in mind, I am proud to be a Roman Catholic. I support my hierarchy as hierarchy, but I recognize that they are men, at this point, human beings just like me and the rest of God's people. I will continue to search for my God and my salvation, but this search will be on my terms in respect to the Church that I love. Love, but no love is greater than the love of our God.

In the end and each of us will have an end, each person regardless of his or her religious beliefs will be called to answer to the same God. Each of us will be forced to examine our lives and the relationship of those lives to what we consider good and how this good was expressed in our human interactions and journey. This is a personal and deliberate decision that each of us is free to make. It's domain is irrelevant to any professed religion of choice. Religion will not be the vehicle to God and salvation. Rather our vehicle to God and salvation is and will remain love of God and each other.

Technology and Business

By now I'm sure that you have heard about the increase in the price of a first class stamp. Thirty-nine cents to forty-one cents and the stamp is forever. Actually the same stamp can not be used forever, rather the stamp does not have an amount on it and is worth the going price for first class mail, whenever it is used. I wouldn't go out and stock on stamps. Postal stamps are becoming "a thing of the past", so to speak. People just are not mailing many first class or any class mail anymore. The Internet and on-line bill paying are contributing to the demise of the traditional mail. Not only is it cheaper to use the Internet and on-line banking and bill paying, it's easier and more convenient than the United States Postal Service. Each to his or her own. However, if you use the Internet for your communications, banking or bill paying there are security measures that must be employed for safe and secure transactions. In any case, do be safe when using the Internet.

Back to the changes in the United states Postal Service, for the first time in American history, the price to mail a first class letter depends on it's size, including thickness as well as it's weight. Odd shaped, large letters or thick items cost more to mail first class than just a computation involving weight. I'm not sure how these things will be determined. I don't usually even mail much these days, but I do use the US Postal Service to do some mailing. Will one have to go to the "window" and solicit the help of a postal clerk to determine the correct first class postage? Will it be done automatically? Will the automated machines scan the size or thickness of the letter to determine the postage? Who knows? I think that this is obvious a move on the part of the US Postal Service to try to recover it's perceived share of the revenue for online communications in the United States and the world. Let's move into the 21st century gracefully, economically and equitably. The post office may need to be revamped, it may be outdated and non-essential in this technological age. Perhaps a call center type structure should be envisioned for the United States Postal Service. Integrate it's functioning with the Internet and make full use of technology to make communication and movement of mail more practical, economical and functional. Let's get with it and truly make the leap into the 21st century involving all aspects of the United States Government. A challenge, you bet, but America can do it and will do it.

Talking about using the Internet to benefit daily tasks, what about these virtual real estate agents? Actually, the agents are real, the real estate office and the implementation of the duties of the agents may be virtual. Many real estate deals are being made online. Prospective sellers employ real estate agents through the Internet to represent their interests. Prospective buyers search the real estate Internet listings and then contact the virtual agent when they see something of interest. Many realtors forego traditional open houses. A walk through is done virtually and then a physical property examination is done if the buyer wants to explore the property more intently. As long as the needs of all parties are meet responsibly and equitably, this method of house hunting lends itself to the technological minded society that we are becoming. It not only is a more efficient use of time and resources it can be done 24/7, whenever the parties want to boot up the computer.

Here's a question that I hear asked repeatedly by all computer users, from the most basic user to the most advanced, should I keep my computer "on" when not in use? I read an article by a very suave computer user and he simply referred the question to high leveled skilled representatives from Dell and Hewitt-Packard. These computer experts, so to speak, say that it depends. Now didn't you just think that I would write something like that? Actually they say that if your computer is running well, no performance issues or mechanical issues and the operating system is Windows 98 or higher and the higher the better, it doesn't make a difference. Windows XP and Vista offer ultraconservative hibernation modes. I would say if you are going to leave your computer "on", do so in the hibernation mode or at least sleep mode. By the way a running computer really doesn't use much electricity and sometimes saves on the wear and tear of rebooting the computer every time you need to use it. Although it is wise to reboot your computer once a day just to keep it running smoothly.

Personally I shut down my computer if I am going to be away from home for 5 or 6 hours. If it's only a few hours, I put it in XP's hibernation mode. In fact after it is completely in hibernation I pull the electrical cord. For all intents and purposes it's shut off, but when I put the plug in and push the power button it comes out of hibernation mode and resumes operation very quickly. In any case I usually reboot it every day, just to keep it in tip top operating mode. Remember rebooting is like getting a good night sleep for humans. Rebooting shuts it down, puts everything in place so to speak and then restarts in a fresh mode. Another point, rebooting your computer too often really does wear it out a bit. To each his or her own, but safety must be the ultimate consideration for any electric device.