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To: Chispas who wrote (44042)	1/6/2006 9:44:10 PM
From: Chispas	Respond to of 116555

About the new postal rates : "The Governors of the U.S. Postal Service today voted to accept the Postal Rate Commission's recommendations to increase most postal rates and fees by approximately 5.4 percent across-the-board to take effect January 8. This rate increase - the first since 2002 - is needed to fulfill the requirement of a federal law passed in 2003. That law requires the Postal Service to establish a $3.1 billion escrow account, with use of the funds to be determined by Congress at a later date. Without this federal mandate, it would not have been necessary to raise rates in 2006. Among the rate adjustments, the single-piece rate for First-Class Mail will increase from 37 cents to 39 cents, and the postcard rate will increase by one cent to 24 cents. The Board of Governors of the Postal Service set January 8, 2006, as the effective date for the changes. Jim Miller, Chairman of the Postal Service's Board of Governors, said: "The Governors take this action mindful of our obligation to assure the financial integrity of the nation's postal system. These increases will allow the Postal Service to meet the obligation established by Congress to place funds in escrow in 2006." The Commission's Recommended Decision came after a proceeding in which most of the participants signed a settlement agreement adopting the Postal Service's uniform, across-the-board increase proposals. The settlement shortened to six months the Commission's administrative review, which normally takes ten months. International rates, which are determined separately from domestic prices, will be adjusted to coincide with the domestic rate changes. International rates have not been adjusted since January 2001."

To: Chispas who wrote (44042)	1/7/2006 12:42:25 AM
From: mishedlo	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 116555

a new house in 1959 averaged $14,900; today it's $282,300 - 1,795% inflation (+1,510% if quality-adjusted); That one it totally bullshit. Do you really want to live in the average 1959 house? How many sq feet did it have anyway? Soundproofing? electrical wiring standards, etc etc etc What about stamps? Do you want to go back to sending letters or do you want free email's? Yes there is some truth to that but the emphasis is on SOME. Does anyone know what chicken legs cost in 1959 or turkeys? Do we have 1700% inflation on chicken and turkeys and beef? I bet we do eating out. I bet not even close if one buys meat on sale and fixes it oneself. Ice cream cones certainly are outrageous. Solution: buy a gallon of ice cream keep it in the fridge and make your own. Mish