To the Editor:
Cumberland Times-News
March 24, 2009
Post Office Changes Made to Maintain Affordable Service
Because of the current economic downturn, the United States Postal Service is taking certain tough but necessary steps here in the Baltimore District and around the country. In order to maintain affordable service and remain viable, we’re making changes to operations, staffing and facilities similar to what other businesses are doing in these tough economic times.
That perspective is important to keep in mind. The Postal Service is a self-supporting agency, funded entirely from the sale of postal products and services, not from tax dollars. Like any commercial business, the Postal Service is subject to increased costs and reduced revenue. We’re facing competition from e-mail and online bill paying. And this past year we’ve seen some of our biggest mailing customers, in fields like financial services, insurance and housing, struggle at an unprecedented level.
This general economic decline has had an historic impact on the volume of mail, which fell nationally by an unprecedented 9.5 billion pieces, or 4.5 percent last fiscal year, resulting in a net operating loss of $2.8 billion after the Postal Service paid a law-mandated $5.6 billion to prefund retiree health benefit liabilities.
Some recent negative stories in the media may seem inconsistent with the Postal Service’s current cost cutting efforts. However, the facts show that in 2008, the Postal Service, which was rated as the most trusted government agency in a Ponemon Institute survey, undertook extraordinary efforts to cut costs. We have reduced work hours by 50 million or the equivalent of 25,000 employees and took a total of $2 billion in costs from our budget while providing the American consumer with record breaking on-time service.
Eligible workers were offered early retirement, redundant mail processing operations are being consolidated, routes are being reorganized, overtime is being reduced and operating hours at processing facilities and Post Offices are being adjusted to match mail flow and customer use.
We’re adapting products and services to contemporary lifestyles and working to improve customers’ experiences in Post Offices, on usps.com, and by phone. We’re launching competitive shipping prices, driving technology, and using our service to every home and business in new ways to create value for customers.
The Postal Service has been a vibrant part of the highs and lows of every economic cycle for more than two centuries. We will keep it that way by pursuing innovative approaches that support our mission of delivering trusted, affordable, universal service to America.
Edwin B. Turner
Postmaster - Baltimore
Source: Cumberland Times-News
We just got back from New Orleans. While there we found the home of Brad and Angelina - thought some of you may want to read about it - or, maybe not. Also see photos in the Photo Section. Rick Owens
BRAD PITT and ANGELINA JOLIE's FRENCH QUARTER HOME
Governor Nicholls Street - New Orleans French Quarter 2008
Purchase Price: $3,750,000
Bedrooms / Baths: 6 / 4.5
Square Feet: 7435
French Quarter Palace
Nestled in a prominent section of the French Quarter, this home was designed in the popular Parisian style of the 1830's with an eye towards opulence and secluded wonder.
In more recent years, the residence was converted into a recording studio. Among its frequent inhabitants were local legends Fats Domino, Little Richards, Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, and others.
Two years ago, an impeccable renovation restored this old world gem to its original grandeur...and added a few state-of-the-art amenities along the way.
At its south end, the home is only steps away from the vibrant French market, Cafe du Monde, and a host of the oldest and finest restaurants in New Orleans. At its north is lush Esplanade Avenue, border of the Faubourg Marigny, an enchanting historic neighborhood resplendent in Creole architecture, galleries and music halls.
The home occupies over 33 feet of French Quarter side walk, and its lot extends deep into the block, allowing for a vast courtyard that is impeccably landscaped and not to be surpassed elsewhere in the Vieux Carre.
Every room is enhanced with a host of lighting options, ideal for art collectors and entertainers alike. Oak wood floors coupled with contoured carpets create a polished path throughout. THe large foyer is accented with a multi-hued cloud mural and a cheerful harlequin tile floor.
The first floor bedroom opens onto the courtyard appointed with a marble bath and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The library boarsts custom display shelves along every wall, the first of five fireplaces throughout the home, a built-in wide and flat screen television, and an adjoining marble powder room.
The second-floor landing is crowned with two oriental silk lamps and is bordered by a bank of French door opening onto the courtyard balcony.
The formal dining and living rooms are anchored by magnificent fireplaces with marble mantles and ornate wood columns. Both rooms are finished in rich paint tones with a textured faux finish. Gauzy silk drapes frame two floor-to-ciling windows in the Living Room.
The master suite is entered via French doors which can be shaded for privacy, or opened, villa-style, to the landing and gardens beyond. Silk drapes, crystal chandeliers, antique sconces and subtle gold undertones add to the suite's indulgent ambiance. A custom four-faceted entertainment center in a picled finished blends in beautifully with the rest of the room's Italianate decor. The marble bathroom includes a frameless glass shower, oversized but, and His and Hers vanities.
The gourmet kitchen is fully decked out with cutting edge amenities, including a Viking Professional stove and hood, two ovens, a moisture-controlled warming tray, a Viking wine cellar, and a sub-zero refrigerator. Iron sconces with hand-blown glass hang above the large butcher's block island, with an undermount porcelain basin. A cappuccino machine with an attached water line provides posh beverages.
Even the pantry is designed with an artisan's touch, including windowed drawers, wine racks and a marble counter. A ceramic tile splash back, wide slate hard wood floors and three windows over-looking the French Quarter rooftops complete the look. A chef's dream!
The first floor of the Guest House has three French doors opening onto the gardens - perfect as a bar area for outdoor entertaining.
The second and third floors serve as a guest suite with two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, marble full bath, powder room, and a large living room with another set of French doors opening onto the balcony.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
Wired for stereo throughout interior and exterior.
Elevator in the main house to all three floors.
Five separate AC/heating units.
Walk-in attic accessed via third floor
Gated carriage-style driveway offers parking for two vehicles, illuminated by gas lamps.
Hi All - On January 23, 2000 I created a Yahoo Group for postal employees and PEN members and guests > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/postalemployeenetwork/ - I must confess that I have forgotten my login there and cannot seem to retrieve it from Yahoo.
I am now creating a brand new site called THE EAGLES DEN where PEN friends and guests as well as all postal employees can create a FREE space of their own on the Internet. Here's a partial list of what you get FREE when you join THE EAGLES DEN - did I mention it's FREE?
Join THE EAGLES DEN today!
THANKS!
Rick Owens
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