Man - I remember those days. Many years ago I played guitar in an 8 piece group out of Auburn University. We had a horn section and did dance steps while we performed. It was GREAT. I Wish It Would Rain was only one the old Motown songs that we played. God, I miss it. Hope you enjoy this video and all of our videos here at The Eagles Den. Thanks for dropping by.
March 16, 2009
ORDER REVIEWING POSTAL SERVICE MARKET DOMINANT PRICE ADJUSTMENTS - DISSENTING OPINION OF COMMISSIONER GOLDWAY
On February 10, 2009, the Postal Service submitted to the PRC its plan to change rates for all its market dominant products. This is the second time the Commission has reviewed such adjustments under the regulatory authority established by the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 (PAEA). The Commission authorizes all proposed rate adjustments except the new Confirm annual fees for mailing agents to take effect.
PRC Commissioner Ruth Goldway dissented - her remarks, in part, are listed below. Notice that Commissioner Goldway compares USPS financial problems to the banking industry.
DISSENTING OPINION OF COMMISSIONER GOLDWAY
The First-Class Mail prices proposed by the Postal Service fail to comply with the statutorily imposed workshare requirements of 39 U.S.C. § 3622(e), when analyzed under the established analytical methodology. To circumvent this problem, the Postal Service employs a different analytical methodology, which effectively delinks singlepiece
First-Class Mail prices from presort First-Class Mail prices.
This unilateral decision on the part of the Postal Service is far reaching in that it directly influences the design of economically efficient rates, the distribution of hundreds of millions of dollars in workshare discounts, and potentially could lead to Postal Service decisions that place an unequal, and potentially unfair, price burden on single-piece mailers. I believe that major methodological changes should not be made in a vacuum without thorough
review, including the consideration of the view of those that use the mail.
It strikes me that there are close parallels between what is happening to the Postal Service financially, and what has been happening to the banking industry. The banking industry was given wide discretion to lend how and on what terms it chose. The assumption was that this was safe because the managers’ discretion would be bounded by certain basic principles (e.g., that investors would have knowledge of the kind of securities marketed, and the risks would be publicly known either through an SEC filing or prospectus) and accountability would be provided by a diligent board of directors.
It is now clear that these basic principles and institutional safeguards were allowed to become mere window dressing. I fear this to be the direction in which postal regulation is headed. Congress intended that there be a certain economic “rhyme and reason” to both class prices and product discounts; hence, provisions such as section 3622(c)(2) (attributable cost floor) and section 3622(e) (discounts match avoided costs). Are these on the way to becoming window dressing? The uneconomic approach to rate setting can be a factor contributing to the Postal Service slide into financial distress.
NOTE: PRC decision here > http://prc.gov/Docs/62/62705/Order_No_191.pdf
Please post comments at PEN's newfront [ http://www.postalemployeenetwork.com/ ] or below.
FROM PEN:
While here at The Eagles Den check it out - click on Home above - watch a few of our videos - read blog posts - join us today and tell your coworkers about The Eagles Den. Thank you for visiting with us.
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.
|
The
Eagles Den is owned and managed by Postal Employee Network and PostalWORKZ
LLC. |