The postal service is having money extracted from it each year, channeled to other parts of the federal government pension systems (mostly military). This is to help disguise how bad the federal budget is overdrawn. If the post office were allowed to fund their peoples' pensions the way every other government agency is, they'd be showing a profit.

To me, the Republicans are incompetent and the Democrats are evil.

Perhaps we're both right.

I believe that's not quite true. The rule is that packages over 13 ounces (they changed it in January 2010 to 13 down from 16 ounces) that only have postage stamps on them to pay for postage, must be taken to the counter. If you use one of the Automated Postal Center (APC) units that most post offices have in their lobbies, you can purchase postage for the package there, pay with a credit/debit card, put the printed label on the package and drop it in the collection bin. Supposedly by paying with a credit card, there's increased security because they can track the owner of the card.

Do you really want pig farms to move in next to you? How about a slaughterhouse?

Farming isn't all beautiful waves of grain and rolling meadows with horses frolicking. Some things need to be out in the middle of nowhere. But those places also need to be connected to the rest of the country -- that is, after all, where the food comes from.

Just like all the other humans on the planet are?

I don't understand it either. You'd think that the people running the company were far more interested in having control over their customers than in having their customers' money.

Can't someone in marketing break into a board meeting and explain to these cretins that the more versatile a product is, it is usually more attractive to a wider segment of the potential customer base, which tends to result in more sales.

Life ain't fair.

But don't worry, you are not required to realize that. It just means you're far more likely to exit life quite soon. We'll laugh at the very surprised look on your face as you leave.

I'm just glad it doesn't flush while I'm still going.

Are you being deliberately obtuse?

If you own a Windows computer, you are free to write, use, sell or give away applications with zero involvement from Microsoft other than your initial purchase.
If you own an iPod/iPad/iPhone, you are required to interact with Apple to do any of those things.

You need to use their tools to write an app.
You need their permission to distribute an app.
You even need their permission to receive an app.

That's the difference.

Well, nothing electronic defines that. I guess you can go out and play badmiton in the back yard, though...

http://www.hotelchatter.com/special/2010-WiFi-Chart

Indeed, I was trying to work out exactly what information the angle of the bars is conveying. The apparent answer is nothing, but on reflection that might be an overestimate.

Come again?

You mean Google is running on Microsoft Windows' code ???

No, I ain't trying to be funny. I just can not put the 2 and 2 together.

Having Windows code is one thing, cracking Google is another thing altogether.