Risa also got to look at some places for her wedding . . . she's
down to two possibilities--both very nice--and is looking at
a date sometime in September, 2008.

C. As many of you know, I'm a big massage fan . . . I try
to get one as often as I can, typically at the Attadgie
Wellness Center (215.355.9337) at either of the two Bucks County,
PA locations: Southampton and Newtown.

CONGRATULATIONS to two of the massage therapists there:
Chris Williams on her recent engagement, and Christine McAuley
on earning her nursing degree from Bucks County Community College.

And WELCOME to Dr. Attadgie's newest massage therapist: Mia
Giraldi . . . she works primarily out of the Newtown office and based
on my having already received two massages from her, I can say
that she seems to be a fine addition to the staff.

D. In the news:
USA, the television network, is showing THE STARTER WIFE
on May 31 at 9 p.m. . . . it stars Debra Messing and is about
a woman who is informed of her husband's intention to divorce
shortly before their tenth anniversary . . . at that time, she will
no longer be known as the "wife of," but instead as "starter wife."

I mention this because Cynthia's good friend Gail heard about
the movie and, also, a promotion that Ponds was running in
conjunction with it . . . Gail was intrigued and submitted her
own story . . . it was then chosen to appear on the usanetwork website:
http://www.usanetwork.com/series/starterwife/sexyandsassy/mostviewed.php?p=3&b=2

Gail was also notified that she'll be brought to New York City for a
makeover . . . when and if her appearance ever makes it to the
airwaves, you'll hear about it first here! 

***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD *****
This week, it goes to Lori Hansen-a former student who is a teacher
of business subjects at Abington Senior High School in Abington,
PA . . .  . . .in addition, she is business manager of the yearbook,
business manager of the school musical, activity accounts treasurer,
and in charge of the usher/usherettes club.

In whatever she does, Lori is both extremely professional and
thorough . . . as a result, she was recently presented with her school's
2007 Freedom's "Voices of Inspiration" Award for Teaching Excellence.

Lori also serves as webmistress for my website, blainesworld.net, as well
as for the website of the teacher's union at Bucks County Community
College.

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2. FYI

* In response to a teacher being asked how old she was,
Dear Abby replied on 12.9.06:

DEAR ARIZONA SENIOR: There are certain questions that are
considered rude to ask. A person's age is one of them. If these students
have not been taught that lesson at home, then it falls to you as a teacher
to enlighten them.

Your answer should be, "My dear, that question is inappropriate and
should not be asked of someone who is an adult." Say it gently with a
smile so it does not seem like a rebuke.

* Readers then wrote Abby with even better responses; here are
their replies from a 1.25.07 column:

DEAR ABBY: After reading your column this morning (Dec. 9) with the
letter from the Arizona substitute teacher, I had to respond. I am also
an older substitute teacher with white hair, and I, too, used to be offended
when children would ask how old I am. However, I found that if I seemed
offended by the question, the children would be hurt and distant for the
rest of the day. When I laughed and said something like, "Oh my, I'm old
enough to be your grandmother," or, "Would you believe I'm older than dirt?"
the children would laugh with me, and we'd have a positive relationship
for the rest of the day.

Substitute teaching is about helping the children to learn and have
a good day while their teacher is out, not about making me feel good.
When I can no longer laugh and enjoy the children, it's time for me
to retire.--COLORADO SENIOR SUBSTITUTE

DEAR COLORADO SUBSTITUTE: Thank you for weighing in on the issue.
I heard from others in the field of education (and out), and all of their input
was interesting. Read on:

DEAR ABBY: I'm a first-grade teacher and have found that kids come
to school unaware of many of life's "rules." I cover the rule about asking
your age the first day in my class.

When I introduce myself, I tell the children that I'm a grandma and
laughingly tell them that makes me "old." Someone always asks me
the question, "How old are you? And that's when I tell them the first
of many of life's rules: "There are two things you never ask a woman--her
age and how much she weighs."

The kids always remember this rule, and many have told their parents.
If a new student comes to class and asks me how old I am, you can hear
the gasps from the other students. Then another child will inform him/her
of the rule. Problem solved!--TEACHER IN OHIO

DEAR ABBY: I started substitute teaching after 35 years in the classroom.
Young children have no concept of age. We, as adults, are always asking
children their ages, and they are proud to tell us. Telling young children
the question is inappropriate sets a double standard.

When I am asked, I always reply, "How old do you think I am?" The
answer may be anywhere from 5 to 100. Then I tell them they are close
to being right, chuckle to myself and continue with the day's activities.
They are happy, no one is offended, and it puts a smile on my face.--JOAN
IN STEWARTSTOWN, PA.

DEAR ABBY: A child who asks the teacher's age is probably too young
to understand the word "inappropriate," Abby. I suggest that the teacher
respond by saying, "Some people don't like to tell their ages. I'm old enough
to know you are special."--ANGIE IN DAYTON, OHIO

DEAR ABBY: The next time that substitute teacher is asked her age,
she should reply, "I have an unlisted number!"--NANCY IN NORTH
PORT, FLA.

DEAR ABBY: When I was asked the same question, I replied, "Twenty-one."
(At the time, our daughter was going to college.) Two answers were unique:
A 6-year-old girl said, "You were a very young mother." A boy the same
age answered, "... and next year you'll be 22." A difference in the
male-female brain? - - MARGARET IN GREENVILLE, SC

DEAR ABBY: Our youth badly need examples of how people
of all ages contribute to making our society a success. That teacher
should say, "My dear, it is not always appropriate to ask adults their
ages, but I'm 73 and proud to be able to teach."

I am a busy 71-year-old volunteer for Court Appointed Special
Advocates (CASA) advocating on behalf of abused and neglected
children, and feel honored to have them know there's a grandma out
there who cares about them.--LOUISE IN CONWAY, ARK.

SOURCE: http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/

FYI, part 2

* Bob in New Jersey:
The Tom Rush video was just terrific. For a long time, I couldn't remember
WHO sent it to me, but then it dawned on me! 

Thanks so much for bringing such thoughtful ideas and so much joy every
week in your newsletter. We would all like more pictures of Cynthia and
perhaps fewer of an old college professor. (Ha!)

* Meg in New Jersey:
Here is a link to Elizabeth Taber King's memoir, per your request in
last week's issue for more information about her:
http://books.google.com/books?id=3-qItZvFqUQC&dq=who+is+%22elizabeth+taber+king%22&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=4_gzPF8Lni&sig=EgPDn7X31H1SJAbxUSZyuzoH8CA

* Patty in Pennsylvania (commenting on THE EASY WAY TO STOP
SMOKING by Allen Carr): 

I think the book is good in that it emphasizes the importance of staying
positive. In essence that to become a  non-smoker, you must think and
act like a non-smoker. However,  I think he overemphasizes the simplicity
of it.    

In the early stages, I actually had dreamed that I was smoking on
a couple of occasions, and the fact that I live with a smoker IS at times
challenging.  Also, I personally disagree with going to a bar and
other venues under which you would normally smoke more in
the initial stages of quitting. In his book he claims that you shouldn't
avoid these situations.  As he suggests in his book, I did re-read it
when the going got tough; however, it didn't cause me to have any great
epiphanies; I had gotten his message the first time. 

He is a marketing genius.  Writing a book on a given subject,
especially one which deals with overcoming a bad and dangerous habit
that is indulged in by millions is a guaranteed success. Hey, let’s face it,
there’s just not a lot of books out there on the subject. Had he chosen
to write a book on weight loss based on the premise of  “just don't
overeat,”  he probably would have still achieved some measure
of success. It's all in how you package it. 

The author claims that the Cold Turkey method is bound to fail, yet what
he’s preaching IS the Cold Turkey method. He’s just reframed it; i.e., you
could call a piece of broccoli a nutrient-rich anti-oxidant super food and
although that’s true, it isn't going to change the taste of the broccoli or
make it any more palatable. (By the way, I do like broccoli!) 

Although I agree with his discouraging the use of nicotine or any other
kind of substitutes from a personal perspective, but I don't think it’s a
good idea to rule this out for everyone. Not unlike an infant being weaned
from the breast or bottle, for some folks, just completely shutting them
down can cause lots of anxiety. In these situations, I don't see anything
wrong with using nicotine substitutes. We're talking about an addiction here,
not some pleasant diversion or indulgence.

I'm all for making smoking illegal. Tobacco is by far one of the most
addictive substances in existence. You don't have to have an addictive
personality to become hooked on tobacco. It’s actually considered a staple
in the stock market, right up there with food!   

In all fairness,  I'm a slightly different animal.  I had been a non-smoker
for 10 years and picked up again in a time of crisis in my life. Although
I exercised and ate a healthy diet,  I succumbed to the temptation. When
I started smoking again 5 years ago, I had been on vacation for a week
with a house full of smokers. I was single at the time and going through
a rough period in my life. I probably would have been okay had I just
bummed a cigarette or two, but I made the huge mistake of going out
and buying a pack.  

Although I didn't immediately jump back into it full force after that first pack, 
it was too late in that it lowered my resistance. As with any drug, the
need increased. I started out going through a pack every 10 days or so
and would even go several days without smoking. Eventually, it escalated
to a pack every 3 days and finally I was up to practically a pack a day for
the last six months in which I smoked.   

I always said during those first 10 years that I had been a non-smoker
that the reason I didn't want to ever smoke again was because I didn't
want to have to quit again. I still stand by that statement.

My final thoughts:
If it gives millions hope and support in the battle against smoking addiction,
I'm all for it. Especially if it truly enjoys the measure of success that Carr
claims it does. 

And I can't emphasize enough how much I respect and admire your efforts
to helping others become non-smokers; so much so as going as far as
putting your money where your mouth is by purchasing the EASY
WAY books. 

MY TWO CENTS:
Thanks to Patty for her nice comments . . . as it turns out, I still have
a few copies left of Carr's excellent book . . . if you'd like a FREE
COPY--with my compliments--for yourself, a friend or loved one,
please let me know . . . your best bet is to send an email to:
bginbc@aol.com . . . put these words in the subject line: STOP
SMOKING BOOK . . . then in body of the email, include your
full name and address.  

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3.  Forgetfulness

"Francie is SO forgetful," the sales manager complained
to his administrative assistant. "It's a wonder she can sell
anything. I asked her to pick me up some sandwiches on her way
back from lunch, and I'm not sure she'll even remember
to come back."

Just then the door flew open, and in bounced Francie.
"You'll never guess what happened!" she shouted. "While
I was at lunch, I met old man Brown, who hasn't bought
anything from us for five years. Well, we got to talking, and
he gave me this half-million dollar order!"

"See," sighed the sales manager to his assistant. "I told
you she'd forget the sandwiches."

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4. Reviews

A. Finally! . . . after seeing far too many films that had good reviews, but
were terrible (YEAR OF THE DOG being the most recent instance), I
came across WAITRESS . . . critics loved this one; I did too.

It is a sweet and quirky tale of a small town woman stuck in a lousy
marriage whose life changes when she becomes pregnant . . . Keri
Russell is terrific in the leading role, and it was good to see Andy
Griffith back on screen . . . rated PG-13.

B. THE QUEEN is now out in DVD format . . . my review
from BLAINESWORLD #527 follows:

THE QUEEN (starring Helen Miren) is about Queen Elizabeth II
and the rest of the royal family around the time of Princess
Diana's death . . . it is a film that has gotten absolutely great
reviews; in fact, probably the highest I've ever seen . . . my
reaction was that I couldn't get into THE QUEEN at all, nor did
I care for any of the main characters . . . while Miren was fine,
as usual, her performance wasn't one that I'd recommend you
rush to see because methinks you'd wonder like me: so
what? . . . rated PG-13.

C. I've long been a fan of stand-up comedians . . . reading I KILLED:
TRUE STORIES OF THE ROAD FROM AMERICA'S TOP COMICS
by Rich Shydner and Mark Schiff has made me appreciate them
even more.

This book includes interviews with and/or anecdotes from dozens
of top comedians, including Chris Rock, Jay Leno, Larry David,
George Lopez, and Joan Rivers . . . they talk about what it's like
to travel throughout the country just to tell jokes, and you get a real
feel about how difficult such a life must be.

For example, Shydner describes how when early in his career, he
performed regularly at a variety of bars around Washington,
D.C. . . . once he found himself opening for a riled-up crowd eager
to see the Ramones . . . nobody really wanted to see him, so those
in the audience started to throw beer . . . one of the Ramones caught
his act and thought that was his act: human beer sponge.

Hecklers were another problem faced by just about all the
comedians . . . my favorite story was this one told by Dave Coulier:

I was working PJ’s, this crazy strip club in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1983.
A heckler lost an exchange with me and threatened me with a gun.
As they pulled him away,  he was still waving the gun and shouting,
“I’m gonna shoot your ass.” A few minutes later I was offstage and still
shaking when the bouncer consoled me with this line: “Unless the bullet
actually hits you, you got nothing to worry about.”

Judy Tenuta had me laughing when she described one of her appearances
at the beginning of her career:

It’s the winter of 1981 in Chicago, with maybe ten people in the audience,
when a rat (the four-legged kind) runs across the stage. Suddenly the club
owner takes out a gun and blasts it, then motions for me to continue
with my show.

Lastly, I liked this story told by Joey Novick--a real funny guy I've actually
seen perform several times:

We were three New York comedians in the Deep South, and the
directions given to us by the club were, “Go past the Italian restaurant.”
We drove back and forth for an hour till we realized the “Italian restaurant”
was a Pizza Hut.

Read I KILLED if you're in the mood to laugh--a lot!

D. MONEYBALL by Michael Lewis was one of the finest books
on baseball I have ever read . . . I can now say that his
latest, THE BLIND SIDE, was one of the finest books on
football I have ever read--or make that heard (in that
I listened to it on CD).

It was so good, in fact, that at the end I found myself
staying in my car one afternoon because I wanted
to see what happened . . . and when it was over, I
thought to myself, "Too bad. This is a story I wanted
to continue."

But methinks it will, in that we will most probably hear more
about Michael Oher (its main character) . . . it concluded
with Oher still in college after what might be described as
an improbable climb from his being a homeless Memphis
kid to a career that will likely take him into the National
Football League.

En route, Lewis touches upon many fascinating subplots:
the role of the left tackle in the game, how society lets
young black youngsters drop out of the educational
system, collegiate recruiting, the NCAA, and how diploma
mills lead to both college credits and degrees.

You don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy THE BLIND
SIDE . . . those interested in education and sociology
will like it, along with anybody else looking for a story
that will hold your attention from beginning to end.

I got a particular kick out of this book because it made
many long car rides go quickly, in large part due to
Grover Gardner's excellent narration.

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5. TV alert

A. THE PRICE IS RIGHT MILLION DOLLAR SPECTACULAR gives
Bob Barker, retiring after 35 years as host, the chance to allow
contestants to complete for bigger prizes . . . Wednesday at 8 p.m.
on CBS . . . then on Thursday at 8 p.m., also on CBS, there's
BOB BARKER; A CELEBRATION OF 50 YEARS ON
TELEVISION, on which he reminisces about his five-decade career.

B. CIRQUE-A-THON features back-to-back presentations of these
Cirque du Soleil shows: CORERO and LA NOUBA . . . Thursday
at 10 p.m. on BRAVO.

C. NATIONAL BINGO NIGHT, a new series, gives both contestants
and viewers a chance to compete for cash . . . Fridays at 9 p.m.
on NBC.

D. AUSTIN CITY LIMITS showcases the Dixie Chicks in a rousing
concert from January . . . Saturday at 9 p.m. on PBS . . . check
local listings because PBS times and dates often vary.

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6. Ambition

There was once a young man who, in his youth,
professed a desire to become a "great" writer.

When asked to define "great," he said: "I want to write
stuff that the whole world will read, stuff that people will
react to on a truly emotional level, stuff that will make
them scream, cry, wail, howl in pain, desperation, and
anger!"

He now works for Microsoft writing error messages.

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7. Websites

A. To see what other users think about what media and subject
matters they like best, please click:
http://www.digg.com

Recently, I came across such interesting items as the following:
* Top 25 TV moments
* 10 tips: Save your money by saving the planet
* BBC Scientology documentary: Watch it in full online
* Photos: How not to ship a plasma TV

B. For a moving song with pictures, please click:
http://www.flashdemo.net/gallery/wake/index.htm

It will help you appreciate what soldiers go through!

C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view
it, please click:
http://www.blainesworld.net

If you go there, make sure you see the "Special Offer" at the bottom . . . feel
free to share that (and this whole issue, too) with your friends, relatives and
colleagues . . .new subscribers are always welcome!

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8. Computer tip

If you're REALLY interested in how secure your computer is,
please click:

http://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?rh1dkyd2

Doing so will enable you to run "Shields Up!" . . . it takes just
a few minutes and costs you nothing.

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9. Perks of being over 50, part 2 of 2 (concluded from last week)

11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.

12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks
into the room.

13. You sing along with elevator music.

14. Your eyes won't get much worse.

15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.

16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national
weather service.

17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't
remember them either.

18. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.

19. You can't remember who sent you this list.

20. You notice that if these were all in Big Print, you'd be able to
read them a lot easier.

21. And if you can remember to do so, forward this to everyone you
can still remember.

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10. A quote I like

Happiness is often the result of being too busy to be
miserable.--Anonymous

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11. Thought for the day 

Saying it differently

One day, there was a blind man sitting on the steps
of a building with a hat by his feet and a sign that
read: "I am blind, please help.''

A creative publicist was walking by and stopped to
observe. He saw that the blind man had only a few
coins in his hat. He dropped in more coins and,
without asking for permission, took the sign and
rewrote it.

He returned the sign to the blind man and left.

That afternoon the publicist returned to the blind man
and noticed that his hat was full of bills and coins.
The blind man recognized his footsteps and asked if it
was he who had rewritten his sign and wanted to know
what he had written on it.

The publicist responded: "Nothing that was not true.
I just wrote the message a little differently."

He smiled and went on his way.

The new sign read: "Today is Spring, and I cannot
see it."

Sometimes we need to change our strategy.
If we always do what we've always done,
we'll always get what we've always gotten.

And remember too, sometimes it's not WHAT we say,
it's HOW we say it.

Author unknown
(if you know who wrote this and/or the source, please let me know.)

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12. Advance planning department

A. Cynthia in New Jersey (see also Section 1A)

* Move your Body classes at night on May 17,
24 and 31 from 7-8:15 p.m.

Cost: Just $5 per person.

Location:  
Capitol Health Systems
1445 Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd.
Hamilton, New Jersey
 
For more information: 
http://www.capitolhealth.org

609.394.4512 

* In addition, other Move Your Body classes meet every first and
third Saturday of the month at 1:30 p.m., so the next one is on Saturday,
May 19.

No charge, but love donations to the Princeton Center are
always appreciated.

Location:
Princeton Center for Yoga and Health
Montgomery Professional Center
50 Vreeland Drive Suite 506--off Route 206
Skillman, New Jersey

For more information:

http://ww.princetonyoga.com
609.924.7294

B. Amy in Pennsylvania:
We're back at the Washington Crossing Inn this Saturday night,
May 19. We hope that you'll all come out and join us for a great
time this weekend!

As many of you know, the Washington Crossing Inn is a GREAT
place to eat. If you are planning to have dinner, please call in advance
for reservations, request seating by the bar for the band and please
mention SECOND NATURE. If the weather is nice, dining is available
on the outdoor patio. Afterwards, come on in and dance the night away!

HOPE TO SEE YOU SATURDAY NIGHT!

Here are some additional upcoming dates AND VENUES for you
to update your calendars:

Washington Crossing Inn
Routes 532 & 32 (River Road)
Washington Crossing, PA 18977
215.493.3634
9:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m.

Saturday, 06/16/07
Saturday, 07/21/07
Saturday, 08/25/07
Saturday, 09/29/07

C. Natalie in Pennsylvania:
Join us for a Be the Change Campaign
BENEFIT CONCERT for The Peace Center,
featuring Singer/Songwriter Laura Derocher.

As Laura takes the stage, she alternates lively, up-tempo songs
with deeply moving ballads. Her presence is warm and powerful,
inspiring and moving, fun and deeply meaningful. Her lyrics say
everything you've been feeling, thinking and learning about how
you want to show up in the world.

Opening with Performances by Youth Groups from Local School
Districts!

You will leave this concert feeling hopeful, alive and uplifted.
You will remember how much your life makes a difference.
You will have more courage to, as Gandhi requested,
Be the Change You Wish to See in the World!

Date: Sunday, May 20th, 2007

Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Place: Chandler Hall, 99 Barclay Street, Newtown PA

Ticket Price: $20 per person (includes refreshments and $50+
in Valuable Sponsor Coupons!)

For more information on purchasing tickets, sponsors and schedule
of weekend events, call 215.493.3456 or go to:

http://www.bethechangecampaign.com
 
D. Janis in New York:
DISCOVER A PROFOUND CONNECTION YOUR SOUL, BODY, AND SELF.
HEAL YOURSELF AND DISCOVER WHO YOU ARE.

Join us Saturday June 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

At Cynthia Greenfield’s home at 15 McElroy Lane, Belle Meade, NJ

$125 if paid by June 1 or $150 afterwards or at door. Limited class size,
so sign up early.

Your spirit lake and spirit twin connect you to your soul and spirit and
physical life in profound ways for deep healing and understanding
of your timeless self and everyday experiences.

DISCOVER your life purpose and work with your twin to allow this self
to evolve and stay on course.  

LEARN Self-healing and energy clearing as well as awareness of what
is happening in and around you.  

ENJOY experiencing deep peace and connection to your soul, self and
all of life in many ways. 

MAGICAL, simple, profound and loving experiences evolve. 

You will appreciate the direct connections and learning’s that unfold.
Everyone who is open and ready can accomplish this. Janet has trained
people from all walks of life and all age groups in this practice with much
success. You will work with the roots of all of Shamanism, Psychology,
Energy Work and Spirituality here as well as new applications and
practices that streamline the healing and connections. Open your life
and healing in profound new ways that are simple and work! 

Cynthia will lead you through dance and energy movements to bring
the healing all the way into your body. Become empowered with
these new tools and practices that will change your life forever for the
better. 

Janet StraightArrow is a gifted Spiritual teacher honoring the uniqueness
of each person. StraightArrow’s devotion and extensive training offers
you an opportunity to open your heart to new life and deep love. Her
upcoming book and work, Be Your Own Medicine, brings you deeper
into yourself and gifts in powerful new ways that she will share in
this class.

Cynthia Greenfield is a certified Dancekinetics Instructor from Kripalu
Institute and has training in Expressive Movement Therapy. Cynthia
is a certified Massage Therapist, and works as an Elementary Guidance
Counselor. Her intention for the Move Your Body classes and her life is
to create, empower and share in a space of acceptance, freedom,
and fun. 

To reserve your place send a check for $125 to:
Janet StraightArrow, P O Box 1476, Woodstock, NY 12498. 

For more information or MC/Visa information, please call Janet
at 845.678.7175 or click:
http://www.oasisforthesoul.com

Bring a notebook, pens, pillow, lunch and childlike wonder.
We look forward to sharing this exciting day and work with you.

_________________________________________________________

PS. Don't forget that postal rates have increased . . . first class stamps
are now 41 cents, but if you buy them, they can always be used; i.e.,
even if rates go up, you can still mail something with this stamp . . . each
additional ounce now costs 17 cents (up to 4 oz.) . . . postcards have
risen to 26 cents . . . and watch the width of what you send out;
anything over a quarter of an inch needs additional postage.

Also, please join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers
back from Iraq and that peace resumes in Israel . . . make it a great
week, too!

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