subject: Where Did That Idea Come From? [print this page] The U.S. Postal Service has changed its stamp policy. Since January 1, 2007 a person had to be dead for at least 5 years before being on a stamp. Before that it was 10 years. Former presidents were the only exception. They were remembered on a stamp the year after their death. However, as of September 26, 2011 living people became eligible for the honor. The advisory committee receives approximately 40,000 suggestions for new stamps every year, reduces that number to about 50 finalists and sends them to the postmaster general for a final decision - his "stamp of approval".
Bay Minette, Alabama (population approximately 8,500) may have the answer to overcrowding in big city jails. As of October 2011 when "Operation Restore Our Community" was initiated, the city judge can let misdemeanor offenders work off their sentence in jail or go to church every Sunday for a year. If offenders choose church, they can choose their place of worship; but they must check in with the pastor and police weekly. If the 1-year attendance is completed, the offenders' cases will be dismissed. Bay Minette, 35 miles outside of Mobile, may be on an inside track for criminal justice.
Southern California is home to the growing trend of divorce parties - complete with divorce party planners. These events can be as elaborate as weddings or can cost just a few hundred dollars. They can be themed - "Lemon Party". They can have music - "I Will Survive" and cocktails - "Marriage on the Rocks". A cake can be topped with the bride and groom figures in a variety of poses. Divorce parties are an event to mark the closure of a marriage and the beginning of a new life. Of course, if this idea doesn't appeal to you, you can "divorce yourself from it".
Denmark is the first country to pass a fat tax. As of October 1, 2011 there is a tax of $2.90 per 2.2 pounds of saturated fat. For example, the price of a burger increased about $0.15 and the price of a small package of butter, about $0.40. The average life expectancy of Danes is below the international average of 79 years. The goal of the tax is to increase life expectancy by 3 years over the next 10 years. However, considering the prevalence of butter in Danish cooking, it may be difficult to take the fat out of the "fat-herland".
