There are a lot of things that a web worker needs in order to be able to do his or her work: a computer, an Internet connection … a post office box? While it’s not absolutely required in order to get your online work done, having a P.O. box can make a lot of sense.

I originally got my P.O. box because I wasn’t comfortable handing out my home address online. Despite working primarily online, I still receive a lot of mail, like review copies of software and books or contracts. I still even have a few clients who send me everything for the work they need done in hard copy — some clients just aren’t ready to go to a paperless process for one reason or another. But since I started renting my post office box, I’ve found quite a few reasons why having one is a good idea.

Security

Having your mail sent to a P.O. box can be a matter of security. It’s a choice many people make because they don’t want to hand out their home address online, but the security questions that a P.O. box answers goes even beyond that. Many web workers still receive paper checks. A lot of home mailboxes don’t have locks, making it possible for anyone to pull your mail — no matter what it contains — out of your mailbox. In contrast, a post office box has a lock and is usually inside a post office, so your mail will be safe.

Packages

Because I don’t need much more than my laptop to work, I often spend my days in coffee shops. If a package comes while I’m not home, it’s possible that the apartment office will hold it for me. However, it’s just as possible that they’ll refuse to sign for it and I’ll wind up driving all over. Of course, that’s assuming that the delivery service doesn’t just drop my package in front of my door and hope that it doesn’t disappear before I make it home.

Professionalism

While a home address does not instantly mark you as unprofessional, a P.O. box can help a web worker seem a little more established. It depends on the companies and clients you’re working with, but some clients may just deem a post office box to be a more professional address than an apartment or another address that is obviously residential. In part, such judgments can be attributed to the fact that most beginning freelancers or other web workers don’t usually have a mailing address beyond their homes. If you’ve reached the point where you can have a separate mailing address for your work, you’re probably a little further along in your career.

Not everyone needs a post office box, of course. It’s worth considering how much mail you receive on a regular basis, as well as your own needs as far as factors like security go. Don’t let the price scare you off, though: it’s usually possible to rent a P.O. box inexpensively — and the cost is likely to be deductible for taxes.

Do you have a P.O. box? Why did you decide to get one?

Image by Flicker user mrarteest

By Robin Roshkind, Esquire, West Palm Beach, Florida

If you are thinking about divorce, it is time to think about gaining or regaining your independence.  The following tips will help you in becoming whole again:

1.  Get your own cell phone account.

2.  Get a credit card in your name only.

3.  Get a Post Office Box or some other place where you can receive mail without the possibility of your spouse intercepting your private communications, including letters from your divorce lawyer.

4.  Open a bank account in your name only.

5.  Put jewelry and other small valuables in a safe or safety deposit box.

6.  Get your own email account.

7.  Separate and remove or photo copy important papers.

8.  Find a better place to put the car keys.

9.  Take photos of personal property in the marital home.

10.  Think about things  you share with your spouse, for example luggage, and get your own. 

By doing these things, you will gain a mind set of being an individual, instead of being one half of a whole.

For more information about divorce, consult with one of the attorneys at ROBIN ROSHKIND, P.A. at 561-835-9091 or click on the Firm’s web site at www.familylawwpb.com.

FROM DOUBT TO BELIEF

ARISTEO CANLAS FERNANDO
Peace Crusader and Echo

What happened in 1994 that triggered me to believe that the spirit who we (plural) talk to is the spirit of Jesus Christ Himself? What made me reverse my eleven long years (1983-1994) of doubt into belief in the spirit? 

1. First and foremost are the bold letters A-M-A in a featured article about me and the Aristean calendar published in the weekly community newspaper, Macarthur Chronicle, on 1994-04-26.  Please see the article at Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/11976828@N03/1222132820/in/set-72157601635650473/ and  at http://www.geocities.com/peacecrusader888/19940426.htm.  I only discovered the bold letters A-M-A in 1994-06, six weeks after the article was published.  Did you notice the bold letters in the body of the article that spelled “AMA”?  Ama is the name of the spirit who we talk to.  Ama is also the Filipino word for God the Father. 
2. Next was the discovery of 888 as the number of Jesus in 1994-05 from a book lent to me by the first cousin of my first cousin who I have not met for more than three decades.  Two months later, in 1994-07, I was surprised to find that our post office box number 888 is in the middle of a cross.  Coincidence?  888, number of Jesus, cross.  I also found out in 1994-12 that the sets of boxes affirm that the crucifixion really happened.  Please read the details at http://www.geocities.com/peacecrusader888/jesus888.htm.
3. I am the proponent of the Aristean calendar that will become the official primary standard calendar of the world, replacing the present Gregorian calendar.  The Gregorian calendar succeeded its predecessor, the Julian calendar, in 1582.  The idea of the calendar came to my mind in 1992.  In 1993, I discovered that the name of my mother Gregoria is related to the present calendar.  In 1994, I discovered that the name of the mother of my mother, or my grandmother, is related to the Gregorian’s predecessor as well.  Her name is Julita.  Did you notice the parallelism?  Gregoria, Gregorian calendar; Julita, Julian calendar.  Now, me, proposing a calendar which I believe is destined to be implemented in His time.  Details about the Aristean calendar is at http://www.geocities.com/peacecrusader888/calendaridx.htm.

File:  recant1994.htm     URL:  http://www.geocities.com/peacecrusader888/recant1994.htm
First uploaded:  2009-07-24     Last updated:  2009-07-24     Rev. No. 0

Copyright © Aristeo Canlas Fernando 2009
All rights reserved.

Dear Online Diary,

I would really like to make a connection with a convicted felon. Not a deep, strong, emotionally involved connection. Not a sexual connection. But a humorous connection. No, it won’t be funny for them at all (unless they hate themselves enough), but it would be an absolute hoot for me. I love these websites.

Writeaprisoner.com is my favorite. The reason is simple: extensive search options. I can find anything. I love finding Buddhists on death row. I’m not a buddhist, nor do I pretend to know the ins and outs of the buddhist faith-but I know they’re pretty fond of being laid back. I’ve never heard of a bunch of CRAZY southern buddhists picketing soldiers funerals with signs held up proclaiming “God Hates Faggots!”.  I’ve never seen a group of buddhists being brought up on charges for bombing an abortion clinic. Buddhists seem to have found some kind of happy medium in this crazy world and they don’t really bother anyone. I like buddhists.

Which makes me wonder how one of them is on death row for homicide.

Perhaps, this guy somehow found out he was going to be reincarnated into a really annoying parrot* and just snapped. Perhaps he helped a bunch of old ladies cross the road out of the kindness of his karmacally driven heart. Then he stubbed his toe on the curb, tripped on the old lady’s cane, and did a swan dive into the asphalt. Then decided karma was a fucking idiot-thereby murdering the helpless old woman with her own cane.

The logical person would assume they were not buddhist when they committed these crimes. Perhaps they used to associate with a more traditionally violent religion. Perhaps they just too original  to find Jesus in the pen-but also really didn’t want to “chance it” with suffering eternal damnation when they got the chair.

But I’m not known for my logical thinking. Never have been. I would like to think this guy was a bad ass buddhist who snapped.  I think he was hardcore. I think he wore a black pleather jacket and steel toed pleather shoes-so he could look like a biker without killing any animals. I think he had 3 days worth of stubble that would add to his badass credit, or make him look somewhat homeless if he wasn’t wearing that kick ass pleather jacket. I think he was the most militant buddhist who ever lived. I think he was so hellbent on being a fierce tiger or beastly bear in his next life, he was going to make you find some fucking peace on this earth even if he had to stick it up your ass. You WILL find Nirvana-or you will fucking pay!

As much as you might want to argue with me about this, we will never know. Because I can’t write to these prisoners. I would love to, but I don’t have a post office box. I may be crazy, but I’m not crazy enough to give a group of felons my street address-not even the buddhists.

I’m dying to write to these guys. In the words of Ariel, I want to ask them my questions and get some answers. I would even post them here. I’d get an anthology of my pen pals letters and drawings. I’d scrapbook them show them to my grandchildren and friends that come to visit. It would be an amazing coffee table book. Glorious and entertaining, but most importantly, extremely informative.

Alas, I barely have enough money to pay my bills, much less pay for a po box and endless amounts of stamps. Perhaps, when I am more financially stable, I will fulfill my dreams of getting to know the murdering buddhists. But then again, if I’m more financially stable, I might find better things to do than sit in my apartment and dream about harassing inmates. Only time and money will tell.

*To be fair to this parrot, and parrotkind everywhere, all birds are annoying. They’re screeching little bastards and I hate them all. Except penguins. Penguins are fucking cute.

By Robin Roshkind, Esquire, West Palm Beach, Florida

There are certain things to do if you are planning to file for divorce.  Below is a suggested list of how to prepare:

1.  Organize your financial papers and photocopy everything. 

2.  Bring them to your divorce lawyer so they are out of the house.

3.  Remove small items that are important to you like jewelry.

4.  Make a plan for the children.

5.  Discuss service of papers with your spouse or if that is not possible arrange to be out of the house when he/she is served.

6.  Photograph paintings, antiques, piano or other home furnishings of value.  Deliver the photos to your divorce lawyer for safekeeping.

7.  Arrange for a post office box or a friend to receive your confidential mail.

8.  Set up a separate bank account.

9.  Get a credit card in your own name if you don’t already have one.

10.  Get support from friends and family, or see a therapist. It will make the process easier.

For more information about this or other divorce topics, consult with one of the attorneys at ROBIN ROSHKIND, P.A. at 561-835-9091 or click on the Firm’s web site at www.familylawwpb.com.

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY / PERMISSION TO CROSSPOST

1/21/09: Man Who Filed Dog’s Teeth To Gumline Belongs In Jail

ACT BY 2/10/09 – Sentencing scheduled for 2/11/09


A McMinnville, Tenn. jury found Chris Barnett guilty of animal cruelty for
filing down the dog’s teeth last year… Barnett faces up to a year in jail
when he’s sentenced. Man Faces Jail Time For Dog Abuse,
http://www.wsmv.com/news/18497464/detail.html#-

===========================================================
FULL CONTACT INFORMATION. Email block + sample letter follow
===========================================================

The Honorable Larry “Bart” Stanley, Jr.
111 Court Square; McMinnville, TN 37110
ph: 931-473-2373; fax: 931-473-6328
NO EMAIL ADDRESS

Honorable Lisa Zavogiannis, District Attorney General
131 E Main Street; McMinnville, TN 37110
ph: 931-473-9572; fax: 931-473-7410
email: lszavogiannis@tndagc.org

John Pelham, County Mayor
Warren County Executive Building
201 Locust Street, Ste. 1; McMinnville, TN 37110
ph: 931-473-2505; fax: 931-473-0635
email: wcexecutive@blomand.net, admin@warrentn.org
Admin Assistant, Carol Cantrell: carolc@blomand.net

City of McMinnville, TN
Dr. Norman Rone, Mayor
101 East Main Street
PO Box 7088; McMinnville, TN 37111
ph: 931-473-1200; email: mayor@mcminnvilletenn.com

Bobby Kirby, Vice Mayor
101 East Main Street
PO Box 7088; McMinnville, TN 37111
ph: 931-473-2200; cell: 931-607-8770
email: bobbykirby@blomand.net

Representative Charles Curtiss
120 General Jones Road; Sparta, TN 38583
ph: 615-741-1963
email: rep.charles.curtiss@legislature.state.tn.us,
rep.charles.curtiss@capitol.tn.gov

Representative Janis Baird Sontany
32 Legislative Plaza; Nashville, TN 37243-0153
ph: 615-741-6861; fax 615-253-0325
email: rep.janis.sontany@capitol.tn.gov

Senator Eric Stewart
500 Dinah Shore Blvd; Winchester, TN 37398
ph: 931-967-3742, 615-741-6694
email: eric@votestewart.com,
sen.eric.stewart@legislature.state.tn.us

Senator Doug Jackson
10 Legislative Plaza; Nashville, TN 37243-0025
ph: 615-741-4499; fax 615-741-8745
email: sen.doug.jackson@capitol.tn.gov

IF YOU LIVE IN TENNESSEE, EMAIL YOUR STATE REP AND SENTATOR.
FIND CONTACT INFO HERE: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/legislators/

Governor Phil Bredesen
Tennessee State Capitol; Nashville, TN 37243-0001
ph: 615-741-2001; fax: 615-532-9711
email: phil.bredesen@state.tn.us

===========================================================
EMAIL BLOCK: All emails (from above) found for this alert
===========================================================

lszavogiannis@tndagc.org, wcexecutive@blomand.net, admin@warrentn.org,
carolc@blomand.net, mayor@mcminnvilletenn.com, bobbykirby@blomand.net,
rep.charles.curtiss@legislature.state.tn.us,
rep.charles.curtiss@capitol.tn.gov, rep.janis.sontany@capitol.tn.gov,
eric@votestewart.com, sen.eric.stewart@legislature.state.tn.us,
sen.doug.jackson@capitol.tn.gov, phil.bredesen@state.tn.us

FOR A FORMATTED LETTER (WORD DOC), EMAIL: kinshipcircle@accessus.net
Easily modify letter. Copy/paste it into an email or print letter to fax or mail.

===========================================================
SAMPLE LETTER — This letter is prepared to inform you about the issue.
Try to shorten and personalize your letter before sending.
===========================================================

Dear Judge Stanley, Ms. Lisa Zavogiannis, and Government Officials of Warren
County, McMinnville, and the State of Tennessee:

I am concerned about the case of Christopher Barnett, a McMinnville, TN man
who claims his rights as an “owner” justify the February 16, 2008 mutilation
of his Alaskan husky, Lucas. Barnett’s violent actions rank as felony
aggravated animal cruelty.

Witnesses saw Barnett beat Lucas and then chisel off the dog’s teeth until
root and nerve were exposed on at least 16 uppers and 14 lowers. The year
and a half old dog’s head “jerked back and forth,” one witness said, as
Barnett ran a saw-like tool through the dog’s mouth.

I urge officials to levy the maximum felony penalty of two years in prison
and a $3,000 fine. Please ensure Barnett undergoes psychological counseling
and is barred from possessing or living with animals. Lucas and Honey, a
Boxer also under Barnett’s care, cannot go home to this unremorseful abuser.

In addition to grinding Lucas’ teeth down to the gum line, Barnett also
bludgeoned the dog so severely he fractured a bone in the eye area. He is a
repeat offender, charged in 2004 with deliberately killing an animal in
Giles County. Though never convicted of this offense, his recurring behavior
ought to be a red flag for those who determine his punishment.

Criminologists view the intensity of hostile behavior — regardless of the
victim’s identity — as a precursor to future violence. “People begin to
fantasize about violent actions… The next phase is usually acting out
against animals,” says the FBI’s Alan Brantley, Investigative Support Unit.

Prolific murderers such as the Boston Strangler, Son of Sam, Jeffrey Dahmer
and Ted Bundy practiced on animals before graduating to humans. Dennis
Rader, notorious for the Bind-Torture-Kill murders in Wichita, Kansas,
confessed to strangling cats and dogs prior to his sadistic spree. Indeed,
men prosecuted for animal cruelty are five times as likely to be arrested
for other violent crimes, according to Utah State University professor Frank
Ascione’s extensive research.

Animal torture is a serious crime that warrants your utmost deliberation.
Christopher Barnett requires extensive rehabilitation and incarceration.
Please do not release Lucas or Honey into his custody.

Thank you,

===========================================================
SOURCE OF INFORMATION / REFERENCE LINKS
===========================================================

Dog severely beaten, teeth filed down to gumline Mcminnville, TN (US)
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/13218/TN/US/RSS/#TOP
Additional Research From Emilie Bottiggi and Terri Kelley, Kinship Circle
ebottiggi@aol.com, pawsitivedirections@yahoo.com
Man Faces Jail Time For Dog Abuse
http://www.wsmv.com/news/18497464/detail.html#-
Witnesses: Man Beat Dog Before Teeth Filing
http://www.wsmv.com/news/15766759/detail.html
Accused Dog Abuser Faces Felony Charge
http://www.wsmv.com/news/15588757/detail.html?rss=nash&psp=news
Demand Justice for Lucas, Pure Bred Husky Horribly Abused
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/demand-justice-for-lucas-pure-bred-husky-horribly-abused-by-owner?page=2
Man Punishes Dog By Grinding Its Teeth
http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?s=7935838
Man Beat Dog, Then Filed Teeth, Witnesses Say
http://www.wsmv.com/video/15767143/index.html

Please Help Kinship Circle Continue Its Work For Animals
*   DONATE SECURELY ONLINE: http://www.kinshipcircle.org/donation

*   DONATE BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER:
Kinship Circle / 7380 Kingsbury Blvd. / St. Louis, MO 63130
KINSHIP CIRCLE
ACTION CAMPAIGNS • EDUCATION • ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
info@kinshipcircle.org or kinshipcircle@accessus.net
http://www.KinshipCircle.org * http://www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters/
KINSHIP CIRCLE is a 501c3 public charity. Donations are tax-deductible.

SUBSCRIBE:
Kinship Circle Primary: subscribe@kinshipcircle.org
Action campaigns on animal cruelty issues worldwide

Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network: kinshipcircle@accessus.net
Animal rescue coordination/news in disasters + companion animal alerts
SEND: Address / Phone / Email for placement in geographic disaster zone

*DISCLAIMER: The information in these alerts is verified with the original
source. Kinship Circle does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of
the information or for the consequences of its use. Nothing in this email is
intended to encourage illegal action in whatever country you are reading it
in. Kinship Circle does not engage in, nor support, any form of harassment
or unlawful activity. Nothing in this alert serves to promote such conduct.

Thanks to Anna Balasi of Hachette Book Group I will be giving away 3 copies of this book (it will be an audiobook).  To enter, please leave a comment but remember it will only be open to residents of the US and Canada and we will not be able to ship to P.O. Boxes.  This contest will end January 24th.  Good Luck!

About the Book:

Suzette Kelo was just trying to rebuild her life when she purchased a falling down Victorian house perched on the waterfront in New London, CT. The house wasn’t particularly fancy, but with lots of hard work Suzette was able to turn it into a home that was important to her, a home that represented her new found independence.

Little did she know that the City of New London, desperate to revive its flailing economy, wanted to raze her house and the others like it that sat along the waterfront in order to win a lucrative Pfizer pharmaceutical contract that would bring new business into the city. Kelo and fourteen neighbors flat out refused to sell, so the city decided to exercise its power of eminent domain to condemn their homes, launching one of the most extraordinary legal cases of our time, a case that ultimately reached the United States Supreme Court.

In Little Pink House, award-winning investigative journalist Jeff Benedict takes us behind the scenes of this case — indeed, Suzette Kelo speaks for the first time about all the details of this inspirational true story as one woman led the charge to take on corporate America to save her home.

A quanto pare la guerra delle major a internet continua.

Dopo il vero e proprio “casino” creato dall’annuncio di Sarkozy di togliere deifnitivamente l’accesso a internet agli utenti che fossero scoperti a scaricare musica illegalmente, ora anche l’Inghilterra, minaccia i suoi ISP.
La Virgin media, infatti, sta mandando oltre 800 lettere che avvisano ad altrettanti utenti che sono sorvegliati speciali, e che se scoperti altre 2 volte a scaricare musica gli verranno disabilitati definitivamente gli ISP, con una conseguente impossibilità permanente di accedere a internet… una vera e propria schedatura insomma.

Colpirne 800 per educarne milioni dice PI…ma servirà veramente tutto questo pandemonio che ricshia di far arrivare alla Virgin migliaia di disdette?

Per fortuna, infatti, è solo la Virgin a minacciare i suoi utenti, sotto pressione delle major britanniche, e gli altri servizi provider non sono interessati a seguirne le orme.

Come prevedibile i blogger si stanno scatenando, e a mio parere anche giustamente, perchè sono d’accordo con l’eliminzaione del download da internet, ma a patto che per comprare un Cd non debba spendere 20€, e che non si può paragonare un download di una canzone ad una vera e propria violazione del Copiright a scopo di lucro, visto che nella maggior parte dei casi chi scarica musica la mette nel suo lettore mp3, o nel suo ipod, e on la vende certo, e soprattutto non si può condannare il sietema p2p, nato con il nobile scopo di facilitare lo scambio di file OS tra utenti.

 So you are moving. Well try the following suggestions for a little peace of mind.    

• Provide the post office with your forwarding address two to four weeks ahead of the move.
• Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and bank of your change of address.
• Create a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified about your move.
• Arrange to disconnect utilities and have them connected at your new home.
• Cancel the newspaper, or change the address so it will arrive at your new home.
• Check insurance coverage for the items you’re moving. Usually movers only cover what they pack.
• Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable.
• Note the weight of the goods you’ll have moved, since long-distance moves are usually billed according to  weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight.
• Check with your condo or co-op about any restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits for moving.
• Have a “first open” box with the things you’ll need most, such as toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.
  
  Plus, if you’re moving out of town, be sure to:
  
• Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets.
• Get copies of children’s school records for transfer.
• Ask friends for introductions to anyone they know in your new neighborhood.
• Consider special car needs for pets when traveling.
• Let a friend or relative know your route.
• Empty your safety deposit box.
• Put plants in boxes with holes for air circulation if you’re moving in cold weather.

Embrace change, Change is good.

Guess what? I got some real, honest to goodness mail from Kelly the other day. Kelly if you are out there, thank you so much. You totally made my day! I was so excited I couldn’t wait to open the letter until I got home, so I just opened it there in my car at the post office! I cannot reveal the super secret contents of the envelope, but it was all very nice and a wonderful treat for me. You guys have NO IDEA how much I love getting postal mail! I’ve always been a really big fan of mail ever since I was a little kid. I always loved my birthday the best, because I knew my grandmother would send me a card in the mail! I also received two cards from some of my YouTube friends. I feel honored that ANYONE would take the time out of their day to write me a letter. That is just so sweet. I have a Hello Kitty box that I’m going to keep the letters in as well. Thank you Kelly and my YouTube friends.

I don’t know if anyone is interested, but if you are, I just got a PO Box, so if you feel like sending snail mail you can. If you would like a reply, be sure to include a return address! You are under no obligation to send me anything, this is just in case someone wants to. AND I really hope that no one sends me a mail bomb or anthrax or something. Please be nice! Okay, here is the info:

Kristin Bell
PO Box 822735
Vancouver, WA 98682
USA