Sunday Sundries......

Why the Government should NEVER manage our Health Care System..a sad testiment to the USPS

As many of you know from two previous posts, an old "bubblhead" named John "Jack" Sandy discovered that the picture of a submarine on a United States Post Office Commemorative collage was NOT a US submarine...but a SOUTH KOREAN boat...

John, being a good submariner opted to notify the Postal Authorities regarding this grossly insulting error to the United States Navy and all submariners...past and present...

Here is a full transcript of his communiques with me...and his nightmare with the Postal folks...what a sad tribute to our US Post Office....

Cookie,
First the good news. American Stamp Collectibles that made the US Navy Framed Art product has responded quickly and they are taking immediate corrective actions. They have also offered me a refund, which I have refused. Apparently the ROK submarine photo in the montage was approved by someone in the US Navy. They are searching their records to find out exactly what happened. I hope that individual or group gets sent to some really nasty duty station, and I don't mean Afghanistan or Iraq. Good job on ASM's part. I suspect the quick response from them is because they are probably a privately run company.

Now the bad news. I have been stonewalled by the USPS, and I need a roll of EB Green to keep my head from exploding. Although I have received responses from the USPS to my emails they have been worthless. Either they think I am referring to stamps, or I am told to go to another website about stamps, or it's not their problem, or call a number, which of course is not toll free. Plus, not one single question I have asked them has been answered. Not one. Maybe that is their instructions. Don't answer specific questions so you can't be held accountable for an incorrect answer.

This experience has caused me to really think what it would be like to have the government actually run our health care system. Think it's bad now? With the dunderheads I have dealt with in the USPS we will all have to live, or probably die with these type of fools. God help this country because the US Gov won't.

These are my emails and the responses in order of first to last. I have x'd out the USPS employees name to maintain their privacy.

Jack


Email 1 to USPS (originally posted on the USPS website)

Customer (JOHN SANDY) - 11/27/2006 08:50 AMThe US Navy "Postmark Gallery" (custom framed) has a photo in the lower right corner in the photo montage of a submarine that is supposed to be a US Navy submarine. It is NOT. After some research I have identified it as a South Korean (Republic of Korea) submarine. It is a Type 209/1200 that was designed in Germany. Can somebody at the USPS please tell me how this error occurred and what will be done to correct it?


Email 1 from USPS

Subject---------------------------------------------------------------The US Navy "Postmark Gallery" (custom framed) has a photo in the lower right...

Discussion Thread---------------------------------------------------------------Response (Xxx X.) - 11/27/2006 04:09 PM
Dear JOHN SANDY,Thank you for contacting us about the US Navy Submarine stamps from 2000. I understand that there is an error on the stamp. I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.Almost all subjects chosen to appear on U.S. stamps and postal stationery are suggested by the public. Each year, Americans submit proposals to the Postal Service on literally thousands of different topics. Every stamp suggestion is considered, regardless of who makes it or how it is presented.The five U.S. Navy Submarines stamp designs depict different periods in submarine technology. The U.S. Navy Submarines stamps were illustrated by Jim Griffiths of Glenview, Ill. Carl Herrman of Carlsbad, Calif., was art director.If I can be of assistance to you in the future, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you for choosing the United States Postal Service®.Regards,Xxx X.As our customer, your privacy is important to us. Please see our privacy policy at www.usps.com -[---001:001439:06650---]


Email 2 to USPS

Customer (JOHN SANDY) - 11/27/2006 05:10 PMXxx X, Thank you for the prompt response but I am NOT referring to stamps. The Postmark Gallery is a framed photo montage commemorating the US Navy. The ID numbers on the back of the frame are as follows:Bar Code: 00231 31075AIC:231Item#: 23131075Copyright 2005John Sandy


Email 2 from USPS

Subject---------------------------------------------------------------Re: The US Navy "Postmark Gallery" (custom framed) has a photo in the lower r...Discussion Thread---------------------------------------------------------------Response (Xxxxxxxx X) - 11/28/2006 06:11 PM
Dear JOHN SANDY,Thank you for contacting us about the US Navy photo montage. I understand you would like to submit information oh the Navy photo montage.Please refer all comments and questions to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee via the link below:Title: Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC)URL: http://hdusps.esecurecare.net/cgi-bin/hdusps.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1414&p_created=1052967108If I can be of assistance to you in the future, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you for choosing the United States Postal Service®.Regards,Xxxxxxxx X
As our customer, your privacy is important to us. Please see our privacy policy at www.usps.com -[---001:001099:34414---]

Email 3 to USPS

Customer (JOHN SANDY) - 11/29/2006 06:41 AMXxxxxxxx, Thank you for your reply. Does the website you directed me to deal with all collectibles sold by the USPS or just stamps? The incorrect photo on the US Navy Framed Art item (Postmark Gallery) is not on a stamp. It is part of the nine photo montage. See the link below for a photo of the collectible. The incorrect submarine photo is in the lower right corner of the montage.Thanks,JSandy_American Stamp Collectibles_ http://www.americanstampcollectibles.com/product-detail.cfm?col=1&style=2&id=19


Email 3 from USPS
The US Navy "Postmark Gallery" (custom framed) has a photo in the lower r...Discussion Thread---------------------------------------------------------------Response (Xxxxxx X) - 11/29/2006 09:33 AM
Dear JOHN SANDY,Thank you for contacting us about the framed art.I apologize, we actually have nothing to do with the art produced by that website. We give them permission to use stamps and stamp images in their artwork. However, the collage you are referring to was created by ASC Inc.I did notice that there is a link on their website to contact them. I would suggest you contact them and let them know of the error.If I can be of assistance to you in the future, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you for choosing the United States Postal Service®.Regards,Xxxxxx X


Email 4 to USPS

Customer (JOHN SANDY) - 11/29/2006 11:26 AMXxxxxx X, Thank you for your reply. I already contacted American Stamp Collectibles after visiting their website and seeing the US Navy Framed Art on it that they produce and the USPS sells. They have told me they are investigating the error and will get back to me. I still need to know if the USPS website (see link below) that Xxxxxxx X. referred me to in a previous email is the appropriate place to report this error so that the USPS can also correct this error? I went to the below linked website and it appears it is only for stamps, not collectibles such as the US Navy Framed Art (Postmark Gallery). Am I correct or incorrect in this assumption? Again, please understand this error is not on a stamp.Thanks,JSandy _Answer_ (https://hdusps.esecurecare.net/cgi-bin/hdusps.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1414&p_created=1052967108)


Email 4 from USPS

Subject---------------------------------------------------------------Re: The US Navy "Postmark Gallery" (custom framed) has a photo in the lower r...Discussion Thread---------------------------------------------------------------Response (Xxxxxx X) - 11/30/2006 09:25 AM
Dear JOHN SANDY,The art that you are referring to was not created by the United States Postal Service. Therefore, we have no part in the design.We have created framed art pieces, but this is not one of them. American Stamp Collectibles is the only company you need to take the issue to.If I can be of assistance to you in the future, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you for choosing the United States Postal Service®.Regards,Xxxxxx X
As our customer, your privacy is important to us. Please see our privacy policy at www.usps.com -[---001:001944:58716---]


Email 5 to USPS

Customer (JOHN SANDY) - 11/30/2006 01:41 PMXxxxxx X., Thank you for your reply. I must respectfully disagree that, "American Stamp Collectibles is the only company you need to take the issue to." Someone or some group with the USPS had to have approved the licensing and sale of the US Navy Framed Art. Didn't someone at the USPS ask a simple question such as, "Are these authentic photos of US Navy activities, personnel and equipment?" I understand that a simple error has been made on the photo montage by someone. ASC Inc. has notified me that they are now aware of the error and will correct it. But what disappoints more is the response I have received from the USPS. Not one single question I have asked has been answered. If you don't believe it I can send all my emails and the USPS responses. My original question in the first email I sent to the USPS about this error was this; "Can somebody at the USPS please tell me how this error occurred and what will be done to correct it?" Would somebody please answer it? Here are a few more questions: 1. Will the USPS notify ASC Inc. about the error and tell them to fix it? I have, will you? 2. Will the USPS stop selling this item until it is fixed? If not, why? 3. Will the USPS offer a refund to those who have purchased it from the USPS? Again, if not, why? Please think about this. The USPS is selling a product that you now know is not what it claims to be. A photo of a South Korean Navy submarine designed in Germany that is supposed to be a US Navy submarine should be and is, fraud and deceit.JSandy


Email 5 from USPS

Subject---------------------------------------------------------------Re: The US Navy "Postmark Gallery" (custom framed) has a photo in the lower r...Discussion Thread---------------------------------------------------------------Response (Xxxxxx X) - 12/01/2006 08:57 AM
Dear JOHN SANDY,I apologize for your frustrations with this. You will need to direct your questions to the Copyright and Licensing Department. They do not have an email address, so I am unable to forward your email. Please call them at 1-248-680-9150.If I can be of assistance to you in the future, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you for choosing the United States Postal Service®.Regards,Xxxxxx X


Email 6 to USPS (sent 3:44 est, 12/01/06)

Angela G.,
To be blunt, thanks for nothing. I do not, cannot, and never will understand why none of my questions about this issue have been answered by you or the other two USPS employees that have responded to me. It is nothing but stonewalling.

JSandy

Now just imagine if good old Uncle Sam was managin our Health Care system....frightenin thought ain't it....

Why I'm swearin off cookin with Bacon Grease and... 2 new uses fer Duct Tape....

Now Sir...any good cook knows that to add some flavor to yur fare...sometimes ya just gotta cook with some good old fashioned Bacon Grease...but...I think I just might change m'thinkin bout that.... SOME PARTIAL NUDITY ahead...so be warned...





Well Sir...gotta admit...thought I knew just about all the uses fer duct tape that there is...but here's a couple a more.....OH BTW...there's some PARTIAL NUDITY commin up...and it ain't exactly in the best taste....so's if'n that offends ya....STOP HERE!!!

Ductape
>
> Contrary to popular opinion, duct tape IS NOT good for fixing everything!
>
> Jeff walks into a bar and sees his friend Paul slumped over the bar.
> He walks over and asks Paul what's wrong.

"Well," replies Paul,
> "You know that beautiful girl at work that I wanted to ask out, but I got
> an erection every time I saw her?"
>
> "Yes," replies Jeff with a laugh. "Well," says Paul, straightening up,
> "I finally worked up the courage to ask her out, and she agreed."
>
> "That's great!" says Jeff, "When are you going out?"
>
> "I went to meet her this evening," continues Paul, "but I was worried
> I'd get an erection again. So I got some duct tape and taped "it" to
> my leg, so if I did, it wouldn't show".
>
> "Sensible" says Jeff.
>
> "So I get to her door," says Paul, "and I rang her doorbell. She answered
>
> it in the sheerest, sexiest, dress you ever saw."
>
> "And what happened then?"
>
> "I kicked her in the head."

Now Sir...this here is what's known as ...REDNECK BIRTH CONTROL.... and its used quite extensively here in upstate New York......

agin...PARTIAL NUDITY involved....so be warned......
>
>
>
>
>
> Look out...here tis....
>
>



OUCH !!! That's gotta hurt comin off...

Just a Hodge-Podge of Toons & Foto's...

Ride em Cowboy.....

Duds & Spuds....

UPDATE regarding POST OFFICE: Well Sir...it would appear that almost no progress is being made regarding my last few posts about the Korean Submarine on a US Navy Commerative marketed by the Post Office...

Along with Jack Sandy and others...I had sent E-mail's to the Postal Authorities informing them of the blunder...and received a standard return communique stating that my "concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate department".

Jack Sandy...who originally discovered this insultingly gross error and first notified the Postal Authorities, also received similar responses. The various people answering our e-mails just keep passin the buck (so whats new) and...in Jacks words and mine...we don't know if'n we're going up or down the food chain. SonarMan reports that he can no longer find this Commemorative at the USPS site...but several other bubbleheads have told me they were never able to find the commemorative at the Official Postal site....so...who know's at this point.

Right now Jack is fighting a David and Goliath type battle...and...this here Cookie knows this ain't no wurld shakin problem or issue...but it's an insult to most of us who served either in the US Navy or on "the boats"....so if'n any of ya out there wanna jump in with yur blogs fer some assistance...Welcome Aboard mates...

OK...now Sir...with the CHRISTmas Holiday rapidly approachin...here's a couple a real great Sweet Tater recipe's from that great Texas cook...Sue Gertson. My wife just loves Sweet Taters...and when she saw these recipe's...made me promise to make at least one or th'other fer CHRISTmas...


Sweet Potato Bake

3 cups peeled, cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup Splenda sugar substitute
1/3 cup Smart Balance, buttery spread, melted
1/2 cup egg substitute
1 tsp. vanilla1
tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 cup fat-free half-and-half

TOPPING

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 1/2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 tablespoons Smart Balance, melted

Mix together with a fork; sprinkle over top of casserole just before putting in oven.

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Mix all ingredients together except for the half-and-half. Beat with mixer until smooth. Add cream; mix well. Pour into a greased casserole dish. (an 11x7" size will work, or 1.5 qt.)

Add topping. Bake for 25-30 minutes.


Title: Individual Sweet Potato Balls

Description:
Yummy and easy. Everyone gets their own.

Ingredients:
4 large sweet potatoes
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon rum (optional)
2 cups coconut
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 large marshmallow per each ball



Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Bake the potatoes until tender, then peel and mash them. Stir in the brown sugar, orange juice, zest, nutmeg and rum. In a separate bowl, toss the coconut with the sugar and cinnamon. Press the mashed potatoes around each marshmallow, creating a 2 to 3 inch ball. Roll the balls in the coconut mixture. Bake 15 to 20 minutes. Watch carefully so that the expanding marshmallows don't burst open.

Number Of Servings: serves 4 to 6

Preparation Time:5 minutes

Just pokin some rib's... and... havin some fun with the ACLU...

OK...my last two posts were aimed at the inept management folks at the United States Postal Service...let's hope they can correctly address and resolve the identified problem and learn from it...but...till then...here's a cute little joke about (and for) the good folks who wurk down in the trenches durin this busiest time of the year at the PO.....

...and Oh...BTW...a few folks asked me what the flag in the previous post is...its the nautical international distress flag (something like SOS).....

There was a man who worked for the Post Office whose job was to process all the mails that had illegible addresses.

One day, a letter came addressed in a shaky handwriting to God with no actual address. He thought he should open it to see what it was about.

The letter read:

"Dear God, I am an 83 year old widow, living on a very small pension.

Yesterday someone stole my purse. It had $100 in it, which was all the money I had until my next pension check. Next Sunday is Christmas, and I had invited two of my friends over for dinner. Without that money, I have nothing to buy food with. I have no family to turn to, and you are my only hope. Can you please help me?

Sincerely, Edna"

The postal worker was touched. He showed the letter to all the other workers. Each one dug into his or her wallet and came up with a few dollars. By the time he made the rounds, he had collected $96, which they put into an envelope and sent to the woman. The rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of Edna and the dinner she would be able to share with her friends.


Christmas came and went. A few days later, another letter came from the same old lady to God. All the workers gathered around while the letter was opened. It read, "Dear God, How can I ever thank you enough for what you did for me? Because of your gift of love, I was able to fix a glorious dinner for my friends.

We had a very nice day and I told my friends of your wonderful gift. By the way, there was $4 missing. I think it must have been those bums at the Post Office.

Next...As Art Linkletter ( I know...you younger folks don't even know who the hell he is) used to say..."Kids say the Darnedest things..."...

A teacher was doing a study testing the senses (taste) of firstgraders using a bowl of lifesavers.

The childrens responses...

Red......................Cherry
Yellow..............Lemon
Green....................Lime
Orange...............Orange

Finally the teacher gave them all HONEY lifesavers.

After eating them, none of the children could identify the taste.

"Well," she said, "I will give you all a clue. It's what your mother may sometimes call your father.

"One little girl looked up in horror, spit her lifesaver out and yelled,

"Oh my God, they're ass holes!"



...and speakin of Assholes( great Seg-way huh )....

HAVE SOME FUN WITH THE ACLU...

Want to have some fun this CHRISTMAS?
Send the ACLU a CHRISTMAS CARD! I know I'm sendin mine out today...and maybe one or two after that.....

As they are working so very hard to get rid of the CHRISTMAS part of this holiday, we should all send them a nice, CHRISTIAN, card to brighten up their dark, sad, little world.

Make sure it says "Merry Christmas" on it.

Here's the Addresses, remember...BE NICE... don't be rude or crude.

ACLU
125 Broad Street
18th Floor
New York, NY 10004

ACLU
1031 E Washington St
Indianapolis, In 46202

Two tons of Christmas cards would freeze their operations because they wouldn't know if any were regular mail containing contributions... So spend 39 cents and tell the ACLU to leave Christmas alone. Also tell them that there is no such thing as a Holiday Tree. . . It's a Christmas Tree even in the fields!!

And pass this on to your email lists. We really want to communicate with the ACLU! They really DESERVE us!!

Duz ANYONE at the U. S. Postal Service know WTF they are doing...???

Yesterday, I posted the below post regarding how the United States Postal Service published a Commemorative Gallery about the United States Navy...and in this publication...used...can you believe it...a freaken SOUTH KOREAN SUBMARINE!!

Now at the time of my posting...I didn't know who the astute bubblehead (Submariner fer all you land-lubbers) was that made this discovery...but I have since received communications from him and his name is John (Jack) Sandy. Great catch Jack...great catch!

Jack informed me that he notified the U.S.Postal Service regarding this immensely gross and insulting error. Here are copies of the response he received from the Postal Service....beginning with his initial communique....


Customer (JOHN SANDY) - 11/27/2006 08:50 AM

The US Navy "Postmark Gallery" (custom framed) has a photo in the lower right corner in the photo montage of a submarine that is supposed to be a US Navy submarine. It is NOT. After some research I have identifed it as a South Korean (Republic of Korea) submarine. It is a Type 209/1200 that was designed in Germany. Can somebody at the USPS please tell me how this error occured and what will be done to correct it?

...and this is the response he received from some airhead that completely misunderstood his E-Mail....

Response (Pam B.) - 11/27/2006 04:09 PM
Dear JOHN SANDY,

Thank you for contacting us about the US Navy Submarine stamps from 2000. I understand that there is an error on the stamp. I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

Almost all subjects chosen to appear on U.S. stamps and postal stationery are suggested by the public. Each year, Americans submit proposals to the Postal Service on literally thousands of different topics. Every stamp suggestion is considered, regardless of who makes it or how it is presented.

The five U.S. Navy Submarines stamp designs depict different periods in submarine technology. The U.S. Navy Submarines stamps were illustrated by Jim Griffiths of Glenview, Ill. Carl Herrman of Carlsbad, Calif., was art director.

If I can be of assistance to you in the future, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you for choosing the United States Postal Service®.

Regards,

Pam B.


...er...ah...excuse me Pam...but if you take the time to read Mr. Sandy's E-mail...you might just notice that ...HE DOESN'T MENTION THE WORD STAMP!! He wrote about the "Postmark Gallery"...which a montage of branches of the United States Navy.....not the ROK Navy ( that's the Republic of Korea to you Pam).

If anyone out there readin this knows someone in the Postal Service who has a modicum of knowledge about what they are doing...PLEASE let them know about this error....

UPDATE: 28 November, 06.....Along with Jack Sandy, I also sent another E-mail as well to the USPS and I just received an E-mail from a Peggy F stating that she was forwarding my complaint to "the appropriate department". We'll see.....

Our great U.S. Postal Service at wurk....

Now Sir....below y'all are gonna find a montage Commemoration Gallery for sale by the United States Postal Service. It is supposed to honor and remember the various branches of the Navy....HOWEVER...a sharp eyed "bubblehead" (Submariner) noticed that the submarine pictured in the lower right of this $29.95 Commemorative ( on sale at yur local PO )...is...in fact...a fucking SOUTH KOREAN Submarine. Way to go Post Office...way to go. It's nice to know our tax dollars are so spent well.....


This below picture is taken from a Research Library Center regarding Submarines of the world...and this is a "Chang Bogo"...Type 209/1200...Republic of South Korea (ROK)...NOTICE the picture in the montage is the same as this research photograph...

Y'all can check this out at...NTI: Submarine: South Korea Capabilities

BUSTED.....

I knew a girl frum upstate New York once that always had flies around her mouth...but it t'weren't frum these.....

"...and a bunch a the boys was hootin it up at the Malamute Saloon..."

...Ah...wouldja take a Timex...?
























...and fer her sake I hope old "Cactus Jack" don't have a Rolex...























...Vanna White he ain't...but I like his style....


...A Granny with ATTITUDE....



...Surrprize Surrrprize Surrrprize....