A Soviet Moment

That was a rather Soviet moment - the post office just returned a book I had sent out to Europe about a week ago. There were some ominous looking hieroglyphic codes on the envelope and a very official looking sticker saying: "We regret that your mail is being returned to you because of heightened security measures." Turns out any mail weighing over 16 ounces has to be presented to a postal clerk in person. The equally Soviet style lines at any US post office make mailing letters heavier than that of course a rather time-consuming task. Which will drive me into the arms of UPS and DHL, whose clerks actually serve you and even make house calls.

Although I have to admit that I do agree with the equation of overweight being a security threat. So next time one of those people whose lack of willpower makes them easy prey for any Twinky or Whopper that crosses their paths squeezes next to me on the subway, I will inform them that due to heightened security measures all passengers with a body mass index over 30 should report to an MTA clerk or any other transit authority official before boarding a train.

And yes - now that book would arrive way too late.