A new law regulating the post office makes it easier to raise rates as long as the agency doesn’t exceed the rate of inflation. Rates are to be adjusted each May.

But the post office also has introduced a way for people to save money when the price goes up, the Forever stamp, which remains valid for first-class postage regardless of any increases.

With the rate increase approaching, sales of the Forever stamp reached 64 million-a-day in April, postal officials said.

Forever stamps currently sell for 41-cents, but can be used after the rate increase without any additional postage. However, when the rate goes up, so does the price of Forever stamps.

The Associated Press: First-class stamp prices rise 1 penny to 42 cents Monday.

Receive 30% off entire purchase.

Online, use code: GYMFRIEND.

In-store, print out coupon and bring it to store.

Not valid in Gymboree outlets.

How full is your trash can? If you’re like most people in the U.S., it’s much fuller than it could be.

Americans recycled just 33 percent of the 250 million tons of garbage they created in 2006, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In comparison to a country such as Sweden, which recycles more than 85 percent of its waste every year, it’s clear we can and should do better by moving beyond recycling mainstays like newspapers, cans and bottles. So before you toss something in the trash, think about how it could find new life as another product — or with another owner.

More…

The group is part of the Pharmacy Health Information Exchange, operated by SureScripts. The exchange is a national electronic network that facilitates e-prescriptions and the transmission of related medical information.

InternetRetailer.com - Daily News for Tuesday, May 6, 2008.

Unfortunately, not all doctors in the Frederick area are set up to submit prescriptions electronically (mine isn’t). If yours is, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

• Prescriptions are sent from your doctor’s computer directly to your pharmacy. (No prescription orders to misplace between the doctor’s office and the pharmacy–and no delays while the pharmacy contacts your doctor because they can’t decipher his/her handwriting.)

• Prescriptions arrive at the pharmacy before you leave your doctor.

• No prescriptions to drop off.

• Service provided at no cost.

On May 11, Mother’s Day, UNO’s will take digital photos of families. People will receive their printed photo within a few weeks of their visit.

The Frederick UNO Chicago Grill is located at 5449 Urbana Pike, across from FSK Mall.

Everything is 50 to 80% off.

Pre-register for a Fast-Cart Pass, and print a $10/$50 coupon.

Location:
1879 Lamonte Ave.
Odenton, MD 21113

Hours:

Wed. 5/7/2008 - Thu. 05/22/2008
May 7, 2008 (PO Day Only) Wed. 10a-5p
May 8-9 & May12-22 10a-8p
May 10 & May 17 Saturdays 9a-3p
Closed on Sundays

Exp. 5/31/08

Free Comic Book Day is a single day when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their stores.

Beyond Comics is participating in Free Comic Book Day and will be giving out free comics all day.

Beyond Comics
5632 Buckeystown Pike (Rte. 85)
Frederick, MD
(301) 668-8202
HOURS: 10-9:30
(Their Lake Forest (Gaithersburg) location is also participating.)

Ten local businesses are sponsoring this event and will be giving away coupons, some of which are not available elsewhere.

FEATURES

• Moon bounce
• Costumed super heroes
• Keyote, the Frederick Keys mascot
• Five comics creators at Frederick location; three in Gaithersburg

Thanks, John!

The offer runs through December and is open to the first 5,000 people.

A co-marketed Web site at http://www.scholastic.com/barilla/ lets visitors read a virtual book, “Mealtime Magic.” The story tells the tale of a funny little fairy who uses her magic sprinkles of cheese to show a busy family the value of sitting down together to share a meal.

Barilla Piccolini is mini pasta, available in four shapes—Mini Penne, Mini Farfalle, Mini Fusilli and Mini Wheels.

Send UPCs with your name, mailing address, email and phone number to:

Barilla Book Offer
557 Broadway
PO Box 711
New York, NY 10012

Details here.

Also on the Barilla website: a nice section on cooking pasta meals with children.