US Postal Rates- mathematical genius
Did you ever notice that US Postal Rates always work in favor of the post office, and not by a small amount? Case in point. I just mailed a large letter that weighed 6 ounces. The postage for it was $1.65. How the hell do I get $1.65 from 41 cent stamps? You can't. It's a rigged game. Done with really good math (you know, 'new' math
).
The post office appears to have designed all their rates (for years, mind you), to ensure that no matter what, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE REGULAR STAMPS (like the only ones you can buy at the grocery store or many postage machines) unless you dramatically overpay. In my simple case above, I would need 5 41 cent stamps, paying an extra 40 cents, which the post office loves. That is why they have concocted the most consumer unfriendly rates you can imagine. 
Luckily for me, I had a one cent stamp. I routinely just suck it up, though, since it is easier in the long run to just waste postage vice make special trips to the post office.
So pay attention next time you have to mail something. Be ready to just cough up the extra stamp for that 7 cents you are short.
