Check out this mail-based TV show on CBS -- The Inspectors!

A far cry from the kids' cartoons that many of us used to watch, today's Saturday morning shows on CBS offer something the entire family can enjoy.

Under the slogan "CBS Dream Team...It's Epic!" last year's lineup included shows about a dog trainer who finds homes for shelter dogs, an Australian veterinarian, modern inventors and more.

But, my favorite show on Saturday morning is "The Inspectors." It is a 30-minute CBS drama -- but there's lots of humor in it, too -- about college student Preston Wainwright (played by Bret Green) and his mom, who is a U.S. Postal Inspector. Preston hangs out with his friends and also interns at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service forensic crime lab. Every week, they investigate fraud, scams and other crimes committed through the U.S. mail service. Often what's going on with the college kids is a side story that might not have anything to do with postal inspections; there are love interests, college student protests, friendly banter, etc.

The show also includes a variety of side characters, including the friendly neighborhood mail carrier, who sometimes has a major role in the plot.

From what I understand, one of the sponsors of "The Inspectors" is the U.S. Postal Service, and at the end of each episode, the real U.S. Chief Postal Inspector Guy Cottrell makes an appearance to drive home the point about how important it is to be aware of scams, fraud, etc.

I haven't seen an official announcement from CBS that "The Inspectors" has been renewed for a second season, but the website imdb.com lists 22 episodes by name for the upcoming second season. So, maybe that's good news.

If you haven't seen any episodes of "The Inspectors" or if you missed one or two -- or if you'd just like to watch the shows again -- you can find some episodes on CBS.com . There also are some at TVGuide's website.    

I like the show and try to watch it every week, but I hope there's one thing they work into the scripts in the next season...letter writing! Although the mail carrier delivers mail all the time, there's not much talk about writing and sending letters. In fact, in one episode, Preston's friend makes a reference to not remembering what his handwriting looks like or something like that. I'm all for encouraging people to be aware of and to report mail fraud, but I also think the show is the perfect place to support letter writing, like 365 Letters does!

For the love of snail mail

I came across a post on Odyssey today by Gabrielle LaFrank, a journalism major at San Jose State University. She writes about why "snail mail" is important, even in today's technologically advanced society.

One of the most interesting things she has to say is:

"My generation is likely the last to remember getting letters in the mail, but I hope that we can take it upon ourselves to continue the tradition. It's personal and it's fun. It's a way to get away from the screens and get to know the people you meet. 

Just like the difference between holding a book and skimming words on an iPad, reading a handwritten letter is a lot more special than scrolling through status updates that probably weren't meant for you anyways."

I think my generation often thinks that as well, and we're a bit older than Gabrielle (I was a journalism major at Texas Tech University quite a few years ago). So, for all of us letter writers out there, maybe there is hope. If we all keep encouraging the next generation to pick up pen and paper and write a "real" letter, maybe the tradition will live on.

Thanks, Gabrielle, for the positive words on letter writing!

Be sure to go read her entire post: Why Snail Mail and Postcards Need to Make a Comeback

300 years later, letter still sparks dreams of treasure

A letter written 300 years ago this month and currently located at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia details the location of buried treasure, presumably pirates' treasure.

There's an interesting story in PhillyVoice about the letter, and the Historical Society had a piece on it on its Hidden Histories blog.

It's fascinating to wonder if any letters written today will still be around in 300 years.

The Price of Stamps

In case you missed the news earlier this month, the price of a U.S. first class postage stamp has gone down by 2 cents. The new price for a 1-ounce letter is 47 cents.

What a bargain! For most places in the United States, the U.S. Postal Service will come directly to your house, pick up a message you have written and deliver it to anyone else in the country....for 47 cents. You don't have to subscribe to anything or pay a set-up fee. You don't have to buy in bulk or sign up for a service. You can buy one 47-cent stamp, put it on your envelope and send it away.

Now, there is some controversy or at least concern about the price reduction. It is the result of the end of an agreement that allowed the USPS to raise the stamp price in 2014. It's likely that the price reduction will cost the USPS a lot of money, and you can read more about that in the USPS Newsroom. I would guess that the price will probably go up again.

But, in the meantime, there are some beautiful stamps out there for only 47 cents each.

'Love Story' couple performing in 'Love Letters'

Ryan O'Neal and Ali McGraw co-starred in 1970's "Love Story," and now they're teaming up again, this time on stage in "Love Letters."

WFSB 3 Connecticut

The Love Letter, a painting by Jean Honoré Fragonard

This oil painting by French artist Jean Honoré Fragonard (1732–1806) is titled "The Love Letter" and was painted in the early 1770s. It depicts the ages-old feeling of delight at receiving a love letter.

It's National Handwriting Day — Write, Write, Write!

Who could be more enthusiastic about National Handwriting Day than a bunch of letter writers? Well, I suppose the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) may be a little more excited about it. After all, they do sponsor the "holiday."

National Handwriting Day is celebrated on Jan. 23, the birthdate of John Hancock, an American patriot who took part in the American Revolution. As the president of the Congress when the Declaration of Independence was created, John Hancock is believed to be the first to sign the document. By far, his is the largest signature on the page.  That signature became so well known that even today, almost 240 years later, the name "John Hancock" is still recognized as a synonym for "signature." If someone says to you, "Put your John Hancock right here," they want you to sign something.

In honor of National Handwriting Day, take a few minutes today to write a letter -- by hand -- and mail it to someone. And, encourage them to do the same!