Graeme McDowell came out smiling again from a day of wind, rain and cold that left others either battered or furious when the Open Championship began at Royal Birkdale. More: continued here

'Housing costs prompted move'Oxford Mail, UK –3 hours agoBy Tom Shepherd Claims that high house prices in Oxford were behind Royal Mail's decision to close the city's main sorting office and relocate to Swindon … More: continued here

The Grand Rapids Press – MLive.com Iona post office named for Civil War heroThe Grand Rapids Press – MLive.com, MI –3 hours agoIONIA — Tuesday's signing of US House Bill 5479 by President Bush designates Ionia's post office as the Alonzo Woodruff Post Office Building, …Bush approves new Ionia Post Office nameSentinel-StandardIonia …

TITUSVILLE — The Astronaut Trail post office on Main Street officially closes on Friday, forcing those who depended on its services to go to the Harrison Street location. More: continued here

Homeowner faces compensation claim over 'slippery' stepTelegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom –7 hours agoJoe Spink said he was stunned to receive a letter claiming that he had not acted properly by ensuring his step was safe for the Royal Mail worker. … More: continued here

Town council joins campaign to save Albion Street's post officeKenilworth Today, UK –6 hours agoBy Staff Copy Kenilworth town councillors have 'serious concerns' over reports of proposals to close the Albion Street post office. Councillors are to back …Councillor explores 'Outreach' post optionKenilworth Todayall 2 news articles More: continued here

ABC News TECH STOCKS Tech stocks add to gains, but eBay slumpsMarketWatch –2 hours agoBy Rex Crum, MarketWatch SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) – Tech stocks shook off big losses in shares of eBay Inc. to rise for a second day Thursday as falling …Video: Yahoo Chair Calls Latest Microsoft Bid, 'ludicroAssociatedPressGoogle's Gmail …

'Yes, you can close my Post Office'Buxton Advertiser, UK –6 hours agoTrevor Brocklehurst, from Town End Post Office, made his appeal to members of Chapel Parish Council after explaining that the business was no longer viable. …Wrexham Council to fight post office closuresEvening LeaderPlans to extend Battle delivery office remain in the …

The Chronicle’s Ron Kroichick reports from the British Open on Thursday morning. Random observations while whistling in the wind during today’s blustery opening round of the 137th British Open at Royal Birkdale: – So much for any thoughts of Phil… More: continued here

Seattle officials have decided to pull the plug on the multimillion-dollar self-cleaning toilet stalls and have instead put them up for auction on eBay. More: continued here