published September 23rd, 2015

18 april 1864 was one of the blackest days in the history of Denmark. Twenty thousand Prussian soldiers stormed the Danish defences at Sønderborg, and three months later the country had lost almost half of its territory with the population of the Kingdom of Denmark being reduced by a million. (read more)

published March 24th, 2014

Canada Post unveiled the 2011 Mental Health stamp to help kick off the company’s annual fundraising campaign for community-based mental health initiatives across Canada. In November 2010, a competition was launched to help find a design, in which the five finalists were subjected to a popular vote, a first in Canada Post’s 160 years.

The Puzzle, a design by Terrebonne resident Miriane Majeau received the most points and will adorn over 3.5 million stamps available at post offices across Canada. A dollar from the sale of every booklet of 10 stamps is donated to the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health.  (read more)

published September 11th, 2011

The Austrian Lotteries is an internationally recognized gambling enterprise governed by the notions of responsibility, innovation and partnership. Interested adults are offered a wide range of high-quality games – “Gambling with responsibility” is one of the company principles. Since 2009, the company has been certified according to the standards for “Responsible Gaming” of the European Lotteries and Toto Association, and in 2010 the Austrian Lotteries achieved the highest level of certification (Level-4 Certification) according to the “Responsible Gaming Framework” of the World Lottery Association.

(read more)

published August 30th, 2011

Canadians are an inventive bunch. In fact, Canadian inventors have patented more than a million inventions—but far too many of us would be unable to name more than just a few. From Ginger Ale to insulin, from Bombardier’s “Ski-doo” to Plante’s goalie mask, plus the “Jolly Jumper,” instant mashed potatoes, the lawn sprinkler and the modern plastic garbage bag, items created from Canadian imagination and insight are a part of our daily lives.

This stamp issue shines a spotlight on the “Made in Canada” leaps of science and creativity that have changed lives at home and abroad.

(read more)

published August 28th, 2011

Featuring the Tournament’s prize, the Webb Ellis Cup, as you’ve never seen it before, this innovative stamp is sure to impress. Produced in strictly limited quantities to commemorate this world-class Rugby Tournament coming to New Zealand, this dynamic stamp won’t last long!

When you order your Webb Ellis Cup stamp, you receive more than just the stamp itself. The 3D stamp will be protected forever inside a sealed plastic case, which is mounted within an attractive display card. The Webb Ellis Cup stamp is also available on a first day cover, featuring imagery of the Webb Ellis Cup and the distinctive Rugby World Cup 2011 brand.

(read more)

published August 12th, 2011

In a move to raise awareness of its stamp program and to reach diverse audiences and people of all ages, the Postal Service is offering a sneak peek at some of the stamps that will be issued in 2012, beginning today through social media sites.

Customers may preview the stamps on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, through Twitter @USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf at www.beyondtheperf.com/2012-preview. Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service’s online site for the back story on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.

“Stamps reflect our American culture, icons and lifestyles,” said Postal Service Executive Director of Stamp Services Stephen Kearney. “We have stamps with nearly every topic imaginable. By providing a sneak peek at next year’s stamps, we’re helping customers find stamps that they’re interested in and excited about. Social media is a great way to do that — and to make it easier for people to share the news about stamps of interest with their friends.”

Kearney said select stamps from the 2012 commemorative program will be previewed one at (read more)

published July 18th, 2011

The U.S. Postal Service have dedicated a new sheet of stamps honouring 12 of the nation’s most important and influential industrial designers. The Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum was the setting for the dedication.

The 12 designers who are honoured on individual stamps include Peter Müller-Munk, Frederick Hurten Rhead, Raymond Loewy, Donald Deskey, Walter Dorwin Teague, Henry Dreyfuss, Norman Bel Geddes, Dave Chapman, Greta von Nessen, Eliot Noyes, Russel Wright and Gilbert Rohde.

“Encompassing everything from furniture and electric kitchen appliances to corporate office buildings and passenger trains, the work of these designers defined the look of modern America, and in doing, revolutionized the way we live and work,” said Dean Granholm, Postal Service vice president of Delivery and Post Office Operations, at today’s ceremony.

(read more)

published July 3rd, 2011

The African nation of Liberia will issue two sheets of chocolate themed postage stamps commemorating one of their leading exports, cocoa. Postage stamps on the first sheet are designed to appear as blocks of chocolate in an unwrapped candy bar, while the second sheet portrays a box of truffles–each stamp depicting a different gourmet confection. Both sheets are cocoa scented. Liberia’s climate being so favorable to agriculture allows the country to be an exporter of products such as rubber, coffee, rice, cassava (tapioca),palm oil, sugarcane, bananas, timber, and cocoa.

(read more)

published June 22nd, 2011

Royal Mail launches interactive post with digital watermarking technology. Landmark deal means companies can link consumers to websites and videos through the post. Customers use their 3G phone to scan digitally-enhanced mail.

Royal Mail has become the world’s first postal company to help businesses make their post interactive using digital watermarking technology.

Combining state-of-the-art technology with history and heritage enables people to link from their post to a company’s online content, such as a website, video or Facebook page, in seconds.

People receiving the digitally-enhanced post simply scan the mail with their 3G phone to start an online journey.
(read more)

published June 19th, 2011

The “meng.post.lu” service presents two important new features. The first is that personalised stamps will from now on be self-adhesive. The second is the “all-in-one” stamp, meaning that the stamp itself is no longer separated from the design, but the two are integrated on a single background.

Micro-engraving technology, already used in the printing of banknotes, will prevent counterfeiting of the stamps. The use of microtext, a digital imprint on the stamps, is a world first.

Moreover, the new version of the personalised stamp now offers greater choice, allowing you to be more creative:

• -          a choice between “landscape” and “portrait” formats
• -          the possibility of creating an attractive layout with a choice of several font sizes and styles
• -          a choice of several face values
• -          the possibility of decorating the borders with your designs and personal photos.

(read more)

published June 16th, 2011