Austria Post commemorate Mozart

Austria Post are joining in with the celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgang Theophilus Mozart, who was born in Salzburg on 27 January 1756.

One of the most popular and significant of the European classical composers, Mozart produced a staggering amount of enduring work before his death in December 1791.

A new stamp entitled "Mozart in Vienna" will be issued by Austria Post on 27 January to help commemorate the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth, with a miniature sheet and two first day covers also made available.

GIBBONSSTAMPMONTHLY.COM
January 25, 2006

Barry Humphries stamped as 2006 Australian Legend

Satirist and actor Barry Humphries, the creator of Dame Edna Everage, today joined the exclusive ranks of Australians who have featured on a postage stamp during their lifetime, as the 2006 Australia Post Australian Legend.

Barry Humphries is the tenth recipient of the Legends Award, and Dame Edna the first alter-ego to win the award since it was introduced in 1997.

The 2006 Australian Legends stamp issue features 5 x 50c stamps, a first day cover, a set of maxicards and a stamp pack. A 64-page book, titled Moonee Ponds to Broadway: The Legendary Barry Humphries, by Keith Dunstan, accompanies the stamp issue.

AUSPOST.COM.AU
January 23, 2006

Purple Heart stamp to be reissued

The U.S. Postal Service will re-issue the Purple Heart stamp, which was originally issued on May 30, 2003, to honor the sacrifice of members of the United State military services who have been killed or wounded in action.

The Purple Heart stamp is a unique stamp subject depicting a military medal that recognizes the sacrifice of men and women who shed their blood in the defense of the country.

"At a time when our military service members continue to serve in Afghanistan and Iraq, it is appropriate that the Purple Heart stamp be reissued at the new First-Class rate," the Postal Service said.

STAMPNEWS.COM
January 21, 2006

USPS commemorates Franklin's 300th Birthday by issuing educational stamps this spring

If Benjamin Franklin were alive today (Jan. 17), he would be 300 years old and probably the most accomplished person on the planet. To highlight the achievements of this remarkable American icon, the Postal Service will issue a set of four educational 39-cent commemorative First-Class stamps designed to give you the "scoop" on this genius who was a printer, scientist, statesman and the nation's first Postmaster General.

The stamps will be issued later this spring in Philadelphia. You can use the stamps as "flash cards" to test your knowledge of Franklin, as text behind the pane provides highlights of his accomplishments.

USPS.COM
January 17, 2006

USPS mark Winter Olympics

The U.S. Postal Service have issued a new stamp to commemorate the forthcoming Winter Olympic Games which begin in Turin on 10th February.

The stamp depicts a skier hurtling downhill and also features the famous Olympic logo in the top right corner. The stamp has a value of 39c, reflecting the recent 2c increase made by USPS.

STAMPNEWS.COM
January 16, 2006

Canada sends 'Happy Birthday' wishes to Queen Elizabeth

Canada Post will issue a single domestic rate (51 cents) stamp on January 12, 2006, to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's 80th birthday. This special commemorative will be reprinted as needed, as was the case with the Queen's Jubilee stamp.

On April 21, the Queen's actual birthday, Canada Post will issue a souvenir sheet featuring two international rate ($1.49) stamps of the same design.

CANADAPOST.CA
January 12, 2006

USPS commemorates favorite children's book animals on stamps

Children's storybook fans will be delighted now that cherished characters from children's literature are featured on the "Favorite Children's Book Animals" commemorative stamp pane. The 16-stamp pane, bearing eight children's storybook characters on 39-cent First-Class stamps, was issued today at The University of Findlay's Mazza Museum in Findlay, Ohio. As host city to the dedication ceremony, Findlay holds the unique distinction of being the only city in the nation where the stamps are available today. The stamps will be available nationwide at Post Offices and Philatelic Centers Wed., Jan. 11.

Two of the stamps-Maisy ("Maisy's ABC" by Lucy Cousins, 1994 in the United Kingdom and 1995 in the U.S.) and The Very Hungry Caterpillar ("The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle, 1969 and 1987)-appear on the "Animal Tales" stamp sheet also issued today in London by Royal Mail.

The stamps also depict Curious George ("Curious George Flies A Kite" by Margret and H.A. Rey, 1958); Fox in Socks ("Fox in Socks" by Dr. Seuss, 1965); Frederick ("Frederick" by Leo Lionni, 1967); Olivia ("Olivia" by Ian Falconer, 2000); Wilbur ("Charlotte's Web" written by E.B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams, 1952) and Wild Thing ("Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak, 1963).

USPS.COM
January 10, 2006

New Zealand Braille stamp

New Zealand Post have issued a new set of stamps to celebrate the Year of the Dog, one of which is the country's first Braille stamp.

The issue consists of five stamps, with the 45c featuring the Labrador Retriever and the number 45 in Braille. The other designs are as follows:

German Shepherd 90c
Jack Russell Terrier $1.35
Golden Retriever $1.50
Huntaway $2

The stamps have been designed by Stephen Fuller and were issued on 4 January. The release date coincides with the birthday of Louis Braille, who was born in 1809.

GIBBONSSTAMPMONTHLY.COM
January 06, 2006

Rates for postage will rise Sunday

There are only six more days to use your 37-cent stamps before the cost of postage goes up to 39 cents on Sunday. But new Lady Liberty stamps are on sale now, as are 2-cent Navajo Jewelry stamps to make up the difference.

Postcards will cost a penny more at 24 cents, and a 1-pound piece of priority mail will rise from $3.85 to $4.05. Other postal products also will increase in cost.

These are the first rate increases since June 2002. The Postal Service last week reminded its customers the increases are made necessary by a federal mandate to build a $3.1 billion escrow account.

KANSASCITY.COM
January 02, 2006