Blog archives (July 2011)
New website design for USPS
If you haven’t visited the online home of the United States Postal Service within the past couple of days, you might want to check it out.
The USPS this week implemented a new website design which looks a little more 2010s and a little less 2005. The same information is still in place; it’s just nicer to look at now.
Of particular note when you visit the revised homepage is the panel on the left side. It contains links to the postage calculator application and the ZIP code finder—the two parts of the postal service’s website that I use most often.
Overall, I like the “eye candy” the new layout offers. What do you think of it?
USPS offers sneak peek of 2012 stamps
We still have over four months left in 2011, but the USPS is already beginning to unveil some of the new commemorative designs coming next year.
By following 2012 Stamp Preview: A Stamp a Day, you can keep up with all the new stamps planned for next year. So far two issues have been unveiled: a fanciful two-stamp design picturing cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., and a stamp honoring Edgar Rice Burroughs, who is best known for his “Tarzan” character featured over the years in numerous books, radio and television shows, and other media.
In past years, the USPS has released a more comprehensive list of upcoming issues later in the year. What do you think of this new project?
The Louisiana Purchase Exposition and its stamps
The 1904 World’s Fair, or Louisiana Purchase Exposition as it was also known, was a major event that attracted nearly 20 million visitors. Its primary connection to philately is the set of five commemorative stamps issued for it, and I’m pleased to be able to present those here.
It has been several years since I did much with the stamp gallery portion of Philosateleia because I’ve been focusing my energies on the free stamp album pages—and because I have a life away from my hobbies. Nevertheless, I would like to upgrade various pages in the gallery as my schedule permits, and this lovely commemorative set seemed as good a place as any to start.
Please take a look around and let me know what you think. Is this sort of display helpful? Leave a comment here, or send me a message. I’d love to hear from you.
Minor stamp album update
Last month, I released the Summer 2011 Supplement for The Philosateleian. At the time, I did not have die cut info for some of the new coil stamps. Now I do.
I’ve updated 2011 page 3, and you can download it from the updates & supplements page. Enjoy!