Wherein the author of this blog drinks too much espresso & rambles on a bit about stamps.
Latest article
Cyprus 2025 stamp program – motorbikes and mosaics!
As promised in the 2026 article, here is the Cyprus 2025 stamp program. I don't believe it either, but let's just enjoy the moment. It's hard to go wrong when you start the year off with classic motorbikes. You don't meed to be a enthusiast to appreciate the beauty...
Over 600 articles to read! Enjoy
Star Trek’s Montgomery Scott & WW2 vet James Doohan died July 20, 2005
Star Trek’s Montgomery Scott & WW2 vet James Doohan died July 20, 2005
Canadian actor, WW2 army vet, & “craziest pilot in the Canadian Air Force”, James Doohan, aka Montgomery Scott, died on July 20, 2005 James Doohan entered TV history with his
Impressionist artist Edgar Degas born July 19, 1834
Impressionist artist Edgar Degas born July 19, 1834
French impressionist artist Edgar Degas was born July 19, 1834. The Star, by Edgar Degas (1834-1917) Issued by France for Stamp Day 2017 … a painter, printmaker, sculptor and photographer.
Japanese actress Sada Yacco born July 18, 1871
Japanese actress Sada Yacco born July 18, 1871
Geisha and cultural ambassador for Japan, Sada Yacco was born on July 18, 1871 in Tokyo, Japan. In the twilight of the 19th century, as Japan opened its doors to
July 17 Lesthoto celebrates King Letsie III’s birthday
July 17 Lesthoto celebrates King Letsie III’s birthday
The African nation of Lesthoto celebrates King Letsie III’s birthday today, July 17, with a national holiday. King Letsie III Issued by Lesotho in 2000 to celebrate his marriage. As
Ethiopian Constitution signed July 16, 1931
Ethiopian Constitution signed July 16, 1931
On July 16, 1931, Emperor Haile Selassie signed the first Ethiopian Constitution. Haile Selassie Issued in 1931 the same year the Ethiopian Constitution was signed Before 1931, the Ethiopian Empire
Netscape was pushed off a cliff on July 15, 2003
Netscape was pushed off a cliff on July 15, 2003
On July 15, 2003, Time Warner quietly slipped a knife into the venerable Netscape browser, killing it off. In it’s place Time Warner spun off what was left of the
Matterhorn – triumph & tragedy in 1 day
Matterhorn – triumph & tragedy in 1 day
On July 14, 1865, the Matterhorn was conquered … within 20 minutes most of the climbing party were dead. The whole of this great slope was now revealed, rising for
R34 airship + Wopsie the cat completed the 1st return Atlantic air voyage in 1919
R34 airship + Wopsie the cat completed the 1st return Atlantic air voyage in 1919
On July 13, 1919 RAF R34 airship and a stowaway cat completed the first Atlantic round trip. Mere weeks after Alcock and Brown’s historic non stop Atlantic flight, the R34
Famed ceramist and potter Josiah Wedgwood born July 12, 1730
Famed ceramist and potter Josiah Wedgwood born July 12, 1730
Potter and founder of famed Wedgwood Company Josiah Wedgwood was born July 12, 1730 in Staffordshire, England. Josiah Wedgwood was a leading member of the Industrial Revolution in England. Wedgwood
July 11 is Bandoneón Day – Everyone TANGO!
July 11 is Bandoneón Day – Everyone TANGO!
Argentina’s Bandoneón Day takes place each year on July 11. The holiday, established in 2001, celebrates the role bandoneón musical instrument has played in the history of Tango. The bandoneon
Emperor Hadrian died July 10, 138 CE
Emperor Hadrian died July 10, 138 CE
20 years after entering Rome as Emperor, Hadrian died at his home in Baiae (around present day Naples) on July 10, 138 CE. In Roman history, few emperors left such
Hadrian enters Rome as Emperor July 9, 118
Hadrian enters Rome as Emperor July 9, 118
Hadrian entered Rome as emperor for the first time July 9, 118 CE. After a long journey from Antioch, through Asia Minor and the Danube provinces, Hadrian finally arrived in
Vasco da Gama set sail for India July 8, 1497
Vasco da Gama set sail for India July 8, 1497
Portuguese explorer and master navigator Vasco da Gama set sail from Lisbon July 8, 1497 on the first direct from Europe to India voyage. On 8 July 1497 Vasco da
It’s World Chocolate Day!
It’s World Chocolate Day!
July 7 is World Chocolate Day. July 7th marks the day chocolate was introduced to Europe in 1550. People in Central America began enjoying chocolate as early as 1,500 BC,
Happy Tynwald Day – July 6 this year
Happy Tynwald Day – July 6 this year
The Isle of Man celebrates Tynwald Day today. Tynwald, the island’s parliament, now marks over a 1000 years of existence and Tynwald Day has been celebrated for 600 plus years.
Czech violinist Jan Kubelik born July 5, 1880
Czech violinist Jan Kubelik born July 5, 1880
On July 5, 1880 Czech violinist and composer Jan Kubelik was born. Sixty years before the Beatles, the similarly mophaired Jan Kubelík took the musical world by storm, becoming the pin-up boy
The Crab Nebula was observed for 1st time in 1054
The Crab Nebula was observed for 1st time in 1054
The Crab Nebula was observed for the first time June 4, 1054 by Imperial astronomers during China’s Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Astronomers recorded the Nebula as a “guest star”, was
Here’s to the lazy dog days of summer
Here’s to the lazy dog days of summer
July 3 marks the start of lazy, hot dog days of summer. Everyone slows down to cope with the humidity and hazy heat in July. Dogs take a bit of
Author Thomas Hardy was born June 2, 1840
Author Thomas Hardy was born June 2, 1840
British poet and novelist Thomas Hardy was born June 2, 1840 in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset. 150th Birth Anniversary of Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) Released by the UK in 1990 Designer: John
Happy Canada Day – 159 years old!
Happy Canada Day – 159 years old!
Happy Canada Day! I thought about setting up a different SOD for today, but hey, it’s a holiday and who am I to mess with tradition. This year we’re celebrating
The Loonie turns 39 today
The Loonie turns 39 today
On June 30, 1987 the Canadian Mint released a new one dollar coin, quickly dubbed the Loonie, to replace the $1 bank note. The new coin featured Canadian wildlife artist
June 29, 1613 the Globe Theatre in London burns to the ground
June 29, 1613 the Globe Theatre in London burns to the ground
The Globe Theatre in London caught fire June 29, 1613 during a production of Henry VIII. A canon misfire during the performance set the theatre’s thatch roof alight. No one
International LGBTQ Pride Day is celebrated each June 28
International LGBTQ Pride Day is celebrated each June 28
International LGBTQ Pride Day takes place each year on June 28. The day, recognised around the world, commemorates the Stonewall Riots in NYC that sparked a revolution that changed the
27th June 1919 ANUS overprint occupation stamps
27th June 1919 ANUS overprint occupation stamps
On June 27, 1919 the Finnish post office issued the Anus overprint occupation stamps. These stamps are an interesting time capsule of the post WW1 upheaval. Soon after Finland gained
June 26, 1945 nations gathered to sign the Charter of the United Nations
June 26, 1945 nations gathered to sign the Charter of the United Nations
On June 26, 1945, 50 nations signed the Charter of the United Nations. Charter of the United Nations Issued by the UN on the Charter’s 10th anniversary 1955 Designer: Claude
Elena Cornaro Piscopi 1st woman to receive a doctorate
Elena Cornaro Piscopi 1st woman to receive a doctorate
Elena Cornaro Piscopi received a doctorate in philosophy June 25, 1678, the first woman to do so. Her achievements paved the way for women in higher education, challenging the gender
Canadian contralto Portia White born June 24, 1911
Canadian contralto Portia White born June 24, 1911
Canadian contralto Portia White was born June 24, 1911 in Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada/ “Nobody ever told me to sing. I’m the daughter of a Baptist minister – I was
Ottoman naval commander Turgut Reis killed in battle June 23, 1565
Ottoman naval commander Turgut Reis killed in battle June 23, 1565
Ottoman naval hero and privateer Turgut Reis was killed during the siege of Malta on June 23, 1565. “Turgut Reis was no ordinary sailor. He was a fearless leader whose
June 22, 1898 Erich Maria Remarque
June 22, 1898 Erich Maria Remarque
On June 22, 1898 Erich Maria Remarque, the man Joseph Goebbels declared as unpatriotic, was born in Osnabrück, Germany. His book All Quiet on the Western Front was among the
World Refugee Day June 21
World Refugee Day June 21
June 21 marks another World Refugee Day with little progress on tackling the root problems: climate change, political upheaval, wealth disparity. As of 2026, nearly 42 million people have been
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You can usually find me lurking on Bluesky along with a large number of stamp lovers.
Just look for Catpaw!
Diversity is a strength.