The 8 cent red “Amelia Earhart” postage stamp was issued in 1963 by the United States Postal Service to commerate Amelia Earhart, the “First Woman in Flight.”

n the vast tapestry of history, certain figures stand out as beacons of courage and inspiration. Among them is the legendary aviator Amelia Earhart, whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking achievements left an enduring mark on the world. Her story, like many other remarkable tales, has been immortalized on a postage stamp, serving as a tangible reminder of her trailblazing legacy.

Amelia Earhart, born in 1897, soared into the annals of history as the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her daring feats and relentless pursuit of gender equality in aviation captured the world’s imagination during a time when such endeavors were predominantly male-dominated.

The stamp that pays homage to Earhart features a striking portrait of the aviator, capturing the essence of her adventurous spirit. The stamp encapsulates not only the achievements of a pioneering aviator but also the societal shift she embodied.

Amelia’s journey began as a passion for aviation, fueled by an unyielding desire to defy societal norms. As she conquered the skies, her impact reached far beyond the cockpit. The stamp becomes a portal to her story, inviting collectors and enthusiasts to delve into the history of a woman who dared to dream differently.

The release of the stamp coincided with renewed interest in Earhart’s mysterious disappearance during her attempt to circumnavigate the globe in 1937. This enigma added an air of mystery to the stamp, making it not only a commemoration of her accomplishments but also a symbol of the unresolved questions surrounding her final flight.

Recently in January. 2024, news that the plane may have been located was released:

https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/an-explorer-believes-he-found-amelia-earharts-plane-experts-arent-convinced/

Through the lens of this postage stamp, collectors can connect with the indelible spirit of Amelia Earhart, embracing the stories of courage, perseverance, and the uncharted paths she explored. It serves as a tribute to her legacy, reminding us that, just like the stamps we collect, the imprints of remarkable individuals continue to echo through time, leaving an everlasting impression on the pages of history.

A few days ago I wrote about a stamp from Saudi Arabia and somehow ended up telling a story about mass beheadings. So I thought it best to continue the theme today with the beheading of Mary Queen of Scots.

Mary Stuart was executed on 8 February 1587 at Fotheringhay Castle, after a trial whose outcome forever troubled Queen Elizabeth I. There are many accounts of the story of the death of Mary Queen of Scots and they vary wildly.

It is said she was quite cheerful as she was was disrobed by her servants in front of the crowd. She comforted them as they cried for her saying, :rejoice rather than weep for that the end of Mary Stuart’s troubles is now come … tell my friends that I die a true woman to my religion, and like a true Scottish woman and a true French woman.’ She had, afterall, been imprisoned for year by this point.

She gave her cross to them and laid her head on the block. After praying, the executioner swung his axe down and apparently missed her neck and hit her in the back of the head where she is said to exclaim :”Sweet Jesus”. A second stroke hit deeper and his next stroke hit true and ended her life. As was the custom, he gripped her by her hair to hold up to the crowd for all to see but she was wearing a wig and the head unceremoniously fell to the floor.

Then there’s her dog.

Then one of the executioners, pulling off her garters, espied her little dog which was crept under her clothes, which could not be gotten forth but by force, yet afterward would not depart from the dead corpse, but came and lay between her head and her shoulders, which being imbrued with her blood was carried away and washed, as all things else were that had any blood was either burned or washed clean, and the executioners sent away with money for their fees, not having any one thing that belonged unto her. And so, every man being commanded out of the hall, except the sheriff and his men, she was carried by them up into a great chamber lying ready for the surgeons to embalm her.

• Hanson, Marilee. “The Execution & Death Of Mary, Queen of Scots, 1587”

George Herbert Walker Bush served as the 41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. His time in office was marked by both domestic and international challenges. One of the key events during his presidency was the end of the Cold War. President Bush skillfully navigated the United States through this period of geopolitical transformation, overseeing the peaceful reunification of Germany and managing the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

This mini sheet from 2019 from St. Thomas and the Grenadines, shows George H.W. Bush visiting dignitaries and with other members of his cabinet. One famous, and may be forgotten moment, came in January 1992. During a formal dinner hosted by the Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa, President Bush reportedly became ill and vomited on the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister cradled the president’s head in his lap until he collapsed, unconscious, onto the floor.

When he came to the President was heard to say, “Roll me under the table until the dinner’s over.”

The incident gained considerable media attention, and it was initially attributed to a stomach flu. Later, it was clarified that President Bush had indeed been feeling unwell but had also experienced a reaction to a combination of medication he had taken. The incident, often referred to as the “Bushusuru” incident (a play on words in Japanese, combining “Bush” and the Japanese word for vomiting, “ushuru”).

The 1980s is often called the decade of decadence. There were good parts and bad parts. Compact discs appeared, smallpox was announced to have been eradicated, the space shuttle first launched, MTV debuts and, of course, the internet was created. The world was growing, becoming more intelligent, kind and, dare I say it, civilized.

Saudi Arabia issued #796 in October of 1980. It features Muslims on an airport tarmac arriving in Mecca. A pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is considered one of the most significant religious duties for Muslims. The pilgrimage is obligatory for adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey at least once in their lifetime.

1980 was also the year the Saudi Arabian government put to death 63 men for attacking Mecca the year before.

The 63 men were beheaded by sword for their part in an attack on the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The beheadings were carried out at dawn in public parks in eight cities. The executions were scattered throughout the country to expose as many people as possible to the judgement against the Moslem militants and to dispel suspicions that the attack on the mosque had weakened government authority.

This, in the civilized, modern era we live in.

When asked what he thought about the public executions one local said, “People here tend to stay indoors at such times.”

At the time this was the largest mass execution in the 48-year history of Saudi Arabia.

Think we are more civilized now?

Saudi Arabia outdid itself by executing 81 men, at one time, on March 12, 2022. Now, in 2023, authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have executed at least 100 people according to Amnesty International.

The 63 beheaded men had their heads sewn back on before burial, as is tradition.

Stamps have stories. Sometimes they show elements of life that are good. Sometimes there is a darker side or a seldom heard side that they do not want you to hear. In the listings in the store you can read more about the stamps in addition to the Stamp Stories section. Remember, stamp collecting as a lot to offer, you just need to look and appreciate them for what they give to you… and you choose to take from them.

Edaphosaurus is an extinct genus of herbivorous synapsid reptile that lived during the Late Carboniferous and Early Permian periods, around 307 to 280 million years ago. Synapsids were a group of reptiles that eventually gave rise to mammals.

Edaphosaurus was a relatively large animal, growing up to 3 meters in length. It had a distinctive sail on its back, which was made up of elongated vertebral spines. The sail likely served a variety of purposes, including thermoregulation, display, or even as a form of protection.

Edaphosaurus was herbivorous, and its teeth were adapted for grinding tough plant material. It likely lived in swampy or forested environments, feeding on a variety of plants and possibly using its sail as a means of camouflage.

Fossils of Edaphosaurus have been found in various locations around the world, including North America and Europe. Its discovery and study have helped researchers better understand the diversity of reptiles that lived during the Paleozoic era and the evolution of synapsids towards mammals.

Cryptocleidus is an extinct genus of plesiosaur that lived during the Early Jurassic period, around 200 million years ago. Plesiosaurs were a group of marine reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic era, and Cryptocleidus was a relatively small member of this group, growing to about 3 to 4 meters in length.

Cryptocleidus had a distinctive body shape, with a broad, flat body, a short tail, and four large flippers that were used for swimming. Its neck was relatively short compared to other plesiosaurs, with only around 25 vertebrae, and its skull was relatively small with sharp teeth. Cryptocleidus likely fed on small fish and other marine animals, using its sharp teeth to capture and consume prey.

Fossils of Cryptocleidus have been found in various locations around the world, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Argentina. Its discovery and study have helped researchers better understand the evolution and diversity of marine reptiles during the Mesozoic era.

Putna Monastery is a significant historical and cultural landmark located in the northern part of Romania, in the region of Bukovina. The monastery was founded in the 15th century by Stephen the Great, a prominent figure in Romanian history known for his military victories and contributions to the arts and architecture.

The monastery is known for its striking architecture, featuring a combination of Moldavian and Byzantine styles. The interior of the monastery is adorned with intricate frescoes, which were painted by renowned artists of the time.

One of the most significant features of the monastery is the tomb of Stephen the Great, which is located within the church. The tomb is made of white marble and is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions.

Saint Stephen succeeded his father, Prince Bogdan II, as Prince of Moldavia on April 12, 1457 soon after the latter was murdered. He defended his country against the Turks, and he also built many churches and monasteries.

Saint Stephen the Great was a spiritual son of Saint Daniel the Hesychast (December 18), who told him that if he built a church after every battle he would be victorious in all his wars.

Following Saint Daniel’s counsel, Saint Stephen won forty-seven battles and built forty-eight churches or monasteries. He also built the Putna Dormition Monastery in northern Moldavia in 1466 when Saint Daniel urged him to do so.

In 1476, Saint Stephen lost the battle of Razboieni to the Turks. He went to visit Saint Daniel at the Voronets Monastery to ask whether or not he should surrender the country to the Moslems. Saint Daniel told him not to surrender, because he would soon win a decisive victory.

Saint Daniel also told him that after he had saved the nation, Stephen should build a monastery in honor of Saint George at that place. Having faith in Saint Daniel’s prophecy, Stephen went forth with his army and drove the Turks from the country.

Saint Stephen fell asleep in the Lord on July 2, 1504, and was buried at the Putna Monastery. He was glorified by the Orthodox Church of Romania in 1992.

Over the centuries, the Putna Monastery has played an important role in Romanian history and culture. It has served as a center for religious and cultural activities, as well as a place of refuge during times of war and conflict.

Katsushika Hokusai was a renowned Japanese painter and printmaker who lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is perhaps best known for his iconic series of woodblock prints titled “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji,” which included his most famous work, “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” However, one of the most intriguing and bizarre stories associated with Hokusai has to do with his obsession with immortality.

According to legend, Hokusai believed that he could achieve immortality by creating a masterpiece that was so perfect, it would live on forever. In order to achieve this goal, he reportedly spent much of his life searching for the perfect subject and perfecting his technique.

He felt his artwork would transcend the divine, if only he could live long enough. He wrote that “at [age] one hundred and ten, every dot and every stroke will be as though alive.”

Hokusai’s last words were:

“If heaven will extend my life by ten more years…’ then, after a pause, ‘If heaven will afford me five more years of life, then I’ll manage to become a true artist. ‘

Despite his best efforts, Hokusai was never able to achieve immortality. He died at age 90. However, his legacy as one of Japan’s greatest artists has certainly lived on. Today, his works are still celebrated and admired around the world, and his name is synonymous with the beauty and elegance of traditional Japanese art.

Barbu Ștefănescu Delavrancea was a renowned Romanian writer and politician who lived from 1858 to 1918. One of the most interesting stories about him involves his famous play, “Apus de soare” (Sunset), which premiered in 1909.

At the time, Romania was a relatively young and inexperienced country, having gained independence from the Ottoman Empire only a few decades earlier. The country was still struggling to find its national identity and establish a distinct cultural identity.

Delavrancea’s play was a powerful reflection of this struggle, portraying the lives of peasants in rural Romania and their complex relationships with their land and with each other. The play was a huge success and was widely acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of Romanian life.

However, the success of “Apus de soare” did not sit well with the political authorities of the time. The play’s themes of struggle and oppression were seen as a threat to the established order, and Delavrancea himself was viewed with suspicion for his political views.

One day, while Delavrancea was attending a meeting of the Romanian Academy, he received a surprise visit from the police. They had come to arrest him on charges of “political subversion” and “incitement to rebellion”.

Despite his protests of innocence, Delavrancea was taken into custody and thrown into jail. The arrest was widely seen as an attempt by the government to silence a voice of dissent and to intimidate other artists and writers who might dare to speak out against the established order.

However, Delavrancea’s arrest backfired spectacularly. It sparked a wave of protests and demonstrations across the country, as people demanded his release and the preservation of artistic freedom.

After several days in jail, Delavrancea was finally released without charge, and his reputation as a hero of the people was cemented. The incident also marked a turning point in Romanian history, as it galvanized the movement for cultural and political independence and helped to establish a new sense of national identity.

When Rembrandt was commissioned to paint the piece in 1642 by the Amsterdam civic guard, it was intended to be a group portrait of the guard’s officers. However, Rembrandt took a unique approach to the painting by creating a dynamic composition that included all of the members of the guard, with some in the foreground and others in the background.

The painting was a departure from the traditional group portrait style of the time, and some of the members of the guard were not happy with the unconventional approach. They complained that they could not see themselves clearly in the painting and that they were not given the prominence they felt they deserved.

To make matters worse, the painting was quite large and did not fit well in the space for which it was intended. In order to make it fit, Rembrandt was forced to cut off some of the figures on the sides of the painting.

Despite these challenges, “The Night Watch” was completed and displayed in the Amsterdam city hall. It became an instant sensation, and people flocked to see the groundbreaking piece.

However, over time, the painting became dirty and discolored, and in the 18th century, it was decided that it needed to be cleaned. Unfortunately, the restoration efforts went too far, and some of the original paint was removed.

In the early 20th century, the painting was moved to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it remains today. In 1975, it underwent a major restoration effort that removed the old varnish and revealed the painting’s original colors and details.

Today, “The Night Watch” is considered one of the most important works of art in the world, and it remains a testament to Rembrandt’s innovative approach to painting and his ability to create dynamic and powerful compositions.