Closeup of the sun’s corona, taken during the April 20, 2023 total solar eclipse from Exmouth, Australia. Photo by Phil Hart. America is once again rampant with eclipse fever! The April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse will be drawing millions of eyes toward the sky. I won’t be as close to the path of totality... Continue Reading →
Views of Our Planets: Earth 🇺🇸 United States, 47¢ | Issued May 31, 2016 | Scott 5071 Many “firsts” in postal history are well known. The first postage stamp was the Penny Black. The first postmaster general of the fledgling United States was Benjamin Franklin. The first Christmas stamps were issued by Hungary. But who... Continue Reading →
Signed FDC for International Geophysical Year issue 🇺🇸 United States, 3¢ | Issued May 31, 1958 | Scott 1107 One of my central topical philatelic interests is the International Geophysical Year. I’m fascinated by these nascent days of space science and global cooperation. The IGY also marks a period when the last few empty spots... Continue Reading →
Season 2, Episode 6, “The Botched Language of Cranes” Close your eyes. Wait, can you still read this? Open them! Open your eyes. Alright, don’t close your eyes. But before you read any farther, take a pause and name the top female TV fashion icons of the ‘90s. You probably remember “the Rachel,” the hairstyle... Continue Reading →
International Geophysical Year stamp and official emblem on cacheted first day cover 🇺🇸 United States, 3¢ | Issued May 31, 1958 | Scott 1107 When did space exploration begin? Nailing down an origin point on such a subjective timeline is objectively impossible. Was it with the first human spaceflight in April 1961? Or when the... Continue Reading →
Lunar Voyage Cachets, set of 5 covers 🇺🇸 United States | Issued April 1972 Fifty years ago, three men did what barely a handful had done before them: They flew to the moon, landed, had a look around, and brought a few souvenir pebbles home. In fact, their accomplishment was much more astounding than that.... Continue Reading →
Armchair Philately 