2013 USPS Issues... News? Thoughts? Opinions?

I think the Four Seasons Flag Stamps are yet another example of USPS cost cutting measures. Since they are apparently based on simple photographs and not artwork, there is neither a royalty fee to be paid to an artist nor any copyright to be concerned with. It's an inexpensive means to create a stamp (probably to be sold in the billions) with minimal investment.

The Modern Art press sheets can now be ordered: https://store.usps.com/store/browse...tPressSheets
I wish they would have printed them 2x2 rather than 1x4 sheets.
In any case, I'll treat myself to at least one.

We got Johnny Cash coming to town soon: https://www.beyondtheperf.com/2013-...-johnny-cash

Admittedly, use of a predominantly black bordered stamp for Johnny Cash is appropriate, but much like the Miles Davis/Edith Piaf stamp from last year, the heavy use of black on the stamp does not lend itself well to easily seen postmarks and cancellations and, as a result, I suspect we will see a lot of stamps re-used because of it.

That is actually an interesting stamp. Decent photo, appropriate style lettering. Sort of looks like it will be a smaller size than usual. The issue with seeing the cancels is also an interesting point... I wonder what the USPS issued FDCs will look like?

If anyone's interested in an advanced illustration of the "record album" type of pane being created for the Johnny Cash Stamp (along with the Lydia Mendoza stamp and another yet to be announced ... but rumored to be Ray Charles) as part of the Musical Icons Series, here's what the pane is said to look like:

AHA! It's a 45 sleeve!

I hope USPS are smart enough to release this sheet, and all other releases in this series, in a folder with an actual 45... I could imagine that would go down well with stamp & 45 collectors and music fans alike.
It's certainly a nice sheet design. Too often the "unused bits" don't get any attention, but I'm glad they do now for most releases - incl. the back, of course! It almost turns them into souvenir sheets!
The press sheets should look nice, too.
Speaking of which, the USS Constipation (NO, Constitution!) PERF press sheet is sold out now. I think they only printed 1000 of them (vs. 3500 of the imperf one).

I was just reading this AM the USPS News Release about the new (round) Global Forever Stamp. Did you know you can get these in Uncut Press Sheets too, both die cut and no die cut varieties?

Yes, they are in the catalog but not yet available online. They were also mentioned in the bulletin and the news release: http://about.usps.com/news/national...pr13_011.htm

It seems weird to issue a round stamp with fancy perforation as an imperforated stamp. But if someone likes them square, they can cut their own!

Every PO I have been to doesn't have the Global yet... Odd, isn't it? I mean, the new rate has kicked in but they don't have stamps for it?

One local post office to me doesn't even have the Apples Stamp for the new postcard rate. They are selling a lot of 1-cent stamps. Interestingly, their 1-cent stamps are the Tiffany Lamp Stamp, but one of the first printing varieties dated 2007 (Scott 3749).

Another set of stamps was just announced:
https://www.beyondtheperf.com/2013-...mp-just-move




A bit heavy on the blue! :)

I'm not impressed with the "Just Move" issue. As stated, it's too much blue ... and too "cartoony" ... and no "faces" on any of the people shown.

One has to be careful how to use those stamps, too, as it would be rather embarrassing to use a stamp with a reference to "balance stand" or "turn around twist" or "cartwheel spin" ... especially if you were an orthopedist or physical therapy group sending out monthly bills!