Hello From Los Angeles

I've just restarted collecting stamps after a 40-year breather.

Things sure feel different now. I remember finding it interesting that smaller countries around the world would sometimes get a significant amount of revenue by issuing stamps that would basically go just to collectors without ever having to provide any postal services in return. Now it seems like the U.S. is engaged in the same thing.

I remember going to the philatelic window at the post office. I guess they're all closed now. Now it seems like the post office makes you buy lots of extra unwanted postage online if you want to buy all the new issues/plate blocks. (Seems like there should be collectives of stamp collectors that buy from the USPS in bulk and then distribute individual stamps or plate blocks to their members.) I remember buying sheets of the first "peel and stick" stamps issued (10 cent Christmas stamps), thinking they'd be valuable one day. Now they all look kind of sad and the adhesive has become weak.

Albums are still very expensive to keep up-to-date. The great thing now is that you can sign up with a service that will provide albums for just about everything for a small fee each year (don't know if I'm allowed to post links to commercial endeavors). I'm also happy that there is software to create one's own album pages--I found some free open source software that I've used (and further customized--I used to be a programmer) to start making zip block/mail early in the day block pages.

I study physics on my own and am considering a "Physics of the 20th Century" custom stamp album. The Nobel Laureate Ernest Rutherford once said "All science is either physics or stamp collecting." I'm not sure exactly what he meant by that, but it would most certainly go on the title page of my custom album.

And there was no ebay back then, but I like bidding on stamps in which I'm interested.

Hello, again, from Los Angeles.

Welcome!

I'm in the LA area as well (east San Gabriel Valley), but used to live closer in. You may find some of the local shows worth going to, at least occasionally. I'll be happy to chat with you about that, perhaps more offline than on-. I'm no authority, but am happy to share an opinion, fwiw.

You probably know this, but the two biggest shows are the annual "SESCAL" show by LAX, and the annual "OrcoExpo" in Anaheim/Garden Grove. The OC one is strictly commercial, but is probably the largest regular show in the area. (The APS winter show was in Riverside this past February, which was quite a bit larger.)

But SESCAL is put on by a philatelic organization and has exhibits, seminars, club meetings, etc. In fact, if you happen to collect Japan or China, both of the specialized philatelic organizations for those fields will be holding their national conventions there this year. Some details here: http://www.sescal.org/

(Parking at SESCAL is still kind of a killer. The validated rate is $9, with very limited and restricted street parking around in that area, since it's so close to the airport. That hotel is not my favorite venue, but it is a very good show.)

Hope this is a bit helpful, and again, welcome!

Since you mentioned possibly getting into topicals, I'll mention that the American Topical Association national show is in Portland, OR, this year. It rarely makes it this far west, and, if you could work it into your vacation plans (or make it your vacation!), it could be a stimulating visit. I've never been able to make it to an ATA show, but would like to. (I don't think I can make this one, however.) http://www.americantopicalassn.org/...ss2015.shtml

And the big, big APS summer show will be also be held in Portland next summer. I don't like to make predictions that far out, but I am hoping to get to that!

Thank you, Philatarium. I'll definitely try to make it to SESCAL, especially since I'm so close to LAX (I can see the control tower from my house).

I remember going to stamp shows as a teenager. They would occasionally have official postal representatives from various countries where you could buy new issues at face value. That was always kind of a thrill for me.

Thank you, again, for your welcome!

That's great that you're so close. Wish I could say the same!

There used to be more postal authorities at these shows (SESCAL in particular), but I think with the internet that the agencies or their representatives don't feel the need to do that so much anymore. Even 10 years ago there was a greater presence than there is today.

That's for foreign PO's. The USPS is definitely there, often with a nice selection oriented to collectors.

Let's stay in touch, and maybe put a face with a name at the show.

I tried to send you an email, but it must be that < 50-post restriction. (Although I thought we could email you during that period.)

Interesting that your post count still shows as "0". Something's not working right.

Welcome aboard retsom.

Good to hear that you have found your way back into stamp collecting.
I live in the UK and beleive me, our postal service issues so much
more stuff of stamp collecting. Just way too much for me to keep up,
so I no longer buy them from the post office. Thankfull I am that
i can buy a lot of it from ebay sellers and at a far cheaper price.

I think I inadvertently checked "no email from members" and now I don't know how to change it. Everything is really restricted to me at this point. And I can't email anyone yet. (...sigh...)

Hello! After 30 plus years I have decided to get back into this hobby. I am considering focusing a lot of my interest into Mint US under the $20 range but I will also be building in other areas.

BTW, I am from Louisiana but also live in Arkansas. I haven't checked but I am also hoping to find some clubs in Northern Louisiana and Southern Arkansas.