Space: Another Stamp Frontier

French science fiction writer Jules Vernes imagined space travel more than a century before it was achieved. Five decades ago the only space traveling taking place was between the United States and Russia (then the Soviet Union), both countries producing stamps documenting their enormous achievements. Five decades later more countries like France, Japan and now China are routinely sending satellites, probes and people into orbit. Expect to see more stamps produced in the coming years adding to the small but growing topical collection of space stamps.



It is exciting to see more additions being added every year as more and more stamp-producing entities (even ones whom do not have a space program) take advantage of new technology and craft digital imaging onto their stamp products. This positive trend will continue to increase the topical inventory of space stamps and build a sub-category of stamping into a major force for collectors worldwide.

Stamps and Repressive Regimes: When Seeing is Not Always Believing

Today North Korea attacked South Korea killing a number of soldiers and civilians via an unprovoked volley of artillery fire.

Repressive regimes are multi-taskers, they are capable of torturing their citizens, murdering their enemies and often producing beautiful stamps. We can, and should, lend a critical eye on their stampworks which are usually propaganda symbols and messages meant to bolster their credibility. They always fail.

In fact these failures make wonderful stamps and excellent lessons to teach new generations of the power of stamps even in the hands of wicked governments and evil men. While I would never support repressive notions I do recognize stamps are stamps and thus should be collected, studied, spoken about and displayed for all to see. This is how we learn.

If we accept stamps as artifacts of history we are also forced to accept the good and the bad and must reject, with a clothespin on our nose, the calls for destroying stamps from repressive regimes in revenge for their crimes against humanity. We have courts to deal with illegality. We, as a people, must deal with history.

Today North Korea attacked South Korea. Better stamps, maybe, but cruel hearts bound to be weighed in heaven and in earth.

The Lucky Few: Brick & Mortar Stamp Stores

I grew up going to an actual stamp store. I used to walk up a hill every Saturday morning. The old guy who owned the store opened up at 8am and closed at Noon for the rest of the day. I had my Scott Catalog numbers written down and purchased the stamps right off the list. He always threw in a couple of stamps for free.

I went there for years until he died and the store closed down. I miss that old guy and I miss the live experience of shopping at a stamp store. There aren't very many of the those stores out there anymore. If you find one and it stocks what you need---then consider yourself lucky. Before I moved across the country I was fortunate to find one and I didn't care if its prices were higher than the internet especially when you factor shipping and the time you have to wait before you can get a certain task complete. It's worth it to shop there if nearby.

I'm not knocking the Internet stamp supply stores they often have better prices but then again they should be since there is very little overhead. In many many instances if it weren't for the Internet one would have to travel hundreds of miles just to get to a store. Where I live I literally have to go to another State just to reach a store. Quite frankly, with a full time job, 2 kids and a marriage, I don't have the time to spare to make such a journey. Heck who does?

I get emails from people who enjoy the live experience of stamping via stamp shows or flea markets---ironically most still don't have a stamp store in their community. Please understand the point of this article is not to promote stamp stores as a super great experience you cannot live without. More times than not it has been a wonderful experience and I enjoy including it fondly in my stamp memories. But I recognize stamp stores cannot always compete well with mail order/internet stores. What you do with your money is your business so I don't judge anyone on where they purchase their stamps or supplies.

Yet if you live close by a stamp store, go check it out. The people there often have decades of experience and usually enjoy speaking about the Hobby of Kings. It's a journey worth taking.

Foreign Stamp Identification and Classification

What Foreign Actually Means:

We've had a few inquires from parents on what "foreign" means in stamp collecting. A few of the inquiries were concerned about the "potential" negative nuance to the term. Please let us be very clear. We are stamp people and not concerned with politics by any stretch of the definition.

This is how "foreign" works in stamp collecting. If you are from India, all stamps other than India are considered foreign. Since I am from the United States, all the world's stamps accept US are considered foreign. It is truly that simple. Any offense perceived is just that: perceived.

As you delve into stamp collecting you will learn exactly what we are saying and realize these terms are merely part of the language of stamp collecting.


Foreign Stamp Identification (Basic)

Foreign stamp identification on a very basic level is essential to assist a collector in categorizing his/her stamps. Basic level refers to simple translations that help you understand what country you are encountering without going deeply into formal translation. A perfect example is: Norge which is Norway and once you know that you never forget it. Simple but essential.

KNS---Easy Foreign Stamp Translator


Azorbaycan -------------------------------Azores

Shqipervise ------------------------------Albania

RSA --------------------------------------Republic of South Africa

bbAFPNR ----------------------------------Bulgaria

Republika Hrvatska -----------------------Croatia

DPRK -------------------------------------Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
------------------------------------------(North Korea)

DDR --------------------------------------East Germany

Espana -----------------------------------Spain

Hellevita --------------------------------Switzerland

Hellas -----------------------------------Greece

Jugoslavia -------------------------------Yugoslavia

Macav ------------------------------------Macao

Magyar Posta -----------------------------Hungary

Nippon -----------------------------------Japan

Osterreich -------------------------------Austria

The above list is a basic one meant to help out new stamp collectors. It is not the whole list nor should it be considered anything other than a good solid example of basic stamp translation.

KNS: Statement of Purpose

KNS exists solely to lend a hand to parents interested in helping their children collect stamps. We provide free stamp starter-kits and plenty of stamp information attachments that can be saved and printed out. The knowledge provided allows adults and children a means to learn about the world, identify foreign stamps and even discover the unique terminology exclusively assigned to the world of stamps.

This statement of purpose is necessary because KNS inhabits a peculiar niche that serves children through their adult parents, guardians, teachers, family members, etc. We are not suitable for everyone nor do we want to be a catch-all for everything about stamps.
Our main purpose is to foster a better line of communication between parents and their children through stamp collecting. Since we also love stamps we broadened the definition to include stamp clubs, boy & girl scouts, cub scouts, classes in public schools and community centers.

If your situation does not fit our purpose find another organization that better suits your needs. KNS does not have a commercial agenda. We do not solicit or accept donations of any kind. Everything KNS provides is entirely free. All we ask is two things in return:


Use the stamps to help the kids learn more about themselves, their parents and the world.

Leave a comment on the Kids Need Stamps blog site: http://kidsneedstamps.blogspot.com/

If we sponsor your club all we ask is the following;


Use the stamps and information provided to serve the kids.

Do not exclude kids based on race, gender, background or ability.

Create a general lesson plan

Meet at least once a month, preferably twice a month

I Want Stamps To Live Forever

We're told a million things a day to do in order to make this world a better place. We should stop smoking, end global warming, be kind to animals and eat vegetables.

I say we should pay attention to our children. Spend time with them. Don't throw them to the wolves of wide-screen television. Take them on a walk. Do a funny dance with them. Read them a book. Sing them a song. And spend hours examining exciting international stamps.

I have many joyous memories of stamps. I would go the New York and buy them with my Grandfather. Later in the evening I would sort them out with my Father. Later in the weekend my Uncle would stop by with a envelope full of stamps on paper he got from the travel agency.

I'm not very fond of the technology. I suspect for all the life-extending properties it proudly proclaims----it takes something spiritual from us, keeps us apart from human contact. What's the point of living another 12 years if you are alone and afraid.

That is why I want stamps to live on forever. In our lives. On our pages. In our very dreams. As an ivibrant part of education and freedom to think beyond a limiting machine. Stamps are art. Stamps are history and more important stamps are alive with the sound of children's voices being heard by their loves ones and not drowned out by the witless wonders of technology.

I want stamps to live forever. Help me make that happen. Introduce your kids to stamps.

Finding Independence in a Day of Dependence

Who wants to pick up a paper these days and discover we are celebrating independence while shockingly in massive debt. Does that sound like independence to you?

The modern phenomena I rail about mostly, video games and motion pictures, still haven't done anything to reduce their prices in such trying times. Neither has even found a way to produce a positive message for these scary times. It's the same olde brainless bombshells, laser beams and car crashes.

Here's how I found some independence from that steady diet of dumb vixens and violence:

1. Got some stamps from around the world

2. Spoke about their unique origins

3. Found videos and pictures of these places on the Internet

4. Played games with the kids about the stamps and pictures.

5. None of this cost a penny.


Parents, give it a shot. We have free stamp starter-kits. You have the computer.

How easy can it be.

Monthly Report: A Month To Be Thankful

Another fun and exciting month is coming to be close. Thanks so much for being part of the stamping family whom are learning and growing each and every day.

Don't forget we are being profiled next month in Collectors News in January 2009.

While I never envisioned the economy would be so shakey by this time of the year, my family and I, are overjoyed to continue to reach out to families in need of stamps for their children to start them on collecting-------all for free.

Looking forward to December, Christmas and more exciting international contacts.

Building Stampers One Child At A Time

Building Stampers

In a more recent venture, KNS was able to supply a brand new stamp club consisting of home schooled children. We are both delighted and excited to hear about their learning experiences in the stamp world. We received a lovely card signed by all the little stampers. Thank you for keeping our wonderful pastime alive and well in the 21st century.

Protecting Children

Please keep those comments coming on the blog. We appreciate the insight and compliments received by comments and emails. I only ask that you make your free starter-kit requests via email and through an adult. KNS is all about helping parents help kids but we do not solicit, respond or communicate with underage children. I wouldn't allow my children and I ask you politely not to request us to make contact with your children. Perception is reality these days and we don't need the headache. Our thanks for your understanding.

Respecting the Process

Thanks for the inquires and requests but they really need to be via email. When you make a starter-kit via blog comment you first miss out on the email attachments necessary to help kids identify foreign stamps. Also you allow your home address to be broadcasted throughout the Internet and we are not responsible for people misusing it. By respecting the process you get the starter-kits, the attachments and complete privacy. We don't use your address except to mail you the stamps.

Thanks again for your support and understanding.