Topic: Should the Stooges Have A U.S. Postage Stamp?

[Pilsner Panther]

Now, this ought to get a good discussion started!

[shemps#1]

Hope you don't mind, but I added and then subsequently voted for the "who cares?" option.

I just don't think getting on a postage stamp is that big of a deal. Nowadays any schmuck or schmucky idea can get on a postage stamp, or better yet an entire set of stamps featuring various depictions that can be sold in "special collector's editions". All this does is dilute the stamp market, thus making these stamps worthless to collectors years down the line. It's kind of like comic books that come in special edition variant covers.

If the Stooges get a stamp expect to be a set of ten different stamps, and sealed sets available at your local post office. Yawn.

[Pilsner Panther]

No, I don't mind, Jim. The postage stamp is not such a big deal, and I realized that back in the 1980's, when Igor Stravinsky was given the "honor" of appearing on a two-cent stamp:

http://w3.rz-berlin.mpg.de/cmp/stravinsky.html

I wish I'd kept a few of those stamps. If a true creative genius like Stravinsky is only worth two cents to the Postal Service, this can't be much of an honor for anybody else! Even so, a Stooges stamp would be a fun thing and a lot of people would enjoy using it, so why not? The USPS might even sell more stamps, at a time when "snail mail" is going down the tubes and has been for years now, thanks to the Web. They just raised the price of stamps again, to 39 cents. They ought to just raise it to fifty cents, which should be good for about another decade without any more increases.

If I had to send all my correspondence by physical mail, I'd be using hundreds of dollars worth of postage a month, not to mention standing in line for hours at the Post Office— which in my case is only a block away, but it's still a major pain in the tuchis to go there when it's raining, or during the holidays when the line is clear out the door. No matter how busy it is, they never have enough clerks on duty, either. As of right now, I pay all but two of my monthly bills online, and automatically, which is about ten thousand percent better.

The fact is that the Postal Service nowadays exists mainly to deliver bills and junk mail, and that's all. I get so much unsolicited advertising crap in my mailbox, it's a wonder that there's a tree left standing anywhere between the Mexican and Canadian borders. Too bad I don't have a fireplace, I could heat myself all winter with all that paper to burn.

Technology has passed the USPS by, just like with the telephone companies. Pay phone service became so unprofitable due to e-mail and the cell phone that it's pretty much vanished by now, even in cities, except in railroad and subway stations and at airports and hotels.

Not to get into Economics 101 here, but the market economy does happen to work that way.

 

[Dunrobin]

The fact is that the Postal Service nowadays exists mainly to deliver bills and junk mail, and that's all. I get so much unsolicited advertising crap in my mailbox, it's a wonder that there's a tree left standing anywhere between the Mexican and Canadian borders. Too bad I don't have a fireplace, I could heat myself all winter with all that paper to burn.

You could do what I do with at least some of that junk mail - fold it up and mail it back to the sender in their own postage-paid envelope (assuming that there is one.)  Make them pay to throw out their garbage.  I kept doing that to the thrice-damned AARP, who had the nerve to start sending me dunning letters to join up with them as soon as I hit 50.  It took four or five times, but I haven't seen anything from them in a couple of months, so I guess that someone there finally figured out what "STOP SENDING ME THIS CRAP!" meant.

I'm voting for "Who Cares" myself, primarily because I believe the USPS is a criminal monopoly, but also because - as Pils pointed out - the collectible value of such stamps will be virtually nil.

On the other hand, other countries have already honored the Stooges on their postal stamps.  I remember a set of them being promoted about 10 years ago, but I don't remember which country it was off hand.  Those stamps I'd consider collectible.

[Bruckman]

I get so much unsolicited advertising crap in my mailbox, it's a wonder that there's a tree left standing anywhere between the Mexican and Canadian borders.

For which you have somebody in forestry to thank (looks the other way and whistles).

I voted yes, although I don't think the slight honor is overdue. Back when commemorative stamps were a rarity, the honor was much greater - I still have a WC Fields stamp from 1980, commemorating his 100th birthday - but the idea of honoring a comedian this way was unusual at that time. (Maybe because WC had a well-known "buying a postage stamp" routine in THE PHARMACIST).

Wasn't it some small island group like the Seychelles that put the Stooges on a stamp some years back? I remember reading about it but have forgotten locale.

[Dunrobin]

Wasn't it some small island group like the Seychelles that put the Stooges on a stamp some years back? I remember reading about it but have forgotten locale.

I did a search, and it looks like Mongolia issued those stamps.  I found these at coolstamps.com, where they are for sale (if anyone is interested.)

[attachment deleted by admin]

[garystooge]

Wasn't it some small island group like the Seychelles that put the Stooges on a stamp some years back? I remember reading about it but have forgotten locale.

Beginning in the late 1990s, a company called the International Collectors Society began offering "limited edition" Stooge stamps that were issued by foreign countries. Supposedly, these stamps were "Legal Tender Postage" if used in those countries.  But there was no real reason for any of these countries to "honor" the Stooges with a stamp...this was purely a marketing effort aimed at stamp/Stooges collectors. In fact, the stamps were sold using a continuity deal...they kept sending you new sets every so often until you told them to stop. 

Anyway, Stooges stamps were "issued" by the following countries: Mongolia, Chad, Guinee, Liberia, Senegal, Dominica, Moldavia, Granada, Mozambique, Guyana and Gambia.  There may be 1 or 2 others that I missed. The stamps were all colorized and weren't cheap...about $25 for a set of about 11 or so stamps.

I was always curious if you actually tried to mail something from those countries using the stamps, what would happen? Does anyone in Guinee know who the Stooges are?  I'm not even sure if all of those places are even sovereign nations. Anyway, the last set I'm aware of came out in 2002.  Until the USPS decides to do something with the Stooges, these are the only stamps a Stooges fan can get his hands on.
Gary

[Dunrobin]

Anyway, Stooges stamps were "issued" by the following countries: Mongolia, Chad, Guinee, Liberia, Senegal, Dominica, Moldavia, Granada, Mozambique, Guyana and Gambia. ...

... Does anyone in Guinee know who the Stooges are?  I'm not even sure if all of those places are even sovereign nations ...

I believe that Guinea, Gary, which is in Africa (along with Chad, Liberia, Senegal and Gambia.)  Mongolia is, of course, in Asia, Dominica and Grenada are Caribbean island nations, Guyana is in South America (remember the Jim Jones' cult suicide?), and Moldova is a former Soviet Uion republic in eastern Europe.  They are all sovereign nations (at least, as long as Washington doesn't think they have any resources to steal.)

What can I say?  I've always been good at geography.   

[Pilsner Panther]

Now you've got me started with this stamp business, ya flatheads!

In this modern age, you can design any stamp you want, print it out, and it's all nice and legal. No need to go to the Outer Mongolian Post Office any more:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2004-08-10-stamps_x.htm

A few suggestions from yours truly—




[attachment deleted by admin]

[Giff me dat fill-em!]

Thanks, Pils ... I have a 45 (remember those?) from my mother by Mrs. Miller singing "A Lover's Concerto" on side A, and "Downtown" on side B. Talk about "parody" ... she was the definition of the term. NOW, thanks to you, I have a photo of her pudgy cheeks to add to my memory of her music.

[Dunrobin]

Now you've got me started with this stamp business, ya flatheads!

You started it, and you're talkin' ta me?! [SLAP]

You've got an error on your "stamps", Pils - DeLay is not a Senator; he's a Representative (or Congressman.) 

[Pilsner Panther]

Now you've got me started with this stamp business, ya flatheads!

You started it, and you're talkin' ta me?! [SLAP]

You've got an error on your "stamps", Pils - DeLay is not a Senator; he's a Representative (or Congressman.) 

Hey, stamps with errors on them are more valuable! Haven't you ever seen that upside-down airplane one that's supposed to be the most expensive rare stamp of them all?

Besides, that's still a great mug shot of the mug; only that character above him is uglier. Shemp: "I'm as pretty as a picture..."

Oh, and here's some of the inimitable Mrs. Miller, just for those of you who aren't hip to her jive.

 

[attachment deleted by admin]

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Bruckman]

Not very often is there a pop culture reference that gets by me; but I've never even heard of Mrs. Miller. Info please; did she appear on some TV show; you know, sort of like the incomparable Dagmar?

I used to think Pils looked like a cop (w/the sunglasses); now I discover he resembles Elton John! Hah! Here he's obviously haranguing a crowd:

PILS:...and furthermore I propose making June 16 a national holiday in honor of both James Joyce and Stan Laurel....

CROWD: WTF?! Play "Daniel, My Brother'!

[Pilsner Panther]

Not very often is there a pop culture reference that gets by me; but I've never even heard of Mrs. Miller. Info please; did she appear on some TV show; you know, sort of like the incomparable Dagmar?

I used to think Pils looked like a cop (w/the sunglasses); now I discover he resembles Elton John! Hah! Here he's obviously haranguing a crowd:

PILS:...and furthermore I propose making June 16 a national holiday in honor of both James Joyce and Stan Laurel....

CROWD: WTF?! Play "Daniel, My Brother'!

Elton John!? Are you suggesting that I'm— noooo! For one thing, I need fancier sunglasses. With feathers on them. Yeah, I'm haranguing a crowd there (rental housing debate at San Francisco City Hall, May 2005).

Mrs. Miller used to appear on network talk shows in the late 60's-early 70's, especially Merv Griffin's. Even when she wasn't a scheduled guest, Merv would point her out in the audience (where she apparently spent almost all of her time), and she'd get a big round of applause.

James Joyce's legacy is usually celebrated on June 16th (Bloomsday), rather than on his birthday. I'll second you on Stan Laurel, though. If I remember right, Stan and Babe did appear on a U.S. stamp, about ten years ago.

[Bruckman]

Elton John!? Are you suggesting that I'm— noooo! For one thing, I need fancier sunglasses. With feathers on them. Yeah, I'm haranguing a crowd there (rental housing debate at San Francisco City Hall, May 2005

Well, sort of an Elton John - Martin Mull combo, with a bit of Chester Conklin thrown in.

On the other hand, you do live in San Francisco.............

This reminds me of a game we play on long road trips: Who is it you're said to resemble? Alternately, who would play you in a movie?

Who I've been said to resemble:
Henry Rollins
Tom Brady
Billy Zane
Johnny Knoxville

Who I'd like to play me in a film: The Sawyer dude from "Lost"

Who would probably end up with the role: Joe Rogan.

[Dunrobin]

I used to think Pils looked like a cop (w/the sunglasses); now I discover he resembles Elton John!

Nah - this is what Pils looks like.  (Tell me this ain't him!)

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Pilsner Panther]

Hey, cut me some slack, Rob! I do happen to be an excellent marksman, though, with either rifle or pistol. Left-handed, too (that's sneaky, you won't see it coming).

I've only got three scanned pics of myself, and the third one has my Ex in it, so I won't post it. Even though she's a ringer for (a younger) Susan Sarandon.

[jrvass]

Snips.

I've only got three scanned pics of myself, and the third one has my Ex in it, so I won't post it. Even though she's a ringer for (a younger) Susan Sarandon.

A 10-ringer? Or a bullseye? Sarandon is no friend of gun owners.

James

[Pilsner Panther]

Snips.

I've only got three scanned pics of myself, and the third one has my Ex in it, so I won't post it. Even though she's a ringer for (a younger) Susan Sarandon.

A 10-ringer? Or a bullseye? Sarandon is no friend of gun owners.

James

I never said that I liked Sarandon's far-left politics, just her looks. And Starr (the ex in question) really does look enough like her that they could be sisters. I can't find that digitized pic, so I'll have to scan another one after the weekend, when I have access to a scanner. Sad story— after more than three years together, we broke up because she had to take a transfer to Chicago, or risk losing her job. She worked for United Airlines, and this was at the time whe they were laying off a lot of people. It's been more than two years by now, so I'm over it... still unattached, though.

 

Anyhow, this ain't hay, brother:
Could I ignore the politics? But definitely.




[attachment deleted by admin]

[Bruckman]

Well, as far as breakups go, that one sounds relatively mild. My last long-term ended with my girlfriend writing me a Dear John, after 4 months of silence, in which she started off, "I didn't want to write too soon, lest I say something regrettable. However, I may have overcompensated slightly............." She then took me to task for dragging my feet re a proposal because I wanted to make sure my handicapped brother would be provided for, saying "One's commitment to one's partner ought to come before one's family." This only a few months after she had a crying binge because I wouldn't drive her on demand 300 miles to visit her grandmother.

Following which I executed a 3-day enraged Rollins-style rant. Better stop before I go off again. We don't want a thread devoted to "Most Unpleasant Breakup Scenarios".

Sarandon, regardless of politics, is one of those actresses who has definite poise, a characteristic separate from beauty.

[Pilsner Panther]

Hmm... maybe we should have a "Most Unpleasant Breakup Scenarios" thread here. I didn't think it would be appropriate for this site, but look at the current "Today In Stooge History:"

1946-01-14: Curly and Marion Howard separate in a scandalous and very public divorce dispute.

I've had three major breakups, and two of them were relatively painless. Starr and I "parted friends" as the old cliche goes, and I still hear from her by e-mail once in a while. That one was sad, not angry— no Rollins-style rants on my part, or hypocritical behavior on hers. The issue was that I couldn't ask her to choose me over her career, and there was no way in hell I was moving to Chicago, due to the winters. If they'd transferred her to say, Phoenix, I would have gone with her. The ironic punch line here is that she didn't want to lose her pension, but now it looks like all the UAL employees are going to lose their pensions, anyway. But I'd better stop before I get into a rant of my own on heartless corporations...

 

[Pilsner Panther]

Getting back to stamps, looking through the thread I realized that I didn't finish the "Screws and Fasteners" stamp. Which makes absolutely no sense without the tag line, so here's what it's supposed to look like.

That's what I get for doing rush jobs! 

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Giff me dat fill-em!]

Now I feel effusively and adequately edified, and with all demonstrable and affectionately vivacious feelings, I thank you.

[CURLYFAN]

Now that we are back on topic. . . . . .

YES YES YES the 3 Stooges do need to be immortalized on a stamp(s).

The picture of the stooges pointing under the tunis 1500 miles signs would be a good stamp along with any opening credit picture at the start of any short.

I will create some 3 Stooges stamps and post them here.

OKAY I have to edit this post and you can create your own 3 stooges postage stamps and they are real and can be used too.

After doing some research on the internet I found a website that will allow you to create your own REAL posage stamp from a picture on your computer.

www.PhotoStamps.com

[Wild Hyacinth]

          Without A doubt the boys should have A stamp. That would be great. I have 3 stooges checks I would love to be able to send a stooges check and grace the envelope with a stooges stamp.