Normally the earliest-known use (EKU) of a Christmas seal has to be tied to a card or envelope by a cancellation to qualify for a listing, but in the case of the postal card shown nearby, we can allow a little leeway. The 1911 seal is not tied to the card, but because of the message typed on the reverse, dated Nov. 24, 1911, there is no doubt that it belongs.

Madam C.J. Walker was commemorated as an entrepreneur who achieved success and economic independence in the hair care industry, and provided opportunities for others.

In expectation that the meteorologists have predicted correctly, and we will have many opportunities to shovel snow, clear off cars, go sledding, and build snowmen, I have selected the snowman on the 1993 29¢ Christmas stamp (Scott 2793) for the January cartoon caption contest.

For years I have studied and exhibited the return of unmailable and undeliverable mail. A year or so ago, I was able to buy the “REQUEST FOR BETTER ADDRESS” Form B-22 shown nearby. This request form was sent to the writer of a letter or postcard when the office of delivery recognized that the letter’s address was inadequate and the item, therefore, was undeliverable.

Sparks Auctions, of Ottawa, Canada, offered the Daniel Cantor collection of Canada’s Small Queens issue on Nov. 24. Cantor, a retired Ottawa businessman with a lifelong passion for stamps, has sold several parts of his Canada collection over the years. Most notably, his “Pence and Cents” collection, covering the issues pre-dating Canada’s confederation in 1867, won an international large gold at London 2010 and was sold in 2011 by the firm of Matthew Bennett for close to $1.5 million. The Small Queens were Canada’s third series of definitive stamps, issued over a relatively long period, from 1870-97. They followed the similarly designed Large Queens of 1868-76, but were — not surprisingly — slightly smaller.

Rutland & Stamford Mercury is reporting that the charity has raised over £10,000 for the deaf who aren't fortunate enough to have a seeing eye dog. These stamps are being recycled and put towards a greater cause.

With publication of Vol. 2 of The Philatelic Book of (even more) Secrets, Professional Stamp Experts of Newport Beach, Calif., continues its efforts to help stamp collectors become more knowledgeable. The book is a special edition of Stamp Market Quarterly, the expertizing firm’s official publication.

On April 23, 2003, Netherlands Antilles issued a set of 12 se-tenant Butterfly stamps (Scott 1005). The stamps were printed in sheets of 24, as two blocks of 12 separated by a central gutter. The 2016 Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue values a block of 12 se-tenant Butterfly stamps at $13.50 in mint never-hinged condition.

In May 2015, Canada Post issued a Love Your Pet booklet and souvenir sheet with delightful illustrations and common-sense tips on basic pet care (Linn’s, May 25, 2015). As background for the story, I compiled a chart of Canada’s stamps depicting pets, and was surprised to find that more than 70 percent of the face-different canine designs issued over the last 58 years have pictured working dogs.

A $25,000 grant from the TurningPoint Foundation will fund an enclosed 32-seat theater at World Stamp Show-NY 2016 in New York City.

Lady Bird Johnson was commemorated in 2012 for her efforts in preserving the environment, and to celebrate her birth centenary.

Stamps from Hong Kong, Canada, and Liechtenstein won a competition for the best Year of the Ram stamps. The contest included stamps from 56 countries, or special administrative regions celebrating the Year of the Ram. The stamps were issued in late 2014 or early 2015. The Year of the Ram began Feb 19, 2015, and will end Feb. 7, 2016.

Josh Gibson was a powerful home run hitter and a strong defensive catcher during his 17 years in the Negro Leagues. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.

Also this week, Linn's Stamp News released its top headlines of 2015, the U.S. Mint floated the idea of ending mail orders in 2016, and online voting for the Linn's 2015 U.S. stamp popularity poll opened.

Hazel Wightman was born in California and became one of the earliest American stars of women's tennis. She competed in the 1924 Olympic Summer Games, winning two gold medals.

Diminutive French cabaret singer Edith Piaf was honored on a United States forever stamp in 2012. The joint issue with France also included a stamp for jazz musician Miles Davis.

It’s that time of the year: We feel the need to make resolutions and set goals for the new year. In reflecting on my own goals, I have a few suggestions I believe might be of interest to you, our readers. First and foremost, resolve to have fun with this great hobby of ours.

One of the images in my Nov. 2 column, “Canada’s early 19th-century Numeral cancels by the numbers,” brought a response from a keen-eyed collector, noting “that the image showing the stated number 17 is, in actuality, number 47.” My critic added that “perhaps Mr. Baumann could notify Siegel Auction Galleries of a misidentification.”

The Detroit-based Motor City Stamp & Cover Club has a good grasp on the holiday spirit. At its recent club-wide Christmas party, members received awards and recognition for their work within the hobby, as well contributions to various events that the club has put together throughout the year.

Hall of Fame baseball star Ty Cobb played in the Major Leagues for 24 years, winning nine American League batting titles and baseball's Triple Crown.