From time to time we will include news about coming events, stamp stories, tips on soaking and preservation, and subjects which might not make the philatelic Press. Does anyone have experience in taking those modern self-adhesive stamps off paper without damage ? There's apparently a liquid being sold in USA stores ( not stamp stores) for taking labels off bottles, containers, and new purchases, but we don't know if the label remains undamaged. Can you help ? * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Also from America, the story that after months of testing, there are three companies licensed to sell US postage over the Web. Seems you pay in advance by credit card, apply for and get a mailers licence from the US Postal Service, and then download an impression to use. Early art seen does not suggest there will be attractive stamp-like labels available, but perhaps some philatelic-alive marketeer will do something about this. * * * * * * * * * * * * * If you are in Queensland, Australia, don't miss Southside Philatelic Society's STAMPFEST on Sunday 12th September, at the RSL Hall, Holland Park ( a suburb of Brisbane). Open 9 to 3,dealers, club books including visiting clubs,auction, refreshments available, filatelic fun and friendship. Stamps International 's Andrew McEachern promoted the Society's first Stampfest in 1976, linked to the celebration of the US Bicentennial,with a visit from the BEP Deputy Director from USA, and a blackprint issued for the occasion - Australia's only philatelic recognition of that Bicentenary. And yes, there are some left at $4.00 each. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Noted a vigorous marketing campaign by a New Zealand dealer for some of the 'commercial alternative' post issues of that country. Are they a good item for the future investment-wise ? Or are they even interesting to an authentic stamp collector ? The jury seems to be still out on this issue, but we did notice there wasn't much interest in Europe in the emissions of some of the ill-fated Netherlands comm-ercial postal services. * * * * * * * * * * * * We have just purchased an attractive Germany collection ; drop us a line/Email for particular needs of that country from the 1930s-1940s era. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Demand for Australian FDCs is picking up, after many years of disdain by seasoned philatelists. Perhaps its social history or postal history - those two rising stars - which has engendered the interest - or perhaps that useful covers catalogue put together by Mr Almeida, the dealer from Dandenong. I remember the first FDC I serviced for myself was the Young Farmers issue ( looking back, what ugly colours !) and I embellished this with huge childish handwriting. I suppose THAT is a social history event ! About the same time, I purchased some sheets of German inflation period stamps - used 100 of the stamp on 100 empty envelopes all addressed to self, which I promptly placed in a letter box. From memory, 11 got thru OK, another 20 plus cost me in postage due (probably wiped out my meagre pocketmoney), and the rest were never seen again. I am anxious to buy back these in any of the three conditiions, as for unaccountable reasons, I did not keep any for my collection. Never stopped to think it might have resulted in charges of treason, attempt-ing to defraud the PMG, or ? What early memories can you share with us ? * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *