World of stamps

Stamp collectors know that the U.S. Postal Service offers dozens of new stamps every year. Some postal patrons like to buy "pretty" stamps to dress up their envelopes. But the world of stamps is far more complex.

For 2009, the postal service already has announced what new stamps will be issued. One batch of 20 stamps will highlight the era of black-and-white TV: Lucy and Ethel, "Dragnet," Groucho Marx, "The Ed Sullivan Show."

Who decides which stamps to issue? Since 1957 that task has been given to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee, which receives 50,000 suggestions every year for stamp subjects and designs. If you have an idea for a stamp, submit a written proposal to: Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee, c/o Stamp Development, U.S. Postal Service, 1735 N. Lynn St., Suite 5013, Arlington, Va., 22209-6432.

Or, better yet, how about creating your own stamp? You can, you know. Using the Web browser on your computer, go to www.usps.com/postagesolutions/customizedpostage.htm. There you can get instructions on how to use family photos, your child's drawing or a company logo to create personalized stamps.

The stamps being issued by the postal service next year will commemorate Abraham Lincoln on the 200th anniversary of his birth and Alaska and Hawaii on the 50th year of their statehood. Maybe the lineup of stamps for 2010 will include your suggestion.