July 5 is Algeria’s Independence Day! 1st Anniversary of Algeria’s Independence Issued in 1963 by the Algerian post office Designer: Ali Ali-Khodja After a bitter 8 year war, Algeria shed it’s 132 ...

Be still my heart, it’s time for France’s 2023 stamps! The program starts with my favourite engraver, Elsa Catelin. I just know if I ever met her, I’d turn into a dribbling fool and forget to ask ...

It's that time again! EUROPA 2022 is here with stories and myths from across the continent. This is one of the most anticipated series of the year for me.

Regarding Ukraine’s 2022 stamps – I’ve removed the original introduction. When Ukraine is free, I will post it. In the meantime, here’s O. Shuklinova’s beautiful Trident – Day of Unity. Future issues ...

The “ol la la France’s 2024 stamps” too much? I’ve been waiting years to use it and I won’t apologise. France, as expected, has a beautiful portfolio of stamps to chase down. The year is filled with ...

Support Bitter Grounds with a donation Enjoying the content? Think about a small donation. Every donation makes a difference.

The Netherlands buried Queen Willemina on December 8, 1962 at Nieuwe Kerk, Delft. Born August 31 1880, Willemina was Queen for fifty-eight years. She became Queen in 1890, on the death of her father.

Turkey's 2021 stamp program includes three centenary commemoratives, Europa issues, sports, and arts. Frustratingly, information offered by Turkey's post ...

On June 11. 1644, Italian scientist Evangelista Torricelli wrote to his friend Michelangelo Ricci describing his new invention, a mercury barometer. I have already called attention to certain ...

David Dovlatyan and Rem Saakyan return to helm the Armenia 2022 stamp program. Dovlatyan and Saakyan are the dynamos behind many of Armenia's best designs.

Enjoy some myths & a few frights courtesy post offices from around the world plus a few fun non-stamp articles from the archives: Me, Reptilicus and stamps Things that go bump in Canada I’m here for ...

Early aircraft - pre 1920 Slow growing list of early aircrafts, designers, pilots & dates. Not all aeroplanes were successful. This list is to document all designs, regardless their relative success.