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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, November 8, 2006

What do birds, bees, jury duty have in common?

By Randolph E. Schmid
Associated Press

Stamps to be issued next year include the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), top, and bees.

Postal Service

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A man who had a wonderful life went to Washington and later was accompanied by a giant white rabbit will be a highlight of the Postal Service's new commemorative postage stamps for 2007.

James Stewart will be featured on the 13th Legends of Hollywood stamp.

The actor, who took time out to become a decorated hero in World War II, appeared in more than 80 movies including starring roles in "It's a Wonderful Life," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "Harvey."

Next year's honoree in the Black Heritage series will be Ella Fitzgerald, widely known as the first lady of song for her great vocal range, flexibility, and the joy and excitement she brought to music.

As usual, a Love stamp will mark Valentine's Day. This year it features the famed Hershey's Kiss candy, introduced in 1907 and still popular.

Since Valentine romance can be followed by marriage, there will be special wedding stamps decorated with heart-shaped vines.

So, does all that lead to the new birds and bees stamps?

Not exactly. These stamps call attention to the important service such creatures perform in pollinating plants. The set of four will feature hummingbirds, bumble bees, a butterfly and a bat.

From comic-book heroes such as Hulk and Spider-Man to the beautiful Northern Lights and stately lighthouses, including Diamond Head's on O'ahu, there's something for just about everyone planned for next year's stamps.

Among those scheduled:

  • Five Pacific lighthouses will be honored: Diamond Head Light in Hawai'i, Five Finger Light in Alaska, Grays Harbor Light in Washington, Umpqua River Light in Oregon and St. George Reef Light in Northern California.

  • Ten Marvel Super Heroes will be on display: Captain America, Elektra, Iron Man, Silver Surfer, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, Sub-Mariner, The Incredible Hulk, The Thing and Wolverine.

  • The International Polar Year 2007-08 features stamps of the Aurora Borealis — the Northern Lights — and their southern counterpart, the Aurora Australis. These stamps will be issued in two denominations: one at the first-class rate and the second at the rate for international mail.

  • Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow becomes the 23rd person honored in the Literary Arts series.

  • The Alpine Tundra will be displayed in a 10-stamp set displaying 24 plant and animal species.

  • Artist Louis Comfort Tiffany.

  • The art of magic stamps featuring Disney characters Dumbo and Timothy Mouse, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, Mickey Mouse as "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," and Aladdin and Genie.

  • A commemorative calling attention to the importance of jury duty.