History, Chess Games Mark History, Chess Games Mark

A Masterpiece Of Chess: The Opera Game.

If you’re a chess enthusiast, even at a basic level, you’ve probably heard of some legendary games. One such game that stands out in the annals of chess history is Paul Morphy’s Opera Game. I recently came across this game again in a chess book and decided to look deeper into the story and the moves that make this game a timeless masterpiece. Played in 1858, this game is a brilliant example of tactical genius and strategic elegance.

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Mark Mark

“The Story of Sand” An Unusual Set of Cigarette Cards.

One of the most interesting facets of collecting cigarette cards is the diverse subject matter of the sets. Of course we have many very traditional themes; trains, planes famous characters etc. However, the ones that fascinate me are the ones that after reading the title of the set I still have no real idea of what the full subject matter of a full set would be. I like to imagine the person in charge of new themes at the time sitting there and the thought process that led them to each unusual group of cards. One such set that I happened across just very recently is a fine example. “The Story of Sand” a set of 50 cards by Ogden’s Ltd. The set was released in 1935, and I was not aware that this set existed. This is another aspect of the hobby of collecting these things. No matter how long I have been looking at and collecting cards, there is always a surprise waiting.

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Mark Mark

The World’s First Christmas Postage Stamp: Canada's 1898 Map Stamp.

Philately is brimming with captivating stories, rare artifacts, and significant historical moments. One such treasure is Canada's first Christmas postage stamp, issued in 1898. This stamp, known as the "Map Stamp," holds a special place in both Canadian history and the history of global postal services. Its issuance marked a unique moment, blending politics, geography, and the holiday spirit. This is the fascinating story behind this stamp, its origins, design, and lasting legacy.

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Pirates, Shipwrecks Mark Pirates, Shipwrecks Mark

The Search for the Pirate Ship “Golden Fleece” and the story of its Captain Joseph Bannister.

During the period from 1650 to 1720, piracy was at its peak. Contrary to popular belief, there were likely no more than 20 pirate ships and less than 2000 men at any given time. By comparison, there were around 80000 legitimate sailors during the same period. The total number of pirate ships that existed during this era was less than 1000, with most being captured, sold, or repurposed.

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Postage Stamps Mark Postage Stamps Mark

The Blue Mauritius Stamp

The Blue Mauritius Stamp.

Mauritius only the fifth country in the world to produce their own postage stamps and was the first British colony. The two stamps produced in this first run were the one-penny orange and the two-penny blue. There were no more than 500 produced of each.

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Doodle Diaries Mark Doodle Diaries Mark

Doodle Diary. Woodpecker Adventure.

Today was another adventurous day for Miles and Cleo, the two curious Goldendoodles. We ventured out to our favorite local park, where the sun was shining, and the air was crisp. However, our peaceful outing took an unexpected turn when we encountered a flurry of woodpeckers. It seems the park is a hotspot for the colorful birds.

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How To Mark How To Mark

The Commonplace Book: A Treasure Trove of Wisdom.

Keeping a commonplace book is a timeless practice that I wholeheartedly endorse. Allow me to elaborate on this delightful concept. A commonplace book transcends mere pages; it becomes a sanctuary for ideas, a repository of insights, and a canvas for creativity. Imagine it as a cozy corner of your mind where you gather fragments of wisdom, snippets of inspiration, and the occasional doodle. Let’s explore its purpose and the myriad reasons why you should embrace this tradition.

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Cigarette Cards, Unveiling the Story of Cigarette Cards: From Humble Beginnings to Global Fascination.

In the waning years of the 19th century, amid the bustle of urban life and the aroma of freshly rolled tobacco, a peculiar trend began to take root—the emergence of cigarette cards. Born out of a desire to entice consumers with more than just nicotine, these miniature marvels soon found their way into the hands and hearts of collectors worldwide, weaving a tale of curiosity and connection. Initially, cigarette cards were nothing more than humble stiffeners, inserted into packs to protect the delicate contents within.

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