Dogs bred and trained for various roles, from hunting to bomb detection, are pictured on recent stamps.

Polynesian culture throughout the Pacific has a rich and fascinating history. Until very recent times, scientists, archaeologists, linguists, oceanographers, anthropologists, and explorers were at odds with one another in the debate over the origin of Polynesians.

Postage stamps pay postal fees, but they also are intended to represent the country of their origin to the rest of the world. The stamps of St. Pierre & Miquelon vividly reflect that nation’s history and its setting.

It’s easy to strip stamps out of an old album obtained from the latest stamp bourse or auction and pay no attention to the album itself. After all, it’s the stamps you’re after. But have a second look at that album: It might be just as fascinating and rewarding as the stamps themselves.

Located in southwestern Yugoslavia, the regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina were a hotbed of political strife for centuries. The provinces were ruled by the Ottoman Turkish Empire until 1878, when they were placed under Austria-Hungary control. Bosnia and Herzegovina issued its first stamps a year later, in 1879.

The topic of music encompasses a great variety of stamps. You can find music composers, performers, instruments, and titles honored in this category.

On April 15, 1973, Bhutan issued a set of seven (five postage and two airmail) Phonograph Record stamps (Scott 152-152F). These weren’t just stamps commemorating phonograph records. They were actual phonograph records that can be played on any standard record player.

Since issuing its first two Christmas stamps in 1966 (Scott 478-479), Great Britain has shown about 240 different designs on its Christmas stamps. These designs have varied in quality, but a few have been excellent and memorable.

Recent stamps from Italy, Belgium and Mexico depict hot air balloons.

In early November, Great Britain’s Royal Mail announced the subjects for its 2016 commemorative stamps. The program will start Jan. 7 with an issue devoted to Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) and the British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, also known as the Endurance Expedition, of 1914-16.

The Royal Philatelic Society London learned all about the stamps of the Spanish Antilles from Yamil Kuori during the society's November 12 meeting.

Ideally, we must find ways to encourage more people to move from the stamp accumulator category to the enthusiast category. That being the case, two questions arise: How do we promote philately to a wider audiences and attract men, women, and children of all ages? How can we help ensure this great hobby continues in the digital age?

On Nov. 25, 1915, Albert Einstein presented his paper The Field Equations of Gravitation to the Prussian Academy of Sciences. This paper contained the equations for his general theory of relativity. Hungary issued a stamp Sept. 7 commemorating the 100th anniversary of this presentation.

The Times of India is reporting that collectors will soon have an opportunity to put their selfie on a stamp. The ‘My Stamp’ facility, which will handle the photos, will be open by the end of the year.

The historic postal building in Copenhagen, Denmark, which until this year housed the country’s oldest post office and its popular Post and Tele Museum, has been sold and is being converted into a complex of shops and offices.

On April 30, 1999, Gabon issued a set of four Mushroom stamps (Scott 951A-951D) and a souvenir sheet of four (951De). The stamp set is readily available and inexpensive, but the souvenir sheet is uncommon and difficult to find.

Japan will introduce a new series of stamps Nov. 27 featuring night views of cities and towns in that country. The first set in the series comprises 10 se-tenant (side-by-side) 80-yen stamps in a pane.

Linn’s Stamp News has been named the official show daily publisher for World Stamp Show-NY 2016. As the official show daily publisher, Linn’s will publish three daily newspapers at the show: on Monday, May 30; Tuesday, May 31; and Thursday, June 2.

The United Kingdom's premier philatelic show is celebrating its diamond anniversary during the Feb. 17-20, 2016, exhibition.

Monaco’s Office des Timbres will issue an engraved stamp featuring Princess Charlene Dec. 3. Designed by Stefanie Van Zyl and engraved by Elsa Catelin, the €1.60 stamp will show a portrait of the princess with a bouquet of proteas, the national flower of South Africa in the background.