We've extolled the sterling qualities of the man known (informally) as Big Head Benjamin (a.k.a. Ben Franklin) in these pages many times. Inventor, diplomat, philanderer, volunteer fireman, aphorist — Franklin rocked all these titles and more. And even in death, he continues to rack up achievements. Why, just today, Franklin becomes a part of philatelic history, as his high-browed mug graces four first-class U.S. postage stamps. It's apropos of the great man's life, as he was this nation's first Postmaster General. Perhaps he also invented the pen-on-a-chain during this period. We'll ask Danita Aquiningnoc of the U.S. Postal Service after... More >>>