# 408 - Lighthouses of U. S. A.

Two 'forever' stamps issued by the US Post Office. Thanks to jean Pierre for sending me this post card.

# 407 - Cover from Netherlands

The stamp on this cover created controversy initially. On the background of the stamp behind the picture of the lady is a small image of Den Helder Lighthouse. This is a personalized stamp issued by PostNL. 

Many thanks to Jaap for sending me this cover. I am glad that it was delivered without too much of a problem at this end.

An explanatory note to the readers

A postage stamp design that was rejected because it showed too much of a woman’s breast has been approved after the artist pasted the word ‘censored’ over the offending area.

Artist Ap Kooistra and stamp dealer Cees van der Wel submitted the portrait of a blonde woman in a transparent blouse via PostNL’s website. The woman has the slogan ‘I love Den Helder’ tattooed over the top of her left breast. 

However, PostNL said the design was a ‘provocative image’ as defined by the law on postal communications, which says stamp must not be offensive, insulting or immoral. It is understood that Kooistra’s work was turned down because the nipples were visible under the blouse.

Van der Wel described the controversy as the ‘nipplegate of Den Helder’ and resubmitted the portrait with a black strip and the word ‘Censuur’ covering the woman’s nipples. PostNL has now approved the design

# 406 - Lighthouses of South Africa

One of the stamps on this cover bottom left feature Green Point Lighthouse. This is one of four stamps issued on 20.08.2014.

Thanks to Kyle for this sending.