New stamp for 2011

[Hardbopjazz]

I like it. I wonder who the artists is that designed the stamp.

Jazz Stamp

[Christiern]

I like it, too, but I wonder why FOREVER is struck through. I read yesterday that all future U.S. stamps will be of the "forever" variety. It makes sense since they are constantly changing the price.

Perhaps "WHATEVER" would be more appropriate.

[Rooster_Ties]

but I wonder why FOREVER is struck through.

Pretty sure that all internet images of stamps (images released by the USPS) have the price marked out, so people can't easily scale the stamp and try to past a printout on an envelope and use it. Used to be the price was marked out, but "Forever" stamps no longer have a price printed on them -- so they struck out the "Forever" indicator instead.

Strong hunch that's why. Edit: Here's some past examples...

Edited December 29, 2010 by Rooster_Ties

[Hardbopjazz]

That would make sense with all the high end printers out there today.

[Rooster_Ties]

The lines would be easy to Photoshop out (and I'm sure they have other methods of detecting counterfeits).

I think the lines just remove the temptation from rank amateurs.

[rostasi]

I think it's their Buddhist statement on life's impermanence.

Still have loads of these:

[makpjazz57]

Found this regarding the creators of the "JAZZ" stop design:

The stamp features the work of a California artist, Paul Rogers, and was designed by art director Howard Paine, postal officials said.

- Marla