It's no secret that people around the world can agree on precious few things. Especially in this day and age, animosity, mistrust and hatred is widespread because of political or religious values.

The only phenomenon that somehow is able to transcend global enmity is sports — specifically the Olympic games. Every four years, countries — some so small some folks haven't even heard of them — send teams or even just one individual to represent them.

Of course, even the Olympics aren't immune from international discord. In 1972, Palestinian commandos killed 11 Israeli athletes, coaches and a police officer in a raid at the games in Munich. And, in 1980, the United States boycotted the Moscow Olympics protesting Soviet military aggression. Ironically, that boycott was because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan — where we are now.

There's talk of a boycott at this year's games in Beijing, although of a much milder nature. Several countries including the United States are contemplating a boycott of the food being served in China. Technically, that's against Olympic rules. We'll see what happens.

Because of the global popularity of the games, more postage stamps commemorating the games are produced than for most any other subject. Even the smallest countries produce half a dozen or more stamps during Olympic years saluting their participation and athletes.

For 2008, the United States again is postally involved, but in a smaller way than in the past. This year, the Postal Service has issued a single 42-cent stamp to commemorate the multitude of athletes we'll be sending over in less than a month.

The new stamp now available for the XXIX (29th) Olympiad features an illustration of a gymnast surrounded by stylized ribbons signifying grace and movement. The "42" in the upper right corner is in a style reminiscent of a Chinese "chop mark" used for signatures or seals. The trademarked five Olympic rings are in the lower left corner. It's a simple design but evocative of an exciting time that will garner non-stop television sports coverage between Aug. 8-24.

A special First Day of Issue cancel on the stamp was created and released at a ceremony in Philadelphia. Collectors and Olympic enthusiasts still can obtain one of the special cancels by mail. To do so, purchase the stamp at a local post office, affix it to a self-addressed envelope, and send that inside of a separate mailing envelope to: Olympic Games Stamp, Postmaster, First-Day Cancel, 3190 S. 70th Street Room 509, Philadelphia, PA 19153-9611

The Postal Service will return the canceled envelopes via regular mail. There is no charge for the cancel, but all orders MUST be postmarked no later than Aug. 20.

Because of the large numbers of stamps being printed and the substantial amount of First Day cancels expected to be applied, the future value of the special envelopes may not be high. But, here's a thought. After the games are over, find out who the gold medal winners were. Then, with a bit of investigative work send your envelopes with a nice note asking each gold medal winner to sign them. The future worth of those could be substantial. I know … it's not easy. That's what makes it rare.

*Editor's Note: A JPEG visual of the U.S. 2008 Olympics stamp has been sent with this column.

To find out more about Peter Rexford and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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