Parcels of Knowledge

The Nixie is here! In the first episode of this new Parcels of Knowledge series, I dig into the smaller, stranger, and sometimes forgotten pieces of postal history. We start with two topics that fit together perfectly: what a "nixie" actually is, where the old postal term came from, and why we chose it as the name of the series; then we turn the envelope over and take a deep dive into the backstamp. We look at how backstamps documented a letter's journey through the postal system, the handstamps and markings used to create them, why the Post Office once required them, some of the surprisingly odd ways the backs of envelopes were used, and why routine backstamping eventually disappeared.The Backstamp is about the big picture; the journey of the Post Office, the NALC, and the people who shaped them. The Nixie is about the small stuff. Old postal objects, equipment, markings, words, forms, and practices that have disappeared, mostly disappeared, or survive in some weird little corner of the Postal Service. We pull one out of the historical mailstream, give it a closer look, and ask, "What the hell is this, and why did we have it?"Have an idea for a future Nixie, something weird sitting around your office that you have always wondered about, or an old postal term nobody seems to use anymore? Reach out to me at [email protected] a question for Stephanie Stewart? Send those in to Joshua Shrum at [email protected] is also the companion research report for anyone interested in the sources, history, and additional information behind this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aA5Y5gL8ew5bphIN3AeL58ZH1QYBuWaIBedqVydzHEo/edit?usp=sharingHey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.

The Last Loop is back! Jamie runs through the biggest postal stories from Sept. 5–11, including the OIG’s new assessment of USPS network changes, five new NALC national memorandums and settlements covering annual leave, HIPP and PS Form 1767, the latest fight over grievance remedies, and what this week’s developments could mean when national policy finally reaches the workroom floor. We also check in on ballot-mail litigation, carrier safety and crime news, the Postal Record and Postal Bulletin, labor news, and a very crowded postal podcast roundup featuring arbitration, training, small-branch leadership, union elections, health benefits and plenty of contract talk. Plus, a look at the week ahead and a Local Loop from Brookdale, California, where residents are weighing the future of their local Post Office.Postal news, contract talk, union issues, and everything carriers may have missed while they were out making their Last Loop.Interested in submitting a local news story, have a question, or have a recommendation for something we should cover? Reach out to me at [email protected] is the companion report for anyone interested in finding the sources and additional information behind the stories mentioned in this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Dp10n4ZHAgV67siiiKF51y3XwTQCAYEmWqJto7dbL2M/edit?usp=sharingHey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.

Today we investigated Larrissa Parde and her candidacy for NALC Assistant Secretary Treasurer. Does she have what it takes to have your vote? You decide.Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.

In this episode we talk about management stealing time and very specific things regarding the PS Form 1017a.We will be having Larrissa Parde on the podcast for their candidacy for Assistant Secretary Treasurer. Please send any questions you have for her to [email protected] you would like to become a member of the Wrecking Crew please click this linkhttps://patreon.com/ParcelsOfKnowledgeHere is the link to get a voicemail in to be featured in the theme songhttps://rss.com/podcasts/parcels-of-knowledge/voicemail/Here is the companion report for those interested in where to find any of the information mentioned in this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YW2kFdMxGfh2GuYRJMySPdMTA2oCt4q4HgQ5k_OFqVg/edit?usp=sharingHey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.