“On May 16, the USPS expanded its year-old customized postage program to allow businesses the rights to place their logos on U.S. postage. The decision reverses a Civil War-era law that prevented businesses from placing advertising on any type of currency – including postage. The 1872 Mail Fraud Statute was adopted to establish the consolidated authority of the federal Post Office and to prevent schemes involving mailed materials.” From a Hewlett Packard press release; HP trumpets that it is the first corporation to take advantage of the new arrangements.

Related: Nothing is sacred: an off-Broadway performance of Stomp is preceded by the cast performing a live three-minute theatrical commercial. “They’re a captive audience. They can’t switch channels or change over or walk out once the thing is started.” (New York Times )