Discovery Series – Saskatchewan

In addition to the symbols of the province featured on the ornament, the design of the Discovery Series – Saskatchewan seems to include a few others. However, I’m not entirely sure that the bird and flower depicted are actually Saskatchewan’s official provincial symbols. For instance, the yellow flowers look nothing like the province’s floral emblem, the Western Red Lily (Lilium philadelphicum). The same goes for the bird – it doesn’t resemble the Sharp-Tailed Grouse. Nonetheless, here is some information about these elements:

– The Western Red Lily, also known as the prairie lily, is Saskatchewan’s official provincial flower.… Read more

Been There – Navigator of the Seas

Been There – Navigator of the Seas is a mug for a Voyager-class cruise ship built by Kværner Masa-Yards in Turku, Finland, and launched in 2002 for Royal Caribbean International. At the time of its debut, it was one of the largest cruise ships in the world, measuring 1,020 feet in length and boasting a gross tonnage of over 139,000. Powered by six Wärtsilä diesel engines and equipped with Azipod propulsion, the ship is designed for both efficiency and stability across open waters.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Indiana

Here is the Discovery Series Ornament – Indiana for the Hoosier State. The origin of “Hoosier” is still debated, but it has become a proud identity for Indiana residents. Some believe it came from the 1800s as a frontier slang term – when someone knocked on a cabin door, the response might be “Who’s here?” slurred to sound like “Hoosier.” Others trace it to a contractor named Hoosier who hired Indiana workers for canal projects, or to a regional word meaning a rough countryman.… Read more

Been There – Kumamoto

Been There – Kumamoto seems to be the last mug from Japan that was missing on the site. It was released four years ago, so I am happy to finally add it.

Kumamoto, located on Japan’s Kyushu island, has a rich and resilient history centred around its iconic Kumamoto Castle. Built in the early 1600s by the feudal lord Kato Kiyomasa, the castle became a symbol of military strength and architectural ingenuity, featuring complex defensive designs. During the late Edo period, Kumamoto served as a key stronghold for the Hosokawa clan, who governed the region for over 200 years.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Auburn University

Discovery Series – Auburn University is an interesting release, as it represents another addition to the Campus Collection for a university that didn’t receive a mug in the previous series (Been There).

Auburn University, located in Auburn, Alabama, was founded in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College under the Methodist Church. It became the first land-grant college in the South under the Morrill Act in 1872 and was renamed the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama. In 1899, it adopted the name Alabama Polytechnic Institute, reflecting its expanded curriculum, and finally became Auburn University in 1960 to better represent its growing academic scope.… Read more

Been There – Bolivia

Been There – Bolivia was released quite a while ago, and I am finally able to add this to my collection. I would like to remind you that this is not the first mug from this country. Interestingly enough, a city mug for Santa Cruz de la Sierra was released two years prior for the largest city in Bolivia.

Bolivia has a rich and complex history that stretches back thousands of years, beginning with ancient civilizations such as the Tiwanaku, who built a powerful culture near Lake Titicaca long before the rise of the Inca Empire.… Read more

Discovery Series – Hollywood

If I recall correctly, the Discovery Series – Hollywood is the first Starbucks mug for this famous neighbourhood in Los Angeles. Hollywood, originally a small independent community, was founded in 1887 and officially became a part of Los Angeles in 1910. Its transformation began in the early 20th century when filmmakers, drawn by the area’s mild climate and diverse landscapes, started setting up studios there. By the 1910s and 1920s, Hollywood had become the center of the American film industry, with iconic studios like Paramount, Warner Bros., and Universal establishing a lasting presence.… Read more

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