India New Year FDC

India FDC
Name: Greetings Happy New Year
Issue date: 2007 December 15th

Festivities and celebrations with thier panoramic hues and shades pass the Indian landscape in a never ending procession. A vast theatre of contrasting seasons, a rainbow of customs and traditions, a colourful garland of languages and costumes, India is a world in itself. After the monsoon clouds retreat filling the rivers, ponds and fields and the hearts of peasants and farmers with hope, joy and anticipation of a good harvest, the entire country gets into blossoming of joyous raptures to greet the new year.

While 1st of January is the New Year's Day in many parts of the world, different cultures have different interpretations of the new year depending upon the respective calendar system. India still looks at the rain bearing clouds, the solar and lunar movements, the ancient ballads and mythologies and above all the ripening of grains in the fields.

The Assamese New Yeasr is Bihu, the Bengali Nabo Varsho is 1st of Vaishakh, Gudipadava is the first day of new year in Maharashtra, Ugadi is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Puthandu is the new year in Tamil Nadu, Pooram Vishu in Kerala and, all more or less coincide with the Vaishakh or Chaitra months in March/April. The new year is in fact one of the longest surviving festival traditions in the human history.

The ancient Babylonians observed this approximately 4000 years ago. The human tendency to greet the onset of the year can perhaps be traced to the primal joy of experiencing the first rain drops of the season, seeing the first leaves germinating from the seeds, hearing the first song of the bird that greets a new dawn, or watching a new rivulet borne out of the melting icicles.

The colourful stamps on Season's Greetings and Happy New Year have been designed to represent different elements of nature, and their synchronic interplay that sustains like on earth. This set of 5 stamps is being released to carry the good wishes for a Happy And Prosperous New Year.

India Wilson College FDC

India FDC
Name: Wilson College
Issue date: 2007 December 11th

Wilson College has a continuous history as an educational institution going back to 1832. It began as Ambrolie School in Girgaum, later seeing several changes of sites and names, eventually being called Wilson School. A collegiate section from which Wilson College developed was added in 1836.

The founder of these institutions was the Rev. John Wilson D.D., F.R.S of the Scottish Missionary Society. John and his wife Margaret arrived in Bombay on February 14, 1829, learnt the local language and with great zeal set up schools for boys and girls of all castes and classes.

John Wilson was a linguist, and orientalist, and author. In recognition of his service to the cause of education, social awakening and scholarship, the Department of Archives, Government of Maharashtra, in 2000, honoured Dr. John Wilson as one of the Seven founders of Modern Bombay.
Here in Wilson's institutions were made the first efforts to frame academic courses, to write text books in the sciences, arts and religion, to conduct public examinations and award its own certificates. It is in these institutions that the portals of education were opened for the first time to girls and boys of lower and lower and upper castes, the socially disadvantaged and deprived and the first lessons in human equality and dignity were taught.

This pioneering work in higher education began a quarter of a century later, before the establishment of any official body of this purpose. The vision and foresight of Dr. Wilson saw the establishment of the University of Bombay in 1857. On 4th December, 1861, the collegiate section of Wilson's institution under the name of Free General Assembly's Institution became the first privately owned, non-government institution to get affiliated to the University.

For many years both the school and college sections were housed in one building, but largely through the efforts of Dr. Mackichan, a site for the college was secured at Chowpatty and the present college building was opened on 14th March 1889. Thereafter the institute was called Wilson College.

The high intellectual rigour and moral excellence of the people who guided the college, saw three of it first four Principals as Vice Chancellors of the university of Bombay followed by many distinguished alumni holding the same position.

Fostering a tradition of liberalism and freedom, the Scottish Principals inspired many students to be at the centre stage of the freedom struggle, Usha Mehta, Acharya Kriplani, S.A. Dange, Aloo Dastoor, B.G. Kher to mention a few.

Wilson College gave India its only Prime Minister from Bombay-Morarji Desai, and the Bharat Ratna recipients P.V.Kane and D.K,Karve are also proud alumni of the institution. In 1952, the Management of college came under an autonomous Board of Governors in India. Since 1963, the college is under the John Wilson Education Society.

Today Wilson college is one of the few colleges in Mumbai which offer a very wide variety of subjects in the Arts, Science and Vocational stream, alongwith undergraduate courses in Management Studies and Mass Media.

The aim and guiding principle remains "to produce intellectually well trained, morally upright, socially conscious and spiritually oriented men and women."

India Post is pleased to issue a postage stamp to commemorate 175 glorious years of Wilson College.

Indonesia SEA Games FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: 24th SEA Games, Nakhon Ratchasima 2007
Issue date: 2007 December 6th

The 24th South East Asian Games, also known as SEA Games, was held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand 6th to 18th December 2007. Initially, this multi event sport games in south-east Asia was scheduled to be hosted by Singapore, but the latest country gave up for reason of reconstruction of its national sport facilities. Thailand hosts the games for the sixth time. Since its inauguration in 1959, 1967, 1975, 1985 and 1995. This is the second time for Thailand holding the event outside its capital city of Bangkok, after the first in Chiang Mai 1995. The games take a theme of "Spirit, Friendship and Celebrations".

The organizing of the 24th SEA Games this year coincides with the commemoration of 80th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. The events will be centered in a newly built sport complex named His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary in northeast province of Thailand. The games was competing not less than 436 events of 43 spots and demonstrating two sports, i.e. Go and Kempo. All eleven countries of this region participated for the games, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia , Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Viet Nam, Timor Leste and Thailand.

Indonesia's participation in this regional sports tournament had started in SEA Games 1977 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Since then, Indonesia dominated the games over a long period. However, Indonesia achievement began to fall in recent times. Even, in the last SEA Games 2005 in Manila, Indonesia stayed only in the fourth place of the medal winner list.

Designs:
1/4: Bowling
Bowling is sport which played with a bowling ball and ten pins. Players role the ball over a flat surface to knock down the pins. The point is scored by counting the fallen pins. Form of ten-pins bowling known by now comes from the games developed in North America.

2/4: Futsal
Derived from the Portuguese futebol de salão and the Spanish fútbol sala/de salón which means "indoor football", Futsal is an indoor version of football or soccer. Futsal is played between two teams of five players, one of whom is a goalkeeper. Unlike some other forms of indoor football, the field is delimited by lines. The game uses a football size 4 which enabled faster play.

3/4: Kempo
Nippon Kempo is a Japanese martial art that engages in full-contact bouts using a full range of techniques wearing specially developed protective gear. It was developed in 1932 by Muneomi Sawayama the art places an equal emphasis on striking techniques using hands and feet, immobilization and controls, projections and take-downs. Nippon Kempo is a defensive art that does not restrict students in methodology. It has gradually developed through the years and has become widely known and popular – especially in Japan and Europe.

4/4: Hammer Throw
Traditionally played by Scottish, the modern Hammer throw is an athletic throwing event where the object to be thrown is a heavy steel ball attached with a maximum length 1.22m of wire to handle. Like other throwing events, the competition is decided by the farthest throwing of the ball from three or four turns. The men's hammer weighs 7.257kg and the women's hammer weighs 4kg.

Malaysia Horse Show FDC

Malaysia FDC
Name: The Fei***** KL Grand Prix 2007
Issue date: 2007 December 13th

First conceptualized in 1998 to bring the very first top international equestrian event to Asian, the FEI 5 Star KL Grand Prix made its debut as an annual event in 2003 at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalit, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The only five-star international showjumping event in the Asia-Pacific region, the KL Grand Prix has carved an important milestone in the history of world equestrian sports. 5 Star is the highest possible rating for an equestrian event.

The KL Grand Prix brings together each year the world's top-ranked riders including Olympic gold medalists, World Cup Champions and World Champions and their prized horses to Kuala Lumpur where they vie for the coveted title and one of the world’s richest purses.

The 2007 event will see the introduction of the FEI Nations Cup, the world's oldest and most prestigious team event where teams from Asian countries will be fighting tooth and nail for honour for their countries. The Pony Club Mounted Games Challenge is also making its first appearance at the KL Grand Prix. Visitors will enjoy watching the skill, dexterity and bravado of the Pony Clubbers scoring points for their teams.

Spectacular horse acts, riveting performances, Malaysia's top artistes and carnival fun and games are organized each year for visitors to enjoy.

Designs: (from left to right)
30sen: Oldenburger
Another breed originating from Germany, the Oldenburg is the heaviest of the German Warmbloods and the most powerfully built of all Warmbloods. Big, powerful and impressive, the Oldenburg is most popular in showjumping and dressage as it is reliable in temperament and has regular paces.

Established in the 1600s initially as a carriage horse, the breed was later developed into an all-purpose riding horse and now it is bred specifically as a sport horse. However this breed still retains its ability as a powerful harness horse. The Oldenburg is known for its athletic ability, calm temperament and strength.

Standing between 16.1 and 17.2 hands (horses are measured in hands which is approximately 4 inches) in height, the Oldenburg is mostly found in brown, black and bay.

50sen: Dutch Warmblood
The Dutch Warmblood is the product of Holland's two indigenous breeds – the Gelderlander and the heavier Groningen. The breed is a proven performer is the millionaire horse Milton known for its famous leap in the air that has brought crowds to a standing ovation. Milton and his illustrious partner, British Olympian John Whitaker have shared many victories in international events. John Whitaker is one of the riders competing at the 2007 FEI 5 Star KL Grand Prix from 23-25 November.

A fairly modern breed, the Dutch Warmblood was developed in the 1960s to combine the best characteristics of both the native breeds and was further refined with the introduction of Thoroughbred blood. This resulted in an athletic horse with much improved scope and stamina. Reliable and intelligent, the Dutch Warmblood makes a good competition horse. As with all Warmbloods, the Dutch Warmblood continues to evolve and the breeding goes through a very strict selection process to ensure good conformation, action and temperament.

50sen: Hanoverian
The Hanoverian is probably the most successful and one of the oldest of the Warmbloods and today it is one of the most prominent riding horses in the world. It has worldwide reputation as a showjumper. Many Hanoverians have won gold medals at competitions including the Olympic Games.

This breed was founded in 1735 in Celle Stud in Germany by King George II of England who wanted a coach horse that could also be used for agriculture. Through the years with the changes of the function of the Hanoverian, the breed has been further refined with Thoroughbred infusion to make it lighter and more agile. Together with its wonderful temperament and powerful body, the Hanoverian has and added edge in competition.

The Hanoverian's height varies from 15.3-17.2 hands. This breed has no predominant colour and solid colours like chestnut, bay, brown, black and grey are common.

Official Website of The Fei***** KL Grand Prix 2007

2007 Malaysia Horse Show FDC
2007 Russia Horse Breeds FDC
2007 Russia Horse Breeds Minisheet FDC

India Daly College FDC

India FDC
Name: The Daly College
Issue date: 2007 December 8th

The history of education in modern India is as full of interesting and inspiring chapters as the history itself. Some of the pioneering educational institutions contributing to the democratic and egalitarian fabric of the society, no less than any other modern educational institution had actually started as exclusive schools for the scions of the princely states of India. Many of these schools came up with the active participation of the British ruling establishment as well as the princely states.

Story of the Daly College Indore is one such glimpse into the efforts to impart modern education to the Indian royals.

The Daly College was founded in 1882. However, the story started in 1869 when General Sir Henry Daly was appointed Agent to the Governor General in Central India. Those days, the Indore Residency School which was hitherto running in the building of the East of the Indore Residency Post Office. This in 1867 was to be called the Indore Residency College with Mr.Aberigh-Macay, as the Principal.

Henry Daly retired in 1881, and it was decided to develop the separate classes for the princes into a full-fledged school and name it "The Daly College" with an independent building. For sometime it was called the Indore Residency Rajkumar College and had a separate identity from the Indore Residency College, even though they had one Principal. However, in 1906, the Principal severed his connection with the Indore Residency College.

The building was constructed by the Military Works Department. On 14th November, 1885, it was inaugurated by Viceroy Lord Dufferin.

In 1903, a decision was taken to educate the royal princes of Central India at Mayo College, Ajmer. The decision was reversed in 1905, when Major Hugh Daly became Agent to the Governor General in Central India.

In 1905-1906 plans for the new building were prepared by Colonel Sir Swinton Jacob, RE. In 1912 the new building was formerly opened by Lord Hardinge.

In 1918 the grounds and buildings of the Daly College were taken by the Government of India as training school for Indian cadets but it was restored in 1919. On 1st February, 1922, the Prince of Wales held a Durbar in the Daly College. In 1922 itself the constitution of the school was altered with a view to associating the princely states more closely with the working of the school. In October, 1924, the Holkar Maharaja gave Rs.50000/- to the school to build a science laboratory. It came into being in 1929.

The first prince to pass the matriculation examination of Indian University was Sardar Madho Rao Kibe of Indore. He was also the first prince from the Daly College to take a university degree (B.A.,1899, M.A.,1904)

In 1940 the school underwent a major change of policy and was converted in a full-fledged public school open to all irrespective of social status.

In 1956 Mr. R. N. Zutshi became its first Indian Principal.

The Daly College aims at turning out educated, well groomed and patriotic citizens of India. The school offers a rich variety of activities and opportunities for many-sided growth and draws students from various parts of the country.

The Daly College is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, and trains students to appear for the All India Secondary and Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations under the 10+2 scheme.

The Daly College has produced eminent persons who made a mark in different walks of life.

The Department of Posts is happy to release a postage stamp to commemorate 125 glorious years of The Daly College.

Lithuania Crosses Aerogramme

Lithuania Aerogramme
Name: Hill of Crosses
Issue date: 2007 December 8th

The Hill of Crosses (Lithuanian: Kryžių kalnas) is a site of pilgrimage about 12 km north of the city of Šiauliai, in northern Lithuania. The exact origins are unknown, but it is considered that the first crosses were placed on the former Jurgaičiai or Domantai hill fort after the 1831 Uprising Over the centuries, not only crosses, but giant crucifixes, carvings of Lithuanian patriots, statues of the Virgin Mary and thousands of tiny effigies and rosaries have been brought here by Catholic pilgrims. The number of crosses is unknown, but estimates put it at about 50000. More...

Russia New Year FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Happy New Year!
Issue date: 2007 December 7th

2007 Estonia Christmas FDCs
2007 Finland Christmas FDC
2007 Hong Kong Christmas FDC
2007 Japan Christmas FDCs
2007 Lithuania Christmas FDC
2007 Ukraine Christmas FDC

Russia Arctic Expedition FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Arctic High-Latitude Deep Water Expedition
Issue date: 2007 December 7th

Designs:
8.00: Manned underwater bathyscaphe "MIR-1"
8.00: The North Pole

Arktika 2007 (Russian: Российская полярная экспедиция "Арктика-2007") was a 2007 expedition in which Russia performed the first ever crewed descent to the ocean bottom at the North Pole, as part of research related to the 2001 Russian territorial claim, one of many territorial claims in the Arctic, made possible, in part, because of Arctic shrinkage. As well as dropping a titanium tube containing the Russian flag, the submersibles collected specimens of Arctic flora and fauna and apparently recorded video of the dives.

Descents were carried out on August 2, 2007 in both MIR Deep Submergence Vehicles. The MIR-1's crew consisted of pilot Anatoly Sagalevich (head of the Oceanology Institute), the Russian polar explorer Arthur Chilingarov and businessman Vladimir Gruzdev. The MIR-2's crew comprised pilot Yevgeny Chernyaev of Russia, the Australian adventurer Mike McDowell, and Swede Frederik Paulsen Jr., head of Ferring Pharmaceuticals)

MIR-1 began its dive at 9:28 Moscow Time and at 12:08 reached the seabed 4,261 metres (14,061 feet) below the North Pole . MIR-2 began its dive at 9:47 and at 12:35 reached the seabed 4,302 metres (14,196 feet) down. At 12:35 the bathyscaphes were 500 metres (1,650 feet) apart and MIR-1 moved near MIR-2. At 13:46 both submersibles began to ascend, with MIR-1 surfacing at 18:08 and MIR-2 at 19:15. MIR-1 began its dive at 9:28 Moscow Time and at 12:08 reached the seabed 4,261 metres (14,061 feet) below the North Pole. MIR-2 began its dive at 9:47 and at 12:35 reached the seabed 4302 metres (14,196 feet) down. At 12:35 the bathyscaphes were 500 metres (1650 feet) apart and MIR-1 moved near MIR-2. At 13:46 both submersibles began to ascend, with MIR-1 surfacing at 18:08 and MIR-2 at 19:15.

On the seabed, 4,261 metres below the Polar ice, MIR-1 planted a one metre tall titanium Russian flag , made at Kaliningrad's "Fakel" 'design bureau.' It also left a time capsule , containing a message for future generations and a flag of the pro-President Vladimir Putin United Russia party. Soil and water samples of the seabed were taken during the mission. On the seabed, 4,261 metres below the Polar ice, MIR-1 planted a one metre tall titanium Russian flag, made at Kaliningrad 's "Fakel"' design bureau. ' It also left a time capsule, containing a message for future generations and a flag of the pro-President Vladimir Putin United Russia party Soil and water samples of the seabed were taken during the mission. More...

Indonesia Exhibition FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Bandung Filex (Philatelic Exhibition) 2007
Issue date: 2007 November 21st

I haven't more information for this overprinte issue. This Philatelic Exhibition was held in Bandung on Nov. 21st - 25th, 2007.

Details of this betterflies original issue

Sri Lanka Anti-Corruption FDC

Sri Lanka FDC
Name: International Anti-Corruption Day
Issue date: 2007 December 10th

The evil phenomenon of corruption is found in all countries – big and small, rich and poor but it is in the developing world that its effects are most destructive. Corruption hurts the poor disproportionately by diverting funds intended for development, undermining a Government's ability to provide basic services, feeding inequality and injustice and discouraging foreign aid and investment. Corruption is a key element in economic under performance and a major obstacle to poverty alleviation and development.

We now have the United Nations Convention against corruption to address this scourge at the global level. This convention has been adopted on 9th December 2003. the adoption of this Convention sends a clear message that the international community is determined to prevent and control corruption. This convention is the first legally binding global instrument related to corruption. In order to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of convention in combating and preventing it, 9th December has been designated International Anti-Corruption Day.

China Sticking M/S: 2007-32

China Sticking Minisheet
Name: The Games of The XXIX Olympiad - Competition Venues
Number: 2007-32
Issue date: 2007 December 20th

Designs:
6-1 (80 fen): The China Agricultural University Gymnasium
6-2 (1.20 yuan): The Laoshan Velodrome
6-3 (1.20 yuan): The National Indoor Stadium
6-4 (1.20 yuan): Peking University Gymnasium
6-5 (1.20 yuan): National Aquatics Center
6-6 (3 yuan): Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center
S/S (6 yuan): The National Stadium

2007-32 Stamps & Souvenir Sheet
2007-32 Sticking Minisheet

Sri Lanka Children FDC

Sri Lanka FDC
Name: International Children's Broadcasting Day
Issue date: 2007 December 9th

International Children's Day of Broadcasting, celebrated on the second Sunday of every December, is a day when broadcasters around the world "Tune in to Kids". They air quality programming for and about children. But most of all, they allow children to be part of the programming process, to talk about their hopes and dreams and share information with their peers.

The Day is a joint initiative of UNICEF and the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Every year, thousands of broadcasters in more than a hundred countries take part in the day, celebrating it in ways that are as unique and special as children themselves.

The Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts issued three postage stamps in the Denominations of Rs.5.00 x 3 depicted the race between the Hare and Tortoise. This is the first issue of a series of children stories. These stamps are issued to commemorate the International Children's Broadcasting Day.

All in the jungle knew that tortoises can't run. Therefore all those who live there laughed at the tortoise. Rabbit was the most popular runner. He was very proud of it.

On day rabbit wanted to show his talents to the entire jungle livers. So he invited the tortoise to have a race. Tortoise also agreed.

So these two got read to have a race accompanying there jungle friends. When the race was commenced rabbit ran as fast as lightening. When the tortoise stared to run rabbit was not there. Jungle livers laughed at tortoise for this. But tortoise didn't care it. It moved slowly. The rabbit who ran fast looked back but tortoise was out of sight.

"I can have a nap until he comes" rabbit thought so and slept under a tree.

Tortoise slowly walked along the track. He saw that the rabbit was sleeping under a tree. He silently moved and slowly reached the end. Rabbit woke up after a long sleep; looked here and there in a hurry; ran fast. When he reached the winning post tortoise was sitting there laughing.

When the rabbit knew that he was the loser, he felt ashamed. All were wondered by the tortoise's talent and courageous win.

India Gorkha Battalion FDC

India FDC
Name: First Battalion The Fourth Gorkha Rifles
Issue date: 2007 November 27th

The fourth Gorkha Rifles has a 150 year long history of valour, glory and selfness of service.

Raised as an "Extra Regiment" at Pithoragarh on 6th August 1857 under the Command of Lt. D. Macintyre, it was the last battalion to be raised by the East India Company's rule in India. The transportation from a 'Young Regiment' proved its mettle during 1st and 2nd Afghan Wars. The Regiment Centre is located at Subathu since 1953. At present, the Regiment has five battalions.

Before independence, only British Officers were posted in the Gorkha Regiments. Brig. Moti Sagar had the honour of becoming the first Indian Colonel of the Regiment after the superannuation of Gen. Lentaigne in 1955.

The Regiment and its affiliated Rashtriya Rifles battalion continue to excel in all spheres of military activity. To cite a few instances, the First Battalion spearheaded the operation for relief of the garrison at 'Punch'. The Second Battalion along with 2 Grenadiers captured Gurais and Kanzalwan, thus sealing the enemy's route into the Kashmir valley from the north. The 1962 Chinese aggression saw the Third Battalion operation in Ladakh and the First being rushed to NEFA. The two battalions of the Regiment saw action in 1965 Indo-Par War. The First, Second and Third battalions of the regiment saw action in western front in J&K. the magnificent fight put up by the Third battalion on the highest battlefield of the World, inflicting heavy causalities on the enemy; and defeating its attacks is a glorious chapter in the history of the Regiment and the Indian Army. All battalions of the Regiment have over a period of time been actively involved in counter insurgency operations in the North Eastern States, J&K and Punjab.

Second Battalion had the distinction of participating in United Nation Interim Force in Lebanon as the first Indian battalion.

Lt. Col. Puran Bahadur Thapa of Third Battalion represented the country in football at the Melbourne Olympics. Sub Dhan Bahadur of Fifth battalion distinguished himself by winning the Silver medal in the Asian Boxing Championship, Bronze medal at SAF games at Dacca in 1985 and a Broze medal at Seoul, Asian Games in 1987.

The Regiment has the distinction of providing large number of Senior officers who have held prestigious appointments in the Indian Army, a matter of pride for a small Regiment, comprising only five battalions.

China Stamp: 2007-31

Stamps
Cover of Booklet
Pages in Booklet

China Stamp & Booklet
Name: Emblem and Mascot of World Expo 2010 Shanghai China
Number: 2007-31
Booklet Number: SB33
Issue date: 2007 December 19th

The Emblem of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China, depicting the image of tree people – you, me, him/her holding hands together, symbolizes the big family of mankind. Inspired by the shape of the Chinese character "世" (meaning the world), the design conveys the organizer's wish to host an Expo which is of global scale and which showcases the diversified urban cultures of the world. The Mascot (HAIBAO) features a Chinese character "人" (meaning the human). The design symbolizes that human creates a happy life and experience it as well. Blue is the symbol of ocean, future, science and technology. HAIBAO conveys the theme of the Shanghai World Expo "Better city, Better life".

My Dear FDC exchange friends. All of your FDCs were sent from Linyi Road Post Office, Shanghai by registered mail. It's approximately 15km far from my home but only 890m from Shanghai World Expo Office Block. The Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination and Shanghai World Expo Land Reserve Centre (Shanghai World Expo Land Holding Corporation) are all seated in this Office Block. Map link
This FDC was sent to my Poland friend from Linyi Road Post Office.

Turkey Marbling Arts FDC

Turkey FDC
Name: Traditional Turkish Arts (Marbling)
Issue date: 2007 December 6th

Being one of the Traditional Turkish Art form, marbling is a method of aqueous surface design, which can produce patterns similar to marble or other stone, hence the name. The patterns and specific designs are the result of color floated on either plain water or a viscous solution known as size, and then carefully transferred to a sheet of paper there are several varieties of marbling such as Floral Marbling, Oversized Marbling, Cross Marbling, Comb Marbling.

Althought there is no definite date for when and in which country the art of marbling was born, a number of sources report that it first emerged in Turkestan in the nineteenth century. Along with the discovery of paper this form of art has been bloomed gradually up to now.

It was carried from Turkestan to India and Persia, and from there to the Ottomans through Silk Road. The art of marbling on paper, or "ebru" in Turkish, became a traditional decorative form employing special methods in the Ottoman Empire, however then this decorative form of art was at the point of being fallen to remember. Becoming prevalent and worthy again the art of marbling has eventuated in this way thanks to the struggles and endeavors of marbling craftsmen who are dedicated themselves to this art.

China Stamp: 2007-32

China Stamp & Souvenir Sheet
Name: The Games of The XXIX Olympiad - Competition Venues
Number: 2007-32
Issue date: 2007 December 20th

Designs:
6-1 (80 fen): The China Agricultural University Gymnasium
6-2 (1.20 yuan): The Laoshan Velodrome
6-3 (1.20 yuan): The National Indoor Stadium
6-4 (1.20 yuan): Peking University Gymnasium
6-5 (1.20 yuan): National Aquatics Center
6-6 (3 yuan): Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center
S/S (6 yuan): The National Stadium

2007-32 Stamps & Souvenir Sheet
2007-32 Sticking Minisheet

India Disabled Persons FDC

The FDC bears inscriptions in Braille
The Stamp is mentioned in Braille script

India FDC
Name: International Day of Disabled Persons
Date of Issue: 03 December 2007

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social economic and cultural life. The theme of the Day is based on the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities, established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by General Assembly in 1982.

According to the Census 2001, there are 2.19 crore persons with disabilities in India who constitute 2.13 percent of the total population. These include persons with visual, hearing, speech, locomotor and mental disabilities. Seventy five percent of persons with disabilities live in rural areas, 49 percent of disabled population is literate and only 34 percent are employed. There has been a paradigm shift in rehabilitation of persons with disabilities where social rehabilitation has replaced medical rehabilitation.

In India to promote empowerment of the disabled a number of initiatives have been taken. The Government of India has adopted a comprehensive "National Policy for persons with Disabilities" in February, 2006. The policy advocates empowerment and full participation of persons with disabilities in all walks of life.

An extensive infrastructure has been developed for rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. Seven national institutes specializing in various disabilities are working for development of rehabilitation manpower, to provide specialized services to persons with disabilities, research and development of models for delivery of services.

The Constitution of India ensures equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all individuals and implicitly mandates an inclusive society for all, including person with disabilities.

Signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities on the 30th March, 2007, the day on which the Convention was opened for signature, has further reaffirmed our commitment for empowerment of persons with disabilities. The convention is to promote, protect and ensure full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, with respect and inherent dignity by all persons with disabilities. It is a human rights instrument with an explicit social development dimension. It identifies areas where adaptations have to be made for persons with disabilities to effectively exercise their rights and where protection of their rights must be reinforced.

The Department of Posts joins the cases by bringing out a commemorative postage stamp on International Day of Disabled Persons. The stamp is a tribute to the spirit of persons with disabilities. For the first time, the denomination of the stamp is mentioned in Braille script.

2007 India Braille FDC
2008 Indonesia Braille FDC

Taiwan Portraits FDCs

Taiwan FDC
Name: Lei Chen, Fu Jheng, Kuo Yu Shing and Huang Hsin Chieh Portraits
Issue date: 2007 December 10th
Number: Sp. 513

This Post has specially selected four representative figures of democracy movement—Lei Chen, Fu Jheng, Kuo Yu Shing and Huang Hsin Chieh—for a set of four stamps, each with a denomination of NT$5.00. The designs of the stamps follow: (from left to right)

1. Lei Chen (1897-1979): Born in Changsing County of Jhejiang Province. When he was 20, he went to Japan to study at Kyoto Imperial University. When he returned to China, he founded the Free China Fortnightly. Because he called for political reforms and tried to organize an opposition party, he was labeled an enemy of the state and imprisoned. After being released from prison, he once again showed deep concern about protecting human rights and promoting political reforms, he also expended great energy in pushing to establish an opposition party. He has deservedly been called "a thunderclap of democracy" and "a fighter for human rights."

2. Fu Jheng (1927-1991): Born in Gaochun, Jiangsu Province with the name of Jhong-mei, Fu, left his studies and took up arms, joining the ROC army's youth corps as the war of resistance against Japan (World War II) raged. After the war ended, he studied economics at Shanghai's Datong University and political science at Wuhan University. He used to be the editor-in-chief of the Free China Fortnightly. In 1960 he and Lei Chen were thrown in jail for trying to organize the China Democratic Party. After the Kaohsiung Incident in 1979, he once again threw himself into the Taiwan democracy movement.

3. Kuo Yu Shing (1908-1985): Kuo was born in Yilan. He graduated from Taihoku Imperial University (now National Taiwan University). After graduating, he served as a representative in the temporary provincial assembly and in the Taiwan Provincial Assembly for more than two decades. Throughout his life, he was involved in democracy movements. As a politician, he stressed freedom and democracy and actively tried to organize an opposition party. After he left for the United States, he threw himself into the Taiwan democracy movement, carrying the movement's torch and paving the way to the future.

4. Huang Hsin Chieh (1928-1999): Born in Taipei City to a family that originally hailed from Ansi, Fujian Province, Huang graduated with a degree in public administration from the Taiwan Provincial College of Business and Law. Over his career, he served as a member of Taipei City Council, a delegate to the National Assembly, and a legislator. As the founder of Formosa magazine, he was imprisoned as a result of the Kaohsiung Incident in 1979. After being released from jail, he was elected as the chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, and used to serve as a senior advisor to the president. Having deeply tilled the fields of Taiwan democracy, Huang is regarded as one of the democracy movement's leading figures.

Thailand King S/S FDC

Thailand Souvenir Sheet FDC
Name: H.M. the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary (3rd Series)
Issue date: 2007 December 5th
Number: 833

White Elephants have been deemed important since the olden day. They have even major characteristics: white eyelids, a white roof to the mouth, white nails, white hair, white skin or skin that is the colour of a new clay pot, white tail hair and white testicles or having the colour of a new clay pot. It is traditionally believed that anyone who comes into possession of a white elephant will prosper and it is thus the symbol of those who have august power.

"Phra Sawet Adulyadej Phahon" is the name of the first Royal White Elephant that symbolizes the power of His Majesty the King. It is a male elephant belonging to the Prompong Family in the Atthatis Classification, named the Kamut. The colour of the body is that of the red lotus. It was born in the jungle in Krabi Province and was caught in 1965. Apart from Phra Sawet Adulyadej Phahon, there are twenty more White Elephants that symbolize the august power of the present Monarch.

1st Series's FDC, 2nd Series's FDC, 3rd Series's FDC

This is an excellent FDC which was sent from Na Phra Lan Post Office which opposite the Grand Palace. So this is exactly relevant post office FDC.

Thailand King M/S FDC

Minisheet self-made FDC
Holographic and Gold Foil Stamp in this Sheet

Thailand Minisheet FDC
Name: H.M. the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary (2nd Series)
Issue date: 2007 December 5th
Number: 832

Bhumibol Adulyadej (Thai: ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช; Royal Institute: Phumiphon Adunyadet) (born Monday, December 5, 1927 in the Year of the Rabbit) , is the current King of Thailand. Officially styled "the Great" (Thai: มหาราช, Maharaja) , he is also known as Rama IX. Having reigned since June 9, 1946, he is the world's longest-serving current head of state and the longest-serving monarch in Thai history.

Although Bhumibol is a constitutional monarch, he has several times made decisive interventions in Thai politics, including the 2005-2006 Thai political crisis. He was credited with facilitating Thailand's transition to democracy in the 1990s, although in earlier periods of his reign he supported military regimes. Most recently, he endorsed the military junta which overthrew the elected government of Thaksin Shinawatra during the September 2006 coup. A billionaire and one of the wealthiest men in the world, Bhumibol used part of his great wealth to fund development projects, particularly in rural areas. He is immensely popular in Thailand, and is revered as a semi-divine figure by many Thais. Critics, mostly outside Thailand, attribute this status to the suppression of criticism of the monarchy.

Bhumibol was born in the United States and educated primarily in Switzerland. Bhumibol is also an accomplished musician, artist, and sailor. More...

1st Series's FDC, 2nd Series's FDC, 3rd Series's FDC

This is an excellent FDC which was sent from Na Phra Lan Post Office which opposite the Grand Palace. So this is exactly relevant post office FDC.

Poland Joseph Conrad FDC

Poland FDC
Name: 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Joseph Conrad
Issue date: 2007 December 3rd

Joseph Conrad (born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski; 3 December 1857 – 3 August 1924) was a Polish-born English novelist. He is regarded as one of the greatest English novelists, which is even more notable because he did not learn to speak English well until he was in his 20s (albeit always with a Polish accent).

Conrad is recognized as a master prose stylist. Some of his works have a strain of romanticism, but more importantly he is recognized as an important forerunner of modernist literature. His narrative style and anti-heroic characters have influenced many writers, including Ernest Hemingway, D. H. Lawrence, Graham Greene, William S. Burroughs, Joseph Heller, John Maxwell Coetzee as well as Jerzy Kosiński and inspired such films as Apocalypse Now (drawn from Conrad's Heart of Darkness).

Writing during the apogee of the British Empire, Conrad drew upon his experiences in first the French and later the British Merchant Navy to create novels and short stories that reflected aspects of a world-wide empire while also plumbing the depths of the human soul. More...

Belarus Paintings FDCs

Stamps FDC
Minisheet FDC

Belarus FDCs
Name: Paintings from National Arts Museum of the Republic of Belarus
Issue date: 2007 November 28th

Designs: (from left to right)
1. Kshishtov Veselovskiy (1636), an unknown painter.
2. Grizeli Sapega(1632), an unknown painter.
3. Alexandra Marianna Veselovskaya (1640), an unknown painter.

The National Arts Museum is the biggest museum in the Republic of Belarus. The basis of the collection was created in the first decades of the 20th century. During World War II the museum was plundered by the Nazi. The fate of the collection remains one of the greatest mysteries of the twentieth century. During the post-war period, due to the enthusiasm and dedicated work of the museum's workers, it was reconstructed. In 1957, the Art Gallery was renamed and moved to the new building. In 1999, the museum received its national status.

Nowadays there are more than 25,600 exhibits. And the biggest collections of the museum are:
Collection of Modern Belarusian art (painting, sculpture, drawing, works of applied art)
National Belarusian Art (17-20th century)
Ancient Belarusian Art (paintings, icons, ceramics, porcelain, arts and crafts of Belarus)
Manuscripts and old printed books (16-19th century)
West European Art (16-20th century)
Russian Art (18-20th century)

These are excellent FDCs which were sent from Minsk GPO(MINSK - POCHTAMT on the postmark), and the National Arts Museum of the Republic of Belarus is only 2 blocks far from Minsk GPO. So these are exactly relevant post office FDCs. Map Link

Vietnam Year of Rat FDC

Vietnam FDC
Name: Year of the Rat
Issue date: 2007 December 1st
Number: 964

The traditional Tet festival plays a very important role in the Vietnamese spiritual life. To warmly welcome this occasion, on the first of December 2007, (Vietnam) Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) issues the stampset: "Year of the Mouse(Rat)" consisting of 02 values with their denominations of 800d and 8,000d. The stamps are the images of Mouse - the symbolic sacrament of the year.

2008 China Year of the Rat Stamp Minisheet Booklet
2008 Hong Kong Year of the Rat FDC Minisheet FDC Imperf. S/S FDC
2008 Indonesia Year of the Rat FDC S/S FDC
2008 Japan Year of the Rat Lottery S/S FDC
2008 Singapore Year of the Rat FDC Minisheet FDC
2008 Taiwan Year of the Rat FDCs Pre-stamped Postcards
2008 Thailand Year of the Rat FDC Minisheet FDC
2008 USA Year of the Rat FDC
2008 Vietnam Year of the Rat FDC

Taiwan Year of Rat Postcards

Taiwan Pre-stampd Postcards
Name: Year of the Rat
Issue date: 2007 December 3rd
Values: 5 Postcards/Set

2008 China Year of the Rat Stamp Minisheet Booklet
2008 Hong Kong Year of the Rat FDC Minisheet FDC Imperf. S/S FDC
2008 Indonesia Year of the Rat FDC S/S FDC
2008 Japan Year of the Rat Lottery S/S FDC
2008 Singapore Year of the Rat FDC Minisheet FDC
2008 Taiwan Year of the Rat FDCs Pre-stamped Postcards
2008 Thailand Year of the Rat FDC Minisheet FDC
2008 USA Year of the Rat FDC
2008 Vietnam Year of the Rat FDC