Taiwan Regional Opera M/S FDC

Taiwan Minisheet FDC
Name: Regional Opera Series - Taiwanese Puppet (The Scholar Knight of Yunjhou)
Issue date: 4 February 2008
Number: Sp. 515

Taiwanese Puppet Theater, a form of traditional operatic art with a rich, folksy appeal, has nearly 100 years of history. To celebrate Taiwan's traditional folk art and culture and to give people greater understanding about Taiwanese puppet theater, this Post is releasing a new set of four stamps and a souvenir sheet based on Taiwanese puppet theater, featuring four famous characters from the much celebrated television show the Scholar Knight of Yunjhou: Shih Yan-wun, Dragon Lady of the Bitter Sea, Mirror Man, and Old Oddball. For better design of the stamps, Shih Yan-wun and the Dragon Lady of the Bitter Sea were matched in one horizontal se-tenant strip while Mirror Man with Old Oddball in another.

The Scholar Knight of Yunjhou, the puppet drama, was adapted by Mr. Huang Hai-dai, founder of the Wujhouyuan Hand Puppet Theater Troupe, from an 18th century novel. In the 1970s his second son Mr. Huang Jun-Xiong brought the drama to the television screen. It created an instant sensation around the island.

Designs:
NT$5.00: Shih Yan-wun
A native of Yunjhou, Shih was both an accomplished scholar and a warrior. Honorably saving people from danger and helping the weak, he was known as the Scholar Knight. Loyal to the emperor, Shih was framed by a treacherous court official and banished to the frontier. Fortunately, with help of other knight-errants and lady friends, he survived.

NT$5.00: Dragon Lady of the Bitter Sea
Originally the third princess of Tatarstan, she was displaced by a palace coup and fled to seek help. She transformed herself into Dragon Lady of the Bitter Sea and then went to China, where she met Shih Yan-wun and became his best friend.

NT$5.00: Mirror Man
The son of the headless general of Jiaojhih (what is today northern Vietnam), Mirror Man was also known as "the spirit of Jiaojhih." Because his father died fighting Shih Yan-wun's father, he regarded Shih as his archenemy and had vowed to kill him.

NT$5.00: Old Oddball
A renowned medical doctor, Old Oddball was also a great musician. His music tamed a primal beast as well as the heart of the little King Kong, and the two became great friends despite the difference in their ages.

2008 Taiwan Regional Opera FDC
2008 Taiwan Regional Opera Minisheet FDC

Taiwan Regional Opera FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Regional Opera Series - Taiwanese Puppet (The Scholar Knight of Yunjhou)
Issue date: 4 February 2008
Number: Sp. 515

Taiwanese Puppet Theater, a form of traditional operatic art with a rich, folksy appeal, has nearly 100 years of history. To celebrate Taiwan's traditional folk art and culture and to give people greater understanding about Taiwanese puppet theater, this Post is releasing a new set of four stamps and a souvenir sheet based on Taiwanese puppet theater, featuring four famous characters from the much celebrated television show the Scholar Knight of Yunjhou: Shih Yan-wun, Dragon Lady of the Bitter Sea, Mirror Man, and Old Oddball. For better design of the stamps, Shih Yan-wun and the Dragon Lady of the Bitter Sea were matched in one horizontal se-tenant strip while Mirror Man with Old Oddball in another.

The Scholar Knight of Yunjhou, the puppet drama, was adapted by Mr. Huang Hai-dai, founder of the Wujhouyuan Hand Puppet Theater Troupe, from an 18th century novel. In the 1970s his second son Mr. Huang Jun-Xiong brought the drama to the television screen. It created an instant sensation around the island.

Designs:
NT$5.00: Shih Yan-wun
A native of Yunjhou, Shih was both an accomplished scholar and a warrior. Honorably saving people from danger and helping the weak, he was known as the Scholar Knight. Loyal to the emperor, Shih was framed by a treacherous court official and banished to the frontier. Fortunately, with help of other knight-errants and lady friends, he survived.

NT$5.00: Dragon Lady of the Bitter Sea
Originally the third princess of Tatarstan, she was displaced by a palace coup and fled to seek help. She transformed herself into Dragon Lady of the Bitter Sea and then went to China, where she met Shih Yan-wun and became his best friend.

NT$5.00: Mirror Man
The son of the headless general of Jiaojhih (what is today northern Vietnam), Mirror Man was also known as "the spirit of Jiaojhih." Because his father died fighting Shih Yan-wun's father, he regarded Shih as his archenemy and had vowed to kill him.

NT$5.00: Old Oddball
A renowned medical doctor, Old Oddball was also a great musician. His music tamed a primal beast as well as the heart of the little King Kong, and the two became great friends despite the difference in their ages.

2008 Taiwan Regional Opera FDC
2008 Taiwan Regional Opera Minisheet FDC

Thailand Chinese New Year M/S FDC

Thailand Minisheet FDC
Name: Chinese New Year
Issue date: 1 February 2008
Number: 838

Purpose:
To promote stamp collecting activities.

Design:
5 BAHT: The Chinese Tiger in Action
5 BAHT: The Chinese Lion in Action

2008 Thailand Chinese New Year FDC
2008 Thailand Chinese New Year Minisheet FDC

Thailand Chinese New Year FDC

Thailand FDC
Name: Chinese New Year
Issue date: 1 February 2008
Number: 838

Purpose:
To promote stamp collecting activities.

Design:
5 BAHT: The Chinese Tiger in Action
5 BAHT: The Chinese Lion in Action
5 BAHT: The Chinese New Year Light Decorating
5 BAHT: The Angel Parade

2008 Thailand Chinese New Year FDC
2008 Thailand Chinese New Year Minisheet FDC

Russia Vakhtangov EBCS

Russia EBCS (Envelopes Bearing Commemorative Stamp)
Name: The 125th birth anniversary of E.B. Vakhtangov (1883-1922), a director and an actor
Issue date: 1 February 2008

Yevgeny Bagrationovich Vakhtangov (also spelled Evgeny or Eugene) (13 February 1883 – 29 May 1922) was a renowned Russian-Armenian director who was associated with the State Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS) in Moscow in the early 20th century, and founded the Vakhtangov Theatre. He was one of Constantin Stanislavski's most renowned students, and a mentor of Michael Chekhov.

Vakhtangov was born to Armenian parents in Vladikavkaz. He joined the Moscow Art Theatre in 1911 and rose in the ranks, so that by 1920 he was in charge of his own studio. Four years after his death, the studio was named Vakhtangov Theatre in his honor. More...

Russia Betancourt FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The 250th birth anniversary of A.Betancourt (1758-1824), an engineer and an architect.
Issue date: 1 February 2008

Agustín de Betancourt y Molina (Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain, 1758 - Saint Petersburg, Russia, 1824) was a prominent engineer, who worked in Spain, France and Russia. His work ranged from steam engines and balloons to structural engineering and urban planning. As an educator, Betancourt founded and managed the Spanish Corps of Engineers and the Saint Petersburg Institute of Communications Engineers. As an urban planner and construction manager, Betancourt supervised planning and construction in Saint Petersburg, Kronstadt, Nizhny Novgorod and other Russian cities.

Betancourt joined Russian service in the rank of Major General, assigned to the Directorate of Communications. His first extant work is the famous fountain in Tsarskoye Selo (1810), with sculpture by Pavel Sokolov immortalized by Alexander Pushkin's poetry. In 1816, Betancourt was promoted to head the Commission for Construction and Hydraulics, a national institution targeted primarily at Saint Petersburg development; since 1819 he also headed the Directorate of Communications. He recruited and trained such architects as Auguste de Montferrand and Leo Carboniere. More...

Belarus Hunting FDC

Belarus FDC
Name: Hunting
Issue date: 30 January 2008

Designs:
440: Hunting with falcon
1050: Hunting

Comment: I think falcon and courser is the leading actor in this issue. How about your opinion?

China Stamp: 2008-4

China Stamp
Name: Birds of China
Number: 2008-4
Issue date: 28 February 2008
Value: 6 stamps/set

Designs:
(6-1) 1.20 yuan: Formosan Blue Magpie (Urocissa caerulea)
(6-2) 1.20 yuan: Tibetan Bunting (Emberiza koslowi)
(6-3) 1.20 yuan: Cabot's Tragopan (Tragopan caboti)
(6-4) 1.20 yuan: Snowy-cheeked Laughingthrush (Garrulax sukatschewi)
(6-5) 1.20 yuan: Golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus)
(6-6) 1.20 yuan: Xinjiang Ground-jay (Podoces biddulphi)

Birds are man's good friend. From the two snow-covered poles to the roof of the world, from roaring seas to dense forests, and from bare deserts to bustling cities, various colorful birds have infused fresh vigor to nature and human life. A component of the ecosystems, birds play an important role in keeping the ecological balance. Of the 9,000 species of birds on earth, 1,200 can be found in China, and 100 are peculiar to the country. The six birds on the stamps are among the said 100 species, with high ornamental and economic values.


There are official FDCs which I sent to my Malaysia friend on issue day.This is a self-made minisheet FDC which was made by myself.

Taiwan Birds (II) FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Birds of Taiwan (2nd Series)
Date of Issue: 30 January 2008
Number: Def. 128 (II)

After issuing the first of the "Birds of Taiwan" definitive stamp series on November 3, 2007, Taiwan Post followed up with a second set of four stamps, featuring Dicrurus aeneus, Lanius schach, Dendrocitta formosae and Pycnonotus sinensis.

Designs:
NT$1.00: Dicrurus aeneus
A subspecies endemic to Taiwan, the bird is about 23 centimeters in length. Its whole body is covered in black plumage with a blue metallic sheen. Its tail is fairly long and forked like a fishtail.

NT$2.50: Lanius schach
This common resident bird, about 25 centimeters in length, is a subspecies endemic to Taiwan. It is bluish gray from the crown to the upper back, and its fairly wide black eyeline that extends from its forehead to its nape gives it the appearance of wearing a black mask. Its scapular is reddish brown, and its black flight feathers have a lighter edge. Its throat, breast, and belly are white; its undertail coverts are reddish brown; and its tail feathers are black.

NT$10.00: Dendrocitta formosae
This common resident bird, about 34 centimeters in length, is a subspecies endemic to Taiwan. The coloration of the bird is largely black, gray and brown. Its black hooked beak is thick and powerful and slightly bents downward. Its forehead and cheeks are black and its crown and nape are grayish black. Its wings are black with white wing patches. Its back and breast are chestnut colored and its belly pale gray. Its tail is long and black with gray uppertail coverts and orange brown undertail coverts.

NT$32.00: Pycnonotus sinensis
This common resident bird, about 18 centimeters in length, is a subspecies endemic to Taiwan. It is mostly yellow-green in color. Its forehead and nape are black and its crown white. There is a round white patch on each of its cheeks. The areas from its lores to its ear coverts and cheeks are brownish black. Its upper breast is pale grayish brown, its back, uppertail coverts and marginal coverts are gray with a touch of yellow green. Its breast and belly are pale gray. Its wings and tail feathers are olive yellow.

Taiwan "Birds of Taiwan" FDC (I)
Taiwan "Birds of Taiwan" FDC (II)
Taiwan "Birds of Taiwan" FDC (III)
Taiwan "Birds of Taiwan" FDC (IV)

China Stamp: 2008-3

China Stamp
Name: Role of Jing in Peking Opera
Number: 2008-3
Issue date: 23 February 2008
Value: 6 stamps/set

Designs:
(6-1) 80 fen: Xu Yanzhao
(6-2) 1.20 yuan: Bao Zheng
(6-3) 1.20 yuan: Lian Po
(6-4) 1.20 yuan: Zhang Fei
(6-5) 1.20 yuan: Cao Cao
(6-6) 1.20 yuan: Yang Yansi

The roles on the Chinese opera stage fall into four categories: Sheng(Male Role), Dan(Female Role), Jing(Painted Face Male) and Chou(Comedy Actor or Clown). These roles have the natural features of age and sex, as well as social status, and are artificially exaggerated by makeup, costume and gestures.

Jing refers to painted-face roles, known popularly as Hualian. The different colors and designs on the faces represent males with different characteristics. Some are bold and vigorous and some are sinister, ruthless, crude and rash. The voice is loud and clear, and the movements are exaggerated.

The Jing role originates from the Fujing role of the Song Zaju. The Jing roles gradually increased in number, and became further divided into several groups, according to the different social positions and characters of the roles.

Dahualian with a fully painted face is known as Zheng Jing. The roles represent men of high social standing and good behavior, often court ministers. Zheng Jing sings in vigorous and sturdy tones.

Erhualian, also known as Fu Jing, has powerful bodily movements and sturdy singing voices. Some roles in this group represent rascally ministers, recognizable by their white faces.

Wu'er Hualian is also known as Wu Jing. This role is more physical than most of the others, with little singing or reciting.

You Hualian, also known as Mao Jing, is a clownish role. Some of You Hualian roles have special skills, such as spouting fire from the mouth or baring the teeth.

Indonesia Year of Rat S/S FDC

Indonesia Souvenir Sheet FDC
Name: Year of the Rat
Issue date: 26 January 2008

According to the Chinese calendar, the year 2559 is the Year of the Rat which falls on 7 February 2008 and will end on 25 January 2009. Chinese believe that this year has the Earth element, which makes this year the year of the Earth Rat.

The Rat zodiac starts the 12 animal cycle in the Chinese calendar. As the first year of the cycle, it is a time of renewal in so many ways. The Year of the Rat is a time of hard work and full of activities. This is the best time to start new ventures, including new ideas, directions, and ways of doing things. It is a time to experiment and put plans into action, as there will be plenty of opportunities to achieve success.

Chinese astrology teaches that to succeed the year people shall make the most of every new effort and be patient to give things time to develop. One thing to consider is that anything begins now is likely to have long-term consequences. Therefore choose everything wisely. According to the astrology, it is a good year to get married, start a new job, launch a new product or start new activities.

People born in the year of the earth rat are said to be logical realists, smart, charming, ambitious, and imaginative. People under this zodiac are considered courageous and enterprising persons. They are clever and bright, friendly and family-minded. Having broad interests and strong ability in adapting to the environment, they are able to react adequately to any changes. Chinese say others should always listen to the advice of them. Because of their intellect and observatory powers, they possess prudence and perception. They can anticipate problems and are always able to see the big picture. Status, money, title and recognition are important to them. They have keen sense of observation that allowing them to foresee upcoming business opportunities as well as potential occupational problems. They work better in flexible situations where they can be freely creative.

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

Indonesia Year of Rat FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Year of the Rat
Issue date: 26 January 2008

According to the Chinese calendar, the year 2559 is the Year of the Rat which falls on 7 February 2008 and will end on 25 January 2009. Chinese believe that this year has the Earth element, which makes this year the year of the Earth Rat.

The Rat zodiac starts the 12 animal cycle in the Chinese calendar. As the first year of the cycle, it is a time of renewal in so many ways. The Year of the Rat is a time of hard work and full of activities. This is the best time to start new ventures, including new ideas, directions, and ways of doing things. It is a time to experiment and put plans into action, as there will be plenty of opportunities to achieve success.

Chinese astrology teaches that to succeed the year people shall make the most of every new effort and be patient to give things time to develop. One thing to consider is that anything begins now is likely to have long-term consequences. Therefore choose everything wisely. According to the astrology, it is a good year to get married, start a new job, launch a new product or start new activities.

People born in the year of the earth rat are said to be logical realists, smart, charming, ambitious, and imaginative. People under this zodiac are considered courageous and enterprising persons. They are clever and bright, friendly and family-minded. Having broad interests and strong ability in adapting to the environment, they are able to react adequately to any changes. Chinese say others should always listen to the advice of them. Because of their intellect and observatory powers, they possess prudence and perception. They can anticipate problems and are always able to see the big picture. Status, money, title and recognition are important to them. They have keen sense of observation that allowing them to foresee upcoming business opportunities as well as potential occupational problems. They work better in flexible situations where they can be freely creative.

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

Japan Year of Rat FDC

Japan Lottery Souvenir Sheet FDC
Name: New Year's Stamp
Issue date: 28 January 2008

This Souvenir Sheet is the prize of Japan New Year's Lottery Stamps which was issued in end of 2007. The quantity issued was 100,000, a rare quantity for Japanese Stamps.

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

Finland Valentine FDC

Finland FDC
Name: Valentine's Day
Issue date: 24 January 2008

Saint Valentine's Day self-adhesive miniature sheet has five 1st class stamps. The themes of the stamps are amusing forms of communication: an aircraft towing a banner, a carrier pigeon, smoke signals, an SMS, and a message in a bottle.

2008 Finland Valentine's Day FDC
2008 Turkey Valentine's Day FDC

Today is Saint Valentine's Day, althought it's not a Chinese traditional festival, but Chinese younglings enjoy this day. I wish my wife and all of my blog's visitors Happy Valentine's Day.

Ukraine Olympic Games FDC

Ukraine FDC
Name: XXIX Olympic Games. Beijing-2008
Date of Issue: 26 January 2008

Designs:
1,00: Archery
1,30: Fencing
2,47: Cycling
3,33: Rowing

Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Autographed FDC
Estonia 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Silver Medalists Autographed Postal Stationery

2008 Beijing Olympic Games FDCs:
Algeria, Belarus, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Estonia Sheetlet, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hong Kong M/S, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Portugal M/S, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine.

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games FDCs:
Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Finland University FDC

Finland FDC
Name: Helsinki University of Technology Centenary
Issue date: 24 January 2008

Helsinki University of Technology is Finland's second oldest university. The stamps issued in honour of the centenary depict a robot built by the university and its main building in Otaniemi.

The base picture on the miniature sheet is the main building of Helsinki University of Technology. The sheet also shows the Mellin formula, the mathematical form of which symbolizes the university's scientific research. The picture on the FDC shows a plastic funnel over a glass beaker.

Hong Kong Year of Rat S/S FDC

Hong Kong Imperforated Stamp Sheetlet FDC
Name: Year of the Rat
Issue date: 26 January 2008

This is the ninth Lunar New Year special stamp issue in the third series released by Hongkong Post. The first and second sets of special stamps for the Year of the Rat were issued in 1972 and 1996 respectively.

Each lunar year in China is named after an animal, running in twelve-year cycles. As the Rat is the first animal in the sequence, the cycle will begin again in 2008. In traditional Chinese culture, the Rat is a symbol of intelligence and agility. People born under this sign are considered to be sharp-witted. Cheerful and amiable, they make friends easily.

The four stamps come in denominations of $1.40, $2.40, $3.00 and $5.00, and depict four cute and smart rats. To enhance the gradation of light and shade and accentuate the three-dimensional effect, five-colour printing is used on the stamps to highlight the image detail of the rats against a background embellished with silver foliage.

The First Day Cover design presents an interesting combination of paper-cutting and computer aided drawing. The paper-cut pattern gives a note of festivity, and the cute rat in the front heralds the Year of the Rat.

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

Hong Kong Year of Rat M/S FDC

Hong Kong Minisheet FDC
Name: Year of the Rat
Issue date: 26 January 2008

This is the ninth Lunar New Year special stamp issue in the third series released by Hongkong Post. The first and second sets of special stamps for the Year of the Rat were issued in 1972 and 1996 respectively.

Each lunar year in China is named after an animal, running in twelve-year cycles. As the Rat is the first animal in the sequence, the cycle will begin again in 2008. In traditional Chinese culture, the Rat is a symbol of intelligence and agility. People born under this sign are considered to be sharp-witted. Cheerful and amiable, they make friends easily.

The four stamps come in denominations of $1.40, $2.40, $3.00 and $5.00, and depict four cute and smart rats. To enhance the gradation of light and shade and accentuate the three-dimensional effect, five-colour printing is used on the stamps to highlight the image detail of the rats against a background embellished with silver foliage.

The First Day Cover design presents an interesting combination of paper-cutting and computer aided drawing. The paper-cut pattern gives a note of festivity, and the cute rat in the front heralds the Year of the Rat.

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

Hong Kong Year of Rat FDC

Hong Kong FDC
Name: Year of the Rat
Issue date: 26 January 2008

This is the ninth Lunar New Year special stamp issue in the third series released by Hongkong Post. The first and second sets of special stamps for the Year of the Rat were issued in 1972 and 1996 respectively.

Each lunar year in China is named after an animal, running in twelve-year cycles. As the Rat is the first animal in the sequence, the cycle will begin again in 2008. In traditional Chinese culture, the Rat is a symbol of intelligence and agility. People born under this sign are considered to be sharp-witted. Cheerful and amiable, they make friends easily.

The four stamps come in denominations of $1.40, $2.40, $3.00 and $5.00, and depict four cute and smart rats. To enhance the gradation of light and shade and accentuate the three-dimensional effect, five-colour printing is used on the stamps to highlight the image detail of the rats against a background embellished with silver foliage.

The First Day Cover design presents an interesting combination of paper-cutting and computer aided drawing. The paper-cut pattern gives a note of festivity, and the cute rat in the front heralds the Year of the Rat.

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

Russia 1st Postal Stamp EBCS

Russia EBCS (Envelopes Bearing Commemorative Stamp)
Name: The 150th anniversary of the first Russian postal stamp
Issue date: 2008 January 21st

The first stamps went on sale 10 December 1857, but were not valid for use until 1 January 1858. The first value was a 10-kopeck to be used for letters weighing up to one lot (about 12.8 grams). It was an imperforate stamp depicting the coat of arms of Russia, and printed using typography in brown and blue.

2007 Russia 1st Postal Stamp FDC
2007 Russia 1st Postal Stamp EBCS
2008 Russia 1st Postal Stamp FDC
2008 Russia 1st Postal Stamp EBCS

Finland Alpine Skiing FDC

Finland FDC
Name: Alpine Skiing - interesting novelty!
Issue date: 2008 January 24th
Printing method: MotionPrint imaging CMYK

This four stamps dedicated to Alpine skiing features sporting heroes Antti Autti and Matti Räty strutiting their stuff. Two other stamps depict Tanja Poutiainen and Tapio "Arska" Saarimäki speeding on the slopes.

The issue is printed is based on a lens technology which combines multilevel images. When you move the stamp around in your hand, and illusion of movement is created. MotionPrint imaging is the name used for this production process. Alpine Skiing is the world's fifth actual postage stamp made with true MotionPrint technology with all the security features of stamps.

The FDC of the Alpine Skiing issue bears the four stamps. The downhill skier on the cover is Joni Malm performing on the railings at the Finnair Stadium in Helsinki. This stunt is known by the name front side rock.

MotionPrint imaging brings movement to life

The Alpine Skiing issue has been produced with an imaging and printing method called MotionPrint imaging that creates the illusion of movement. The process was developed by a New Zealand company, Outler Aspect.

The principle of the technique is not new (it was unveiled in 1960), but at first it was limited to alternating between two or three images. Today it is possible to create something close to movie effects, However, imaging the movement demands a great deal of video editing – something entirely new to the stamp business.

The Alpine Skiing issue is an example of state-of-the-art motion imaging technology. It is the largest stamp sheet made with MotionPrint technology to date, and it also uses for the first time both animation and a 3D effect simultaneously.

Estonia Lighthouse FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Mehikoorma Lighthouse
Date of Issue: 24 January 2008

In autumn 1938 the biggest and tallest lighthouse of the Lake Peipsi area was put up in Mehikoorma. The cylindrical reinforced concrete lighthouse is three meters in diameter and stands 15 meters high; it has a lantern and gallery at the top. Its white light is lit in the dark hours from April to November and is visible to ten miles. The lighthouse ensures safe navigation in the area between Lakes Peipsi and Lämmijärv. Mehikoorma, a village of about 300 inhabitants, is situated in the Meeksi rural community in Tartu County. In addition to the lighthouse it has a basic school, a library, a hydrometrical station and border guard post. Mehikoorma is one of the oldest settlements on the Estonian shore of Lake Peipsi, first mentioned in 1242 in connection with the Ice Battle fought on the ice of Lake Peipsi between the Livonian Order and a Russian army. In 2008 the Mehikoorma light will be 70.

Comment:
EESTI POST issues Lighthouse series stamp every year, I like the background map on it, very useful information.

2008 Latvia Akmeņraga Lighthouse FDC
2008 Estonia Mehikoorma Lighthouse FDC
2007 Germany Lighthouses FDC
2007 Indonesia Lighthouses FDC

What is FDC in Philately

I saw many U.K. people visited my blog this morning(evening time in UK). All of them searched the keyword "FDC in Philately" from Google or Yahoo.
I don't know whether it has a competition refer to FDC in U.K.

Now, Let me explaine for you. Hope it will useful for you.

FDC = First Day Cover:
A cover bearing a stamp (set of stamps, miniature sheet or souvenir sheet) posted on the day of issue. It is a very popular collectible in philately field. First Day Covers usually have an illustration depicting an aspect of a subject of the issue and often include a brochure or info sheet which gives more details about the issue. If you want to send this cover to your friend, you must send it on its issue day.

If you have extended question, don't hesitate to ask me.

Japan Fuji Mountian FDC

Japan FDC
Name: Yokoso! Japan Weeks
Issue date: 2008 January 23rd

The stamps depict Fiji Mountain's four seasons and various plants on it.

This issue is part of Yokoso! Japan Weeks, a government campaign to promote tourism in Japan and increase the number of foreign tourists which from Jan. 20 to Feb. 29, 2008.

Official Website of Yokoso! Japan Weeks

Taiwan Residences FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Traditional Taiwanese Residences (1st Series)
Issue date: 2008 January 23rd
Number: Sp. 514

To introduce the beauty of Taiwan's old homes to our citizens and make an appeal for people to treasure these legacies, this Post has specially asked Professor Li Chien-lang to plan a set of four stamps on traditional Taiwanese residences. This set – Traditional Taiwanese Residences Postage Stamps (I) – features the Liou Family Compound in Shangfangliao, Sinpu, Hsinchu County; the Lin Family Mansion in Banciao, Taipei County; the Li Teng-fang Compound in Dasi, Taoyuan County; and the Siao Family Compound in Jiadong, Pingtung County.

Designs:
NT$5.00: Liou Family Compound in Shangfangliao, Sinpu, Hsinchu County
It was first built in 1781. After several subsequent additions, it reached its current size, with two main halls and six side wings. The compound is a traditional farming village dwelling, and the architectural style is practical and simple. Offering privacy and security, it is representative of Hakka residential dwellings of that era.

NT$5.00: Lin Family Mansion in Banciao, Taipei County
The complex at one point included main halls opening onto three separate courtyards, along with several side wings and a garden. Only the main halls (built in 1853), courtyards and garden remain today. The mansion is the most representative of luxurious Cing Dynasty residential dwellings in Northern Taiwan. Some of the architectural elements were not constructed in the traditional southern Fujianese style and reflect the influence of foreign culture.

NT$5.00: Li Teng-fang Compound in Dasi, Taoyuan County
Built in 1860, it is a large compound with two courtyards and several side wings. The orderly layout of the compound features a strong central axis and clear lines of movement. The compound's design emphasizes security. It provides a great example of how rich families expanded their residential dwellings as their social status grew during the mid-Cing Dynasty.

NT$12.00: Siao Family Compound in Jiadong, Pingtung County
It was first constructed in the late 19th century, and additions were made during the era of Japanese rule. It now has five halls and two side wings that run parallel to the central axis of halls and courtyards for its entire length. Complete compounds of this type are very rare in Taiwan today. The compound provides excellent security. With its school room, buyuelo study, and ceremonial sizihting (ceremonial chiminea-like structure for burning paper), the compound was almost a self-contained small community.

Russia Nobel Laureates FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The Nobel Laureates
Issue date: 2008 January 22nd

Design: from left to right
6.00: L.D. Landau (1908-1968)
Lev Davidovich Landau (Russian language: Ле́в Дави́дович Ланда́у) (January 22, 1908 – April 1, 1968) was a prominent Soviet physicist who made fundamental contributions to many areas of theoretical physics. His accomplishments include the co-discovery of the density matrix method in quantum mechanics, the quantum mechanical theory of diamagnetism, the theory of superfluidity, the theory of second order phase transitions, the Ginzburg-Landau theory of superconductivity, the explanation of Landau damping in plasma physics, the Landau pole in quantum electrodynamics, and the two-component theory of neutrinos. He received the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physics for his development of a mathematical theory of superfluidity that accounts for the properties of liquid helium II at a temperature below 2.17 K (−270.98 °C). More...

6.00: I.M. Frank (1908-1990)
Ilya Mikhailovich Frank (Russian : Илья́ Миха́йлович Франк) (October 23, 1908 – June 22, 1990) was a Soviet winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1958 jointly with Pavel Alekseyevich Cherenkov and Igor Y. Tamm, also of the Soviet Union. He received the award for his work in explaining the phenomenon of Cherenkov radiation.

Frank graduated from the Moscow State University in 1930. In 1934 Cherenkov discovered that light is emitted by charged particles traveling at very high speeds through water. Frank and Tamm provided the theoretical explanation of this effect, which occurs when the particles travel through an optically transparent medium at speeds greater than the speed of light in that medium. This discovery resulted in the development of new methods for detecting and measuring the velocity of high-speed nuclear particles and became of great importance for research in nuclear physics.

Frank's work also included collaboration with Cherenkov and Tamm in research on electron radiation. Frank also specialized in the study of gamma rays and neutron beams. He became head of the department of physics at the Moscow State University in 1944 and was made a member of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR in 1946. More...

Lithuania Celebrities FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: Famous People
Date of Issue: 19th January 2008

Design:
2Lt: The participant of national revival of Lithuania Minor. Martynas Jankus. (1858-1946)
Lithuania Minor publisher, society activist, publicist

He learned a trade of printer in Ragainė. In 1883 became the supporter, spreader and later responsible secretary of the newspaper "Aušra" (The Dawn). In 1888-1892 he was an administrator and editor in chief of the magazine "Varpas" (The Bell). In 1885 he participated in creation of First Lithuanian Land Society "Birutė" in Tilsit. In 1889-1892 he was its' president.

In 1889-1912 worked his printing-houses in Minor Lithuania where was printed over 360 Lithuanian books and 25 periodical issues. He had written or prepared a lot of publicistic and belles-lettres books, dedicated to raise a nation consciousness. He created the poems, collected and published folklore.

2,15 Lt: Historian Zenonas Ivinskis. (1908-1971)
Famous historian, philosopher

He improved oneself in Munich and Berlin Universities in 1929-1932. In 1933-1940 he worked at the Vytautas Magnus University. In 1940 he became a Professor and in 1941-1942 he was appointed as a dean at Faculty of this University.

In 1944 he retreated to Germany. From 1949 he settled and worked in Bonn, later in Roma. He was a principal of The Baltic Studies Institute. In 1963–1971 he lectured at University of Bonn, collected the material for Lithuanian history.
He wrote and issued many important works.

2,90 Lt: Philosopher Antanas Maceina. (1908-1987)
Philosopher, theologian, teacher, poet

In 1928-1932 he studied at the Universities of Kaunas, Louvain, Fribourg, Strasbourg. In 1934 he got the Philosopher Science Doctor Name. In 1935-1943 he lectured at University of Kaunas. In 1944 he retreated to West and settled in Germany. He published some books, became the Professor of University of Fribourg, later - of Muenster.

He developed the culture philosophy of S. Šalkauskis. The Christian philosophy jointed with existentialism. He published philosophical and sociological works, issued some collections of poems.

2008 Lithuania Famous People FDC
2009 Lithuania Famous People FDC

Ukraine Zodiac FDCs

Ukraine FDCs
Name: Signs of the Zodiac
Issue date: 2008 January 18th
Designs: from left to right
I am Taurus...
And I am Capricorn
I am real Virgo
Designs: from left to right
I am the most exact Libra
I am well-aimed Sagittarius
I am little Aries
Designs: from left to right
We are Gemini
I am Aquarius...
I am real Leo rrrr…
Designs: from left to right
I am golden Pisces
I don't know why, but I am simply Scorpio
I am little Cancer

Russia Zhukovsky PCBCS

Russia PCBCS (Post Cards Bearing Commemorative Stamp)
Name: The 225th birth anniversary of V.A. Zhukovsky (1783-1852). a poet, translator
Issue date: 2008 January 16th

Vasily Andreyevich Zhukovsky (b. 29 January 1783, Mishenskoe, near Tula Oblast, Russia - d. April 1852, Baden-Baden, Germany) was the foremost Russian poet of the 1810s.

He is credited with introducing the Romantic Movement to Russian literature. The main body of his literary output consists of free translations covering an impressively wide range of poets from Ferdowsi to Schiller. Quite a few of his translations proved to be more competently-written and enduring works than their originals. More...

Estonia Ernesaks FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Gustav Ernesaks, birth centenary of the composer and choir conductor
Issue date: 2008 January 17th

Gustav Ernesaks was born on 12 December 1908 at Perila near Tallinn. After graduating from the Tallinn Conservatoire in 1931 he worked for a longer period as teacher of music and in 1944-72 as lecturer at the Tallinn State Conservatoire (Professor since 1945). He conducted several choirs and in 1944 called into existence the celebrated State Academic Male Choir (RAM), serving as its chief conductor until 1975 and as its artistic director up to the end of his days. Being one of the main organizers and general conductor of all-Estonian choral music festivals from 1947 to 1995, he made a significant contribution to the preservation of the Estonian national spirit and identity in conditions of Soviet ideological pressure. As a result he was often lovingly referred to as Laulutaat, the Old Man of Song. Gustav Ernesaks was also a prolific composer with nearly 300 choral songs, solo pieces, songs for children, five operas and other works to his credit. The choral song, My Fatherland you are my love, became the unofficial anthem of the nation. Ernesaks's music is lyrical, melodious, often with humorous turns, and relies largely on the Estonian musical tradition. Gustav Ernesaks was highly esteemed even in the Soviet period, as confirmed by numerous prizes and honorary titles bestowed on him. Gustav Ernesaks died on 24 January 1993 in Tallinn.

Comment:
Do you know what plant are there on the stamp and FDC's illustration? Oak!
You know, The Oak tree is sacred to Estonians, so I think the designer used oak tree on the stamp and FDC which means Ernesaks as sacred as Oak tree to Estonians.

Singapore Year of Rat M/S FDC

Singapore Minisheet FDC
Name: Zodiac Series - Rat
Issue date: 2008 January 18th
Printing Process: Offset Lithography with high reflective index transparent Hologram with morphing effect.

This is a special Minisheet, It has Hologram image on both stamps. You could see Pig to Rat Hologram image in different angle on left stamp, and Rat to Ox Hologram image in different angle on right stamp.
Thanks to my Singapore friend who got its effect by his scaner.
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