China Stamp: 2008-7

China Stamps
Name: White Horse Temple and Mahabodhi Temple (China - India Joint Issue)
Number: 2008-7
Date of Issue: 06 June 2008
Value: 2 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20 Yuan (2-1): White Horse Temple, China
White Horse Temple (simplified Chinese: 白马寺; traditional Chinese: 白馬寺) was the first Buddhist temple in China, established under the patronage of Emperor Ming in the Eastern Han capital Luoyang in the year 68. More...

1.20 Yuan (2-2): Mahabodhi Temple, India
The Mahabodhi Temple (Literally: "Great Awakening Temple") is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, the location where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya is located about 96 km (60 miles) from Patna, Bihar state, India. Next to the temple, to its western side, is the holy Bodhi tree. In the Pali Canon, the site is called Bodhimanda, and the monastery there the Bodhimanda Vihara. More...
This FDC was sent to my Indian friend on issue day by registered mail. How about the local postmark on this FDC? it was cancelled by myself, it was the first time that I cancelled the local postmark by myself.

Ukraine Dogs FDC

Ukraine FDC
Name: Dogs
Date of Issue: 16 May 2008

Designs:
1.00: Dachshund
The dachshund is a short-legged, elongated dog breed of the hound family. The breed's name is German and literally means "badger dog," from (der) Dachs, badger, and (der) Hund, dog. The standard size was developed to scent, chase, and flush badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature was to hunt rabbits. Due to the long, narrow build, they are sometimes referred to as a wiener dog. Not withstanding the German origin of the dachshund's name, within German-speaking countries the breed is known—both formally and informally—as the Dackel or Teckel. More...

1.00: American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is a breed of working dog developed for catching livestock and for protecting property.. Though larger in size, they are the closest surviving relative of the Old English Bulldog because they were not altered to as great an extent while in Colonial America as their European cousins. There are generally considered to be two types of American Bulldog, the Johnson type and the Scott type, named after the breeders who were influential in developing them, John D. Johnson and Allen Scott. These are more commonly known as Classic or Bully type and Standard or Performance type. More...

1.00: Rottweiler
A Rottweiler is a large dog breed originating in Germany as herding dogs. The early Rottweilers also worked as beasts of burden, carrying wood and other products to market. In addition, they were used as draft animals to pull carts filled with various products for their owners. During the first and second World Wars, Rottweilers were put into service as war time guard dogs. Currently they are frequently used as guard and police dogs. More...

1.00: Chow Chow
Chow Chow, or Chow, is a breed of dog that originated in China, where it is referred to as Songshi Quan (Chinese: 松狮犬), which literally means "puffy-lion dog." It is believed that the Chow Chow is one of the native dogs used as the model for the Foo dog, the traditional stone guardians found in front of Buddhist temples and palaces. More...

1.00: Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is the original breed of the three breeds of Schnauzer, and despite its wiry coat and general appearance, is not related to the British terriers. Rather, its origins are in old herding and guard breeds of Europe. The breed is a robust, squarely built, medium-sized dog with aristocratic bearing, making it a popular subject of painters Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt. More...

1.00: German Shepherd
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD), is a breed of dog originally bred for herding sheep. There are various other names for this dog such as Alsatian (which originated out of Anti-German sentiment during WWI) and simply German Shepherd. Today, based on 2006 Kennel Club figures, German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds in the UK, with 12,857 registrations and also one of the most popular breeds in the United States with 43,575 registrations. They can be found working as guide dogs for the blind or disabled, police work, guarding, search and rescue, therapy and in the military. Despite their suitability for such work, German Shepherds can also make loyal and loving pets inside the home. They enjoy being around people and other animals, although socialization is critical for young puppies in order to prevent aggressive and dangerous behavior as an adult. German Shepherds are well-suited to obedience, with advanced and prestigious titles available to test both the handler and dog in various Schutzhund trials. More...

2008 Ukraine Dogs FDC
2007 Ukraine Dogs FDC

China Stamp: 2008-13

China Stamps
Name: Cao Chong Weights the Elephant
Number: 2008-13
Date of Issue: 01 June 2008
Value: 2 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20 Yuan (2-1): Marking the Water Level on Boat Loaded with Elephant
1.20 Yuan (2-2): Replacing the Elephant with Weighable Objects

"Cao Chong Weights the Elephant", a historical tale widely circulated among the folk people, is about child prodigy Cao Chong, who applied the principle of buoyancy to measure the accurate weight of an elephant. According to the story, during the Three Kingdoms Period(220-280), Sun Quan, of the Kingdom of Wu, presented an elephant as a gift to Cao Cao, of the Kingdom of Wei. Cao Cao wished to know the animal's weight, but none of his ministers could come up with a method. Then, Cao Chong, at the age of six, stood out. He asked to have the elephant loaded onto a boat and mark the water level. The elephant was the replaced with smaller weighable stones until the boat was submerged to the marked level. The weight of the elephant could then be found out by summing up the weights of all the stones. The child's superior wisdom has since been widely acclaimed.

Ukraine Cats FDC

Ukraine FDC
Name: Cats
Date of Issue: 16 May 2008

Designs:
1.00: Persian
Persians are believed to have originated from central Asia, probably Iran (Persia). Longhair cats were brought to Europe from that region during the seventeenth century. Their popularity increased during the nineteenth century, and they became famous during the first cat show held in London in 1871. More...

1.00: Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is a breed of cat with highly curled hair, including the whiskers (vibrissae). It is distinct from all other Rex breeds. Unlike the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex, the hair is of normal length and not partly missing, and there are longhair and shorthair varieties. It differs from the LaPerm in that its coat is more plush and thick and although both have dominant Rex genes they behave in different ways. While the LaPerm gene is a simple dominant, the Selkirk gene (Se) acts as an incomplete dominant; incompletely dominant allele pairs produce three possible genotypes and phenotypes: heterozygous cats (Sese) may have a fuller coat that is preferred in the show ring, while homozygous cats (SeSe) may have a tighter curl and less coat volume. More...

1.00: Exotic Shorthair
Breeders crossed the American Shorthair with the Persian in the United States around 1960. Thus were born shorthaired Persians, called Exotic Shorthairs and recognized by the C.F.A in 1966. During the breeding program, crosses were also made with the Russian Blue and the Burmese. Since 1987, the only allowable outcross breed is the Persian. The F.I.Fe. recognized the Exotic Shorthair in 1986. They have nearly the same body as the Persian, but a thick, dense short coat. They appeal to people who like the personality of a Persian but do not want the hassle of grooming a long-haired cat. They are also known as "The Lazy Man's Persian." More...

1.00: Burmese
The Burmese (Thai: ศุภลักษณ์ subh-bha-lak meaning fortunate, beautiful, and splendid appearance) is a breed of domesticated cats split into two subgroups: the American Burmese and the British Burmese. Most cat registries do not recognise a split between the two groups, but those that do formally refer to the type developed by British cat breeders as the European Burmese.

Originally, Burmese cats were exclusively brown (sable), but years of selective breeding have produced a wide variety of colours. Different associations have different rules about which of these count as Burmese. Burmese cats are known for being sociable and friendly with humans, as well as intelligent. They are very vocal, and often call to their owners. More...

1.00: Siamese
The Siamese is one of the first distinctly recognised breeds of Oriental cat. The exact origins of the breed are unknown, but it is believed to be from Southeast Asia, and is said to be descended from the sacred temple cats of Siam (now Thailand). In Thailand, where they are one of several native breeds, they are called Wichien-maat (วิเชียรมาศ, a name meaning "Moon diamond"). In the twentieth century the Siamese cats became one of the most popular breeds in Europe and North America. More...

1.00: Kurile Island Bobtail
Both this breed and its homeland are of uncertain ownership. The Kurile Island chain, running from the easternmost point of Russia to the tip of Japan's Hokkaido Island, is disputed between the two nations. The Kurile Island Bobtail is of quite a different type from the Japanese Bobtail, although it has the same short tail.

Its coat, conditioned by the harsh winters of its northern home, is longer and thicker than that of its more southerly relative, and its build is sturdier. A relatively small range of colors is recognized by the breed standard. A friendly breed, it nonetheless retains its independence. More...

2008 Ukraine Cats FDC
2007 Ukraine Cats FDC

Turkey Thailand Relation FDC

Turkey FDC
Name: 50th Anniversary of Thailand - Turkey Diplomatic Relations (Thailand - Turkey Joint issue)
Date of Issue: 12 May 2008

Designs:
65 YENİ KURUŞ: Loha Prasat, Wat Ratchanaddaram, Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Ratchanaddaram (Thai: วัดราชนัดดาราม) is a buddhist temple (wat) located at the intersection between Ratchadamnoen Klang and Mahachak Road, in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok. Meaning Royal Niece, the temple was built to the order of King Nangklao (Rama III) for Mom Chao Ying Sommanus Wattanavadi (หม่อมเจ้าหญิงโสมนัสวัฒนาวดี) in 1846.

The temple is best known for the Loha Prasat (โลหะปราสาท), a one of a kind in structure Thailand. The pagoda is a replica of the Loha Prasat built in India. It is 36 m high and has 37 metal spires, signifying the 37 virtues toward enlightenment. In the past, Loha Prasat was hidden behind an old movie theatre named Chalerm Thai. The theatre was demolished in 1989 as a project to improve scenery along Ratchadamnoen Road. More...

80 YENİ KURUŞ: Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkish: Sultanahmet Camii) is a historical mosque in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire (from 1299 to 1923). The mosque is one of several mosques known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. It was built between 1609 and 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. Like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasah and a hospice. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque has become one of the greatest tourist attractions of Istanbul. More...

Comment: According to my Turkish friend's explanation. He sent this FDC from SİRKECI Post office (Istanbul GPO), this is the nearest post office from the Blue Mosque.

Russia Ladynina EBCS

Russia EBCS (Envelopes Bearing Commemorative Stamp)
Name: The 100th Birth Anniversary of M.Ladynina (1908-2003), an actress
Date of Issue: 08 May 2008

Marina Ladynina (Russian: Марине Ладыниной)(June 24, 1908 - March 10, 1968) was a Soviet Russian famous actress. She appeared in many late 30s and 40s musical comedy films made by her director husband Ivan Pyriev. She was awarded the People's Artist of the Soviet Union.

Marina Ladynina came to Moscow from a far Siberian village, where she started her work as a teacher at 16 years. She entered the best cinema institute without any problems and already in 1928 got a small part in a mute movie. But her fortune appeared after the meeting and marriage with a famous film director Ivan Piryev. Ladynina mostly got roles of village girls. No doubts that "happy" kolkhoz life was just a beautiful soviet fairy-tale. Well, but people liked her merry songs, cheerful look and touching love stories in every movie.

Comment: She had a famous director husband, but finally divorced. She also had a director son who named Andrei Ladynin.

Thailand Turkey Relation FDC

Thailand FDC
Name: 50th Anniversary of Thailand - Turkey Diplomatic Relations (Thailand - Turkey Joint issue)
Date of Issue: 12 May 2008
Number: 844

Designs:
3 BAHT: Loha Prasat, Wat Ratchanaddaram, Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Ratchanaddaram (Thai: วัดราชนัดดาราม) is a buddhist temple (wat) located at the intersection between Ratchadamnoen Klang and Mahachak Road, in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok. Meaning Royal Niece, the temple was built to the order of King Nangklao (Rama III) for Mom Chao Ying Sommanus Wattanavadi (หม่อมเจ้าหญิงโสมนัสวัฒนาวดี) in 1846.

The temple is best known for the Loha Prasat (โลหะปราสาท), a one of a kind in structure Thailand. The pagoda is a replica of the Loha Prasat built in India. It is 36 m high and has 37 metal spires, signifying the 37 virtues toward enlightenment. In the past, Loha Prasat was hidden behind an old movie theatre named Chalerm Thai. The theatre was demolished in 1989 as a project to improve scenery along Ratchadamnoen Road. More...

3 BAHT: Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkish: Sultanahmet Camii) is a historical mosque in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire (from 1299 to 1923). The mosque is one of several mosques known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. It was built between 1609 and 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. Like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasah and a hospice. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque has become one of the greatest tourist attractions of Istanbul. More...

Comment: I like this joint issue because I have received both FDCs from Thailand and Turkey, this is the 3rd time. I think it's very difficult to receive real posted FDC from both countries. I'm so lucky!

Taiwan Bridges (II) FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Bridges of Taiwan (2nd Series)
Date of Issue: 12 May 2008
Number: Sp.519

Denominations:
NT$5.00: Wurih Bridge, Taichung
Spanning the Han River, this beautiful cable-stayed bridge is the gateway to Taiwan High Speed Rail's Wurih Station for Taichung City, Taichung County and the Nantou area. Opened to traffic in January of 2004, it has a total length of 179 meters and a width of over 20 meters. This stylish steel bridge has become a new landmark in Wurih Township.

NT$5.00: Jilu Bridge, Nantou
Spanning the Jhuoshuei River, the Jilu Bridge connects Jiji and Lugu Townships. It was opened to traffic in 2004 and has a total length of 967 meters and a width of 24 meters. It was the first side-spar cable-stayed bridge entirely built of concrete in Taiwan. The under-the-bridge illumination creates spectacular nighttime scenery. The bridge supports both transportation and tourism.

NT$12.00: Shueiyun Bridge, Shueili
Spanning the Shueili River, the bridge has a total length of 96 meters and a width of 3 meters. Completed in 2005, it was the first bridge in Nantou County to fully adopt solar lighting for nighttime illumination. Its colorful flashing lights are a traffic stopper.

NT$15.00: Sindong Bridge, Miaoli
Spanning the Houlong River, this bridge in Gongguan Township is the gateway to Miaoli City. Opened to traffic in 1997, this symmetrical twin-tower cable-stayed bridge has a total length of over 320 meters and a width of 21 meters.

Latvia Lighthouse FDC

Latvia FDC
Name: Akmeņraga Lighthouse
Date of Issue: 10 May 2008

Akmeņraga or Akmeņrags (Stone Cape) lighthouse is a 35 m tall lighthouse. It is located on a cape about 35km north of Liepāja. The first lighthouse on this location was built in 1884, then destroyed during WWI and rebuilt in 1921.

Comment: It is very difficult to find detailed information of this lighthouse. What a pity! Latvia Post doesn't supply the official information on its website. So I must search the detailed information by myself each time. To compare with its Baltic brothers, it should be improved.

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

Estonia Strandman FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Republic of Estonia heads of state 1918-2018 - Otto Strandman
Date of Issue: 09 May 2008

Otto August Strandman (30 November 1875 – 5 February 1941) was a Prime Minister of Estonia and Head of State. He was born in Vanda, Undla rural municipality, Virumaa and died in Kadrina, Estonia.

He was Estonian Prime Minister from 8 May 1919 to 18 November 1919 and Elder of State from 9 July 1929 to 12 February 1931, one of the eleven men to serve as Estonian head of state during its period of independence (1918 to 1940).

In 1917–1918, he was Chairman of the Estonian Province Assembly (Eesti Maanõukogu); in 1918, Minister of Justice, and in 1918–1919, Minister of Agriculture of the Provisional Government. In 1918, he was arrested by the German occupation powers. In 1919, he was Prime Minister and also Minister of War, 1920–1921 Minister of Foreign Affairs, 1921 Chairman of I Riigikogu, 1924 Minister of Foreign Affairs, later Minister of Finances, 1927–1929 Estonian Envoy to Poland, Czechoslovakia and Romania, 1933 Envoy to France, Belgium and the Vatican. 1917-1919 Member of the Estonian Province Assembly, 1919–1920 Member of the Constituent Assembly (Estonian: Asutav Kogu), 1920–1937, member of the I-V Riigikogu.

In 1941, he shot himself to death when the NKVD (People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs, here the Soviet State Secret Police) officers came to arrest him.

"Republic of Estonia heads of state 1918-2018" Series FDCs:
Otto Strandman
Ants Piip
Lennart Meri

Russia President FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Inauguration of the President of Russian Federation
Date of Issue: 07 May 2008

Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev (Russian: Дми́трий Анато́льевич Медве́дев; born 14 September 1965) is the 3rd and current President of Russia, inaugurated on May 7, 2008. He won the presidential election held on March 2, 2008 with about 70% of the vote.

Medvedev was appointed First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian government on November 14, 2005. Formerly Vladimir Putin's chief of staff, he was also the Chairman of Gazprom's board of directors, a post he had held, for the second time, since 2000. On December 10, 2007, he was informally endorsed as a candidate for the forthcoming presidential elections by the largest Russian political party, United Russia, and officially endorsed on December 17, 2007. Medvedev's candidacy was supported by former President Vladimir Putin and pro-presidential parties. A technocrat and political appointee, Medvedev had never held elective office before 2008. More...

Poland EUROPA FDC

Poland FDC
Name: EUROPA 2008 - Letter
Date of Issue: 05 May 2008

Comment: The design of this stamp is very funny. Knife, fork and FDC. Do you want to eat it?

EUROPA Series FDCs:
2009 Astronomy:
Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovakia.

2008 Letter:
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Vatican.

Russia EUROPA FDC

Russia FDC
Name: EUROPA 2008 - Letter
Date of Issue: 05 May 2008

Comment: The illustration of this FDC depicts an email. I'm curiously what's the meaning of this email, who could translate it?

EUROPA Series FDCs:
2009 Astronomy:
Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovakia.

2008 Letter:
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Vatican.

Lithuania EUROPA FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: EUROPA 2008 - Letter
Date of Issue: 03 May 2008

Designs:
2,45 Lt: The Great Duchy of Lithuania letters of Gediminas for Europe cities.1323.
2,45 Lt: The letters to Vilnius – To European culture metropolis.

Letters will be the main theme of stamp series Europa of 2008. Therefore, in the first stamp the author wants to remind us of a milestone of the written word in Lithuania – the letters of our Grand Duke Gediminas who wrote them in 1323 – 1324. These letters were addressed to Pope John XXII and Catholic Western Europe. By sending these letters, Grand Duke Gediminas invited various craftsmen, artisans and experts to come to the country. In these letters Vilnius was mentioned for the first time ever as the capital of the country.

The second stamp depicts the significant role of letters in our modern world. Nowadays both letters and e-mails spread the news to the world about Lithuania and its capital Vilnius which is preparing to become European capital of culture in 2009. The program under the title European Capitals of Culture has been implemented since 1985 providing cities with the possibility to introduce their culture to the citizens of other countries. Vilnius has already received numerous letters asking about the future events organized in the city, about traditions and history of Lithuania, already preparing to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of its statehood in 2009. In their letters people also inquire about the current situation of the country and its people.

Comment: This design is ingenious, not only has catered to the EUROPA topic, but also narrated a section of Lithuanian history.

EUROPA Series FDCs:
2009 Astronomy:
Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovakia.

2008 Letter:
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Vatican.

Indonesia Braille FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Special Needs Education
Date of Issue: 02 May 2008

Comment: My friend hadn't enclosed the official brochure to me, I haven't detailed information of this set. But this is a special set, you could see Braille script on the stamps and FDC. do you remember? India Post had just issued a Braille set in 2007.

2007 India Braille FDC
2008 Indonesia Braille FDC

Japan Hometowns FDC

Japan FDC
Name: Hometowns – Scenes in My Heart
Date of Issue: 02 May 2008

Designs:
(1) Yamamoto District, Akita Prefecture 秋田県山本郡
(2) Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture 埼玉県川越市
(3) Gujō City, Gifu Prefecture 岐阜県郡上市
(4) Chōshi City, Chiba Prefecture 千葉県銚子市
(5) Shōzu District, Kagawa Prefecture 香川県小豆郡
(6) Gamō District, Shiga Prefecture 滋賀県蒲生郡
(7) Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture 長野県松本市
(8) Ise City, Mie Prefecture 三重県伊勢市
(9) Aki City, Kōchi Prefecture 高知県安芸市
(10) Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture 石川県白山市

Comment: Japan Post always issues series stamps, this is the new series.

Romania Olympic Games FDC

Romania FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 01 May 2008

Denominations:
1,00 L: Athletics
1,00 L: Gymnastics
1,00 L: Swimming
1,00 L: Rowing

Comment: I'm so surprise that my Romanian friend wrote (painted) my Chinese address on this FDC. But this FDC has two shortcomings: 1. The postage overpaid, the registerd air mail postage from Romania to China is 9,10 L, but my friend paid 10,00 L for this FDC; 2. This FDC was not sent on issue day (01.05.2008), although the Romania Post permitt the official FDC to be sent after issue day, and I also don't know its valid time as Poland FDC. Do you know that?

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.

Sri Lanka History FDC

Sri Lanka FDC
Name: Ancient Sri Lanka – Proto - Historic Era & Early Anuradhapura Era
Date of Issue: 30 April 2008

Denominations:
5.00: Proto - Historic Era: Megalithic Cist Burial & Beads
Necklace found at Ibbankatuwa (600-400 B.C.)

10.00: Early Anuradhapura Era: Agriculture & Irrigation
Abhaya (Basawakkulama) Weva (3rd Century B.C.)

12.00: Early Anuradhapura Era: Language & Literature
Vallipuram Gold Plate (1st Century A.D.)

15.00: Early Anuradhapura Era: Metal Technology
Alakolaveva Iron Furnace (1st and 2nd Century A.D.)

30.00: Early Anuradhapura Era: Trade & Money
Gajalakshmi Coin (1st Century B.C. - 4th Century A.D.) & Punch Mark Coin (3rd Century B.C. - 4th Century A.D.)

40.00: Early Anuradhapura Era: Art & Craft
Sigiri Paintings (5th Century A.D.)

Comment: This is a stamp series named “Ancient Sri Lank”. According to its series number, it will totally issue 38 pieces stamps. These are 5/38 to 10/38.

Ancient Sri Lanka Series FDCs:
2nd Series: Proto - Historic Era & Early Anuradhapura Era
3rd Series: Late Anuradhapura Era

Poland Meteorology FDC

Poland FDC
Name: The Meteorological Phenomena
Date of Issue: 25 April 2008

Since the earliest times people used to watch carefully the nature, trying to foretell by the clouds or animal's behavior, for example, the oncoming storm, rain or drought. Nowadays we just look at the TV weather forecast while planning an excursion or simply choosing the suitable dress for tomorrow and to be sure if we would need an umbrella. The weather influences our general frame of mind, but we have no influence on it, either. Not infrequently the nature shows us its tremendous power in the floods or hurricanes, for example. But there are also many meteorological phenomena that may pass unwatched for us, and sometimes it is simply worth to look at the sky to see something beautiful and unusual.

The meteorological phenomena as to their nature: hydrometeors (rain, hail, frost, tornado), lithometeors (dust or sand blizzards or whirls), photometeors (halo, rainbow, mirage), electrometeors (storm, lightning, aurora borealis)

Meteorology - a branch of science, investigating the atmospheric phenomena. Based on the results of measurements of the main parameters (such as the air temperature, humidity, and pressure together with the wind speed) and the data, provided by the radars, air probes and satellites the complex analysis (today mostly computer-aided) is executed of their complicated mutual influences. Its results, or synoptic prognoses, are indispensable for the different sectors of country's economy, as in agriculture, for example, in order to avoid the catastrophic crops losses, or simply in the flight control.

Designs:
1.35 ZŁ: Sand blizzard
The sand being carried up high above the ground level by the strong, hot wind. It can be very arduous for the inhabitants of the desert areas.

1.35 ZŁ: Lightnings
The atmospheric electric discharges, born in the high rainclouds (cumulonimbus) in the result of the great temperature gradient and the strong wind. The lightning in fact is an electric spark, zeroing the charge difference between the cloud and the earth or between two individual clouds.

2.40 ZŁ: Rainbow
An arch of the diffracted sunlight. It emerges in the result of refraction, diffraction and the total internal reflection of solar rays in the small raindrops in the atmosphere. It is visible only if the Sun shines from behind of the observer and is sufficiently low (less than 40 degrees) above the horizon.

2.40 ZŁ: Tornado
A great funnel shaped whirl of air and liquefied water vapor, reaching up to the clouds. It rotates with enormous speed (400 km/h, for example, and creates giant difference of pressure inside. If it touches the earth, it destroys everything on its way, leaving behind a few hundreds meter wide trace of ruins on a distance of some 10-20 km.

The new stamps and the FDC envelope
The presented here four-stamp series shows the beauty of meteorological phenomena as fixed on the photographs. The graphic layout suggests that the slides have been shown in such a way to enhance their contrast and colors. Each stamp presents one phenomenon representative for each of the above mentioned groups hydrometeors, lithometeors, photometeors and electrometeors. On the FDC envelope the similar slides can be seen as lying on the back-light table. Their evaluation and choice of the best ones is suggested by the magnifying glass nearby.

Comment: This set was issued on 25 April, the stamps on this FDC were cancelled by "25.04.2008" special cancellations. But my friend sent this FDC on 13th May, 18 days after issue day, and he only added 1.30 ZŁ definitive stamps on this FDC. That's meaning the cancelled stamps' postage is still valid after 18 days, and I think it could be longer than 18 days, do you know how long about it?

Portugal Olympic Games M/S FDC

Portugal Minisheet FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 30 April 2008

Denominations:
€ 0,75: Equestrian
€ 0,75: Rowing
€ 0,75: Shooting
€ 0,75: Rhythmic Gymnastics

The official opening of the 29th Olympic Games will take place on 8th August 2008 in Beijing, People's Republic of China.

Peking - or Beijing - Chinese capital through five dynasties, has a population of around 14 million and boasts the world's most famous palace, The Forbidden City, located on its main thoroughfare.

Selected in 2001 to host this year's games, the city has been the scene of intensive preparations ever since. The venue for the opening and closing ceremonies will be the Beijing Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest due to its nest-like lattice of iron and steel, which has capacity for 91,000. Other facilities have also been specially built for the event, such as the Water Cube, enveloped in an opaque membrane with over three thousand pneumatic cushions made of recycled plastic, arranged to resemble the organic cells of living beings.

The emblem for this year's games, comprising 302 events in 28 sports and involving around 10,500 athletes, is a dancing figure with outspread arms against a red background, to symbolise the country's joy at hosting these games and the warm welcome it extends to the rest of the world and the athletes from all five continents.

Portugal first took part in the Stockholm Olympics in 1912, parading its recently adopted red and green flag at the opening ceremony; its four athletes competed in the marathon, athletics, wrestling and fencing.

This year, the Portuguese team numbers some 46 athletes, who will compete in Athletics, Cycling, Judo, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming, Taekwondo, Trampolining.

Comment: Portuguese Olympic Games' stamps have 2008 Beijing Olympic Games emblem, but the stamps on the minisheet haven't it. Who knows the reason?

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.

Israel Export Institute FDC

Israel FDC
Name: The Israel Export Institute - 50th Anniversary
Date of Issue: 28 April 2008

"The Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute" marks the 50th anniversary of its founding against the backdrop of the outstanding achievements of Israeli exports in international markets.

Today's exports constitute a central component in Israel's economic strength and are a significant factor in the economy's growth momentum.

The government and the private sector jointly founded the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute (IEICI) as a non-profit organization in 1958. The Institute's objective was to promote Israel's industrial and service exports and to develop commercial ties, collaborations and strategic alliances with foreign companies.

The Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute promotes industrial exports and the export of services through international initiatives and unique programs. The Institute operates in many countries via official Israeli representatives, commercial and economic attaches, and local commercial development representatives. The Institute maintains close business ties with foreign diplomatic representatives and commercial attaches serving in Israel, as well as with international trade organizations throughout the world. The Institute provides comprehensive information in the field of international trade, advice and contacts and helps to promote exports from Israeli companies as well as complementary services to businesses overseas. The Institute initiates and organizes incoming and outgoing delegations and also organizes, establishes and manages national booths at international exhibitions around the world in which it presents Israel's capabilities in the areas of: life sciences, communications and software, security and safety, water technologies, ecology and agro-industry, industry and construction, commodities and more.

Since its inception, the Export Institute has striven to increase and expand Israeli exports, as it understands the importance of foreign trade to the Israeli economy which lacks raw materials and a regional market for its products. The prominent presence of Israeli merchandise, products, knowledge and services in global markets attests to the many years of effort made by thousands of exporters, large and small, as encouraged by the Export Institute to go out into the world and successfully break into international markets.

Promoting Israeli foreign trade is a national task and the Export Institute will continue to do so diligently, while strengthening Israel's status as a developed and modern economy and its position as an advanced market in the forefront of world technology.

Comment: This FDC overpaid again. What shall I say? Could I ask my money back? The irresponsible Israel Post clerk should be blame! :(

Israel Independence FDC

Israel FDC
Name: 60 Years of Independence
Date of Issue: 28 April 2008

Design:
The stamp design is based on the official symbol of Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations, which was created for the office of the Prime Minister's Anniversary Planning Committee, headed by Minister Ruhama Avraham Balila. The symbol was designed by the advertising division of the "Arad Communications" firm and the logo was designed by the firm's Remo Sintes.

The State of Israel was founded in 1948 and immediately forced to confront its neighbors in a war over its very existence. The hasty departure of the British Mandatory Government left most of the official institutions in a state of utter chaos. Israel’s foreign relations were severed, the country was in the throes of an economic crisis and it suffered severe shortages of the most basic staples. Under these difficult conditions, the Israeli population, numbering some 600,000, also had to deal with the absorption of throngs of penniless new arrivals, European Holocaust refugees, British detention camp prisoners and immigrants from countries to the East.

Despite these impossible initial conditions, the State of Israel succeeded not only to survive and subsist, but it developed as well, attaining a long series of impressive world-class achievements in a wide range of fields. As space will not allow a complete list, suffice it to name but a few.

Israeli agriculture is very advanced and has made multiple achievements. Israel developed the drip irrigation method, which enables increased crop quantities while significantly saving on water consumption. Through meticulous fostering of cattle herds and the development of innovative milking methods, Israel has achieved world record average milk yields per cow. Unique, locally developed varieties of hothouse flowers have made Israel the third largest flower exporter in the world.

Israel's hi-tech industry is world renowned. Israeli companies have developed unique products, such as Firewall and ICQ, and revolutionized the field. International computer companies in both the hardware and software realms have established global industry-leading research and development centers in Israel. Israel is among the top three countries in the world in registration of technological patents.

Israel has developed a series of innovative, unique solutions for creating solar energy. Israeli pharmaceutical companies have developed innovative drugs, based on discoveries and breakthroughs made by researchers at Israeli universities. Israeli scientists are credited with many achievements in various scientific fields and they have led Israeli research institutes, such as the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology and the Weizmann Institute of Science, to the global forefront.

Israel's defense industry is among the most progressive in the world. In the space field, Israel belongs to a small, prestigious group of countries which are capable of producing satellites as well as the launching means required to situate them in space; The "Hetz" (arrow) interceptor missile system, which defends against ballistic missiles, constitutes a technological breakthrough and Israel is among the world leaders in the development of unmanned aircraft.

Throughout the years of its existence, Israel has absorbed more than two million new immigrants, providing them with housing, education, employment and the chance for a better future. From a faltering country on the brink of destruction, Israel has become a progressive country with a stable economy and which is able to provide aid to other countries in a variety of fields. Despite security difficulties and the state of emergency the country has found itself in ever since it was established, Israel has a multi-party democratic regime, with few like it in the world.

Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations provide a good opportunity to appreciate the country's many achievements and to feel a sense of pride for our part in that unique creation which is "The State of Israel".

Comment: 1. Israel Post made a big mistake on this FDC, the regular airmail postage from Israel to China is 5.25 Israeli New Sheqel, but the total postage of this FDC has only 4.50 Israeli New Sheqel, this is not the only mistake from Israel on this issue day, I will update the other wrong postage FDC from Israel next time. 2. This FDC was sent by regular mail, so the Israel Post added a machine postmark on this FDC, interesting!

Sri Lanka Youth Meeting FDC

Sri Lanka FDC
Name: 7th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting - 2008
Issue date: 26 April 2008

The 7th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CYMM) hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka will be held from 27th to 30th April 2008 in Colombo. The Theme of the meeting is "Youth and Peace Building". 54 Delegations are expected to attend the CYMM representing 51 full members, 2 self Governing Territories plus the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and Conference Secretary of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Most of the Delegations will be led by the Ministers-in charge of Youth Affairs or the Deputy Ministers or Permanent Secretaries. Anticipated attendance of the meeting is 250-300 including the Sri Lanka Delegation, the Commonwealth Secretariat team and possible observer organizations.

The Meeting is expected to:

• Enable the Ministers to debate on emerging issues related to youth development in particular the linkages between peace building, social development and transformation.

• Provide a policy direction for the Commonwealth Youth Programme and Youth Development over period from 2008-2012.

The Opening Ceremony of the meeting will be held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in the afternoon of 27th April 2008 under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President and Hon. Rathnasiri Wickramanayake, the Prime Minister respectively of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary General will grace the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Plenary Sessions of the Meeting will be held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo from 28th to 30th April 2008.

This stamp depicts a young man and woman attired in the traditional dress depicting the culture, and youth and is framed in the Commonwealth Logo releasing a pigeon of peace.

Comment: Sri Lank Post is very strange, their post offices don't work at weekend, but they issued this set on 26th April (Saturday), and processed this FDC on 28th April (Monday).

China Stamp: T7-2008

China Semipostal Stamp
Name: Fighting Earthquake & Reducing Victims
Number: T7-2008
Date of Issue: 20 May 2008
Value: 1 stamp/set

The 2008 Sichuan earthquake (Chinese: 四川大地震), at a magnitude 7.9 Mw, occurred at 14:28:01.42 CST (06:28:01.42 UTC) on 12 May 2008 in Sichuan province of China. In China, it was named the Wenchuan earthquake (Chinese: 汶川大地震), after the earthquake's epicenter in Wenchuan County in Sichuan province. The epicenter was 80 kilometres (50 mi) west-northwest of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, with a depth of 19 kilometres (12 mi). The earthquake was felt as far away as Beijing (1,500 km away) and Shanghai (1,700 km away), where office buildings swayed with the tremor. The earthquake was also felt in nearby countries.

Official figures (as of May 20, 18:00 CST) state that 40,075 are confirmed dead, including 39,577 in Sichuan province, and 247,645 injured. The Chinese government warned that the death toll could reach 50,000. Tens of thousands are missing, approximately 14,000 of them buried, and eight provinces were affected. The earthquake left about 4.8 million people homeless. It was the deadliest and strongest earthquake to hit China since the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, which killed over 240,000 people. More...

Comment: China Post's reaction is as fast as the China Government on this serious earthquake. Because only few collector knew this set's issue date, I have gotten enough quantity from my local post office.

India Jasmine FDCs

Stamps FDC
Minisheet FDC

India FDCs
Name: Jasmine (Scented Stamps)
Date of Issue: 26 April 2008

Variously known as Juhi, Chameli, Mogra and Malati in North India and as Malligai and Mallepoovu etc. in the south, the fragrant and delicate Jasmine flower is deeply embedded in the Indian psyche.
The very name 'Jasmine' evokes the romance of balmy summer evenings redolent with the haunting fragrance of flower in bloom.

A native to the tropics and warm temperate regions of the world, Jasmine belongs to the family Oleaceae, and may grow as a shrub or as a climbing vine. Typically its leaf shape is simple, trifoliate or pinnate, with up to nine leaflets growing opposite each other. The small and delicate flowers are usually white in colour, though some species bear yellow blossoms. Flowering in the spring and summer, the blossoms bloom in the dark, perfuming the night air with a lingering sweet fragrance.

Widely used in religious offerings, the flowers are also popular for decorative purposes. Many Indian women wear these flowers in their hair. The flowers are also kept inside homes to perfume the air.

Commonly grown as a houseplant in much of south East Asia, the plant is now widely cultivated across the globe for commercial purposes. In fact, the aromatic oil distilled from its flowers are prized in aromatherapy, and in the making of joss sticks, cosmetics, and perfumes, etc. It is also used to add flavour to tea and rice in China and in South Asia. Many believe that daily consumption of Jasmine tea helps in preventing certain cancers.

Intrinsic to the collective consciousness of the Indian sub-continent, there are numerous references to the Jasmine in Indian poetry and literature in many languages. The flower also finds mention in English poetry, as in the following lines of Thomas Moore:

"Plants that wake when others sleep
timid jasmine buds that keep
their fragrance to themselves all day,
but when the sunlight dies away
let the delicious secret out
to every breeze that roams about".

Turkey Airplanes FDC

Turkey FDC
Name: Airplanes
Date of Issue: 25 April 2008

Designs:
65Ykr: B-24 D
First model produced on a large scale; ordered from 1940 to 1942, as a B-24C with better engines (R-1830-43 supercharged engines). During the production run, the tunnel gun in the belly was replaced by a remote-sited Bendix belly turret; this was later replaced by a Sperry ball turret. In late B-24Ds, 'cheek' guns were added.

80Ykr: Curtiss Hawk
Hawk was a name common to many aircraft designed and produced by the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company. More...

85Ykr: P.Z.L. XXIV
The PZL P.24 was a Polish fighter aircraft, designed in mid-1930s in the PZL factory in Warsaw. It was exported to several countries, but not used in Poland. Turkish P.24s were used for training until the late 1940s. Some were refitted with Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engines. The only surviving example of a PZL P.24 in the world is a museum piece in Turkey. More...

Commment: Obviously, these airplanes are vintage airplanes, and were used in WWII period.

2007 India Airplanes FDC
2008 Poland Airplanes FDC
2008 Turkey Airplanes FDC

Portugal Olympic Games FDC

Portugal FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Issue date: 30 April 2008

Denominations:
€ 0,30: Cycling
€ 0,30: Running
€ 0,75: Triple Jump

The official opening of the 29th Olympic Games will take place on 8th August 2008 in Beijing, People's Republic of China.

Peking - or Beijing - Chinese capital through five dynasties, has a population of around 14 million and boasts the world's most famous palace, The Forbidden City, located on its main thoroughfare.

Selected in 2001 to host this year's games, the city has been the scene of intensive preparations ever since. The venue for the opening and closing ceremonies will be the Beijing Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest due to its nest-like lattice of iron and steel, which has capacity for 91,000. Other facilities have also been specially built for the event, such as the Water Cube, enveloped in an opaque membrane with over three thousand pneumatic cushions made of recycled plastic, arranged to resemble the organic cells of living beings.

The emblem for this year's games, comprising 302 events in 28 sports and involving around 10,500 athletes, is a dancing figure with outspread arms against a red background, to symbolise the country's joy at hosting these games and the warm welcome it extends to the rest of the world and the athletes from all five continents.

Portugal first took part in the Stockholm Olympics in 1912, parading its recently adopted red and green flag at the opening ceremony; its four athletes competed in the marathon, athletics, wrestling and fencing.

This year, the Portuguese team numbers some 46 athletes, who will compete in Athletics, Cycling, Judo, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming, Taekwondo, Trampolining.

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.

Estonia EUROPA FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: EUROPA 2008 - Letter
Date of Issue: 30 April 2008

PostEurop has picked the letter as the theme of this year's Europa stamp. The letter is a missive from the sender to the receiver and for its delivery postal services have been set up in all world countries today. Regular postal carriage in Europe started on the initiative of Franz von Taxis in 1495 on the Vienna-Brussels route. Estonia received its first regular postal link with Sweden 1638. For the linguistic expression of the contents of letters men have devised sign systems that have developed from ancient pictograms and cuneiform signs into powerful and supple instruments of human communication. Whether alphabetic, syllabic or hieroglyphic, writing can express the whole range of human thought and can besides take highly artistic forms. Although e-mails are winning more and more popularity today, the traditional "hard copy" letter is still very much alive and kicking as the millions of letters postal systems daily deliver to addressees prove.

EUROPA Series FDCs:
2009 Astronomy:
Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovakia.

2008 Letter:
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Vatican.

Taiwan Cactus FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Cactus
Date of Issue: 30 April 2008
Number: Sp.518

The cactus family is a group of unusual looking plants with distinctive habits and gorgeous blossoms. Almost all of the families are native to the Americas. After being cultivated here in Taiwan for many years, a few species now grow naturally on beaches and other wild places.

Designs:
NT$5.00: Red Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus)
Commonly known as red pitaya or night blooming cereus, the stems of Hylocereus undatus are jointed, each with three prominent angled ribs. They can develop aerial roots on one side to clamber up walls, tree trunks, cliff surfaces or dykes.

NT$5.00: Thelocactus bicolor
It has a globular shaped stem with neat rows of beautiful spines (modified leaves). Its colorful flowers are very showy and are larger than the globose stem itself. This stunningly beautiful cactus is often cultivated as an ornamental.

NT$12.00: Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri)
Aptly named “joint-leaf cactus” in Chinese, Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri features flat, segmented leaf-like stems. Its stem segments have smooth undulations instead of sharp teeth along the margins. Its flowers are funnel-shaped with radial symmetry.

Russia Black Sea Fleet FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The 225th Anniversary of the Black Sea Fleet
Date of Issue: 29 April 2008

The Black Sea Fleet (Russian: Черноморский Флот) is a large sub-unit of the Russian (and formerly Soviet) Navy, operating in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea since the late 18th century. It is based in various harbors of Black Sea and Sea of Azov coast. More...

Spain EXFILNA FDC

Spain FDC
Name: EXFILNA 2008, Oviedo
Date of Issue: 28 April 2008

On occasion of the XLVI edition of the National Philatelic Exhibition, one of the most important in Spanish philately whose aim is to promote stamp collecting, Correos, as always, issues a souvenir sheet depicting the Cross of Victory and in the background, the main building of the Campoamor theatre in Oviedo, the town where this year's Exfilna edition takes place from the 28th April to the 3rd May.

The Cross of Victory, also known as Pelayo cross, is the main theme of the stamp and souvenir sheet. This emblematic piece is the symbol of Asturias, it is kept in the Holy Chamber of the San Salvador cathedral in Oviedo and it is a remarkable exponent of the Asturian Pre-Romanesque period. It is a Latin cross with its arms widening towards their tips and at its centre there is a relic box. It is made of oak wood and covered in gold and precious gems. It was made during the reign of King Alfonso III the Great who donated it in the year 908. According to the legend, this cross was worn by Don Pelayo in the battle of Covadonga.

The Campoamor theatre is the venue where the prestigious Principe Felipe awards ceremony is held. It is a clear symbol and scenario of the cultural life of Oviedo. It was built by architects José López Salaberry and Sirgo Borrajo Montenegro from 1883 to 1892. It was named after the famous Asturian poet Ramón de Campoamor on proposal of writer Leopoldo Alas Clarin and suffered major restorations in 1916 and 1940 after being reduced to rubble during the Civil War. It reopened its doors in 1948 with a clear influence from the European romantic classicism and from then on has been the venue fro the performance of plays, zarzuelas, and concerts.

Oviedo is the capital of the principality of Asturias, a modern, commercial and monumental city which this year houses the XLVI edition of the Exposición Filatélica Nacional in the Auditorium-Congress Palace Principe Felipe.

Francisco M. Peñacorveira, Thank you sent this real posted FDC to me. Please send an email to me asap.

Comment: This is my 1st real posted FDC from Spain, I'm so surprise because I don't know the sender before this FDC. He did a very professional job, but I want to remind all of my blog's visitors, you'd better contact with me before you send anything to me.

Israel Sabra FDC

Israel FDC
Name: The Israeli
Date of Issue: 28 April 2008

The nickname "Sabra" has stuck with native Israelis since the 1930's. The image of "our cute and prickly Sabras", coarse mannered "on the outside" but kindhearted and full of humor "on the inside" took form as they adapted their own rich lexicon of slang derived from Hebrew, Arabic and other languages, a unique form of speech and articles of clothing that were all their own. Young people who immigrated to Israel from around the world sought to shed the customs of their native lands and to become like the Sabras, who appeared to them as if descended from gods. Palmach soldiers elevated the Sabra to new heights of glory during the years prior to the Declaration of Independence and the subsequent war.

In the 1950's, political caricaturists and children's book illustrators conceptualized the young State of Israel as a typical Israeli boy. The caricaturist Dosh (Kariel Gardosh), a Holocaust survivor from Hungary, called the boy "Little Yisrael" and turned him into a symbol of the State of Israel, just as "Uncle Sam" symbolizes the United States and "Marianne" symbolizes France. "Srulik", as people called him, was the central character in Dosh?s caricatures for 50 years. Over time, he grew to be a native youth, who continued to suffer and defend himself against acts of violence and hypocritical reactions from the world's nations.

In honor of Israel's 50th anniversary celebrations, The Israel Philatelic Service issued a stamp featuring "Srulik".

Over the years, Israeli society has moved away from the Sabra ideal that "Srulik" represented. The identity of today's young Israelis is no longer made up of one single mass: on one hand, there is a trend toward returning to the traditions of one's family's country of origin, and on the other hand, there are aspirations to belong to the youth culture of Europe and the U.S.

The image chosen to represent the "new Sabra" on the stamp marking Israel's 60th anniversary has traces of the previous Sabra: the hat, the short pants and the sandals. However, these no longer represent a young farmer, but rather the attire of an average Israeli possibly soldiers clothes or possibly intentional fashionable carelessness. Chutzpah, bluntness and directness still characterize today's Sabra, along with a large measure of affability, which compensates for the rest. The young Israeli is also a proud patriot, holding a flag in hand, but he no longer withdraws from the world, rather communicates with it through the internet and electronic mail.

Comment: This is an inland stamp without denomination, but it's very strange that this stamp's value couldn't be used in the international mail, so my friend and me wasted 1.55 New Israel Sheqel. :(