Russia Ojstrakh PCBCS

Russia PCBCS (Post Cards Bearing Commemorative Stamp)
Name: The 100th birth anniversary of David Oistrakh, a violinist, an educational specialist
Date of Issue: 03 July 2008

David Fyodorovich Oistrakh (Russian: Давид Фёдорович Ойстрах), David Fiodorovič Ojstrah; September 30 [O.S. September 17] 1908 – October 24, 1974) was a Soviet violinist who made many recordings and was the dedicatee of numerous violin works.

His recordings and performances of Shostakovich's concerti are particularly well known, but he was also a performer of classical concerti. He worked with orchestras in Russia, and also with musicians in Europe and the United States. Oistrakh's recording of Beethoven's Triple Concerto with Sviatoslav Richter and Mstislav Rostropovich is also well known, and the violin concerto of Aram Khachaturian is dedicated to him, as are the two violin concerti by Dmitri Shostakovich. More...

Russia Ostroukhov PCBCS

Russia PCBCS (Post Cards Bearing Commemorative Stamp)
Name: The 150th birth anniversary of Ilya Ostroukhov, a painter
Date of Issue: 03 July 2008

Ilya Semenovich Ostroukhov (Russian: Илья́ Семёнович Остроу́хов) (1858-1929) was a Russian painter.

Ostroukhov was born to a rich family. Mingling with the painter at Abramtsevo, he began to take an interest in painting, and in 1882, started taking private classes from the leading Russian pedagogue Pavel Chistyakov. In 1885, Ostroukhov joined the Association of Travelling Art Exhibitions. Ostroukhov was primarily a landscape painter with a praised ability for depicting the natural. Arguably, his most famous painting is "Siverko" (1890), considered by many one of the greatest Russian landscape paintings of the 19th century. Ostroukhov was a fervent art collector, and after the October Revolution his personal collection was merged with the Tretyakov Gallery. He later became one of the members of its administrative commission. Ostroukhov spent the remainder of his life working as an art theoritican, and wrote several notable extensive texts on art. More...

Comment: The illustration of this PCBCS is his most famous painting "Siverko (The North Wind)", it depicts a majestic river view dominated by the effects of the cold northern wind.

Japan Letter Writing Day FDCs

Japan FDC
Name: Letter Writing Day
Date of Issue: 23 July 2008

2007 Japan Letter Writing Day FDCs
2008 Japan Letter Writing Day FDCs

China Pre-stamped Postcard TP35

China Special Pre-stamped Postcard
Name: Memorial Hall of The War to Resist America and Aid Korea
Number: TP35
Date of Issue: 27 July 2008

The War to Resist America and Aid Korea (Korea War) refers to a period of military conflict between North Korea and South Korean regimes, with major hostilities lasting from June 25, 1950 until the armistice signed on July 27, 1953.

The Memorial Hall is located in Dandong (丹東), Liaoning Province. Dandong is on the border between China and North Korea, marked by the Yalu River.

Turkey Humanity FDC

Turkey FDC
Name: Precedent For Humanity
Date of Issue: 17 July 2008

Denominations:
65 Yeni Kuruş: Necdet Kent (1911-2002)
He served as Turkey's Vice-Consul General in Marseille between 1941-1944. During the Second World War, he issued Turkish passports to Jews and saved their life.

Necdet Kent was informed that Turkish Jews had been loaded into cattle cars to be transported to the concentration camps in Germany. He immediately went to the Saint Charles train station. In the cars there were 80 people crammed one on top of the other. The Gestapo commander in the station approached Necdet Kent and told him to leave right away. However, forcing the limits of his usual gentleness, Kent responded that those people were Turkish citizens and that there was a mistake that had to be corrected immediately. The Gestapo commander replied that he was only processing the orders and that the people in the cars were not Turks but "ordinary Jews". Seeing that his warnings beared no result. Kent suddenly jumped into the train by pushing aside the soldier who was trying to stop him and the official from the Foreign Ministry who had come with him. Outside there was a car waiting for taking Necdet Kent back. But he did not move. He explained that more than 80 Turkish citizens were loaded into these cattle cars just because they were Jewish and that he was the representative of a government which could not accept such an attitude. The Germans, puzzled by the firm stance of Necdet Kent, made everybody in the train get off and this drama was concluded.

80 Yeni Kuruş: Selâhattin Ülkümen (1914-2003)
He served as the Consul General of Turkey in Rhodes between 1943-1944. Opposing the German Nazi forces who occupied the Island during the Second World War, he saved 42 Jews from death.

Nazi Germany occupied Rhodes in 1943. Adolf Hitler's plan to annihilate Jews was directly put in practice in the Island. 1800 Jews were living in Rhodes at that moment. In 1944, the Nazi regime sent Anton Burger to the Island with the duty to direct the transportation of the Jews on Island to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. The Commander of the Nazi armies in the Aegean region, German Lieutenant General Ulrich Kleeman, was ordered to fulfill Burger's instructions. The Germans ordered on the 19t of June the Jews in Rhodes to get together in the Italian headquarter on the Island and bring with themselves belongings for 10 days. The Rhodesian Jews were told that they would be resettled on a nearby island. The Turkish Consul General, Selâhattin Ülkümen, was concerned by these developments and demanded that the Turkish Jews living on the Island be released. Ülkümen told the German General: "According to Turkish laws, there is no difference between Jews, Muslims and Christians. If the Turkish Jews are not let go immediately. I will inform the Turkish Government and this will lead to an international crisis." At the end, Kleeman accepted to set free the Turkish Jews.

While he was serving as Consul General in Rhodes during the Second World War, Selâhattin Ülkümen prevented the expedition of 42 Jews to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps with his personal efforts.

Comment: This is a good issue for Jews. Many people saved and helped Jews during WWII. My city, Shanghai, also saved about 20,000 Jewish refugees' lives during WWII. They are called "Shanghai Ghetto". BTW, it seems that Turkish Post had changed their registered label.

Great Britain Air Displays FDC

Great Britain FDC
Name: Air Displays
Date of Issue: 17 July 2008

In 1908, Farnborough was the site of the United Kingdom's first powered flight by the American, Samuel Franklin Cody. He took to the air in British Army Aircraft One. 2008 is also the 60th anniversary of the Farnborough Air Show.

Denominations:
1st Class: Red Arrows
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic team was formed in 1964 to tidy up several different RAF aerobatic teams into one single unit. The greatest and best-known military aerobatics team in the world, they have performed at over 4,000 displays worldiwde and are a much-loved fixture of air displays and countless smaller outdoor events every year.

48p: RAF Falcons
The public will now routinely see high-precision routines from parachute teams at most big airshows and even garden fetes. The Falcons are the RAF's parachute display team, famous for their trademark 'non-contact canopy stack' jump. The Royal Navy have their own display team, the Raiders, while the famous Red Devils represent both the Army and the Parachute Regiment.

50p: Formation Flying
As small and agile biplanes gave way to faster monoplanes, then to jets, aerobatic displays got more spectacular - and further away from the crowds. It was 54 Squadron, flying de Havilland Vampires, that hit upon the neat solution of making themselves much more visible by bing the first to use smoke trails, made by releasing diesel and coloured dye into the jet exhaust.

56p: The Cold War
Until the Royal Navy became responsible for Britain's missile-based thermonuclear deterrent, the RAF was in the front line of any potential conflict with the Warsaw Pact. In the 1950s, air display audiences met new generations of fast jet-propelled fighters and bombers. Many would treat the crowds to a sonic boom or two, despite the objections of local residents.

72p: Wing Walking
Wing walking and other early stunts were so dangerous they were effectively outlawed, but they have made a comeback in more recent decades. Britain has at least one commercially-sponsored formation wing walking team performing at airshows and other events. It has also become a much sought-after experience among many extrem sports enthusiasts.

81p: Air Racing
From the very earliest airshows at Frankfurt and Rheims in 1909, competitive racing was a key element, allowing manufacturers to showcase designs and spurring companies - later nations - to improve their aircraft. The 81p stamp shows a speed contest fro monoplanes, won by William Barnard Rhodes-Moorhouse, who later became the first pilot to win the Victoria Cross.

Comment: This is my first real posted FDC from Great Britain. But it's very interesting. The Royal Mail cancelled this FDC but didn't send it directly to me, they put it into another bigger envelope, and then sent this bigger envelope to me by registered mail before issue day.

Taiwan Ancient Painting FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Ancient Chinese Painting "A Hundred Deer" by Ignace Sichelbart, Cing Dynasty
Date of Issue: 16 July 2008
Number: Sp.523

To promote an appreciation of ancient Chinese art and philately, this Post is issuing a set of eight stamps (each with a denomination of NT$5.00) that is based on the Cing Dynasty painting Bailutu (A Hundred Deer 百鹿圖) by Ignace Sichelbart from the National Palace Museum collection. The full painting will be printed in a se-tenant block of eight stamps in two rows of four. The eight stamps are not uniform in size. Instead there are five different sizes of stamp. This variety of sizes enables the se-tenant block to be broken up into compositionally coherent individual stamps.

Ignace Sichelbart (1708-1780, Chinese name Ai Ci-meng 艾启蒙 or 艾啟蒙, style name Sing-an) was from Bohemia (part of present day Czech Republic). He became a Cing court painter in 1745 (the tenth year of Emperor Cianlong's reign), working in Ruyi Hall in the palace along with Giuseppe Castiglione and Jean Denis Attiret. Conferred a title of the third rank, he was especially good at painting birds. Bailutu (or A Hundred Deer) depicts a group of deer wandering on an open meadow between frosted trees with rugged slopes in the background.

The deer can be seen in a great variety of poses—grazing, resting, swimming, drinking water, running, butting heads, or kneeling while making calls.

Comment: I'm so stupid, I forgot to ask my friend to make the minisheet FDC for me. It's a beautiful minisheet, but I miss it. :(

2007 Taiwan Ancient Chinese Painting FDC (Eighteen Scholars of the T'ang)
2007 Taiwan Ancient Chinese Painting Minisheet FDC (Eighteen Scholars of the T'ang)
2008 Taiwan Ancient Chinese Painting FDC (A Hundred Deer)

Russia Helicopter FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The 50th Years of Helicopter Sport
Date of Issue: 12 July 2008

Comment: I couldn't find more information of this set, I only found the type of this Helicopter, it's a Mil Mi-1 Helicopter.

Ukraine Monastery FDC

Ukraine FDC
Name: The 900th Anniversary of the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery
Date of Issue: 11 July 2008

St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery (Ukrainian: Михайлівський золотоверхий монастир; translit.: Mykhaylivs’kyi zolotoverkhyi monastyr; Russian: Михайловский златоверхий монастырь; translit.: Mikhaylovsky zlatoverkhy monastyr) is a functioning monastery in Kiev, Ukraine. The monastery is located on the Western side of the Dnieper River on the edge of a bluff northeast of the St. Sophia Cathedral. The site is located in the historic and administrative Uppertown and overlooks the city's historical commercial and merchant quarter, the Podil neighbourhood.

Originally built in the Middle Ages by Sviatopolk II Iziaslavych, the monastery comprises the Cathedral itself (Mykhaylivs’kyi zolotoverkhyi sobor), the refectory of St. John the Divine, built in 1713, the Economic Gates (Ekonomichna vrata), constructed in 1760 and the monastery's bell tower, which was added circa 1716–1719. The exterior of the structure was rebuilt in the Ukrainian Baroque style in the 18th century while the interior remained in its original Byzantine style.[3] The cathedral was demolished by the Soviet authorities in the 1930s, but was recently reconstructed after Ukraine gained its independence. More...

Comment: I was so sad when I received this FDC. My friend didn't send it by registered mail, so it was damaged.

China Pre-stamped Postcard JP149

China Pre-stamped Postcard
Name: The 130th Anniversary of the Issuance of the Large Dragon Stamps
Number: JP149
Date of Issue: 24 July 2008

On March 9, 1878, Robert Hart entrusted Gustav Detring, then Commissioner of Customs - Tientsin (天津海關税務司), to inaugurate Customs trial-run postal service following example of the Europeans. The beginning of China's modern post was marked with the opening of the Customs Postal Service (海關書信館) for public mailing on March 23, 1878, at Peking (北京), Tientsin (天津), Newchwang (牛莊), Chinkiang (鎮江) and Shanghai (上海) with Tientsin Customs (津海關) as the center. It was officially named the Customs Post Office (海關撥駟達局) later in January 11, 1880. The Customs Post Office decided to print postage stamps to simplify the postal charge and account settlement. In July 1878, China's first issue - Customs Large Dragon (海關大龍) stamps was released.

India China FDC

Stamps FDC
Minisheet FDC

India FDCs
Name: White Horse Temple and Mahabodhi Temple (China - India Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 11 July 2008

India and China are two ancient civilizations endowed with rich histories and cultural heritages, which have had centuries long intellectual exchanges. Buddhism played a central role in initiating the movement of people and ideas between the two countries. Many Chinese scholars visited India in the first millennium to study Buddhism and other subjects and also to collect Sanskrit documents with many of them spending a decade or more in India. Many Indian scholars went to china and worked there between the first century and the eleventh century. They were engaged in a variety of pursuits including Indians in China translating Sanskrit documents into Chinese (mostly Buddhist writings), as well as other activities, like the pursuit of mathematics and science. Several Indian mathematicians and astronomers held high positions in China’s scientific establishment.

The first firm record of the arrival of Indian monks in China goes back to the first century, when Dharmaraksha and Kasyapa Matanga went at the invitation of Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty. It is said that in A.D. 64, the Seventh year of Yong Ping, Emperor Ming dreamed of a gold deity, flying over the place. The white horse Temple, established in A.D. 68 is located 12 kms east of the ancient capital city of Luoyang, Henan Province. The next day, he asked his ministers to interpret his dream. Zhong Hu, one of the ministers, explained to him that the deity he dreamed of was probably the Buddha in India. Upon hearing that, the emperor sent a delegation of eighteen members headed by Cai Yin, Qin Jing and Wang Zun to seek Buddhism in India. The team crossed mountains and hills before finally arriving in what is now Afghanistan, where they studied Buddhist codes, got a portrait of Sakyamuni, and the Forty-two Sutras. While returning, they invited two eminent Indian monks, Kasyapa Matanga and Dharmaraksha (known in China by the names She Moteng and Zhu Falan) to come with them. They brought with them a white horse carrying Buddhist sutras and Buddhist figures on its back. This was the first time that Buddhism appeared in China. The two monks were highly respected by Emperor Ming. In A.D. 68, a temple was ordered to be built to the west of Luoyang City, which was named the White Horse Temple in memory of the white horse which carried back the Buddhist sutras.

Its was in this temple that the first version of the Chinese Forty-two Sutras was produced, which was a work of translation done by the first Indian monks there. The monastery became a centre of Buddhist studies. Ever since, Buddhism exerted more and more influence on the life of the Chinese and spread as far as Japan, Korea and Vietnam. That is why the White Horse Temple is referred to as “the Founder’s Home” and “the cradle of Buddhism”. The two Indian monks She Moteng and Zhu Falan worked in the monastery till death and were buried to the east and west of the temple. The temple boasts of great antique architecture including the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Hall of the Great Buddha, Hall of Mahavira, Hall of Guidence and the Cool and Clear Terrace that are different parts of the temple housing different incarnations of Buddha amid magnificent decoration and architectural splendour.

The Mahabodhi Temple is built in a place where Siddharth or Gautama obtained enlightenment or Bodhi, and became the Buddha…the Enlightened One. The temple is in Bodhgaya, District Gaya, in the state of Bihar in Eastern Indian. Bodhgaya has grown on the banks of the Lilajan (ancient Nairanjana) river near the ancient village of Uruvela. The Mahabodhi Temple has soaring pyramidal spire, 54 meters (177 feet) high, is carved in tiers and capped by an umbrella like finial. The gateway to the temple is made of granite and is covered with inscriptions from Buddha’s teaching. The temple is enclosed on three sides by a 1st century B.C. stone railing carved with lotus medallions and scenes from Buddha’s life.

Legend has it that the Buddha sat under the Mahabodhi Tree facing the rising sun. He stayed in Bodhagaya for seven weeks after his enlightenment. Each week was spent in a different part of the temple complex. The first week was spent under the Bodhi Tree. One of the earliest constructions at the foot of the Bodhi tree was a polished sandstone throne, Vajrasana which marks Buddha’s seat of meditation. It is ascribed to Asoka, who as one of his edicts proclaims, undertook pilgrimage to Sambodhi. Other remnants include a covered promenade i.e. the chankama of Budhha. The chankama marks the sacred spot where Buddha spent the third week after his Enlightenment, meditatively walking up and down. It is now a brick platform with representation of lotuses, which are believed to have blossomed forth under the footsteps of Buddha.

Inside the temple sits a large gilded statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in earth touching mudra and is facing east exactly at the place where the Buddha, sitting in meditation with his back to the Bodhi Tree, was enlightened. The Temple (Vajrasana-brihadha-gandha-kuti) underwent several stages of repair and renovation but utmost care has been taken to maintain the original pattern.

Israel Olympic Games FDC

Israel FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 14 July 2008

The Olympic Games are held every four years and as the date approaches the public's level of interest increases.

Twenty eight different sporting fields gather within a single competitive arena. Sports considered anonymous suddenly take center stage, and athletes become national or sometimes international heroes over night.

Only months away from the Olympic Games opening ceremony, tensions run high and preparations are at a peak. The host city is entering the final stage of preparations and guest countries are gearing up for the moment of truth. Athletes who have been training for this moment for years are competing to achieve the necessary criteria and receive the much sought after ticket to the world's most prestigious sporting event. The world is bedazzled by the magic of the Olympic Games.

On August 8th, 2008 the Israeli delegation will march in the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games for the fourteenth time. The nation's top athletes will fulfill their dreams of becoming members of the Olympic delegation, hoping for victory and national pride.

At the Beijing Olympic Games, the Israeli delegation is expected to include around some 38 athletes from 14 different sporting fields, including; track and field, gymnastics, judo, tennis, swimming, taekwondo, fencing, shooting and sailing. For some, this will be a new experience, while others are returning as seasoned veterans.

After Gal Friedman lived out his dream and won Israel's first ever gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games; we have our sights set high - "Hatikva (both the name of the Israeli national anthem and the word "hope") is worth gold - because its melody will never be stilled". So too we hope for Olympic gold, in Beijing in 2008.

Denominations:
2.25: Sailing, Laser Radial
It is one of the most traditional and accomplished fields in Israeli sports. In winning Israel's first Olympic gold medal, wind surfer Gal Friedman has set the bar high for Israeli sailors at the upcoming Olympic Games, as all eyes will be turned to the sea and in expectation of another Olympic medal. The Laser Radial class will be making its first appearance in Beijing, where Israel will be represented in both the RS:X model (wind surfing) and the 470 model sailboat for men and women.

2.25: Tennis
Tennis has recently been noted as a leading Israeli sport, with Israeli tennis having been represented in the past by the such well known players; as Gilad Blum, Shahar Perkis, Ilana Berger and Amos Mansdorf. At the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, we were represented by Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich, the first couples doubles players to represent Israel at the Olympic Games. Andy and Yoni, ranked among the tennis world's international elite will be representing Israel in Beijing. They will be joined by the young and talented women's singles player, Shahar Peer and maybe possibly other Israeli tennis players.

1.55: Swimming
It is a veteran field and longstanding tradition at the Olympic Games. In this field, Israeli swimmers pride themselves on their results and achievements in this field on in the international arena, such as Like swimmer Eitan Orbach who made history by becoming the first Israeli swimmer to reach an Olympic final at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The relay team also made its mark by advancing right through to the Olympic Games final.

1.55: Rhythmic Gymnastics
Another long standing Israeli Olympic tradition, but different as opposed to previous years, this will be the first time that the Rhythmic Gymnastics team will appear in a group exercise. Israel's five-girls Rhythmic gymnastics team (plus one alternate) is currently ranked sixth in the world. The team will compete for a place of honor among the twelve teams at the Games, as well as continue the tradition of participating in the individual competition.

Comment: Israel Post issued 2 official FDCs for this issue, my friend not only forgot to make the official FDCs to me, but also forgot to make this FDC for himself. The franking label of this FDC is very interesting, could you find? it's a printing shifted franking label. I don't whether it always occurs on Israel franking label.

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.

Lithuania Aviators FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: The 75th Anniversary of DARIUS and GIRĖNAS Flight
Date of Issue: 12 July 2008

This year Lithuania celebrates the 75th anniversary of the transatlantic flight performed by Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas. The aircraft Lituanica took off from New York on July 15, 1933 at 6:24 a.m. for the flight to Kaunas. The both pilots lost their lives in the aircraft crash on the 17th of July, in the areas of Soldin, the current territory of Poland. No one persuasive reason explaining why Lituanica having covered the largest and the most difficult part of the route crashed only 650 kilometres short from the target. The flight across the Atlantic performed by the two brave and devoted sons of the Motherland having no necessary aerial navigation devices, except for compass, was a heroic deed in the aviation history.

After death Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas have been granted with different state awards of the Republic of Lithuania. In commemoration of the flight, postage stamps have been issued, the films Lituanikos sparnai (The Wings of Lituanica) and Skrydis per Atlantą (The Flight Across the Atlantic) produced, a number of books written. This flight is significant for the world aviation due to the fact that the pilots stayed airborne for 37 hours and 11 minutes and managed 6411 kilometres. Lituanica opened wider way for airmail between the continents of America and Europe.

Comment: Salute to these two forerunners of the World Aviation Development's History!!

Algeria National Anthem FDC

Algeria FDC
Name: The Algerian National Anthem
Date of Issue: 03 July 2008

The distinguished Algerian poet Moufdi Zakaria versified the poem "Kassaman" (the oath) during summer 1955, further to the Revolution's command appeal considering as necessary to elaborate an enthusiastic revolutionary hymn in aim to impulse the Algerian people and to annihilate the sentiment of dejection and abandonment.

However, the Revolution's command required three conditions in composing this hymn:
- First, it has to be a call for all the Algerian people to join the ranks of the revolution under the control of the national freeing front.
- Than, It must condemn the cruel colonizer which is France.
- Finally, it mustn't glorify persons in spite of their combative past or present.

The poem "Kassaman" was composed in accordance with the foresaid conditions and set in five partitions according to the five pillars of the Islam. The text was characterized by a great inspiration and by an artistic eulogy.

After agreeing with the text, the command of the Revolution asked Moufdi Zakaria to find the suitable melody to make the official national anthem. Thus, a first contact was established with the Algerian militating actor (Mohamed Touri) who was the first composer of the anthem's melody. The recording took place in (The Poet's House) situated in Kouba (Algiers), in the presence of many presenters of the radio of that time. And because it was so difficult to interpret that music, it hadn't been accepted by the revolution's command.

And so, the lyric writer of "Kassaman" went to Tunisia in aim to ask for the professor (Mohamed Triki), who presented in his turn a new partition for the poem, and recorded it in the Tunisian Radio office. The same partition that served as a title for the broadcast (Sawt El Djazair).

The revolution's command hadn't agreed also with Mohamed Triki's partition. Therefore, a last contact was established with the famous musician (Mohamed Fawzi) by means of (Sawt El Arab), the Egyptian radio. The contact that allowed to complete a musical performance in the poem "Kassaman". This music was the most suitable with its specific style and rhythms. It was approved by the revolution's command and was considered, from that time, as the official melody of the Algerian Revolution.

After the recovering of the independence, "Kassaman" was vowed as the national anthem of the Democratic and Popular Algerian Republic by the law number 06/86 dated on March 1986.

Comment: This FDC looks a little bit mess, right? But, I couldn't hurt my friend, he was ill on that day, I must thank him to do it for me. OK! If you want to know the lyrics of this National Anthem, please click here.

Thailand Bangkok S/L FDC

Thailand Sheetlet FDC
Name: Amazing Thailand (2nd Seiries) - Saneh Bangkok (Attractive Bangkok)
Date of Issue: 11 July 2008
Number: 848

Designs:
3BAHT: Phra Buddha Saiyat (The Reclinging Buddha Image) at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram
Wat Pho (Thai: วัดโพธิ์), also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon วัดพระเชตุพน) or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand, located in the Rattanakosin district directly adjacent to the Grand Palace. Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn (Thai: วัดพระเชตุพนวิมลมังคลาราม ราชวรมหาวิหาร). The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

3BAHT: The Giant Swing, Wat Suthat Thepwararam, Bangkok
The Giant Swing (Thai: เสาชิงช้า, Sao Ching Cha) is a religious structure in Bangkok, Thailand, Phra Nakhon district, located in front of Wat Suthat temple. It was formerly used an old Brahmin ceremony, and is one of Bangkok's tourist attractions.

3BAHT: Namphrik (Chili dip)
There is a uniquely Thai dish called nam prik (Thai: น้ำพริก) which refers to a chile sauce or paste. Each region has its own special versions. It is prepared by crushing together chillies with various ingredients such as garlic and shrimp paste using a mortar and pestle. It is then often served with vegetables such as cucumbers, cabbage and yard-long beans, either raw or blanched. The vegetables are dipped into the sauce and eaten with rice. Nam prik may also be simply eaten alone with rice or, in a bit of Thai and Western fusion, spread on toast.

3BAHT: Industrial Ring Road Bridges night sightseeing
The Dipangkorn Rasmijoti Bridge (Thai: สะพานทีปังกรรัศมีโชติ), unofficially known as the Mega Bridge, is part of the 13 km long Industrial Ring Road in connecting southern Bangkok with Samut Prakan Province. This construction project comprises two striking cable-stayed bridges with lengths of 702 m and 582 m. The two pylons in the form of a diamond are 173 m and 164 m high.

The bridge was to be officially opened in 5 December 2006 and named after Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, the grandchild of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, however it was already opened for traffic in 20 September 2006. It is part of the Outer Ring Road (Motorway 9 of the Thai motorway network)

3BAHT: Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun Ratchawararam
The Chao Phraya (Thai: แม่น้ำเจ้าพระยา) is a major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial river plain marking the mainland of the country.

Wat Arun (Thai: วัดอรุณ, Temple of the Dawn, perhaps so named because the first light of morning is reflected off the surface of the temple with a pearly iridescence) is a buddhist temple (wat) in Bangkok, Thailand. The temple is located in the Bangkok Yai district, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The full name of the temple is Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahavihara (วัดอรุณราชวรารามราชวรมหาวิหาร).

3BAHT: Phra Mondop, Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram

3BAHT: The Ramakian mural painting in the enclosure gallery, Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram

3BAHT: The trade and business center in Bangkok, shopping paradise.

3BAHT: Ratchadamnoen Avenue night sightseeing
Ratchadamnoen means the royal passage, because it links between the Grand Palace and Dusit Palace.

3BAHT: Chatuchak weekend market, the biggest weekend market in Bangkok
Chatuchak (or Jatujak; Thai: จตุจักร) weekend market in Bangkok is the largest market in Thailand, and largest of the world. Frequently called J.J., it covers over 35 acres (1.13 km²) and contains upwards of 15,000 stalls. It is estimated that the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each day. Most stalls only open on Saturdays and Sundays.

2008 Amazing Thailand FDCs (Orchids)
2008 Amazing Thailand Minisheet FDC (Orchids)
2008 Amazing Thailand FDCs (Saneh Bangkok)
2008 Amazing Thailand Sheetlet FDC (Saneh Bangkok)

Thailand Bangkok FDCs

Thailand FDCs
Name: Amazing Thailand (2nd Seiries) - Saneh Bangkok (Attractive Bangkok)
Date of Issue: 11 July 2008
Number: 848
Designs:
3BAHT: Namphrik (Chili dip)
There is a uniquely Thai dish called nam prik (Thai: น้ำพริก) which refers to a chile sauce or paste. Each region has its own special versions. It is prepared by crushing together chillies with various ingredients such as garlic and shrimp paste using a mortar and pestle. It is then often served with vegetables such as cucumbers, cabbage and yard-long beans, either raw or blanched. The vegetables are dipped into the sauce and eaten with rice. Nam prik may also be simply eaten alone with rice or, in a bit of Thai and Western fusion, spread on toast.

3BAHT: Phra Buddha Saiyat (The Reclinging Buddha Image) at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram
Wat Pho (Thai: วัดโพธิ์), also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon วัดพระเชตุพน) or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand, located in the Rattanakosin district directly adjacent to the Grand Palace. Its official full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn (Thai: วัดพระเชตุพนวิมลมังคลาราม ราชวรมหาวิหาร). The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

3BAHT: The Giant Swing, Wat Suthat Thepwararam, Bangkok
The Giant Swing (Thai: เสาชิงช้า, Sao Ching Cha) is a religious structure in Bangkok, Thailand, Phra Nakhon district, located in front of Wat Suthat temple. It was formerly used an old Brahmin ceremony, and is one of Bangkok's tourist attractions.

3BAHT: Phra Mondop, Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram
3BAHT: The Ramakian mural painting in the enclosure gallery, Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram
Designs:
3BAHT: The trade and business center in Bangkok, shopping paradise.
3BAHT: Industrial Ring Road Bridges night sightseeing
The Dipangkorn Rasmijoti Bridge (Thai: สะพานทีปังกรรัศมีโชติ), unofficially known as the Mega Bridge, is part of the 13 km long Industrial Ring Road in connecting southern Bangkok with Samut Prakan Province. This construction project comprises two striking cable-stayed bridges with lengths of 702 m and 582 m. The two pylons in the form of a diamond are 173 m and 164 m high.

The bridge was to be officially opened in 5 December 2006 and named after Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, the grandchild of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, however it was already opened for traffic in 20 September 2006. It is part of the Outer Ring Road (Motorway 9 of the Thai motorway network)

3BAHT: Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun Ratchawararam
The Chao Phraya (Thai: แม่น้ำเจ้าพระยา) is a major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial river plain marking the mainland of the country.

Wat Arun (Thai: วัดอรุณ, Temple of the Dawn, perhaps so named because the first light of morning is reflected off the surface of the temple with a pearly iridescence) is a buddhist temple (wat) in Bangkok, Thailand. The temple is located in the Bangkok Yai district, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The full name of the temple is Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahavihara (วัดอรุณราชวรารามราชวรมหาวิหาร).

3BAHT: Ratchadamnoen Avenue night sightseeing
Ratchadamnoen means the royal passage, because it links between the Grand Palace and Dusit Palace.

3BAHT: Chatuchak weekend market, the biggest weekend market in Bangkok
Chatuchak (or Jatujak; Thai: จตุจักร) weekend market in Bangkok is the largest market in Thailand, and largest of the world. Frequently called J.J., it covers over 35 acres (1.13 km²) and contains upwards of 15,000 stalls. It is estimated that the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each day. Most stalls only open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Comment: Every scene of this set was confirmed except the stamp which is depicted 2 young girls. I guess the scene depicts the Siam Paragon. Am I right? my friends of Thailand.

2008 Amazing Thailand FDCs (Orchids)
2008 Amazing Thailand Minisheet FDC (Orchids)
2008 Amazing Thailand FDCs (Saneh Bangkok)
2008 Amazing Thailand Sheetlet FDC (Saneh Bangkok)

Taiwan Blue Magpie FDCs

Taiwan FDCs
Name: Taiwan Blue Magpie
Date of Issue: 09 July 2008
Number: Sp.522

Taiwan blue magpie is a member of the Corvidae family and a protected species endemic to Taiwan. Its head and breast are black. The rest of its body is blue. Its tail feathers are exceptionally long. The bird's gorgeous plumage makes it a frequent target of hunters. Overdevelopment and pollution pose an even more serious threat.

Denominations:
NT$5.00: Foraging
Taiwan blue magpie is an omnivorous bird. Its diverse diet, group living habit, large stature, and combative nature are all advantageoustraits in terms of survival. Its food storing behavior gives it another survival advantage in the face of natural change.

NT$5.00: Rearing the young
Taiwan blue magpies are cooperative breeders; individuals other than a chick's parents, including both other adults and sub-adults, can help provide care and that ensure group survival.

NT$12.00: Sub-adults
In most bird species, the parents gradually drive their young away to find their own territory after they are grown, yet the sub-adults of Taiwan blue magpies stay to help rear their younger siblings.

NT$12.00: Flying
Also known as "long-tailed mountain ladies," Taiwan blue magpies live in groups. When they fly in a line, it appears as if they are building beautiful "bird bridges" in the forests. The sight is magnificent.

Comment: Counting Game again. How many Taiwan Blue Magpies are there on these 2 FDCs?

Taiwan Seashells (II) FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Seashells of Taiwan (2nd Series)
Date of Issue: 09 July 2008
Number: Sp.521

Denominations:
NT$5.00: Troschel's Murex Murex troscheli (女巫骨螺)
These large and unique looking spindle-shaped shells have long siphonal canals, fine brown stripes and many slender spines. Most of these spines are located on their axial ribs, where they form 120-degree angles with each other. These help them to avoid being attacked by fish or crabs.

NT$5.00: Chiragra Spider Conch Lambis chiragra (水字螺)
This marine gastropod is named shuei-zi-lou (water character conch) in Chinese, because there are six thick curved "horns" extending from its lip, which make the conch resemble the Chinese character for water. They are cream colored and commonly have small brown spots, ribs and big nodules. The apertures are narrow and the lips are often pink in color. The conches are big and thick with small spires, and the six horns help them fend off their natural enemies. This interesting looking conch is nicknamed "six-footed conch" in the Taiwanese dialect.

NT$12.00: Regal Thorny Oyster Spondylus regius (猩猩海菊蛤)
With reddish brown round bivalve shells, their exterior surfaces have six radial ribs with long and large spines and many radial ornaments covered with fine spines. The interiors of the shells are white and the rims are reddish brown.

NT$12.00: Cymatium pyrum (大象法螺)
Pear-shaped, Cymatium pyrum has a somewhat long siphonal canal, making it resemble the head and trunk of an elephant. Most of them are reddish brown and often feature a prominent periostracum, periostracal hair, big nodules and axial ribs. Most have a white aperture with a denticulate lip.

Comment: What a pity! The Post Office clerk could glue the registered label on the back side, but they used it to cover the special cancellation.

2007 Seashells of Taiwan FDC (1st Series)
2008 Seashells of Taiwan FDC (2nd Series)
2009 Seashells of Taiwan FDC (3rd Series)

Japan G8 FDC

Japan FDC
Name: G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit 2008
Date of Issue: 07 July 2008

The 34th G8 summit took place in Tōyako (洞爺湖, Tōya-ko?, Lake Toya) on the northern island of Hokkaidō, Japan from July 7–9, 2008. The locations of previous G8 summits to have been hosted by Japan include: Tokyo (1979, 1986, 1993); and Nago, Okinawa (2000).

The G8 is an unofficial forum which brings together the heads of the richest industrialized countries: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada (since 1976), Russia (since 1998), the President of the European Commission (since 1981). More...

Designs:
(1) Mount Yōtei (羊蹄山)
(2) Showashinzan (昭和新山)
(3) Lake Tōya and Mount Yōtei (洞爺湖と羊蹄山)
(4) Mount Yōtei and Fukidashi Park (羊蹄山とふきだし公園)
(5) Lake Shikotsu and Mount Eniwa (支笏湖と恵庭岳)
(6) Japanese Wood Poppy (シラネアオイ)
(7) Hokkaido Squirrel Scriurus vulgaris orientis (エゾリス)
(8) Penstemon frutescens (タルマイソウ)
(9) Japanese Rowan Sorbus commixta (ナナカマド)
(10) Hokkaido Red Fox Vulpes vulpes schrencki (キタキツネ)

Comment: Tōyako (Lake Toya) had become the main role of Japanese stamps in July. Why? You should read my blog carefully!

Ukraine 1st Stamps FDCs

Ukraine FDCs
Name: The 90th Anniversary of the First Postage Stamps of Ukrainian State
Date of Issue: 04 July 2008

The first stamps of independent Ukraine with the word Ukraine on them were issued in 1918. Altogether in the times of the Ukrainian People's Republic five postage stamps were issued — two of them were designed by Sereda, an artist of whom little is known, and the other three by Heorhiy Narbut, a graphic artist of a remarkable talent. His contribution to the development of the art of postage stamps in Ukraine decades later was commemorated with the establishment of a special Narbut prize, which is annually awarded to the best designers of postage stamps in Ukraine. More...
Denominations:
2.47: 10 shahs
3.33: 20 shahs
Coupon: Anton Sereda (1890-1961)
Denominations:
1.00: 40 shahs
2.47: 50 shahs
3.33: 30 shahs
Coupon: Heorhiy Narbut (1886-1920)

Comment: Ukrainian Stamps' design are always beautiful and reasonable. They issued 2 M/S for this set because the 1st Ukrainian Stamps were designed by two designers, Anton Sereda and Heorhiy Narbut. For this reason, Sereda's portrait and his designs on one M/S, and Narbut's portrait and his designs on the other M/S.

Singapore Foods M/S FDC

Singapore Minisheet FDC
Name: Local Delights (Macao, China - Singapore Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 04 July 2008

When it comes to food in Singapore, anyone along the street is able to rattle off a few food dishes that are famous and representative of Singapore. Even when tourists arrive in Singapore, there are a few must-try food dishes for them to savour and allow the taste to linger in their memories. In this joint issue with Macao, a delightful selection of dishes popular in Singapore and Macao is featured in this set of stamps.

Macao Fare:
$2: Claypot Rice (煲仔飯)
Claypot chicken rice is typically served with Chinese sausage and vegetables. More often than not, the rice is cooked in the claypot first and cooked ingredients like diced chicken and Chinese sausage and added in later. Traditionally, the cooking is done over a charcoal stove, giving the dish a distinctive flavour. Some places serve it with dark soya sauce and also dried salted fish.

Singapore Fare:
$2: Chilli Crab (辣椒螃蟹)
Singapore's unofficial "national dish" and a favourite at seafood restaurants! With hearty gravy made from fresh red chillies, tomato sauce, fresh eggs and spring onions, Chilli crabs are best eaten with your fingers. Let the gravy run down your arm, clean it up with cubes of French bread or Chinese buns (known as mantou), that are served as side dish.

2008 Singapore Local Delights FDC
2008 Singapore Local Delights Minisheet FDC

Singapore Foods FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Local Delights (Macao, China - Singapore Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 04 July 2008

When it comes to food in Singapore, anyone along the street is able to rattle off a few food dishes that are famous and representative of Singapore. Even when tourists arrive in Singapore, there are a few must-try food dishes for them to savour and allow the taste to linger in their memories. In this joint issue with Macao, a delightful selection of dishes popular in Singapore and Macao is featured in this set of stamps.

Macao Fare:
1ST LOCAL: Carne de Porco à Alentejana (葡式燴豬肉)
Carne de Porco à Alentejana is one of the most traditional pork dishes of Portuguese cuisine, and it is typical from the Alentejo region, in Portugal. It is a combination of pork and clams. This dish has been passed down since the days of the Portuguese colonization in Macao.

1ST LOCAL: Grilled Codfish Slices (馬介休層)
Codfish, also known as Bacalhau in Portuguese, is considered a delicacy and is also eaten on special occasions like Christmas Eve and Holy Week, especially on Good Friday.

Greens or matured wine are served alongside as well. This selected dish is served with roasted potatoes, bell pepper, turnip tops and corn bread.

1ST LOCAL: Crispy Fried Chicken (炸子雞)
Crispy fried chicken is one of the most standard dishes in the Cantonese cuisine of southern China. The chicken is fried in such a way that the skin is extremely crunchy, but the white meat is relatively soft.

1ST LOCAL: Yangzhou Fried Rice (揚州炒飯)
Yangzhou fried rice is one of the most popular varieties of fried rice. It is so popular that if is served in almost every Chinese restaurant around the world. Chinese barbecued meat or "cha shao" is an essential ingredient in Yangzhou fried rice. It is the meat that gives it a special sweetish flavour.

Singapore Fare:
65 CENTS: Roti Prata (印度煎餅)
This dish is like a fried croissant or pancake, originating from South India. The pancake is fried on a hot, oily griddle until it's cooked, and marked with brown spots, then served with curry gravy. Prata is a popular choice for breakfast and supper.

65 CENTS: Hainanese Chicken Rice (海南雞飯)
Chicken rise is one of the popular dishes in Singapore. The rich flavour of the rice comes from the grains that have been pre-fried in chicken fat and then cooked in chicken broth. The chicken is steamed until it is just cooked with a little pink remaining on the flesh near the bones. It is usually accompanied with a chilli sauce made up of chillies, chicken broth, garlic and ginger. A thick broth of chicken stock garnished with a sprinkle of spring onions is also a must.

65 CENTS: Satay (沙爹)
Satay is small bite-sized pieces of chicken, mutton and beef steeped in a sweet spicy marinate, strung along wooden skewers and roasted over coals. These are served with peanut sauce for dipping and fresh cucumbers, raw onion and steamed rice cakes on the side.

65 CENTS: Laksa (叻沙)
Laksa is an exciting concoction of noodles made from flour in a curry like gravy made of spices, herbs, dried shrimp, coconut milk and chilli. It is served with slices of fishcakes, prawns and cockles.

What began as a spicy peanut based gravy evolved into today's version, combination of Chinese, Malay and mostly Peranakan influences.

Comment: Have you eaten these fares? which one is your favourite fare? Yangzhou Fried Rice (揚州炒飯) is my favourite fare, if you haven't eaten it, you should try.

2008 Singapore Local Delights FDC
2008 Singapore Local Delights Minisheet FDC

Hong Kong Pandas FDCs

Hong Kong FDCs
Name: Giant Pandas
Date of Issue: 01 July 2008

Le Le and Ying Ying, a pair of giant panda cubs, arrived in Hong Kong in 2007 as a gift from the Central Government in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. To mark the first anniversary of their public debut on 1st July 2007, Hongkong Post has issued stamps depicting the natural charm of the adorable pair.

The vivacity of the chubby and carefree cubs stands out in their pictures, which appear in heart ($1.40), leaf ($2.40), panda head ($3) and flower ($5) shapes in this set of four stamps. Similar miniature patterns in pastel colour dotted around their pictures add to the delightful mood.

Warmly welcomed by the local community, the national treasures came to Hong Kong at the age of almost two from the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda at the Wolong National Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province. Back then, they both weighed around 60 kg and measured 102 cm in length. Though the same age and of similar physique, Le Le, the male, and Ying Ying, the female, have different characteristics and personalities. With more rounded eye patches and smooth and shiny fur, Le Le is playful and gentle. Distinguished by her more elongated eye patches, Ying Ying is quiet but inquisitive.

The giant panda is an endangered species. The solitary animal can grow up to 180 cm in length and heaviest up to 181.5 kg in weight during adulthood. A slow breeder and picky eater, the wild giant panda now only found in Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi, the three main giant panda distribution areas in China. Bamboo is the staple food for the black and white panda, making up 99% of its diet.

Comment: Which stamp do you like the most from this set? I like the $2.40 one very much. This is the typical style of Panda, lazy and lovely.

Japan Hokkaido FDC

Japan FDC
Name: The 60th Anniversary of Enforcement of the Local Autonomy Law
Date of Issue: 01 July 2008

The Local Autonomy Law (地方自治法 Chihō-jichi-hō) of Japan was passed as Law No. 67 on April 17, 1947, an Act of Devolution that established most of Japan's contemporary local government structures, including:

+The four types of prefecture (to - do - fu - ken)
+Cities, towns, villages, and rural districts
+City designated by government ordinance (Japan)
+The 23 special wards of Tokyo

The text of the law is lengthy (more than 200 pages in print) and is subject to amendment several times a year. More...

Designs:
(1) Lake Tōya and Red-crowned Crane (洞爺湖とタンチョウ)
(2) Pentagram Fort (五稜郭)
(3) Scenery of Biei (美瑛の風景)
(4) Clione Limacina (クリオネ)
(5) Scenery of Otaru (小樽の風景)

Comment: Pity! If my friend added 100 yen definitive stamp on this FDC, it could be sent by registered mail.

China Stamp: 2008-17

China Stamps
Name: Famous Ancient General - Qi Jiguang
Number: 2008-17
Date of Issue: 19 July 2008
Value: 2 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20 Yuan (2-1): Training (练兵)
1.20 Yuan (2-2): Triumph (大捷)

Qi Jiguang (Simplified Chinese: 戚继光; Traditional Chinese: 戚繼光; November 12, 1528 – January 5, 1588) was a Chinese military general and national hero during the Ming Dynasty. He was best remembered for his courage and leadership in the fight against Japanese pirates along the east coast of China, as well as his reinforcement work on the Great Wall of China. More...

Comment: He is a very famous ancient general in China, He is one of idol of my childhood.

Japan Flowers FDC

Japan FDC
Name: Prefectural Flowers (1st Series)
Date of Issue: 01 July 2008

Designs:
(1) Lilium auratum - Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県)
Lilium auratum is one of the true lilies, native to Japan. The flower colour is typically white, with gold radial markings, and orange spots. Variations in flower colour and markings are known. The flowers are the largest of any lily species, and the largest plants can be up to 2.5 m high, and carry up to twenty of these. It is strongly scented.

It has been used widely in breeding, and many of the more spectacular modern cultivars are derived in part from this species. It may be called the Golden rayed lily of Japan, and Goldband lily.

(2) Rosa rugosa - Hokkaidō (北海道)
Rosa rugosa (Rugosa Rose, Japanese Rose, or Ramanas Rose) is a species of rose native to eastern Asia, in northeastern China, Japan, Korea and southeastern Siberia, where it grows on the coast, often on sand dunes. The Japanese name is (ハマナス(hamanasu)), meaning "shore pear".

(3) Rhododendron brachycarpum - Fukushima Prefecture (福島県)

(4) Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) - Yamagata Prefecture (山形県)
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a highly branched, herbaceous, thistle-like annual, usually with many long sharp spines on the leaves. Plants are 30 to 150 cm tall with globular flower heads (capitula) and commonly, brilliant yellow, orange or red flowers which bloom in July. Each branch will usually have from one to five flower heads containing 15 to 20 seeds per head. Safflower has a strong taproot which enables it to thrive in dry climates, but the plant is very susceptible to frost injury from stem elongation to maturity.

(5) Gentian (Gentiana scabra var. buergeri) - Nagano Prefecture (長野県)
Gentiana scabra (or Japanese gentian) is a species of flowering plant in the Gentian family (Gentianaceae), found in much of the United states and Japan. The flowers bloom during July and August, and are blue or dark blue in color.

Comment: Same flower has 2 different denominations, do you think it is necessary?

Lithuania History FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: 1000th Anniversary of Lithuania
Date of Issue: 28 June 2008

Designs:
3 Lt: The first Ministers cabinet of Lithuania Republic was formed.1918.
3 Lt: The Constituent Assembly of Lithuania was invited.1920.
3 Lt: The museum of Kaunas was established.1922.
3 Lt: The land of Klaipeda in Lithuania structure.1923.
3 Lt: The highroad of Samogitia was opened.1939.
3 Lt: Vilnius was got back.

With the Act of the 16th of February 1918 declaring the independence of Lithuania the foundation process of an independent state started. One of the most important steps was the formation of the Cabinet of Ministers, the executive body. By order of the Presidium of the State Council, on the 11th of November 1918 Augustinas Voldemaras (1883-1942) formed the first Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Lithuania. It consisted of 9 Ministers responsible for the main spheres of life. Although the first Cabinet of Ministers had been functioning only for a period of one and a half month, it determined the later model of the executive body and its democratic development.

The legal background of the democratic republic was laid by the Constituent Assembly of the Republic of Lithuania elected during the general elections on the 14-15th of April 1920. 112 representatives were elected. The Constituent Assembly, active until the 1st of October 1922, passed a number of laws crucial for the country, including the one regarding the Land Reform (March 22, 1922). Also, it laid foundations of a modern parliamentary Lithuania.

After the Freedom Struggles and normalization of domestic life of the country, it was important to raise the general level of culture and bring up a national intelligentsia. This mission was entrusted to the University of Lithuania founded on the 16th of February 1922 in Kaunas. It symbolically continued the traditions of Vilnius University and was the main school of higher education during the interwar period. In the University of Lithuania, renamed to Vytautas Magnus University in 1930, the most prominent Lithuanian scientists of the interwar period worked.

The Baltic Sea Coast territories situated to the north from the river Nemunas, which had been ruled by Germans since the 13th century, through the efforts of the Allies, winners of the World War II, became Klaipėda Region detached from Germany and administrated by the latter. As approximately one half of residents considered themselves to be Lithuanians, Lithuania had an opportunity to demand to unite this territory to Lithuania. After a military and political operation carried out by the Republic of Lithuania on the 15th of January 1923, Klaipėda Region became a part of Lithuania. The results of the bravest action of the interwar Lithuania were recognized on the 16th of February 1923.

With Klaipėda Region Lithuania became a maritime state. However, the then situation could not change rapidly without the region's practical integration into Lithuania's economy. The development of Klaipėda Region was impossible without the connection of local roads with the transport network of Lithuania. In 1932, the Port of Klaipėda was connected with Šiauliai by a railway line. Within the period 1934-1938, Žemaičiai Road of 195,5 kilometers length connected Klaipėda with the temporary capital Kaunas. It enabled to integrate Klaipėda Region to the economic life of Lithuania.

During the interwar period, Vilnius Region was the main source of conflicts between Lithuania and Poland. With the deployment of force the conflict had been settled on behalf of Poland, but Lithuania had never reconciled to fact of losing its capital. Lithuania received an opportunity to recover the region at the beginning of World War II, when Poland was invaded and divided by the Nazi Germany and communist Soviet Union. On the 10th of October 1939, Lithuania had to accept Vilnius from the Soviet Union, which also imposed its military forces. The appearance of the latter in Lithuania marks the beginning of loss of the country's independence.

Comment: I must recognize this is a very great series to review the Lithuania History. But the face value of this sheet is too too too expensive. 9.90 Lt is enough to send an air registered mail from Lithuania to China. It totally has 18 Lt on this sheet. Because the Lithuania Post doesn't permit to use the stamp to pay the A.R. charge. I waste 8.1 Lt postage. :(

1000th Anniversary of Lithuania Series FDCs
2007, 2008, 2009.

Russia Churches FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Churches (Romania - Russia Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 23 June 2008

Denominations:
12p: St. Demetrius' Cathedral (Russia)
The warrior-like cathedral of St. Demetrius was built in 1194–1197 as a private chapel of Vsevolod the Big Nest in the courtyard of his palace and was consecrated to his holy patron, St. Demetrius. For all its formal unity, the cathedral represents a truly international project of Russian and Byzantine masters, Friedrich Barbarossa's masons, and carvers sent by Queen Tamar of Georgia.

12p: Voroneţ Monastery (Romania)
Voroneţ is a monastery in Romania, located in the town of Gura Humorului, Moldavia. It is one of the famous painted monasteries from southern Bukovina, now in Suceava County. Between May and September 1488, Stephen III of Moldavia (known as "Stephen the Great") built the Voroneţ Monastery to commemorate the victory at Battle of Vaslui. Often known as the "Sistine Chapel of the East", the frescoes at Voroneţ feature an intense shade of blue known in Romania as "Voroneţ blue". "he exterior walls — including a representation of the Last Judgment on the west wall — were painted in 1547 with a background of vivid cerulean blue. This blue is so vibrant that art historians refer to Voroneţ blue the same way they do Titian red."

Comment: Romania and Russia, two "R" initial letter countries. It's interesting. If I don't make mistake, both churches are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Algeria Baya FDC

Algeria FDC
Name: Works of Art From The National Meusums (Baya)
Date of Issue: 08 June 2008

Baya Mahieddine was born on December 12th, 1931 at Bordj el Kiffan in Algiers. Orphan whe she was five, Baya of her true name Fatma Haddad, had never gone to school and was brought up by her grandmother in the biggest misery. When Baya was ten years old, she was adopted by a French young lady named Elizabeth Benhoura. Baya considered this lady as her adoptive mother and went to live with her in Algiers. There, Elizabeth provided her with paper, pencils and gouache.

The sculptor Jean Perrissac, a friend of Baya's adoptive mother attracted to the works of the girl, shown them to Aimé Maeght when he was in Algiers. This last one who decided immediately to organise an exhibition of these works in Paris. During the year 1947, it was Baya's first exhibition and it was preceded by a foreword of André Breton who wondered how a child had been able to discover all the secrets that Henri Matisse himself made 60 years to discover.

Georges Braque in his turn was also amazed by all Baya's works characterized by pure drawings and captivating colours.

During the year 1948, Baya had met Pablo Picasso at Vallauris. And in 1953, she got married to "El Hadj Mahfoud Mahieddine", an Andalusian music teacher. Since her marriage, Baya lived in Blida.

For the period of the freeing war, Baya gave up all her artistic activities. After the recovering of the independence, in 1963, she organized a big exhibition in the museum of the beautiful arts, situated in Algiers.

However, after several exhibitions in Algeria and in different countries of the world she was awarded by many important persons as the Algerian President Chadli Benjdid in 1987 and the French President François Mitterrand in 1982 as well as the Secretary General of the UNESCO...

At present, Baya's works are in public collections in various museums through the world.

Baya passed away on November 9th, 1998 after she had left more than 50 years of artistic selected works.

Comment: Absolutely! Baya Mahieddine was a self-taught talent, Pablo Picasso had met her when she was only 17 years old. Who could deserve it??