Philippines Olympic Games FDC

Philippines FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

Denominations:
P7: Archery
P20: Taekwondo
P24: Equestrian
P26: Weightlifting

Comment: This set should be issued on 08-08-08, but my friend said this FDC was sold on 20-08-08, he didn't add anymore stamps to send this FDC by registered mail, that's meaning Philippine FDC's postage is valid for a long time after issue day.

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.

Latvia Olympic Games FDC

Latvia FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

Comment: I have received FDCs from all of the Baltic states about 2008 Olympic Games. Latvian athletes did the best job in Baltic states, they have won 1 gold medal, 1 silver medal and 1 bronze medal this time. BTW, Latvia Post has used new type registered label (barcode). So Finland Post needn't add a big label on it when they transit it.

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.

Turkey Olympic Games FDC

Turkey FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

Denominations:
25 Yeni Kuruş: Archery
65 Yeni Kuruş: Taekwondo
80 Yeni Kuruş: Wrestling
80 Yeni Kuruş: Weightlifting

Comment: It's interesting, Turkish athletes have won medal in all of high denominations' events (65, 80 and 80 Yeni Kuruş). But the low denomination (25 Yeni Kuruş), Turkish athletes got nothing.

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 Olympic Games Sheetlet FDC

Estonia Sheetlet FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

Every four years the flame of Olympic Summer Games is lit in Olympia, Greece, inviting the fastest and strongest men and women of the planet to test their strengths, this year for the 29th time since the revitalisation of the antique tradition and for the third time in Asia, in Beijing. Estonia took part in the Olympic Games for the first time in 1920 in Antwerp and brought back a gold medal – Alfred Neuland won it in lightweight weightlifting. By that time an Estonian athlete had already won an Olympic medal – silver in wrestling by Martin Klein in 1912. In the period before World War II it was the Estonian strongmen who reaped laurels at Olympic Games. Kristjan Palusalu's two gold medals from the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin where he reigned supreme both in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling crowned their successful performance. In 1955-1988 Estonian sportsmen competed in Soviet colours. Svetlana Chirkova and Erika Salumäe won gold medals twice – the former in foil fencing in Mexico and Munich and the latter in the sprint track event in Soul and Barcelona. Starting with the first modern Olympic Games postage stamps dedicated to this international sports festival have been issued over more than a hundred years. Estonia joined the rest of the world after the restoration of its independence. In 1992, after a forced interval of more than half a century, Estonia once again sent its team to compete under the blue, black and white national flag to Barcelona and printed its first Olympic stamps. The stamp issued on the opening day of the Beijing Olympic Games on 8 August 2008 features the Discobolus of Myron and the logo of the games. The names of the twenty Estonian athletes who have won gold medals at Olympic Summer Games appear in gold in the pane margins.

Comment: After Olympic Games, I have realized why Eesti Post uses Discobolus' feature for this set. It's for Gerd Kanter, their only gold medalist in 2008 Olympic Games. lol!

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 Olympic Games FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

Every four years the flame of Olympic Summer Games is lit in Olympia, Greece, inviting the fastest and strongest men and women of the planet to test their strengths, this year for the 29th time since the revitalisation of the antique tradition and for the third time in Asia, in Beijing. Estonia took part in the Olympic Games for the first time in 1920 in Antwerp and brought back a gold medal – Alfred Neuland won it in lightweight weightlifting. By that time an Estonian athlete had already won an Olympic medal – silver in wrestling by Martin Klein in 1912. In the period before World War II it was the Estonian strongmen who reaped laurels at Olympic Games. Kristjan Palusalu's two gold medals from the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin where he reigned supreme both in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling crowned their successful performance. In 1955-1988 Estonian sportsmen competed in Soviet colours. Svetlana Chirkova and Erika Salumäe won gold medals twice – the former in foil fencing in Mexico and Munich and the latter in the sprint track event in Soul and Barcelona. Starting with the first modern Olympic Games postage stamps dedicated to this international sports festival have been issued over more than a hundred years. Estonia joined the rest of the world after the restoration of its independence. In 1992, after a forced interval of more than half a century, Estonia once again sent its team to compete under the blue, black and white national flag to Barcelona and printed its first Olympic stamps. The stamp issued on the opening day of the Beijing Olympic Games on 8 August 2008 features the Discobolus of Myron and the logo of the games. The names of the twenty Estonian athletes who have won gold medals at Olympic Summer Games appear in gold in the pane margins.

Comment: I must thank my Estonian friend who asked the stamp designer to sign his name on this FDC.

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.

China Self-Adhesive Sheetlet: 2008-20

China Sheetlet II (Self-Adhesive)
Name: Olympic Games from Beijing to London (China - Great Britain Joint Issue)
Number: 2008-20
Date of Issue: 24 August 2008
Value: 12 stamps/sheet

Denominations:
1.20 Yuan (4-1): National Stadium, Beijing
The National Stadium, also known as "Bird's Nest", located in the southern part of the core area of the Olympic Green, is the main venue for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad. Covering a land area of 21 hectares and a total floor space of 258,000 square meters, the stadium offers 91,000 seats, including 11,000 temporary ones. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2008 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games as well as the track-and-field events and soccer finals. After the Games, the stadium will serve as a public venue for people to extensively participate in athletic and recreational activities, and will become a landmark sports structure.

1.20 Yuan (4-2): Corner Tower, Forbidden City, Beijing
Corner Towers are part of the Forbidden City in Beijing and functioned as defense facilities for the Imperial Palace along with the city wall, gate towers and moat. The four corner towers placed at the four corners of the Forbidden City are of the same structure, consisting of a triple-eave roof, nine main beams, 18 columns, and 72 ridgepoles. They are characterized by complex appearance and exquisitely decorated vermilion walls and yellow tiles. The four corner towers of the Forbidden City carry forward the features of ancient Chinese timber-framed architecture, namely flexibility and variation, and combine functions with decorative effect, demonstrating the superb craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.

1.20 Yuan (4-3): London Eye
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, located on the bank of the River Thames, is a 135-meter-high Ferris wheel and a beautiful sight in the skyline of London. The London Eye, erected and opened to the public in 2000 to celebrate the millennium, has now become a landmark and the most popular tourist attraction in London. Tourists can sit high up in the sky above downtown London and take a magnificent view of the city while listening to the narrative about it.

1.20 Yuan (4-4): Tower of London
The Tower of London, located by the Tower Hill on the north bank of the River Thames, is a Norman castle of over nine centuries old. The Tower functioned in history as a fortress, an arsenal, a treasury, a mint, a royal palace, an execution ground, an astronomical observatory, a refuge and a prison (particularly for high0ranking or royal prisoners). It has now become a renowned tourist resort of the UK. The museum in the Tower houses ancient weapons, crowns and royal jewelry. The Tower of London was listed among the World Cultural Heritage sites in 1988.

China Stamp: 2008-20

China Stamps
Name: Olympic Games from Beijing to London (China - Great Britain Joint Issue)
Number: 2008-20
Date of Issue: 24 August 2008
Value: 4 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20 Yuan (4-1): National Stadium, Beijing
The National Stadium, also known as "Bird's Nest", located in the southern part of the core area of the Olympic Green, is the main venue for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad. Covering a land area of 21 hectares and a total floor space of 258,000 square meters, the stadium offers 91,000 seats, including 11,000 temporary ones. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2008 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games as well as the track-and-field events and soccer finals. After the Games, the stadium will serve as a public venue for people to extensively participate in athletic and recreational activities, and will become a landmark sports structure.

1.20 Yuan (4-2): Corner Tower, Forbidden City, Beijing
Corner Towers are part of the Forbidden City in Beijing and functioned as defense facilities for the Imperial Palace along with the city wall, gate towers and moat. The four corner towers placed at the four corners of the Forbidden City are of the same structure, consisting of a triple-eave roof, nine main beams, 18 columns, and 72 ridgepoles. They are characterized by complex appearance and exquisitely decorated vermilion walls and yellow tiles. The four corner towers of the Forbidden City carry forward the features of ancient Chinese timber-framed architecture, namely flexibility and variation, and combine functions with decorative effect, demonstrating the superb craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.

1.20 Yuan (4-3): London Eye
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, located on the bank of the River Thames, is a 135-meter-high Ferris wheel and a beautiful sight in the skyline of London. The London Eye, erected and opened to the public in 2000 to celebrate the millennium, has now become a landmark and the most popular tourist attraction in London. Tourists can sit high up in the sky above downtown London and take a magnificent view of the city while listening to the narrative about it.

1.20 Yuan (4-4): Tower of London
The Tower of London, located by the Tower Hill on the north bank of the River Thames, is a Norman castle of over nine centuries old. The Tower functioned in history as a fortress, an arsenal, a treasury, a mint, a royal palace, an execution ground, an astronomical observatory, a refuge and a prison (particularly for high0ranking or royal prisoners). It has now become a renowned tourist resort of the UK. The museum in the Tower houses ancient weapons, crowns and royal jewelry. The Tower of London was listed among the World Cultural Heritage sites in 1988.

Estonia Hugo Raudsepp Postal Stationery

Estonia Postal Stationery
Name: 125th Birth Anniversary of Hugo Raudsepp
Date of Issue: 23 July 2008

Hugo Raudsepp (July 10, 1883 - September 16, 1952) was an Estonian writer and dramatist.fa

Comment: Eesti Post used 2 different special cancellations on issue day. One was used in Talliinn, and the other one was used in Jõgeva, his birthplace.

Singapore Olympic Games FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

Denominations:
1ST LOCAL: Table Tennis
2ND LOCAL: Sailing
$1.10: Shooting
$1.10: Badminton

According to historical records, the First Ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC, and the First Modern Olympic Games was held in Athens in 1896. From the 241 participants from 14 nations in 1896, the games grew to nearly 11,000 competitors from 202 countries at the 2004 Olympic in Athens.

Now held every four years, the Olympic Games bring together the world finest athletes to compete against one another in one place "In ture spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of the sport and the honour of our teams". The never-say-die spirit in trying to achieve their dream and place on the rostrum provides the sportsmanship that all around the world is watching enthusiastically.

The significance, scale and splendour of the games truly invokes and inspires in many, passion, determination, dedication and the pursuit of excellence, which together, dutifully described the Olympic motto "Citius Altius, Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stronger).

This year the Games of the XXIX Olympiad will be celebrated in Beijing, China from 8 August 2008. With the theme "One World One Dream", it truly reflects the Olympic spirit of unity, friendship, progress, harmony, participation and dream striving to achieve the common wishes of the people all over the world, for a brighter and better future of mankind.

In this set of four stamps, dark silhouettes of the athletes in action are artfully illustrated against a white background. The Games of the XXIX Olympiad being set in Beijing, the Chinese words of the poular Singapore Olympic sports (Table Tennis, Sailing, Shooting and Badminton) were also featured respectively in the stamps, giving it an added oriental touch.

Comment: The design looks easy, but I like this set, it's very special to depict the Olympic events.

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.

Poland Olympic Games FDC

Poland FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

From 8 to 24 August this year the eyes of the world are turned to the city of Beijing. In 2001, the International Olympic Committee decided to appoint the Chinese capital as the site of the summer Olympic Games. The location has been the reason for much controversy. China is a fascinating country with an inspiring history and a rich culture, and also a global economic power. But it is also a state where the system of government and the observance of human and civil rights have long been contested by the international opinion.

Despite the controversies caused by the decision of the IOC, the Olympic Games is undoubtedly a true feast for sport lovers. The slogan of the Beijing Olympics is "One world - one dream". The Polish Olympic team comprises 263 athletes, and is the largest in the last 28 years! The Polish Post is one of the sponsors of the Polish Olympic Team at the Beijing Olympic Games 2008.

New postage stamps and First Day Covers

The stamps issued to commemorate the Olympic Games present 4 out of the 28 Olympic disciplines: swimming, volleyball, the pole vault and fencing - it is those particular sports that our representatives are most hopeful to win medals in. The stamps are placed together in a block on the background of a traditional Chinese wood carving and the word "Beijing" written in its original form.
The design of the First Day Cover includes the same illustration, added with a photograph of the new Beijing stadium called the "Bird's Nest".
An occasional date stamp will be used, as a matter of exception, in the 88 Warsaw Post Office (at 10 Melomanów Str.). Eight is considered a lucky number in China. It is no coincidence that the games start on 8 August 2008, at 8.08 pm local time. Number "8" was also specially emphasised in the design of the Polish Post stamps. We would like it to bring good luck to our athletes, too.

Philately

The Polish Post has been issuing postage stamps related to the Olympic Games since 1956. It was then that a series of 6 postage stamps, commemorating the 16th Olympic Games held in Melbourne, was issued. An additional stamp, depicting the record 6.35 metre long jump by Elżbieta Krzesińska and the gold medal awarded for that result, was issued immediately after the Melbourne games. During the next couple of months, the Olympic Centre of the Żoliborz district in Warsaw will house an exhibition of all the Olympic stamp issues.

Comment: Polish Post really did a good job. They know Chinese likes number "8", so you could find many "8" on this FDC. BTW, I received this FDC on 14th Aug. and Polish athletes won their first gold and silver medal on 15th Aug. Is that a coincidence? This FDC brought the good luck for them, lol

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.

Germany Ship FDC

Germany FDC
Name: 50th Anniversary of Gorch Fock
Date of Issue: 07 August 2008

The Gorch Fock is a tall ship of the German Navy (Deutsche Marine). She is the second ship of that name and a sister ship of the Gorch Fock built in 1933. Both ships are named in honor of the German writer Johann Kinau who wrote under the pseudonym "Gorch Fock" and died in the battle of Jutland/Skagerrak in 1916. The modern-day Gorch Fock was built in 1958 and has since then undertaken 146 cruises (as of October 2006), including one tour around the world in 1988. She is sometimes referred to (unofficially) as the Gorch Fock II to distinguish her from her older sister ship. More...

Comment: My Turkish friend made this German FDC for me, He did a good job.

Thailand Postal Services FDCs (II)

Thailand FDCs
Name: 125th Anniversary of Thai Postal Services (2nd Seiries)
Date of Issue: 04 August 2008
Number: 852

Purpose:
To publicize the 125th anniversary of Thai postal services.Designs:
3 BAHT: Illustrate 1 Fuang denomination of the first series of Thai postage stamp (Solot Issue) on the left side and the present Thai postage stamps on the right side.

3 BAHT: Illustrates the olden day post office on the left side and the present day post office on the right side.

3 BAHT: Illustrates the postage counter service in the past on the left side and the present day counter service on the right side.Designs:
3 BAHT: Illustrates the post delivery vehicle in the past on the left side and the present day post delivery truck on the right side.

3 BAHT: Illustrates the olden day postman on the left side and the present day postman on the right side.

Comment: This series is very interesting. I think we should give it another name "Thai Postal Services' Olden Day and Present Day".

Thailand 125th Anniversary of Thai Postal Services (1st Seiries)
Stamps FDCs, Minisheet FDC

Thailand 125th Anniversary of Thai Postal Services (2nd Seiries)
Stamps FDCs

Thailand Painting FDC

Thailand FDC
Name: H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Painting
Date of Issue: 04 August 2008
Number: 851

Purpose:
To publicize the 125th anniversary of the establishment of postal services in Thailand.

Designs:
Illustrates the colourful Canna Lily in the vase.

Comment: It seldom sees the royal personage designs the stamps.

Canada BC 150 FDC

Canada FDC
Name: British Columbia's 150th Anniversary
Issue date: 01 August 2008

It could be said that a rich part of British Columbia's history lies in the creek beds and shallow pools of the Fraser River.

During the 1850s, thousands of hopeful, would-be millionaires flocked to central B.C. and the Fraser with big dreams of discovering gold. In March 1858, excitement reached a fever pitch, when the schooner Wild Pigeon landed in Washington Territory, now Washington State, with news of natives trading gold from the Fraser River to the Hudson's Bay Company. The resulting "rush" triggered an influx of some 30,000 prospectors, miners and those simply hoping to strike it rich.

The gold rush, combined with the expansionist policy of the United States, worried James Douglas (1803-1877), governor of Vancouver Island. The threat to British sovereignty from the incoming waves of gold seekers from the U.S. was very real to Douglas, and in his reports to London he painted a grave picture of the situation.

Acting quickly, the British Parliament passed an act in August 1858 to establish a crown colony on the Pacific mainland. The official ceremony proclaiming the Crown Colony of British Columbia took place on November 19, 1858, at Fort Langley.

To celebrate British Columbia's 150th anniversary and recognize the pivotal role of the Fraser River Gold Rush in the province's creation. Canada Post is issuing a domestic rate 52c stamp on August 1, 2008.

The stamp features a gold-panning image in which a panner's rugged hand outlines the province's eastern border. The image is superimposed over a modern-day map of B.C., including the Queen Charlotte Islands, which weren't part of the colony 150 years ago.

Comment: Canada Post made too many machine postmarks on this FDC, but they still forgot to cancel the left two stamps. BTW, the illustration of this FDC is very special. Could you see James Douglas Map?

India Tortoise FDC

India FDC
Name: Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Date of Issue: 02 August 2008

This is the story of a tortoise named Adwaitya. We all know about the legendary tortoise of folk tales who defeated the hare and won the race. Well, Adwaitya was also a winner. Before he died in the year 2006 in Alipore Zoological Garden, Kolkata, he was perhaps the longest living animal in the world having lived for more than 250 years.

There is no one old enough to tell us exactly how his early life progressed. It is said that British sailors coming to India picked up tortoises from the Aldabra Island in the Indian Ocean, on way to India. Legend has it that these were presented to Robert Clive who was instrumental in firmly establishing the rule of the British East India Company in India especially after the Battle of Plassey (1757). Four such tortoises were brought to the Alipore Zoo at the time of its establishment in 1857 from the menagerie at Latbagan, Barrackpore, established by Wellesley in 1800. Three of them eventually died in the last 130 years at different times. To save Adwaitya, the last surviving specimen from being teased by unruly visitors, he was kept in a secluded enclosure. Subsequently, on 30th November, 1994 he was shifted to a centrally located octagonal enclosure so that visitors could see this living wonder from a safe distance without disturbing him.

People lovingly called him Adwaitya meaning the matchless or the unique (Hindi: Adviteeya i.e. unique or no second) as he was a living example of nature's mysteries. He is supposed to have been born in 1750, however, some say it was 1705. He fed on wheat bran, grams soaked in water, small pieces of carrots, sweet potatoes, beans, leafy vegetables, diced banana and rice mixed with powder gram. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Geochelone gigantea) is a native of Aldabra atoll, part of the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean. The Aldabra atoll has been protected from human influence since late 19th Century and is home to a large number of giant tortoises, perhaps having the world's largest population of the animal. The size of an Aldabra Giant Tortoise can be up to 4ft. in length and the weight can be about 550 lbs. They are normally dark gray to black in colour, have small pointed head covered with scales, a long neck, a highly domed carapace and thick bony scales on forelegs. Aldabra Giant Tortoise differs form the other Giant Tortoises found in Galapagos Island in Pacific ocean by having a small neck plate on the carapace which seems to be absent in the Galapagos Giant Tortoise. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise is mainly terrestrial and leads a solitary life except when food and water are scarce, when it gathers to feed. Breeding season extends from February to May. The female usually lays 4 to 25 eggs and incubation is about 4 months.

Giant Tortoises have been subject of scientific research for conservation and breeding. It is said that they can survive up to six months without food and water. Indiscriminate hunting has threatened the survival of Giant Tortoises in Galapagos as well as in the Indian Ocean islands.

Adwaitya already had eighty years behind him by the time Charles Darwin arrived at Galapagos and forever changed the way we look at our evolution. India's first war of independence in 1857, partition of Bengal in 1905, the two World Wars, strides in the field of science and technology the theory of relativity, conquest of the space, the moon, the Everest, the making of and later breaking of the wall of Berlin…events passed on the world stage but, unconcerned and unaffected, Adwaitya, the matchless kept growing and gathering layers of time, more like an unmindful rock sitting by the riverside. How may generations of zoo visitors must have looked at Adwaitya with amazement and marveled at his longevity!

Adwaitya became ill several months before his death after a crack developed around a wound on his chest, and ultimately succumbed on 22nd March, 2006.

Adwaitya could have been an interesting study on how he coped with such a prolonged human captivity. Did he resent it? Did he pine for his native Aldabra? Or, did he ultimately get tired and went with the unfulfilled dream of one day seeing his homeland? No answers expected in a lifetime.

Department of Posts is proud to issue a set of two commemorative postage stamps on the Aldabra Giant Tortoise. The specially designed stamps are unique in the sense that they are hexagonal i.e. they have six sides. Perforation has been arranged in such a manner that in the sheetlet as well as in the miniature sheet some star shaped stamps can be taken out, dedicated to the star of the Alipore Zoo.

Comment: 250 years old. It's a legend. If the description of Adwaitya is true, it would be the oldest creatures of modern times.

Thailand Communications Day FDC

Thailand FDC
Name: National Communications Day 2008
Date of Issue: 04 August 2008
Number: 850

Purpose:
To commemorate the 2008 National Communications Day and the termination of Thai telegraph services which have been provided for more than 133 years.

Designs:
Illustrates the transmitter, under the Morse codes which mean 133 years Thai telegraph. The telegraph operating room is shown in the background of the design together with the National Communications Day logo.

Comment: 04.08.2008, this was a busy day for Thai philatelists, Thai Post issued 3 sets stamps on this day. For me, I was so happy that 4 FDCs reached to me together.

Malaysia Dragon Boat S/S FDC

Malaysia Souvenir Sheet FDC
Name: IDBF Club Crew World Championship 2008
Date of Issue: 01 August 2008

Dragon boat racing is a team sport that originates from China. The dragon boat is a long and narrow boat that combines the power, speed and endurance of 12 or 20 crew members in each team. During racing events, the dragon boats are always rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails and carry a large drum on board. At other times, the decorative regalia are usually removed, although the drum often remains aboard fro training purposes.

The tradition of dragon boat racing in Penang, Malaysia can be traced back to 1934 when "unofficial" races were staged by teams from communities living at the waterfront.. The first Penang International Dragon Boat Festival (PIDBF) race was held in 1979 with local teams racing against teams from Hong Kong and Singapore. Since then, 28 PIDBF racing events have been staged in Penang successfully.

Penang’s bid to host the 6th IDBF Club Crew World Championship 2008 (CCWC) was approved at the 10th International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) Congress on 5th August 2005 in Berlin, Germany. This year, the Pearl of the Orient host the biggest dragon boat racing events ever staged in South-East Asia – the first Asian Club Crew World Championship and the 8th Asian Dragon Boat Championships simultaneously at a scenic and beautiful fresh water reservoir, the Teluk Bahang Dam.

For this stamp issue, there are 3 designs of stamps and Miniature Sheet which portray the dragon boat race as a sport that promotes positive values including teamwork and friendship. Members from each team can be seen to be full of concentration at the respective roles; paddlers rowing hard rowing within a synchronized timing led by the drummer with the rhythmic beating of the drum indicating the timing for the paddlers and the steerer at the rear of the boat controlling the direction of the boat. Dragon Boat racing is an ancient traditional sport which is now shared and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Comment: It has another problem on these FDCs, My friend affixed a definitive stamp on the back side, but the Post Office didn't cancel it.

IDBF Club Crew World Championship 2008
Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC

Malaysia Dragon Boat FDC

Malaysia FDC
Name: IDBF Club Crew World Championship 2008
Date of Issue: 01 August 2008

Dragon boat racing is a team sport that originates from China. The dragon boat is a long and narrow boat that combines the power, speed and endurance of 12 or 20 crew members in each team. During racing events, the dragon boats are always rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails and carry a large drum on board. At other times, the decorative regalia are usually removed, although the drum often remains aboard fro training purposes.

The tradition of dragon boat racing in Penang, Malaysia can be traced back to 1934 when "unofficial" races were staged by teams from communities living at the waterfront.. The first Penang International Dragon Boat Festival (PIDBF) race was held in 1979 with local teams racing against teams from Hong Kong and Singapore. Since then, 28 PIDBF racing events have been staged in Penang successfully.

Penang’s bid to host the 6th IDBF Club Crew World Championship 2008 (CCWC) was approved at the 10th International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) Congress on 5th August 2005 in Berlin, Germany. This year, the Pearl of the Orient host the biggest dragon boat racing events ever staged in South-East Asia – the first Asian Club Crew World Championship and the 8th Asian Dragon Boat Championships simultaneously at a scenic and beautiful fresh water reservoir, the Teluk Bahang Dam.

For this stamp issue, there are 3 designs of stamps and Miniature Sheet which portray the dragon boat race as a sport that promotes positive values including teamwork and friendship. Members from each team can be seen to be full of concentration at the respective roles; paddlers rowing hard rowing within a synchronized timing led by the drummer with the rhythmic beating of the drum indicating the timing for the paddlers and the steerer at the rear of the boat controlling the direction of the boat. Dragon Boat racing is an ancient traditional sport which is now shared and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Comment: My friend made a mistake when he was making this FDC. He bought a domestic registered label and affixed on the FDC, nobody found this mistake. 4 days after issue day, the local post office found this problem and recalled my friend, and he had to buy another international registered label. That's why you could see the registered label covers a red registered label (domestic).

IDBF Club Crew World Championship 2008
Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC

Thailand Postal Services M/S FDC (I)

Thailand Minisheet FDC
Name: 125th Anniversary of Thai Postal Services (1st Seiries)
Date of Issue: 01 August 2008
Number: 849

Purpose:
To publicize the 125th anniversary of Thai Postal Services exhibition which will be held during 1-10 August 2008 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, on the occasion of 125th anniversary of the establishment of postal services in Thailand.

Designs:
5 BAHT: Illustrates stamp printing by using 100 dpi screening technique, which was used in printing black and white stamps in the early days.

5 BAHT: Illustrates stamp printing by using 300 dpi screening technique, which have been used until today.

25 BAHT: Illustrates solot postage stamp, printed by hologram technique and using 600 dpi screening technique in the background.

5 BAHT: Illustrates stamp printing by using 600 dpi screening technique, used for printing some high quality stamp.

10 BAHT: Illustrates stamp printing by using mixed 100 dpi, 300 dpi and 600 dpi screening technique to show the development of stamp printing technique.

Thailand 125th Anniversary of Thai Postal Services (1st Seiries)
Stamps FDCs, Minisheet FDC

Thailand 125th Anniversary of Thai Postal Services (2nd Seiries)
Stamps FDCs

Thailand Postal Services FDCs (I)

Thailand FDCs
Name: 125th Anniversary of Thai Postal Services (1st Seiries)
Date of Issue: 01 August 2008
Number: 849

Purpose:
To publicize the 125th anniversary of Thai Postal Services exhibition which will be held during 1-10 August 2008 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, on the occasion of 125th anniversary of the establishment of postal services in Thailand.Designs:
5 BAHT: Illustrates stamp printing by using 100 dpi screening technique, which was used in printing black and white stamps in the early days.

25 BAHT: Illustrates solot postage stamp, printed by hologram technique and using 600 dpi screening technique in the background.

5 BAHT: Illustrates stamp printing by using 300 dpi screening technique, which have been used until today.Designs:
5 BAHT: Illustrates stamp printing by using 600 dpi screening technique, used for printing some high quality stamp.

10 BAHT: Illustrates stamp printing by using mixed 100 dpi, 300 dpi and 600 dpi screening technique to show the development of stamp printing technique.

Comment: Aha, Thai Post issued a hologram stamp again. Last time, they isued a hologram stamp for their King's Birthday.

Thailand 125th Anniversary of Thai Postal Services (1st Seiries)
Stamps FDCs, Minisheet FDC

Thailand 125th Anniversary of Thai Postal Services (2nd Seiries)
Stamps FDCs

Algeria Olympic Games FDC

Algeria FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 23 July 2008

Denominations:
15.00: Fencing
15.00: Wrestling

The Olympic Games are considered as the most important sportive event in the world. They consist of a number of competitions taking place every four years through summer and winter editions.

The historic Greece was at the origin of organizing the first Olympic Games' editions. These last knew a break afterward.

At the end of the 19th century, the Olympic Games were recreated and than they reborn by a French man called "Baron Pierre Frédy de Coubertin". In 1896, the first renewed Olympic Games took place in Athens ( Greece ).

The World Olympic Movement counts about 22 winter Olympic Games editions and 28 summer editions by taking in consideration for these last the ones planned respectively in 1916, 1940 and 1944 which were postponed because of the First and the Second World War.

By participating in 2008 Beijing 's Olympics, Algeria will register its eleventh contribution in the Olympic Games in general. The first Algerian participation in such events was recorded for the first time in Tokyo ( Japan ) during the year 1964. It was awarded a number of medals among which 4 golden, 1 silver and 7 bronze medals.


However, Beijing, the capital of the Republic of People's China will shelter, from 8th to 24th August 2008, the 29th edition of summer Olympic Games under a sign symbolising the popular "Beijing's dance".

The Algerian team, directed by the Algerian Olympic Committee will take part in 13 specialities included in Olympics' programme. These specialities are: athletics, rowing, boxing, volley ball, cycling, wrestling, judo, badminton, table-tennis, foil, swimming, weightlifting and kayaks race.

Comment: Algeria had won 2 Judo medals so far, I think they are good at Judo. I watched the matches, Soraya Haddad and Amar Benikhlef did good job.

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.

Taiwan Aboriginal Culture FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Taiwan's Aboriginal Culture (Continued)
Date of Issue: 01 August 2008
Number: Sp.524

Having issued "Taiwan's Aboriginal Culture" (which featured the festivals of nine different tribes on April 22, 1999), this Post is following up with another set that showcases unique traditional tribal objects, including a Paiwan earthenware pot, an Ami lover's bag, a Rukai men's headdress, and a Bunun men's neck ornament.

Denominations:
NT$5.00: Paiwan Earthenware Pot
Paiwan society has a strictly delineated structure, and the quality and number of earthenware pots owned by a noble family demonstrate the family's social status and influence. This stamp features a pot with male and female patterns. A hermaphroditic pot is considered the noblest of all earthenware pots and is usually placed in the most sacred spot in a home. It must be carried with both hands, and grabbing its mouth is considered taboo.

NT$12.00: Ami Lover's Bag
This is a common accessory of the Ami, and bags of this kind are also called betel nut bags or messenger bags. Women usually make them for their children or lovers. Today, they have become bound up with Ami cultural identity and are regarded as necessary accessories for all members of the tribe during harvest ceremonies and other important activities. The correct way to carry the bag is across the body, with the strap on the left shoulder and the bag on the right hip.

NT$12.00: Rukai Men's Headdress
The headdresses of Rukai are richly varied and representative of the tribe. Accents made from different materials connote different meanings and social statuses. A lily blossom, symbolic of chaste women and heroic hunters, is the most sacred accent of all. A feather on a headdress denotes high social status; a person can only wear such a headdress openly after receiving commensurate formal recognition from the tribe.

NT$25.00: Bunun Men's Neck Ornament
Bunun men wear two kinds of neck ornaments: chokers and necklaces. The stamp features a choker. Chokers were made of square shells or a combination of square shells, shell beads and beads. Chokers have ties at the back. The most common figure used in Bunun neck ornaments is the hundred-pace snake, woven in diamond, triangle, strip, or checker patterns.

Comment: Taiwan Post had released the design before issue day, but the Rukai Men's Headdress's design was totally wrong, it depicted a Rukai Women's Headdress. In this case, Taiwan Post were withdrawn all of complete set pre-cancelled official FDC and this mistaken stamp before issue day. Lucky! their efficiency is good, they redesigned and reprinted the mistaken stamp in time.

Canada Lifesaving FDC

Canada FDC
Name: Lifesaving Society: 1908-2008
Issue date: 25 July 2008

In 19th century Europe, little attention was paid to protecting swimmers. This made the sport dangerous, and drowning was alarmingly common. This changed in 1891, when popular British swimming champion William Henry created the Swimmers' Life Saving Society. His idea quickly crossed the ocean to Canada where English immigrant Arthur Lewis Cochrane taught lifesaving skills to students at Toronto's Upper Canada College. In 1908, the first branch of the Royal Life Saving Society of Canada held its inaugural meeting in Toronto.

More than 500,000 Canadians are certified in swimming, lifesaving, lifeguarding and leadership courses each year. The Lifesaving Society is a member of the Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth and represents Canada in the International Life Saving Federation.

Comment: I was stunned when I received this FDC, somebody had opened it during the way. Suddenly, I remembered my friend's notice: Canada Custom often opens the letter from China or to China. I don't know their purpose, but it's really bad. :(

China Souvenir Sheet: 2008-19

China Souvenir Sheet
Name: Celebrating the Opening of Olympex, the Olympic Expo Beijing 2008
Number: 2008-19
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008

Olympex, the Olympic Expo Beijing 2008 (OEB 2008) takes place at the Beijing Exhibition Center on August 8, 2008 and lasts for 11 days. The Olympic Expo Beijing 2008, as a first ever Olympic Expo, is jointly sponsored by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) and China Post Group (CPG), and organized by CPG. With “Inheriting Olympic Spirit, Inspiring Beijing City” as its theme, the OEB 2008 will intensively display the development of the Olympic Movement and the Olympic history. It will promote Olympic spirit and culture through showcasing Olympic stamps, coins, pins and works of art. The OEB 2008 is an international Olympic cultural event with the greatest scope, widest coverage and highest level in the Olympic history so far.

China Stamp: 2008-19

China Stamps
Name: Celebrating the Opening of Olympex, the Olympic Expo Beijing 2008
Number: 2008-19
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008
Value: 2 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20 Yuan (2-1): The First Olympic Games Stamp (Greece 1896)
1.20 Yuan (2-2): The First Olympic Rings Stamp (Portugal 1928)

Olympex, the Olympic Expo Beijing 2008 (OEB 2008) takes place at the Beijing Exhibition Center on August 8, 2008 and lasts for 11 days. The Olympic Expo Beijing 2008, as a first ever Olympic Expo, is jointly sponsored by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) and China Post Group (CPG), and organized by CPG. With "Inheriting Olympic Spirit, Inspiring Beijing City" as its theme, the OEB 2008 will intensively display the development of the Olympic Movement and the Olympic history. It will promote Olympic spirit and culture through showcasing Olympic stamps, coins, pins and works of art. The OEB 2008 is an international Olympic cultural event with the greatest scope, widest coverage and highest level in the Olympic history so far.

China M/S: Olympic Sports

China Minisheet
Name: The Games of The XXIX Olympiad - Olympic Sports
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008
Value: 10 stamps/sheet

Denominations:
60 Fen: Basketball
80 Fen: Fencing
80 Fen: Sailing
3 Yuan: Gymnastics

1.20 Yuan: Diving
1.20 Yuan: Shooting
1.20 Yuan: Athletics
1.20 Yuan: Volleyball
1.20 Yuan: BMX
1.20 Yuan: Weightlifting

The program for the Beijing 2008 Games is quite similar to that of the Athens Games held in 2004. The 2008 Olympics will see the return of 28 sports, and will hold 302 events (165 men's events, 127 women's events, and 10 mixed events), one event more in total than in Athens.

Overall 9 new events will be held, which include 2 from the new cycling discipline of BMX. Women will compete in the 3000 m steeplechase for the first time. In addition, marathon swimming events for men and women, over the distance of 10 kilometres, will be added to the swimming discipline. Team events (men and women) in table tennis will replace the doubles events. In fencing, women's team foil and women's team sabre will replace men's team foil and women's team epee.

Comment: There stamps were issued in 2006 and 2007, but China Post combines these stamps in a big sheet and issued on 08 August 2008.

China Self-Adhesive Sheetlet: 2008-18

China Sheetlet II (Self-Adhesive)
Name: The Opening Memorial of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad
Number: 2008-18
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008
Value: 8 stamps/sheet

The 2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony was held at the Beijing National Stadium. It began at 8:00 PM or 20:00 China Standard Time (UTC+8) on 8 August 2008.The number 8 is associated with prosperity and confidence in Chinese culture. The ceremony was directed by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou and featured a cast of over 15,000 performers, and was dubbed beforehand as "the most spectacular Olympics Opening Ceremony ever produced".

A rich assembly of ancient Chinese art and culture dominated the ceremony. It opened with the beating of Fou drums for the countdown. Subsequently, a giant scroll was unveiled and became the show's centerpiece. The official song of the 2008 Olympics was performed by Britain's Sarah Brightman and China's Liu Huan, and was titled You and Me.

Former Chinese gymnast Li Ning ignited the cauldron.

The entry parade of the competing athletes was in a different order from previous Olympic ceremonies, because it was not in ordinary alphabetical order of the names of the competing nations but in order (lowest first) of how many strokes are in their Chinese character transcriptions; for example, Australia was near the end because the first character of the Chinese name of Australia (澳大利亚) has 15 strokes.

China Stamp: 2008-18

China Stamps
Name: The Opening Memorial of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad
Number: 2008-18
Date of Issue: 08 August 2008
Value: 1 stamp/set

The 2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony was held at the Beijing National Stadium. It began at 8:00 PM or 20:00 China Standard Time (UTC+8) on 8 August 2008.The number 8 is associated with prosperity and confidence in Chinese culture. The ceremony was directed by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou and featured a cast of over 15,000 performers, and was dubbed beforehand as "the most spectacular Olympics Opening Ceremony ever produced".

A rich assembly of ancient Chinese art and culture dominated the ceremony. It opened with the beating of Fou drums for the countdown. Subsequently, a giant scroll was unveiled and became the show's centerpiece. The official song of the 2008 Olympics was performed by Britain's Sarah Brightman and China's Liu Huan, and was titled You and Me.

Former Chinese gymnast Li Ning ignited the cauldron.

The entry parade of the competing athletes was in a different order from previous Olympic ceremonies, because it was not in ordinary alphabetical order of the names of the competing nations but in order (lowest first) of how many strokes are in their Chinese character transcriptions; for example, Australia was near the end because the first character of the Chinese name of Australia (澳大利亚) has 15 strokes.

Comment: Did you watch the Opening Ceremony? Do you realize the meaning of this design?

Lithuania Olympic Games FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 26 July 2008

Denominations:
2,15 Lt: Women marathon.
2,45 Lt: Yachting. "Laser Radial" class

On the 8-24th of August 2008, XXIX Olympic games will take place in Beijing, China. Representatives of 28 sports will contest for 302 sets of medals. In the opening ceremony organizers are expecting to see the flags of 205 national Olympic committees and that would be a record of all Olympics ever. Lithuanian flag, of course, will also be there. The sports delegation of our country will consist of 70 athletes, which is a new record of Lithuania.

First Olympic silver medals to Lithuania were brought 56 years ago by three Lithuanian basketball players Kazys Petkevičius, Justinas Lagunavičius and Stepas Butautas, who played in the USSR team. Since then Lithuanian representatives always come home with trophies from the summer Olympics. The collection of our athletes now embraces over 100 medals, including 29 gold ones.

In Beijing discus thrower Virgilijus Alekna will contest for his third Olympic gold. Strong and experienced Lithuanian pentathlon athletes, road and trek cyclists, boxers, wrestlers and canoe rowers will also strive for victories. Basketball team plans to fight for medals as well, although not all best players will be able to participate. For Daina Gudzinevičiūtė, Virgilijus Alekna, Andrejus Zadneprovskis and Ramūnas Vyšniauskas these Olympics will be the fourth in their careers.

Comment: Today, 08.08.08. Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will be held in Beijing at 08.08 PM. This FDC, Olympic Games FDC, is the best choice to be updated today. I think most of people are looking forward the Opening Ceremony, I'm glad that foreigne friends could realize the New China through this Olympic Games.

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.