Russia Flora & Fauna FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Forest and Its Inhabitants
Date of Issue: 12 September 2008

Denominations:
7.00: The Squirrel and Woodpecker on Birch
7.00: Deer
7.00: Mushrooms

The mankind from an extreme antiquity is obliged by its existence to the green kingdom of plants which absorb and transform the sunlight to the organic substance. The share of plants amounts 95 % of the gross weight of biomass of the planet, and 66 % of them are developed by woods. Exactly woods, the green treasure of the Earth, define biological efficiency of the planet. They directly render beneficial effect on a climate, atmosphere, hydrological mode of the rivers and other water objects, protect soil from the wind and water erosion, are regulators of atmospheric and soil moisture exchange. Therefore woods are not only the unique part of the nature, but also carry out rather various ecological and social and economic functions.

Comment: OK. It has a Russian sentence on this set, who can translate it for me?

Slovakia Plicka FDC

Slovakia FDC
Name: Karol Plicka (Czech Republic - Slovakia Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 12 September 2008

Karol Plicka was the key Slovak cultural personality of the first half of the twentieth century. The founder of cinematography and a pioneer of photography, he was among the first Slovak photographers to base his work on a clearly formulated conception.

Born in 1894 to Czech parents in Vienna, he became a professional musician. In 1927 – 1931 he studied musical folkloristics and ethnology at the Faculty of Philosophy of Comenius University in Bratislava. Following the formation of the independent Czechoslovakia, he joined Matica Slovenská [the leading Slovak national and cultural institution – translator's note] to collect and record the notes and lyrics of traditional Slovak folksongs in the period 1924 – 1939. Plicka was well aware of the complexity and inter-relational nature of folk art and expression. But he attempted to capture the environment residing at the root of Slovak folksong – either through drawing or, more often, photography. This concept led him to make his first collection of photographs of people, countryside, traditional architecture, interior elements, tools, work, observances, and customs of Slovak folk. Selected photographs from this collection were used in artistic postcards published by Matica Slovenská between 1924 –1926.

Plicka anticipated the imminent dissipation of the spiritual and aesthetical values of traditional folk culture. This prompted him to put immense and consistent effort into their recording, not only by writing and photographing, but also – in so far as the technology of his day allowed through gramophone recording and film-making. The result was his synthetic opus Zem spieva (The Earth Sings, 1932 – 1933), the first sound-film in the history of Slovakia and modern film poem that aspired to become an 'ode to life in the Slovak countryside from spring thru winter'.

It seems that, at least initially, Plicka's experience with the almost 'pre-historic' religiosity and poverty of Slovak people moved him to take a strictly and purely documentaristic approach to his work. However, it was later in the 1930s that the monumental nature of his photographs - somewhat similar to the paintings of Martin Benka - prevailed and Plicka managed to enhance his works further by a strong poetical setting. These are the photographs that were later used in the photo-book Slovensko (Slovakia, 1937) – the first ever Slovak photographic publication with numerous popular re-editions. In later years, Plicka published several other photographic projects and worked at the newly-founded Film School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. He passed away in 1987 in Prague.

Comment: This is a special FDC for me. 1. This is my first FDC that the stamp and FDC's illustration are all engraving; 2. This is my first Joint Issue FDC which has only issued one stamp in both countries.

My FDCs on US Magazine (The Brookman Times)

Magazine Name: The Brookman Times
Mid - spring 2008
Vol. 14 - No. 3
Page: 8 to 9
Author: Lloyd A. de VriesLinks to these FDCs
1. 2008 Algeria FDC - Algerian Writers (Big Error)
2. 2007 Argentina FDC - Campo del Cielo Meteorites (3D Stamp)
3. 2007 India FDC - International Day of Disabled Persons (Braille Stamp & FDC)
4. 2008 Malaysia FDC - Butterflies of Malaysia
5. 2007 Portugal FDC - The Cork Sector (Cork Stamp)
6. 2007 Thailand FDC - H.M. the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary (Holographic & Gold Foil Stamp)
My FDCs on US Magazine
The Brookman Times
Mekeel's & Stamps

China Stamp: 2008-25

Sheetlet

China Stamps
Name: Construction of Civil Aviation Airports
Number: 2008-25
Date of Issue: 28 September 2008
Value: 3 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20 Yuan (3-1): Beijing Capital International Airport
1.20 Yuan (3-2): Shanghai Pudong International Airport
1.20 Yuan (3-2): Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

The civil aviation plays a significant role in China's social economic development. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, especially since the reform and opening-up, a large number of civil aviation airports have been built, with their infrastructure and safe operation condition improved. Today, there are 154 civil airports in operation, with the total turnover ranking the world's second. Along with the stable economic development, China's aviation undertaking will make more contribution.

Hong Kong PRAGA 2008 FDCs

Hong Kong FDCs
Name: Hongkong Post's Participation in World Stamp Exhibition PRAGA 2008
Date of Issue: 12 September 2008

A special stamp sheetlet is issued to commemorate Hongkong Post's participation in the World Stamp Exhibition PRAGA 2008 held in Prague, the Czech Republic, from 12 to 14 September 2008. Under the patronage of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), PRAGA 2008 is organised in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the issuance of the first Czechoslovak stamps in 1918, the 90th anniversary of the Postal Museum in Prague and the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Czech Republic.

Hongkong Post's participation in PRAGA 2008 provides an excellent opportunity for presenting quality Hong Kong stamps overseas and to promote philately as a universally enjoyable hobby. The stamp sheetlet depicts signature buildings and facilities in Hong Kong and Prague blended in harmony to represent a unique link between the two cities through philately. A dove in flight accentuates the liveliness of the design. Carrying a letter in its beak on a heart-shaped path of white dots resembling stamp perforations, the bird embodies the message of world peace and co-ordinated efforts in promoting philately around the globe.

Comment: Registered air mail and Express priority mail. Which one should be quicker in your mind? These two FDCs were sent from Hong Kong to me on same day, the registered air mail cost 5 days and the express priority mail cost 9 days. Express priority mail, it doesn't deserve this name.

Canada McLaughlin FDC

Canada FDC
Name: Sam McLaughlin
Date of Issue: 08 September 2008

Sam McLaughlin was born in Enniskillen, Ontario, on September 8, 1871. At 16, he began his career as an apprentice upholsterer in his family's small carriage factory, earning a weekly wage of just $3, all but 50c of which went to his father for room and board. He eventually became an official partner in the McLaughlin Carriage Works and when automobiles first hit North American roads, he successfully modernized the company. The McLaughlin Motor Car Company was sold to General Motors at the end of 118, and under Sam's leadership, General Motors of Canada grew to be a key force in one of the world's leading industries.

Sam also established the R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation, which donated $200 million to organizations, charities and individuals. He left an indelible mark on Canadian society and business, and established himself as one of the greatest entrepreneurs in the country's history, never straying from the original McLaughlin motto - "One Grade Only and that the Best."

In addition to a portrait of Sam McLaughlin, the stamp depicts McLaughlin employee Joseph Mills driving a McLaughlin-Buick (circa 1912). More...

Comment: Have you seen the round Canadian local postmark on modern envelopes?? this is the first time for me.

Russia Mamontov EBCS

Russia EBCS (Envelopes Bearing Commemorative Stamp)
Name: Russian Philanthropists and Maecenases: S.I. Mamontov
Date of Issue: 05 September 2008

Savva Ivanovich Mamontov (Russian: Савва Иванович Мамонтов, 15 October [OS 3 October] 1841, Yalutorovsk, now Tyumen Oblast — 6 April [OS 24 March] 1918, Moscow) was a famous Russian industrialist, merchant, entrepreneur, and patron of the arts. More...

Indonesia W. Sumatra FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Provincial Emblems (1st Series) - West Sumatra Province
Date of Issue: 17 August 2008

West Sumatra Province was officially established in 1958. The West Sumatra coastline faces Indian Ocean in the west and stretches 375 km from North Sumatra to Bengkulu. The province is known as handicraft center fro silver, hand-weaving embroidery and woodcarving. Padang is capital and renowned as West Sumatra’s tourism and cultural center.

The total area of this province is 49,778 sq km. The hinterland is a range of high mountains. The temperature has range between 22 C and 32 C. The boundaries of this province is Riau Province in north, Indian Ocean in the south, North Sumatra Province in west and Jambi and Bengkulu Province in east side.

West Sumatra maritime zone has an enormous potential in producing fishes. The province also has plenty of natural resources, i.e. limestone and coal. The hilly & mountains area of this province produce clove, rubber and pepper. A huge water resource of this region has a great potential to be developed in mineral water industry.

The FDC's illustration depicts the Jam Gadang (literally "Massive Clock") in Bukittinggi.

Indonesia Provincial Emblems FDCs (1st Series)
Bali, Gorontalo, West Java, Central Java, West Kalimantan, Maluku, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Papua, Riau, West Sulawesi, West Sumatra.

Indonesia W. Sulawesi FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Provincial Emblems (1st Series) - West Sulawesi Province
Date of Issue: 17 August 2008

West Sulawesi Province is the most recent province in Indonesia established in 2004. it is originated as separation from South Sulawesi Province. Mamuju is capital of the province. Located at Mamuju Bay, this city plays crucial role as a hub of sea transportation between East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi and Central Sulawesi.

Most of West Sulawesi region are hilly and mountainous with total are of 16,796 sq km. This highly fluctuated plateau stretches across central range of Sulawesi Island. Among the tallest peaks are Gandadewata and Kabinturu Mountain with 3,074 m and 2,655 m above sea level respectively. Relatively narrow lowland lay along the coastline. At the south, Pinrang lowland serves as a gateway to enter this province from South Sulawesi Province.

Most of the population depends on subsistence farming and fishing. The economy is based on commodities such as rice, spices, cacao, coffee, clove and tobacco. Pinrang is the prime supplier of rice for this province.

The FDC's illustration depicts the West Sulawesi Traditional House.

Indonesia Provincial Emblems FDCs (1st Series)
Bali, Gorontalo, West Java, Central Java, West Kalimantan, Maluku, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Papua, Riau, West Sulawesi, West Sumatra.

Indonesia Riau FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Provincial Emblems (1st Series) - Riau Province
Date of Issue: 17 August 2008

Riau is one of the richest provinces in Indonesia. Its wealth comes from the fossils spread out in many oil fields in this region. Established in 1958, Riau Province occupied the central part of eastern region of Sumatra Island. The coastal are faces straits of Malacca and Berhala. Pekanbaru is capital of the province. There are many historical sites in this region, for example Masjid Raya Pekanbaru, kings’ family tombs as well as palaces complex.

The size of this province is 72,569 sq km. Differs from other provinces in Sumatra Island which topographically dominated by mountains ranges, most of Riau region are lowland coast. Several rivers are stretching along the border of this province. The rivers play an important role as a means of transportation. The rivers length is from 300 to 500 m and depth is around 6 to 12 m.

As it has many oil fields and two of them are the biggest in Indonesia the province becomes the center of economic activity in Sumatra Island. The economic potential of this region also comes from tourism, fishery and plantation.

The FDC's illustration depicts the Candi Muara Takus in Kampar Regency.

Indonesia Provincial Emblems FDCs (1st Series)
Bali, Gorontalo, West Java, Central Java, West Kalimantan, Maluku, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Papua, Riau, West Sulawesi, West Sumatra.

Lithuania WWF FDCs

Lithuania FDCs
Name: European Roller - WWF
Date of Issue: 06 September 2008

Denomination:
1,35 Lt: European Roller perching on the branch
1,35 Lt: Flying European Roller
1,35 Lt: Twittering European Roller
1,35 Lt: European Roller with worm

European roller (Coracias garrulus) is a member of the roller family, one of the most beautiful Lithuanian birds, included into Lithuanian Red Book since 1989. Rollers are easily recognizable by their bright colours: body is teal blue, back and wings' feathers are brown and the rostrum is black. They come to Lithuania in the beginning of May and stay here till the end of August when the autumn migration of birds starts.

European rollers prefer lowland open countryside with mature pine woodland which have heathery clearings, outer woods, also homesteads with old tree groups, parks, sometimes forests of suburban areas, even alleys of the roadsides. They love sitting on dry branches. Rollers lay 3–4 eggs in the hollows made by woodpeckers, even in the nesting-boxes. The hatching lasts 18-19 days. Juveniles leave the nest after 4 weeks. Rollers feed on insects, grasshoppers, flies, and moths.

In Lithuania European rollers are rapidly becoming extinct. If this process continues as intensively as it was by now, these birds will become extinct in our country in the upcoming years.

Comment: I don't know whether the official FDC is a pre-cancelled FDC, do you find out? 2 upper stamps were not cancelled by special cancellation.

Indonesia Maluku FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Provincial Emblems (1st Series) - Maluku Province
Date of Issue: 17 August 2008

Maluku is a region renowned as a main spice producer in the world. Europeans, Chinese and Indian merchants had come to this place for cloves and nutmegs since hundreds years ago. Consisting hundreds of island, Maluku Province was then divided into two provinces in 2002, namely Maluku and North Maluku. Ambon is capital of Maluku Province.

Maluku Province consists of mountains and islands that spread in Banda Sea around 42,853 sq km. Banda Sea is well known as the deepest sea in Indonesia about 7,645 m depth. Seram and Buru are two big islands in this province. Among the tallest Mountains are Kapalatmada and Banaiya.

The economy is based on agriculture commodities, especially spices, sago, cacao, coffee and coconut. Fishes and seaweed are richly yielded from its wide sea area. Whereas, mineral deposits are found in some islands, i.e. Seram, Buru, Leti as well as Arafuru Sea.

The FDC's illustration depicts the Pattimura (Thomas Matulessy) Monument in Amdon.

Indonesia Provincial Emblems FDCs (1st Series)
Bali, Gorontalo, West Java, Central Java, West Kalimantan, Maluku, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Papua, Riau, West Sulawesi, West Sumatra.

Indonesia W. Kalimantan FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Provincial Emblems (1st Series) - West Kalimantan Province
Date of Issue: 17 August 2008

Along with East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan is province that shares border with eastern part of Malaysia, namely Serawak. This area was established as an autonomous provincial region in 1957. Pontianak is capital of the province located at the equator line. A monument of Tugu Khatulistiwa was build as a landmark of this city.

Around 146,760 sq km wide. West Kalimantan is one among the largest province in Indonesia, including Papua, West Papua, Central Kalimantan and East Kalimantan. Mangrove, swamp and peat moss area lay along the coastline at west side. There are many rivers at central lowland area, i.e. Kapuas, Landak, Melawi and Sekayan River. Kapuas is recorded as the longest river in Indonesia with 1,100 km long.

Most of the people make a living in farming, especially rice, maize and vegetables. The economy depends very much on forestry commodities with Pontianak, Sambas, Sanggau, Kapuas Hulu and Sintang as its center area. Whereas, some minerals deposit is found, including bauxite, gold and oil.

The FDC's illustration depicts the Tugu Khatulistiwa (Equator Monument) in Pontianak.

Indonesia Provincial Emblems FDCs (1st Series)
Bali, Gorontalo, West Java, Central Java, West Kalimantan, Maluku, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Papua, Riau, West Sulawesi, West Sumatra.

Indonesia C. Java FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Provincial Emblems (1st Series) - Center Java Province
Date of Issue: 17 August 2008

Located at the center of Java Island, Center Java Province was officially established in 1950. Some artifacts show that this region had been inhabited for a long time ago and grown as one of important cultural centers in Indonesia. Along with Yogyakarta, Central Java is regarded as cradle of Javanese culture. Semarang is capital and servers as main sea gateway to this province.

Central Java region stretches from west to east with total area of 34,206 sq km. Mountainous region is sited at central range with the tallest peaks including Slamet (4,328 m), Sumbing (3,371 m) and the most active Merapi Mountain (2,911 m). Lowland spreads along the coastline at the north and the banks of Bengawan Solo River at the south.

Generally, regional economy is mostly relies on agricultural sector, i.e. rice, tobacco, sugar cane and cotton. A huge oil deposit is recently explored in Cepu Block. Industrial sector is vastly growing in Semarang, Kudus, Sukoharjo and Pekalongan. Whereas in tourism sector, Central Java promotes Borobudur Temple in Magelang as well as Karaton Kasunanan Surakarta and Pura Mangkunegaran in Solo as a prime destination.

Indonesia Provincial Emblems FDCs (1st Series)
Bali, Gorontalo, West Java, Central Java, West Kalimantan, Maluku, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Papua, Riau, West Sulawesi, West Sumatra.

Indonesia W. Java FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Provincial Emblems (1st Series) - West Java Province
Date of Issue: 17 August 2008

West Java Province is located at western part of Java Island. Established in 1950, the province borders on Banten and Jakarta in the west and Central Java in the east. West Java is a center of Sundanese culture. Bandung is capital where one of prestigious universities in Indonesia sited, namely Bandung Institute of Technology.

With total area of 37,994 sq km, West Java can be divided into region with steep mountains with altitude of ore than 1,500 m above the sea level in the south and moderate hill and plain region in the north. The region has tropical climate with temperature between 9 C in mountains range and 34 C in north beach. The average rainfall is at 2,000 mm per year, but in the mountainous areas could reach 3,000 to 5,000 mm per year.

West Java plays important role in agriculture industry of Java Island. This province is known as rice barn as well as prominent supplier of milk and vegetables. The upland area is the biggest tea farm in Indonesia. West Java industrial sector steadily grows and especially supported by tourism and other service industries.

The FDC's illustration depicts the Dutch-built Gedung Sate in Bandung.

Indonesia Provincial Emblems FDCs (1st Series)
Bali, Gorontalo, West Java, Central Java, West Kalimantan, Maluku, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Papua, Riau, West Sulawesi, West Sumatra.

Indonesia Gorontalo FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Provincial Emblems (1st Series) - Gorontalo Province
Date of Issue: 17 August 2008

Separated from North Sulawesi, Gorontalo Province was established in 2001. This new province occupies about a half previously area of North Sulawesi Province. Gorontalo as capital of the province is a main port located at Gorontalo Bay side. Gorontalo is also known as a cultural city where variety of tradition, dance, music and legend living on.

Gorontalo Province stretches from west to east with total area of 12,215 sq km. Topography of its land is relatively low with the elevation ranges between 0-2,400m above the sea level. Sited in north and south, its coastline length is more than 590 km. There are small islands around the region, 67 of which have been identified and named.

As a newly established province, Gorontalo has resources that could be explored in development programs. Its land is quiet open and suitable for cropping, i.e. clove, coffee, cacao and teak. Moreover, fishery and tourism industry could be developed in its see area.

Indonesia Provincial Emblems FDCs (1st Series)
Bali, Gorontalo, West Java, Central Java, West Kalimantan, Maluku, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Papua, Riau, West Sulawesi, West Sumatra.

Indonesia Bali FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Provincial Emblems (1st Series) - Bali Province
Date of Issue: 17 August 2008

Bali Province was officially established in 1958 occupying Bali Island and small islands surround it. Bali is widely speaking as the ultimate tourism destination in Indonesia. Located at the east of Java Island, Bali is also recognized as Pualu Dwata or Paradise Island. This tropical paradise has unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past heritage. Denpasar is capital of this province.

Occupying 5,561 sq km area, this small island is mountainous, stretching from west to east at central range. Gunung Agung is the volcanic tallest peak at 3,124 m above the sea level. There are panoramic lakes at the upland, namely Batur, Bratan and Buyan Lake. Lowland extends at south coastline around Negara and Denpasar.

The economy highly relies on tourism industries sector. Selling point of this industry combines scenic natures, living cultural heritage and artistic tradition as well. Dancing, sculpting and painting have become part of Balinese daily activities along with their religious living.

The FDC's illustration depicts the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple.

Indonesia Provincial Emblems FDCs (1st Series)
Bali, Gorontalo, West Java, Central Java, West Kalimantan, Maluku, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Papua, Riau, West Sulawesi, West Sumatra.

Ukraine Songs FDCs

Ukraine FDCs
Name: Ukrainian Songs
Date of Issue: 05 September 2008

Carols
Spring SongsCossack SongsChumak Songs

Comment: It hasn't any backgroud information on "Marka Ukrainy" website, so it's hard to understanding this set.

Indonesia Papua FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Provincial Emblems (1st Series) - Papua Province
Date of Issue: 17 August 2008

Comprising a half of western part of New Guinea Island, Papua Province was previously known as West Irian since 1969. The province was then named Irian Jaya by Soeharto Administration in 1973. In 2003, the Bird’s Head Peninsula part at the west was declared as separate province named West Papua. Jayapura is the Capital of Papua Province.

Around 420,000 sq km wide, Papua is topographically mountain range with over 1,600 km length and 3,000 up to 5,000 m height. The tree line is spread at the elevation range of 4,000 m and the tallest peaks are snowbound. Jaya Peak, also known as Cartensz Pyramid is the highest point at 5.030 above the sea level. Baliem valley is 1,600 m above the sea level land where Dani people live in the midst of the central mountain range. Mamberamo River runs at the northern part of this province.

Most of the population depends on subsistence farming, especially the cultivation of rice and maize. The main industries include copper, palm oil, copra, maize, groundnuts, pepper, tuna, gold, oil, coal, and phosphates. Tembagapura is possibly the largest concentration of copper in the world.

Indonesia Provincial Emblems FDCs (1st Series)
Bali, Gorontalo, West Java, Central Java, West Kalimantan, Maluku, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Papua, Riau, West Sulawesi, West Sumatra.

Indonesia Aceh FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: Provincial Emblems (1st Series) - Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province
Date of Issue: 17 August 2008

Previously known as Special Region of Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province was officially established in 1956. The province is located at the northwest of Sumatra Island and surrounded by some small islands, namely Weh, Keureuse, Simeuleu, Deudeup, Breuh and Rondo Islands. Banda Aceh is capital of the province.

With total area of 55,392 sq km, topography of this province is divided into lowland along the coastline and highland stretches from north to south at central range. Leuseur Mountain (4,366 m) is the highest peak about 4,366 m above the sea level. There are some islands spread out around the region and some of it still uninhabited.

As one of the richest provinces in Indonesia with its fertile lands, many agricultural crops is produced here, i.e. tobacco, oil palm, and coffee. The main industrial commodities of this province are petroleum and LNG. Small islands surrounded by beautiful corals that spread in this region are appealing for tourism industry.

The FDC's illustration depicts the Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh.

Indonesia Provincial Emblems FDCs (1st Series)
Bali, Gorontalo, West Java, Central Java, West Kalimantan, Maluku, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Papua, Riau, West Sulawesi, West Sumatra.

Russia Goznak FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The 190th Anniversary of Goznak
Date of Issue: 01 September 2008

Goznak (Russian: Федеральное государственное унитарное предприятие Гознак, short for Государственный знак, or State Currency) is a Unitary enterprise in Russia, responsible for the production of coins and bank notes. Goznak was established on July 6th 1919, under the conditions of civil war, as an agency that administered the whole process cycle of bank note manufacturing.[1] It incorporated several factories involved in different stages of the production cycle. Although the initial scope of Goznak had been the production of bank notes, the production of coins was added to its field of operations in 1941. Production of orders of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation was also administered by Goznak.

Goznak used to combine paper and printing facilities, which manufactured money, government bonds, checks, letters of credit, savings-bank books (сберегательная книжка), lottery tickets, postage stamps, blanks of passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, as well as publications of high artistic value, special and high-grade paper. Goznak also controls mints, which manufacture small change, orders, decorations, and commemorative medals. It also manufacturers credit cards, banking cards, phone cards, and SIM chips. Goznak not only prints Russian money, but also prints banknotes of foreign countries, including Indonesia and Egypt.

In 1815, after the currency crisis caused by the French invasion of Russia (1812), the government established the so-called Department of State Currency Production (Экспедиция заготовления государственных бумаг) under the authority of the Ministry of Finance; Dmitry Guriev, Minister of Finance, assigned engineer Agustín de Betancourt to design and build the modern, steam-powered currency printshop which was completed in 1818. More...

Comment: Embossed printing and gold foil, these are special printing process of this set. This sheet looks like a banknote, and the round stamp looks like a coin, perfect design.

Lithuania Virgin Mary FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: 400th Anniversary of The Apparition of The Blessed Virgin Mary in Šiluva
Date of Issue: 30 August 2008

Denomination:
1,55 Lt: Blessed Virgin Mary with the Divine Child

The apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary occurred in 1608 or 1612. Children of the nearby village were shepherding their herd on the land where the church had formerly stood, when they saw a young woman standing on a large rock, holding a baby in her arms and weeping bitterly. One herds boy ran to Šiluva and told the Calvinist catechist about the apparition. The catechist called a teacher, named Solomon, to go with him and together they both approached the aforementioned rock. They also saw the young woman weeping, just as the children saw her. The man asked, "Why are you weeping?" She replied: "There was a time when my beloved Son was worshipped by my people here, but now they plough and sow on this very spot." The catechist and the teacher considered the vision to be the work of an evil spirit, but news of the apparition rapidly spread throughout the area. According to one story, an elderly blind man managed to find the place where the ironclad box containing the old church treasures had been hidden. When the box was dug up, he immediately regained his eyesight. More...

Comment: Because I know nothing about this religion, so I don't know how to comment it.

China Pre-stamped Postcard JP151

China Pre-stamped Postcard
Name: China 2008 National Philatelic Exhibition, Nanchang
Number: JP151
Date of Issue: 19 September 2008

Russia Animals FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Definitive Stamps (5th Issue)
Date of Issue: 29 August 2008

Denominations:
0.10: The Hare (Yellow)
0.15: The Hare (Goldy-Orange)
0.25: The Hare (Green-Black)
0.30: The Fox (Light Green)
0.50: The Fox (Dark Green)
1.00: The Fox (Blue-Green)
1.50: The Lynx (Light Blue)
2.00: The Lynx (Blue)
2.50: The Lynx (Blue-Violet)
3.00: The Elk (Pink)
4.00: The Elk (Pink-Violet)
5.00: The Elk (Dark Violet)
6.00: The Bear (Ochre-Red)
10 P: The Bear (Dark Red)
25 P: The Bear (Brown-Red)

Comment: The fifth issue were issued with new improved degree of protection from fakes, more unique among them are visual methods of stamps authenticity determination, such as: iridescent paint with color –changeable effect, microtext and figuring perforation.

China Stamp: 2008-24

Sheetlet

China Stamps
Name: The 50th Anniversary of the Founding of Ningxia Autonomous Region
Number: 2008-24
Date of Issue: 23 September 2008
Value: 3 stamps/set

Denominations:
80 Fen (3-1): Wind Power
1.20 Yuan (3-2): Oasis in Desert
1.20 Yuan (3-2): Home of Harmony

Ningxia (simplified Chinese: 宁夏; traditional Chinese: 寧夏; pinyin: Níngxià; Wade-Giles: Ning-hsia; Postal map spelling: Ningsia), full name Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (simplified Chinese: 宁夏回族自治区; traditional Chinese: 寧夏回族自治區; pinyin: Níngxià Huízú Zìzhìqū), is a Hui autonomous region of the People's Republic of China, located on the northwest Loess highland, the Yellow River flows through a vast area of its land. The capital of the region is Yinchuan. More...

Poland Bridges FDCs

Poland FDCs
Name: Bridges in Poland
Date of Issue: 29 August 2008

Bridges in Poland
A bridge is one of the earliest humans' ideas to overrule nature. The first bridges used to be as simple as spans of wooden logs fallen across a stream or precipice. Later they were made of ropes, beams and stones, and finally as sophisticated structures of iron, concrete and steel. Bridges are important elements of architecture; they are designed for transportation and strategic purposes.

New postage stamps and First Day Cover
The Polish Post presents a series of 4 stamps with famous Polish bridges constructed in the 19th, 20th and 21st century. The oldest one is a railway bridge in Toruń, and the other bridges are: Poniatowski Bridge in Warsaw, a welded bridge near Łowicz and Siekierkowski Bridge - the newest one in Warsaw. The stamps were printed in sheets of 4 stamps of each type. Two First Day Covers depicting parts of bridge structures were also issued. An occasional date stamp was issued and is to be used in the Post Office Warsaw 1.

Denominations:
1.45 ZŁ: Siekierkowski Bridge in Warsaw
Built between 2000-2002, however planned already during the interwar period. It is one of the elements of the 8-km long Trasa Siekierkowska yet to be finished. This seventh bridge on the Vistula river is a cable-stayed bridge supported by two pylons, with no pillars in the river current. Its characteristic orange cables are to warn and protect birds against any crashing.

1.45 ZŁ: Poniatowski Bridge in Warsaw
Built between 1904-1914 as a Warsaw's third bridge on the Vistula river, designed by engineers M. Marszewski and W. Paszkowski and supervised by S. Szyller - author of the Warsaw University of Technology (Politechnika Warszawska) buildings. Its characteristic features are neo-Polish renaissance towers and pavilion on the viaduct over Powiśle. Poniatowski bridge was seriously damaged in 1915 by the retreating Russian troops and rebuilt in 1921-1926. It was on this bridge when in 1926, during the May Coup d'Etat, Józef Piłsudski met Stanisław Wojciechowski. The bridge was for the second time destroyed by the German troops during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. Poniatowski bridge was rebuilt after the war (in 1946), however in a poorer shape, without decorative balustrades and some benches.

3 ZŁ: Bridge in Maurzyce
The first welded bridge in the world was designed by engineer Stefan Bryła in 1928. It was built on the Słudwia river (left Bzura's tributary). Welding significantly decreased the bridge's weight; earlier steel elements used to be joined by rivets or bolts. The bridge's weight is 55 tons.

3 ZŁ: Ernest Malinowski bridge in Toruń
An iron truss bridge for railway built between 1870-1873 to connect railway lines and serve as fortifications in a lower part of the Vistula river. It covers the so - called Stara Wisła and Kępa Bazarowa. Its 20 meter high towers were decorated with figures that were removed in 1920 as they reminded of the town's Prussian history. The towers themselves were disassembled in the 50's of the 20th century. By 1934 it was the only bridge in Toruń for trains, cars and pedestrians. The bridge was destroyed two times in the II World War - by the Polish troops (in September 1939) and then by the German troops (in January 1945). After the war, the bridge was rebuilt. In 1999 it was named by Ernest Malinowski - famous engineer who constructed a railway line in the Andes.

Russia IPY FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The International Polar Year
Date of Issue: 28 August 2008

The International Polar Year (or IPY) is a collaborative, international effort researching the polar regions. Karl Weyprecht, an Austro-Hungarian naval officer, motivated the endeavor, but died before it first occurred in 1882-1883. Fifty years later (1932-1933) a second IPY occurred. The International Geophysical Year was inspired by the IPY and occurred 75 years after the first IPY (1957-58).

The third International Polar Year is currently in progress, having begun in 2007, and continuing until 2009. It is being sponsored by the International Council for Science (ICSU) the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The chair of the International Planning Group established within the ICSU for this event is chaired by Professor Chris Rapley and Dr. Robin Bell. The Director of the IPY International Programme Office is Dr David Carlson. More...

Comment: For this sheet, I couldn't find any information of these ships, Russia Post hasn't given the information in English or Russian. But, this is the 3rd polar issues in 2007 and 2008.

Estonia Windmill FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Põlma Windmill - Estonian Mills
Date of Issue: 28 August 2008

The stamp dedicated to the Põlma Windmill is the second from the Estonian historical mills series (the first, featuring the Hellenurme watermill, was issued in 2007). The Põlma Windmill in Rapla County was built in 1905 and because it initially belonged to the Järvakandi manor it is also known as the Järvakandi Windmill. It is a six-story Dutch windmill with an annex housing the miller's living quarters and a smithy. The last information about the milling of pearl barley there goes back to 1968. Later the mill fell into disrepair and stood empty for years. In 1991 the mill was restored and turned into a restaurant. At present the Põlma Windmill is a listed architectural monument. Although it stands empty it is possible to visit it by earlier appointment.

Comment: Sometimes, Eesti Post uses 2 different special cancellations if the theme of the stamp is not in Tallinn, but this time, they didn't, only used a special cancellation in Tallinn.

Singapore Air Force FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: 40 Years of The Republic of Singapore Air Force
Date of Issue: 28 August 2008

In 1968, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) began as the Singapore Air Defence Command. 40 years on, it has transformed into a First Class Air Force, capable of full spectrum operations with its specialised team of World Class People – the Heart of the 3rd Generation RSAF.

Denominations:
1st Local: Pilots
Be it for fighter, transport, or helicopter operations, RSAF's pilots are always at the frontline of air campaigns. They symbolise mental dexterity, decisiveness, precision, and strength.

2nd Local: Weapon Systems Officer
(Command, Control and Communications)
The WSO(C3) are the 'eyes and ears' of the RSAF. They identify are flying objects in our airspace and communicate incoming threats to the pilots and air defence artillery operators to keep Singapore safe.

65c: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot
The RSAF's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilots command their aerial vehicles remotely from the ground to provide real-time information and surveillance, which are key prerequisites for battlefield superiority.

80c: Air Engineering Officer & Senior Technician
Air Engineering Officers lead teams of professionals, overseeing the functionality, operability and readiness of the RSAF's state-of-the-art equipment and systems to provide the RSAF's leading-edge technology.

Senior Technicians are the backbone of the RSAF, maintaining its equipment and weapon systems in tip-top condition. Their expertise is highly valued and relied upon in executing missions.

$1.10: Weapon Systems Officer (Air Defence Artillery)
Air Defence Artillery (ADA) is the foundation of Singapore's air defence. The RSAF's ADA arsenal comprises a multitude of systems to eliminate all air threats, striking up to forty, kilometres at twice the speed of sound.

Comment: I'm so surprise, as a small country, Singapore has a regular air force.

Great Britain Handover FDC

Great Britain FDC
Name: Handover of the Olympic Flag from Beijing to London (China - Great Britain Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 22 August 2008

Denominations:
1st: 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.

1st: 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.

1st: 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.

1st: 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.

Comment: The handover took place on the closing ceremony of the Olympic Game on 24 August. As Royal Mail never issue stamps on Sunday, Royal Mail agreed with China Post and the IOC to issue this set on 22nd August, two days before the handover ceremony.

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 Tram Postal Stationery

Estonia Postal Stationery
Name: 120th Anniversary of Tram Traffic in Tallinn
Date of Issue: 22 August 2008

Tallinn's first tram was horse-drawn and over 3,500 people used the system on its first day. In 1888, tram traffic began and the Tramway has managed to survive through both World Wars. More...

Comment: I like this Postcard, the design is beautiful. from old (right part) to modern (left part).

Taiwan Yimin Festival FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: The Yimin Festival
Date of Issue: 20 August 2008
Number: Sp.525

Taiwan celebrates a great number of historical, folk, and international festivals. To give people a better understanding of the rich diversity of folk festivals in Taiwan, this Post has planned a series of stamps on the subject. The first in the series, a souvenir sheet, takes the Yimin Festival as its theme. The souvenir sheet is denominated at NT$20.00 (comprising four stamps, each with a denomination of NT$5.00.)

According to historical records, in 1786, during the Cing dynasty, Lin Shuang-wen led an uprising against Manchu rule. Fighting spread throughout the island. The Lin family in Liujhangli (today's Liujia, Chubei City) recruited villagers and organized a militia with the Hoklos in Jhujhan and some Pingpu indigenous people. The militia defended their homes and helped the Cing army put down the rebellion. In 1788, after the uprising was put down, the Cing emperor Cianlong awarded the militia a wooden memorial inscribed with the characters "bao jhong" (commending loyalty), which he wrote himself , in praise of the martyred militiamen. The Yimin Festival has since become the biggest celebration of Hakka people in Taiwan.

The ceremony starts with the erection of lantern poles to invite ghosts and deities to come join in the celebration, which is followed by the installation of the deity Dashihye, the release of water lanterns, pig and goat horn competitions, and the three solemn consecrations to the martyred militiamen. Finally, the Pudu (universal salvation) ceremony is performed during worship of Tiangong (the Heavenly Father). The four stamps in the souvenir sheet feature the exterior of the Sinpu Yimin Temple of Hsinchu (Taiwan's most popular Yimin temple), and three ceremonial rituals: a pig competition, the erection of lantern poles, and eating sweet congee. Meanwhile, the background of the souvenir sheet showcases the magnificent swallowtail roof and the pailou (decorated archway) of the "bao jhong" pavilion of the temple.

Comment: Could you find? Taiwan stamps have changed their name again. from "Taiwan" to "Republic of China (Taiwan)".

China Stamp: 2008-23

China Stamp
Name: The 50th Anniversary of University of Science and Technology of China
Number: 2008-23
Date of Issue: 20 September 2008
Value: 1 stamp/set

The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC; simplified Chinese: 中国科学技术大学; traditional Chinese: 中國科學技術大學; pinyin: Zhōngguó Kēxué Jìshù Dàxué) is a national research university in Hefei, China. The university is regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in China. It was founded in Beijing by the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS) in September of 1958. It was moved to Hefei city in Anhui province in the beginning of 1970 during the Cultural Revolution.

USTC was founded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS) in 1958 in response to the urgent need for the national economy, defense construction, and education in science and technology. It has been featured by its competence on scientific and technological research and expended into humanities and management with a strong scientific and engineering emphasis. USTC has 9 schools, 23 departments, the Special Class for the Gifted Young, the Experimental Class for the Teaching Reform, the Graduate Schools (Hefei, Shanghai, Suzhou), School of Management (Beijing), the Software School, School of Network Education, and School of Continuing Education. More...

USA Elk Envelope

USA Stamped Envelope
Name: Elk - American Scenes Series
Date of Issue: 16 August 2008

On August 16, 2008, in Hartford, Connecticut, the Postal Service™ issued a 42–cent, Elk definitive stamped envelope. The envelope, designed by Carl T. Herrman of Bethany Beach, Delaware, goes on sale nationwide August 16, 2008.

The envelopes, printed by Ashton Potter USA, went on sale May 2, 2008, and were originally printed by flexography. A new print process (offset lithography) is now being used.

Comment: My friend sent 3 first day letters to me from Hartford in 3 consecutive days. but all of cancellations on these letters are different, it has value for research, who knows their difference?

Belarus Olympic Games FDC

Belarus FDC
Name: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Date of Issue: 15 August 2008

Comment: Belarus Post didn't issue their 2008 Olympic Games set on 08.08.08 or before it, it's interesting. They use rowers' figure on this set. Finally, Belarus athletes have won half of their gold medal from Canoe/Kayak - Flatwater event, is that an irony?

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.