Belarus Bird FDC

Belarus FDC
Name: Bird of the Year - Greylag Goose
Date of Issue: 31 March 2009

The Greylag Goose (also spelled Graylag in the United States), Anser anser, is a bird with a wide range in the Old World. It is the type species of the genus Anser.

The stamp is issued with the assistance of the public organization "Ahova ptushak Batskaushchyny" (Protection of Homeland Birds).

The public organization "Ahova ptushak Batskaushchyny" declared the greylag goose a bird of the year 2009.

There are logos of the International organization of birds protection "BirdLife International" and Belarus public organization "Ahova ptushak Batskaushchyny" (APB) on the stamps.

Algeria Polar Regions FDC

Algeria FDC
Name: Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers
Date of Issue: 28 March 2009

Over the millennia, glaciers have experienced phases of growth and melting of their mass, as is the natural fluctuation dictated by the climatic cycles. Since the last decades, they have begun the decline that continues today.

As the ice melts, there is less and less solar energy is reflected by the ice and more absorbed by the ocean.

A considerable reduction of glaciers and ice covering the sea in the Polar Regions has been registered. Thus, the thickness of the ice in the Arctic Ocean has increased from 4.88 m on average in 1980 to 2.75 m in 2000, a decrease of 2.13 m in 20 years. According to studies carried out during 2003 by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Arctic is losing about 10% of its permanent ice.

Over the past century, temperatures in the northern regions has increased an average of 1.51 ° C, resulting in the phenomenon of global warming, a phenomenon linked primarily to the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The greatest increase in temperature during this century range from 2 ° C and 6 ° C and affect primarily the northern regions of the planet. Also, methods of production of various energies have clearly demonstrated their close association with the phenomenon of global warming threatening the planet.

However, the Polar Regions play an important role in the global climate system by storing the energy of all the existing hot zones around the world, and exchanging heat flows from Ecuador against the flow of cold water north and vice versa.

The polar regions, considered as a factor regulating the climate of the world, enable us to study many questions related to the planet such as climate, biodiversity, the ozone hole, atmospheric chemistry, ocean dynamics The structure of the globe, etc..

Our planet appears as a whole where the climate partly depends on complex interactions between ocean, atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere and human activities. The issue of concern to humanity at present and how can slow the advance of climate change on the entire planet in order to reduce their impact on living beings.

With the goal of reducing the progress that is rapid phenomenon of global warming, the optimal use of different energies is needed. Algeria, however, and whatever the dangers may be caused to the nature, all efforts by the international community to protect and safeguard our planet.

Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers FDCs:
Algeria, Estonia, Lithuania.

China Stamp: 2009-8

China Stamps
Name: China & World Expo
Number: 2009-8
Date of Issue: 01 May 2009
Value: 4 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20元 (4-1): China at Earlier Expos
1.20元 (4-2): China at Recent Expos
1.20元 (4-3): 1999 World Horticultural Expo Kunming
1.20元 (4-4): World Expo 2010 Shanghai

China's association with World Expo can be traced back to 1851, when Chinese products were displayed and won prizes at the first World Expo. After that, China attended the Expo events by sending governmental officials and businessmen delegations, entering products for exhibition, and in other forms. In 1982, New China for the first time participated in the Energy Expo World's Fair, held in Knowxille. In all the Expo events that followed, China exhibited its time-honored traditional culture and remarkable achievements made in the fields of economy, science and technology. The China Pavilions were cited as "Five-Star Exhibition Hall" and "Best Foreign Exhibition Hall" at the World Expos in 1988, 1992 and 1993.

After New China was founded in 1949, especially since the implementation of the reform and opening-up policy, along with the enhancement of the overall national strength as a result of rapid economic development and social progress, China has established and maintained a closer relationship with the global event. In 1999, China successfully hosted the World Horticultural Expo in Kunming, which won acclaim worldwide and helped elevate the national image and the country's international standing. The World Expo 2010 would be the first comprehensive world exposition to be hosted by China. Themed on "Better City, Better Life," and devoted to exploring a better city life for human beings, the Expo 2010 will undoubtedly stage a wonderful dialogue among different human civilizations for history.

Lithuania Polar Regions FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers
Date of Issue: 27 March 2009

If there were no the Earth's atmosphere, which transmits sunlight like a greenhouse but keeps the Earth surface warm, the sunlight, reflected by the Earth's surface, would instantly fade in the space. Gases accumulated in the atmosphere trap the heat given out by the Earth and cause the so-called greenhouse effect.

Power plants generating electricity and heat, vehicles, factories, and other activities of man increase the concentration of gasses around the Earth enhancing the greenhouse effect and leading to the increase in temperature and climate change.

The melting of polar ice caps, retreat of mountain glaciers, rising sea level, storms, floods, dry years, heat waves, and shortage of drinking water can be named as the consequences of climate change.

In order to stop climate change, it is necessary to reduce the emission of gases contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Postage stamps under the topic "Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers" dedicated to the problem of climate change will be issued in January–March by some tens countries, including Lithuania.

Preserve the Polar Regions and Glaciers FDCs:
Algeria, Estonia, Lithuania.

Estonia Meri FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Republic of Estonia heads of state 1918-2018 - Lennart Meri
Date of Issue: 26 March 2009

* 29 March 1929 Tallinn
† 14 March 2006 Tallinn

President of the Republic
6 Oct. 1992–8 Oct 2001

1990–92 foreign minister, 1992 ambassador to Finland, 2002–03 representative of the Government of the Republic in the Convention on the Future of Europe. Writer, translator, film director, member of the Estonian Writers’ Union, of the Estonian Film-makers’ Union, of the Estonian PEN Club, honorary member of the Finnish Writers’ Union, Academician of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, honorary doctor of Helsinki University (1986), Saami University (1999, Finland), Turku University (2000, Finland), Saint Olaf University (2000, USA), Surrey University (2004, Great Britain), patron of numerous undertakings and organisations, bearer of many countries’ orders, European of the Year 1998. Winner of the Coudenhove-Kalergi European Prize (1996), of the Liberal International Prize (1999), of the Max Schmidheiny Freedom Prize (2001) and recipient of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Award (2004).

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

China Pre-stamped Envelopes JF91

China Pre-stamped Envelopes
Name: The 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy
Number: JF91
Date of Issue: 23 Apirl 2009
Value: 5 envelopes/set

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy was founded in Baimamiao, Taizhou city, Jiangsu province on April 23, 1949. With 60 years of construction, it has developed into modern maritime combat forces consisting of submarine, surface ship, naval aviation, Marine Corps and coast defense troops.
(5-1): Submarine Forces
Submarine forces mainly consist of conventional submarines and nuclear power submarines.
(5-2): The Surface Ship Forces
The surface ship forces mainly consist of missile-guided destroyers, missile-guided frigates, missile boats, submarine hunters, mine sweepers, landing vessels and all sorts of logistic vessels.
(5-3): Naval Aviation Forces
Naval aviation forces mainly consist of fighters, bombers, attackers, fighter-bombers, reconnaissance planes, helicopters, transport planes and water planes.
(5-4): Marine Corps
Marine Corps mainly consist of infantry, armored troops, anti-chemical weapon warfare corps, amphibious scout, and so on. The equipments mainly consist of all kinds of infantry automatic weapons, amphibious tanks, amphibious armored conveyer, anti-tank missiles and so on.
(5-5): Coast Defense Troops
Coast defense troops mainly consist of coast missile forces, coast artillery forces and anti-aircraft gun forces.

Malaysia Wedding Costumes FDC

Malaysia FDC
Name: Traditional Wedding Costumes
Date of Issue: 23 March 2009

In today's modern era, the Malaysian community comprising of various races and many ethnic groups still value the rich legacy of traditional costumes worn during important occasions such as weddings. Each ethnic group has their own heritage of wedding costumes that are unique in their own styles and designs.

On the most important day, the attire worn is very beautiful, special yet traditional. The Chinese and Indian couples wear red, while the Orang Ulu and Bajau are colourful dressed and the Malay couple wears a matching outfit complete with accessories as king and queen for the day.

However, all wedding costumes are similar in that the bride and bridegroom look outstanding magnificent in their bright coloured and grand ensemble, complete with beautiful headdress, unique accessories and magnificent jewellery worn only during weddings.

Denominations:
50sen: Traditional Malay Wedding Costume
The Malay bride and bridegroom in their traditional wedding attire made of songket cloth woven in the pattern of 'bunga tabur'. The bride wore Baju Kebaya Labuh, a classic styled costume worn with matching sarung and long shawl also made from songket. A decorative headgear and other accessories are added as the finishing for her as the queen of the day. The bridegroom wore a Baju Kurung Cekak Musang top with a headgear called Tengkolok, waistband, samping and keris that completes the wedding costume. Bunga telur which is a decorative ornament used during weddings is shown in the background of this stamp.

50sen: Traditional Chinese Wedding Costume
The Chinese bridal couple looks resplendent in the traditional wedding costume, reminiscent of a bygone era. The bride is dressed in an embroidered skirt with a matching long red silk jacket, and around her neck is a large elaborately decorated detachable collar, resembling the neck feathers of the phoenix. On her head is an ornate headdress made of gilded gold and silver inlaid with kingfisher feathers and embellished with pearls and red pom-poms. The bridegroom's wedding attire is a long embroidered dragon robe. He wears a black hat with red tassels.

The combination of the dragon and phoenix symbolizes the balance of male and female power. Red, the favourite colour since the Ming Dynasty and the “double happiness” symbol shown in the background of the stamp represents luck and signifies love and prosperity.

50sen: Traditional Indian Wedding Costume
The stamp depicts an Indian bride and bridegroom in their traditional colourful wedding attire. The bride is in a beautiful silk saree and matching blouse with gold thread embroidery while the bridegroom is in his Vashtee, a long-sleeved shirt and matching cotton cloth woven with gold thread. The bride is adorned with flowers in her hair and garlands of flowers round their neck, with flower bouquets in their hands. In the background is a picture of a garland, normally used in Indian weddings.

50sen: Traditional Orang Ulu Wedding Costume
The costume for the Orang Ulu bridegroom is an embroidered bead vest and a loin-cloth. The headgear is fashioned from feathers and woven beads. The Orang Ulu bride is in a colourful sequinned dress called 'basung' and 'ta'ah'. The head is beautifully adorned with a 'lavung doh'.

Bunga Jarau, the wood ornament shown in the background of the stamp is a decorative item used at weddings.

50sen: Traditional Bajau Wedding Costume
The Bajau bridal costume is the 'badu sipak'; the yellow blouse made of satin with flared sleeves, showing off an underblouse of a contrasting hue and the 'olos berangkit' which is a full-length black wrap-skirt. Other interesting accessories adorn the bride such as 'mandapun', a decorative ornament with stylized silver or gold leaves worn around the neckline; 'sarempak', a two-piece head decoration in the shape of a ship made of gilded silver and 'garigai', small ornaments dangling down from the hair bun. Silver bangles and jewellery such as the 'ingkot pangkat'; the silver coin belt and 'keku'; long tapered, gold fingercovers complete the finishing touch for the bride.

The bridegroom id adorned in the badu which is similar to the bride's 'badu sipak' but in green colour with a pair of pants known as 'suar'. Accessories adorned by the bridegroom is the 'kain dastar' headdress and 'ingkot pangkat' with 'supu' attached and a sash at his waist. 'Tipo serisir', a mat made of woven silk material dan beadwork is a decorative item used during weddings.

Singapore Theatres FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Cinema Theatres of Yesteryear
Date of Issue: 20 March 2009

Movie-going has become a regular and favourite pastime for most Singaporeans since the first silent films hit our shores in 1902. The first public screening in Singapore is said to have taken place in April 1902 at a tent in an open space at the junction of River Valley Road and Hill Street and the first movie theatre opened its door in 1904. More theatres appeared with Shaw Organisation operating their own ‘proper' cinema known as The Empire in 1927, and Cathay Organisation raised the curtains at The Cathay Cinema in 1939. The Cathay Cinema was to be the first cinema complex as well as the tallest building in Singapore then.

Featured in this set of stamps are some of the grand dames of movie theatres. The majestic and beautiful structures of these theatres featured still stand today but all, with the exception of The Cathay, no longer screens any movies.

Denominations:
1st Local: Cathay, 1939
The cinema, raised it's curtains on 3rd October 1939, becoming Singapore's first air-conditioned cinema and the first skyscraper, the tallest in Southeast Asia during that time. On 24 March 2006, it was redeveloped together with Cathay Building (now known as The Cathay) and opened to public with 8 cinema halls including The Grand Cathay and The Picturehouse.

50¢: The Majestic, 1928
The Majestic is a historic building on Eu Tong Sen Street in Chinatown built in 1927 and completed in 1928. Located between the People's Park Complex and Yue Hwa Department Store, along the stretch of Eu Tong Sen street, it was known as Majestic Theatre, which used to be a Cantonese Opera House. In January 2003, the Majestic Theatre was reopened but as a shopping mall and renamed "The Majestic".

80¢: Capitol Building, 1933
Capitol Building is a historic building at the junction of North Bridge Road and Stamford Road. Completed in 1933, it operated under the name of Kyo-Ei Gekkyo until 1944 during the Japanese Occupation. After 1946, the Capitol was purchased by Shaw and rebuilt, becoming the organisation's flagship theatre and renamed as Shaw Building. Its use as a movie theatre ended with its last movie screening on 29 Dec. 1998.

$1.10: Queens, c1920
Queens first opened in the 1920s as Ritz Theatre, located between Lorong 42 Geylang Road and Paya Lebar Road, it was being renamed as "Nanyo Gekizyo" in 1942 – 1945 (during the Japanese Occupation) and became Queen's Theatre in 1946. It ceased operations in 1983 but the old theatre's classical colonial facade was being retained.

$1.10: Rex, 1946
A Shaw Brothers cinema opened in 1946 with the inaugural screening of The Jungle Book. It ceased operations in 1983, having screened its last film, "Jaws 3-D" (1983). The cinema was located at MacKenzie Road, conveniently next to the bus depot of the Singapore Traction Company, and Kandang Kerbau Hospital.

Russia A.Popov FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The 150th Anniversary of birth of Alexander Popov (1859-1906)
Date of Issue: 06 March 2009

Alexander Stepanovich Popov (Russian: Алекса́ндр Степа́нович Попо́в; March 16 [O.S. March 4] 1859 – January 13 [O.S. December 31, 1905] 1906) was a Russian physicist who first demonstrated the practical application of electromagnetic (radio) waves, although he did not apply for a patent for his invention.

Beginning in the early 1890s he continued the experiments of other radio pioneers, such as Heinrich Hertz. In 1894 he built his first radio receiver, a version of the coherer. Further refined as a lightning detector, it was presented to the Russian Physical and Chemical Society on May 7, 1895 — the day has been celebrated in the Russian Federation as "Radio Day". The paper on his findings was published the same year. In March 1896, he effected transmission of radio waves between different campus buildings in St Petersburg. Upon learning about Guglielmo Marconi's system, he effected ship-to-shore communication over a distance of 6 miles in 1898 and 30 miles in 1899. More...

Algeria Disabled Persons FDC

Algeria FDC
Name: National Day of Disabled Persons
Date of Issue: 14 March 2009

The number of invalid people knows a constant growth. This category of persons is about 10% of the world's population, equivalent to 500 million physically and mentally.

The Arab world has an average of 15% of people with disabilities in its population. In Algeria, the National Office of Statistics identifies 1.8 million disabled.

Like the able-bodied, the Algerian State has made efforts to care for people with disabilities by ensuring all the material and financial resources enabling them to integrate both professional and social, and S register fully and effectively in the process of national development.

Thus, this category of people has not ceased to occupy its rightful place by making especially in the field of sport. Indeed, selection of Disabled Algerians as the best ambassador who, through his many achievements, has been honorably and worthily represent Algeria at various international sporting events.

Following his participation in the Olympic Games held in 2004 in Athens (Greece), the Algerian team won the disabled, a total of 13 medals including 6 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals.

This was not the only success, four years later, during games of the 29th Olympiad that housed the Chinese capital, Beijing, the Algerian athletes in the category in question were also crowned by a total of 15 medals from which included 4 gold, 3 silver and 8 bronze medals.

The credit for the creation of the disabled goes to the doctor and English professor, Ludwig Guttman, who has organized the 22 July 1948 in Great Britain, the first games of the disabled. Today, the Paralympic Games are 23 officially recognized, including 19 summer games and winter games 4, adapted to different types of disabilities.

Algeria has announced the date of 14 March of each year "National Day of Disabled Persons". The commemoration of this day is to confirm the consecration of the principle on the protection and promotion of disabled persons.

Celebrating the National Day of Disabled Persons aims to promote better understanding of issues related to disability and to mobilize all efforts to ensure respect for the dignity, rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

Comment: I was so surprise when I received this FDC. An additional stamp was glued on the both side of the FDC.

Slovakia Martial Arts FDC

Slovakia FDC
Name: Sports - Martial Arts
Date of Issue: 13 March 2009

Martial art represents an extensive system of techniques which determine its character - depending on style, school, tradition, and other specific elements. Judo, iaido, kendo, aikido and other martial arts today comprise at least two different forms. This also applies to karate, which is the graphic motif for the stamp as well as the entire Martial Arts issue. Contemporary karate, mostly a sport today, developed from the traditional Okinawean tode. We ought to bear in mind however that this traditional way of fighting also has its historical predecessors: the Greek "pancration", the Indian "vajramushti", and the Chinese "chuan fa" all have something in common with the Okinawian tode. Historical and political circumstances, the occupation of the Rjukju islands in 1609, and the subsequent ban on bearing/owning weapons in 1629 led to the uniting of chuan fa and tode into a single fighting system called "te" – i.e. hands. "Te" was trained in absolute secrecy at that time and its sole purpose was to kill an opponent with a single blow. Three hundred years later, when Okinawa became a prefecture of Japan and karate became accessible to the public - the sports form of karate developed. The merger of the three cultural elements of the Chinese kara, and the Okinawean and Japanese jitsu - formed karate-jitsu, meaning the art of the Chinese hand. The apprentices of the Okinawean masters Azato and Higaonni later opened their own schools. G. Funakoshi developed the Shotokan style. Mabuni changed the Shito-style and Ghogjun Hijagi named his karate-jitsu Godju. The founder of modern karate, Gichin Funakoshi (1867-1955), changed the Chinese sign kara (meaning China) to another Chinese kara-sign (with the same pronunciation), but this time with the meaning "empty", suggesting the Zen-meaning "become empty", i.e. being in the condition of highest readiness, with the will free of selfishness and decadence in our striving for an appropriate reaction to everything we may encounter in life. In 1934 G. Funakoshi officially changed the name karate into karate-do, adding the dimension of systemic techniques and mental attitudes leading to man's improvement and quality enhancement on his path to all-round development. By adding the word "do" and the formation of karate-do, this martial art became closer to budo-arts such as "kendo" – the way of the sword, "kjudo" – the way of the bow, and "judo" – the fine-way. "Do" means 'the way' – i.e. the way of life we all should lead to become aware of our inner-most essence, i.e. karate-do. This means that also other budo-arts are principally ways of becoming a true human being.

Comment: Very interesting, 2 additional stamps were not cancelled! But, if these addditional stamps were cancelled, this FDC might be damaged.

Indonesia Elections FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: General Elections 2009
Date of Issue: 02 March 2008

Denominations:
1/4 Rp1500: Election's Contestants
2/4 Rp1500: Marks Your Vote
3/4 Rp1500: One Minutes for Five Years
4/4 Rp1500: 9 April 2009

General elections henceforth election is a process of voting candidates for legislative bodies and political posts ranked from president, governor, to mayor and vices. Election is periodically run every five year by Komisi Pemilihan Umum (Electoral Commission) based on the principle of direct, public, free and confidential as well as honest and fair. Prior to the voting day, candidates and political parties offer their programs and political promises to their constituent in campaign session. The winner will be scored by the amount vote by each contestant.

Election 1955 was in the first in the history of the Republic of Indonesia. People vote tiwce in this election. The first was held in September 29 to elect members of Legislative Council. The second was held on December 15 to elect Constituent Body members. With more than 30 parties and hundreds of individual candidates, this election is regarded as one of the most democratic.

The second election in Indonesia was held on July 5, 1971 during the early New Order regime. Significantly differed from the previous one, this election put bureaucracy in a neutral position. Election 1971 was contested by 10 parties.

After 1971, election was periodically held in 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992 and 1997. These elections were noted by decreasing number of contestants due to Government and Legislative Council decision to fuse political parties into three.

Post President Suharto toppling in May 1998, BJ Habibie Administration speeded up the election on June 7, 1999. The ultimate reason of this decision was to gain public as well as international recognition and trust. This election voted parliament members and contested 48 parties.

Election 2004 was the first election in the era of Reformation enabling people to vote parliament members and president/vice president directly. This election was conducted in three stages. The first voted for Legislative Bodies members, both national and local in April 5. The Second voted for president/vice president in July 5. And the third was the second round for president/vice president election in September 20.

The next election in Indonesia will be run on April 9, 2009. This legislative election contest will be contested by 44 parties, including 6 local parties in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province. In preceding elections the vote was done by punching the ballot. Whereas, voting in the next election will be made by putting a mark on ballot.

Indonesia ITB FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: 50th Anniversary of ITB
Date of Issue: 02 March 2008

Denominations:
1/4 Rp1500: DiesEmas
2/4 Rp1500: ITB Opening Ceremony in 1959
3/4 Rp1500: 89 Years of Technical Higher Education in Indonesia
4/4 Rp1500: ITB in the Future

History of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) or Bandung Institute of Technology began in the early twentieth century by the establishment of de Techniche Hoogeschool te Bandung which only had a faculty, namely de Faculteit van Technishe Wetenschap and a major study, namely de afdeeling der Weg en Waterbouw. This institute was found to cope with the lack of technician problem due to disrupted connections between Netherlands and its colony in East India during the First World War.

ITB was officially founded by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on March 2, 1959. it was born in dynamic situation bearing mission of science and technology universality dedicated for development toward an advanced and respected nation. ITB main campus occupy previously site of the first technical school in Indonesia.

In the first decade of sixty, ITB started to develop and complete its core infrastructures. This period indicated preparation for organization manning by developing lectures through studying abroad.

The second decade of seventy was a hard times, but the academic unit had developed into a working unit which also functioned as a socio-economics unit that performed as a semi-autonomous institutions. This decade also marked the level of academic development as well as reduction of studying abroad programs.

During the third decade of eighty, infrastructures and transfer of knowledge process had entered a modern era using more sophisticated campus facilities. Number of graduates was increased significantly while post graduate programs were opened. This favorable atmosphere spread due to improving socio-politics and economics situation of the country.

In the fourth decade of ninety, this formerly a single program technical school has maintained 26 Bachelor Programs, 34 Master Programs and 3 Doctorate Programs consisting of science, technology, business, arts and humanism studies.

Opening the twenty first century, the Government has declared ITB as a State Owned Legal Entity according to the Government Regulation Number 155 year 2000 since December 26, 2000. State Higher Education Institution with legal entity status is a new phenomenon in the history of education in Indonesia. The ultimate reason for this policy is ITB as one of the State Higher Education Institutions shall posses a greater autonomy and responsibility to face globalization challenge.

China Sheetlet: 2009-7

China Sheetlet II
Name: China 2009 World Stamp Exhibition
Number: 2009-7
Date of Issue: 10 April 2009
Value: 4 stamps/sheet

Denominations:
1.20元 (2-1): Carmine Pot with Design of Dragon and Phoenix Playing with Peony (胭脂红彩龙凤穿牡丹纹罐)
The carmine pot with design of dragon and phoenix playing with peony dating to reign of Qing Emperor Jiaqing, large in size and beautiful and radiant in color, is of high artistic value.

1.20元 (2-2): Cloisonné Enamel Grass Holder with the Design of Brance-tangled Peony (掐丝珐琅缠枝牡丹纹藏草瓶)
The cloisonné enamel grass holder with the design of brance-tangled peony, dating to the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), features a greaceful shape and gorgeous design patterns. It is considered an outstanding representative of cloisonné enamelobjects of the later Qing period.

China 2009 World Stamp Exhibition, held from April 10 to 16, 2009, in Luoyang, Henan Province, was a new pageant of its kind following the 1999 World Stamp Exhibition successfully held in Beijing. A grand, comprehensive stamp show, the 2009 World Stamp Exhibition gave a display of 3,200 frames entered by more than a hundred countries and regions, including some globally renowned philatelic items. This event was committed to promoting the international philatelic cultural exchange, increasing cooperation among postal service departments of China and other countries (regions), pushing forward the development of postal and philatelic industries, and serving as a gift to the 60th anniversary of New China.

China 2009 World Stamp Exhibition:
China Stamps, Souvenir Sheet, Sheetlet II
Hong Kong FDCs
Indonesia FDC

China Souvenir Sheet: 2009-7

China Souvenir Sheet
Name: China 2009 World Stamp Exhibition
Number: 2009-7
Date of Issue: 10 April 2009

Denomination:
6元: National Beauty and Heavenly Fragrance (国色天香图)

China 2009 World Stamp Exhibition is to be held in Luoyang, one of the officially designated Cities of Chinese History and Culture in the west of Henan Province. Thanks to its four distinct seasons, the climate is pleasant here, which makes peonies, the city flowers of Luoyang, well known all over the world. As traditionally famous flowers in China, peonies have large corollas and bright colors, and symbolize richness, honors, fortunes and prosperity ever since. Every April, a grand Peony Show is held in this city, which attracts thousands of visitors both at home and aboard. China 2009 World Stamp Exhibition is to be held during the Luoyang Peony Show. On the occasion of a sea of beautiful flowers, thronging people and beautiful world rare stamps, this exhibition will thus feature a unique cultural character.

China 2009 World Stamp Exhibition:
China Stamps, Souvenir Sheet, Sheetlet II
Hong Kong FDCs
Indonesia FDC

Italy Conference FDC

Italy FDC
Name: 5th National Conference on Drugs
Date of Issue: 12 March 2009

Features in the foreground are Father Oreste Benzi, Carlo Valenzi and Vincenzo Muccioli; in the background is Piazza Unità d'Italia in Trieste; top left is the logo of the 5th National Conference on Drugs.

China Stamp: 2009-7

China Stamps
Name: China 2009 World Stamp Exhibition
Number: 2009-7
Date of Issue: 10 April 2009
Value: 2 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20元 (2-1): Carmine Pot with Design of Dragon and Phoenix Playing with Peony (胭脂红彩龙凤穿牡丹纹罐)
The carmine pot with design of dragon and phoenix playing with peony dating to reign of Qing Emperor Jiaqing, large in size and beautiful and radiant in color, is of high artistic value.

1.20元 (2-2): Cloisonné Enamel Grass Holder with the Design of Brance-tangled Peony (掐丝珐琅缠枝牡丹纹藏草瓶)
The cloisonné enamel grass holder with the design of brance-tangled peony, dating to the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), features a greaceful shape and gorgeous design patterns. It is considered an outstanding representative of cloisonné enamelobjects of the later Qing period.

China 2009 World Stamp Exhibition, held from April 10 to 16, 2009, in Luoyang, Henan Province, was a new pageant of its kind following the 1999 World Stamp Exhibition successfully held in Beijing. A grand, comprehensive stamp show, the 2009 World Stamp Exhibition gave a display of 3,200 frames entered by more than a hundred countries and regions, including some globally renowned philatelic items. This event was committed to promoting the international philatelic cultural exchange, increasing cooperation among postal service departments of China and other countries (regions), pushing forward the development of postal and philatelic industries, and serving as a gift to the 60th anniversary of New China.

China 2009 World Stamp Exhibition:
China Stamps, Souvenir Sheet, Sheetlet II
Hong Kong FDCs
Indonesia FDC

Taiwan Flowers (I) FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Flowers (1st Series)
Date of Issue: 12 March 2008
Number: Def. 129(I)

The colors and shapes of Taiwan's flowering plants are varied. To introduce the beauty of Taiwan's flowers, Chunghwa Post is issuing a series of definitive stamps on flowers.

Denominations:
NT$3.50: Spanish Flag Lantana camara (馬纓丹)
Lantana camara is an evergreen shrub of the Verbenaceae family. Its leaves are opposite and ovate and both the leaves and stems have unpleasant acrid odors. The flowers are arranged in flat heads. The lantana is a popular ornamental plant because it flowers for a long and sustained period. Its fruit, leaves and stems are poisonous and therefore should not be eaten.

NT$5.00: Orange Jessamine Murraya paniculata (月橘)
Also known as orange jasmine or Chinese box, Murraya paniculata is an evergreen shrub of the Rutaceae family. Its small alternate leaves are ovate and glossy. White and campanulate, its corymbose flowers, each with five petals, are highly fragrant. Its wood is fine and hard and suitable for making seals. It is a widely planted ornamental.

NT$12.00: Flower of Yellow Ipê Tabebuia chrysantha (黃金風鈴木)
Also known as golden goddess, Tabebuia chrysantha is a deciduous tree of the Bignoniaceae family. Its small leaves are opposite and obovate. Funnel-shaped, its bright yellow corolla are grouped in panicles with wrinkly edges. Care should be taken to avoid touching its flowers or fruit since contact might cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.

NT$25.00: Roselle Hibiscus sabdariffa (洛神葵)
Also known as rosella, Hibiscus sabdariffa is an annual herbaceous subshrub of the Malvaceae family. Its leaves are alternate and have thick hair on both sides. With petals that are imbricate, the plant’s flowers open light yellow and age to pink. Its large and fleshy calyces are bright red and quite nutritious. The calyces are quite flavorful once they are dried and cooked.

Russia Gagarin FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The 75th Anniversary of Birth of Yuri Gagarin
Date of Issue: 06 March 2009

Yuri Alexeyevich Gagarin (Russian: Ю́рий Алексе́евич Гага́рин; 9 March 1934 - 27 March 1968), Hero of the Soviet Union, was a Soviet cosmonaut. On 12 April 1961, he became the first human in space and the first to orbit the Earth. He received medals from around the world for his pioneering tour in outer space. More...

Comment: Stamp represents earlier not published photo of Yuri Gagarin made on April, 12th, 1961 right after landing of the ship "East". The photographer is V. Smirnov.

Poland Sculpture FDC

Poland FDC
Name: Polish Contemporary Sculpture - Władysław Hasior
Date of Issue: 06 March 2009

Władysław Hasior (1928-1999)
The artist was born in the town of Nowy Sącz. He graduated from the Liceum Technik Plastycznych art school in Zakopane where he was educated under the tuition of professor Antoni Kenar. Between 1952 and 1958 he studied at the faculty of sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, receiving professional guidance in the atelier of professor Marian Wnuk. Having finished his studies, he embarked on numerous journeys and took part in many exhibitions, which was made possible owing to, among others, a scholarship of the French Ministry of Culture. Up to 1968 he taught in his former secondary school in Zakopane, and in the early 70s he worked in Wrocław, lecturing at the Higher School of Fine Arts and creating stage design for the Polish Theatre there.

Hasior was an active participant of the artistic life of Zakopane, paying particular attention to the activities of his gallery, which was established in 1985 as a branch of the Tatra Museum. That museum was also the beneficiary of Hasior's last will, and received his works after the artist's death. Many of Hasior's other creations are kept by state museums in various Polish towns and cities and in national galleries worldwide, including Stockholm, Oslo, Paris, Rome, Milan, Montevideo and Sao Paulo, not to mention those in the hands of the private collectors.

The work
Władysław Hasior was an outstandingly original artist who never copied any trends. In his work he utilised various kinds of material, including some finished objects (such as dolls, pitchforks, mirrors) and fragments of others. That was because he claimed that the traditional sculptor's medium is not capable of conveying the message he wanted to send. He used to say "I'm using materials which have some meaning. Each and every object has its sense, and if you put them together, you get an aphorism. [...] I believe the artist's work consists in provocation, both in the intellectual and the creative aspect."

In his outdoor creations the artist utilised fire, water, wind, sound and glass. One of his original creative inventions was using holes made in the ground in order to cast cement figures. Critics saw the influences of Dadaism, surrealism and pop art in Hasior's work. He was also inspired by folk arts, and was a careful observer of everyday reality, in particular that of the countryside. The artist liked to watch and document the cheap aesthetics of something he called "county arts"(sztuka powiatowa), which he then referred to in his work. He also reached into the mythology and conjured up memories of the war, invariably presenting the subjects in an unconventional manner and attaching new meaning to trite symbols, mixing macabre and cruelty with grotesque, irony and jest. His exhibitions were full of controversy, but at the same time prompted the viewers to reflection.

Banners
Hasior's assemblages, inspired by religious procession banners, started to appear in the mid 1960s. Although they were constructed with the use of fabric, plastic objects, wood, metal or glass, the artist called them "paintings." They are very large, reaching between 1,5 and 4 metres in height and around 1 metre in width, and they are a mixture of both solemn symbols and the everyday aspects of life, which is seen from their titles such as: The Banner of St. Pensioner (Sztandar Św. Emeryta), The Banner of the Bird Spider (Sztandar Ptasznika), The Banner of Mona Lisa (Sztandar Mony Lisy), The Banner of Poland (Sztandar Polski), The Banner of the Black Angel (Sztandar Czarnego Anioła), The Flinging Blaze Banner (Sztandar Blaskomiotny), The Banner of Ecstasy (Sztandar Ekstazy). The artist used those banners in his outdoor performances such as the procession called The Feast of the Blooming Apple Tree (Święto Kwitnącej Jabłoni) in Łąck.

New Stamps and First Day Covers
On 14 July 2009 ten years will have passed since the death of Władysław Hasior. Poczta Polska has prepared a series of four stamps featuring photographs of the artist's works - his assemblages: The Herald (Zwiastowanie) and The Fly (Mucha), and the Banner of the Green Poet (Sztandar Zielonej Poetki) and The Night Undressing Banner (Sztandar - Rozbieranie do snu). The first day covers feature the works entitled The Locust (Szarańcza) and The Sacrificial Banner (Sztandar Ofiarny). The issue is accompanied by an occasional date stamp, in use in Warsaw 1 Post Office.

Did you know?
Hasior's works were an inspiration for other artists, and were referred to in, among others, the poems of Stanisław Grochowiak. Also, Marek Grechuta entitled his series of short works "Hasior's Banners".