Singapore Attractions M/S FDC

Singapore Minisheet FDC
Name: Tourist Attractions (Indonesia - Singapore Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 28 October 2009

Singapore and Indonesia enjoy warm and friendly ties. Both countries are close neighbours and each other's major trading partners. Ministers and officials from both countries work closely together bilaterally, as well at international fora such as ASEAN to advance common interests. In this stamp issue, selected attractions of both countries are featured.

Denominations:
1ST LOCAL: Singa Ambara Raja Statue
Singa Ambara Raja statue is the landmark of Singaraja City on the northern part of Bali. Adapted from Buleleng regency symbol, this statue uniquely depicts a winged lion holding a big corn in one of its front leg. The statue was officially inaugurated on 30 March 1971 to signify the historical struggle of Singaraja people against Dutch colony.

65c: Merlion
The iconic Merlion is Singapore's most enduring symbol. The name of the half-lion, half-fish creature is a combination of both Singapore's ancient name "Temasek" (meaning "sea town") and original name "Singapura" (meaning "Lion City").

80c: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesian Miniature Park)
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or "Beautiful Indonesian Miniature Park" is a recreational spot with splendid cultural highlights of the grandeur of Indonesia. Officially opened on 20 April 1975, it covers nearly 250 acres of area at the eastern side of Jakarta. The park is a summary of Indonesian culture, with virtually all aspects of daily life of each provinces of Indonesia encapsulated in separate pavilions with collection of architectures, clothing, dances and traditions.

$1.10: Sentosa
Sentosa was a British military fortress until 1967 when it was handed back to the newly independent Singapore Government. In 1968, the Government decided to develop the island into a holiday resort for local visitors and tourists. The public was invited to suggest names for the island and "Sentosa" - meaning peace & tranquility in Malay - was eventually chosen for the island resort in 1972.

Singapore Attractions FDC

Singapore FDC
Name: Tourist Attractions (Indonesia - Singapore Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 28 October 2009

Singapore and Indonesia enjoy warm and friendly ties. Both countries are close neighbours and each other's major trading partners. Ministers and officials from both countries work closely together bilaterally, as well at international fora such as ASEAN to advance common interests. In this stamp issue, selected attractions of both countries are featured.

Denominations:
1ST LOCAL: Singa Ambara Raja Statue
Singa Ambara Raja statue is the landmark of Singaraja City on the northern part of Bali. Adapted from Buleleng regency symbol, this statue uniquely depicts a winged lion holding a big corn in one of its front leg. The statue was officially inaugurated on 30 March 1971 to signify the historical struggle of Singaraja people against Dutch colony.

65c: Merlion
The iconic Merlion is Singapore's most enduring symbol. The name of the half-lion, half-fish creature is a combination of both Singapore's ancient name "Temasek" (meaning "sea town") and original name "Singapura" (meaning "Lion City").

80c: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesian Miniature Park)
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or "Beautiful Indonesian Miniature Park" is a recreational spot with splendid cultural highlights of the grandeur of Indonesia. Officially opened on 20 April 1975, it covers nearly 250 acres of area at the eastern side of Jakarta. The park is a summary of Indonesian culture, with virtually all aspects of daily life of each provinces of Indonesia encapsulated in separate pavilions with collection of architectures, clothing, dances and traditions.

$1.10: Sentosa
Sentosa was a British military fortress until 1967 when it was handed back to the newly independent Singapore Government. In 1968, the Government decided to develop the island into a holiday resort for local visitors and tourists. The public was invited to suggest names for the island and "Sentosa" - meaning peace & tranquility in Malay - was eventually chosen for the island resort in 1972.

China Stamps: 2009-29

China Stamps
Name: Stage Art of Ma Lianliang (马连良舞台艺术)
Number: 2009-29
Date of Issue: 28 November 2009
Value: 2 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20元 (2-1): Summoning the East Wind (借东风)
1.20元 (2-2): Orphan of the Zhao Family (赵氏孤儿)

Ma Lianliang (1901 - 1966), a native of Beijing, of Hui ethnic group, was a renowned master of Peking Opera. At the age of eight, he entered Xi Lian Cheng Opera School. After graduation, he combined what he learned from the school with bold innovation, and based on stage practice, he gradually developed a unique artistic style of his own, which is now commonly known as the Ma School. The images he portrayed on stage featured distinctive personalities, and in addition to outstanding performance in singing, recitation and acting, the master impressed the audience with his accurate representation of scenarios and vivid depiction of dramatic figures, thus realizing a perfect fusion of play plots with artistic forms. His most representative plays, including "Summoning the East Wind", "Sweet Dew Temple", "Su Wu as a Shepherd" and "Orphan of the Zhao Family", enjoy great popularity among the audience. The superb stage art of Ma Lianliang made a great contribution to the development of Peking Opera, exerting a profound influence that still lingers today.

Lithuania Geodetic Arc FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: The World Heritage Objects: The Struve Geodetic Arc
Date of Issue: 24 October 2009

Denominations:
2 Lt: Triangulation Chain of Struve Arc
2 Lt: Point in Meškonys of Struve's Arc

Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve (1793–1864), the professor of University of Tartu in Estonia developed methodology for measuring the arc of the meridian of the earth. He composed a triangulation chain of 258 triangles with special markings firmed on top. This chain was later named Struve Geodetic Arc in honour of the professor.

The establishment of Struve Geodetic Arc in 1816–1852 is one of the greatest and most impressive attempts to determine the exact size and shape of the earth. The triangulation chain passed through territories of ten countries – from the northernmost European city Hammerfest in Norway to Ismail in Ukraine at the Black Sea. The Arc crosses Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russian Federation, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova. The fragments of this triangulation chain, which extended through the mentioned countries 2822 kilometres, were used for the calculation of the arc of meridian.

In the territory of Lithuania 3 points of Geodetic Arc out of 18 present in the country are marked: one in Rokiškis district (Gireišiai village) and two in Vilnius district (Paliepiukai and Meškonys villages).

From 2005 the Struve Geodetic Arc was inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. The Struve Geodetic Arc is the first trans-national nomination in the World Heritage List, introduced by ten states.

On June 16 2006 the geodetic point in Meškonys was introduced to the public.

Russia Road Safety FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Road Safety
Date of Issue: 22 October 2009

Road safety - a complex of measures aimed at ensuring the safety of all road users.

Ensuring safety on the roads of Russia Today includes a series of measures: tightening of administrative responsibility, the introduction of technical means and systems using photo-and video fixation, outreach and advocacy.

Estonia Windmill FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Estonian Mills - Angla Windmill
Date of Issue: 22 October 2009

The Angla windmills lie in Angla Village at the Upa-Leisi road, one of the main traffic and tourist routes of Estonia's western Saaremaa Island. The group of windmills is a Saaremaa must, being a symbol of the island and one of the best surviving groups of windmills in Estonia, standing at its original location on Angla Windmill Hill. The group consists of five windmills – four post windmills with rotatory bodies, the fifth being an octagonal wooden Dutch windmill with a rotatory boat-shaped roof and gallery. The Reinu windmill, dating back to the beginning of the 19th century, is the oldest in the group. Lause windmill (1880) probably has older parts in its structure. The third windmill in the complex is that of Viita. The Vilidu windmill (1913) was thoroughly restored in 2008 and has the original function of grinding flour with a miller working as a guide there in the summer. The Tedre Dutch windmill (1927) is currently under restoration. The administrators of Angla Windmill Hill know their ancestors' heritage and how to take care of it and are now working at a paper about the history of Saaremaa's windmills.

Russia Admiral FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The 200th Anniversary of Birth of Vladimir Istomin, the Hero of the Sevastopol Defence 1854-1855
Date of Issue: 14 October 2009

Vladimir Ivanovich Istomin (Владимир Иванович Истомин in Russian) (1809 – March 7(19), 1855) was a Russian rear admiral (1853) and hero of the Siege of Sevastopol.

In 1827, Vladimir Istomin graduated from the Naval College. That same year, he then took part in the Battle of Navarino and later in the blockade of the Dardanelles (1828-1829). In 1836, Istomin was transferred from the Baltic Fleet to the Black Sea Fleet. In 1850, he was appointed commander of the battleship Paris (Париж), which would participate in the Battle of Sinop in 1853. During the siege of Sevastopol, Vladimir Istomin was in charge of the defense of the Malakhov Mound (Малахов курган) and nearby redoubts, setting an example of bravery and tenacity. He was killed by a cannonball on the Kamchatka redoubt on March 7, 1855.

Vladimir Istomin was buried in Sevastopol.

Taiwan Flower ATM FDC

Taiwan ATM FDC
Name: Flower of Tung Oil Tree (Continued)
Date of Issue: 14 October 2009

Vernicia fordii (Tung Tree; syn. Aleurites fordii Hemsl.) is a species of Vernicia in the spurge family, native to southern China, Burma, and northern Vietnam. Other vernacular names include Tung Oil Tree, Tung-oil Tree, Tungoil Tree, China Wood-Oil Tree, Kalo Nut Tree, 油桐 (lit. oil tung) being the formal name in Chinese.

It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree growing to 20 m tall, with a spreading crown. The bark is smooth and thin, and bleeds latex if cut. The leaves are alternate, simple, 4.5–25 cm long and 3.5–22 cm broad, heart-shaped or with three shallow, maple-like lobes, green above and below, red conspicuous glands at the base of the leaf, and with a 5.5–26 cm long petiole. The flowers are 2.5–3.5 cm diameter, with five pale pink to purple petals with streaks of darker red or purple in the throat; it is monoecious with individual flowers either male or female, but produced together in the inflorescences. The flowers appear before or with the leaves in loose, terminal clusters. The fruit is a hard, woody pear-shaped drupe 4–6 cm long and 3–5 cm diameter, containing four or five large, oily seeds; it is green initially, becoming dull brown when ripe in autumn. More...

Taiwan Flowers FDC (II)

Taiwan FDC
Name: Flowers (2nd Series)
Date of Issue: 14 October 2009
Number: Def. 129(II)

Having issued the first set of definitive stamps on flowers on March 12, 2009, Chunghwa Post is going to follow up with a second set, featuring Calliandra emarginata, Bombax ceiba, Delonix regia, and Spathodea campanulata. This set of stamps was organized by Dr. Heng-piao Chin, the former director-general of the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute, Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan, and Dr. Ting-Fang Hsieh, director of the Floriculture Research Center, Agricultural Research Institute, Council of Agriculture of the Executive Yuan. The stamps were painted by Mr. Hung-tu Ko, and printed by Central Engraving and Printing Plant in color deep-etch offset.

Denominations:
NT$1.00: Calliandra emarginata (紅粉撲花)
Calliandra emarginata, or powder puff, is a semi-deciduous shrub of the Fabaceae family. Leaves are bipinnately compound, with oval lanceolate leaflets. The leaflets fold together at night and unfold during the day. The inflorescence is axillary and capitulum. The corolla is semicircular, with dense long filaments, resembling a powder puff. It is a very good ornamental specimen.

NT$2.50: Bombax ceiba (木棉花)
Bombax ceiba, commonly known as cotton tree, is a deciduous tree of the Bombacaceae family. Leaves are palmately compound. Flowers are orange or red, with five petals. The calyx is cup-shaped. It produces a capsule which, when ripe, will burst open and disperse seeds that are covered thickly with cotton-like fibers. The tree has a masculine shape and looks different in all four seasons. One of its salient features is that it blooms before it leafs out.

NT$10.00: Delonix regia (鳳凰木)
Delonix regia—which is commonly known as royal poinciana, flamboyant, or flame of the forest—is a deciduous tree of the Leguminosae family. Most of them have buttress roots. The tree has an umbrella-shaped crown. Leaves are opposite and bipinnately compound. Each of its flowers, which are arranged in terminal racemes, has five petals, which are bright red with a touch of yellow, and its filaments are slender and red. Because the tree blooms in June, it is often used to symbolize graduation. The royal poinciana is a large tree and mainly used for firewood, or as an ornamental or street tree.

NT$32.00: Spathodea campanulata (火焰木)
Spathodea campanulata, or fountain tree, is a deciduous tree of the Bignoniaceae family. Leaves are opposite and pinnately compound, with oval leaflets. The inflorescence is in the form of a terminal panicle, with the outer buds blooming first. The flowers are orange scarlet, resembling flames on the crown of the tree. The fountain tree loves heat and sun light. It is commonly grown as a street tree and garden specimen.

Sri Lanka Army FDC

Sri Lanka FDC
Name: Sri Lanka Army - Diamond Jubilee
Date of Issue: 10 October 2009

Sri Lank Army, born on 10th October 1949 marks its sixty years of age (Diamond Jubilee) on 10th October 2009 with pride and dignity following the great victory recorded with the elimination of terrorism which prevailed over three decades. The Army, in retrospect has reached its unparalleled greatness through its unfailing determination, dedication, dignity and pride right throughout its sixty years of existence.

The Army founded in 1949 with a limited group of people is now composed of six Security Forces Headquarters, five Forward Maintenance Areas, fourteen Divisions, six Task Force Headquarters, sixty-four Brigades, seven Area Headquarters, two Sub Area Headquarters and twenty-three Regiments.

The Army goes into the annals of military history this year because of its unmatched and glorious victory over the scourge of ruthless LTTE terrorism that posed a threat to the country's unitary nature and territorial integrity and disrupted the peaceful co-existence of all ethnicities for over thirty years, though the peak of fighting against terrorism took place between the period 1999 - 2009.

Heroic soldiers of the Army at the expense of their own precious lives and limbs brought peace to the entire Sri Lanka and unified the Nation under one flag through "Victory through Sacrifice", Therefore the commemoration of the Army Day (October 10th) and its 60th Anniversary at this juncture inspires us greatly. The issue of a new stamp by the Department of posts at Army Headquarters to coincide with this golden landmark, signals the undeniable face that we have re-created a new milieu for our younger generation where they could live in peace and happiness.

India Author FDC

India FDC
Name: R. K. Narayan
Date of Issue: 10 October 2009

R. K. Narayan (October 10, 1906 – May 13, 2001), shortened from Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami was an Indian author whose works of fiction include a series of books about people and their interactions in an imagined town in India. He is one of three leading figures of early Indian literature in English, along with Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao. He is credited with bringing Indian literature in English to the rest of the world, and is regarded as one of India's greatest English language novelists. More...

Lithuania Fauna & Flora FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: The Red Book of Lithuania - Grassland Fauna and Flora
Date of Issue: 09 October 2009

Denominations:
1.55Lt: Machaon (Papilio machaon)
The day-flying butterfly Machaon (Papilio machaon) belongs to the family Papilionidae or the Swallowtail.

Every year in Lithuania two generations of machaons evolve: first generation flies during the months of May and June, the second during July and August, sometimes even till the middle of September. The Machaon butterflies are met in Europe, North Africa, in the tropical areas of Asia, North America. In Lithuania they are found all over the country, more frequently in the Southern regions of the country.

Machaons can mostly be noticed in the open, subject to the sun warmth slopes of rivers and lakes, grassy fields, more rarely in the upland bogs. They feed on leaves and trusses of the plants belonging to the family Apiaceae. Machaons do not avoid cultural territories, they can be found in the forest openings, roadsides, gardens, pastures, and forest cuttings. In Lithuania this species is under protection since 1989.

1.55Lt: Marsh Gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe)
The Marsh Gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe) – is a flowering plant from Magnoliophyta division.

The period of blossoming of this flower is July–August, sometimes – up to October. The Marsh Gentians are spread throughout almost all Europe, Caucasus, and West Siberia and south of East Siberia. In Lithuania this flower was found in southeast regions: Alytus, Ignalina, Marijampolė, Šalčininkai, Varėna, etc.

The Marsh Gentians grow alone, less frequently in small groups, in boggy meadows or meadows with temporarily excessive moist, also peaty clearings of woods, borders of marshes. This is extremely rare plant and it extinguishes every year due to drainage of marshes, climate change, cultivation of meadows. This species is included into the list of the protected plants of Lithuania since 1962.

Malaysia Caring Society FDC

Malaysia FDC
Name: Caring Society
Date of Issue: 09 October 2009

2009 is the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This legally binding treaty calls on all citizens of the world, from its leaders to each and every one of us to live up to our duties to ensure every child survives and thrives, free from hunger, want, neglect and abuse.

The CRC demands from every one of us, as part of a caring society, to place children at the heart of human development. Not only because this offers a strong return on our investment; nor because of the vulnerability of childhood calls upon our compassion; but rather because that is every child's right.

Denominations:
30sen: Right to Play
Play and participation are critical rights for every child. It facilitates creativity, individuality and social, physical and intellectual growth. There are children however who are deprived of play due to conflict, disease and exploitation. Building safe social and physical environment must be a priority so all children can play and develop into caring citizens free to participate in shaping their own societies.

30sen: Right to Food
Every child born into this world has a right to survive. Nutritious food and clean water are amongst the most essential needs to ensure a child's good health to develop mentally and physically. Universal and sustainable food security is part and parcel of protecting this right for children and their families.

30sen: Right to Learn
The ABCs are the beginning of a brighter future for every child. The opportunity to learn and benefit from development must be the right of all children, regardless of gender, ethnicity, economic background, disability, citizenship or HIV status. Only when every single child is able to read and write, can we truly begin to reduce poverty and guarantee true human progress for all communities.

30sen: Right to Protection
Every child has the right to grow up safe, free from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination. Yet many experience violence in their childhood, their homes and families, schools, care systems and communities. Giving our children a happy childhood is only possible when society unites to openly confront violence and to defend children's right to protection.

RM1: Born with Rights
Children are the seeds of a country's future. For them to grow and realize the fullest potential, a conducive environment for their development and growth must first be set in place. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) helps create this environment for children aged 18 and below by setting the standards for their health care, education , as well as legal, civil and social services.

And although translating the vision and values of the CRC into reality is chiefly the government's responsibility, society as a whole is also responsible for realizing the CRC's objectives. Parents, teachers, health workers, advocates and even children themselves, play crucial roles every day to protect and guarantee the rights of all children.

To ensure that children are accorded their rights as enshrined in the CRC, Article 45 of the CRC itself mandates that UNICEF play the most important role of all; Help foster the implementation of the rights of the child.

Taiwan Typhoon FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Typhoon Morakot - Relief Surtax Stamps
Date of Issue: 09 October 2009

On August 7, 2009, typhoon Morakot slammed into Taiwan. The torrential rains lasted for two days and nights, causing many casualties and serious damages in the hard-hit areas of southern and eastern Taiwan. Wishing to make a contribution to the enormous funds needed by the government for disaster relief and reconstruction, and to make a call to the public to put compassion into action, Chunghwa Post is issuing a Typhoon Morakot Relief Surtax Stamps Souvenir Sheet to raise funds for relief efforts, as it did after the 921 Earthquake in 1999 by issuing the 921 Earthquake Relief Surtax Stamps Souvenir Sheet.

This souvenir sheet contains two stamps, focusing respectively on the themes of "We are all in the same boat." and "Let’s conserve the land and rebuild our homes." The borders of the stamps have printed imitation perforation. Both of the stamps have denominations of NT$25, and each bears an additional surtax of NT$25, which will be contributed to typhoon Morakot relief. This brings the total value of the souvenir sheet to NT$100.

A total of 600,000 sheets will be issued and sold from October 9, 2009 to April 8, 2010. After the sale, the money raised via the surtax will be calculated and turned over to a special fund for disaster relief set up by the Ministry of Interior.

China Pre-stamped Envelopes: JF93

China Pre-stamped Envelopes
Name: The 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force
Number: JF93
Date of Issue: 11 November 2009
Value: 7 envelopes/set

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force was officially established on Nov. 11th, 1949. Through 60 years of building, it has developed into a modern combat force consisting of aviation, ground air defense, airborne, communication, radar, ECM, anti-chemical troops, etc.
(7-1): Aviation Troops
Composed of fighters, attackers, fighter bomber, bombers, transport aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft, early warning aircraft, ECM aircraft and tankers, aviation troops are the principal part of Air Force.
(7-2): Ground Air Defense Troops
Equipped with a weaponry system with the third-generation surface-to-air missile as the mainstay, ground air defense troops make the backbone of national air defense.
(7-3): Airborne Troops
Airborne troops, composed of airborne/motorized infantry, armed troops, reconnaissance, communication and other arms, become an important strategic force playing the key role in significant areas and at critical moments.
(7-4): Communication Troops
Communication troops, the "neural system" of Air force operation system, are the fundamental support to command, control and information network.
(7-5): Radar Troops
Radar troops, the main body of national air defense early warning system, provide air intelligence for air operations, national air traffic control and civil air defense, and implement air defense early warning, information warfare and reconnaissance missions.
(7-6): ECM Troops
ECM troops are the main player in information warfare, utilizing all electronic reconnaissance, jamming and protection systems for gaining electromagnetic superiority and electronic offensive and defensive missions.
(7-7): Anti-chemical Warfare Troops
Using special equipment and technologies, anti-chemical warfare troops are the specialized one to perform anti-chemical support, flame-throwing and smoke-making.

China Stamps: 2009-28

Sheetlet

China Stamps
Name: Guangji Bridge (广济桥)
Number: 2009-28
Date of Issue: 16 November 2009
Value: 3 stamps/set

Guangji Bridge, also known as Xiangzi Bridge, first built in 1171, spans over a river in the east of Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province. An outstanding model in combining beam bridge, floating bridge and arch bridge, the structure features 24 piers at the eastern and western section, which support pavilions varying from one another. The central part of the bridge is formed by 18 shuttle-shaped boats connected appearance, characterized by an integration of girders and boats as well as an array of elegant pavilions in traditional styles. Representing the struggling spirit and persevering fortitude of the local people of many generations, Guangji Bridge is considered an important historical milestone of the Chaozhou culture as well as an artistic embodiment of the Chinese civilization.

China Stamps: 2009-27

China Stamps
Name: Ancient Academies (2nd Series) 古代书院 (二)
Number: 2009-27
Date of Issue: 15 November 2009
Value: 4 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20元 (4-1): Shigu Academy & Han Yu (石鼓书院 & 韩愈)
Shigu Academy was named after its location on the Shigu Mountain north to Hengyang City, Hunan Province. It was originally the place where Li Kuanzhong, a scholar in the Tang Dynasty, Built a studio, and later it became, in the Song Dynasty, an academy, attracting many famous scholars and followers. Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty bestowed the land and the tablet bearing Shigu Academy on it, making the Academy highly reputed throughout the country.

1.20元 (4-2): Anding Academy & Hu Yuan (安定书院 & 胡瑗)
Anding Academy lies in the Taizhou Middle School in Jiangsu Province. Hu Yuan, a renowned educator in the Northern Song Dynasty, once taught here, and developed the educational thought of combining both theory and practice, and implementing the education by subjects. The Academy was built by Chen Gai, the then governor of Taizhou in the Southern Song Dynasty, on the former site where Hu Yuan gave lectures. As one of the earliest academies of classical learning in Jiangsu Province, it had cultivated a large number of outstanding talents.

1.20元 (4-3): Ehu Academy & Zhu Xi, Lu Jiuyuan (鹅湖书院 & 朱熹, 陆九渊)
Located north of the Ehu Mountain in Qianshan County, Jiangxi Province, Ehu Academy was built by Cai Kang, a judicial official in the Song Dynasty, to mark the Ehu Meeting of such philosophers as Zhu Xi, Lv Zuqian, Lu Jiuyuan and Lu Jiuling. Now, the major architectures of the Academy have been well preserved with an integral layout after several times of destruction, rebuilding and renovation during the ups and downs over the past 800 years.

1.20元 (4-4): Dongpo Academy & Su Dongpo (东坡书院 & 苏东坡)
Dongpo Academy, situated in Danzhou, Hainan Province, was first built in the Song Dynasty with the original name of Zaijiutang. It gradually evolved from a venue where Su Dongpo, a great scholar in the song Dynasty, assembled with local scholars during his exile in Danzhou to an academy with sacrificial and educational functions. Dongpo Academy, the supreme academy in Danzhou for all the following dynasties, is an important cultural site in Hainan Province.

Estonia Owl FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Bird of the Year – Eurasian Tawny Owl
Date of Issue: 08 October 2009

The Estonian Ornithological Society has chosen the tawny owl (Strix aluco) as the bird of the year 2009. The tawny owl, a bird in the order Strigiformes, is an age-old resident of Estonia, although it was relatively rare until the middle of the 19th century. The tawny owl prefers habitats close to humans – cemeteries, parks, broadleaved groves around farms or manor seats etc. The tawny is a nocturnal bird of prey who nests in large hollows and cracks in trees, but sometimes also in suitable holes in buildings. It willingly settles in nest boxes with a large entrance holes. There are from 1,000 to 2,00 nesting pairs of the tawny owl in Estonia at present. The tawny is about the size of a crow; it has large dark eyes and a brownish or grey plumage. The tawny starts nesting early in the year. Some couples lay their eggs already in February, although generally this activity occurs at the beginning or middle of March. The clutch, usually of three to four eggs, is incubated by the female alone in four weeks and it takes about as long for the young to fledge. The tawny’s wide diet includes almost any prey it can catch, mainly small rodents – particularly in rural areas – but birds, frogs, bats and earthworms will do as well. The tawny owl is a species in the third category of protected birds.

Russia WFP FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The World Food Programme
Date of Issue: 07 October 2009

The United Nations World Food Programme-the world's largest humanitarian organization which assists the poor in developing countries, fights against hunger and poverty, supports victims of military operations, natural and technogenic disasters.

In Russia, The UN WFP has operated since January, 2000.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the food aid branch of the United Nations, and the world's largest humanitarian organization. WFP provides food, on average, to 90 million people per year, 58 million of whom are children. From its headquarters in Rome and more than 80 country offices around the world, WFP works to help people who are unable to produce or obtain enough food for themselves and their families. More...

2010 China Stamps Issue Plan

Update: 06/02/2010

No.	Name	Date	Values	Note
1	Year of the Tiger	01.05	1	Booklet, Sheetlet II
2	Centenary of the Birth of Comrade Song Renqiong	01.08	2
3	Site of Shanghai Expo	01.21	4+1SS	Sheetlet II
4	Liangping New Year Woodprints	02.06	4	Minisheet
5	Chinese Ballet - Red Detachment of Women	01.01	2
6	Centenary of the International Women's Day	03.08	1
7	Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains	03.20	6
8	Qingming Festival	04.05	3
9	Stories of Idioms (2nd Series)	04.18	4
10	Commemorating the Opening of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China	05.01	1
11	Ancient Calligraphy of China - Semi-cursive Script	05.15	6
12	Wen Yanbo Retrieves a Ball Fallen into a Hole	06.01	2
13	Energy Saving, Emission Reduction and Environmental Protection	06.05	2
14	Kunqu Opera	06.12	3
15	Site of Ancient Loulan City	07.03	2
16	Maritime Day of China	07.11	1
17	Foreign Musicians	07.25	4
18	Charm of the Zhujiang River - Guangzhou	08.04	4
19	A Folktale: The Cowherd and Weaver Girl	08.16	4
20	Shangri-La	08.28	4+1SS
21	Plum Blossoms, Orchid, Bamboo And Chrysanthemum	09.15	4
22	The Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Confucian Mansion	09.28	3
23	60th Anniversary of Harnessing the Huai River	10.14	4
24	880th Birth of Zhu Xi	10.22	2
25	Commemorating the Opening of the 16th Asian Games	11.12	4
26	Chinese Medical Pharmacies	11.20	5

2008 China Stamps & Postal Stationeries Catalogue
2009 China Stamps & Postal Stationeries Catalogue
2010 China Stamps Issue Plan

Thailand Carriage FDC

Thailand FDC
Name: Royal Carriage
Date of Issue: 07 October 2009
Number: 840

Denominations:
3 บาท BAHT: 4-Wheeled Dog Cart
3 บาท BAHT: Postillion Landau
3 บาท BAHT: C Spring Phaeton
3 บาท BAHT: Glass State Coach

Portugal Senses FDC

Portugal FDC
Name: Stamps and Senses
Date of Issue: 02 October 2009

This issue – consisting of five stamps and a block with a sixth stamp – is a consequence of a proposal made by the Universal Postal Union to celebrate the birth bicentenary of Louis Braille (1809-1852), the inventor of a system that combines embossed dots and which is applied to reading, writing, calculation and music for the blind.

The stamps of this issue are dedicated to each of the five senses, allowing for experiencing real physical interaction: the touch feels the embossed ink coming out of the tube; the smell receives the aroma of the cup of coffee; the sight detects holographic images on the spectacle lenses that change according to the position of the stamp; the taste identifies the flavour of vanilla on the glue of the stamp that shows an ice-cream; the ear is sensitive to the noise made by the file when you rub its rough surface.

Made up of different nerve cells that capture variations and respond to stimuli, according to present science the sense organs comprise not only the classical five senses described by the ancient but other senses as well, such as cold and heat, balance and pain, contact and pressure. However, it is not the aim of this issue to underline theoretical statements, but rather to contribute to modernity in communication. Thus, thanks to improved technology in graphical arts, a set of elements, which is usually absent in common stamps, has been incorporated in this collection, becoming a differentiating fact in this emission and imparting an innovative character to stamps in the landscape of contemporaneous philately.

Russia Kremlins FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Russian Kremlins (6th Definitive Issue)
Date of Issue: 01 October 2009

Denominations:
4.00: Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin
Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin, as it is supposed, was erected in the beginning of ХVI century under the direction of the Italian military engineer and architect Peter Fryazin. On the territory of the Kremlin there is the Michael-Arhagnelsky Cathedral, which was built in 1631 in honor of the victory of militia in 1612. Kuzma Minin is buried there, and also the monument to Minin and Pozharsky is established there.

10P.: Moscow Kremlin
Moscow Kremlin is one of the greatest monuments of the history of Russia. Aboriginal сenter of the national craft and culture, it attracted the best town-planners, carpenters, blacksmiths, artists and all artisan people who brought with them the experience and skills of the peoples. Moscow Kremlin has been used as a sample for the construction of many Kremlins in other cities of the Old Russian State.

50P.: Tobolsk Kremlin
Tobolsk Kremlin - the only stone Kremlin in whole Siberia. It is known, that "exile" alarm bell from Uglich was hanging there for some time, on a purpose-built belltower, which townspeople rang after the murder of Tsarevich Dmitry. By order of Basil Shuisky, "ear" and "tongue" of the bell (like it was a human) were pulled out, and in 1592 the bell was exiled to Siberia.

Comment: This issue contains 12 denominations: 1.00; 1.50; 2.00; 2.50; 3.00; 4.00; 5.00; 6.00; 10P.; 25P.; 50P.; 100P.. Every denomination stamp issues a single FDC, it's very difficult to collect complete FDCs of this issue.

Hong Kong PRC 60 S/S FDC

Hong Kong Souvenir Sheet FDC
Name: 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China
Date of Issue: 01 October 2009

Founded on 1 October 1949, the People's Republic of China celebrates her 60th anniversary this year. Over the past 60 years, China has amazed the world with her remarkable success in development. While looking back with pride at our numerous accomplishments, all Chinese people strive for an even brighter tomorrow.

The Souvenir Sheet with two $5 stamps in Chinese red captures the excitement of the special occasion. The National Emblem and the dazzling Tiananmen Square on the left and the Regional Emblem above the splendid night view of Hong Kong on the right underline the close and harmonious tie between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

Hong Kong PRC 60 M/S FDC

Hong Kong Minisheet FDC
Name: 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China
Date of Issue: 01 October 2009

Founded on 1 October 1949, the People's Republic of China celebrates her 60th anniversary this year. Over the past 60 years, China has amazed the world with her remarkable success in development. While looking back with pride at our numerous accomplishments, all Chinese people strive for an even brighter tomorrow.

To mark this memorable moment, Hongkong Post issues a set of commemorative stamps. The set of six stamps is designed based on the winning entry of the Stamp Design Competition for the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China jointly organised by the Home Affairs Bureau, Radio Television Hong Kong, the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education and the Commission on Youth. Victoria Harbour and Tiananmen Square depicted on two interlocking cogwheels ($1.40), and the five-star national flag flying by the side of the "Forever Blooming Bauhinia" ($1.80), symbolise the intimate and inseparable bond between Hong Kong and our Motherland. The Bird's Nest ($2.40) reminds us of the country's first hosting of the Olympic Games while the successful launch of China's manned spacecraft Shenzhou-7 ($2.50) marks her rapid technological advancement and development. The Temple of Heaven against the backdrop of an illuminated globe ($3) and a golden dragon soaring above the Great Wall ($5) signify the nation's rising economic and international status. The six stamps also fit into a perfect ring on the minisheet with the accompanying number "6", bringing out the theme of the 60th anniversary.

Hong Kong PRC 60 FDCs

Hong Kong FDC
Name: 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China
Date of Issue: 01 October 2009

Founded on 1 October 1949, the People's Republic of China celebrates her 60th anniversary this year. Over the past 60 years, China has amazed the world with her remarkable success in development. While looking back with pride at our numerous accomplishments, all Chinese people strive for an even brighter tomorrow.

To mark this memorable moment, Hongkong Post issues a set of commemorative stamps. The set of six stamps is designed based on the winning entry of the Stamp Design Competition for the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China jointly organised by the Home Affairs Bureau, Radio Television Hong Kong, the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education and the Commission on Youth. Victoria Harbour and Tiananmen Square depicted on two interlocking cogwheels ($1.40), and the five-star national flag flying by the side of the "Forever Blooming Bauhinia" ($1.80), symbolise the intimate and inseparable bond between Hong Kong and our Motherland. The Bird's Nest ($2.40) reminds us of the country's first hosting of the Olympic Games while the successful launch of China's manned spacecraft Shenzhou-7 ($2.50) marks her rapid technological advancement and development. The Temple of Heaven against the backdrop of an illuminated globe ($3) and a golden dragon soaring above the Great Wall ($5) signify the nation's rising economic and international status. The six stamps also fit into a perfect ring on the minisheet with the accompanying number "6", bringing out the theme of the 60th anniversary.

Poland Volleyball FDC

Poland FDC
Name: European Championships in Women's Volleyball "Poland 2009"
Date of Issue: 25 September 2009

The 2009 Women's European Volleyball Championship was the 26th edition of the European Volleyball Championship, organised by Europe's governing volleyball body, the Confédération Européenne de Volleyball. Hosted in Bydgoszcz, Łódź, Katowice and Wrocław in Poland, from September 25 to October 4, 2009. More...

Estonia Lighthouse FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Hara Lighthouse
Date of Issue: 24 September 2009

The small Hara Island near the western shore of Hara or Papilaht Bay (earlier Paponvik) is mainly covered with spruce forest. In 1909 an iron framework lighthouse 15.2 meters high was erected at the highest point (12 metres above sea level) of the island. At the time it had a major sprat salting facility with 350 workers where sprats were salted into tin cans under the name of Revelskiye kilki (Tallinn Sprats) since 1870. The Tallinn Sprats made in Hara were shipped to St Petersburg via Loksa Port. Initially the sea mark of Hara Island was visible to 10 nautical miles. In 1954 major rebuilding of the lighthouse was carried out as the navigation mark was to be connected with a new military port. The height of the tower was increased to 23.7 meters with the red light visible to seven nautical miles. But gradually importance of the port declined and in the late 1980s the installations were dismantled from the Hara Lighthouse and it became a day mark. Its present height is 24 metres and it consists of a cylinder with a conical red roof over a metal framework. The tip of the sea mark is clearly visible over the forest. The Hara Lighthouse will be one hundred this year.

Russia Headdresses FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Culture of Russian - National Costumes (Headdresses)
Date of Issue: 23 September 2009

Denominations:
9.00: Moscow Province, Maiden Bandage, The Middle of the XIX Century
Maiden bandage from Moscow province is decorated with stained glass, nacre, beads. It is fixed on the head with silken blades; beaded ochelye (semicircular frontal shield) closes a forehead.

9.00: Nizhniy Novgorod Province, Wedding Crown, The Middle of the XIX Century
Wedding "crown with the cities" of Nizhniy Novgorod province is carried out in the form of a nimbus with serrated ledges. It is decorated with nacre, stained glass, spangles. Pearl podniz' descends onto the forehead.

9.00: Yaroslavl Province. Female Kokoshnik. The Middle of the XIX Century
Kokoshnik from Yaroslavl province – the rigid headdress, which completely covers hair of a married woman. It is trimmed with blue velvet, the floral ornament is embroidered with golden thread.

9.00: Tver Province. Men's hat. 2nd Half of XIX Century
Men's felt hat from Tver' province - the festive headdress of wealthy young men. It is decorated with a strip of dark green velvet with a metal buckle.

Estonia Athletics Autographed FDCs

Estonia FDCs
Name: A Century of Track and Field Athletics in Estonia
Date of Issue: 22 September 2009

We count the centenary of Estonian athletics from the first athletics competitions in Tallinn and Tartu in 1909. The first Olympic Games of the antiquity can be regarded as the starting signal of modern athletics. The last century, which seems like an hour side by side with the the 3,000-year history of the games of the antiquity, offers unforgettable moments and emotions to all friends of sports and probably to every Estonian. The brightest of them are connected with the Olympic gold medals of high jumper Jüri Tarmak in 1972 in Munich, of triple jumper Jaak Uudmäe in 1980 in Moscow, of decathlonist Erki Nool in 2000 in Syndey of discus thrower of Gerd Kanter in 2008 in Beijing.
Comment: My Estonian friend made a great job for me again. She made 3 autographed FDCs for me. This is the best in 3, it has 5 autographs, 4 from Olympic Games Gold Medalists: Gerd Kanter (topleft), Erki Nool (middle), Jaak Uudmäe (lower left with his record 17.35 m) and Jüri Tarmak (lower right with his record 2.25m), the other one is from Aleksander Tammert Jr (topright), a Bronze Medalist in 2004 Olympic Games Discus Throw event.
Comment: The additional stamps and autographs are perfect, Kanter's stamp & autograph, Nool's stamp & autograph.
Comment: Nool's stamp & autograph again :)

Estonia Athletics FDCs

Estonia FDCs
Name: A Century of Track and Field Athletics in Estonia
Date of Issue: 22 September 2009

We count the centenary of Estonian athletics from the first athletics competitions in Tallinn and Tartu in 1909. The first Olympic Games of the antiquity can be regarded as the starting signal of modern athletics. The last century, which seems like an hour side by side with the the 3,000-year history of the games of the antiquity, offers unforgettable moments and emotions to all friends of sports and probably to every Estonian. The brightest of them are connected with the Olympic gold medals of high jumper Jüri Tarmak in 1972 in Munich, of triple jumper Jaak Uudmäe in 1980 in Moscow, of decathlonist Erki Nool in 2000 in Syndey of discus thrower of Gerd Kanter in 2008 in Beijing.

Comment: Eesti Post issued 2 special cancellations for this set, one is in Tallinn, and the other is in Tartu. I received both.

China Pre-stamped Postcard: JP161

China Pre-stamped Postcard
Name: Sixtieth Anniversary of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Number: JP161
Date of Issue: 01 November 2009

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) (simplified Chinese: 中国科学院; ; pinyin: Zhōngguó Kēxuéyuàn) was founded in Beijing on November 1, 1949. Consisting of the Academic Divisions and various subordinate institutions, it is the lead national academic institution in natural sciences, a major advisory body to the government on science and technology related issues, and a national comprehensive research and development center in natural sciences and high technology areas in China.

Official Website of the Chinese Academy of Sciences