Italy Molise FDC

Italy FDC
Name: Regions of Italy - Molise
Date of Issue: 23 May 2008

Molise is a region of Southern Italy, the second smallest of the regions. It was formerly (until 1963) part of the region of Abruzzi e Molise (with Abruzzo) and now a separate entity. The region covers 4,438 km² and has a population of about 300,000.

Isernia (Latin: Aesernia or, in Pliny and later writers, Eserninus, or in the Antonine Itinerary, Serni; Greek: Αἰσερνία) is a town and comune in the central Italian region of Molise, and the capital of Isernia province. Isernia is a flourishing center of pasta makers, stone masons, and embroidery crafts.

This stamp depicts the Fraterna Fountain (Italian: Fontana della Fraterna), it is the main symbol in Isernia town and it was built in the 13th century : it is made up of living- stone's slabs coming from ruined Roman monuments, while all the rest is a work of local masters, as it was built by the Rampini family in Isernia.

Comment: I don't know whether my comment is correct, but I still want to comment it. The main design of this stamp is the Fraterna Fountain which is located in Isernia town, but the special cancellation for this stamp only used in Campobasso, far from Isernia town. I think It would be better if the special cancellation had used in Isernia.

Latvia Orienteering FDC

Latvia FDC
Name: The 7th European Orienteering Championships
Date of Issue: 23 May 2008

The 7th European Orienteering Championships were held in Ventspils, Latvia from 25 May to 1 June, 2008.

Comment: Orienteering is a very popular game in Europe nowadays, this is my first FDC that is be relative to orienteering.

Official Website of the 7th European Orienteering Championships

Indonesia National Awakening FDC

Indonesia FDC
Name: 100 Years of National Awakening
Date of Issue: 20 May 2008

National awakening was the ear of the rise of nationalism and the spirit of struggling towards Indonesian independence previously framed in primordial outlook. This awareness emerged as a result of ethical politics. It is an idea about moral responsibilities of colonial government towards native welfare as a criticism of
"Tanam Paksa" (cultivation system) politics. The era was marked by two significant events, namely the establishment of Budi Utomo organization and the conduct of Yout Congress which resulted a declaration of "Sumpah Pmuda" (Youth Pledge).

The establishment of Budi Utomo in May 20 1908 in Jakarta marked the initial era of nationalism awareness among Indonesian people. As a first Indonesian nationalist organization pioneered by STOVIA (School Tot Opleiding Van Inlandsche Artsen) students, it was aimed at building harmonious relations between all follow nation elements by improving education, agriculture, commerce, and culture sectors; as well as raising the dignity of Indonesia as an honored nation through unity towards freedom. Originating from Sutomo’s idea, the organization was formerly centralized among Javanese, Sundanese, and Madurans, who were expected to be able pay attention to and improve the fate of local citizens, yet in its development, Budi Utomo was no longer exclusive but welcomed everyone to join the organization disregarding status, wealth, or education background.

Budi Utomo had several leadership changes, among of them came from upper class families or noble people from royal palace, namely Raden Adipati Tirtokoesoemo, former regent of Karanganyar and Prince of Pakualaman, Ario Noto Dirodjo. At that time, Douwes Dekker, and Indonesian-Dutch descent supported Indonesian struggle was starting to introduce political practice into real actions. As a result, discourse of Indonesia as a sovereign homeland was getting acceptance and understanding from local citizens.

The era of nationalist politics had grown by the establishment of Indische Partij in 1912 as the first political party in the colonial era in Jakarta. The party was founded by Dr. Tjipto Mangunkusumo, Suwardi Suryaningrat and Douwes Dekker. Later in the same year, Haji Samanhudi founded Sarekat Islam (Islamic Association). KH. Ahmad Dahlan founded Muhammadiyah organization in Yogyakarta. The culmination point of Indonesian national awareness was the declaration of Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge) on Youth Congress II on October 28 1928 in Jakarta.

Indonesia nationalism that was born a century ago, later had inspired Asian-African countries to struggle for justice and self-determination as honorable countries. At present, this spirit of national unity is facing a dreadful new challenge named global capitalism wave that penetrates economy and political boundaries. In order to revitalize the spirit of nationalism of Indonesia people in facing the heavy challenge, the President announces the program of Indonesia Awakening for a year-long period which starts on May 20, 2006 with slogan “Indonesia Bisa!” in commemorating 100 Years of National Awakening on May 20, 2008. the program is expected to build the sense of pride being great as Indonesian people with determination to be a part of new struggle for a better nation.

Japan Africa Prize FDC

Japan FDC
Name: The First Noguchi Hideyo Africa Prize
Date of Issue: 23 May 2008

"Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize" was established to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the death of Noguchi Hideyo, the worldwide known bacteriologist. The prize is aimed to award people who made outstanding contributions to medical research and medical services in Africa.

Designs:
80: Portrait of Noguchi Hideyo
80: Map of Africa and microscope

Comment: Aha, It would be great if two special cancellations had traded their position.

Malaysia Ambulance FDC

Malaysia FDC
Name: 100th Anniversary of the St. John Ambulance Malaysia
Date of Issue: 22 May 2008

"100 Tahum Perkhidmatan Bagi Manusia" or in English "100 Years of Service to Mankind" - The Centennial Anniversary theme of St. John Ambulance of Malaysia depicts the moments and proud history of this service organisation in the last 100 years. Since its founding in 1908, members of St. John Ambulance from all races have voluntarily and selflessly contributed their service to the people of Malaysia.

Logo focus- Wording of 100 formed by the number "1", Jalur Gemilang and the official emblem of St. John Ambulance of Malaysia. Number "1" represents St. John Ambulance in Malaysia's aim to become the primary group in Malaysia providing up-to-date and high quality First Aid services and education. Jalur Gemilang in the centre of the logo which is also the national flag of Malaysia shows that St. John Ambulance in Malaysia has transformed from an organisation whose majority of the members were British to become one of the most active local organisation in the country providing service to the community. To the right of the Jalur Gemilang is the official emblem of St. John Ambulance in Malaysia.

Denominations:
30 sen: Emergency Ambulance Service
Since 1966, St. John Ambulance in Malaysia mobilized its ambulances and members at major highways during the Major Festival celebration of Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidil Fitri to provide ambulance service to motor vehicle accident victims. Through this service, St. John Ambulance of Malaysia was able to save more lives and create awareness amongst drivers on road safety. St. John Ambulance of Malaysia also provides Emergency and Non-Emergency Ambulance Service in the major towns in Malaysia.

50 sen: First Aid
The name of St. John Ambulance or better known as "St. John" is synonymous with First Aid and other humanitarian services in Malaysia as well as all over the world. As the leading First Aid organization in Malaysia, the St. John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM) as been rendering First Aid and Home Nursing services to the needy in almost all public and private events throughout the country. Our motto "Pro Utilitate Hominum" - For the Service of Mankind - is a century old tradition of serving the sick and the suffering. Our members are ever ready to serve during disasters like floods, fires landslides and plane crashes.

RM1: Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
When a person is not breathing and has no sign of life, we must perform artificial ventilation with chest compression. This is known as Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation or CPR. The correct CPR Technique is vital in saving a casualty whose heart has stopped. St. John Ambulance conducts CPR and First Aid classes for the public.

Comment: This is my first FDC which was damaged during the postal way. I should refuse this FDC when the postman delivered it to my home. But I was not at home at that time, and my family signed it in. I had told them if they deliver a damaged FDC to my home again, they couldn't sign it in again, must refuse and ask compensation.

Hong Kong Paper Folding FDCs

Hong Kong FDCs
Name: Children Stamps - Paper Folding Fun
Date of Issue: 22 May 2008

Hongkong Post issued its first set of Children Stamps in 2001 on the theme of "The Ingenuous Artists". In order to further promote children's interest in stamp collecting, Hongkong Post has held Children Stamps Design Competition on various themes with the winning entries being produced into Children Stamps. The new set of Children Stamps issued this time features the winning entries of the "Children Stamps – Paper Folding Fun Design Competition" organised by Hongkong Post in 2006 which aimed to encourage creativity through paper folding. A wonderful world unfolds in the prize-winning works exhibited in the stamp issue "Paper Folding Fun", which presents a number of icons relating to flora, fauna, festivals and the four seasons. Isn't it amazing how a simple piece of coloured paper can be turned into a piece of art with a touch of imagination and a pair of skillful hands?

Denominations:
$1.40: Champion of Primary School Division: "Bauhinia – City Flower of Hong Kong"
Bauhinias blossom is all over Hong Kong from autumn through spring. These vibrantly coloured flowers, with delicate stamens and pistils, provide a feast for the eyes of admirers.

$1.80: Champion of Secondary School Division: "Bear"
Its mouth wide open, the big brown bear sure can eat a lot! The autumn breeze reminds this greedy eater to keep its tummy full before a cosy sleep through the coming winter.

$2.40: Champion of Family Division: "Lunar New Year Specialties and Decorations"
With spring in the air, a pot of lucky bamboo at home symbolises the wish for a prosperous new year ahead. Smiles will definitely appear on the faces of guests presented with the festive candy tray filled with silver and gold wrapped ingot-shaped goodies.

$2.50: 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up of Primary School Division: "Fragrant Lotus" and "Flower Rainbow"
As enchanting as an after-shower rainbow, clusters of colourful little flowers bloom in full. A pair of purple lotus flowers rise above their green pads. You can almost smell the aroma of summer.

$3: 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up of Secondary School Division: "Adorable Koalas" and "Monkey and Banana"
Cuddling on mummy's back, the baby koala watches a monkey eating a banana under the tree. Perhaps it is going to ask, "Mummy, are bananas especially yummy in autumn?"

$5: 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up of Family Division: "Christmas" and "Cute Santa"
In a warm haven on a cold winter night, the family is enjoying a Christmas party. Santa Claus is waiting eagerly to hand out presents to them.

Comment: These are registered FDCs. As you see, there are no special cancellations.

2008 Hong Kong Paper Folding Fun FDC (Special Cancellation)
2008 Hong Kong Paper Folding Fun FDCs (Complete set & Minisheet)

USA Trunk Bay FDC

USA FDC
Name: St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Date of Issue: 16 May 2008

This is part of the Scenic American Landscapes series. It features a photograph of Trunk Bay in the Virgin Islands National Park on the northern coast of St. John. St. John is known for its beautiful beaches, abundant plant life, and the coral reefs along its coast.

Comment: USPS had changed their new postage rating since 12th May, 2008. The one ounce First-Class Mail® International (except: Canada, Mexico) had risen from 90 cents to 94 cents. This is the first 94 cents stamp, I must thank my friend Jay who sent this FDC from the U.S. Virgin Islands, far from the US mainland. He also sent a First Day Postcard to me.

Hong Kong Paper Folding FDC

Hong Kong FDC
Name: Children Stamps - Paper Folding Fun
Date of Issue: 22 May 2008

Hongkong Post issued its first set of Children Stamps in 2001 on the theme of "The Ingenuous Artists". In order to further promote children's interest in stamp collecting, Hongkong Post has held Children Stamps Design Competition on various themes with the winning entries being produced into Children Stamps. The new set of Children Stamps issued this time features the winning entries of the "Children Stamps – Paper Folding Fun Design Competition" organised by Hongkong Post in 2006 which aimed to encourage creativity through paper folding. A wonderful world unfolds in the prize-winning works exhibited in the stamp issue "Paper Folding Fun", which presents a number of icons relating to flora, fauna, festivals and the four seasons. Isn't it amazing how a simple piece of coloured paper can be turned into a piece of art with a touch of imagination and a pair of skillful hands?

Denomination:
$2.40: Champion of Family Division: "Lunar New Year Specialties and Decorations"
With spring in the air, a pot of lucky bamboo at home symbolises the wish for a prosperous new year ahead. Smiles will definitely appear on the faces of guests presented with the festive candy tray filled with silver and gold wrapped ingot-shaped goodies.

Comment: This set has 6 stamps, my friend only glued the $2.40 stamp on this FDC because it's the regular air mail postage from Hong Kong to Mainland China. Hong Kong Post has a strange rule, special cancellation only for regular mail. That's why my friend made this FDC for me.

2008 Hong Kong Paper Folding Fun FDC (Special Cancellation)
2008 Hong Kong Paper Folding Fun FDCs (Complete set & Minisheet)

Russia Regions FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Russia Regions
Date of Issue: 20 May 2008

Design:
1. Yaroslavl Oblast
Yaroslavl Oblast (Russian: Яросла́вская о́бласть, Yaroslavskaya oblast) is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast), which is located in the Central Federal District, surrounded by Tver, Moscow, Ivanovo, Vladimir, Kostroma, and Vologda Oblasts. This geographic location affords the oblast the advantages of proximity to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Additionally, the administrative center of the oblast—the city of Yaroslavl—is an intersection of major highways, railroads, and waterways.

2. Krasnoyarsk Krai
Krasnoyarsk Krai (Russian: Красноя́рский край, Krasnoyarsky kray; not to be confused with Krasnodar Krai) is a federal subject of Russia (a krai). It is the second largest Russian region after the Sakha Republic, occupying an area of 2,339,700 square kilometers (903,400 sq mi), which is 13% of the country's total territory (about the size of Algeria). The administrative center of the krai is the city of Krasnoyarsk.

3. Sverdlovsk Oblast
Sverdlovsk Oblast (Russian: Свердло́вская о́бласть, Sverdlovskaya oblast) is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast) located in the Urals Federal District. Given that the bulk of the oblast lies on the Asian side of the Urals (only its south-western extremity is on the European side of the mountains) it should be recognized as the most populous oblast within Asian Russia.

4. Volgograd Oblast
Volgograd Oblast (Russian: Волгогра́дская о́бласть, Volgogradskaya oblast) is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast). Its administrative center is the city of Volgograd.

5. Penza Oblast
Penza Oblast (Russian: Пе́нзенская о́бласть, Penzenskaya oblast) is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast). It is located in the Volga Federal District. The administrative center is Penza.

Comment: Russia Post used 5 special cancellations for this set, but I think it's very difficult to collect all of 5 special cancellations' real posted FDCs. You must have friends in 5 different cities in these Oblasts or Krai's capital.

2008 Russia Regions FDC
2007 Russia Regions FDC
2007 Russia Regions FDC (Irkutsk Oblast)

Taiwan 12th President FDCs

Taiwan FDCs
Name: The Inauguration of the 12th President and Vice President of the Republic of China
Date of Issue: 20 May 2008
Number: Com.311

The election of the 12th president and vice president of the Republic of China was held on March 22, 2008. Mr. Ma Ying-jeou and Mr. Vincent C. Siew were elected. They were sworn into office on May 20, 2008. As is customary, this Post is issuing a set of four stamps and a souvenir sheet entitled "The Inauguration of the 12th President and Vice President of the Republic of China Commemorative Issue" to honor and celebrate this occasion, which were released on the day of the inauguration.

The stamps feature portraits of the president-elect, Mr. Ma Ying-jeou, and the vice-president-elect, Mr. Vincent C. Siew. The ROC flag, the president's office, the Taipei 101 Building and pictures of various major national construction projects are being used for the backgrounds. The stamps convey the idea that the new government, by leading all the countrymen toward economic prosperity, stable politics, ethnic harmony, better cross-strait relations, and internationalization, will usher in a new era for the country.

Comment: Taiwan Post had changed their name on stamps again, from "TAIWAN" to "REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN)". For these new presidents, I hope they could improve Cross-strait relations in next 4 years.

Thailand Buddhist Day FDC

Thailand FDC
Name: Important Buddhist Religious Day (Visakhapuja Day)
Date of Issue: 19 May 2008
Number: 845

Purpose:
To pay homage to the Lord Buddha and to publicize the important Buddhist Religious Day (Visakhapuja Day).

Design:
Illustrates the holy place of Buddhism, Bodhgaya in India, the place where Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under a Bohhi tree.

Comment: The temple on this stamp is Mahabodhi Temple, China and India Post also jointly issue this set in this year. But I think the Thai stamp is more beautiful than the Chinese and Indian stamp.

2009 Thailand Visakhapuja Day FDC
2008 Thailand Visakhapuja Day FDC
2007 Thailand Visakhapuja Day FDC

Vatican Lourdes FDCs

Vatican FDCs
Name: The 150th Anniversary of the Apparitions of Lourdes
Date of Issue: 15 May 2008

The apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes began on 11 February 1858, when Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year old peasant girl from Lourdes admitted, when questioned by her mother, that she had seen a "lady" in the cave of Massabielle, about a mile from the town, while she was gathering firewood with her sister and a friend. Similar appearances of the "lady" took place on seventeen further occasions that year.

Catholics consider Bernadette Soubirous a saint, and many Catholics believe her visions to have been of the Virgin Mary. The first appearance of the "Lady" reported by Bernadette was on 11 February. The others were on February 14, 18-21, 23-25, 27, 28, March 1-4, 25, April 7, and July 16. More...

Comment: This is a religious event. Because I'm not a Catholics, I don't know anymore about it.

Vatican Pope Visited UN FDC

Vatican FDC
Name: Pope Benedict XVI Visited UN for 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Date of Issue: 15 May 2008

On 18 April 2008. Pope Benedict XVI began his day at the United Nations, where he addressed a packed General Assembly hall. Speaking about the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and human rights, Pope Benedict XVI said every state has a duty to protect its people from grave and repeated human rights violations and from the consequences of humanitarian crises -- whether natural or man-made.

Pope Benedict XVI went on to note that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He said respect for human rights is the most effective way to eliminate inequalities among countries and social groups, and for increasing security. He said respect for human rights must also include the right to religious freedom.

In the late afternoon, Pope Benedict XVI made an historic visit to a synagogue in the city. It was the first time a Catholic pope has visited a Jewish house of worship in the United States. It was also significant, as Pope Benedict XVI is German and the synagogue's head rabbi, Arthur Schneier, is a Holocaust survivor.

Comment: Many Chinese Newspapers had reported that Pope Benedict XVI is promoting to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and break off diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan). If these reports are true, the Republic of China (Taiwan) will lose their last diplomatic relations in Europe.

Vatican World Youth Day FDC

Vatican FDC
Name: The 23rd World Youth Day, Sydney 2008
Date of Issue: 15 May 2008

World Youth Day (It. La Giornata Mondiale della Gioventù) is a youth oriented Roman Catholic Church promotional event aimed at young people. While the event itself celebrates the Catholic faith, young people are invited without discrimination. World Youth Day is not associated with International Youth Day or any of the international observance days.

The 23rd World Youth Day (WYD) is the largest youth event in the world and will be held in Sydney from Tuesday 15 to Sunday 20 July 2008.

Organised by the Catholic Church, WYD brings together young people from around the globe to celebrate and learn about their faith on a more regular basis.

WYD08 will be the largest event Australia has ever hosted. It will attract over 125,000 international visitors - more than the 2000 Olympics.

WYD08 will mark the first visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.

Through the WYD08 experience, young people from throughout the world will make a pilgrimage in faith, meet, and experience the love of God.

World Youth Day is an invitation from the Pope to the youth of the world to celebrate their faith around a particular theme. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Official Website of the WYD08

China Booklet: SB35

China Self-Adhesive Booklet
Name: Cao Chong Weights the Elephant
Number: SB35
Date of Issue: 01 June 2008
Value: 8 stamps/booklet

Denominations:
1.20 Yuan (2-1): Marking the Water Level on Boat Loaded with Elephant
1.20 Yuan (2-2): Replacing the Elephant with Weighable Objects

"Cao Chong Weights the Elephant", a historical tale widely circulated among the folk people, is about child prodigy Cao Chong, who applied the principle of buoyancy to measure the accurate weight of an elephant. According to the story, during the Three Kingdoms Period(220-280), Sun Quan, of the Kingdom of Wu, presented an elephant as a gift to Cao Cao, of the Kingdom of Wei. Cao Cao wished to know the animal's weight, but none of his ministers could come up with a method. Then, Cao Chong, at the age of six, stood out. He asked to have the elephant loaded onto a boat and mark the water level. The elephant was the replaced with smaller weighable stones until the boat was submerged to the marked level. The weight of the elephant could then be found out by summing up the weights of all the stones. The child's superior wisdom has since been widely acclaimed.