Russia Ice Hockey FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Russia is the World Champion in Ice Hockey 2008
Date of Issue: 05 December 2008

The 2008 IIHF World Championship was played between May 2 and May 18, 2008 in the Canadian cities of Halifax (Nova Scotia) and Quebec City (Quebec). The two venues were the Halifax Metro Centre and the Colisée Pepsi. The tournament was won by Russia which claimed its first gold medals since 1993.

It was the 72nd IIHF World Championship event, and was run by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). It was the first time the final tournament is held in a non-European country since 1962, when it was held in Colorado, USA. The IIHF wanted to celebrate the federation's 100th anniversary by holding the tournament in the country where ice hockey was born. The tournament was also included as part of the celebrations of Quebec City's 400th anniversary. More...

QUEBEC CITY (Reuters) - Russia rallied to its first world championship gold medal since 1993 when Ilya Kovalchuk's overtime powerplay goal gave it a 5-4 win over defending champion Canada on May 18, 2008. More...

Comment: This Championship's trophy was unveiled during the 2001 event, The designer, André Richard, created this award to compliment the World Championship's history and prestige. The handmade trophy weighs over 10 kilos and sports a silver and gold top portion and a base comprised from the precious woods ebony and bobinga.

China Stamp: 2009-3

China Stamps
Name: Centenary of the Birth of Comrade Bo Yibo
Number: 2009-3
Date of Issue: 15 January 2009
Value: 2 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20元 (2-1): Bo Yibo during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression
1.20元 (2-2): Bo Yibo in Reform and Opening-Up

Bo Yibo (Chinese: 薄一波; pinyin: Bó Yībō) (February 6, 1908 – January 15, 2007), a native of Dingxiang County, Shanxi Province, was an outstanding member of the Communist Party of China (CPC), a great communist, a prominent proletarian revolutionist, and an excellent leader in economic work. He ever served as member of the Seventh, Eighth, and Eleventh CPC Central Committees, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the Eighth CPC Central Committee, vice premier of the State Council, and standing vice minister of the former CPC Advisory Commission. He was one of the very few who were part of the Party's central leadership for three consecutive generations. Throughout his eight decades' revolutionary career, Bo Yibo spared no effort in making contributions to the Chinese revolution, the socialist construction, and the cause of reform and opening-up. His honorable deeds and lofty spirit have been deeply etched in the memory of the Chinese people and the Party.

Russia Swimming FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The 100th Anniversary of Shuvalov Swimming School
Date of Issue: 05 December 2008

Шуваловская школа, первая русская школа, где проводилось систематическое обучение плаванию, была открыта в 1908 году по инициативе доктора медицины и теоретика спорта В.В. Пескова на Суздальском озере в пригороде Санкт-Петербурга – Шувалове. В школе осуществлялось обучение различным стилям плавания и организовывались водные праздники и соревнования по плаванию, прыжкам в воду и водному поло. Также проводились испытания на магистра и кандидата плавания. Воспитанники школы принимали участие в Олимпийских играх в Стокгольме, а на первом чемпионате в России в 1913 году шуваловцы завоевали командный кубок. Шуваловская школа оказала значительное влияние на развитие плавания в дореволюционной России.

Comment: I have only found the description in Russian, and I have checked the swimmer on this stamp, if it has any prototype, I guess he is Yury Prilukov. He should be a freestlye swimmer (Prilukov is), he has a bathing cap like this (Prilukov has), finally, he is famous enough.

Taiwan Year of the Ox Postcards

Taiwan Pre-stamped Name: Year of the Ox Date of Issue: 01 December 2008

Comment: If you check these postcards carefully, you will find there are 2 kinds of local destination postmark. Yes! my local post office has changed their international import regular mails' destination postmark since 08.12.2008.

2009 Year of the Ox
Canada FDC
China Stamp, Sheetlet II, Booklet.
Hong Kong Stamps FDC, Minisheet FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC, Pre-stamped Postcard.
Indonesia Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Singapore Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Taiwan Stamps FDCs, Souvenir Sheet FDCs, Pre-stamped Postcards.
USA FDC

Taiwan Year of the Ox S/S FDCs

Taiwan Souvenir Sheet FDCs
Name: New Year's Greeting (Issue of 2008)
Date of Issue: 01 December 2008
Number: Sp.526

The upcoming Chinese lunar New Year will fall on January 26, 2009. It is the ji-chou year (ji is the sixth of the Ten Celestial Stems and chou is the second of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches and signifies the year of the ox).

Denominations:
NT$12.00: The sheet features a design suggestive of a yin and yang symbol composed of ripples of water, an ox and a leaf floating on water. The design, in conjunction with an expression meaning "a turn for the good" that begins with the two characters "niu-jhuan" (a homonym of "ox" plus the character for "turns"), implies that in the year of the ox the world will be renewed. On the left margin, the magpie with the tip of a plum tree symbolizes auspiciousness by suggesting the expression "joy rises to the tips of one's eyebrow" ("eyebrow" is a homonym with "plum" in Chinese). On the right margin there are three Chinese expressions about the New Year that convey the idea of joy. One of these is written as a work of calligraphy, whereas the other two have the look of printed impressions rendered from carved Chinese chops. The classic pink color scheme imparts a serene atmosphere to the sheet.

Comment: I have received two FDCs which were sent from 2 different post offices. The upper one was sent from a temporary post office, it has an illustrated cancellation on it. The nether one was sent from a post office, it has a "ox (牛)" word in the postmark (新竹牛埔).

2009 Year of the Ox
Canada FDC
China Stamp, Sheetlet II, Booklet.
Hong Kong Stamps FDC, Minisheet FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC, Pre-stamped Postcard.
Indonesia Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Singapore Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Taiwan Stamps FDCs, Souvenir Sheet FDCs, Pre-stamped Postcards.
USA FDC

Taiwan Year of the Ox FDCs

Taiwan FDCs
Name: New Year's Greeting (Issue of 2008)
Date of Issue: 01 December 2008
Number: Sp.526

The upcoming Chinese lunar New Year will fall on January 26, 2009. It is the ji-chou year (ji is the sixth of the Ten Celestial Stems and chou is the second of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches and signifies the year of the ox).

Denominations:
NT$3.50: With traditional Chinese calligraphy and ink-wash painting, this stamp features a placid, steady, earnest and assiduous ox, suggesting that the ox will deliver a year of favorable weather and good fortune.

NT$13.00: This stamp features the Chinese characters "ji-chou" depicting the dutiful and no-nonsense nature of an ox which serves as a symbol of striving for betterment and good fortune year after year.

Comment: I have received two FDCs which were sent from 2 different post offices. The upper one was sent from a temporary post office, it has an illustrated cancellation on it. The nether one was sent from a post office, it has a "ox (牛)" word in the postmark (新竹牛埔).

2009 Year of the Ox
Canada FDC
China Stamp, Sheetlet II, Booklet.
Hong Kong Stamps FDC, Minisheet FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC, Pre-stamped Postcard.
Indonesia Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Singapore Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Taiwan Stamps FDCs, Souvenir Sheet FDCs, Pre-stamped Postcards.
USA FDC

India Bose FDC

India FDC
Name: Buddhadeva Bose
Date of Issue: 30 November 2008

Buddhadeva Bose (also spelt Buddhadeb Bosu) (Bengali: বুদ্ধদেব বসু) (1908-1974) was a major Bengali writer of the twentieth century. Frequently referred to as a poet, he was a versatile writer, and like Rabindranath Tagore, wrote novels, short stories, plays and essays in addition to poetry. He was an influential critic and editor of his time. He is recognized as one of the five poets who moved to introduce modernity into Bengali poetry. It has been said that since Tagore, perhaps, there has been no greater talent in Bengali literature. More...

Russia Bridges FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Architectural Structures - Bridges
Date of Issue: 28 November 2008

Denominations:
6.00: Zhivopisny Bridge, Moscow
Zhivopisny Bridge (Russian: Живописный Мост) is a cable-stayed bridge that spans Moskva River in north-western Moscow, Russia. It is the first cable-stayed bridge in Moscow. Opened on 27 December 2007 as a part of Krasnoprenensky avenue. It is also the highest cable-stayed bridge in Europe. More...

7.00: Bridge over the Volga, Kimry

8.00: Surgut Bridge, Surgut
The Surgut Bridge across the Ob River is a cable-stayed bridge, one of the longest in Siberia. The bridge is 2,110 meters (6,923 ft) long and has only one tower. Its central span of 408 meters (1,339 ft) is the longest for single-tower cable-stayed bridge. The bridge was inaugurated in September 2000. More...

9.00: The Big Obukhovsky Bridge, Saint Petersburg
The Big Obukhovsky Bridge (Russian: Большо́й Обу́ховский мост, Bolshoy Obukhovsky most) is the newest (not taking into account the Blagoveshchensky Bridge rebuilt in 2007) bridge across the Neva River in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It is also the only bridge across the Neva which is not a drawbridge. More...

Comment: I like this design, you can find both the full view and distinctive part of these bridges on this set.

China Booklet: SB36

China Booklet
Name: Year of the Ox
Number: SB36
Date of Issue: 05 January 2009
Value: 10 stamps/booklet

The Ox (牛) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Ox is denoted by the earthly branch character 丑.

2009 marks Ji-Chou Year, or the Year of the Ox. Since ancient times, the ox, always found working on farmland, has been regarded as an honest, supportive labor partner of human beings. In the eyes of the Chinese people, the ox is a symbol of hardworking spirit and selfless contribution. Widely-circulated adages like "Aware of the arrival of its late years, the ox drives itself further without being whipped" and "Head-bowed, like a willing ox I serve the children" represent the traditional virtue and diligence of the Chinese people. The ox also symbolizes affluence and ease. It will bring a vigorous, dynamic hope of a new year and herald a bright prospect.

2009 Year of the Ox
Canada FDC
China Stamp, Sheetlet II, Booklet.
Hong Kong Stamps FDC, Minisheet FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC, Pre-stamped Postcard.
Indonesia Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Singapore Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Taiwan Stamps FDCs, Souvenir Sheet FDCs, Pre-stamped Postcards.
USA FDC

China Sheetlet: 2009-1

China Sheetlet
Name: Year of the Ox
Number: 2009-1
Date of Issue: 05 January 2009
Value: 6 stamps/sheet

The Ox (牛) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Ox is denoted by the earthly branch character 丑.

2009 marks Ji-Chou Year, or the Year of the Ox. Since ancient times, the ox, always found working on farmland, has been regarded as an honest, supportive labor partner of human beings. In the eyes of the Chinese people, the ox is a symbol of hardworking spirit and selfless contribution. Widely-circulated adages like "Aware of the arrival of its late years, the ox drives itself further without being whipped" and "Head-bowed, like a willing ox I serve the children" represent the traditional virtue and diligence of the Chinese people. The ox also symbolizes affluence and ease. It will bring a vigorous, dynamic hope of a new year and herald a bright prospect.

2009 Year of the Ox
Canada FDC
China Stamp, Sheetlet II, Booklet.
Hong Kong Stamps FDC, Minisheet FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC, Pre-stamped Postcard.
Indonesia Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Singapore Stamps FDC, Souvenir Sheet FDC.
Taiwan Stamps FDCs, Souvenir Sheet FDCs, Pre-stamped Postcards.
USA FDC

Hong Kong Judiciary Minisheet FDC

Hong Kong Minisheet FDC
Name: Judiciary
Date of Issue: 27 November 2008

The Judiciary is a cornerstone of our society. Its mission is to maintain an independent and effective judicial system which upholds the rule of law, safeguards the rights and freedoms of the individual, and commands confidence within and outside Hong Kong.

Denominations:
$1.40: The Statue of Justice
The Statue of Justice, represented by the Greek goddess Themis, holds a sword in one hand and scales in the other. The scales represent the impartiality with which justice is served and the sword symbolises the power that is held by those making the decision. The statue is blindfolded to show that justice is not subject to influence. The Statue is located at the Old Supreme Court (it is where the Legislative Council Chambers has been housed since 1985).

$2.40: The Court of Final Appeal
The Court of Final Appeal is the final appellate court in Hong Kong. It was established on 1 July 1997 pursuant to the Basic Law. It hears appeals on civil and criminal matters from the High Court, and may confirm, reverse or vary the decision of the lower courts. The Court of Final Appeal is headed by the Chief Justice, who is the President of the court. The Court of Final Appeal is the former French Mission Building, which was occupied successively by the Education Department headquarters, the Victoria District Court, the Supreme Court, and the Information Services Department. It is one of the declared monuments in Hong Kong.

$3: Judicial Robes
Judicial robes, including wigs, are a uniform that underlines the dignity and impartiality of the judicial process. The design of Judges' robes remains the same after Hong Kong's change of sovereignty in 1997. In the case of the Court of Final Appeal established on 1 July 1997, new judicial robes had to be designed. Judicial robes are regarded by many as a distinctive symbol of the continuation of the common law in Hong Kong. The stamp presents the judicial attire for different courts, namely (from left to right), the Court of Final Appeal, the Magistrates' Courts, the District Court (for criminal cases) and the Court of First Instance of the High Court (for criminal cases).

$5: The Chief Justice's Mace
The Mace is a ceremonial staff that symbolises the office of the Chief Justice and the institution of the independent Judiciary upholding the rule of law. Since 1 July 1997, the emblem of the HKSAR has replaced the crown at the top of the staff. Each January, the Judiciary organizes the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year to focus public attention on the rule of law and the administration of justice. At the Ceremonial Opening, the Mace is carried by a mace-bearer preceding the Chief Justice.

Comment: I don't have any more comment on this set.

2008 Hong Kong Judiciary FDCs
2008 Hong Kong Judiciary Minisheet FDC

Hong Kong Judiciary FDCs

Hong Kong FDCs
Name: Judiciary
Date of Issue: 27 November 2008

The Judiciary is a cornerstone of our society. Its mission is to maintain an independent and effective judicial system which upholds the rule of law, safeguards the rights and freedoms of the individual, and commands confidence within and outside Hong Kong.

Denominations:
$1.40: The Statue of Justice
The Statue of Justice, represented by the Greek goddess Themis, holds a sword in one hand and scales in the other. The scales represent the impartiality with which justice is served and the sword symbolises the power that is held by those making the decision. The statue is blindfolded to show that justice is not subject to influence. The Statue is located at the Old Supreme Court (it is where the Legislative Council Chambers has been housed since 1985).

$2.40: The Court of Final Appeal
The Court of Final Appeal is the final appellate court in Hong Kong. It was established on 1 July 1997 pursuant to the Basic Law. It hears appeals on civil and criminal matters from the High Court, and may confirm, reverse or vary the decision of the lower courts. The Court of Final Appeal is headed by the Chief Justice, who is the President of the court. The Court of Final Appeal is the former French Mission Building, which was occupied successively by the Education Department headquarters, the Victoria District Court, the Supreme Court, and the Information Services Department. It is one of the declared monuments in Hong Kong.

$3: Judicial Robes
Judicial robes, including wigs, are a uniform that underlines the dignity and impartiality of the judicial process. The design of Judges' robes remains the same after Hong Kong's change of sovereignty in 1997. In the case of the Court of Final Appeal established on 1 July 1997, new judicial robes had to be designed. Judicial robes are regarded by many as a distinctive symbol of the continuation of the common law in Hong Kong. The stamp presents the judicial attire for different courts, namely (from left to right), the Court of Final Appeal, the Magistrates' Courts, the District Court (for criminal cases) and the Court of First Instance of the High Court (for criminal cases).

$5: The Chief Justice's Mace
The Mace is a ceremonial staff that symbolises the office of the Chief Justice and the institution of the independent Judiciary upholding the rule of law. Since 1 July 1997, the emblem of the HKSAR has replaced the crown at the top of the staff. Each January, the Judiciary organizes the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year to focus public attention on the rule of law and the administration of justice. At the Ceremonial Opening, the Mace is carried by a mace-bearer preceding the Chief Justice.

Comment: Obviously, The Judiciary is indispensable to our life, but this set is the boringest Hong Kong stamps in 2008. Do you agree?

2008 Hong Kong Judiciary FDCs
2008 Hong Kong Judiciary Minisheet FDC

Estonia Christmas FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Christmas
Date of Issue: 20 November 2008

"Faster, faster," the Snowman shouts, not angrily at all, and waves his splendid hat. Why do I always come first? He thinks and watches the Christmas presents briskly climb over the crest of the hill on their skis. "Here we come," they yell and gather speed, with the eyes bulging and out of breath with exertion. "Hurry up, or I have to go into the house myself to get the presents into the sack under the Christmas tree, but it's as hot there as in Africa," the Snowman says worriedly. "No, you do not, we'll be there is a jiffy," the Christmas presents soothe him, bracing themselves for the last effort. And before the Snowman can understand, the presents are all nicely in the sack ready and waiting for their happy owner. Merry Christmas!

Comment: I think this design might be favoured by children collectors, very cute idea of design.

2009 Christmas FDCs:
Estonia, Israel, Lithuania.

2008 Christmas FDCs:
Canada: The Nativity, Canada: Winter Fun, Estonia, Italy, Lithuania.

2007 Christmas FDCs:
Estonia, Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, Lithuania, Ukraine, Vatican.

India GAIL FDC

India FDC
Name: GAIL (India) Limited
Date of Issue: 19 November 2008

GAIL (India) Limited, is India's largest natural gas transportation company, integrating all aspects of the natural gas value chain. GAIL is listed by Forbes as one of the world's 2,000 largest public companies in 2007.

The company was previously known as Gas Authority of India Ltd. It is India's principal gas transmission and marketing company. It was set up by the Government of India in August 1984 to create gas sector infrastructure. More...

Comment: Althought my Indian friend didn't use the official FDC to make this real posted FDC. but I'm still pleased. The postage and information label was glued on the face side this time, it seldom occurs on my Indian FDCs.

Singapore Fruits Special FDC

Singapore Special FDC
Name: Fruits (Singapore – Vietnam Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 18 November 2008

In Asia, one can find a wide variety of fruits. Fruits, from the tropics to those found in temperate countries, are all easily available from the supermarkets and wet markets.

In this joint stamp issue with Vietnam, the very well-known King of Fruits, Durian and its equal, whose flower, named Queen of the Night, grows into the fruit people know as Dragonfruit are featured.

Denominations:
65c: Dragonfruit
Dragonfruit, an oval pink fruit covered with large rubbery spurs, is a tropical fruit equally popular, with a completely contrasting taste as to the durian. It is sometimes likened to that of the kiwifruit due to a prevalence of sesame seed-sized black crunchy seeds found in the flesh of the fruit. The Dragonfruit is said to have loads of vitamin C and can aid in digestion. Vietnam is known to be the main commercial producer in the region.

$1.10: Durian
Large, oval and thorny, the Durian is the region's most infamous fruit. It is renowned for its strong smell – a scent heavenly to those who love it, but a terrible stench for those not used to its pungent aroma. In the past, the peak season for durian and with truckloads of the spiky fruit rolling in from the Causeway and as far as Thailand occurs usually between the months of June and August. However, now, one can easily find the King of Fruits almost at any parts of the year. Variety range from Mao Shan Wang, D24, XO, Golden Phoenix etc…excites all the durian lovers who will scramble to Sims Avenue, Balestier Road, Joo Chiat Place and Yio Chu Kang Road etc.

Comment: This is the first time that I have received a joint issue's FDC like this. You can see both countries' stamps on this FDC. Vietnamese stamps' size is bigger than Singaporean's, but I think the Singaporean stamps are more colorful than Vietnamese. How about your opinion?