United Nations Thant FDC

United Nations FDC
Name: 100th Anniversary U Thant
Date of Issue: 06 February 2009

The year 2009 marks the centenary of the birth of U Thant, who served as Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971. He was selected to head the world body when Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld was killed in an air crash in September 1961.

U Thant was born at Pantanaw, Myanmar (formerly called Burma), on 22 January 1909, and was educated at the National High School in Pantanaw and at University College Yangon (formerly called Rangoon). Prior to his diplomatic career, U Thant’s experience was in education and information work.

At the time of his appointment as Acting Secretary-General of the United Nations, U Thant had been Permanent Representative of Burma to the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador (1957-1961). During that period, he headed the Burmese delegations to the sessions of the General Assembly, and in 1959, he served as one of the Vice-Presidents of the Assembly’s fourteenth session. In 1961, U Thant was Chairman of the United Nations Congo Conciliation Commission and Chairman of the Committee on a United Nations Capital Development Fund. During his diplomatic career, U Thant served on several occasions as Adviser to Prime Ministers of Burma.

U Thant began serving as Acting Secretary-General on 3 November 1961, when he was unanimously appointed by the General Assembly, on the recommendation of the Security Council, to fill the unexpired term of the late Secretary-General, Dag Hammarskjöld. He was then unanimously appointed Secretary-General by the General Assembly on 30 November 1962 for a term of office ending on 3 November 1966.

U Thant was re-appointed for a second term as Secretary-General of the United Nations by the General Assembly on 2 December 1966 on the unanimous recommendation of the Security Council (resolution 229, 1966). His term of office continued until 31 December 1971.

U Thant retired at the end of his second term in 1971 and he died on 25 November 1974 after a long illness. He was 65 years old.

Comment: This is my first real posted FDC from United Nation. This stamp embellished with gold foiling, if you use UV light, you can see an invisible U.N. emblem on this stamp. I don't know whether this invisible emblem always appears on U.N. stamp.

Poland Love FDC

Poland FDC
Name: I Love You
Date of Issue: 06 February 2009

Valentine's Day in Europe
This day originates from the feast of St. Valentine, the bishop of Terni - a town in Italy located near Rome. According to a legend, the bishop Valentine blessed the bond between a heathen legionnaire and a young Christian woman. Since such relationships were strictly forbidden by the emperor, he was locked up in a dungeon and subjected to torture. He died a martyr's death on 14 February around the year 270 AD. Incidentally, it was also the day on which Rome celebrated a feast of harvest and marriage vows. Since the year 900 AD, this heathen feast has been celebrated as a day of love oaths and promises of friendship, and dedicated to St. Valentine. Presently, on 14 February marriages and engaged couples gather in Terni, where the main basilica of St. Valentine is located, in order to renew their pledges of love.

Valentine's Day across the ocean
Valentine's Day gained its present setting, which is very different from its European original characterised by a blend of joy and solemnity, in the United States of America. Americans are the leaders in commerce, and nobody can match their skills in this area. The scope of the feast has been extended (presently it's generally a feast of love) and it has been added with various gadgets, such as hearts, flowers, pigeons, balloons, lollypops in the colour red - symbolising love, and so on. The most significant thing, however, is sending valentines, i.e. special postcards with sentences printed on them, such as for example "Be my Valentine." It is now increasingly popular to send valentines to all the people we like, or who are close to us. Such messages are quite frequently left unsigned, leaving it to the recipient to figure out who the confession of love or expression of liking came from. Valentine's Day customs migrated across the ocean and came to Europe. One might say that this small, local feast was transformed overseas and, after its return, gained popularity in most of the countries of the old continent. It became a feast of love and joy.

Chełmno - the town of love
For Polish people, the town of Chełmno, known as the town of love, means as much as Terni for the Italians. The local Church of the Assumption houses a baroque side altar dedicated to St. Valentine, and one of his relics, famous for its miraculous properties. Apart from a ceremonial mass, on 14 February various occasional concerts, games and competitions take place, and in the evening a huge heart made up of lanterns is lit. Moreover, heart-shaped baked rolls with added lovage are a local specialty.

It's worth knowing that...
In the Polish language the word 'walentynka' (Valentine), meaning the feast, the special postcard, and also a beloved person, is spelled with no capital letter, in the same way as the words 'mikołajki' (St. Nicolas' Day) or 'andrzejki' (St. Andrew's Eve). That is because it belongs to the category of common nouns, constituting names of popular customs or celebrations.

New stamp and First Day Cover (FDC)
In order to commemorate St. Valentine's Day, Poczta Polska presents for the fifteenth time a special postage stamp which features the symbol of good fortune and luck - a four leaf clover. Its leaves are presented as hearts, one of which - the unique, pink one, is there just for you! The FDC, apart from the clover, also features a citation from George Sand (1804-1876), a French writer of the Romanticism period who was desperately in love with Chopin (1810-1849): "There is only one kind of true fortune in life - it is to love, and to be loved back." The FDC also features an occasional date stamp, in use in Chełmno 1 Post Office. On account of the issue, numerous Valentine's Day events take place in the town of Chełmno, and Poczta Polska actively participates in them through organising, among others, a philatelic exhibition featuring all the stamps in the "I love you" series, published since 1992.

Thailand Rose FDC

Thailand FDC
Name: Rose
Date of Issue: 06 February 2009
Number: 865

Purpose: To promote philatelic activities.

Designs: Illustrates a wonderful pure white rose.

Comment: This is a perfumed stamp, the smell makes me happy.

Thailand Rose Series FDCs:
2008; 2009.

Malaysia Sultan FDC

Malaysia FDC
Name: Silver Jubilee of the Reign of His Royal Highness Paduka Seri Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Sultan Perak Darul Ridzuan
Date of Issue: 08 February 2009

Raja Azlan Shah, the youngest prince of the late Almarhum Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah and Toh Puan Besar Hatijah was born in Kampung Manggis, Batu Gajah, Perak on 19 April 1928. His Royal Highness received his early education at Sekolah Melayu Batu Gajah, and subsequently entered English School Batu Gajah. His Royal Highness continued Sixth Form education at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar.

His Royal Highness Raja Azlan Shah received his Bachelor's Degree in Law from the University of Nottingham in 1953 and a year later on 23 November 1954 was admitted to the Barrister-at-Law at Lincoln's Inn United Kingdom.

His Royal Highness started his career in the legal service as a Magistrate, followed by as a Session Court President, Federal Senior Lawyer, Deputy Public Prosecutor, Legal Advisor to the State of Pahng and Johor, Chief Registrar of High Court and Federal Court of Malaysia, and at the age of 37, he was appointed as the High Court Judge. On 7 November 1982, His Royal Highness reaches the peak of his career in the National legal service when he was sworn in as the Lord President of the Federal Court of Malaysia at the age of 52.

Besides giving full attention in the judiciary and legal duties, His Royal Highness had also played an active role in the national education scene. He was given the honour to be the Chairman of the Higher Education Advisory Council in 1974, and as the Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia from 1971 until 1984. on 12 May 1986 His Royal Highness was presented with a letter of appointment as the Chancellor of the University of Malaya, the post that he held until today.

His Royal Highness was a sport enthusiast of a highest caliber, he lead the Asiar, Hockey Federation and was also appointed as the Vice President of the International Hockey Federation.

In the Perak Royal Institution, His Royal Highness was proclaimed as the Raja Kecil Bongsu on 19 August 1962, the Raja Kecil Tengah on 1 February 1963, Raja Kecil Sulong on 1 January 1978 and Raja Kecil Besar on 1 August 1978 before being proclaimed as the Raja Muda of Perak (Crown Prince) on 1 July 1983. On 3 February 1984, His Royal Highness was proclaimed as the 34th Sultan of Perak followed by the official installation which took place on 9 December 1985.

The Conference of rulers at its 146th meeting on 2 March 1989, elected His Royal Highness as the 9th Yang di-Pertuan Agong. He served the full five year term from 29 April 1989 to 25 April 1994.

Today, on 3 February 2009, marks the Silver Jubilee of the Reign of His Royal Highness, Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah and Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja Permaisuri Tuanku Bainun, who rules the State of Perak in peace and harmony.

Denominations:
30sen
The stamp depicts the portrait of His Royal Highness during his installation as the 34th Sultan of Perak on 9 December 1985 at the Balairong Seri of Istana Iskandariah. Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar Perak. The visual at the background shows His Royal Highness kissing the ceremonial sword. Pedang Cura Si Manja Kini and this symbolized the regal splendour of the ceremony.

50sen
The stamp portrays His Royal Highness Paduka Seri Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah as the Head of State and the Head of the State Islamic Religion and Custom (Ketua Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat). The background features the grand and majestic architecture of Ubudiah mosque which was once proclaimed as the most beautiful design ever being built during its time. It was officially opened in 1917 by Sultan Abdul Jalil Karamatullah Shah. The Ubudiah mosque is certainly one of the many pride possessions of the state as over the years it has proven to be one of the main tourist attractions.

RM1
The stamp depicts His Royal Highness who has reigned the state of Perak for the past 25 years. Throughout his reign the Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Bainun has evidently been a strong and loyal companion as often reflected in their constant appearances together. Both His and Her Royal Highness represent the nation's sacred belief in family unity. The royal yellow background symbolizes the nobility of the much loved Royal Highnesses.

Comment: What a long set name. This is the longest set name I have seen.

Portugal Euro FDC

Portugal FDC
Name: 10th Anniversary of the Euro
Date of Issue: 28 January 2009

1 January 2009 will mark the 10th anniversary of the creation of the euro, one of the most significant landmarks of the European project and modern history.

In effect, the third stage of Economic and Monetary Union, set out by the Treaty on European Union, started on 1 January 1999 with the introduction of the euro and the conduct of a single monetary policy and exchange rate policy, under the Eurosystem (which is formed by the European Central Bank and the national central banks of euro area Member States, including Banco de Portugal).

On such date, Portugal and a further ten Member States – Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria and Finland – met the conditions for adopting the euro. The euro area currently consists of sixteen countries, following the entry of Greece (1 January 2001), Slovenia (1 January 2007), Cyprus and Malta (1 January 2008) and Slovakia (1 January 2009).

However, the euro only became visible to citizens from 1 January 2002, when euro banknotes and coins entered into circulation.

The euro has come to represent an important step in the long European integration process since the European Economic Community was established in 1957. The single currency has provided a backdrop for the stability and progress of citizens and the economies of participating countries. Around 320 million citizens of the euro area benefit daily from a currency that has also become an international reference.

On celebrating the 10th anniversary of the euro as a symbol of European identity and as a factor of integration and development, this set of stamps also celebrates the joint effort of European Union countries to ensure the peace and prosperity of the European continent.

India Heritage FDC

India FDC
Name: Heritage Monuments Preservation By INTACH
Date of Issue: 28 January 2009

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage or INTACH, is an autonomous non-governmental Indian NGO that seeks to preserve Indian Art and Cultural heritage. In 2007, United Nations awarded INTACH with a special consultative status with United Nations Economic and Social Council. More...

Denominations:
500: Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort is a monument worth visiting and worth retaining in your conscious mind. Like various other cities of Rajasthan, in Jaisalmer too you will find different facets of its own glorious heritage. Though you can find historical monuments scattered all over the city, the Jaisalmer Fort will immediately command your attention. Made of sand stones and locally known as Sonar Quila, the Jaisalmer Fort is a dominating structure amidst sands. The city is said to be founded by one Raja Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput ruler, in approximately 1156 A D. Legends go by that he did it on the behest of a local hermit named Eesaal. The raja choose Trikuta hill as the new site for his fort as his earlier adobe at Luderwa(16 k.m from present Jaisalmer) was too vulnerable to his comfort. But it should always be kept in mind that these legends are most of the time product of conscious minds that are very vulnerable to the oriental exaggeration. Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high; it has 99 bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. Wells within the fort still provide a regular source of water. Even today, you will find that nearly one fourth of the old city's population resides within the fort. If you are a student of cross-cultural merging, the subtle fusion of Rajput and Islamic architectural styles, visible in this fort, will catch your fancy. Ganesh Pol, Akshya Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol are a must see.

500: Mongyu Monastery, Laddakh
A Buddhist monastery is meant to be the main center for worship, isolated meditation and religion teaching. Monasteries are also one of the major attractions of the tourists visiting the beautiful valley of Ladakh. People come to Ladakh either to enjoy its scenic beauty or visit its monasteries or both. The entire valley of Ladakh is dotted with monasteries of all kinds, belonging to various orders or schools of Buddhism. Almost all these monasteries are sited at scenic locales, enhancing their magnificence further. Also, they boast of a rich collection of Buddhist relics like thankas, murals, sculptures, scriptures, etc. Typically, the monasteries in Ladakh have been located at isolated areas, away from the hustle bustle of the routine life. This lends an air of peace and tranquility to them. In this section, we have provided information about almost each and every Buddhist monastery of Leh Ladakh, India

500: Saint Anne Church, Goa
The Church of St. Anne is a religious monument located in Santana, Goa, India. It is an example of baroque architecture.

Majestically nestled in the verdant hills of Santana, Talaulim, the Church of Anne was declared a "national monument" during the Portuguese era per Government Portario No. 1360 of 31/3/31. In that Portario – studded like priceless diamonds – were also the Bom Jesus Basilica, the Se Cathedral, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the Convent of Santa Monica and the Church of St. Cajetan. Each of these, monumental in their architectural splendor, and all of them huddled in the former Portuguese capital of Old Goa, Goa.

Upon Goa's annexation by India, while the aforementioned edifices were embraced as "national monuments" by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and effectively taken over, the church of St. Anne was singularly overlooked and remains forsaken to this day to the ravages of time and human neglect, the glaring fact notwithstanding -- it is by far the most exquisite and the largest surviving monument of its kind in all of Asia. The church of St. Anne continues to remain largely forsaken to the ravages of time and human neglect. Today, parts of the structure remain in a precarious condition.

Construction of the Church of St. Anne began in 1577 by Monsignor Francisco de Rego (1681-1689) and its completion in 1695 fell upon the shoulders of his successor, Rev. Fr. Antonio Francisco da Cunha.

Legend has it that while construction was in progress, an elderly villager by the name of Bartholomeu Marchon, had a vision of an old lady donning a hat with a staff in hand. The old lady ambled down the neighboring hill and promulgated to Bartholomeu that the Church under construction was her home, and that it was her intent to reside there. A similar apparition was also encountered by a Brahmin lady of high social standing, who happened to be gravely ill and almost in death’s clutch. The celestial apparition anointed the lady with a miraculous cure and as a token of supreme gratitude, she embraced Christianity. Word of her miraculous cure percolated down to the village priest who instantly interpreted it as a sign of divine intervention, and without further ado, consecrated the church in honor of St. Anne.

High up in the transept facing the sanctuary, one can see a relief picture depicting the scene of St. Anne with a staff in hand and wearing a hat as seen in the apparitions.

500: Qila Mubarak, Patiala
The Qila Mubarak complex stands in 10-acre ground in the heart of the city Patiala, and contains the main palace or Qila Androon (literally,'inner fort'), the guesthouse or Ran Baas and the Darbar Hall. Outside the Qila are the Darshani Gate, a Shiva temple, and bazaar shops which border the streets that run around the Qila and sell precious ornaments, colorful hand-woven fabrics, 'jootis' and bright 'Parandis'.

Russia Painter FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The 175th Anniversary of birth of V.G. Perov
Date of Issue: 28 January 2009

Denominations:
9.00 (right): Self-portrait, 1851 (Kiev Museum of Russian Art)
9.00 (left): Tea Drinking in Mytishchi, near Moscow, 1862 (The State Tretyakov Gallery)

Vasily Grigorevich Perov (Russian: Василий Григорьевич Перов) (real name Vasily Grigorevich Kridener) (January 2, 1834 (December 21 1833 Old Style) - June 10 (May 29 Old Style) 1882) was a Russian painter and one of the founding members of Peredvizhniki, a group of Russian realist painters. More...

Comment: I don't know Russian, whether "Перова" means "Перов"? The stamps use "Перов", but the special cancellation uses "Перова". Why?

Russia Naval Museum FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The 300th Anniversary of Foundation of the Central Naval Museum
Date of Issue: 22 January 2009

The museum started as a model-chamber built to the instructions of Peter the Great in 1709. It is one of the oldest museums in the world, with two thousand unique models of ships, many of which are notable for their artistic worth. The museum has a rich collection of different works of fine arts, as well as a large collection of paintings, photographs, uniforms, flags and banners contains, many of which are extremely rare.

The pride of the museum has to be the boat of Peter the Great, known as the "Grandfather of the Russian Navy". It was on this very boat that Peter learned to sail as a teenager and acquired his fascination for the sea, sea faring and shipbuilding. This fascination later prompted Peter the Great to found the Russian navy. If you are interested in military and naval memorabilia, this is THE place to go!

The museum is located on the eastern tip of Vasilyevsky Island, in the impressive white, pillared building of the former Stock Exchange. The building, inspired by the best examples of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, was constructed by the architect Thomas de Tomon between 1805 and 1810. Back in the late 18th - early 19th century this part of Vasilyevsky Island was still a seaport, and visitors can see high up on the portico of the Stock Exchange building an imposing statue of Neptune, the ancient God of the Sea. Two Rostral Columns, monuments to Russia's many naval victories, flank the modern home of the Naval Museum.

Malaysia Birds S/S FDC

Malaysia Souvenir Sheet FDC
Name: Unique Birds of Malaysia
Date of Issue: 21 January 2009

Birds have often captivated the imagination and inspiration of mankind. From watching and studying this winged wonders, mankind has learned to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of these creatures.

Malaysia has over 742 species of birds, totaling, about 7% of the worlds population. Approximately 63 of these species are endemic (found no where else in the world) to our country.

Denominations:
RM5: Plain-pouched Hornbill
Worldwide, there are about 54 recognised species of hornbills and Malaysia is home to 10 species. The Plain-pouched Hornbill (Aceros subruficollis) has a rather black body and a pouch without any visible marking, hence the name "plain-pouched". The females have a blue pouch while the males have a yellow pouch. Overall, the Plain-pouched Hornbill closely resembles the Wreathed Hornbill except for the lack of corrugations on its beak and the lack of any visible marking on its pouch.

Plain-pouched Hornbills are found at deciduous, dry and humid evergreen forests, mainly in the lowlands and even hills to about 1,000 m elevations. It has a varied diet, mainly comprising of fruits, but also invertebrates and small vertebrates. Plain-pouched Hornbills makes its habitat in the area between south-east Myanmar to northern Peninsular Malaysia.

Globally, the Plain-pouched Hornbill is classified as Vulnerable. The mass movement of the Plain-pouched Hornbills across the Belum - Temengor landscape has occurred over a decade since its discovery. The highest number of Plain-pouched Hornbills in the world was documented by the MNS in 2008 at Temengor with a total of 3,261 individuals.

Wreathed Hornbill
The Wreathed Hornbill (Aceros undulatus) is a colourful species of hornbill found in forests from far north-eastern India and Bhutan, east and south through mainland Southeast Asia and the Greater Sundas.

It is about 70 to 100cm in size, with both sexes looking almost alike. These birds prefer broad-leaf evergreen mixed deciduous forests and forest on islands and are found at a maximum elevation of about 1,800m.

This species has a large range with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 1 million to 10 million km square. Globally, the Wreathed Hornbill is classified by IUCN as "Least Concern" because presently, it numbers seems to be stable.

Malaysia Birds FDC

Malaysia FDC
Name: Unique Birds of Malaysia
Date of Issue: 21 January 2009

Birds have often captivated the imagination and inspiration of mankind. From watching and studying this winged wonders, mankind has learned to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of these creatures.

Malaysia has over 742 species of birds, totaling, about 7% of the worlds population. Approximately 63 of these species are endemic (found no where else in the world) to our country.

Denominations:
30sen: Malaysian Peacock-Pheasant
The Malaysian Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron malacense) is one of the gems of Malaysia's bird species and is now on the list as one of the four species special or endemic to Peninsular Malaysia. Previously widespread in Thailand and Sumatra, today they are only confined to Central Peninsular Malaysia. The Malaysian Peacock-Pheasant is medium-sized, up to 53 cm long, brownish with blue-green ocelli on its wings, back and tail. It has elongated glossy green crest and bare orange facial skin. The female is smaller and its colours duller. Due to ongoing threats of habitat loss, poaching, small population size and limited range, the Malaysian Peacock-Pheasant is now classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN List of Threatened Species.

50sen: Milky Stork
Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea) is a large wading bird of freshwater habitat, living in wetlands and wet farmlands across southern Asia. They are also found on the coast, where intertidal wetlands provide food and refuge. Milky Stork can reach a length of 97cm and has a thick, yellowish bill and blackish flight feathers. Both sexes look almost alike. this species can be found in Kampuchea, Peninsular Malaysia and most of the larger Indonesian Islands.

50sen: Malaysian Whistling Thrush
The Malaysian Whistling Thrush (Myophonus robinsoni) is one of the four endemic birds of Peninsular Malaysia. It is a rare and reclusive bird found in broadleaf evergreen forest, preferring streams as well as hills and highlands. About 26cm in size, the thrush has a small yellowish bill, bright metallic blue and black wings and body. Both sexes look alike. The resident species has also be classified by IUCN as Vulnerable.

Taiwan Panda S/S FDC

Taiwan Souvenir Sheet FDC
Name: Cute Animal Series – Giant Panda
Date of Issue: 20 January 2008
Number: Sp.528

Having previously issued "Cute Animal Series Postage Stamps—Lesser Panda" on April 25, 2007, Chunghwa Post is following up with a set of two stamps and a miniature sheet featuring the giant pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, which were offered as a gift to the Taipei Zoo by China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits.

Denominations:
NT$25.00: Yuan Yuan (left) & Tuan Tuan (right)

The giant panda is a charming and adorable animal. It has a face of a cat and a chubby body of a bear. At birth, it weighs only 50 to 160 grams and its body appears reddish, bare and shiny. It is reared by the mother alone. It will become independent from its mother when it reaches 18 months. A grown-up panda is stout. It is about 160 to 180 centimeters in height when standing up straight, and it weighs about 80 to 125 kilograms. The fur around its eyes and on its ears, limbs, chest and back is black, and the fur on the rest of its body is white. The black and white of its coat provides a stark contrast. It has thick skin and fur, and is not afraid of the cold. Bamboo is the giant panda's main food source. It uses its sixth toe on its paws to grasp poles of bamboo. Currently, wild populations of pandas exist only in China—in the Sichuan Basin of Sichuan Province and the Qinling Mountains of Shaanxi Province. As a result of various factors, a low fertility rate, excessive hunting, destruction of habitat, and the lowering of genetic diversity, the wild population has rapidly dwindled. Yet, with growing consciousness about conservation and the concerted efforts of many, it is currently well protected.

Comment: How do you think about this design? One of my friend said this design looked like pandas' deadee, oops!

Taiwan Panda FDC

Taiwan FDC
Name: Cute Animal Series – Giant Panda
Date of Issue: 20 January 2008
Number: Sp.528

Having previously issued "Cute Animal Series Postage Stamps—Lesser Panda" on April 25, 2007, Chunghwa Post is following up with a set of two stamps and a miniature sheet featuring the giant pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, which were offered as a gift to the Taipei Zoo by China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits.

Denominations:
NT$5.00: Tuan Tuan
NT$9.00: Yuan Yuan

The giant panda is a charming and adorable animal. It has a face of a cat and a chubby body of a bear. At birth, it weighs only 50 to 160 grams and its body appears reddish, bare and shiny. It is reared by the mother alone. It will become independent from its mother when it reaches 18 months. A grown-up panda is stout. It is about 160 to 180 centimeters in height when standing up straight, and it weighs about 80 to 125 kilograms. The fur around its eyes and on its ears, limbs, chest and back is black, and the fur on the rest of its body is white. The black and white of its coat provides a stark contrast. It has thick skin and fur, and is not afraid of the cold. Bamboo is the giant panda's main food source. It uses its sixth toe on its paws to grasp poles of bamboo. Currently, wild populations of pandas exist only in China—in the Sichuan Basin of Sichuan Province and the Qinling Mountains of Shaanxi Province. As a result of various factors, a low fertility rate, excessive hunting, destruction of habitat, and the lowering of genetic diversity, the wild population has rapidly dwindled. Yet, with growing consciousness about conservation and the concerted efforts of many, it is currently well protected.

Comment: The Taipei Zoo (Chinese: 臺北市立動物園), sometimes referred to as the "Muzha Zoo" (木柵動物園), this FDC was sent from "Muzha Post Office" (木柵郵局).

China Stamp: 2009-5

Sheetlet

China Stamps
Name: Power Grid Construction
Number: 2009-5
Date of Issue: 24 February 2009
Value: 3 stamps/set

Denominations:
1.20元 (3-1): Science and Technology Rejuvenate Power
1.20元 (3-2): Strong Power Grid
1.20元 (3-3): Power for All

Sate Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) carries the fundamental responsibility of supplying safe and reliable power for economic and social development. The first 1000kV UHV AC Transmission Project in China, the Jindongnan - Nanyang - Jinmen UHV AC Demonstration Project, officially entered operation. The Project was domestically designed and constructed. Its successful operation signifies that China's power grid development has entered into a new era with UHV technology as its outstanding feature. In recent years, the "Power for All Project" in remote rural areas has significantly improved the living standard for people without access to electricity in the past. China's power grid has become and advanced and stable interconnected network that is of the highest voltage level and the largest scale in the world. It has made great contribution for China's economic growth and social development.

Russia Cuba FDC

Russia FDC
Name: 50 Years, the Triumph of the Cuban Revolution (Cuba - Russia Joint Issue)
Date of Issue: 19 January 2009

Denomination:
10P.: Ernesto "Che" Guevara and Cuba National Flag

The Cuban Revolution was a revolution that led to the overthrow of the dictatorial government of Cuban President General Fulgencio Batista on January 1, 1959 by the 26th of July movement and other revolutionary organizations. The Cuban Revolution also refers to the ongoing implementation of social and economic programs by the new government since the overthrow of the Batista dictatorship, including the implementation of Marxist policies. More...

Comment: Alberto Korda, he was the photographer who produced this iconic image of Che Guevara, that became a worldwide symbol of revolution and rebellion.

Lithuania Celebrities FDC

Lithuania FDC
Name: Famous People
Date of Issue: 17 January 2009

Denominations:
1,35 Lt: Jonas Žemaitis-Vytautas (1909-1954)
Jonas Žemaitis-Vytautas (March 15, 1909 in Palanga - November 26, 1954 in Moscow). One of the leaders of the post-war anti-Soviet armed resistance. He tried to centralise the armed underground forces throughout the Lithuania and form general leadership for partisans. In February 1949 he summoned a congress of the leaders of Lithuanian partisans and established a united resistance organisation - the Lithuanian Movement for Freedom (LMF). He was elected the Chair of Presidium of the LMF Council. Under this leadership, the main documents of the LMF were prepared (the political declaration of the LMF Council provided that the Council was the supreme political body of the nation leading its political and military struggle of resistance and striving for re-establishment of independent and democratic Republic of Lithuania). He contributed much in preparation and realization of the strategy and tactics of partisan fights, and in the re-establishment of the destroyed organizational structures of the LMF. J. Žemaitis was conferred the highest, General's, military rank. He was taken prisoner by the KGB, sentenced and shot in Butyrik Prison in Moscow.

2 Lt: Vaclovas Biržiška (1884-1956)
Vaclovas Biržiška (December 2, 1884 – January 3, 1956) was a Lithuanian attorney, bibliographer, and educator.

He was a member of a notable Lithuanian family; his great-grandfather Mykolas Biržiška was a representative in the Sejm when the Constitution of May 3 was accepted in 1791; his grandfather Leonardas Biržiška was an active participant in the November Uprising; and his brothers, Mykolas Biržiška and Viktoras Biržiška, were also leaders of the Lithuanian community. His father, the physician Antanas Biržiška, declined a professorship at the University of Moscow to practice medicine in the rural areas of Lithuania. More...

2,15 Lt: Mečislovas Reinys (1884-1953)
Mečislovas Reinys (1884 - 1953) was the Lithuanian Roman Catholic archbishop of the Vilnius, Minsk and Tiddi dioceses, a professor at Vytautas Magnus University, a Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and a social activist who publicly condemned racism and national hatred. Mečislovas Reinys was imprisoned by the Soviets after refusing to collaborate with the KGB and sent to Vladimir prison, where he died in 1953. More...

2008 Lithuania Famous People FDC
2009 Lithuania Famous People FDC