USA – Henry Ford

Today is Henry Ford’s 147^th Birth Anniversary. Henry Ford (July 30, 1863 – April 7, 1947) was the American founder of the Ford Motor Company and father of modern assembly lines used in mass production. His introduction of the Model T automobile revolutionized transportation and American industry. He was a prolific inventor and was awarded 161 U.S. patents. As owner of the Ford Motor Company, he became one of the richest and best-known people in the world. He is credited with "Fordism", that is, the mass production of large numbers of inexpensive automobiles using the assembly line, coupled with high wages for his workers. Ford had a global vision, with consumerism as the key to peace. Ford did not believe in accountants; he amassed one of the world's largest fortunes without ever having his company audited under his administration. Henry Ford's intense commitment to lowering costs resulted in many technical and business innovations, including a franchise system that put a dealership in every city in North America, and in major cities on six continents. Ford left most of his vast wealth to the Ford Foundation but arranged for his family to control the company permanently. Ford and Adolf Hitler admired each other's achievements. Adolf Hitler kept a life-size portrait of Ford next to his desk. "I regard Henry Ford as my inspiration," Hitler told a Detroit News reporter two years before becoming the Chancellor of Germany in 1933. In July 1938, four months after the German annexation of Austria, the Nazi government awarded Ford the Grand Cross of the German Eagle, the highest medal for foreigners.

In 1891, Ford became an engineer with the Edison Illuminating Company in Detroit. This event signified a conscious decision on Ford's part to dedicate his life to industrial pursuits. His promotion to Chief Engineer in 1893 gave him enough time and money to devote attention to his personal experiments on internal combustion engines. These experiments culminated in 1896 with the completion of his own self-propelled vehicle-the Quadricycle. The Quadricycle had four wire wheels that looked like heavy bicycle wheels, was steered with a tiller like a boat, and had only two forward speeds with no reverse. Although Ford was not the first to build a self-propelled vehicle with a gasoline engine, he was, however, one of several automotive pioneers who helped this country become a nation of motorists. This First Day Cover was issued to commemorate his 105^th Birth Anniversary. And the card came to me thanks to Hemant.

Russia - Vladivostok - 150th Anniversary

Vladivostok is Russia's largest port city on the Pacific Ocean and the administrative center of Primorsky Krai. It is situated at the head of the Golden Horn Bay, not far from Russia's border with China and North Korea. It is the home port of the Russian Pacific Fleet. This important city celebrated her 150^th Anniversary on 2^nd July 2010. The ocassion was graced by the President Mr Medvedev.

The territory on which modern Vladivostok is located had been part of many nations, such as Balhae, Jurchen, the Mongol Empire, and China, before Russia acquired the entire Maritime Province and the island of Sakhalin by the Treaty of Aigun (1858). China, which had just lost the Opium War with Britain, was unable to act to maintain the region. The Pacific coast near Vladivostok was settled mainly by the Chinese, Jurchen, Manchu and Korean during Imperial Chinese Qing dynasty period. A French whaler visiting the Zolotoy Rog in 1852 discovered Chinese or Manchu village fishermen on the shore of the bay. The naval outpost was founded in 1859 by Count Nikolay Muravyov-Amursky, who named it after the model of Vladikavkaz, a Russian fortress in the Caucasus. An elaborate system of fortifications was erected between the 1870s and 1890s. A telegraph line from Vladivostok to Shanghai and Nagasaki was opened in 1871, the year when a commercial port was relocated to this town from Nikolayevsk-on-Amur. Town status was granted on April 22, 1880. The municipal coat of arms, representing the Siberian tiger, was adopted in March 1883.

Yours truly had the good fortune of being a resident of this wonderful city when the people there were preparing to celebrate the Centenary Anniversary. I spent two winters in Vladivostok. This superb card, with the 150^th Anniversary Postmark was sent to me by friend Elena.

Birds from the Danube Delta

The Voroneţ Monastery card was in a cover which had this beautiful miniature sheet of pretty stamps of birds from the Danube Delta on it. A bird-watchers’ paradise, the Danube Delta offers the opportunity to spot more than 300 species of migratory and resident birds, including eagles, egrets, vultures, geese, cranes, ibises, cormorants, swans and pelicans. Located on the 45th parallel, the Danube Delta makes for a perfect stopping-off point between the Equator and the North Pole for millions of migratory birds. Some of the most important species include: The White Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Small Egret, Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, Red-breasted Goose, Glossy Ibis

Threatened Habitats

This very topical First Day Cover with beautiful stamps was sent to me by Budin.

Åland – Lighthouses 8.5.1992

The FDC and stamps picturing the Åland, Lighthouses, were issued on 8th May, 1992 and sent to me by my dear friend Ella.. The lighthouses are of Rannö, Sälskär, Lågskär and Märket.

The border between Finland and Sweden goes through the Märket island. Lågskär is the oldest lighthouse of Åland. It was built in 1840.

Memories of Finland 2.11.2007

This wonderful first day cover with a miniature sheet on Memories of Finland was issued on 2nd Nov in 2007. In the center is a flag of Finland along with photos from the albums of Finnish people. These stamps are in keeping with the ethos of the Finnish people. Their stamps are very people-centric. I wish the Dept of Posts in India learnt something from this. We normally issue stamps showing mugs of obnoxious creatures and call them commemoratives. This is done only because it is politically expedient. Collectors in India have to spend a lot of money accumulating such trash.

On the left are Black &White older photos, and on the right are colourful and more cheerful newer pictures.

The photos are
- Man with his horse working in the snowy forest in 1930's in Taivalkoski.

- A young shepherd girl with a big horn made of birch bark (a traditional material for many things) in 1943. You can see a woman milking cows behind the girl.

- Two pair of twins of the same family skiing in 1950's.

- Drinking coffee outside in 1958

- Bonfire in 1999

- A young ski jumper in 1991

- Jumping into water in 2005

- A man ice-fishing in Viitasaari. Ice fishing is a very popular hobby in Finland. They also like swimming in a hole in the ice.

The last one about a man ice-fishing brings back nostalgic memories of my two winters in Vladivostok in 1967/1969, when our Soviet friends had introduced this very appetising sport to us Indians on “Ruskiye Ostrov” there. This lovely cover was sent to me by my friend Ella.

Tropical Birds 25.7.1998

The details about the birds are on the cards itself. This pretty set of Maximum Cards was given to me by Hemant.

Tropical Birds 29.7.1998

Aurora Borealis 9.9.2009

Auroras, also known as northern and southern (polar) lights or aurorae (singular: aurora), are natural light displays in the sky, usually observed at night, particularly in the polar regions. They typically occur in the ionosphere. They are also referred to as polar auroras. This is a misnomer however, because they are commonly visible between 65 to 72 degrees north and south latitudes, which would place it in a ring just within the Arctic and Antarctic circles. Aurorae occur deeper inside the polar regions, but these are infrequent occurrences, and these are often invisible to the naked eye.

In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis, named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. The aurora borealis is also called the northern polar lights, as it is only visible in the sky from the Northern Hemisphere, with the chance of visibility increasing with proximity to the North Magnetic Pole. (Earth's is currently in the arctic islands of northern Canada.) Auroras seen near the magnetic pole may be high overhead, but from further away, they illuminate the northern horizon as a greenish glow or sometimes a faint red, as if the Sun were rising from an unusual direction. The Aurora Borealis most often occurs near the equinoxes. The northern lights have had a number of names throughout history. The Cree call this phenomenon the "Dance of the Spirits." In the Middle Ages the auroras have been called a sign from God (see Wilfried Schröder, Das Phänomen des Polarlichts, Darmstadt 1984).

Its southern counterpart, the aurora australis or the southern polar lights, has similar properties, but is only visible from high southern latitudes in Antarctica, South America, or Australasia. Australis is the Latin word for "of the South."

Auroras can be spotted throughout the world and on other planets. It is most visible closer to the poles due to the longer periods of darkness and the magnetic field. This is another beautiful cover from my dear friend Ella. It has all the three stamps issued by Finland to highlight this beautiful Natural Phenomenon,

Norway - Europa 2009 ~ Astronomy issue

Astronomy issue in miniature sheet form (with a combined value of 22.00 NOK) carries both stamps and also features a large image of a solar eclipse in the background. The limb on the right side of the sheet depicts the "Bailey's Beads" effect and some flares erupting from the Sun's surface. Across the bottom of the sheet is a diagram of the planets in our solar system with a table of information regarding each, such as - their maximum and minimum distances from the Sun and the number of years it takes the planets to circle the Sun. The sheet also displays the full image of the bodies featured on the stamps. The silver ink of the text and brilliant colors of the images make for a very handsome design against the predominantly black sheet. One should make special note of the fact that actual "meteorite dust" has been sprinkled next to the country name on both stamps. This wonderful MS was sent to me by my friend Sissel.

Singapore – Indicia RiposteDispatch

The cover shown was issued on 13^th May, 2000. It was to celebrate the First Global Electronic Indicia Mailing. This system of postal tariff was another landmark in postal communication – the world’s first ever global mailing using a full-colour electronic stamp. This communication was prepared using Escher Group’s RiposteDispatch product, and the envelope displayed features the RiposteMark indicia, which was approved as a form of postage by Singapore Post.

RiposteMark consists of technologies which can capure the natural variations in structure and texture of the envelope paper. These natural varieties in the fibres of the paper are used to create a unique identification for each mail item which can be encoded within the indicia mark. This “smart” security prevents duplication of the indicia. Using RiposteMark for data collection and data mining speeds up the detection and location of any attempted fraud.

As well as affording enhanced revenue protection, the indicia solution also preserves the aesthetic advantages of traditional postage while creating a universe of new opportunities.

This rare and unique cover was given to me Mr Ari Lyytinen to whom this cover was addressed.

Czech Republic – Maxi Cards

Stan sent me these three maxi cards issued between the 26^th and 30^th June 2010. The first maxi card is about the Prague Postal Museum. In a small house in a busy neighborhood street hiding one of the most interesting museums in Prague, is the Postal Museum, which celebrates 90 years since its inception. The collection features millions of objects.including the Penny Black. The visitor can admire not only the first adhesive postage stamps in the world - Penny Black, but also a unique blue Mercury - the first newspaper stamps of the world in 1851 by the then Austria served to deliver newspapers and plastered directly on the prints. Stan met Mr Adalf Born (while in Prague), the famous Czech stamp designer, who has been involved in stamp designing for over 50 years. On the 26^th he opened the exhibition of his stamp designs in the Postal Museum. Here is a card with a special “Cat” postmark.

Next is the Baroque Style Pharmacy at the White Unicorn. This Royal Town of Klatovy in South Bohemia celebrated its 750^th Anniversary on the 28^th. And the third maxi card is about new series of self adhesive stamps. The card has a pretty postmark too.

Malaysia - Trains

This very nice first day cover is from Malaysia. The stamps depict the evolution of the Railway train Service in Malaysia. Details of the stamps are on the displayed info sheets. Please click to see an enlarged picture. For any more details please send me an e-mail. Budin My Good friend sent it to me.

USA – Exploration of Mars 10.12.1997

Today is the American Independence Day. And on this day 13 years ago it all happened on the Red Planet. Mars Pathfinder, which brought spectacular images of the "Red Planet" to Earth, conducted its next mission on the surface of a U.S. postage stamp. The U.S. Postal Service issued a $3 Priority Mail stamp commemorating the historic Mars Pathfinder mission. The stamp was officially dedicated in a ceremony at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. on December 10, 1997. "As one of the most significant achievements in the history of America’s space program, it is fitting that the Pathfinder Mission be honoured on a U.S. postage stamp," said Postmaster General Marvin Runyon. "When this stamp lands in stamp collections or on Priority Mail pieces nationwide, it will be a reminder of the unmatched ingenuity that leads the world in space exploration." This stamp is believed to be the largest stamp ever issued by the United States of America.

Based on the first image received from the Mars Pathfinder after its landing on the Martian surface July 4, 1997, the stamp features the Sojourner rover resting on the Pathfinder with a panoramic view of the Ares Vallis region of Mars in the background. Informational text about the Pathfinder mission is printed on the reverse of the stamp sheet. Fifteen million stamps have been printed. "That first historic image of Pathfinder and the rover sitting safely on Mars ignited worldwide interest in our efforts to explore Mars," said JPL Director Dr. Edward C. Stone. "It is an honour for this mission to be recognized by issuance of this special U.S. postage stamp." The Mars Pathfinder stamp is the third U.S. stamp subject to incorporate hidden images to prevent counterfeiting, while adding an interesting design element. The hidden text -- Mars Pathfinder, July 4, 1997 and the letters USPS --is not visible to the naked eye but can be viewed by using a decoder lens, which is available through the Postal Service's Philatelic Fulfillment Centre in Kansas City, MO. Since its Independence Day landing, Pathfinder has returned more than 2.6 billion bits of information, including more than 16,500 images, as well as chemical analyses of rocks and extensive data on winds and other weather factors. After operating on the surface of Mars three times longer than expected, the mission began winding down as daily communications with the lander and rover were officially halted.

Thank you Hemant for this beauty of a miniature sheet.

Austria 9.11.1962 - Monuments

These First day covers and the stamps were issued on 9.11.1962 in Austria to commemorate famous historical sites. Looking from the top we have The Swiss Gate in the Hofburg palace is the most colourful surviving remnant of Renaissance Vienna. Hofburg Palace is a palace located in Vienna, Austria, which has housed some of the most powerful people in Austrian history, including the Habsburg dynasty, rulers of the Austro-Hungarian empire. It currently serves as the official residence of the President of Austria. It was the Habsburg's principal winter residence, as the Schönbrunn Palace was their preferred summer residence.

Schloss Esterházy. Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt is one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Austria and provides an impressive insight into the once glamorous life at the court of Prince Esterházy.

And finally the Linz Cathedral. Linz is the third-largest city of Austria and capital of the state of Upper Austria It is located in the north centre of Austria, approximately 30 km south of the Czech border, on both sides of the river Danube.

USA – The Salvation Army 2.7.1965

The Salvation Army is now 145 years old. It is an evangelical Christian church known for charitable work. It is an international movement that currently works in 121 countries. It has its International Headquarters (IHQ) at 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, England. It was founded in 1865 in the United Kingdom by William and Catherine Booth as the East London Christian Mission and has a quasi-military structure. William Booth was born in Nottingham in 1829 but was based in London from 1849 where, after working as a pawnbroker's assistant, he set himself up as an itinerant preacher. He died in 1912. The Salvation Army's stated mission is to perform evangelical, social and charitable work and bring the Christian message to the poor, destitute and hungry by meeting both their physical and spiritual needs. The organization claims that its ministry extends to all, regardless of age, gender, colour or creed. Its stated objectives are:

The advancement of the Christian religion as promulgated in the religious doctrines—which are professed, believed and taught by the Army and, pursuant there to, the advancement of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole.

It is sometimes referred to as the "Sally Anne" in Canada and the "Sally Army" or "Sally Bash" in the United Kingdom. In Australia, the full name is rarely used, with the slang abbreviation "The Salvos" displayed even on shop fronts, while in New Zealand they are referred to as "The Sallies". This FDC was sent to me by my friend Hemant.

Melodi Grand Prix (MGP or Grand Prix)

The First Day Cover on the left celebrates the Melodi Grand Prix (MGP or Grand Prix) which is an annual music competition organised by Norwegian public broadcaster Norsk Rikskringkasting (NRK). It determines the country's representatives for the Eurovision Song Contest, and has been staged almost every year since 1960. The festival has produced three Eurovision winners and nine top-five placings for Norway at the contest. However, Norway holds the record for the number of entries who have come last since entering Eurovision; 10 in all. Despite this, the competition still makes considerable impact on music charts in Norway, and in other Nordic countries, with the 2008 winner topping the Norwegian charts, as well as peaking 8th on the Swedish charts.
The FDC on the right commemorates the national anthem - Ja, vi elsker dette landet (In English it would be: "Yes, we love this country") is the national anthem of Norway. It is commonly referred to as just "Ja, vi elsker" ("Yes, we love"). The lyrics were written by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson between 1859 and 1868, and the melody was written by his cousin Rikard Nordraak in 1864. It was first performed publicly on 17 May 1864 in connection with the 50th anniversary of the constitution. Usually only the first and the last two verses are sung. It would be quite appropriate here to mention a few controversies in connection with the anthem. In 1905 the Union between Sweden and Norway was dissolved after many years of Norwegian struggle for equality between the two states, as stipulated in the 1815 Act of Union. The unilateral declaration by the Norwegian Storting of the union's dissolution on 7^th June provoked strong Swedish reactions, bringing the two nations to the brink of war in the autumn. In Sweden, pro-war conservatives were opposed by the Social Democrats, whose leaders Hjalmar Branting and Zeth Höglund spoke out for reconciliation and a peaceful settlement with Norway. Swedish socialists sang Ja, vi elsker dette landet to demonstrate their support for the Norwegian people’s right to secede from the union. During World War II, the anthem was used both by the Norwegian resistance and the Nazi collaborators, the latter group mainly for propaganda reasons. Eventually, the German occupiers officially forbade any use of the anthem. In May 2006, the multicultural newspaper Utrop proposed that the national anthem be translated into Urdu, the native language of the most numerous group of recent immigrants to Norway. The editor's idea was that people from other ethnic groups should be able to honour their adopted country with devotion, even if they were not fluent in Norwegian. This proposal was referred to by other more widely read papers, and a member of the Storting called the proposal "integration in reverse". One proponent of translating the anthem received batches of hate-mail calling her a traitor and threatening her with decapitation.
These two lovely covers were sent to me by Sissel.