USA - Prominent Americans series 17.11.1967

The Prominent Americans series is a set of definitive stamps issued by the United States Post Office Department (and later the United States Postal Service) between 1965 and 1978. It superseded the Liberty issue of 1954, which by the mid-1960s had become somewhat dated, for instance in its focus on political figures. This was the first U. S. omnibus definitive series in which Benjamin Franklin did not appear at or near the beginning: on the ½¢ or 1¢ stamp. The values of the new series included figures from all walks of life, each depicted in a different style by a different designer, presumably in a quest for wide diversity—a significant departure from the uniformity of concept that had marked previous definitive issues. The stamps appeared one by one from 1965 on, and the basic designs had all been issued by 1968; tagged versions made their first appearances gradually through 1973, and coil and booklet version of the 15¢ were issued in 1978 in response to a first-class rate change. The cover shows the Inauguration of George Washington at New York on 30^th April 1789.
The 5¢ Washington was originally excessively shaded around the lower part of the face, so much so that it has come to be known as the "dirty face" or "unshaven" Washington. Originally appearing in February 1966, it was superseded by a lightened version in November 1967. Thank you Maria for this FDC.

Year of the Rabbit 5.1.2011

Macau, also spelled Macao is, along with Hong Kong, one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China. It lies on the western side of the Pearl River Delta, bordering Guangdong province to the north and facing the South China Sea to the east and south. The territory's economy is heavily dependent on gambling and tourism but also includes manufacturing. Macau was a Portuguese colony and both the first and last European colony in China. Portuguese traders first settled in Macau in the 16th century and subsequently administered the region until the handover on 20 December 1999. The Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration and the Basic Law of Macau stipulate that Macau operates with a high degree of autonomy until at least 2049, fifty years after the transfer. Under the policy of "one country, two systems", the PRC's Central People's Government is responsible for the territory's defence and foreign affairs, while Macau maintains its own legal system, police force, monetary system, customs policy, and immigration policy. Macau participates in many international organizations and events that do not require members to possess national sovereignty. According to the CIA fact book, Macau has the second highest life expectancy in the world.

Macau post issued a set of five stamps to welcome the Lunar year of Rabbit 2011. The Rabbit is the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
The Year of the Rabbit is associated with the earthly branch symbol? People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract.

Finland - Porkkala lighthouse 26.1.1956

On this FDC is an old lighthouse stamp from Finland showing the Lighthouse and the sea map of the Porkkala Peninsula. The Rönnskär II lighthouse is located on a small island about 7.5 km (4.5 mi) north of the Porkkala lighthouse in the Gulf of Finland. Built in 1814 (and significantly heightened in 1828), it has been inactive since 1928. Approx. 27 m (89 ft) two-stage tower; the lower half is square cylindrical unpainted rubble stone, and the upper half is round cylindrical cut stone, painted white. The lantern has been removed, but radar and communications equipment is mounted atop the tower. Here are images of a stamp depicting Rönnskär II (as an active light!) and a regional map engraved by Birger Ekholm, and issued by Finland to commemorate the Soviet Union's return of the strategic Porkkala area (which it had seized during World War II) to Finland on January 26, 1956, Scott No. 335, Facit No. 457. Also, here is a photo of the lighthouse, which may now be visited by boat. At the end of the Second World War the Soviet Union secured the rights of lease to a naval base at Porkkala, in accordance with the Moscow armistice agreement that ended the Continuation War, between Finland and the Soviets on September 19, 1944. Porkkala thus replaced the peninsula of Hanko, which had been leased to the Soviets as a naval base in 1940–41. A large area centered on the peninsula, including land from the municipalities of Kirkkonummi, Siuntio and Ingå and almost the entire area of Degerby, was leased to the USSR from 29 September 1944, ten days after the armistice. It was immediately placed under a military commander, Neon Vasilyevich Antonov (1907–1948), who remained in office till June 1945, when he was transferred to command the Amur River flotilla, in preparation to the war against Japan.

According to the armistice of 1944, the area was ceded to the Soviet Union for 50 years. On February 10th, 1947, the Paris peace treaty reaffirmed Soviet Union's right to occupy this area until 1994. No Soviet civilian administration was set up; the USSR simply administered it through the military commander of Porkkala, a post held (from an unclear date) until 1 January 1956 to Sergey Ivanovich Kabanov (1901–1973), the former Commander of Hanko naval base. While the area was under Soviet occupation, Finnish passenger trains running between Helsinki and Turku were still allowed to cross the area, but with windows closed by shutters, and photography prohibited. Although the Soviet lease for Porkkala had been conceded for 50 years, agreement was reached to return it earlier. The agreement was signed on September 19th, 1955, exactly 11 years after the armistice, and control on the area was handed back to Finland on January 26th, 1956. This may be attributed to the process of Finlandization and to technological progress making coastal artillery obsolete, but the renunciation of Stalinism by the Soviet Union under Nikita Khrushchev and the fact that Finland had undertaken to adopt neutrality and so remain out of NATO were also important contributing factors. At present, the Porkkala area has one of the main bases of the Finnish Navy, located in Upinniemi near Porkkala proper. This historical and wonderful FDC was given to me by my Dear Friend Pia.

Year of the Rabbit 11.1.2011

The man behind the Muppets - James Maury "Jim" Henson

This miniature sheet is a tribute to James Maury "Jim" Henson (September 24, 1936 – May 16, 1990), who was born in Mississippi, and was an American puppeteer best known as the creator of The Muppets. As a puppeteer, Henson performed in various television programs, such as Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, films such as The Muppet Movie and The Great Muppet Caper, and creator of advanced puppets for projects like Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth. He was also an Oscar-nominated film director, Emmy Award-winning television producer, and the founder of The Jim Henson Company, the Jim Henson Foundation, and Jim Henson's Creature Shop. He died of Streptococcus pyogenes on May 16, 1990. He was one of the most widely known puppeteers in history. He created Sam and Friends as a freshman in College Park. After suffering struggles with programs that he created, he eventually was selected to participate in Sesame Street. During this time, he also participated in the comedy series Saturday Night Live. The success of Sesame Street spawned The Muppet Show, which featured Muppets created by Henson. He also created the television show Dinosaurs during his final years. In 1992, he posthumously received the Courage of Conscience Award from The Peace Abbey, and on June 16, 2011, he posthumously received the Disney Legends Award

Czech Republic - Jan Jakub Hartmann

The painting depicted on this beautiful stamp has been made by the famous artist of Czech Republic and is from National Art Gallery, Prague. The miniature sheet shows painting 'Allegory of Water' by Jan Jakub Hartmann. He belongs to the painters who in the course of the second half of the 17th century specialised in landscape painting. Based on the Dutch landscape models mainly from the late 16th century, his concept of landscape painting was at his time rather archaistic. He worked together with his sons František Antonín and Václav Jan. Their paintings are not signed and were created by cooperation of all the painters. The postage stamp features a cutting of the painting Allegory of Water which is the counterpart painting of the Allegory of Earth. The paintings come from the series The Four Elements. They are painted on copper plates and belong to the best of Hartmanns' production. The scheme of the landscape on the painting Allegory of Water, based on a contrast between the darker rich forest and the lighted view of the river scene with an ample crowd broken into smaller groups, numerous ships, fish and sea fruit is at the same time an inconspicuous picture of the Biblical scene of Christ's miraculous fishing. The miniature sheet which includes this postage stamp features almost the whole painting Allegory of Water. Date of issue 5.11.2008

Malaysia - Virtues

STOP PRESS (came to know of this today 04.07.2011)

The issue is about recent Nilai-Nilai Murni (Virtues) stamps edition missing the Tamil version while other languages were prominently figured. At least Pos Malaysia took the step to recall the stamps and rectify the oversight.

WITH reference to “Group angry that Tamil not used in first day covers” (The Star Online, June 15), we acknowlege that the words featured in the stamp, depicting Kesyukuran (Thankfulness), included English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Hindi.

Pos Malaysia would like to clarify that the inclusion of the Hindi word featured in the stamp depicting Kesyukuran was an inadvertent error on the part of the issuing committee.

Therefore, Pos Malaysia will be recalling all the Nilai-Nilai Murni (Values) stamps and will reissue the stamps to include the Tamil word forKesyukuran.

DATUK ROHAIZA HASHIM,

Group Head, Corporate Communications,

Pos Malaysia Bhd.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pos Malaysia launched a special edition stamp collection on the theme "virtues" on Monday 13^th June to help strengthen noble values in the society. The collection, portraying the 10 virtues of affection, diligence, prudence, mutual respect, self-reliance, awareness, kindness, thankfulness, community spirit and integrity, will be available in the 60 sen denomination, said Pos Malaysia Stamps and Philately Unit head Yasmin Ramli. She said the issuance of the new stamps coincided with the plan of the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry to educate and inculcate good virtues in the society through stamp collections. "The Courtesy and Good Virtues campaign is a government initiative to adopt these values into the realm of the mind, heart and conduct of Malaysians from all walks of life. "We hope the campaign can enhance the personal strength and self-esteem of the people," she said at a special preview of the stamp collection, here today. She said a special folder was also available at RM5.50 each and a complete collection set would be sold at RM24 at selected post offices. "Stamp collectors can get the First Day Cover at 50 sen or a complete set with the stamps at RM6.50," she said. Yasmin also said that Pos Malaysia, which was a member of the Universal Postal Union, would continue to innovate in coming up with special stamps. "This year, we plan to study best selection of stamps in an effort to identify features that meet the needs of stamp collectors. This will help us to improve product quality in the future," she said. She said Pos Malaysia would emphasise local activities and achievements as these could familiarise Malaysia at the global stage. "We want other countries to recognise our culture and achievements through these special stamps," she said. I sincerely hope Yasmin Ramli’s wishes come true. Thank you Budin for this wonderful FDC.

Finland - 200th Anniversary of fortress Suomenlinna

This Fdc and the stamps on it were issued on 15^th October 1948 on The 200^th Anniversary of Helsinki’s Sea Fortress. Suomenlinna's history is closely entwined with that of Finland and the Baltic region. Helsinki can also thank Suomenlinna for its early growth and prosperity. The fortress was built in the 18th century to fortify defences at the eastern part of the Swedish Empire. After the fortress fell under Russian rule at the beginning of the 19th century, its role was to guard the shipping channels to St. Petersburg. The Swedish maritime fortress helped Helsinki to grow into a significant city which became the capital of Finland in 1812 when the country was an autonomous grand duchy within the Russian Empire. The fortress was built on virtually barren islands. Today, nature in Suomenlinna is extremely diverse. The scenery ranges from parks, yards and herb gardens to natural beaches, wild meadows and earth-filled sandbanks. The islands are surrounded by sea and bordered by cliffs and sandbanks.

Construction of Suomenlinna Fortress began in 1748 by Sweden. It was built on six islands, and took about 40 years to be completed. The fortress was surrendered to Russia in 1808. The Russians ruled the place for 110 years. The fortress was called Sveaborg (or Viapori in Finnish), the Fortress of Sweden. But in 1918, the next year of Finnish independence from Russia, it was officially renamed to Suomenlinna, the Castle of Finland. It is a popular tourist attraction nowadays, and ferry-boats are plied regularly between Suomenlinna and Helsinki harbor all year round. The Fortress was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1991. Thank you My Dear Friend Pia for this nice FDC.

Åland - Abd-al-Wali 1.4.2011

On 1 April, the 'Aland cosmopolites' issued a stamp celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of orientalist and Alander Georg August Wallin . Wallin travelled the Arab world on his exploration expeditions. To gain acceptance in and access to places otherwise forbidden to non-Muslims, he presented himself as a Russian subject from Central Asia, Muslim Abd-al-Wali. The FDC features the desert, inspired by Georg August Wallin's journeys in the Arab world. Just like the stamp, the first day cover has gold printing. The gutter of the stamp sheet is decorated with oriental patterns and an extract from Georg August Wallin's handwritten diary written during his first journey to the Orient. My Dear friend Ella sent me this FDC.

People may well ask “Why does Åland Post choose to feature on a stamp an explorer and orientalist with the Arabian name Abd-al-Wali?” Well, he was born in Åland 200 years ago. His given name was Georg August Wallin and he was born 24 October 1811 in the Åland municipality of Sund. In 1817, the family moved to Turku when his father was appointed County Treasurer of Turku and Pori County. Then 18-year-old Georg August entered the University of Helsinki in 1829 to study oriental languages and received his MA in 1836. Three years later, he travelled to St. Petersburg, where he met Egyptian Sheikh Muhammad Sayyad al-Tantawi whose tales about the Middle East inspired the young scholar. Wallin conducted his first expedition in Egypt in 1843.

Crown Bride Tradition 15.5.1976

Finnish Wedding Traditions. In Finland, a traditional bride-to-be walks door-to-door with a pillowcase, to receive her wedding presents. An older, married man walks with her, holding an umbrella or parasol to cover her. This pre-wedding tradition a symbol of protection and shelter for the new bride. On her wedding day, a Finnish bride might wear a traditional golden crown with her wedding gown. After wedding vows have been exchanged, and the celebration has begun at the wedding reception, all of the women blindfold the new bride and dance around her. She places her crown on the head of the girl next to marry in much the way beauty queens pass their crowns following their year of reign. It is a Finnish wedding custom for the newlyweds to sit together in designated seats of honour.at the wedding reception. The bride holds a seive, covered by a shawl, into which guests deposit gifts of cash. At some weddings, the bride's mother-in-law or god mother puts a china plate on top of the her head when the newlyweds begin their wedding dance, usually a waltz. After the plate falls, the pieces of broken china foretell the number of children the couple can expect to have. The last dance at a Finish wedding reception is called the weaning-waltz. The women start the waltz with the bride and the men with the groom, children included. Each person dances only for a moment with the bride and with the groom. The dance's origin was a test to see how quickly the bride and groom will 'forget' each other. Thank you Ella for this lovely FDC.

UK - The Royal Wedding

Thank you Ella for this lovely FDC and the accompanying information card about the Royal Wedding. It is all so very self explanatory. Enough has been said and written about it. Suffice it to say that the Royal Mail issued this Minisheet and the lovely FDC.

Tulips 1.4.2011

"Bunch of tulips", consisting of yellow and white flowers is perfect for Easter greetings. The famous stamp artist Leena Airikkala has designed the stamp on this pretty cover. You can nearly feel the scent of tulips and the leathery of their leaves when you look at this genuine-looking bouquet on the stamp. Thank you very much Dear Ella for this nice FDC.
Tulip FDC was mainly for Easter greetings. Decorating Easter eggs is a popular tradition in many countries. Finnish people decorate their homes for Easter often with yellow flowers, decorated eggs, yellow chickens, Easter Bunnies. On the left hand sideof the cover there are some colourful eggs. An egg is a symbol for fertility and growth. In Christian tradition eggs are symbols of resurrection, And of course eggs and chickens belong together. And here we come across the eternally debated question of, which one came first - the chicken or the egg. And this answers the question, “Why is there a chicken in the postmark, on the FDC”. In shortl, chickens are symbols of Easter just like yellow flowers and decorated eggs.

Cyprus – Commonwealth Day 1983 14.3.1983

The Commonwealth is a free association of 46 countries in all five continents. They belong to different religions, languages, races and cultures. The member-countries strongly believe that their interests are best served through common action and cooperation. The pursuits and ideals are incorporated in the Declaration of Commonwealth Principles. The Heads of the member-countries, as well as their Ministers, meet and discuss various national and international problems. Cyprus became a member-state in 1961. Commonwealth Day is an international event celebrated by all member-states on the second Monday of March. Member-states are (1983): Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Britain, Canada, Cyprus, Dominica, Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Western Samoa, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

This FDC and the stamps on it were issued by Cyprus to commemorate the Commonwealth Day on 14^th March 1983. The Details of the four stamps on the FDC are (a) The Cyprus Forest Industries Ltd. - The Cyprus Forest Industries Ltd. started operating in 1974. This company played a leading role in the salvage of timber from the forests burned by the Turks in 1974. Its products are for local user and for export. (b) 'Ikarios and those who were the first to drink wine' "Ikarios and those who were the first to drink wine" (end of 3rd century A.D.), one of the mosaics in the "House of Dionysus" in Kato Paphos. Ikarios, following Dionysus' instructions, produced wine and offered it to people. (c) Traditional national dances - A free composition of 4 dancers wearing traditional national dresses. The dances were presented in the old theatre of Curium during the First Commonwealth Film and Television Festival, which was held in Cyprus in 1980. And finally, (d) The Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, Australia -The Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, Australia, where the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting was held in 1981. My Dear Friend Merja gave me this FDC.

Åland - The Champagne Salvage

In July 2010, divers exploring an old shipwreck in the Åland archipelago made a most unlikely discovery. Several bottles of very old champagne were found onboard. With a stamp issue, the Post now focuses on the spectacular find, which proved to be some of the oldest champagne in the world! Onboard the wreck, a total of 145 champagne bottles were found. The bottles have been dated to around 1840. They have been identified to originate from the esteemed champagne houses of Veuve Clicquot, Juglar and Heidsieck. Champagne producer Jacquesson operates the estate of the now defunct House of Juglar. Friday 3 June was set as the date of issue, the same day that two bottles of the old champagne, one from the house of Juglar and one from the house of Veuve Clicquot, will be auctioned off in Åland. Thank you My Dear Friend Ella, and here’s Cheer’s to you too ;-))

Tristan da Cunha - TRISTAN DA CUNHA 1983 SHIPS SET OF 4 MNH

Tristan da Cunha is a remote volcanic group of islands in the south Atlantic Ocean and the main island of that group. It is the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world, lying 2,816 kilometres (1,750 mi) from the nearest land, South Africa, and 3,360 kilometres (2,088 mi) from South America. Tristan da Cunha is said to be the "most remote inhabited location on Earth." The territory consists of the main island of Tristan da Cunha itself, which measures about 11.27 kilometres (7.0 mi) across and has an area of 98 square kilometres (37.8 sq mi), along with the uninhabited Nightingale Islands and the wildlife reserves of Inaccessible Island and Gough Island. It has a permanent population of 275 (2009 figures).
Tristan da Cunha is part of the British overseas territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha which also includes Saint Helena 2,430 kilometres (1,510 mi) to its north, and equatorial Ascension Island even farther removed, grouping the British South Atlantic islands into one far-flung centrally administered aggregate.
Maria sent me this lovely set of four sailing ship stamps on the FDC of TRISTAN DA CUNHA. The stamps are 5p "Islander", 20p "Roscoe", 35p "Columbia" and 50p "Emeline"

Åland – Aland apples and potato chips

My Dear Friend Ella, knowing my weakness for apples and chips, sent me these two nice FDCs issued by Åland on 7^th June 2011.

Aland apples - The time has come for a new 5 cent stamp as well as a 4 euro stamp. Both stamps show the Åland apple cultivar Strömma with an interesting story to tell. More than 100 years ago, the Ålander Fridolf Sundberg began spreading his varieties of apples in Åland and the southern parts of Finland. On a farm in the village of Strömma in Hammarland, he discovered the Strömma cultivar. Fridolf grafted his different varieties of apples on crab apple trees in Örnäs in the municipality of Finström, where he settled with his wife Amanda. Two of the trees planted by Fridolf are still standing in Örnäs and yet another tree can be found just a few kilometres away. The apples on the stamps were photographed in Hammarland. Sven-Olof Sundberg, Fridolf and Amanda's grandson, today lives in Hasselbo close to Örnäs. He has a newly grafted Strömma apple tree in his garden.

Pioneers in potato chips in Finland - Chips Ab was founded in Åland in 1969. The founders then did not know that, 30 years later, the organization would consist of an international group of companies with more than 1300 employees in the Nordic countries, the Baltic States and Russia. We focus on Åland potato chips with a stamp issue on 7 June. Three private initiators who wished to create a land-based industry to compensate for the considerable emigration from Åland at the time founded the limited company Chips Ab. Agriculture, fishing and commerce had long been the most important sources of income, and the initiators wanted to bring about an industry based on some type of local primary produce. One of the promoters had come across potato chips ("crisps" in UK) during his years of studies in the USA. By then, chips were already known in Sweden and Denmark, but in Åland and Finland, potatoes were considered to be merely food. Chips Ab was the first producer of potato chips in Finland. Since then, the Taffel brand continues to be a leader on the Finnish market. Today, the domestic market of Chips Ab lies in the Nordic countries and the Baltic States but with local companies and local brands. Some of these are Chips (Finland), OLW (Sweden), Kims (Denmark and Norway) and Latfood (the Baltic States). The operations of Chips Finland are run from a factory situated in Haraldsby, Åland, a sales and marketing office located in Helsinki and a finance and economy department also located in Åland.

Cyprus - 500th Anniversary of Leonardo Da Vinci's visit 15.6.1981

"From the southern seaboard of Cicilia may be seen to the south the beautiful island of Cyprus which was the realm of the goddess Venus, and many there have been who, impelled by her loveliness, have had their ships and rigging broken upon the rocks that lie among the seething waves. Here the beauty of some pleasant hills invites the wandering mariners to take there ease among its flowery verdure, where the zephyrs continually come and go, filling with sweet odours the island and the encompassing sea...". This note is found in the notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) one of the most prominent artists and one of the most complex geniuses not only of he era (Italian Renaissance) but of all times. In the same page there is also a ground plan, a front view and a description of the structure of a temple of Aphrodite. Although there does not exist any historical evidence for the visit of Leonardo in Cyprus, the description given in that note about the beauties of the island, allows us to presume that Leonardo has indeed visited Cyprus. This presumption is enforced by sources according to which the visit took place in 1481 (500 years ago) during the reign of Katherine Cornaro, queen of Cyprus, who entertained the famous painter. It is said that Leonardo was so much impressed by the Lefkara laces that he took with him one which he offered to be used on the Altar of the Cathedral of Milan.
The stamps on this First Day Cover feature A Lefkara Lace with the Cathedral of Milan in the background (top left), A self-portrait of Leonardo Da Vinci, and finally the famous painting of the Lord's Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci. Merja My Dear Friend sent me this cover.

Pond Life Stamps 13.4.2011

This is the second part of the new Pond Life definitives to be issued by Singapore Post on 13 April 2011. The first part of four stamps of high values were earlier released on 16 February 2011. The 10 low value definitives shows some commonly found life forms at a pond. Also to be released on the same day will be a collectors sheet which contain all 14 stamps of the series, a stamp booklet containing 10 x 1st Local in self-adhesive format. I was fortunate to get these two FDCs from the Singapore Philatelic Museum during My visit there in April 2011.

Ascension Island - ENGLAND - SOUTH AFRICA CABLES 1899 - 1901

On the outbreak of the Boer War in 1899 direct communication between the UK and South Africa became essential. The Eastern Telegraph Company contracted the Telegraph Construction & Maintenance Company to manufacture and lay the cables. CS Anglia laid the 2065 nm first stage from Cape Town to St Helena, completing it by 26 November 1899. While CS Anglia returned to the UK for more cable CS Seine laid the section from St Helena to Ascension a distance of 844 nm completing it by 15 December 1899. CS Anglia then laid 1975 nm of cable from Ascension to St Vincent, Cape Verde Islands, completing the task by 21 February 1900. At St Vincent the cable connected with the Western Telegraph Company's cables to Carcavelos, Portugal, then via Eastern to Porthcurno, England. In 1901 the Eastern Telegraph Company contracted the same company to manufacture and lay cables from St Vincent to Madeira and from there to Porthcurno. CS Anglia and CS Britannia (2) carried out the work. As an alternative route in case of cable failure CS Anglia laid a cable from Ascension to Freetown, Sierra Leone a distance of 1125 nm in 1901. Maria sent me this lovely cover.
In 1979 Ascension issued a set of stamps celebrating the 80th anniversary of the landing of this cable on Ascension, but inscribed the design as "80th Anniversary of the Eastern Telegraph Company". The Eastern Telegraph Company was formed in 1872. A similar thing happened in 1999 when both Ascension and St Helena issued stamps to celebrate the centenary of the cable but inscribed the designs as "Centenary of Cable & Wireless". Cable & Wireless was formed in 1934.

Canada – Zodiac Sign Taurus

The Zodiac’s second astrological sign, Taurus (the bull) is an earth sign. Dependable and steadfast despite whatever comes their way, this rock of the Zodiac’s only real vice is the extremes they’ll go to keep to routine, which often makes them rigid and feeling stuck in a rut. Cancelled in Little Bullhead, Manitoba.
When the ancients looked to the sky in the spring, they saw a constellation they thought resembled the head of a bull, which is why they named it Taurus, the name of the sire of the Minotaur—the half-man, half-bull creature—of Greek mythology. They were taking note; a prehistoric painting on the wall of the Lascaux cave, in southwest France, is believed to resemble Taurus. The sun is in this constellation from roughly April 21 to May 21. The zodiac’s second astrological sign, Taurus is an earth sign and said to be ruled by the planet Venus. Individuals born under this sign are placid and patient, and known for their practicality and persistence. While staying in balance is a central tenant of their lives, they can endanger their much prized emotional equilibrium with their unyielding determination and wilfulness. Taurus’ desire for stability keeps their yearning for material possessions and property in check; they’re far too fearful of chaos to risk going into debt. Dependable and steadfast despite whatever comes their way, this rock of the zodiac’s only real vice is the extremes they’ll go to keep to routine, which often makes them rigid and feeling stuck in a rut. Those born under this sign need to be validated and praised for their desire to adhere to the rules and can become obstinate, even self-righteous, when it’s suggested that their way of doing things might not be the only way. Guy Dorval sent me this nice card.

In these three stamp issues, Paprika Design of Montreal continues the multi faceted design themes they first revealed in the Signs of the Zodiac: Aries issue, which became available this past March. According to Paprika Design’s Creative Director and Associate Louis Gagnon, “as more stamps in the series are released, the layering of the various thematic elements becomes more and more apparent. For example, when we add the OFDCs of these stamps to the one issued in March for the Aries stamp—we see the wheel of the zodiac begin to emerge. One gets a stronger understanding of the totality of the design.”

Montserrat – Marine Wild Life

The Volcanic Island of Montserrat was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 during his second voyage to the 'New World'. He named it so because the rugged terrain reminded him of the site of the Monastery of Montserrat, near Barcelona: Montserrat. Montserrat is a British overseas territory located in the Leeward Islands, part of the chain of islands called the Lesser Antilles in the West Indies. This island measures approximately 16 km (10 miles) long and 11 km (7 miles) wide, giving 40 kilometres (25 mi) of coastline. Christopher Columbus gave Montserrat its name on his second voyage to the New World in 1493, after Montserrat mountain located in Catalonia. Montserrat is nicknamed the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, both for its resemblance to coastal Ireland and for the Irish descent of its inhabitants.
Montserrat's Georgian era historic capital city of Plymouth was destroyed and two-thirds of the island's population were forced to flee abroad by an eruption of the previously dormant Soufriere Hills volcano that began on July 18, 1995. The eruption continues today on a much reduced scale, the damage being confined to the areas around Plymouth, including its docking facilities and the former W. H. Bramble Airport, the remnants of which were buried by flows from volcanic activity on February 11, 2010. An exclusion zone extending from the south coast of the island north to parts of the Belham Valley has been imposed because of the size of the existing volcanic dome and the resulting potential for pyroclastic activity. At present visitors are not permitted entry into Plymouth, but an impressive view of the destruction can be had from the top of Garibaldi Hill in Isles Bay. Relatively quiet since early 2010, the volcano continues to be closely monitored by the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. The village of Brades currently serves as the temporary centre of government while construction proceeds on a new town at Little Bay in the north of the island. This lovely cover was kind courtesy Maria.

UK – Hornby Railways

Hornby Railways is the leading brand of model railway in the United Kingdom. Its roots date back to 1901, when founder Frank Hornby received a patent for his Meccano construction toy. The first clockwork train was produced in 1920. In 1938, Hornby launched its first 00 gauge train. In 1964, Hornby and Meccano were bought by their competitor Tri-Ang, and sold on when Tri-ang went into receivership. In the 1980s Hornby Railways became independent.

Pre 1964 Hornby trains have enjoyed a level of adult collector interest since the 1940s. In 1969 the Hornby Railway Collector's Association has existed to cater for this and currently enjoys a membership of something over 2000, producing 10 journals a year, as well as other literature. Publications on older Hornby and Meccano products are dominated by those published by New Cavendish Books as 'The Hornby Companion Series', in particular Chris & Julie Graebe's 'The Hornby Gauge 0 System' and Michael Foster's sister volume on Hornby Dublo. The Train Collectors’ Association caters for triang-Hornby and later Hornby products. I still remember, how fascinated I used to be when I stood outside the toyshop and gazed at the Hornby trains whizzing past. Over the hills and down the dales. Through tunnels and over bridges. Past some stations and stopping at others. I used to love it. It was my ambition to one day have a Hornby train set covering the floor of one room. The whole ging bang, the lot, bridges, tunnels, stations etc etc. . This lovely Sovenir Cover issued by UK to commemorate Hornby Railways was sent to me by my Dear friend Stan.

An attempt to build the build the world's longest model railway formed the final episode of James May's Toy Stories. May, who had previously identified the train set as his "absolute favourite" hoped that a train would run successfully along the length of the Tarka Trail – a disused 37-mile (60 km) long railway line in North Devon. Hornby was heavily involved, providing the track and the prototype of their OO gauge British Rail Class 395 Javelin train. Simon Kohler, marketing manager of Hornby model railways, said that the train which travels at just 1 mile per hour (1.6 km/h) failed two miles short of Bideford station; but he also told BBC news "Even though the last locomotive gave up the ghost at Instow, we did link the track – in fact I finished it at about 2230 – so we'll just need to wait and see what Guinness make of it.

St. Vincent & Grenadines – Independence Day Issue

St. Vincent is situated in the Windward Islands at the lower end of the Caribbean chain; the Grenadines comprise a chain of little islands and rocks between St Vincent and Grenada. It is volcanic and densely forested. St. Vincent and the Grenadines was originally settled by Amerindians. Struggle for possession by the French and the British ended with the British in control in 1783 (apart from French occupation from 1778-1783). The island gained independence in 1979. Maria gave me these very pretty First Day Covers. These lovely stamps and First Day covers were issued on the Independence Day in 1979. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island-country in the Lesser Antilles chain, namely in the southern portion of the Windward Islands, which lie at the southern end of the eastern border of the Caribbean Sea where the latter meets the Atlantic Ocean. Its 389-square-kilometre (150 sq mi) territory consists of the main island of Saint Vincent and the northern two-thirds of the Grenadines, which are a chain of smaller islands stretching south from Saint Vincent Island to Grenada. To the north of Saint Vincent lies Saint Lucia, to the east Barbados. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is densely populated (over 300 inhabitants/km²) with its 120,000 people. Its capital is Kingstown, also its main port. The country has a French and British colonial history and is now part of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, CARICOM, the Commonwealth of Nations and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas.

Canada - Forests

Thank you Guy Dorval for this lovely First Day Cover on Forests in this the International Year of Forests in 2011.

1979 EUROPA Cyprus - TELECOMMUNICATIONS ISSUE 30.4.1979

Cyprus issued these stamps and this FDC to commemorate the EUROPA 1979 Tellecomunications year in 1979. The issue was on 30.04.1979. Thank you Merja for this nice card.

Roses 23.3.2011

Cyprus post released stamps on fragrant aromatic roses as part of it 2011 Stamp release programme.The release featured “Rosa damascena”. A Cancellation with Rose postmark was part of the release. The Stamp was released on 23rd March.2011

The name rose comes from French, itself from Latin, rosa. A rose is a perennial plant of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. There are over 100 species. They form a group of erect shrubs, and climbing or trailing plants, with stems that are often armed with sharp prickles. Flowers are large and showy, in a number of colors from white through yellows and reds. Most species are native to Asia, with smaller numbers native to Europe, North America, and northwest Africa. Species, cultivars and hybrids are all widely grown for their beauty and fragrance. Rose plants range in size from compact, miniature roses, to climbers that can reach 7 meters in height. Species from different parts of the world easily hybridize, which has given rise to the many types of garden roses. I am convinced now, that the guy who first said that, "a rose is a rose is a rose" was right on the mark. Thank you Merja for this lovely cover.

Finland – Finlandia88

Further to my posts on this subject I place before you another FDC with a minisheet specially issued to commemorate the International Philatelic Exhibition FINLANDIA88, held in Helsinki Finland in 1988. My Dear Friend Ella sent me this wonderful cover. This FDC of Finlandia 88 was issued in 2.6.1988 and is the forth and last in the Finlandia 88 series. This miniature sheet as the ones in 1985, 1986 and 1987 were issued to support the World Stamp Exhibition. The Finlandia 88 souvenir sheet, airmail planes stamps show the 1st airmail flights Finnish air force Breguet 14 biplane transporting mail from Helsinki to Tallinn, Feb. 12, 1920; AERO Junkers F-13 making 1st airmail night flight from Helsinki to Copenhagen, May 15, 1930; AERO Douglas DC-3, 1st intl. route, Helsinki-Norrkoping-Copenhagen-Amsterdam, 1947, and finally the Douglas DC 10-30, 1975-88, inauguration of Helsinki-Beijing route, June 2, 1988.

Finland - Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim 4.6.1967

Baron Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim (4 June 1867 – 27 January 1951) was the Commander-in-Chief of Finland's Defence Forces during World War II, Marshal of Finland and a politician. He was Regent of Finland (1918–1919) and the sixth President of Finland (1944–1946).
The First Day Cover shown and the stamp on it were issued on 04.06.1967 on the Birth Centenary of Finland's Marshall Mannerheim. And the equestrian statue of the Marshall shown on the stamp is in Helsinki.

Mannerheim was born in the Grand Principality of Finland, a territory of Imperial Russia, into a family of Swedish-speaking nobles settled in Finland since the late 18th century. His paternal German ancestor Marhein had emigrated to Sweden during the 17th century. His maternal ancestry has its roots in Södermanland, Sweden.
He made a career in the Russian army, rising to general. He also had a prominent place in the ceremonies for Tsar Nicholas II’s coronation and later had several private meetings with the Russian Tsar. After the Bolshevik revolution, Finland declared its independence but was soon embroiled in a civil war along class lines. The workers overwhelmingly held a socialist ("Red") creed; whereas the bourgeois, farmers, and businessmen held a capitalist ("White") creed. Mannerheim was appointed to be the military chief of the Whites. Twenty years later, when Finland was at war with the Soviet Union from 1939–1944, Mannerheim was appointed commander of the country's armed forces. My Dear friend Pia sent me this topical First Day Cover, the stamps and the cards with the portraits of Mannerheim.

Latvia - The copper coin

On May, 25th, 2011 the Latvian post issue a stamp devoted to the 800 anniversary of the first Latvian coin - the Riga pfenning. The artist who designed the stamp was Valda Batraks. The city of Riga was founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert von Buksgevden from a family of Knights of Appeldern, which served as the canon in Bremen, and in 1199 was appointed by the bishop of Livonia. By 1211, the cathedral of Rigas Domsky was established and grated the authority to issue its own coins similar to the Dutch gold standard. And thus came into being the monetary standard and circulation the medieval Riga pfenning. This lovely First Day Cover was sent to me by Vera.

Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia, one of the major industrial, commercial, cultural and financial centres of the Baltics, and an important seaport, situated on the mouth of the Daugava. With 706,413 inhabitants (2010) it is the largest city of the Baltic states. Riga's territory covers 307.17 km² (118.60 sq mi) and lies between 1 and 10 metres (3.3 and 33 ft) above sea level, on a flat and sandy plain. Riga's historical centre has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is particularly notable for its extensive Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) architecture, which UNESCO considers to be unparalleled anywhere in the world.

Lefcara Lace 23.3.2011

Cyprus Post has issued a set of 2 stamps on embroidery, Lefkara Lace on 23rd March 2011. Two of the best known handicrafts of the island of Cyprus is the Lefkara Lace, also know as the Lefkaritika. Discover the amazing art of Cyprus traditional Lefkara Lace making, the embroidery crafting which was preserved through the centuries from generation
to generation, passed on from mother to daughter. Nestled in the hills, south of Cyprus’ capital Nicosia, sits Lefkara - a village famous for its traditional style of lace embroidery, world-wide known as the “Lefkaritika”. It was the Venetians who inspired the creation of Lefkara lace in Cyprus, as during their occupation (1489-1571) the ruling classes would go and holiday in the village of Lefkara. The local women copied the fine embroidery of the Venetian’s clothes, and adapted their own designs based on what they saw. Soon, this fine lace work became world famous; Leonardo da Vinci even came to Cyprus to buy Lefkara lace for the Milan Cathedral. Merja My Dear friend gave me this Cover.

Sea and its Resources 7.6.1978

Maria sent me this lovely cover with the five stamps issued on 07 June 1978, which describes the importance of the sea in New Zealand. Within New Zealand there is keen interest in the extent of the sea's resources and how they can be used. This set of stamps focused on the sea and its resources. Brief details of what is featured on the stamps is as given below :-

Mineral and Fuel - Maui Gas - 12c
This stamp features the Maui gas drilling platform situated 53 km off the Taranaki Coast. The gas field over which it stands was discovered in 1969 and is among the 20 largest in the world.

Harvest of the Sea - 15c
Harvesting the produce of the sea has always been an expensive business. Modern fishermen operate craft with sophisticated equipment such as the trawler depicted. This kind of vessel represents a large financial investment.

200 Mile Exclusive Economic Zone - 20c
Legislation provided New Zealand with a 200 mile (322 km) exclusive economic zone, giving greater control over the resources of the waters surrounding our shores.

Conservation of Marine Mammals - 23c
With the gradual increase in the number of whales, the Government considered a marine mammal protection act under which it would be able to protect marine mammals within the economic zone. Research continues into mammal species about which little is known. Dolphins and a whale are depicted on the stamp.

Fish species - 35c
Some of the more common fish taken commercially by the fishing industry and found in New Zealand waters are featured on this stamp - kingfish, snapper, groper and squid.