Yatching/Sailing

Thank you Maria for these lovely Miniature Sheets of stamps  from DPR Korea, issued in 1992 depicting the popularity of Sailing and Yachting in that country.

Year of the Monkey 1.1.1992

This delightful minisheet featuring three different types of monkeys was issued by DPR Korea on 1.1.1992 to celebrate the Year of the Monkey. The three species of monkey’s deoicted on the three stamps are :-

1. 1. Common Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus). The common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) is a small New World primate from the Cebidae (squirrel monkey) family, and native to the tropical areas of South America.

2. 2. The pygmy marmoset or dwarf monkey is a New World monkey native to the rainforest canopies of western Brazil, southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, and northern Bolivia. It is one of the smallest primates, and the smallest true monkey, with its body length ranging from 14 to 16 centimetres (5.5 to 6.3 in) (excluding the 15-to-20-centimetre (5.9 to 7.9 in) tail). Males weigh around 140 grams (4.9 oz), and females only 120 grams (4.2 oz).

3. 3. The red-handed tamarin (Saguinus midas), also known as the golden-handed tamarin or Midas tamarin, is a New World monkey named for the contrasting reddish-orange hair on their feet and hands. It is native to wooded areas north of the Amazon River in Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, and possibly Venezuela. The population south of the Amazon River lacks the contrasting feet and hands, and is now commonly treated as a separate species, the Black Tamarin.

What does the Year of the Monkey mean to the people born in those years?The Monkey is the most versatile sign of the Chinese zodiac. Such people are often inventors, plotters, entertainers and the creative geniuses behind anything ingenious, including mischief. They have natural quick-wittedness which enables them to understand what is happening and then make a right decision. Even during a conversation person born in this year is aware of what is going on around him/her, and then make a mental note of who said what and store it away for future reference. In general, with their agile minds and multiple talents, monkey type of people can master any subject. They are reliable and host people so that any secret is safe in their hands. These people are also honest in their dealings. Monkey people are very good at problem-solving. Wherever you are, whoever you may be, if you've got a problem pick up the phone and dial-a-Monkey. Monkeys know how to listen closely and work out solutions at the same time.

In spit the fact that these people are trustworthy and unlikely to hurt someone out of spite, they would never let people escape if they have behaved badly or damaged monkey's reputation. Their stamina and determination to achieve their main goals can make these people appear vain or manipulative. It means that monkey type of people should be careful so not to damage their friendships. It is important to remember for this type of people that it would be wiser sometimes not to pursue their goals and simply let things pass.

Monkeys have flexible principles and serene self-confidence so they are completely content; but they usually manage to complicate the lives of others. After yet another plan or project has gone wrong, they are seldom there to help clean up the disorder and confusion that they leave in their wake. Monkeys can handle that too; with their charm and persuasiveness they can make people believe that just knowing them is a privilege!

North Korea or DPRK

Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) or more familiarly known as North Korea is normally associated with being belligerent towards the USA on nuclear matters. However, during the last few days DPRK has figured quite prominently in the Indian media for a completely different reason. A North Korean ship was discovered at anchor near Hut Bay an island in the exotic Andaman & Nicobar group of islands. She was then escorted to Port Blair for a tête-à-tête. The Indian authorities not very unreasonably wanted to know the usual what, where, whither and when from the ship’s Captain and crew.

But, our business with North Korea is about its involvement in the philatelic world. In that connection I place before you a few DPRK miniature sheets from my small collection of stamps and other associated stuff from that small but highly important country in world politics. You would observe that most of the stamps are very ‘The Leader’ centric. However, those on other topics are very pretty, especially the ones on Korean Flora and Fauna.

(Click images for an enlarged view)