OLYMPHILATELY--Saran & Wu

Latest Indian Issue -- Greetings

2009-12-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

India released a set of 4 Stamps and a miniature for this festive season on the topic Greetings...These Stamp features Kolam or Rangoli which is a form of sandpainting decoration that uses finely ground white and coloured powders, and is commonly done outside homes in India.

Date of Release :01-12-09

Denaominations : 5.00Rs X 4

Latest Indian Issues- Textiles of India

2009-12-22T04:55:00.000-08:00

Indian post released 4 stamps on the Heritage textiles of India..The stamp features Appatani of Arunachal Pradesh,Kanchipuram of Tamilnadu,Kalamkari of Andhra and Banaras of Uttapradesh..These silk sarees are world famous for their style,and look and many more..Most of these Silk Sarees took nearly 20-45 days to be woven by hand...Indians wore these silk wears on Special occasions.......

Date of Issue : 10-12-09

Dena\omination:5.00 Rs X 4

Latest Indian Issues- Convent Of Jesus And Mary, Ambala Convent.

2009-12-22T04:46:00.000-08:00

The Congregation of Jesus & Mary was founded in the year 1818. by Mille.Claudine Thevenet in Lyons, France.The Congregation has spread to 26 countries,all over the world.They came to India in 1842.It now runs several English and Vernacular Medium Schools, Degree Colleges, Teacher Training Centres and Boarding (Houses) Establishments in both urban and rural areas of India.Convent of Jesus and Mary School was opened on 2nd December , 1909 in Ambala Cant, today the school has strength of 1400 pupils drawn from different classes.The school celebrates its Centenary Year with joy and pride and rededicate itself to the service of mankind.

Denomination : 5.00 Rupees

Date of Issue: 02-12-09

LAtest Indian Issues- 2nd Lancers

2009-12-22T04:43:00.000-08:00

The 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse) was a cavalry regiment of the British Indian Army raised in 1809. They served in the Nepal War and the First World War. During the reconstruction of the British Indian Army in 1922 they were amalgamated with the 4th Cavalry

Date of release : 02-12-09
Denomination : 5.00 Rupees

Latest Indian Issues- Preservation of Polar Regions

2009-12-22T04:41:00.000-08:00

Hello to all Philatelic friends!!!!!!!!!! sorry for my late update on Indian issues latest releases ..

Indian Post has all joined the prestigious campaign in issueing stamps for the Preservation of Polar regions. The international stamp campaign is being coordinated by Itella’s Philatelic Centre in Finland.Each participant country will issue its stamps on its own schedule in the period January-March 2009. Each country will also decide independently on the illustration theme for its issue.

Date of Release : 19-12-09

Denomination : 5.00 Rs X 2

Exchange proposals are always welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Figure Skating

2009-12-10T23:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the great devotion from my dear Indian friend to this blog. But due to some obvious reason everyone knows, I cannot visit this site often. Since all the Mengjiangnv is gone, what else could I do.

However, I still should write some more for our blog, that is also what I exactly want.

OK, time to back on road. Today’s topic is about a Chinese figure skating couple.

Congrats! Shen/Zhao, they accomplished an impressive show in Tokyo. Winning a score 214, breaking the world record 206 which was just set a few weeks ago by the powerful Germany opponent. That is the 6^th times for this couple winning the Grand Prix since 1998. They just came back to the competition earlier this year. However, since then, they kept breaking their records.

This match was held in the Yoyogi stadium which was built for 1964 Olympic. I visited this perfect shaped stadium in 2007 and taking the following photo from the outside flyover.

The superstar thrown of the pair figure skating in recent 20 years should be conquered by Grinkov/Gordeeva, sadly Grinkov was taken by heart attack in 1995 forever. After that, Shen/Zhao become one of the most excellent pairs in this sport, taking 3 of the world champion titles plus 2 Olympic medals. They just belong to two different generations, which is impossible to imagine their competition. Of course, I believe competition could lead to self mastery and more amazing performance, this is also what our audience could enjoy more. Luckily, we still have the Germany pair, who did not act perfectly in Japan due to tiring game schedule. Hope they could have better condition in the coming Olympic, while Shen/Zhao keep good health.

China is a special country, where Olympic gold medal is everything while the silver seems to be nothing. I just hope this phenomenon could be changed forever after the domination in 2008 Beijing Olympic. The sports fans should more focus on the sports themselves not the so called national honor anymore.

Because each sports is different. Like table tennis and badminton, maybe they just fit our oriental race, Chinese almost takes all of the gold. But like winter sport, there are only two provinces in China are cold enough for people to enjoy skating and skiing. And sadly the only two are not the most developed ones who could provide more fund to develop such sports. That is why the winter sports honor is relatively less. The first winter Olympic medal was won in 1992, 8 years later than summer Olympic and the first gold was won in 2002, 18 years later. The best achievement is only 2 gold in the Olympic and out of the top 10.

Just 2 my cents, any break, any development in winter sports could touch me more, even if it is not a gold. While I did not watch table tennis, the so called “national ball” ever since 1998.

Among those a few winter sports which is strong enough to win a medal, figure skating is one. The first figure skating world champion was won by Chenlu in 1996, female single. In the following sheets issued by Azerbaijan 1998, one stamp was for her. And the Sierra Lione issue as well.

Shen/Zhao is the following world champion. They won three titles. I was lucky to watch one of their shows in 2002, in Beijing. Sadly at that time I did not have the digital camera so no pictures left. At the beginning, Chinese skaters are considered to have good technology but bad performance. They could jump often but not understand the music well, and lack in the art expressive ability. After Shen/Zhao, this definition is changed totally.Do you still remember their perfect performance followed the music “Nessun dorma" from Puccini’s Turandot, which touched so many audience.

During their hey days among around 2004, they are ready to fight for the Olympic title, but a unexpected injury broke their plan. Zhao suffered from torn ligament. They stood up again soon but due to the short recovery time, they just won bronze in Turin. In 2007, still in Tokyo, after a perfect season, Zhao proposed facing all the audience on the ice. After that, they retired.

But for the love of the figure skating or for the dream of the Olympic gold, they are back this year. Unbelievable, they are still perfect to win the Grand prix and even broke the world record.

Zhao is 36 years old while Shen is 30. They are fighting for their dreams. Everything is so hard, but they are keeping trying. Congrats! and Good luck.

So far I did not know any stamps issued for this couple of world champion yet. But Azerbaijan and Mongolia did record the legendary Grinkov couple forever on the stamps. (Sadly I cannot find my Azerbaijan sheet right now to scan, I supposed to have one. You can refer to the wikipedia Grinkov page, you will see that. ) Maybe one day, we can see Shen/Zhao as well. If anyone have some ideas of their issue, would you please contact me.

BTW, my favorite stamps about pair figure skating was issued by Hungary in 1980. As following.

(All the stamps and pictures without notice are scanned or taken by myself, if you need larger pictures please contact me.)

Latest Indian Stamps -- Silent Valley

2009-11-29T23:56:00.000-08:00

The Silent Valley rain forest, one of the few remaining patches of evergreen forests in the country, was declared a national park on November 15, 1984 by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Park was dedicated to the nation in 1985 by the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

India Post released a Commemorative Stamp on Silent Valley on 15^th November 2009 on the occasion of Silver Jubilee Celebration of declaration of Silent Valley as a National Park. On 15th November 1983 the Silent Valley forests were declared as a National Park by Smt. Indira Gandhi, Ex. Prime Minister of India. Later Silent Valley National Park was formally inaugurated and a memorial at Sairandhri to Indira Gandhi was unveiled by Shri. Rajiv Gandhi, Ex. Prime Minister of India. The design of the Stamp is Smt Indira Gandhi seeing the Valley and the design of the cancellation is flowers of the valley.

Date Of Issue:-15.11.2009.

Indonesian Torch relay Cover

2009-11-21T08:55:00.000-08:00

Indonesian Torch relay cover issued in 22-4-09 for the effective relay in Jakarta

2008 Beijing Games Torch relay

2009-11-21T08:52:00.000-08:00

The image of Lightning of the Olympic Torch by Maria Nafpliotou

The first Olympic Torch Bearer Vassilis Dimitriadis

The photo of Transfer of Olympic torch to Vassilis Dimitriadis

Indonesian Issue for 2008 Olympics

2009-11-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

Indonesian Issue to commemorate the 29th Olympics Beijing,China..The above presentation pack contains sheetlet of Stamps,A FDC and Olympic Torch Relay Cover ( Shown in Next post Separately)

The FDC bears the cancellation of the Greek God Zeus..

The Stamps are released on 18-03-08

London wins 2012 Hosting

2009-11-21T08:25:00.000-08:00

Finally London won the Bid for 2012 Olympics..They issued this overprint stamp to celebrate their victory for hosting 2012 Olympics..

117th I.O.C. Session for 2012 Olympics Hosting

2009-11-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

Singapore issued 4 stamps to celebrate the 117th I.O.C. Session where the bid for 30th Olympic Games held.,And finally London won the bid beating New York-USA,Madrid-Spain,Moscow-Russia and Paris-France

Also Singapore is going to host the first Youth Olympics in 2010..

Waiting for my set of Stamps which I'm waiting to for....

2012 London Olympics FDC

2009-11-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

The First Set of Stamps released by Britain to celebrate their hosting of the prestigious 30th Olympic Games in London for the year 2012..

The Cover bears the cancellation of Badminton,

A very beautiful FDC sent by my friend Steve...Thanks a lot my friend....

(Due to the Postal Service strike in London,The letter reached a quite later)

Vietnam 2008 Olympic Stamps

2009-11-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

The Vietnam Issue for Olympics sent to me by registered .....

Vietnam issued 4 stamps to celebrate their participation in Olympics 2008,Beijing,P.R.China.

The Stamp shows Fencing ( Sorry!!! I Couldn't read that,,,,Hope it'll be Fencing),Canoeing,Tae-Kwon-Do ,Swimming.

A beautiful set and excellent stamps and Unique Shape like a Trapezium and has an Elliptical Shape perforation too..

Thanks to my friend Hoang from Vietnam for the nice cover....

Latest Indian Issue -India - Philippines Joint issue

2009-11-17T03:49:00.000-08:00

The Ganges River Dolphin or Gangetic Dolphin is a freshwater dolphin that is found primarily in the River Ganges. Its zoological name is Platanista gangetica.The Ganges River Dolphin can be seen in several rivers of South Asia. There are two subspecies of the Ganges River Dolphin - one which is found in the Indus River and the other is found in river systems of North India, Nepal and Bangladesh. It can be seen in the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna in India, the Karnali River in Nepal and the Karnaphuli and Sangu Rivers in Bangladesh.

The Ganges River Dolphin is found in fresh water in rivers across the Indian subcontinent. It prefers to swim in deeper waters. During times of flood the Ganges River Dolphin is also seen in seasonal channels and flood plains. It prefers to stay in water with a temperature between 8 and 33 deg Celcius.The Ganges River Dolphin eats various species of fish, frogs, amphibians and other invertebrates and possibly turtles and young water birds. Fish is the main part of its diet and the Ganges River Dolphin spends much of its time feeding near the riverbed. It uses echolocation to find its prey and also uses its flippers and snout to locate something edible in the muddy riverbed.

Butanding (Rhincodon typus)is a whale shark with scientific name (Rhincodon typus). It is a slow moving and largest specie of fish in the world which is also a filter feeding shark. It can live for about 70 year and can grow up to 12.2 meters and weigh up to 13.6 tons. It is usually found in tropical and warm oceans as their habitat.

As a filter feeder, the whale shark’s foods are phytoplankton, macro-algae, plankton, krill and small nektonic like small squids, shrimps and prawns.

The whale sharks “Butanding” usually” visits the waters of the Philippines specifically in Donsol from the month of November to May. Butanding is migratory creature in nature which commonly travels across the oceans which close to the equator. Studies showed that nowhere else in the world they have seen a larger group of butanding than in the waters of Donsol, Sorsogon.

Date of Issue : 16-11-09

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

Latest Indian Issue -- Children's Day

2009-11-15T21:33:00.000-08:00

India's first prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, was born on November 14. After his death in 1963, his birthday has been celebrated as Children's Day in India.Children's Day is not just a day to let the future generation have its say. It is a day to remember a leader who, in his quiet but determined way, laid the foundation to convert a nascent nation into a world power.

But why Children's Day? Apart from being known for his skills as a statesman, Nehru was also immensely fond of children. The more popular and famous of Nehru's pictures show him with children.

In all the photographs Nehru's joy at being with children is apparent. When he is not sharing pleasantries

with them, the expression of intense concentration as he listens to them reveals his commitment and attitude to children. Children to Nehru were little adults in the making.Nehru, to children, is never the Indian political leader and prime minister. He is always Chacha Nehru - Nehru Uncle.

Children's Day is an event celebrated on various days in many places around the world. International Children's Day is celebrated on June 1 and Universal Children's Day is on November 20.Other countries celebrate a local 'children's day' on other dates. The holiday is simply set to honor children and minors.

The first day cover is a Montage of paintings.One shows a child resting from labour demanded on him, far beyond his strength and age- placed between two nurturing hands whoch carry his dreams: the company of other children and an education that empowers him. Below that a glowing night scene depicts a young boy teaching adults to read and write and to learn computer skills.

Another painting shows children’s concern for the elderly and for the physically challenged.In yet another picture a child observant eye and the heart goes out to the enviroment which we do not hesitate to pollute with our everyday activities.

Date of Issue : 14-11-09

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

Latest Indian Issue -- 60 Years of The CommonWealth

2009-11-15T21:21:00.000-08:00

The Commonwealth is now a unique association of 53 independent states consulting and co-operating in the common interests of their peoples and in the promotion of international understanding.It comprises countries from all major continents of the world, rich and poor, small and large.In the 60 years since the Declaration, the relevance and value of the relationship has repeatedly been reaffirmed and consolidated.

The creation of the Commonwealth Secretariat in 1965 and the ever expanding number of professional and advocacy Commonwealth organisations reflect this; but most significant is the expansion of membership from 8 in 1949 to 53 in 2009. A clear demonstration of how the scope of the Declaration ensured that the Commonwealth retained a relevance to other newly independent nations.

In many ways the ‘atmosphere of goodwill and mutual understanding’ in which the Declaration was formulated can be seen as the crucible in which the character governing the Commonwealth today was created. It balanced modern realities with the pragmatic and the positive, which is why 30% of the world’s population have cause for celebration in 2009.

Date of Issue : 13-11-2009

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

Latest Indian Issue -- Gauri Shankar Dalmia

2009-11-15T21:18:00.000-08:00

Born on November 12, 1910 at Lakhisaray village in Munger district, Bihar, Dalmia took an active part in the freedom struggle.
Responding to the call of Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi, he abandoned his family business.
Dalmia, who published ”Prakash” in Hindi and ”The Spark” in English as weekly magazines for about two decades, passed away on June 16, 1988.He was associated with many business and educational institutions.He had an abiding interest in journalism.

Date Of Issue:-12.11.2009.

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

1996 Atlanta Olympics -- USA FDC'S Available with me!!!!!!!

2009-11-14T05:37:00.000-08:00

1. Decathlon

2. Free Style Wrestling

3. Men's Canoeing

4. Women Gymnastics

5. Men's Shortput

6. Men's Hurdles

7.Women's Sailboarding

8. Women's Diving

9. Beach Volleyball

10. Men's Running

A different FDC from the previous one for Men's Canoeing....

I request our friends all over the world help me to get the remaining FDC'S also the sheetlet which is not in my collection...............I can offer latest Indian Stamps and Miniature Sheets for exchange!

1996 Atlanta Olympics -- USA Stamps

2009-11-14T05:24:00.000-08:00

On May 2, 1996, the U.S. Postal Service held first day of issue ceremonies in Washington D.C. for a new sheet of 20 32-cent stamps commemorating the Atlanta's 1996 Summer Olympics. The ceremonies were originally scheduled to have been held in Atlanta, but at the last minute the Postal Service switched the official release site to Washington D.C. Because many people had planned to attend the Atlanta ceremonies, the Postal Service allowed the Peachtree Center post office in downtown Atlanta to also sell the Olympic stamps on May 2.

Olympic sports featured on stamps in the sheet (along with the descriptive text that appears on the back of the stamp) are:

Men's Cycling - Sprint cycling was one of the original events in the 1896 Games. It combines speed and strategy on a banked track. A women's event was added in 1988.

Women's Diving - Platform diving is performed from a board 10 meters above the water. The most difficult dive is the back 1 1/2 somersault with 4 1/2 twists. The U.S. has won over half the medals awarded in both men's and women's events.

Women's Running - There are 8 women's running events, from 100 meters to the marathon (26 miles, 385 yards). Until 1964, the longest race was only 200 meters.

Men's Canoeing - Whitewater, or slalom, events were added temporarily in 1972 and permanently in 1988. Flatwater canoeing has been part of the Games since 1936.

Decathlon - The decathlon consists of 10 events. On the first day, athletes compete in the 100-meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400-meter run. On the second day, they perform the 110-meter hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1500-meter run.

Women's Soccer - Although men's soccer has been a part of the Games since 1900, a women's tournament will be held for the first time in 1996. Eight teams will take part.

Men's Shot Put - The shot put has been included in all Games since 1896. A shot is a 16-pound ball of iron or brass. The United States has won 15 of 22 gold medals.

Women's Sailboarding - The first sailboarding contest was included in the 1984 Los Angeles Games. A separate women's event was added in 1992.

Women's Gymnastics - Women gymnasts compete in an all-around event, a team event, floor exercises, balance beam, uneven bars, and vault. Contestants must be at least 15 years old by the end of 1996.

Freestyle Wrestling - Wrestling has 10 weight divisions. It is the only sport with a maximum weight limit; wrestlers must be less than 286 pounds. The United States has earned more medals than any other nation.

Women's Softball - Softball will make its first appearance in the 1996 Games. The United States team is the world champion and one of the teams favored to win a medal.

Women's Swimming - The women's 400-meter freestyle event was first held in 1920; the 800-meter event was added in 1968. American women have won 15 of 24 gold medals in these events.

Men's Sprinting Events - The 100 meters and 400 meters were part of the first Games in 1896. In the 100, 200, and 400 meters and the two sprint relays, the United States has won two-thirds of the gold medals.

Men's Rowing - There will be 14 rowing events contested at the 1996 Games; 8 for men and 6 for women. For the first time, lightweight events will be included for men under 160 lbs. and for women under 130 lbs.

Beach Volleyball - Beach Volleyball, played with two-person teams, will be added to the Games program for the first time in 1996. There will be both men's and women's events.

Men's Basketball - Since basketball first made its appearance in 1936, the United States has won 92 games and lost only 2. Professionals from the NBA were allowed to compete for the first time in 1992.

Equestrian - Equestrian is one of the only two sports in which women compete against men. The jumping event was first included in the 1900 Games. The sport was opened to women in 1952.

Men's Gymnastics - Male gymnasts compete in 6 events; horizontal bar, parallel bars, vault, pommel horse, rings, and floor exercises. There are also an all-around event and a team event.

Men's Swimming - The backstroke event was first included in the Games of 1900. There are now two events; the 100 meters, which is two lengths of the pool, and the 200 meters, which is four lengths.

Men's Hurdles - The 110-meter hurdles event has been included in all Games since 1896. The United States has earned 48 medals. No other nation has won more than 5.

1996 Atlanta Olympics .... Contd...

2009-11-14T05:21:00.000-08:00

MASCOT:
The mascot for the Olympiad was an abstract, animated character named Izzy. In contrast to the standing tradition of mascots of national or regional significance in the city hosting the Olympiad, Izzy was an amorphous, computer-designed fantasy figure.

HIGHLIGHTS:

A record 197 nations, all current IOC member nations, took part, with a record 79 of them winning at least one medal. Palestine was allowed to compete in the Olympics for the first time. Also for the first time, Olympic medals were won by the athletes from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burundi, Ecuador, Georgia, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Mozambique, Slovakia, Tonga, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Lee Lai Shan won a gold medal in sailing, the only Olympic medal that Hong Kong ever won as a British colony (1952-1997). This meant that for the only time, the colonial flag of Hong Kong was raised to the accompaniment of the anthem God Save the Queen, as Hong Kong's sovereignty was later transferred to China in 1997.

Softball, beach volleyball and mountain biking debuted on the Olympic program, together with women's soccer/football and lightweight rowing.

Muhammad Ali lit the Olympic torch during the opening ceremonies of the games and received a replacement gold medal for his boxing victory in the 1960 Summer Olympics.
Kurt Angle of the United States won the gold medal in 100 kg (220 lb) freestyle wrestling while suffering from a fractured neck
Slovene gymnast Leon Štukelj arose at the opening ceremony as one of the oldest living sportsmen in the world (age 97)
Naim Süleymanoğlu became the first weightlifter to win three gold medals.
Donovan Bailey of Canada won the men's 100 m, setting a new world record of 9.84 seconds at that time. He also anchored his team's gold in the 4x100 m relay.
Michael Johnson won gold in both the 200 m and 400 m, setting a new world record of 19.32 seconds in the 200 m. Johnson afterward began disputing Bailey's unofficial title as the "world's fastest man", which later culminated in a 150-metre race between the two to settle the issue.
Marie-José Perec equaled Johnson's performance, although without a world record, by winning the rare 200 m/400 m double.
Carl Lewis won his 4th long jump gold medal at the age of 35.
Cycling professionals were admitted to the Olympics, with five-time Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain winning the inaugural individual time trial event.
Michelle Smith of Ireland won three gold medals and a bronze in swimming. She remains her nation's most decorated Olympian. However, her victories were overshadowed by doping allegations even though she did not test positive in 1996. She received a four-year suspension in 1998 for tampering with a urine sample, though her medals and records were allowed to stand.
Kerri Strug of the United States women's gymnastics team vaulted with an injured ankle and landed on one foot. The US women's gymnastics team won its first gold medal.
Shannon Miller of the United States won the gold medal on the balance beam event. The first time an American Gymnast had won an individual gold medal outside of a contested Olympic games.
Amy Van Dyken won four gold medals in the Olympic swimming pool, the first American woman to win four titles in a single Olympiad.
Deon Hemmings became the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal for Jamaica and the English-speaking West Indies.
Five athletes were disqualified for using banned drugs. A few of these athletes were reinstated since the drug they took had been declared illegal only a week before the Olympics.
Andre Agassi won the gold medal in tennis. This helped him become the first male player to ever win the career Golden Slam.
Deng Yaping of China won two gold medals in Women singles and doubles of table tennis. She also won these two titles in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
The US women's soccer team won the gold medal in the first ever women's soccer event.
Xeno Müller won gold for the Men's single scull event (rowing) in his first Olympic appearance. His time of 6:44.85 is still the current Olympic record.
Alexander Karelin won his third Olympic gold medal as a Greco-Roman wrestler.
Spain won gold at the inagural rhythmic gymnastics team competition defeating the favorite and reigning world champion Bulgaria who won the World Championship less than a month ago.

1996 Atlanta Olympics

2009-11-14T05:13:00.000-08:00

Atlanta was in September 1990 in Tokyo, Japan, over Athens, Belgrade, Manchester, Melbourne and Toronto. Atlanta's bid to host the Summer Games that began in 1987 was considered a long-shot, since the U.S. had hosted the Summer Olympics just 3 games earlier in Los Angeles. Atlanta's main rivals were Toronto, whose front running bid that began in 1986 seemed almost sure to succeed after Canada had held a successful 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and Melbourne, Australia, who hosted the 1956 Summer Olympics and felt that the Olympic Games should return to Australia. The Athens bid was based on sentiment, the fact that these Olympic Games would be the 100th Anniversary of the first Summer Games in Greece in 1896.

1996 Summer Olympics Bidding Results


City	NOC Name	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3	Round 4	Round 5
Atlanta	United States	19	20	26	34	51
Athens	Greece	23	23	26	30	35
Toronto	Canada	14	17	18	22	-
Melbourne	Australia	12	21	16	-	-
Manchester	United Kingdom	11	5	-	-	-
Belgrade	Yugoslavia	7	-	-	-	-

2008 Beijing Olympics -- Estonia Issue

2009-11-11T23:51:00.000-08:00

Estonia took part in the Olympic Games for the first time in 1920 in Antwerp and brought back a gold medal – Alfred Neuland won it in lightweight weightlifting. By that time an Estonian athlete had already won an Olympic medal – silver in wrestling by Martin Klein in 1912. In the period before World War II it was the Estonian strongmen who reaped laurels at Olympic Games. Kristjan Palusalu's two gold medals from the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin where he reigned supreme both in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling crowned their successful performance. In 1955-1988 Estonian sportsmen competed in Soviet colours. Svetlana Chirkova and Erika Salumäe won gold medals twice – the former in foil fencing in Mexico and Munich and the latter in the sprint track event in Soul and Barcelona. Starting with the first modern Olympic Games postage stamps dedicated to this international sports festival have been issued over more than a hundred years. Estonia joined the rest of the world after the restoration of its independence. In 1992, after a forced interval of more than half a century, Estonia once again sent its team to compete under the blue, black and white national flag to Barcelona and printed its first Olympic stamps. The stamp issued on the opening day of the Beijing Olympic Games on 8 August 2008 features the Discobolus of Myron and the logo of the games. The names of the twenty Estonian athletes who have won gold medals at Olympic Summer Games appear in gold in the pane margins.

1964 Innsbruck,Austria -- Winter Olympics

2009-11-11T22:55:00.000-08:00

The above 7 Stamps issued by Austria to commemorate their hosting of 1964 Winter Olympics,the IX Winter Olympics beating Lahti (Finland) and Calgary (Canada). The games opened on 29-01-64 and finished on 9-2-1964.( Officially by Dr.Adolf Scharf)

Computers were also present for the first time at an Olympics, as the electronic age came to Olympia.

Soviet Union being the leader in Medal Tally with 11 Gold Medals and in total 25 Medals.

Highlights of IXth Winter Olympics

>> Normally snowy Innsbruck was threatened by a lack of snow. The Austrian army carved out 20,000 ice bricks from a mountain top and transported them to the bobsled and luge runs. They also carried
40,000 cubic meters of snow to the Alpine skiing courses. The army packed down the slopes by hand and foot.

>> Lidia Skoblikova achieved a "clean sweep" in the women's speed skating events, an achievement not matched by a man until Eric Heiden in the 1980 Lake Placid Games.

>> Italian bobsleigh pilot Eugenio Monti distinguished himself by helping Britain's Tony Nash and Robin Dixon to win the gold medals when he loaned them an axle bolt to replace one that was broken. The
Italians took bronze, but Monti was honored as the first recipient of the Pierre de Coubertin
medal for sportsmanship.

>> Egon Zimmermann of Austria took the gold medal in the men's downhill alpine skiing event.

>> In the 4 man bobsled, the Canadian team won the gold medal with a total winning time of 4:14.46.

>> Norway's Knut Johannesen won the men's 5,000m speed skating event in an Olympic record
time of 7:38.40.

>> Klavdiya Boyarskikh of the USSR earned three gold medals in cross-country skiing and, on
the men’s side, Finnish Eero Mäntyranta won two and earned the nickname "Mr. Seefeld" after the venue because of his domination.

>> In alpine skiing, French sisters Christine and Marielle Goitschel finished first and second in both the slalom and the giant slalom.

>> Ski jumping gained a second event, and the sport of luge made its Olympic debut.

>> Politically, the Games were notable because East and WestGermany entered a combined team.

1964 Tokyo Olympics -- Monaco Issue

2009-11-11T22:33:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends, Back again with some Nice Olympics Issues.............

The above one is from Monaco issue for 1964 Tokyo Olympics,the first Asian nation to hold the Olympics.Even Tokyo was granted to host 1940 Olympics,it was later withdrawn because of Second World War.

The Stamp features Archery,Weightlifting,Wrestling,and Pole Vault.

Stamps in the shape of Diamond and very fine Mint.

An interesting fact about Monaco is the Only nation having most appearances in Olympic games without medal

Latest Indian Issue -- Rajabhau Khobragade

2009-11-11T22:19:00.000-08:00

India posts has issued commemorative postage stamp on late Barrister Rajabhau Khobragade,prominent personality from Chandrapur , a close aide of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and former deputy speaker of Rajya Sabha.Born on September 25, 1925, Khobragade was known for his close association with Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. He completed his Bar-at-Law degree in 1950 from England only to join his father in social work. In 1952 he was elected as vice-president of Chandrapur Municipal Council. Dr Ambedkar fought Lok Sabha election from Bhandara in 1954 and Rajabhau shouldered the charge of chief election campaigner for him.

In light of his dedication and dexterity in work, Dr Ambedkar entrusted him with the post of general secretary of Schedule Caste Federation. After Dr Ambedkar’s demise he took over the charge of general secretary of Republican Party. He was thrice elected as Rajya Sabha member in 1958, 1966 and 1978. He even held the post of deputy chairperson of Rajya Sabha between December, 1969, and April, 1972. He was the pioneer of Dhamma Diksha programme held by Dr Ambedkar for lakhs of dalits at Chandrapur on October 16, 1956. He passed away on April 9, 1984.

Date of Issue : 11-11-09

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

Latest Indian Issue -- Heritage Temples of India -- Dilwara & Ranakpur

2009-11-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

Dilwara Temples-The Jain Dilwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometers from Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station. These temples dating back from the 11th to the 13th century AD are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains. They are an overwhelming blend of simple beauty and exquisite elegance. The marble temples have an opulent entrance way. The simplicity in architecture verily reminds one that Jainism as a religion “encouraged honesty and frugality”. The temples reside amidst mesmerizing surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills. A high wall, shimmering luminous in the sunlight, shrouds the temple complex.
The ornamental detail spread over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply marvellous and has to be seen to be believed

Ranakpur Temple-Ranakpur Temples are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains. Located in village of Ranakpur near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan, Ranakpur temple lies at a distance of 95 kms in the north of Udaipur city. The temple is easily accessible from the city of Udaipur as regular buses are easily available. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are known for being the largest and most important temples of the Jain cult.

The temple is said to have been built by Seth Dharna Sah (a Jain businessman) with the aid of Rana Kumbha, who ruled Mewar in the 15th century. Ranakpur got its name after the name of the Rajput Monarch and likewise the temples. The temple complex is positioned in an isolated valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. The Jain Temples of Ranakpur are certainly creditable for their splendid architecture. This temple is wholly constructed in light colored marble and comprises a basement covering an area of 48000 sq feet. There are more than 1400 exquisitely carved pillars that support the temple.

Date Of Issue:-14.10.2009.

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

Latest Indian Issue -- Major General Dewan Misri Chand

2009-11-11T21:52:00.000-08:00

Major General Dewan Misri Chand was born on October 11, 1907 at Dehradun. He received his early education at Prince of Wales Military School, Dehradun and Royal Military College, Sandhurst (UK). He distinguished himself at Sandhurst, and received a King’s Commission into Royal Indian Army in 1927.

Whilst seeing active service in the Mohmand (NWFP) conflict, he took to flying in bi-planes the British had pressed into service, and was among the few early Indian to obtain a Flying Licence. In 1933, he won the Amateur Flying Trophy in India, and held the trophy for a record 17 years.

In 1934, he participated in the National Air Rally in USA.During his extensive world travel, he aws always received as the “Indian Flying Ace”.

Maj. Gen. Dewan Misri Chand passed away on March 13th, 1970.

Date Of Issuer:-22.10.2009.

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

2009-11-11T21:47:00.000-08:00

Rajkumar was an actor and singer in Kannada Film Industry (April 24, 1929 - April 12, 2006) He acted in more than 200 Kannada movies. He mainly worked in Karnataka and won many laurels for his roles in films. He was called “Dr. Raj” and “Natasarvabhouma”.

Date of Issue : 01-11-09

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

Latest Indian Issue -- Apollo Hospitals

2009-11-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

Apollo Hospitals is a healthcare corporation which is largest healthcare network in Asia and third largest in the World operating 38 hospitals in South Asia.It was founded by Dr C Prathap Reddy in 1983 . Apollo Hospital Delhi is the first Hospital in India to be accredited by the JCAHO and is affiliated with Johns Hopkins International international ,the Mayo Clinic and other hospitals in Europe and USA.

Date of Issue : 02-11-09

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

Latest Indian Issue -- Dr Mahendra Lal Sircar

2009-11-11T21:41:00.000-08:00

Mahendralal Sircar was a conventional -turned- Homeopath Doctor, Social reformer and propogator of scientific studies in nineteenth century India. He was the founder of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science . The Calcutta Journal of Medicine , edited by him ,was started in Jan 1868 for this purpose.
Date of Issue : 02-11-09

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

Latest Indian Issue -- India Post Freighter

2009-11-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

India Post launched country wide services using Air India Cargo Aircraft from 13 Sep 2009. India post has been given three Boeing 737-200 aircraft’s of the 1970’s Vintage to cover the North East. This may give good competition to international players like DHL, TNT ,FedEx etc

Hub at Nagpur

The three planes can together carry 40 tonnes of Mail which will be sorted at Nagpur Hub before being airlifted in AI cargo Freighter to the airport closest to the destination of the Parcel.

The size of the domestic express delivery services is estimated at Rs 7000 crore by the Indian Council for research on International Economic relations.

Four Cargo Routes

Mumbai - Nagpur - Mumbai

Bangalore- Chennai- Nagpur - Chennai- Bangalore

Kolkata-Delhi-Nagpur- Delhi- Kolkata

Kolkata- Guwahati- Imphal- Agartala - Kolkata.

Date Of Issue:-12.10.2009.

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

Latest Indian Issue -- D N Dalmia

2009-11-11T21:22:00.000-08:00

Padma Bhushan Dr. Smt. Dinesh Nandini Dalmia’s personal and literary journey portrays a bold departure from the prevailing trend of her times. Her life story has a fictional aura which reflects brilliantly in her literary works.

Born in Udaipur, she started writing as Dinesh Nandini Chordia at the age of 13 to continue as Dinesh Nandini Dalmia after her marriage to Ram Krishna Dalmia the top industrial mogul of the country. In her early years, when her poem Niraash Aasha was published, it drew the attention of the then veterans Subhadra Kumari Chauhan and Mahadevi Verma. Her first book Shabnam made a deep impact and she was honored with the Sakseria Award. Several successful volumes of prose-poems later she ventured into the domains of poetry, short stories and novel writing and was honored at the end with the Padma Bhushan in 2006.

Date Of Issue:-11.10.2009.

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

Latest Indian Issue -- R.K.Narayan

2009-11-11T21:18:00.000-08:00

R. K. Narayan-shortened from Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami at the behest of his close friend and admirer Gram Greene, was one of India’s greatest English language novelists, known for his works based in the fictional town of Malgudi.

Born on 10th October 1906 in Madras (now Chennai), Kunjappa, as was affectionately called.one of the finest Indian authors of his generation writing in English.His first novel, Swami and Friends (1935), is an episodic narrative recounting the adventures of a group of schoolboys. That book and much of Narayan’s later works are set in the fictitious South IndianIndian daily life, in which modern urban existence clashes with ancient tradition. His style is graceful, marked by genial humour, elegance, and simplicity. town of Malgudi.Narayan typically portrays the peculiarities of human relationships and the ironies of

R.K Narayan received several awards and accolades for his work.He was awarded Padma Vibushan in 2000.R.K.Narayan died on 13th May 2001.

Date of Issue : 10-10-09

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

Latest Indian Issue -- Jeanne Jugan-Little Sisters of the Poor

2009-11-11T21:06:00.000-08:00

Jeanne Jugan is the foundress and first Little Sister of the Poor. On October 11, 2009 she will be canonized a Saint by Pope Benedict XVI.

Jeanne Jugan gave herself entirely to God and the elderly poor. As our aging population continues to grow and dignity at the end of life is increasingly threatened, Jeanne Jugan offers herself as a friend and patron of the elderly. She is a Saint for old age.

Jeanne is a Saint for every age as she challenges young people to give themselves to God and neighbor.
She is a role model for those who care for the poor, the sick and the aging.
To those who feel anxious in these tough economic times, she offers an invitation to live the Beatitudes, trusting that God will provide.
She challenges all of us to do everything through love.

Date of Issue : 29-10-09

Thanks to Mr.Vinod and R.Suresh for Images

Latest Indian Issue -- Danmal Mathur

2009-11-11T21:02:00.000-08:00

Shri Danmal was born on 14th March 1904 in a modest home in ‘Bhata Gavari’ in Kayastha Mohalla, Aimer.His father, Munshi Kanmal Mathur, employed by the Kotah State in 1894 as ‘Motamid’ (Housemaster) of Kotah House in Mayo College.And he was a disciplinarian!Without doubt Danmalji’ s formative years and personality were greatly influenced by his father.

On 25th Feb., 1916 (when he was only 12) Danmalji was married to Roop Kanwar, daughter of Shri Devi Dayal Mathur of Kharwa.The adage ‘Behind every successful man is a woman’ is exemplified in its entirety by the support Shri Danmal received from his wife who managed the house-hold and brought up a large family, allowing her husband time to give to the innumerable professional, philanthropic, societal and other commitments he was destined to be a part of.

He passed his B.Sc. examination from Government College, Ajmer in 1927 where he was appointed ‘Demonstrator’ in Physics. He was HOD and Vice Principal Mayo College.
In 1952 Shri Danmal was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship to the USA where he impressed the various forums he addressed, by his views on Education and his expositions on Indian culture and religion.
In the same year Shri Danmal was awarded the ‘International Service Star’ for his valuable services by Lord Mountbatten of Burma and Chief Scout of India.

In 1947 Shri Danmal accompanied the Indian Scouts contingent as a senior member to Paris at the international Scouts Jamboree.

Shri Danmal started scouting in the Railways at the Mt. Abu camp in 1948.

In his quest to spread the message of scouting, dynamic Shri Danmal also took a contingent of scouts to Japan in 1953.

When Ajmer was merged with Rajasthan in 1956 Shri Danmal was appointed Divisional Secretary and later Commissioner of Rajasthan State Scouts and Guides.It was because of his efforts in persuading the Government that a 17 acre permanent scouts campsite was set up at Pushkar Ghati, and land was allotted for setting up the Divisional Headquarters for Scouts in ‘Tope Dara’ in Ajmer.For his contribution to Scouting the National Headquarters of Bharat Scouts and Guides honoured him by decorating him first with the ‘Silver Star’ and subsequently, in 1970, with the ‘Silver Elephant’ the highest award in Scouting in India.

Subsequently, he played cricket for Rajputana and was in the team which played against the M.C.C. when it toured India and Australia in the thirties.

Date of Issue : 07.11.2009

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

Latest Indian Issue -- Virchand Raghavji Gandhi

2009-11-11T20:55:00.002-08:00

Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi-He was the first Jain to travel outside India to participate in the first Parliament of World Religions held in Chicago in 1893 on recommendation of Acharya Vijayandsuri. The second Parliament was also held in Chicago in 1993 to which the Institute had led a Jain delegation.

Virchand Gandhi was a young barrister, great exponent of Indian culture-religions, a multilingual person having learnt 14 languages, secretary of Jain Association of India, Mumbai. He was well-versed in Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Western philosophies, Yoga, etc.

Its note worthy that he had become first Hon. Secretary of Jain Association of India in 1885, at a very young age of 21,

VRG and Swami Vivekananda sailed at the same time to participate at the Parliament with same goals; both personalities wearing traditional turbans, made tremendous appearance and had claimed equal attention at the Congress for awakening the western world of the spiritual heritage and rich past history of India.
1893, World Religions parliament was held at the Columbus Hall of Art Institute of Chicago with more than 3000 delegates of different nations and religions.

VRG, at the Parliament of World Religions conveyed, “You have heard so many speeches from eloquent members, and I shall speak later on at some length. I will, at present, only offer on behalf of my community and their high priest, Muni Atmaramji, whom I represent here.,Our sincere thanks for the kind welcome you have given us.

Date of Issue : 08.11.2009

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

India- Horses Issue

2009-11-11T20:55:00.000-08:00

A set of 4 stamps on horses Of India was released by Smt Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary, India Post in Ahmedabad on 9th, November, 2009.

Kathiawari Horse-

The Kathiawari is fairly small and fine featured, light built, but still strong and sturdy horse built much like itsArabian ancestors. They have long backs, sloping shoulders, slender necks and refined faces and a naturally high set tail. Their movement is fairly smooth, as many have the natural ability to pace.In the 17th and 18th centuries, the princely family of various States of Kathiawad, have evolved this ‘Kathiawadi’ breed by breeding the indigenous stock with the ‘Arab’ stallions to fulfill their sporty needs. Some State of old Kathiawad province took special interest and care in the development of this breed and due to their sustained efforts, present Kahtiawadi breed of horse has been developed.

The Kathiawari horse looks like an Arabian, but has curving ears that touch and are extremely movable. The most prominent body colour in KATHIAWARI horses is chestnut followed by bay (body chestnut, Foreleg up to knee and fetlock are black, KATHIAWARI black, Hairs of tail and neck are black), gray (complete white colour) and dun (light chestnut). The physical characteristics of KATHIAWARI horses are concave profile, long neck, short leg and squared quarters. Face is dry and short, triangular from pale to forehead and small muzzle, big nostrils, edge of nostril is thin; small, fine and curved upright ears on 90 degrees axis that can touch and rotate at 180 degrees , broad forehead and large expressive sensitive eyes. Tail is long, not bushy, curved well and touching to the ground, foot round and broad. These horses are friendly, compliant, and smart. The Kathiawari Horses today are used in India’s police force.

Marwari Horses-

This breed is derived fits name from its habitat: Marwar region of the Rajasthan . The Marwari horses are reared mainly for riding and sports and no attempts are being made to prepare them as thoroughbred race animals. The predominant body colour is brown where as other body colours are roan, chestnut, white and black with white patches. The Marwari horses have 130-140 cm long body, 152-160 cm height. The Marwari horses are longer and taller than Kathiawari horses.

Manipur Horses:-

Manipuri breed of ponies is one of the purest and prestigious breed of equines of India. It is a strong and hardy breed and has very good adaptability to extreme geo-climatic conditions. It is one of the well-known breeds of India and has been claimed as the oldest polo pony. They are found in Manipur and Assam, and are similar to the south-east Asian type pony. Mane is generally coarse and upright. It has small pointed pricked ears, eyes are alert and slightly slant .The area between the nostrils is flat not crispy. Withers are not prominent. Face is concave and tail is well set and commensurate with height. Manipuri ponies are intelligent and extremely tough, and have tremendous endurance. Perhaps all these good qualities made it suitable for polo game for which it is globally famous.

Zanskari:-

Zanskari horses are bred in the high altitude Zanskar region of Ladakh in eastern Jammu and Kashmir State of India. Physique of this horse is very similar to the Spiti pony but are more adaptable for higher altitude where they are used as work horses.

The predominant body colour is gray followed by black and copper. The horses are known for their ability to work, run adequately and carry loads at high altitude. Horses are medium in size, well built and 120 to 140 cm high. The Zanskari horses have predominant eyes, heavy and long tail and uniform gait. The body hairs are fine, long and glossy. Only a few hundred horses at present exist in the Zanskar and other valleys of Laddakh. The Animal Husbandry Department, Jammu and Kashmir has recently established a Zanskari horse Breeding farm at Leh for breed improvement and conservation through selective breeding.

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images.

Cancellstions for Olympics 08 -- Contd.

2009-10-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

Yet another cancellation from China showing Beibei,Jingjing,Huanhuan,Ying,Ying,Nini .....
Also the Motto of Olympics 2008 "One world,One Dream".

Stamps issued to celebrate Olympic Expo 2008 -- China

2009-10-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

A Circular shaped Miniature sheet issued for Olympic Expo held in Beijing 2008 as a part of Olympic Stamp Issues.

The Beijing 2008 Expo with the theme "Light the Passion, Share the Dream" opened on Friday, August 8, at the Beijing Expo Center.

The expo collection contains memorabilia like postage stamps, money, pins and works of art from past Olympic Games, including some never before seen artifacts from the Olympic Museum in Switzerland. Among the more than 1,100 Olympic postage stamps received from 23 different countries is a historic stamp from the 1896 Athens Olympics.

The above 2 stamps issued to commemorate Olympic Expo that held in Beijing 2008. The Stamps are of Stamp in Stamp issue showing 1896 Olympics Issue by Greece and 15 C issue of Portugal for 1928 Olympics.

Cancellations for Olympics 2008 -- China

2009-10-24T05:42:00.000-07:00

Cancellation from the Tiger Hills,Suzhou,Jiangsu...

Thanks to my friend XU Wei for getting me these Cancellations

cancellations for Olympics 2008 -- China

2009-10-24T05:31:00.000-07:00

Another Cancellation from Suzhou,Jiangsu Province of China....

Cancellations for Olympics 2008 -- China

2009-10-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

Cancellation from Suzhou, Jiangsu Province.

Cancellations for Olympics 2008 -- China

2009-10-24T05:08:00.000-07:00

Yet another cancellation issued on the opening day of Olympics showing the National Stadium and also a lady dancing!!

A Very Beautiful cancellation

Portugal Issue for Olympics 2008

2009-10-24T04:24:00.000-07:00

Portugal Issue of Olympics 2008. Actually there are only 3 Stamps .In miniature sheet there is one more stamp added ..Also Portugal Miniature sheet had a peculiar type of Perforation..In the middle of each stamp,you can see a cross mark...

Thanks to my friend Bojan from Serbia who helped to get this set...

Philatelic Bureau of My Town

2009-10-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

The Madurai Philatelic Bureau located near Railway Station is one among the 2 General Post Offices located in my Home town... The Post Office started in 1931 during the British Period is now converted to Philatelic Bureau.The PostOffice main purpose is for the sorting of letters ..

Inside the Philatelic Bureau, While the Post Officer of Philatelic Bureau Mr.R.Sundar Rajan is satisfying the need of a Philatelist...

The Permanent Pictorial Cancellation of my Home Town showing the Fish Flag of the Pandyas.Pandiyas are those kings who ruled the south of Tamilnadu,India during the early ages ...

Cancellations for Olympics 2008 Torch Relay in China -Contd..............

2009-10-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

Few More Cancellations from Suzhou,Jiangsu Province for Olympics-2008 Torch Relay..

Suzhou is one of China's most famous cultural and historical cities. It is located at the center of the Yangtze River Delta region, in the southeast part of Jiangsu province, west of Shanghai.

The total area of the city is 8,488 square kilometers including 1,650 square kilometers of urban area. The population at the end of 2006 was 6.1 million.

The city tree of Suzhou is camphor laurel. And the city flower of Suzhou is sweet osmanthus, which symbolizes grace, honor, friendship, love and fortune.

Cancellations for Olympics 2008 Torch Relay in China

2009-10-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

Cancellations for torch Relay laid at Suzhou,Jiangsu Province of China.

Cancellations for Olympics 2008 Torch Relay in China

2009-10-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

Olympic Torch Relay Cancellations laid in Beijing to celebrate the Lightning of Olympic Torch in Mt.Olympus,Greece.

I request our philatelic friends in China to translate these details in images...It'll be very useful to us...

First Olympic Issue for 2012-London Olympics -- Cancellations for 22-10-09 Issue

2009-10-10T05:57:00.000-07:00

The Cancellations are to be laid by Great Britain for their First issue of Olympics 2012 Stamps Program .One is to be laid at Tallents House,Edinburgh and another at Badminton,Avon. I hope I can get any of these cancellations....

Waiting to get these covers!!!!!!

Rare Fauna of North East -- Latest Indian Issue

2009-10-09T05:52:00.000-07:00

The Fauna of North East India issued on First October is reaching the Post offices slowly and Steadily....These are the images of those issues even though it'll look beautiful when you see it in live...I hope to get these issue on the coming Monday where my post master has told to me to get in Monday...If any of our philatelic friends needs this issue i request them to drop E-mail to SA RAVANAN

Thanks to Mr.Vinod for Images

Latest Indian Issue -- Special Definitive Gandhiji

2009-10-03T23:42:00.000-07:00

A Special Definitive of Rs 25/- Denomination was released by India Post on 02 Oct 2009 to Commemorate ‘International Day Of Non- Violence ‘ and Gandhiji’s 140th Birth Anniversary. A FDC has also been issued.

Date of Issue -- 02 -Oct - 2009

Denomination Rs 25 /- (Rupees Twenty Five only)

Stamps per sheet - 70

Congratulations,Rio De Janeiro

2009-10-03T22:41:00.000-07:00

Rio de Janeiro Elected As 2016 Host City

The city of Rio de Janeiro has been elected as the Host City of the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in 2016 following a vote by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session. IOC President Jacques Rogge made the announcement at the close of the first day of meetings of the IOC’s 121st Session in Copenhagen, Denmark. Rio de Janeiro received 66 votes compared to Madrid’s 32 in the final round of voting.

“Well done, Rio!”
Following the election, Rogge said, “I would like to congratulate the city of Rio de Janeiro on its election as the host of the 2016 Olympic Games. Rio de Janeiro presented the IOC with a very strong technical bid, built upon a vision of the Games being a celebration of the athletes and sport, as well as providing the opportunity for the city, region and country to deliver their broader long-term aspirations for the future. This call to “live your passion” clearly struck a chord with my fellow members, and we now look forward to seeing Rio de Janeiro staging the first Olympic Games on the continent of South America. Well done, Rio!” He continued, “I would also like to thank Nawal El Moutawakel and her Evaluation Commission team for the excellent work that they undertook and which allowed us to reach today’s decision.”

Games of Celebration and Transformation
The Rio 2016 Games will be, first and foremost, a celebration of athletes, who will perform in world-class venues all located in the host city itself. The Rio Games will also celebrate and showcase sport, thanks to the city’s stunning setting and a desire to lift event presentation to new heights. At the same time, Rio 2016 will be an opportunity to deliver the broader aspirations for the long-term future of the city, region and country – an opportunity to hasten the transformation of Rio de Janeiro into an even greater global city.

A Sporting Celebration
Rio 2016 will provide the best possible environment for peak performances. Athletes will enjoy world-class facilities, including a superb village, all located in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, in a compact layout for maximum convenience. The competition venues will be clustered in four zones – Barra, Copacabana, Deodoro and Maracanã – and connected by a high-performance transport ring. Nearly half of the athletes will be able to reach their venues in less than 10 minutes, and almost 75 per cent will do so in less than 25 minutes. Of the 34 competition venues, of which 18 are already operational, eight will undergo some permanent works, seven will be totally temporary and nine are constructed as permanent legacy venues.

The Vote
The IOC members made their choice for 2016 following a long and detailed process, which included the presentations made today by the cities of Chicago (United States), Tokyo (Japan), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Madrid (Spain)*, a report and presentation from the IOC’s 2016 Evaluation Commission, chaired by Nawal El Moutawakel, the Candidature files of each city, and a technical meeting for the IOC members held in Lausanne this June.

* Cities are listed in the order of drawing of lots as performed by the IOC Executive Board in December 2007.

Results of the vote:

Round 1
Madrid: 28 votes
Rio de Janeiro: 26 votes
Tokyo: 22 votes
Chicago: 18 votes

Round 2
Tokyo: 20 votes
Rio de Janeiro: 46 votes
Madrid: 29 votes

Round 3
Rio de Janeiro: 66 votes
Madrid: 32 votes

Like expect the unexpected Rio DJ won the bid for the 2016 Olympic Games,after 1968 Mexico,the first Latin country to hold Olympic events

Czech Issue for 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympic Games

2009-09-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

The 1960 Summer Olympic Games is held at Rome,Italy between August 25, 1960 to September 11, 1960.

The 1960 Winter Olympic Games is held at Squaw Valley,California,USA between February 19, 1960 to February 28, 1960.

To Commemorate both the events ,Czechoslovakia issued a set of 5 stamps, 2 for summer and 3 for Winter.Here is a cover sent to Italy from Czech on the day of Issue.The Other Stamps is below here.

Online Exhibition frames displaying Olympic Collections

2009-09-30T03:10:00.000-07:00

Today while surfing through Internet I found a special website for Online Displaying of Frames of Collections...I found some nice Olympic Exhibits too....See and enjoy

OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 1924 AND CZECHOSLOVAKIA

OLYMPISCHE SPIELE 1896 - 1930

There are many other displays too..

Latest Indian Issue

2009-09-30T03:04:00.000-07:00

A postal stamp was released in Bhopal in memory of eminent poet from Madhya Pradesh, late Dushyant Kumar, who gave a new direction to `Hindi Ghazal`.

The stamp, Issued by thr Indian Postal Department, was released by the Governor, Rameshwar Thakur at the Madhav Rao Sapre Newspapers and Research Institute on 27.09.2009.

Dushyant Kumar, who brought social awareness through his creativity, had written a number of poems, novels and the plays.

Maxim Card for 1968 Winter Olympics

2009-09-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

The official logo for Olympics 1968 Winter Olympics is unveiled on 22-4-67...The Logo of 1968 Winter Olympics represents a snow crystal and three red roses, the symbol of Grenoble, and the Olympic rings.

Ski Jump Issue

2009-09-29T06:26:00.000-07:00

The Ski Jump Issue and the Fifth of the Series.It shows the image of Skier skiing down the Alps Mountains..The event is held on 11-02-1968.The Gold Medal is bagged by Jiří Raška of Czechoslovakia in Men's Normal Hill and Vladimir Belousov of USSR in Men's Large Hill.

Slalom or Skiing Event Issue

2009-09-29T06:03:00.000-07:00

The Fourth in the Five Stamp Series of Winter Olympics,Grenoble,France 1968 ..The above stamp shows the image of a downhill skier.France is surrounded by Alps Mountains and the Event is held at Chamrousse, from February 9-17 1968..

The Medals Tally is

Event	Gold	Silver	Bronze
Men's Downhill	Jean-Claude Killy	Guy Périllat	Jean-Daniel Dätwyler
Men's Giant Slalom	Jean-Claude Killy	Willy Favre	Heini Meßner
Men's Slalom	Jean-Claude Killy	Herbert Huber	Alfred Matt
Women's Downhill	Olga Pall	Isabelle Mir	Christl Haas
Women's Giant Slalom	Nancy Greene	Annie Famose	Fernande Bochatay
Women's Slalom	Marielle Goitschel	Nancy Greene	Annie Famose

Olympic Flame 1968

2009-09-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

The Third in the Five stamps series of 1968 Winter Olympic Games held in Grenoble,France.It shows the Torch lit for the games .The stamps also shows the logo for the 1968 Olympic Games.The Opening Ceremony is held on 6-2-1968 headed by the President of France, Charles De Gaulle and the

Torch is lit by Alain Calmat of France who won a silver Medal in Figure Skating..

Figure Skating Issue for 1968 Olympics

2009-09-29T05:39:00.000-07:00

The second issue in the five stamp Series.The above stamp shows the image of a Dancer involved in Figure Skating Singles....The stamp is of value 0,75 cents with a surcharge of 0,25 cents. In Women's Singles Peggy Fleming of United States won the gold medal..Figure Skating started on 8-2-1968 and finished on 16-2-1968 with a total of 96 participants , (46 men and 50 women) from 17 countries

Ice Hockey by France for 1968 Olympics

2009-09-29T05:26:00.000-07:00

Out of the Five Stamps issued by France on 27-1-1968,the above Stamp shows Ice Hockey.The Cancellation shows the Logo of the Winter Olympics 1968.The Stamp bears the value of 0,40 cents with a surcharge of 0,10 cents for developing the funds for Olympic Games

1968 Olympic Winter Games Grenoble,France

2009-09-29T05:16:00.000-07:00

The 1968 Winter Olympics, officially known as the X Olympic Winter Games, were a wintermulti-sport event which was celebrated in 1968 in Grenoble, France and opened on February 6. Thirty-seven countries participated. Norway won the most medals, the first time a country other than the USSR had done so since the USSR first entered the Winter Games in 1956.

Frenchman Jean-Claude Killy won three gold medals in all the alpine skiing events. In women's figure skating, Peggy Fleming won the only United States gold medal. The games have been credited with making the Winter Olympics more popular in the United States, not least of which because of ABC's (American Broadcasting Company) extensive coverage of Fleming and Killy, who became overnight sensations among teenage girls.

The year 1968 marked the first time the IOC first permitted East and West Germany to enter separately, and the first time the IOC ever ordered drug and gender testing of competitors.

For more 1968 Grenoble ,1968 Winter Olympic Games

1956 Cortina De Ampezzo Cancellations

2009-09-29T03:24:00.000-07:00

The Cancellation laid for Women Skiing on 1-2-1956.The Gold medal in this event is won by Madeleine Berthod-Chamot of Switzerland..

1956 Cortina De Ampezzo Cancellations

2009-09-29T03:07:00.000-07:00

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The cancellation laid for Bob Sleigh in Cortina on 4-2-1956...There are 2 categories in bob Sleigh that is Men's Two and Men's Four..Gold Medal in Men's Two is won by Italy and Men's Four by Switzerland..

Cancellations for 1956 Winter Olympics

2009-09-29T02:48:00.000-07:00

The cancellation laid for Cross Country Skiing 50 KM for men on 2-2-56...In this event,Swedish Skier Sixten Jernberg won the gold Medal where Silver and Bronze are bagged by Finland and USSR respectively...

1956 Cortina De Ampezzo

2009-09-29T02:34:00.000-07:00

The 1956 Winter Olympics, officially known as the VII Olympic Winter Games, was a winter multi-sport event which was celebrated in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The Games were held from January 26–February 5, 1956. Cortina, which had originally been awarded the 1944 Winter Olympics, beat out three other cities for the right to host the 1956 Games. The Cortina Games were unique for several reasons: all of the venues except one were within walking distance of each other, the Games were the first to rely heavily on corporate sponsorship for funding, and these were the first televised Winter Olympics.

A total of 32 nations participated in the Games, which was more than any Winter Olympics until that time. The largest nation making its Winter olympics debut was the Soviet Union. The Soviets would go on to win more medals than any other nation at these Games. Politics did not impact the 1956 Winter Games as it did the Summer Games in Melbourne, Australia, when the Soviet response to the Hungarian uprising and the Suez War caused many nations to boycott the Games.

1956 Cortina De Ampezzo Cancellations

2009-09-29T02:28:00.000-07:00

A beautiful cancellation laid for Ice Hockey on 26-1-56 at Cortina,Italy...Thanks to my friend Saravanan offering a nice pic of this cancellation...

Upcoming Olympics 2012 Issue

2009-09-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

Sports from each of the Olympic disciplines were selected to illustrate the subject of each stamp. The Olympic Games comprises 26 different sporting disciplines, such as Cycling. Cycling includes several different events where medals are won – including road racing, various time trials and velodrome races as well as mountain biking events and BMX. Many gold medals can be won in different events, and all will be symbolized by one Cycling stamp symbolising the sport of Cycling.

The Paralympic Games features 21 sports, such as Judo (which is also competed in the Olympic Games),

as well as Paralympic specific events such as Goalball.

In all, 29 different sports are played at the Olympics and Paralympics. There will be one stamp design for each sport with the exception of athletics which will be presented across two stamps as Athletics: Track and Athletics: Field, hence 30 sport stamps.

Royal Mail’s design team with David Hillman, from Studio David Hillman, set to work allocating each sport to one of the quality image makers who agreed to work on this three-year project. Royal Mail also consulted with the sports’ governing bodies and specialist clubs for each stamp. Each stamp will have the London 2012 Olympic or Paralympic logo in the lower corner.

These will be on sale from 22-10-09 .....

We seek help from Philatelists in Great Britain to help us to get this issue....

Please contact us if you wish for exchange

Wu Hao

Saravanan

With this i close this day, Hope for a new morning,,,,

With Best Regards and Happy collecting

Wu Hao

Hi to all Philatelic Friends !!!!!

2009-09-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
I'm Wu Hao,from Wuhan,China P.R.I'm happy to write in this blog along with my dear friend Saravanan from India...We have the policy that the real happy lies only in sharing the news with our friends whatever it may be either happy or sorrow...So that our friendship started in May 22,2005 continues till now and I hope this should last forever with more friends joining our world of Philately,a bridge connecting the unknown faces around the world crossing many barriers.....

I'll writing the next days as my part since Saravanan will be on leave from work because of the holidays there in India for something he called as POOJA holidays....Hope you all give a great support towards us.............

Please apologize if there is any mistake...Kindly tell us the mistakes that we have to correct and if you find it nice,please suggest it to your friends....

That's all for now..Hope you see soon with my post......

With best wishes

Wu Hao ,Wuhan,China P.R.

Commemoration of Beijing's Successful Bid for Hosting 2008 Olympic Games

2009-09-18T04:25:00.000-07:00

Name of Issue : Commemorative issue for successive bid for Beijing as Host City for Olympics 2008

Values in set : 1

Denomination : 80 fen

Date of issue : 14th July 2001

Designer : Wang Huming

Size of stamps : 40*30 mm

Size of tab : 20*30 mm

Perforation : 13

Printing

process : Gravure

Printer : Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

Beijing was elected as the host city on July 13, 2001, during the 112th IOC Session in Moscow, defeating Toronto, Paris, Istanbul, and Osaka. Prior to the session, five other cities (Bangkok, Cairo, Havana, Kuala Lumpur, and Seville) submitted bids to the IOC but failed to make the short list chosen by the IOC Executive Committee in 2000. After the first round of voting, Beijing held a significant lead over the other four candidates. Osaka received only six votes and was eliminated. In the second round, Beijing was supported by an absolute majority of voters, eliminating the need for subsequent rounds.

Similar to this other two Chinese territories Macao and Hong Kong also issued the same stamp as above with different tabs..Expect those soon....

Wu in Fujiyama,Japan

2009-09-18T03:39:00.000-07:00

My friend,Wu Hao while trekking in Mt.Fujiyama in Japan.Climbing this mountain is considered to be a holy one for them...

Olympic Day Special Commemorative Covers

2009-09-16T23:37:00.001-07:00

Name of Issue    : Olympics Day Special Covers

Date of Issue      : 23-6-07

                                                           In January 1948 at its 42nd Session in St Moritz, Switzerland, the IOC approved the idea of an Olympic Day. This celebration would be used to commemorate the creation of the IOC on 23 June 1894 in Paris.
Olympic Day was held for the first time on 23 June 1948, with a total of nine NOCs hosting ceremonies in their respective countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Great Britain, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Uruguay and Venezuela.
In an effort to encourage all NOCs to commemorate and celebrate Olympic Day, in 1987 the IOC Sport for All Commission launched the Olympic Day Run concept with the objective of promoting the practice of participation in sport by men, women and children from all corners of the world, regardless of athletic ability. From 45 NOCs taking part in the first edition, today over 150 NOCs worldwide participate.
In 2009, the IOC decided to consolidate and perpetuate this success by making Olympic Day Run into a worldwide event henceforth known as “Olympic Day”.
The IOC is therefore returning to its roots thanks to Olympic Day, and hopes to encourage the various sporting, cultural and educational initiatives launched by the NOCs which go beyond the Run itself. Indeed, over the years, the NOCs developed this event by inviting participants of all ages and walks of life to practise physical activity, try out new sports with athletes and volunteers, and discover, understand and put into practice the Olympic values.
Many NOCs also take into account their specific local features and social environment to celebrate this event country-wide. Some have incorporated the event into the school curriculum while others also organise cultural exhibitions and various activities centred on the Olympic values.
Olympic Day, launched on 23 June by the IOC and organised locally by the NOCs, has now become the only annual worldwide event of the Olympic Movement. It thus contributes to disseminating the values and fundamental principles of Olympism across the world.

As a part of the 29th Olympics being held at Beijing,P.R.China,Chinese Postal Authorities issued these 5 special Covers to celebrate the Olympic Day,.The Stamp bearing the logo of Olympics "Dancing Beijing" while the tab bears the images of Athena Temple,Olympic Medals,Baron Pierre De Coubertin,Grecian Urn showing Athletes and Zeus ....

Mascots of Olympics 2008

2009-09-16T23:16:00.001-07:00

Name of Issue : Mascots of Olympics 2008

Denominations : 80 F each

No of Issues : 5

Like the Five Olympic Rings from which they draw their color and inspiration, Fuwa will serve as the Official Mascots of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, carrying a message of friendship and peace -- and good wishes from China -- to children all over the world.

Designed to express the playful qualities of five little children who form an intimate circle of friends, Fuwa also embody the natural characteristics of four of China's most popular animals -- the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, the Swallow -- and the Olympic Flame.

Each of Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name -- a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China. Beibei is the Fish, Jingjing is the Panda, Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame, Yingying is the Tibetan Antelope and Nini is the Swallow.

When you put their names together -- Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni -- they say "Welcome to Beijing," offering a warm invitation that reflects the mission of Fuwa as young ambassadors for the Olympic Games.

Fuwa also embody both the landscape and the dreams and aspirations of people from every part of the vast country of China. In their origins and their headpieces, you can see the five elements of nature -- the sea, forest, fire, earth and sky -- all stylistically rendered in ways that represent the deep traditional influences of Chinese folk art and ornamentation.

Logo of 2008 Olympics

2009-09-16T05:07:00.000-07:00

Name of the issue : Logo and Mascot of Olympics 2008,Beijing ,P.R.China

Value : 80 F

Descp. : "Dancing Beijing" serves as the city's foremost appearance. It is an image that shows the eastern ways of thinking and the nation's lasting appeal embodied in the Chinese characters. It is an expression that conveys the unique cultural quality and elegance of Chinese civilization. With inspiration from the traditional Chinese art form - calligraphic art, the character "Jing" (the latter of the city's name) is developed into the form of a dancing human being, reflecting the ideal of a "New Olympics". The words "Beijing 2008" also resembles the vivid shapes of Chinese characters in handwriting, voicing in concise strokes of the countless feelings Chinese people possess towards the Olympics.
As people ponder on the rich connotations and charms of these Chinese characters, a "New Beijing" has thus been brought forward.

More about this logo here

Second Issue for Olympics 2008

2009-09-16T04:53:00.000-07:00

Values : 60 F - BasketBall

80 F - Sailing

80 F - Fencing

3 Yuan - Gymnastics

Second issue on Sports by China P.R. for Olympics 2008...

Holy Cross Church-By India Post

2009-09-16T03:36:00.000-07:00

Name of Issue : Holy Cross Church

Date of Issue : 14-9-09

Denomination : 5 Rupees

The Holy Cross Church,Mapranam,Thrissur is one of the few churches in Asia which has received the relic of the Holy Cross, part of the Holy blood of Jesus Christ and the bloodstained Holy Cloth used by Veronica to wipe the face of Jesus Christ, all donated from Vatican by the order of the Pope. Founded in A.D 928 it is one of the oldest churches in Kerala state, India. North of it lies Karuvannur River, the Arattupuzha Temple and the churches of Pallissery and Panamkulam.

The Church is a part of Irinjalakuda diocese and is a historically and archeologically renowned pilgrim centre. It was recently renovated and attracts worshippers beyond religious barriers.

The offering of candles is the main ritual here and the annual ceremony is called Thirithelikkal (Candle Lighting). A candle made at this Church has been included in the Limca Book of Records as the largest candle in India. According to the book the candle has a weight of 1,079 kg and a height of 22 ft. On September 14th every year Christians all over the world celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and this same day Mapranam Church celebrates the main feast in the name of the Holy Cross.

Sacred Heart Matriculation School - India Post

2009-09-15T00:57:00.000-07:00

Name of Issue : Sacred Heart Matriculation School - Chennai

Denomination : 5 Rs,

Date of Issue : 09-09-09

An Irish Lady Nano Nagle from Cork ,Ireland had founded “The Congregation Of Presentation Sisters ” in 1775. This Group came to Chennai in 1842 to work for Anglo - Indian Community and began work in St Ursula’s Anglo - Indian School already in existence. The Present Church Park land was acquired in 1904 and Foundation stone laid in 1908 for Sacred Heart High School , Church Park . The School started as a middle school with 137 Students and grew to become a private matriculation school in 1954.

The signature song of the school is" Stand brave,stand true under the green and gold"

Uttam Kumar by India Post

2009-09-15T00:49:00.000-07:00

Name of the Stamp : Uttam Kumar

Date of Issue : 3-09-09

Uttam Kumar (3 September 1926 - 24 July 1980) born as Arun Kumar Chatterjee; was an eminent Bengali actor from India. He is fondly called the Mahanayak or the "Great Hero" of Bengali cinema. He was born Arun Kumar Chatterjee on 3 September 1926 in Kolkata.

He had been an actor, director and producer. Apart from acting in two films with Satyajit Ray, Nayak (The Hero) and Chiriyakhana (The Zoo, a thriller written by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay, in which he played the famous Bengali detective Byomkesh Bakshi), he has acted in some Hindi films like "Chhoti si Mulaqat" (with Vyjayantimala Bali), "Amanush" (with Sharmila Tagore), "Ananda Ashram" (with Sharmila Tagore), "Kitaab" and "Dooriyan".....

More about Uttam Kumar click here

Beijing Exhibition Center Cancellation

2009-09-12T23:53:00.000-07:00

Cancellation in Pink Color showing the Exhibition Center of Beijing where the Olympic Expo is held.Cancellation laid at Shanghai,China P.R.

Cancellations with Olympic Stadiums

2009-09-12T23:41:00.000-07:00

These are the cancellations laid on the release of Stamps titled Olympic Venues - 2008 on 20-12-07..The first one is for Qingdao Sailing Venue and the next is for National Sports Stadium fondly called Bird's Nest

Self Adhesive Olympic Issue from Australia

2009-09-12T06:53:00.000-07:00

Self Adhesive Issue of Australia on Olympics..Issued in 24,June 2008

Cancellation from SHANGHAI

2009-09-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

Cancellation laid at Shanghai on the opening ceremony of 29th Olympic Games (Pink Cancellation)

Zhejiang Province

2009-09-12T00:28:00.000-07:00

The Torch Cancellation laid at Shaoxing city of Zhejiang Province

Opening Day cancellation from Bird's Nest

2009-09-12T00:13:00.000-07:00

Opening Day Cancellation laid at the Bird's Nest Stadium otherwise called as Beijing National Stadium....

Closing Day Cancellation

2009-09-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Cancellation laid on the closing day of the Twenty Ninth Olympic Games held at Beijing,China P.R.

Olympics 2008

2009-09-11T23:29:00.000-07:00

This is Israeli Olympic issue for 2008..Luckily i got it on cover with Christmas Cancellation in it...

Olympic Cancellations

2009-09-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

Cancellation laid on the Opening Ceremony of the Twenty Ninth Olympic Games at National Stadium,Beijing,China P.R.

My friend WU

2009-09-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

Hi! This is my friend WU Hao from China...