MY OLYMPIC PHILATELY

Germany : 1972 Olympic Stamps

2012-01-21T12:07:00.000+04:00

The Munich Residenz (Münchner Residenz, Munich Palace) is the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs in the center of the city of Munich, Germany. The Residenz is the largest city palace in Germany and is today open to visitors for its architecture and room decorations, and displays from the former royal collections.

Königsplatz is a square in Munich, Germany. The square was designed with the creation of the Brienner Straße at the command of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria by Karl von Fischer and laid out by Leo von Klenze.
Klenze framed the square with the "Ionic" Glyptothek and the "Doric" Propylaea (Propyläen; created as memorial for the accession of Otto of Greece). The "Corinthian" State Museum of Classical Art was erected by Georg Friedich Ziebland, on its back St. Boniface's Abbey is situated.
The Lenbachhaus is situated at the north-west side of the square. The area around Königsplatz is today the home to the Kunstareal, Munich's gallery and museum quarter.

Bavaria is the name given to a monumental, bronze sand-cast 19th-century statue in Munich, southern Germany. It is a female personification of the Bavarian homeland, and by extension its strength and glory.
The statue is part of an ensemble which also includes a hall of fame (Ruhmeshalle) and a stairway. It was commissioned by Ludwig I of Bavaria, with the specific design being chosen by competition. It was cast at the Munich foundry of J.B. Stiglmair between 1844 and 1850 and is the first colossal statue since Classical Antiquity to consist entirely of cast bronze. It was and is up to the present day considered a technological masterpiece. Because of its size it had to be produced in several parts; it is 18.52 metres high and weighs about 87.36 tons. It rests on a stone base which is 8.92 metres high.
An internal circular staircase leads up to a platform in the head, where four openings in the helmet provide a view of the Theresienwiese and downtown Munich.

Greece : Special Olympic 2011 Maxicards

2012-01-20T18:30:00.001+04:00

Thanks to : Spyros Soulimiotis, Chaniá, Greece

Turkey : 1996 Atlanta Olympic Stamps

2012-01-20T11:16:00.000+04:00

TURKISH STAMPS 1996

TURKEY 1996, SOUVENIR SHEET FOR ISTANBUL'96 WORLD PHILATELIC EXHIBITION: ATLANTA OLYMPIC GAMES

MICHEL: BLOCK 31 SCOTT: 2651 YVERT: BLOC 33

DATE OF ISSUE: 19/07/1996

Germany : 2008 Beijing Olympic Stamp

2012-01-19T20:07:00.000+04:00

Turkey : 2004 Athens Olympic Stamps

2012-01-18T19:11:00.000+04:00

Turkey : 1992 Barcelona Olympic Stamps

2012-01-17T08:11:00.002+04:00

Turkish Cyprus : Beijing Olympic Stamps and FDC

2012-01-15T20:27:00.002+04:00

Turkish Cyprus : FIFA 2010 Stamps and FDC

2012-01-15T20:18:00.001+04:00

Turkey : 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Stamps and FDC

2012-01-13T12:02:00.000+04:00

Turkey : 2008 Beijing Olympic Stamps and FDC

2012-01-12T19:27:00.001+04:00

France : World Weightlifting Championship 2011 - Paris

2012-01-09T13:34:00.001+04:00

championnats du monde d'haltérophilie-paris 2011

world weightlifting championships 2011-paris

The 11th Qatar Classic Squash Championship 2011

2012-01-07T18:34:00.000+04:00

The 11th Qatar Classic Squash Championship 2011

Date of Issue : 16/10/2011

Grenada : 2008 Beijing Olympic Stamps

2012-01-04T16:14:00.002+04:00

Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-31T17:05:00.001+04:00

Hi..............

This is last post of the year 2011. This year was really wonderful in all aspect. Especially I got new job in Dubai. I am really happy that I got so many things from my new friends and readers. Hope this relation will be in continued in New year 2012.

I wish my all Philatelic Friends, Readers, and Bloggers.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

Bangladesh : Cricket World Cup 2011 Stamps

2011-12-27T18:11:00.001+04:00

Portugal : 2010 FIFA Stamps

2011-12-25T13:14:00.000+04:00

Monaco : 2008 Beijing olympic Stamps

2011-12-21T08:12:00.001+04:00

Dear All, I am back for vacation. :)

Out for Vacation

2011-11-18T09:28:00.000+04:00

Dear Friends, Readers & Philatelist
I will be out for vacation untill 16th Dec 2011, Therefore my blog will on hold.
I will responce all swap deals after I come back.
Thanks for the co operation.
Kind Regards
Ganesh

Poland : 1980 Mascow Olympic Stamps

2011-11-17T20:04:00.000+04:00

Slovenia : 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Stamps

2011-11-14T08:24:00.000+04:00

Slovenian sportswomen and sportsmen to attend the Winter Olympics since their beginning. For the first ESL, which were in Chamonix (France) in 1924, be noted that we did not have the official status of the Olympic Games, but the competition called the International week of winter sports. Attended by over 258 athletes, including 247 men and 11 women competed in 16 disciplines. A year later, the IOC decided that international competition regarded as the first ESL and that every four years in addition to organizing the annual Winter Olympic Games.

Such were the Olympic Games with the exception of periods of world wars regularly organized every four years up to the ESL in Albertville (France) in 1992. Exceptionally, they were following – XVII. ESL – already two years in Lillehamerju Norway. Then the four-year cycle to continue again this year XXI. ESL, which will be in the Canadian Vancouver.

Winter Olympic Games have so far been mostly in the U.S. – four times, three times the host France, where two were in Austria, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and Japan, where once in Germany, Yugoslavia and Canada.

The first medal, and this silver is the color of the former Yugoslavia at the XIV. ESL in Sarajevo in 1984 in giant slalom, Jure Franko won. Four years later, Matthew Calgary in the Canadian Council reiterated Juretov success by winning silver medals in giant slalom. The remaining medals for the color of the former countries have contributed Miran Tepeš, Matjaž Zupan, Primoz Ulaga and Matjaz Debelak by winning silver medals in team jumping, and once again Matjaz Debelak, who is on a 90-meter hill won the bronze medal.

Indonesia : 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Stamps

2011-11-13T08:14:00.000+04:00

New Zealand : 2004 World's First Action replay Stamps

2011-11-11T16:33:00.001+04:00

Four of New Zealand's finest Olympians relived their gold-medal winning moments in by New Zealand Post's official unveiling of the world's first 'action replay' stamps. The denominations are: 45c - John Walker; 90c - Yvette Williams; $1.50 - Ian Ferguson and Paul MacDonald; $2.00 - Peter Snell.

John Walker, Montreal 31 July 1976 - 45c:

At 300 meters from home and the American Rick Wohlhuter loomed dangerously on Walker's outside shoulder. He couldn't wait any later. He had to go. Walker took off. With 300 metres to go he burst into the lead. The Belgian Ivo Vandamme come at him from the outside, but Walker lunged at the line with all his strength, flinging his arms in the air…

Yvette Williams, Helsinki 23 July 1952 - 90c:

Time came for her fourth jump of the day. She was tired after the long cold waits between each jump. The Olympic record had been broken eight times already. She stepped up to her mark. Knowing this was it. Her event. Her moment. She took off from her mark, sprinting at the pit like never before…

Ian Ferguson & Paul MacDonald, Seoul 30 September 1988 - $1.50:

East Germany, Poland and Hungary closed in. All were capable of winning but it was the final burst of the Russians that was the real heart stopper. The Soviets attacked. But the Kiwis countered, calling on all their strength and experience....Russia, New Zealand....New Zealand, Russia...

Peter Snell, Rome 2 September 1960 - $2.00:

At the 100 metre mark Snell's plan was to make the move. Snell didn't have it in him. Moens had the lead. Moens kept looking over his shoulder to his right. He didn't see Snell coming at him fast on the inside. Snell was strong. With 10 metres to go he closed his eyes and gave it his all. He threw his whole body forward, and…

The technology behind action stamps:

The effect of movement is created through a special printing process called Lenticular. This effect is achieved by two or more images being printed together, or 'inter-laced', into each other. These are printed around the wrong way on the back of a special lens material. Due to the optics in the lens, your eye is forced to see only a very small area of the lens at a certain angle. So, when you tilt the stamp, the images in the stamp appear to move.

FDC :

Awesome Stamps of FIFA 2010

2011-11-11T15:14:00.000+04:00

Mauritius : 2010 FIFA World Cup SS :

Mauritius : 2010 FIFA World Cup FDC :

Bahrain : Stamps 2010 FIFA World Cup

Indonesia : 2008 Beijing Olympic Souvenir Sheet

2011-11-10T22:41:00.001+04:00

Much awaited Souvenir Sheet of Indonesian 2008 Beijing Olympic.

Macedonia : 2008 Beijing Olympic FDC Collection

2011-11-09T08:09:00.000+04:00

Bahrain : 2008 Beijing Olympic FDC

2011-11-08T08:18:00.000+04:00

FIFA World Cup : Bahrain FDC Collection

2011-11-07T13:54:00.000+04:00

FIFA World Cup 1998 : France

FIFA World Cup 1998 : Korea Japan

FIFA World Cup 1998 : South Africa

Save Tigers, Save Our National Heritage.........

2011-11-06T12:13:00.004+04:00

The Bengal Tiger is generally found in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. This is the biggest subspecies of Tigers in the world. Bengal tigers are on the edge of extinction, but if we try spread, share about them, we still have a chance to save them. And this is my first blog in the series to tribute to mission Save Tigers. The Bengal tiger’s populations estimated at 1,411 in India, 200 in Bangladesh, 155 in Nepal and 67–81 in Bhutan.

Only 1411 are left save them in India. Save our National Animal, Save our National Heritage………

Basics and Physical Characteristics

The total length for the male Bengal Tiger is of 270-310 cm and those of the females is of 240–265 cm, The average weight of a Bengal Tiger is 221.2 kg (487.7 lb) for the males and 139.7 kg (308 lb) for the females, also it is found that who inhabit the north of India and Nepal have an average weight of 235 kg (518 lb) for the males and 140 kg (308.6 lb) for the females. The biological info is as below,

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Felidae

Genus species: Panthera tigris

Sub species: Panthera tigris tigris

Mutation/Sub Species

Bengal Tigers normally are of same appearance as other species. But a special subspecies exists due to mutation, called as White Tigers. They have dark brown or reddish brown stripes on a white background color, and some are entirely white.Please see the picture aside to know how beautiful are they.

Behaviour and Food

Behaviour of Bengal Tigers is different. They don't live in groups as the Male Tiger is not responsible for growing the offspring.Tigers mark their territory by spraying urine on a branch or leaves or bark of a tree which leaves a particular scent behind. This is also useful to attract the opposite sex.

Bengal tigers are obligate carnivores, it means that they have a diet of strictly meat. Bengal tigers eat a variety of animals found deer (sambar, chital, barasingha, hog deer and muntjac), wild boars, water buffalo, gaur, nilgai antelope.

Tiger Kill Count

According to Wikipedia following is the chart of Tigers killed in last two decade.

Year Tigers known to be killed

1994 95

1995 121

1996 52

1997 88

1998 44

1999 81

2000 53

2001 72

2002 43

2003 35

2004 34

2005 43

2006 37

2007 27

Official Website of Save Tiger Mission : http://www.saveourtigers.com/

For your views and suggestion, Please write me : olympic125@gmail.com

Philippines : 2004 Athens Olympic FDC

2011-10-29T20:54:00.000+04:00

Happy Diwali

2011-10-26T08:18:00.005+04:00

I WISH ALL MY FRIENDS, PHILATELISTS, WELL-WISHERS, READERS, BLOGGERS AND ONE AND ALL A VERY HAPPY DIWALI.

Happy Diwali

दीपावली की शुभकामनाएं

शुभ दीपावली /दिवाळीच्या शुभेच्छा

தீபாவளி நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்

ദീപാവലി ആശംസകള്‍

ದೀಪಾವಳಿ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಶುಭಾಷಯಗಳು

దీపావళి శుభాకా౦క్షలు

Deepavali (also: Depawali, Dipavali, Dewali, Diwali, Divali, Dipotsavi, Dipapratipad ) marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Lunar Calendar. It literally translated means 'Row of Lights' (from Sanskrit: dipa = lamp / awali = row, line). It celebrates the victory of Goodness over Evil and Light over Darkness - it ushers in the new year. Especially for this event people are cleaning their houses and wear new clothes. Diwali is a 5 day festival as Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Badi (Main) Diwali, Padwa and Bhaiduj. There are many different names for the days of Diwali in different regions of India (South & North India, East & West India) and in the different languages spoken in that regions (i.e. Hindi, Urdu, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Bengali, Marathi). During Deepavali people pray to Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, light, prosperity and wisdom, but also to Ganesha, the 'Remover of Obstacles' and the 'Lord of Beginnings'.

Deepavali celebrations take place in many countries in the world. On the first day of the Diwali festival people pray and having a special breakfast made of many different foods. The Hindu Goddess Lakshmi's statue and images are carried through the streets in processions. There are various legends and stories associated with the Diwali festival. The story of Bali, Emergence of Laxmi, Krishna Narakasur Fight, Victory of Rama over Ravana and many more. Dipa Lights (also called Diwali Diyas, Kandils, Ghee Lamps or Parvati Ganesha Lamps) - made of clay, fueled with Oil from Coconuts, Mustard or Ghee (clarified butter), the wick made of cotton wool - are placed outside of houses, on floors and doorways. During Diwali festival, doorways are hung with torans of mango leaves and marigolds. Deepavali Melas are being enjoyed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains & Buddhists alike. On the day of Deepavali people exchange gifts, bursting firecrackers, lighting fireworks, colourful sparklers & bonfires and having festive meals. Diwali Melas (fairs) are held throughout India and the celebrations abroad. The Indian Festival of Lights takes place after the monsoon season has finished and the weather is nice and pleasant again.

Wishing Happy Diwali to everyone! Deepavali Valthukkal!! Shubh Diwali!!

Diwali starts from Vasubaras which is the 12th day of the 2nd half of the Marathi month Ashvin. This day is celebrated by performing an Aarti of the cow and its calf - which is a symbol of love between mother and her baby.

The next day is Dhana Trayodashi. This day is of special importance for traders and business people. It is also considered an auspicious day for making important purchases, especially metals, including kitchenware and precious metals like silver and gold.

This is followed by Naraka Chaturdashi. On this day people get up early in the morning and take their bath before sunrise while stars are still visible. Bathing is an elaborate process on this day with abundant use of ‘ubtans’, oils and perfumes, and is preceded by an Aarti performed on the person by some lady, usually mother or wife. The whole process is referred to as ‘abhyanga-snaan’.

Then comes Lakshmi- pooja. It occurs on Amavasya i.e. no moon day. The dark night is illuminated by lamps and at dusk firecrackers are burst. New account books are opened after a pooja. Generally the traders do not make any payments on that day (according to their belief Lakshmi should not be given away but must come home). In every household, cash, jewellery and an idol of the goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. Friends, neighbours and relatives are invited over and celebrations are in full swing. The broom used to clean one's house is also worshipped as a symbol of Lakshmi in some places .

Padwa' is the 1st day of the new month – Kartik in the Hindu calendar. It marks the start of Hindu financial year. Its a special day for Husband and wife. The wife puts tilak on her husbands forehead and gets an expensive gift. In recent times there is a growing trend of organising a cultural event called 'Diwali Padwa' early in the morning.

Bhaubeej – it is the time when the bond of love between a brother and sister is further strengthened as the sister asks God for her brother/s' long and successful life while she receives presents from her beloved brothers.

Diwali Postage Stamps!

2008 Indian Diwali Stamp

Canada Post has created two picture postage stamps specifically designed to celebrate the festival of light. One depicts a beautiful Diwali lotus flower and the other the Diwali candle symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of life. However, these stamps will not be available at retail counters and those wanting it will need to call Canada Post

Beautiful Australian Cover

2011-10-25T14:11:00.000+04:00

I have received one more awesome cove from Australia, sent by Robin. This time with 2004 Gold Medalist and 2008 Beijing Olympic stamps on cover, as well as Mint and used stamps for 2000 Sydney Olympics stamps inside the cover. 3 Olympics in a cover………….. Great :)

Ryan Bayley :
Born in Perth, Western Australia, Bayley started competitive cycling in 1997 at fifteen years of age. He is a member of the Albany Cycling Club and employed by the Australian Institute of Sport.
Bayley won gold medals for the Sprint and Team Sprint track cycling events at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
His greatest success as a track cyclist came in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, where he won gold medals in the sprint and Keirin events.

Anna Meares :

Anna Meares started competitive cycling at the age of 11 in 1994, following her older sister Kerrie Meares into the sport. The family were inspired to take up competitive cycling by Kathy Watt winning a cycling gold medal at the 1994 Commonwealth Games. With the family living in the small Queensland coal-mining town of Middlemount, it was more than two hours drive to the nearest cycling track at Mackay for the girls to train.
During the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, she won a gold medal, and set a new world record in the Women's 500 metre time trial of 33.952 seconds. Meares had to beat a new Olympic record set just minutes previously by the reigning World Record holder, Yonghua Jiang of China. (See Cycling at the 2004 Summer Olympics). The event was abolished from the Olympic program so Meares could not defend her title in 2008.
Meares also won a bronze medal in the Women's 200m Sprint event in Athens.

This commemorative issue for the Beijing Olympics features the three sports of basketball, cycling and gymnastics, events that Australia has representatives in.

Incorporated into the design of the three stamps are the Olympic rings and the number eight. This number is auspicious in Chinese culture and fittingly, the Beijing Games will start at 8.00 pm on the eighth day of the eighth month in the year 2008.

This issue was designed by Hobart-based Lynda Warner who is one of Australia's foremost graphic designers. Lynda has designed other stamps for Australia Post including Outback Services (2001), Australian Antarctic Research (2002) and Aviation in the AAT (2005).

Australia Issued these stamps for 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Commencing with the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games during the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, stamps featuring Australians who have won an Olympic gold medal are issued on the next postal business day after the achievement.

Australia : 2000 Sydney Olympic Stamps

2011-10-24T08:28:00.000+04:00

Mexico : 2008 Beijing Olympic Stamps (Country#50)

2011-10-23T19:22:00.000+04:00

My growing collection of 2008 Beijing Olympic stamps. Untill now I have Stamps and covers from 50 Countries. Still missing almost 100 Countries.

Arab Stamps : 2008 Beijing Olympics

2011-10-22T11:46:00.001+04:00

My 2008 Beijing Olympics Collection
Syria :

Tunisia :

Libya :

Morocco :

Jordan :

Visit to : 2ed Sharjah Arabian Stamp Exhibition 2011

2011-10-21T21:35:00.000+04:00

Today visited The second Sharjah Arabian Stamp Exhibition. It will opened at Mega Mall in Sharjah untill 22.10.2011, with the focus this year on the GCC.

Greece : Special Olympics 2011

2011-10-19T21:19:00.000+04:00

Russia : 1980 Moscow Olympic Stamps

2011-10-19T08:21:00.000+04:00

Russia : 1980 Moscow Olympic Stamps

2011-10-18T08:39:00.003+04:00

Spanish Football Stamps 2011

2011-10-17T14:44:00.000+04:00

Out of all the sporting achievements by Spanish athletes in recent years, a special mention must be made to those accomplished by the Spanish National Football Team in 2008 and 2010, and the interest this sport arises in society. For this reason two five stamp souvenir sheets are issued on 19th Sep 2011 depicting the milestones in the history of the National Team from the introduction of football in Spain up until the 2010 World Championships Football was introduced from England into Spain, in the late 18th –early 19th century. However, the national team as we know it today, made its debut in 1920 in Brussels on occasion of the VII Olympiad.
From then on, and up till its success in the World Championship in 2010, almost a hundred years later, the history of the National Team has had its ups and downs in its sporting achievements. The milestones in its history are the historical goals by Zarra, Marcelino, Torres and Iniesta, and those players who have become true football symbols such as Pichichi, Zarra and Ricardo Zamora.Amongst its biggest triumphs are the UEFA Eurocup in 1964, the Olympics in 1992, the 2008 European Championship and the 2010 World Cup.The ten stamps depict both the relevant scenarios that have accompanied the greatest achievements and the characters in the history of the National Team looked upon as symbols of national football.

The Netherlands : FIFA World Cup 1994 Stamp

2011-10-16T13:46:00.003+04:00

Slovenia Stamps : 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Medal Winnes

2011-10-14T14:54:00.000+04:00

Post of Slovenia issued Commemorative stamps on 24 June 2010, which will pay tribute to two Slovene Olympic medal winners in Vancouver – Tina Maze and Petra Majdič. The two silver and bronze medals won by them represent the most remarkable achievement that Slovene sportswomen ever produced.

China : 2008 Beijing Olympic Venues

2011-10-13T14:40:00.003+04:00

China Agricultural University Gymnasium :

The China Agricultural University Gymnasium (simplified Chinese: 中国农业大学体育馆; traditional Chinese: 中國農業大學體育館; pinyin: Zhōngguó Nóngyè Dàxué Tǐyùguǎn) is an indoor arena located on the campus of the China Agricultural University in Beijing. It hosted the wrestling events of the 2008 Summer Olympics. The Gymnasium's rooftop has a staggered, stair-like design.

It covers an area of 23,950 square metres and has a capacity of 8,200 which will be reduced to 6000. It will also be turned into a sports complex for students of the China Agricultural University after the Olympic Games.

Construction started the first half of 2005 and was completed in July 2007.

Laoshan Mountain Bike Course :

The Laoshan Mountain Bike Course (simplified Chinese: 老山山地自行车场; traditional Chinese: 老山山地自行車場; pinyin: Lǎoshān Shāndì Zìxíngchē Chǎng) is a mountain bike cycling venue located in western Beijing, China adjacent to the Laoshan Velodrome. It began its renovation and expansion program in May 2006.

The course hosted the mountain bike competitions of the 2008 Summer Olympics.

The project involves a competition course of 4.6 kilometres in circumference, a fixed building with a floor space of 8,275 square metres, a temporary spectator stand that seats 2,000 and other temporary facilities for competitions.

The project was completed in the second half of 2007 and became a training base for the Chinese cycling team. It was also opened to the public after the 2008 Games.

Peking University Gymnasium:

Peking University Gymnasium (simplified Chinese: 北京大学体育馆; traditional Chinese: 北京大學體育館; pinyin: Běijīng Dàxué Tǐyùguǎn), nicknamed China's Spine (simplified Chinese: 中国脊; traditional Chinese: 中國脊; pinyin: Zhōngguó Jǐ), is an indoor arena located in the southeastern part of Peking University in Beijing, China.

The gymnasium was constructed for the 2008 Summer Olympics and hosted the table tennis events of the 2008 Summer Olympics and the Paralympics. The gymnasium is the first in the world specifically designed for table tennis.

The gymnasium has a floor space of 26,900 m², 6,000 permanent seats and 2,000 temporary seats. It was completed in August 2007.

National Indoor Stadium :

The Beijing National Indoor Stadium, also known as the National Indoor Stadium (simplified Chinese: 国家体育馆; traditional Chinese: 國家體育館; pinyin: Guójiā Tǐyùguǎn), is an indoor arena that is located in the Olympic Green in Beijing, China. The stadium was constructed for the 2008 Summer Olympics. It is nicknamed the Fan (扇子, shānzi) due to its design resembling a traditional Chinese folding fan.

The stadium opened its doors on November 26, 2007 for the artistic Gymnastics test event.

At the 2008 Olympics, it hosted the Artistic Gymnastics, Trampolining, and Handball events. After the Olympics, the stadium can be used for sports competition, cultural and entertaining purposes, and will serve as a multi-functional exercise center for local residents.

The stadium has a capacity of 18,000 people.

National Aquatics Center :

The Beijing National Aquatics Center (simplified Chinese: 北京国家游泳中心; traditional Chinese: 北京國家游泳中心), also officially known as the National Aquatics Center, and colloquially known as the Water Cube (Chinese: 水立方), is an aquatics center that was built alongside Beijing National Stadium in the Olympic Green for the swimming competitions of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Despite its nickname, the building is not an actual cube, but a cuboid (a rectangular box). Ground was broken on December 24, 2003, and the Center was completed and handed over for use on January 28, 2008. Swimmers at the Water Cube broke 25 world records during the 2008 Olympics.

After the Olympics, the building underwent a 200 million Yuan revamp to turn half of its interior into a water park. The building officially re-opened on August 8, 2010

Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center :

The Qingdao International Sailing Centre (simplified Chinese: 青岛奥林匹克帆船中心; traditional Chinese: 青島奧林匹克帆船中心; pinyin: Qīngdǎo Àolínpǐkè Fānchuán Zhōngxīn) is a sailing marina located on the former site of the Beihai Shipyard by Qingdao's Fushan Bay at Shandong Province in China. It was constructed for the 2008 Summer Olympics. It hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing competitions. Wind conditions vary greatly from very light winds to +15knots. During the Olympic competitions, fog was also an occasional factor.

The venue hosted “Good Luck Beijing - 2006" and in May 2008, the IFDS Qingdao International Regatta, where Olympic and Paralympic sailors got a headstart on familiarizing themselves with the venue and weather conditions.

Slovenia : 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist

2011-10-13T09:26:00.001+04:00

Primož Kozmus (born September 30, 1979 in Novo Mesto) is a Slovenian hammer thrower and the current Olympic champion. His gold medals in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the 2009 World Championships in Berlin made him the first ever Slovenian athlete to win both titles.
His personal best throw and Slovenian record is 82.58 metres, achieved in September 2009 in Celje, Slovenia.
On 8 October 2009, Kozmus unexpectedly announced his temporary retirement from athletics. On 25 October 2010, he announced his return. After moderate achievements in the 2011 season, Kozmus stated his goal at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics was to place in the top eight in the finals. Still, he won bronze with 79.39 m.

Slovenia : 2008 Beijing Olympic Stamps

2011-10-12T16:32:00.001+04:00

The Netherlands : 1992 Barcelona Olympic Stamps

2011-10-10T08:22:00.000+04:00

Slovakia Stamp: 2010 Winter Olympic Games Vancouver

2011-10-09T08:15:00.001+04:00

Tehnical details: Issue number: 468
Date of Issue: 15. 01. 2010
Face value: 1 €
Dimensions: 40,4 x 27,2 mm
Layout/Format: TL
Stamps per TL: 50
Number in set: 1
Stamp designer: Peter Uchnár
Printer: Poštovní tiskárna cenin Praha, a. s.
Print technology: Offset
FDC designer: Peter Uchnár
FDC engraver: Arnold Feke
Cancellation design: Peter Uchnár
FDC Printer: TAB, s. r. o., Bratislava
FDC Print technology: WAITE

Liechtenstien Stamps: Winter Olympic Games Vancouver 2010

2011-10-07T15:05:00.001+04:00

By longstanding tradition Liechtenstein issues special series of stamps for each Winter and Summer Olympic Games. What started in 1964 with the first official Liechtenstein Olympic stamp, on which the flags of the two host countries Austria (Innsbruck – Winter) and Japan (Tokyo – Summer) were jointly featured, has been regularly continued since the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich and will be continued this year too to mark the XXI Winter Games in Vancouver (Canada). As for last year’s Olympic stamp (Peking 2008), for this series too an artist from the country hosting the Games has been sought and found. Mark Heine is the Canadian artist entrusted with the task of supplying the artwork for this series and has created two large-format dynamic oil paintings, the first showing a downhill racer in the Alpine Skiing programme (face value CHF 1.00) and the second a cross-country skier in the Nordic Skiing programme (face value CHF 1.80). The sportsmen are shown in the new kit, which when the stamps were printed was still completely unknown to the general public. These outfits are intended to enable Liechtenstein’s winter athletes to continue the great successes of earlier years and perhaps help to bring about another sporting triumph. The time is surely ripe.

Happy Dasara (Happy Dassehra & Vijayadashmi)

2011-10-05T22:03:00.001+04:00

Dussehra is a popular festival celebrated by Hindus all over India, albeit with different names. It is also known as Vijayadashmi ('Vijay' meaning 'victory' and 'Dashmi meaning 'tenth day), as it is believed that it was on this day that Lord Rama killed the demon-king, Ravana and rescued his abducted wife - Sita. In other words, it signifies the triumph of good over evil. The legendary triumph is reenacted to the day. In the northern parts of India, huge effigies of Ravana, his giant brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnath are placed in vast open grounds. Fireworks and crackers are placed inside the effigies.

Actors dressed as Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana enact the final moments of the battle, at the Ramlila ground. After the enactment of the climax of the war with Ravana, the character playing Rama shoots an arrow with a flaming tip at the effigies from a safe distance and the crowd bursts up in cheer, as the crackers catch fire. The enthusiasm and the cheers sometimes even drown the deafening blast. Merriment ensues, as people indulge themselves games, dance and music that are held at the fair.
Bengalis celebrate Dusshera as a part of their main festival - Durga Puja. This day marks the end of Durga Pooja celebrations, the preceding nine days being collectively referred to as 'Navratri'. Vijayadashmi is dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti, who incarnated in the form of Goddess Durga, a combined manifestation of the divine energies of the Holy Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and all the other devatas, when they summoned her to kill the mighty demon known as Mahishasura and freed the world from his terror.
On Vijayadashmi, the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed into water, after the nine days of festivities. It is said that the people of the earth in the eastern state of West Bengal adopted Durga as their daughter and thus, she visits the home of her parents every year, during the last four days of Navratri, along with her sons Ganesha and Kartikeya, and daughters Lakshmi and Saraswati. She finally leaves for her husband's place on Vijayadashmi. Similar customs are seen in Orissa and Assam. In the North-eastern state of Tripura, huge fairs are conducted and effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkarna are burnts at Ramlila maidans.

In the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Vijayadashmi holds special significance. The day is considered auspicious for starting education or any form of art, such as dance and music. Saraswati Puja is conducted on the day, when the formal commencement of education of small kids takes place. It is called 'Vidya aarambham' (the beginning of Vidya, meaning education). In Karnataka (especially Mysore) and Andhra Pradesh, Dusshera is celebrated with fanfare. Huge processions can be witnessed in both the States. Although Dussehra is celebrated in different ways across India, the motive remains the same - to spread good cheer and celebrate the victory of good over the evil.

Kenya : 2008 Beijing Olympic Stamps

2011-10-05T11:49:00.000+04:00

Peru : 2008 Beijing Olympic Stamps

2011-10-02T09:22:00.000+04:00

Happy Navratri

2011-09-28T12:58:00.000+04:00

What is Navratri?
'Nav' means 'nine' and 'ratri' means 'night'. Thus, 'Navratri' means 'nine nights'. There are many legends attached to the conception of Navratri like all Indian festivals. All of them are related to Goddess Shakti (Hindu Mother Goddess) and her various forms. It is one of the most celebrated festivals of Hindu calendar, it holds special significance for Gujratis and Bengalis and one can see it in the zeal and fervor of the people with which they indulge in the festive activities of the season. Dandiya and Garba Rass are the highlights of the festival in Gujarat, while farmer sow seeds and thank the Goddess for her blessings and pray for better yield. In older times, Navratri was associated with the fertility of Mother Earth who feed us as her children.
The first three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Warrior Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a lion. Her various incarnations - Kumari, Parvati and Kali - are worshipped during these days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl and the mature woman. Next three days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity), dressed in gold and mounted on an owl and finally, last three are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess Of Knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan. Sweetmeats are prepared for the celebrations. Children and adults dress up in new bright-colored dresses for the night performances.
In some communities, people undergo rigorous fasts during this season that lasts for the nine days of Navratri. The festival culminates on Mahanavami. On this day, Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered new clothes as gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country. With commercialization, the festival has moved on to be a social festival rather than merely a religious one. However, nothing dampens the spirit of the devout followers of Goddess Durga, as they sing devotional songs and indulge in the celebrations of Navratri, year by year..

For more information please visit to :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navratri

Belarus : 2008 Beijing Olympic Stamp

2011-09-25T19:52:00.000+04:00

Qatar : 2008 Beijing Olympic Stamps

2011-09-22T08:15:00.001+04:00

Ireland : 2008 Beijing Olympic Stamps

2011-09-20T08:28:00.002+04:00

New Zealand : 1988 Seoul Olympic Games Stamps

2011-09-19T13:41:00.000+04:00

Algeria : 1988 Seoul Olympic Games FDC

2011-09-18T21:31:00.003+04:00

Algeria : 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games FDC

2011-09-17T12:03:00.002+04:00

DDR (Germany) : 1964 Tokyo Olympic Stamps

2011-09-16T21:05:00.000+04:00

DDR (Germany) : 1988 Olympic Stamps

2011-09-16T14:11:00.001+04:00

DDR (Germany) : Olympic Stamps

2011-09-15T21:52:00.001+04:00

1972 : Sapporo Winter Olympic Games

1972 : Munich Summer Olympic Games

1976: Montreal Summer Olympic Games

Delhi – Commonwealth Games 2010 Stamps

2011-09-14T21:32:00.000+04:00

PNG : SS

UK : SS

India : FDC

Delhi – Commonwealth Games 2010 Stamps

2011-09-14T21:24:00.000+04:00

Countries Participated in Commonwealth Games 2010 New Delhi

Guernsey Stamps :

Guernsey FDC :

Mozambique : SS

PNG : FDC

PNG : SS

DDR (Germany) : 1980 Moscow Olympic Stamps

2011-09-14T19:46:00.001+04:00

Haiti : 1960 Rome Olympic Stamps

2011-09-13T20:41:00.000+04:00

DDR (Germany) : 1960 Olympic Stamps

2011-09-12T20:21:00.000+04:00

New Zealand : 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Game's Stamps

2011-09-11T20:40:00.004+04:00

Happy Onam

2011-09-08T16:11:00.001+04:00

Onam Greetings

Onam is the biggest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. Onam Festival falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. Carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition. Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala.

King Mahabali & Onam

The legend of King Mahabali is the most popular and the most fascinating of all legends behind Onam. Onam celebrates the visit of King Mahabali to the state of Kerala every year. The festival is celebrated with fervour as King Mahabali is greatly respected by his subjects. King Mahabali is also popularly called Maveli and Onathappan.

Reign of King Mahabali :
The story goes that the beautiful state of Kerala was once ruled by an Asura (demon) king, Mahabali. The King was greatly respected in his kingdom and was considered to be wise, judicious and extremely generous. It is said that Kerala witnessed its golden era in the reign of King Mahabali. Everybody was happy in the kingdom, there was no discrimination on the basis of caste or class. Rich and poor were equally treated. There was neither crime, nor corruption. People did not even lock their doors, as there were no thieves in that kingdom. There was no poverty, sorrow or disease in the reign of King Mahabali and everybody was happy and content.

Brief Sketch of King Mahabali :
It may be noted Mahabali was the son of Veerochana and grandson of Prahlad, the devout son of demon King Hiranyakashyap. Mahabali had a son called Bana, who became a legendary king in his own right and became popular as Banraj in central Assam. Mahabali belonged to the Asura (demon) dynasty but was an ardent worshiper of Lord Vishnu. His bravery and strength of character earned him the title of "Mahabali Chakravathy" or Mahabali - the King of Kings.

Challenge for Gods:
Looking at the growing popularity and fame of King Mahabali Gods became extremely concerned and jealous. They felt threatened about their own supremacy and began to think of a strategy to get rid of the dilemma.
To curb the growing reign of Mahabali and maintain their own supremacy, Aditi, the mother of Gods seeked help of Lord Vishnu (the preserver in the Hindu trinity) whom Mahabali worshiped.
It was said Mahabali was very generous and charitable. Whenever anybody approached him for help or requested for anything he always granted. To test the King, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a dwarf and a poor Brahmin called Vamana. He came to the Kingdom of Mahabali, just after Mahabali performed his morning prayers and was preparing to grant boons to Brahmins.

Lord Vishnu takes Vamana Avatar:
Disguised as Vamana, Vishnu said he was a poor Brahmin and asked for a piece of land. The generous King said, he could have as much land as he wanted. The Brahmin said that he just wanted as much land as could be covered by his three steps. The King was surprised to hear but agreed.
A learned adviser of the King, Shukracharya sensed that Vamana was not an ordinary person and warned the King against making the promise. But, the generous King replied that it would be a sin for a King to back on his words and asked the Brahmin to take the land. The King could not imagine that the dwarf Brahmin was Lord Vishnu himself.
Just as King Mahabali agreed to grant the land, Vamana began to expand and eventually increased himself to the size of cosmic proportions. With his first step the Brahmin boy covered the whole of earth and with the other step he covered the whole of the skies. He then asked King Mahabali where is the space for him to keep his third foot.
The King realised that he was no ordinary Brahmin and his third step will destroy the earth. Mahabali with folded hands bowed before Vamana and asked him to place his last step on his head so that he could keep the promise. The Brahmin placed his foot on the head of the King, which pushed him to patala, the nether world. There the King requested the Brahmin to reveal his true identity. Lord Vishnu then appeared before the King in his person. The Lord told the King that he came to test him and the King won the test. King Mahabali was pleased to see his lord. Lord Vishnu also granted a boon to the King.

King Mahabali Requests for a Visit to Kerala

The King was so much attached with his Kingdom and people that he requested that he be allowed to visit Kerala once in a year. Lord Vishnu was moved by the Kings nobility and was pleased to grant the wish. He also blessed the King and said even after losing all his worldly possessions, the King would always be loved by Lord Vishnu and his people.

Genesis of Onam :
It is the day of the visit of King Mahabali to Kerala that is celebrated as Onam every year. The festival is celebrated as a tribute to the sacrifice of King Mahabali. Every year people make elaborate preparations to welcome their King whom they affectionately call Onathappan. They wish to please the spirit of their King by depicting that his people are happy and wish him well. The second day, Thiruvonam is the biggest and the most important day of this festival. It is believed that King Mahabali visits his people on the second day.

Onam celebrations are marked in Trikkakara, a place 10 km from Kochi (Cochin) on the Edapally- Pookattupadi road. Trikkara is said to be the capital of the mighty King Mahabali. A temple with a deity of 'Trikkakara Appan' or 'Vamanamurthy' who is Lord Vishnu himself in disguise is also located at this place. Nowhere else in Kerala can one find a deity of 'Vamanamurthy'. This fascinating legend is artistically depicted at the Suchindram Temple in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.

Onam Celebrations:

High-spirited people of Kerala celebrate Onam with gaiety and fervor. The festival is celebrated for a period of ten days, starting from the first day Atham and continuing till tenth and the biggest day called Thiru Onam.
The spectacular festival attracts thousands of tourists from across the country and globe. Immense popularity of the festival is further promoted by the Government of India by celebrating Kerala Tourism Week during the time of Onam.

Beginning of the Celebrations:
Celebrations of the first day are marked by intricate floral carpets called Pookalam. More flowers of different colours are added to this pookalam on each passing day. Girls take great delight in designing them in the front courtyards of their house. Boys take pleasure in helping them gather flowers. Special prayers are also said on Atham in a local temple. Hectic activities for the carnival begin in the state from this day onwards.

Celebrations on Thiru Onam:
The biggest and the most happening day in the carnival of Onam is Thiruvonam. Festivities begin as early as 4 am. People clean up their house, take early bath, wear new clothes and perform elaborate prayers to seek divine blessings. A massive and most exquisite pookalam is prepared on this day to welcome the spirit of King Maveli.

Highpoint of the day is the enormous lunch called Onasadya. People of Kerala are extremely passionate about this. Even if they cannot easily afford, they will anyhow prepare the meal inclusive of all the 11-13 prescribed dishes. This has lead to the saying in Malayalam, "Kanam Vittu Onam Unnanam" which means, "We should have the Thiruonam lunch even if we have to sell all our properties".

Italy : Postcard for 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Game

2011-09-08T11:30:00.003+04:00

Belgium : Women and team sports

2011-09-07T17:41:00.001+04:00

My New Blog : MY STEDIUM POSTCARDS

2011-09-06T13:39:00.002+04:00

Hi
Today I am inaugurating my new blog : My Stadium Postcards. A Web site specifically devoted to the hobby of collecting Stadium and Arena Postcards.
Please visit Below Link :

http://ganesh-mystadiumpostcards.blogspot.com/

Thanks

Lithuania : 2010 YOG Stamp & FDC

2011-09-06T07:52:00.000+04:00

Lithuania : “XXXVII EUROPEAN MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP”

2011-09-05T09:31:00.000+04:00

After a 72 years break Lithuania will host the European Men’s Basketball Championship of 2011, which will be held from August 31 until September 18. The 24 strongest European men’s basketball teams will compete for medals and qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The most outstanding European basketball players will show their talent for the residents and guests of six Lithuanian cities.
The group matches of the tournament will be played in Alytus, Klaipėda, Šiauliai and Panevėžys. Afterwards the strongest 12 teams of the Old Continent will gather in Vilnius and the champion and prize winners will be announced in the new Kaunas Arena, which is the largest arena in the Baltic countries

Artist E. Paukštytė.
Offset. Art paper. Stamp – 32,25x26 mm. Perf.14¼x14. Sheet of 9 stamps (3x3). The upper and lower margins of a sheet are with inscription.
Face value: 2,45 Lt.
Edition: 180 000.
Printed in "Österreichische Staatsdruckerei GmbH" printing-house in Austria (Vienna).

Lalbaugcha Raja-2011

2011-09-02T09:01:00.004+04:00

Happy Ganesh Festival

GANAPATI BAPPA MORAYA....................
MANGAL MURATI MORAYA..........................

लालबागचा राजा हे लालबागचा राजा सार्वजनिक गणेशोत्सव मंडळाच्या गणेश मुर्तीला लोकांकडून मिळालेले नाव आहे. मंडळाने गणेशोत्सव 2011 च्या तयारीला जून महिन्यातच सुरुवात केली आहे. भाविकांना लालबागचा राजाचे व्यवस्थित दर्शन व्हावे यासाठी मंडळ नेहमीच प्रयत्नशिल असते. गणेशोत्सव 2010 साठी सुमारे 2500 सहकारी सभासदांची नियुक्ती करण्यात आली आहे. यांच्या बरोबरच सुमारे 5000 स्वयंसेवक लालबागच्या राजाच्या भाविकांच्या मदतीसाठी तयार आहेत. आपाद्कालीन परिस्थितीचा सामना करण्यासाठी काही स्वयंसेवकांना विशेष प्रशिक्षण देण्यात आले आहे.
गणेशोत्सव 2011 साठी व्यवस्था
यावर्षी लालबागच्या राजाला नवस करण्यासाठी वा फेडण्यासाठी आलेल्या भाविकांची नवसाची रांग ग.द.आंबेकर मार्गावरील ओमशांती डेव्हलपर्सच्या आवारातून लागेल. या ठिकाणी पोहोचण्यासाठी भाविकांनी करीरोड - भारतमाता सिनेमा - साईबाबा पथ - ग.द.आंबेकर - अभ्युदय नगर या मार्गाचा वापर करावा. रेल्वे मार्गाने येणाऱयांनी मध्य रेल्वेचे करीरोड स्थानक वा पश्चिम रेल्वेचे लोअर परेल स्थानक अथवा हार्बर मार्गाचे कॉटनग्रीन स्थानक येथे उतरावे.
लालबागच्या राजाचे मुख दर्शन घेऊ इच्छिणाऱया भाविकांची `मुख दर्शन रांग' गणेशोत्सव 2010 सारखीच असेल. ही रांग दत्ताराम लाड मार्ग, काळाचौकी येथून चालू होऊन छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज क्रिडांगण (गरमखाडा) मार्गे श्रीं च्या आवारात येईल. मुख दर्शन घेऊन इच्छिणाऱया भाविकांनी मध्य रेल्वे मार्गाचे चिंचपोकळी स्थानक अथवा हार्बर रेल्वे मार्गाचे कॉटनग्रीन स्थानक येथे उतरावे.

For More information About Ganesh Festival and LalBaugcha Raja
Please Log On to :
http://www.lalbaugcharaja.in/

What is Ganesh Festival? :
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular and auspicious Hindu festivals. Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the symbol of wisdom and remover of obstacles. This festival is also known as Ganesh Utsav which means festival of Ganesh. Lord Ganesha is also referred to as Ganapati, Gajanana, Vinayaka, Vighneshawar and Pillaiyar. This auspicious day falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August-September). This festival is observed throughout India, as well as by devoted Hindus in all parts of the world. This festival is widely celebrated in Maharashtra,West Bengal,Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Andra Pradesh. This year this festival date falls on Saturday, the 1st of September, 2011. In 2010, Eid and Vinayaka Chaturthi was on the same day but this year it has fallen one day after Eid.

This festival lasts for 10 days starting with devotees bring home a Ganesha Idol and offer him prayers daily and ending on Anant Chaturdashi day. One can also see huge Ganesh Statues in every locality pandhals during the period which attracts huge crowds to see and worship this Elephant God. One of the best Ganesh Mandals in Maharashtra is the Lalbaughcha Raja in Mumbai which is one of the most popular among pandhal hoppers. However, these days more and more people are turning to eco friendly Ganesh Idols instead of Plaster of Paris to protect the environment. This Ganesha idols are kept for 10 days from Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi to the Ananta Chaturdashi and worshipped with rituals and mantras and then taken on the 11th day in a procession where devotees sing and dance before immersing Lord Ganesh idol to the water symbolizing the removal of all obstacles and misfortunes of his devotees and retuning to Mount Kailash to his parents. This ritual of immersing Lord Ganesh Statue is known as Ganesh Visarjan.

2008 Beijing Olympic Stamps

2011-08-31T08:48:00.005+04:00

Aland :

Luxembourg:

Liechtenstein:

Happy Eid ul Fitr (Ramadan Eid)

2011-08-29T08:00:00.005+04:00

Wish you all Very Happy Eid.
EID MUBARAK

UAE Eid Al Adha Stamps 2009

USA : Eid ul Fitr Stamps 2001

2008 Eid al Adha FDC of UAE

Macau : 2008 Beijing Olympic Torch Relay Stamp

2011-08-27T12:23:00.003+04:00

France : World Fencing Championship stamps

2011-08-25T08:03:00.001+04:00

France Post has issued a set of stamps commemorating the World Fencing Championship which was taken place in France (Paris) from 4 to 13 of November 2010.

Symbolical practice of the knights' age, fencing had developed through the centuries into a subtle, elegant and artistic battle sport.
Three arms of the fencing (rapier, foil and saber) and a wheelchair-bound fencer are illustrated on the two stamps of the set. The central image represents the stained-glass window of the Grand palace hosting the championship.

France : 2010 Singapore YOG Stamp

2011-08-24T07:51:00.001+04:00

France : 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Stamps

2011-08-23T07:52:00.002+04:00

The French post issued a set of two stamps to commemorate the Winter Olympics 2010, featuring 2 disciplines – alpine skiing and figure skating.

Title: Winter Olympic 2010 – France
Date of Issue: 8 February 2010
Country: France
Denominations: 0,85€ x 2

UAE : YAS MARINA CIRCUIT

2011-08-22T07:46:00.001+04:00

The Yas Marina Circuit is the venue for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke, and is situated on Yas Island, about 30 minutes from the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. Yas Marina is the second Formula One track in the Middle East, with the first being in Bahrain. A two day GP2 Asia Series test was held to officially open the circuit, which was held a week before the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It will also host the opening event for the Australian V8 Supercars series, the Yas V8 400, in February 2010.

Lithuania : Sport Stamps

2011-08-21T07:54:00.007+04:00

Sixth-World-Lithuanian-Games-1998

FIFA Anniversary Stamp-2004

1991 Sports Games of The Lithuanians

South Africa : 2010 FIFA World Cup Stamp

2011-08-20T11:47:00.002+04:00

Belgium : 2008 Beijing Olympic Stamps

2011-08-19T21:18:00.002+04:00

UAE : 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic FDC

2011-08-18T17:29:00.002+04:00

First Youth Olympic Games (YOG) held in Singapore

Main Aim of Youth Olympic Games (YOG) :
To promote cultural education among the participating youths, the YOG programme incorporated live youth performances, art installations and festivals revolving around the Olympics spirit and cultural diversity. A wide range of activities took place, such as hands-on workshops, talks by Olympians, outdoor activities, community projects and exhibition booths, all based on five themes:
• Olympism – the origins, philosophy, structure and evolution of the modern Olympics.
• Skills development – the different aspects of a professional athletic career, such as personal development, career options and management of transitions in life.
• Well-being and healthy lifestyle – healthy eating, stress management and risks in sport such as doping.
• Social responsibility – being a responsible global citizen by caring for the environment and promoting sustainable development and community relations.
• Expression – interacting with and learning from fellow athletes through digital media and evening festivals at the Youth Olympic Village.

Greek Olympic Stamps

2011-08-18T07:46:00.005+04:00

Hi
I received these awesome stamps from Athens, Greece with nice cover. Thanks you Anthony.

2008 Beijing Olympic Games :

2004 Athens olympic Games :

I Support Anna Hazare

2011-08-16T18:19:00.006+04:00

Please Join Anna's Protest Against Curruption :

Dear NRI Brothers and Sisters,

In whichever country you might be living at the moment, you might be remembering your motherland and will be delighted to know what's happening here. Yes, moments of great action is going on here since this great soul Anna Hazare took up hunger strike demanding implementation of a powerful anti-corruption Lok Pal Bill. Here's Anna's biography in brief:

1. Who is Anna Hazare?
An ex-army man. Fought 1965 Indo-Pak War

2. What's so special about him?
He built a village Ralegaon Siddhi in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra

3. So what?
This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is produced in the village itself from solar power, biofuel and wind mills. In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village. Now it is one of the richest village in India . It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-friendly & harmonic village.

4. Ok,...?
This guy, Anna Hazare was awarded Padma Bhushan and is a known figure for his social activities. He was also conferred with Raman Magsaysay Award in recognition of his outstanding social service.

5. Really, what is he fighting for?
He is supporting a cause, the amendment of a law to curb corruption in India .

6. How that can be possible?
He is advocating for a Bill, The Lok Pal Bill (The Citizen Ombudsman Bill), that will form an autonomous authority who will make politicians (ministers), beurocrats (IAS/IPS) accountable for their deeds.

7. It's an entirely new thing right..?
In 1972, the bill was proposed by then Law minister Mr. Shanti Bhushan. Since then it has been neglected by the politicians and some are trying to change the bill to suit thier theft (corruption).

8. Oh.. He is going on a hunger strike for that whole thing of passing a Bill ! How can that be possible in such a short span of time?
The first thing he is asking for is: the government should come forward and announce that the bill is going to be passed.
Next, they make a joint committee to DRAFT the LOK PAL BILL. 50% goverment participation and 50% public participation. Because you cant trust the government entirely for making such a bill which does not suit them.

9. Fine, What will happen when this bill is passed?
A LokPal will be appointed at the centre. He will have an autonomous charge, say like the Election Commission of India. In each and every state, Lokayukta will be appointed. The job is to bring all alleged party to trial in case of corruptions within 1 year. Within 2 years, the guilty will be punished. Not like, Bofors scam or Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, that has been going for last 25 years without any result.

10. Is he alone? Whoelse is there in the fight with Anna Hazare?
Baba Ramdev, Ex. IPS Kiran Bedi, Social Activist Swami Agnivesh, RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal and many more.
Prominent personalities like Aamir Khan is supporting his cause.

11. Ok, got it. What can I do?
* At least we can spread the message. How?
Putting status message, links, video, changing profile pics.
* At least we can support Anna Hazare and the cause for uprooting corruption from India.
* At least we can hope that his Hunger Strike does not go in vain.
* At least we can pray for his good health.

Good Luck to all of us and our Motherland!

Yours Truly,

Ganesh Potphode

Glorious Stamps and Cover from Australia

2011-08-16T11:12:00.011+04:00

Today I received much awaiting stamps from Australia, Complete series of Gold Medalist in 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Thanks to Robin Marsh. Rob has sent me one awesome cover with 6 Different stamps for Gold Medalist.

In Beijing, Rice won three gold medals (each in world record time) in the 200 m and 400 m individual medleys and in the 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay. In winning the 400m individual medley, Rice won her first Olympic medal, Australia's first gold medal of the games and their 400th Summer Olympic medal. Recording a time of 4:29.45, she reclaimed the world record from Hoff, bettering the mark by 1.67 seconds, and became the first woman to break the 4:30 mark in the event. (Kirsty Coventry also went under 4:30 in taking the silver) Her second gold medal of the games came on 13 August in the 200 m individual medley with a new world record time of 2:08.34. Rice prevailed after being neck and neck with Coventry throughout the last 50 m, who once again followed Rice to beat the old world record.On 14 August she won her third gold medal as part of the 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay team. She led off the team and Australia were in second place at the end of her leg.

Jones won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in 100 breaststroke, touching the line a full body length ahead of her rival. Her time of 1:05.17 was 1.66 s faster than the silver medalist Rebecca Soni. While she was the favorite to win in the 200 breaststroke, she was upset by American Rebecca Soni, who won gold in world record time. Jones took the silver. Leisel also won a gold medal in the 4×100m medley relay, with the Australian team breaking the previous world record by three seconds.
Jones was awarded the Telstra Swimmer Of The Year award as part of the year's international all-star team, in Sydney in October 2008.
At the World Cup meeting at Berlin, Germany, Jones set world records in the 100 and 200 m breaststroke (short course). Jones had a low key year and opted out of the World Championships.

At the Beijing Olympics, Trickett's first final was the 4×100 m freestyle capturing a bronze medal, despite a new Australian record, many felt it was still disappointing swim. Her next final was the 100 m butterfly which she captured Gold setting a new Australian record, making her the second fastest in that event in history. Trickett's next task was the 100 m freestyle, an event she was the world record holder, she was off to a great start in the opening 50 m and ahead of world record pace but faded badly in the last few meters to allow longtime rival Britta Steffen slip in and capture the gold. Trickett seemed to be on a continuous slide after that as she contested the 50 m freestyle (another event she was the world record holder) but did not even get on the podium finishing just outside the medals in fourth. In what seemed to be a terrible Olympics for Trickett, things finally turned when her last event was the 4×100 m medley relay. In what was a competitive race at early on, turned in the Aussies favor down the stretch as they captured gold and a new world record.

Women's 4 x 200 metre freestyle relay
The women's 4×200 metre freestyle relay event at the 2008 Olympic Games took place on 13th (Qualification) and 14 August (final) at the Beijing National Aquatics Centre. This swimming event used freestyle as a relay, with swimmers typically using the front crawl. Because an Olympic size swimming pool is 50 metres long, each of the four swimmers completed four lengths of the pool. The first swimmer had to touch the wall before the next could leave the starting block; timing of the starts was thus important.
Two heats were held, with each containing the maximum number of teams (eight). The heat in which a team competed did not formally matter for advancement, as the teams with the top eight times from the entire field qualified for the final; there, they all competed in a single final heat to earn final placements. A team could use different swimmers in the final than had swum in the heats.
There were 16 nations competing at this event. These 16 nations consisted on the 12 best placed teams at the 2007 World Aquatics Championships plus the 4 best times after the qualifying period.
Australia became the first non-American team to win this event since it was introduced at the 1996 games.
* Swimmers who participated in the heats only and received medals.
Australian precipitant in Women's 4 x 200 metre freestyle relay
Stephanie Rice 1:56.60 AR
Bronte Barratt 1:56.58
Kylie Palmer 1:55.22
Linda Mackenzie 1:55.91

Rowing at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's coxless pair
Men's coxless pair competition at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing was held between August 9 and 16, at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park.
This rowing event was a sweep event, meaning that each rower has one oar and rows on only one side. Two rowers crewed each boat, with no coxswain. The competition consists of multiple rounds. Finals were held to determine the placing of each boat; these finals were given letters with those nearer to the beginning of the alphabet meaning a better ranking. Semifinals were named based on which finals they fed, with each semifinal having two possible finals.
During the first round three heats were held. The top three boats in each heat advanced to the A/B semifinals, while all others were sent to the repechage. In the repechage, each boat had another chance to advance to the A/B semifinals, with the top three boats doing so. The remaining repechage finishers were sent to the C final.
Only A/B semifinals were held. For each of the two semifinal races, the top three boats moved on to the better of the two finals, while the bottom three boats went to the lesser of the two finals. For example, a second-place finish in an A/B semifinal would result in advancement to the A final.
The third and final round was the Finals. Each final determined a set of rankings. The A final determined the medals, along with the rest of the places through 6th. The B final gave rankings from 7th to 12th. The C final determined the places lower than 12th.

Drew Ginn
Drew Cameron Ginn, OAM, (born 20 November 1974, educated at Scotch College, Melbourne is an Australian rower and triple Olympic gold medallist.
Ginn won the men's coxless fours at the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics as part of Australia's Oarsome Foursome, along with Mike McKay, James Tomkins, and Nicholas Green; Ginn replaced the retired Andrew Cooper. Ginn and James Tomkins had planned to race the straight pair at the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics, but Ginn suffered a severe back injury, forcing him to withdraw from the boat.
In 2002, he returned to the water, teaming up with fellow Oarsome Foursome rower James Tomkins in the coxless pairs; they finished fourth in the 2002 World Championships. In 2003, Ginn and Tomkins were the surprise winners, beating the British favourites—and defending champions—Matthew Pinsent and James Cracknell, which was a factor in Pinsent and Cracknell choosing to move to the coxless fours. At the 2004 Summer Olympics, Ginn and Tomkins won the gold medal in the coxless pairs.
In 2006, Ginn made a return to international competition at the Rowing World Championships held at Dorney Lake, Eton. He and new pairs partner Duncan Free were able to win despite choppy tail conditions.
Drew Ginn has been keeping a blog of his rowing activities.
Scotch College, Melbourne, Ginn's former school, named a racing eight "Drew Ginn" in his honor. It won the APS Head of the River (Australia) as the schools 1st VIII boat in 1998.
In 2007, Drew Ginn and Duncan Free successfully defended their coxless pairs title, posting a time of 6:24.87 minutes—almost 6 seconds ahead of their New Zealand rivals who had stuck with them for the first 1000m before dropping behind to take the silver.
Early in 2008 Drew Ginn and 2007 World Championships gold medal winning partner Duncan Free, were pre-selected to compete for Australia at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Duncan Free
Duncan Free, (born 25 May 1973) is an Australian rower and Olympic medallist. Free was born in Hobart, Tasmania but currentlY lives on Queensland's Gold Coast.
Free was a member of Australia's quad sculls team at the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games winning a bronze medal at Atlanta in 1996. After the Athens Games, he took a year off before switching to sweep rowing and establishing a partnership with gold medallist Drew Ginn in the coxless pair. They won the world championships in 2006 and 2007 and the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Free also won the Henley Diamond Sculls in 2001.

Other Stamps :

Italy : 2010 YOG Stamp

2011-08-16T07:47:00.000+04:00

15th August: Happy Independence Day

2011-08-15T07:48:00.008+04:00

Wishing All Indian Brothers, Happy 64th Independance Day 2011

Pakistan : 1992 World cup stamp

2011-08-14T13:33:00.006+04:00

On the occasion of Pakistani Independence day
I am publishing this beautiful stamp Sent by Mr. Jawaid Sario from Hyderabad, Sindh

Cricket Champions of the World
Date of Issue : 02/03/1992

Lithuania : 2006 Torino Winter Olympic Stamp

2011-08-11T08:06:00.002+04:00

Thanks To : Mindaugas Bernatonis, (Vilnius )

Lithuania : 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Stamp

2011-08-10T08:01:00.003+04:00

Thanks To : Mindaugas Bernatonis, (Vilnius )

Lithuania : 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Stamp

2011-08-09T07:44:00.002+04:00

Thanks To : Mindaugas Bernatonis, (Vilnius )

Lithuania : 1992 Barcelona Olympic Stamps

2011-08-08T07:49:00.004+04:00

Thanks To : Mindaugas Bernatonis, (Vilnius )

UAE Stamps : Dubai Tennis Championships

2011-08-07T08:06:00.003+04:00

TECHNICAL DETAILS
Name of the Issue Dubai Tennis Championships - A not to be missed event
Release Date : 19/2/2007
Denominations : 1 Dhs, 3 Dhs.
Souvenir Sheet : Nil
Size : 30 x 40 mm in sheets of 20 stamps
Designer : Emirates Post
Printing Method : Lithographic
Printer : OESD Printing Press - Austria
Quantities : 50 000 each
Price of FDC : 5 Dhs.

New Zealand : 2008 Beijing Olympic Stamps

2011-08-06T15:15:00.003+04:00

Issue information
New Zealand has proudly been part of the Olympic movement since 1908, when we teamed up with Australia to compete under the banner of ‘Australasia’. We won our first medal the same year, with a bronze for Harry Kerr in the 3500-metre walk. In 1920 we sent our first official Olympic team, and since then our athletes have achieved remarkable success, winning gold in sports ranging from boxing to athletics, yachting, rowing, hockey, equestrian, canoeing, boardsailing, swimming, cycling and triathlon.

In this stamp issue New Zealand Post celebrated all of those New Zealanders who strive to achieve at the pinnacle of their chosen sport.

50c – Celebrate
Our 2008 Beijing Olympics stamp issue is a celebration of the event and the people who make the Olympics the ultimate sports event – those who’ve represented us with distinction in the past, and those who’ve proved they have the drive, the determination and the performance record to compete in 2008.

50c – Passion
The Olympics stamps depict four of the sports in which Kiwis have excelled – cycling, rowing, canoeing and athletics. Closely connected to our 2008 Children’s Health issue, the stamps share a similar design and illustrative style – demonstrating through words the link between the children of today and the sporting heroes of tomorrow.

$1.00 – Succeed
Olympic ‘success’ is measured in many ways – and a gold medal win is simply one of them. For New Zealanders, every athlete who represents our country is already a success; we’re hugely proud of their dedication to their sport, their willingness to train to the limits of their endurance, and their spirit of healthy competition wherever in the world their talents take them.

$2.00 - Motivate
With a long history of outstanding Olympic successes behind them, the 2008 New Zealand team had plenty of motivation! It’s a team spirit that has taken generations of teams from this small, isolated country to compete against the best in the world – and often to return victorious.

Technical information
Date of issue: 2 July 2008
Number of stamps: Four gummed
Denominations: 50c gummed (x2), $1.00, $2.00
Stamps and first day cover designed by: Martin Bailey, Auckland, New Zealand
Printer: Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography
Number of colours: Four process colours
Stamp size : Gummed: 35mm x 35mm
Paper type: Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper
Number of stamps per sheet: 25
Perforation gauge: Gummed: 14.25

Lithuania : 2000 Sydney Olympic Stamps

2011-08-04T15:07:00.003+04:00

Thanks To : Mindaugas Bernatonis, (Vilnius )

My Sent Covers from Dubai

2011-08-04T08:35:00.010+04:00

Dubai : 1972 Munich Olympic Stamps

2011-08-03T07:51:00.000+04:00

Lithuania : 1996 Atlanta Olympic Stamps

2011-08-02T08:30:00.001+04:00

Thanks To : Mindaugas Bernatonis, (Vilnius )