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Madrid 17.6.1981 - Benedict of Nursia

September 6, 2014, 7:34 pm
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Benedict of Nursia (c. 480 – 543 or 547) is a Christian saint, honoured by the Catholic Church and the Anglican Church as the patron saint of Europe and students.
Benedict founded twelve communities for monks at Subiaco, Italy (about 40 miles (64 km) to the east of Rome), before moving to Monte Cassino in the mountains of southern Italy. The Catholic Order of St Benedict and the Anglican Order of St Benedict are of later origin and, moreover, not an "order" as commonly understood but merely a confederation of autonomous congregations.

Benedict's main achievement is his "Rule of Saint Benedict", containing precepts for his monks. It is heavily influenced by the writings of John Cassian, and shows strong affinity with the Rule of the Master. But it also has a unique spirit of balance, moderation and reasonableness (ἐπιείκεια, epieikeia), and this persuaded most religious communities founded throughout the Middle Ages to adopt it. As a result, his Rule became one of the most influential religious rules in Western Christendom. For this reason, Benedict is often called the founder of western monasticism.

Thank you Maria.
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Singapore 28.2.2013 - Historic Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Timah Tailway Stations

September 7, 2014, 7:05 pm
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Featured in this set of four stamps (S$4.01) are the historic Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Timah railway stations. The Tanjong Pagar railway station, opened on 2 May 1932 by then Governor of Singapore, Sir Cecil Clementi, is a fine example of Modern Architecture with Neo-Classical and Art-Deco influences.
The Bukit Timah railway station, which was part of the three smaller railway stations (i.e. Alexandra and Tanglin Halt), was constructed to serve the suburban areas of Singapore.
Prior to the formation of Malaysia and independence of Singapore in 1965, border control between the two countries were non-existent. After border controls were established, the railway customs clearance coexisted in Tanjong Pagar station. In the 90's Singapore entered into an agreement with Malaysia to relocate the station and checkpoint in order to free up Tanjong Pagar train station's land for development purposes. Unfortunately the points of agreement were interpreted differently. Singapore moved its checkpoint to Woodlands while Malaysia was unwilling to budge its checkpoint, leaving it still in Tanjong Pagar.

This peculiar arrangement means that entry from Singapore to Malaysia by train would have to clear Malaysian customs when boarding at Tanjong Pagar. As the train moves to Woodlands, passengers will have to disembark and clear Singapore customs there. The result? Passengers was granted entry into Malaysia (they have cleared Malaysian customs in Tanjong Pagar) before clearing Singapore customs (they have not clear customs yet as the Singaporean checkpoint is at Woodlands). Imagine the potential confusion resulting from this!
This peculiarity aside, the train station itself is a marvel of a bygone colonial era. Marble colonnades and art deco architecture lent it an air of historical value. Its popularity is evident in that even after it ceased operations in 2011, the Singaporean public still applied to use the venue for events.

Featured together with the Tanjong Pagar railway station in this FDC is the Bukit Timah railway station. Unlike the terminus, this station is rather nondescript. It is in fact just a crossing loop station, not expecting to receive or disembark any passengers. Its historical value lies in the fact that it serviced the railway line between Singapore and Malaysia until Tanjong Pagar railway station ceased its operation.
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Brasilia 1.3.1978 - 1978 FIFA World Cup

September 8, 2014, 7:01 pm
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I am sure football fans are going to love this FDC and the stamps on it issued by Brazil to commemorate WC78.
 
The 1978 FIFA World Cup was the 11th staging of the FIFA World Cup, a quadrennial international football world championship tournament, which was held in Argentina between 1 and 25 June 1978.
The 1978 World Cup was won by Argentina who beat the Netherlands 3–1 after extra time in the final. This win was the first World Cup title for Argentina, who became the fifth team (after Uruguay, Italy, England and West Germany), to be both hosts and world champions. Argentina, the Netherlands and Brazil were the gold, silver and bronze medalists respectively. Iran and Tunisia made their first appearances in the finals.

The official match ball was the Adidas Tango.

This Worl Cup was not devoid of its fair share of controversy.A fact surrounding the 1978 World Cup was that Argentina had suffered a military coup only two years before the cup, a coup known as the National Reorganization Process. Less than a year before the World Cup, in September 1977, Interior Minister General Albano Harguindeguy, stated that 5,618 people had recently disappeared. The infamous Naval Mechanics School (known by its acronym ESMA) held concentration camp prisoners of the Dirty War and those held captive reportedly could hear the roars of the crowd during matches held at River Plate's Monumental Stadium, located only a mile away; prompting echoes of Hitler's manipulation of sports during the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Because of the political turmoil, some countries, most notably the Netherlands, considered publicly whether they should participate in the event. Despite this, all teams eventually took part without restrictions. Allegations that Dutch star Johan Cruyff refused to participate because of political convictions were denied by him 30 years later. More controversy surrounded the host, Argentina, as all of their games in the first round kicked off at night, giving the Argentines the advantage of knowing where they stood in the group. This issue would arise again in Spain 1982, which prompted FIFA to change the rules so that the final two group games in subsequent World Cups would be played simultaneously.

Further accusations surrounded the game Argentina and Peru played in the second round of the tournament. Argentina needed to win by a margin of four goals to proceed to the final and did so by defeating Peru by 6–0. However, claims that the Argentine military dictatorship interfered to ensure Argentina would defeat Peru, were denied by the Peruvian captain and several Peruvian players. Some accusations originated in the Brazilian media and pointed to the fact that the Peruvian goalkeeper had been born in Argentina. There is also an alleged deal, reported by the British media as an anonymous rumour, that involved the delivery of a large grain shipment to Peru by Argentina and the unfreezing of a Peruvian bank account that was held by the Argentine Central Bank. Another alleged deal, published by a Colombian drug lord in a controversial book, involved the Peruvian team being bribed without any political implications. A third alleged deal, claimed by a Peruvian leftist politician, encompassed sending 13 Peruvian dissidents exiled in Argentina back to Peru. On top of the contradictions between stories, no evidence is shown in any case.

The biggest surprise of this World Cup came in Group 3, where Austria finished ahead of Brazil. All this does not undermine this lovely FDC issued by Brazil to commemorate FIFA World Cup 1978.

Thank you Merja.
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Madrid 30.9.1981 - Spain's Exports

September 9, 2014, 7:01 pm
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This FDC with the 30 paseta stamp was issued on 30.9.1981 to highlight Spain’s motor vehicle, aircraft and heavy vehicle exports to many countries.

Thank you Maria.
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Santa Cruz Tenerife 16.7.1982 - EXFILNA 82

September 10, 2014, 7:05 pm
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This First Day Cover was issued during the stamp exhibition EXFILNA 82 in Spain. The cover as well as the stamp depict a perspective map of the Canary Islands Tenerife Island.

Tenerifeis the largest and most populous island of the seven Canary Islands; it is also the most populated island of Spain, with a land area of 2,034.38 square kilometres (785 sq mi) and 898,680 inhabitants, 43 percent of the total population of the Canary Islands. Tenerife is also the largest and most populous island of Macaronesia.
About five million tourists visit Tenerife each year, the most of any of the Canary Islands. Tenerife hosts one of the world's largest carnivals and the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is attempting to become a World Heritage Site. Tenerife is served by two airports, Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport, and is the tourism and economic centre of the archipelago.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island and the seat of the island council (cabildo insular). The city is capital of the autonomous community of Canary Islands (shared with Las Palmas), sharing governmental institutions such as Presidency and ministries. Between the 1833 territorial division of Spain and 1927 Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the sole capital of the Canary Islands, until a decree ordered that the capital of the Canary Islands be shared, as it remains at present.
The island is home to the University of La Laguna, which was founded in 1792 and is the oldest university in the Canaries. San Cristóbal de La Laguna (a World Heritage Site) is the second city of the island and the third one of the archipelago. The city of La Laguna was also capital of the Canary Islands until Santa Cruz replaced it in 1833.
Tenerife also has the highest elevation of Spain, a World Heritage Site that is the third largest volcano in the world from its base, El Teide. Also located on the island Macizo de Anaga since 2013 is Biosphere Reserve. The island's capital contains the architectural symbol of the Canary Islands, the modern Auditorio de Tenerife.
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Basel 3.5.2003 - EUROPA 2003 - Poster Art

September 11, 2014, 7:07 pm
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This 90c stamp was painted by the famous Swiss posterist Donald Brun in Basel in 1943. Switzerland used this lovely painting entitled “Vergissmargglinit” for its EUROPA series of stamps in 2003. The theme for EUROPA stamps in 2003 was “Poster Art”. If you observe carefully, you will see that the petals on the flowers are in fact postage stams. The cover has a mail box depicted on it too. Very appropriate for a stamp themed issue.
Thank you Maria.
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Vaduz7.6.1979 - Events and Anniversaries

September 12, 2014, 7:00 pm
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These three stamps were issued in 1979 by Liechtenstein to commemorate certain important events.

(a) The first stamp of 80 Rp was about Liechtenstein  Joining the Council of Europe.Liechtenstein acceded to the Council of Europe on 23 November 1978. On 13 December, the Council formally adopted the decision making Liechtenstein the 26th member of the Schengen area. On 19 December, border controls with that country will be lifted.

(b) The next stamp of 100 Rp was about Foreign Aid.

© The third stamp of 50 Rp was to commemorate The 50th Anniversary of the International Control of Radio Communications, CCIR. The International Radio Consultative Committee or Comité Consultatif International pour la Radio (CCIR) was founded in 1927 as part of the International Telecommunication Union at a conference in Washington, D.C.

Thank you Dear Merja.
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Vaduz 9.9.1986 - Farm produce

September 13, 2014, 7:05 pm
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The three lovely stamps on this 1986 FDC from Liechtenstein show vegetables available in the markets there. Here on the stamps are pictures of cabbages, artichokes, cauliflower and finally on the last stamp we have potatoes and onions.

The drawing on the cover is that of a traditional farm implement.

Thank you My friend Merja.
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Melbourne 22.10.1986 - International Year of Peace

September 14, 2014, 7:10 pm
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Berne 5.5.1999 - The ibex in the Gran Paradiso National Park and Vanoise national park.

September 15, 2014, 7:09 pm
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The theme for EUROPA stamps in 1999 was "Nature reserves and parks". Switzerland issued this stamp about the Ibex and the Reserves in the country.  

The Alpine ibex (Capra ibex), also known as the steinbock or bouquetin, is a species of wild goat that lives in the mountains of the European Alps. It is a sexually dimorphic species with larger males who carry larger, curved horns. The coat colour is typically brownish grey. Alpine ibex tend to live in steep, rough terrain above the snow line. They are also social, although adult males and females segregate for most of the year, coming together only to mate. Four distinct groups exist; adult male groups, female-offsping groups, groups of young individuals, and mixed sex groups.

During the breeding season, males fight for access to females and use their long horns in agonistic behaviours. After being extirpated from most areas by the 19th century, the Alpine ibex was reintroduced to parts of its historical range and all individuals living today descend from the stock in Gran Paradiso National Park in northwest Italy and from the neighbouring French valley of Maurienne, now part of the Vanoise National Park linked to the former. These two national parks are connected and have been especially created to help the ibex to thrive. The ibex is the emblem of the Gran Paradiso National Park and of the Vanoise national park. The species is currently listed as of least concern by the IUCN.

Thank youMaria.
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Copenhagen 7.9.1978 - Fishing industry in Denmark

September 16, 2014, 7:09 pm
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These four stamps were issued in Denmark in 1978 to highlight the various facets of the Danish fishing industry, namely -
·        (0.70) Fishing boats in Harbour.
·         (1.00) Eel Traps.
·         (0.80) Ship on Slipway.
·         (2.50) Drying of Fishing Nets. 
The fishing industry in Denmark operates around the coastline, from western Jutland to Bornholm. While the overall contribution of the fisheries sector to the country's economy is only about 0.5 percent, Denmark is ranked fifth in the world in exports of fish and fish products. Approximately 20,000 Danish people are employed in fishing, aquaculture, and related industries.
·         Denmark's coastline measures about 7,300 kilometres (4,500 mi) in length, and supports three types of fishery industries: for fish meal and fish oil, pelagic fishery for human consumption, and the demersal fishery for white fish, lobster and deep water prawns. The key ports for demersal fishing are Esbjerg, Thyborøn, Hanstholm, Hirtshals, and Skagen. The North Sea and Skagen account for 80% of the catches.
·         The Danish fishing fleet is noted for its economic democracy: the value of the catch is shared by everyone on the ship according to a pre-set scale, and this system unites the whole crew's interest in returning the largest possible catch. 
Thank you Merja.
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Melbourne 8.6.1983 - St John Ambulance Centenary

September 17, 2014, 7:17 pm
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Vaduz 4.12.1989 - Crystals

September 18, 2014, 7:13 pm
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The stamp on this Liechtenstein stamp of 1989 depicts a Calcite crystal. The stamp is one of a set of three on the subject of crystals.
Calcite is a carbonate mineral and the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate (CaCo3 ). 

The other polymorphs are the minerals aragonite and vaterite. Aragonite will change to calcite at 380–470°C, and vaterite is even less stable.

High-grade optical calcite was used in World War II for gun sights, specifically in bomb sights and anti-aircraft weaponry. Also, experiments have been conducted to use calcite for a cloak of invisibility. Microbiologically precipitated calcite has a wide range of applications, such as soil remediation, soil stabilization and concrete repair.

Thank you Merja.
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The Hague 14.6.1994 - Centenary of the ANWM

September 19, 2014, 6:54 pm
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These two stamps on the Dutch FDC of 1994 were issued to commemorate the Centenary of the ANWM.  The Royal Dutch Touring Club (Dutch, Algemene Nederlandse Wielrijdersbond or ANWB) is a travelers' association in the Netherlands, supporting all modes of travel. It's responsible for traffic signs and signage on roads and trails. It also offers test reports, travel services and roadside assistance, comparable to the German ADFC / ADAC.
ANWB was formed July 1, 1883 as Nederlandsche Vélocipèdisten-Bond (Dutch bicyclists' club) and renamed two years later. In 1905 the nameKoninklijke Nederlandse Toeristenbond (Royal Dutch Tourist Club) was adopted. ANWB has over four million members, and is the largest nonprofit association in the Netherlands.
In the 20th century, the association expanded to include motorists, hikers, equestrians, motorcyclists, as well as participants in water sports, winter sports and camping.
The second stamp or the one on the right was also issued as The 1994 FEI World Equestrian Games were held in The Hague, Netherlands from July 27 to August 7, 1994. They were the second edition of the games which are held every four years and run by the FEI.
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Solar Eclipse over Australia 1978

September 20, 2014, 7:10 pm
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The special postmark  by Australian post was used to mark the Solar Eclipse in Australia on 23rd October 1978 when the zone of totality passed over SE Australia. Many scientific experiments were conducted during this period.

Thank you Maria.
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Bophuthatswana - Platinum in the chemical industry

September 21, 2014, 7:04 pm
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Four postage stamps commemorating platinum, issued on August 15, 1979, are of particular historical interest. 4c stamp shows pouring of platinum and an African worker, 15c, 20c and 25c  stamps summarize the importance of platinum in the chemical industry, in telecommunications satellites and in jewelry. The stamps were issued by Bophuthatswana, a bantustan (homeland) in the Republic of South Africa.

At the time, Bophuthatswana consisted of seven enclaves dispersed in northwest South Africa. The homeland was set up to house Setswana-speaking peoples, with its capital, Mmabatho, situated in an area bordering Botswana. Bophuthatswana was given nominal self-rule in 1971, and became independent on December 6, 1977. A head of state was appointed by the South African government, but the new country was not recognized as independent by any government other than that of South Africa and Israel. In 1983, it had more than 1,430,000 inhabitants. Two attempted coups were suppressed by South Africa.
Thank you Dear Maria.

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European Campaign for the Countryside

September 22, 2014, 7:14 pm
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Aware that the countryside represents 80% of Europe and that one European in three is a country-dweller, so that the grave crisis in rural society today affects society as a whole.

Convinced that the countryside's human potential, solid economic values and ecological and cultural heritage form major assets for European society.
Having taken note of the report on the 1988 European Campaign for the Countryside - A new management approach for rural areas, presented by the Committee on the Environment, Regional Planning and Local Authorities was drawn up in the areas of Agriculture, Farmhouses, Plants (Flora), Roads and Trees.

The stamp (about agriculture) on this FDC is one of a set of three highlighting the importance of the European Campaign.

Thank you Merja.

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1992 EUROPA - Spain - 500th Anniversary of the voyages of Christopher Columbus

September 23, 2014, 6:56 pm
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These two stamps issued by Spain  on 5.5.1992 were on account of the ongoing EUROPA CEPT series of stamps. The theme for EUROPA stamps in 1992 was “Discovery of America” commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the voyages of Christopher Columbus to the New World. 

In the early modern period, the voyages of Christopher Columbus initiated European exploration and colonization of the American continents and are thus of great significance in world history. Christopher Columbus was a navigator and an admiral for Spain. He made four voyages to the Americas, the first being in 1492 which resulted in the "discovery of America" from a European point of view.

The discovery of America has been attributed to others depending on context and definition. Some argue that Asians migrating across the Bering Strait to North America in prehistoric times (between 12,000 and 42,000 years ago) were the first to "discover" America. Others point to the Vikings which established a short-lived settlement in Newfoundland circa 1000. While Columbus was possibly not the first European to voyage to the New World and did not reach the mainland until his third voyage in 1498, his discovery led to the widespread knowledge of the existence of a new continent, for the first time in history. The breakthrough in geographical science led to the colonization of the New World by major European sea powers and is sometimes cited as the start of the Modern Era.

Thank you Maria.
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Opening of the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne

September 24, 2014, 7:03 pm
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Souvenir postal cover issued by Australia Post on 15 Nov 1978, to commemorate the official opening of the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne. Includes 20c "Little Grebe" stamp, a postal stamp incorporating official West Gate Bridge Authority logo and a stamp of an Australia Post mail van with the words the "First Official Mail Across West Gate".

The West Gate Bridge is a steel box girder cable-stayed bridge in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It spans the Yarra River, just north of its mouth into Port Phillip, and is a vital link between the inner city (CBD) and Melbourne's western suburbs; with the industrial suburbs in the west and with the city of Geelong, 80 kilometres (50 mi) to the south-west. It is one of the busiest road corridors in Australia.

The main river span is 336 metres (1,102 ft) in length, and the height above the water is 58 metres. The total length of the bridge is 2,582.6 metres (8,473.1 ft). It is the second longest in Australia behind the Houghton Highway and its twin the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge, and is twice as long as theSydney Harbour Bridge. It is one of the highest bridges in Australia, most notably trailing that of the more iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The bridge passes over Westgate Park, a large environmental and recreational reserve created during the bridge's construction. The bridge carries up to 200,000 vehicles per day.

Thank you Maria.
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Barcelona Olympic Games

September 25, 2014, 7:12 pm
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While the Actual Games were held in July/August 1992, these two first day covers and the three stamps on them were issued on 6.3.1992 as the Pre Olympic Games series of stamps. The three stamps depict the sports of Archery, Sailing and Volleyball. The two covers dict archery and sailing respectively.

The 1992 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event celebrated in Barcelona, Spain, in 1992. The International Olympic Committee voted in 1986 to separate the Summer and Winter Games, which had been held in the same year since 1924, and place them in alternating even-numbered years, beginning in 1994. The 1992 Summer Games were the last to be staged in the same year as the Winter Games. Due to the end of the Cold War, these games were the first without boycotts since 1972. In fact the Olympics was the final success of the former Soviet Union (despite only part of it taking part), and biggest of the "Olympic flag" (Nations from the former USSR competed as the Unified Team, coming 1st in the overall rankings).
Barcelona, the birthplace of then-IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch and the second largest city of Spain, was selected over Amsterdam, Belgrade, Birmingham, Brisbane and Paris in Lausanne, Switzerland, on October 17, 1986, during the 91st IOC Session. It had bid for the 1936 Summer Olympics, losing out to Berlin.

Thank you Maria.
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