New Year’s Greeting FDC(Year of snake) from TAIWAN

FDC Name:New Year’s Greeting(Year of Snake)
Issue Date:3rd DEC'2012
Details:

2013 marks the Chinese New Year of the Snake, and Chunghwa Post has issued a new set of New Year’s Greeting Postage Stamps with two stamps and a souvenir sheet featuring the upcoming year’s animal sign.The two stamps are denominated at NT$3.5 and NT$13, respectfully; the souvenir sheet, NT$12.

In keeping with the pop modern art and traditional Chinese ink-wash styles of the 2010 and 2011 issues, the vignette of each of the stamps features an artistically papercutted snake or a pair of snakes colored in bright yellow and royal purple against a pale-orange background with random yellow splatters. The bright color scheme spotlights the joyous atmosphere of the Year of the Snake. The designs follow:

1. NT$3.50 Stamp: The long bodies curled against each other in symmetry and the heads pointing to opposite directions, this pair of snakes represents the spirit of “one mind” and symbolizes “warmth and all one’s wishes will come true.”

2. NT$13.00 Stamp: The snake’s head surges forward, with the plump, curved body curling behind. The snake looks spirited and ready to spring into action. This image represents “courage” and symbolizes “marching ahead bravely.”

3. NT$12.00 Souvenir Sheet: With its upper body standing erect and the head tilting to one side to face its curved tail, this snake signifies “mettle,” and reflects the spirit of “sprightliness and “everything goes according to one’s wishes.”

To add to collectivity and philatelic interest, two press sheets are included in the issue for sale on the same day. Each of these uncut sheets consists of two panes of 20 stamps, with denominations of NT$3.50 and NT$13.00 respectively. Printer’s markings remain on the sheet margin. Also included are a poster tube for storing the press sheet and a certificate of authenticity. Launched in 2009, this series of philatelic items are produced in limited quantities, and very much worth collecting.

This set of stamps features the work of Chen Peiyi, who won the third round competition in the fourth rotation to design the stamps. They are printed by Cardon Enterprise Co., Ltd. in color offset. (Source-Chunghwa Post)

Remark: Thanks Chen for sending 2 FDC on the issue date.Both the local cancellations are great for a collector.They were so clear and beautiful.

Deep-Sea Creatures in Souvenir Sheets FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:Deep-Sea Creatures in Taiwan Souvenir Sheets
Issue Date:12th DEC'2012(12-12-12)
Details:

To increase understanding about deep sea creatures, Chunghwa Post has issued two souvenir sheets featuring animals that live in the mesopelagic zone of waters near Taiwan. Their designs follow:
Souvenir Sheet A: includes four stamps
1. Eurypharynx pelecanoides (NT$10): This mesopelagic and bathyalpelagic fish lives at depths of 500-3,000 meters. Despite its huge mouth, the fish mostly preys on small crustaceans due to its tiny teeth and stomach that can’t be over-stretched.
2. Argyropelecus aculeatus (NT$12): Commonly known as the Atlantic silver hatchetfish, it lives at depths of 200-1,000 meters. Its flat silver body resembles a mirror, reflecting the colors of its surroundings to camouflage itself. The light organs along its belly also help it conceal itself by producing light that hides its own shadow.
3. Bufoceratias shaoi (NT$10): This species lives at depths of 500-1,200 meters. Its body is globular in shape but slightly flatter on the sides. The tip of its first dorsal fin has evolved to become a light organ called the illicium or esca, which contains many symbiotic bioluminescent bacteria. The esca can emit light to lure curious prey—hence its Chinese nickname: “lantern fish.”
4. Regalecus glesne (NT$12): This mesopelagic fish is found at depths ranging from the surface to 1,000 meters. There have been occasional sightings of it in waters off the coast of Taiwan. The world’s longest bony fish, it can grow up to 11 meters. It is nicknamed the “earthquake fish” in Taiwan because it is often spotted by fishermen after earthquakes.
The marginal inscription features Leptocephalus (upper left corner), Ctenophora (lower right corner) and Bobtail squid (lower left corner).
Souvenir Sheet B: includes one stamp

Histioteuthis celetaria pacifica (NT$25): This species lives at depths of 300-500 meters. Densely covered with light organs, its body can emit just the right amount of light to camouflage itself. One of its eyes has evolved to be larger than the other so as to help it search for prey.The marginal inscription features Pyrosoma sp. (upper left corner), Tomopteris sp. (right), Malacosteus niger (bottom) and Gnathophausia sp. (bottom left).
To highlight the bioluminescent characteristics of these deep sea creatures, the luminescent parts of these animals are printed in luminous ink, giving the stamps a charming effect under darkness. Furthermore, in order to illustrate the color of the silver hatchetfish, it is hot stamped with holographic foil.(Source-Chunghwa Post)

Remark:Thanks Shi Ching Chen for sending such nice FDC by registered post.Great issues by Chunghwa Post.I hope I will get such beautiful FDC in the year-2013 also.This is also a official 12-12-12 issue.

12-12-12 Cover from StampSathi

Cover Name:12-12-12

Remark:A nice cover posted on 12-12-12 by StampSathi to me.Though the post mark was not clear.In India most of the postmark are very bad compare to other country.India Post should change the cancellation to better standard.

Christmas 2012 FDC from MOLDOVA

FDC Name:Christmas 2012
Issue Date:01-12-2012
Details: 
 The technical details of 2 value stamps are as follows

Paper Type: Coated	Perforation: Comb 13 Syncopated	Watermark: None
Size (mm): Stamps = 34.00 x 34.00. Stamps & Labels 68.00 x 34.00	Designer: Alexandru Kornienco	Euro Price Guide (MNH): Set of 2v = 1.00. Set of 2v + labels = 1.50
Full Sheet Composition: 8 (3x3+label)	Printer: Nova Imprim, Chişinău	Special Notes:Total Official FDC printed only 400.Source-Moldovan.org
Print Process: Offset	Print Quantities: No. 817 = 200,000. No. 818 = 67,000. No. 817Zf = 25,000. No. 818Zf = 8,375.

Remark:Thanks Gheorghe Plugaru for sending this FDC on the issue date by registered post . Looking forward for more exchange in the year 2013.

Santa and Sleigh FDC from USA

FDC Name:Santa and Sleigh
Issue Date: 13 OCT 2012
Details:

The Santa and Sleigh block of four was the work of California artist Paul Rogers. Following what seems to have become a long-standing custom, the stamps will be issued at the ASDA National Postage Stamp Show in New York in October. No plans were announced for new traditional (religious) Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa stamps.(source-USPS)

Remark:Thanks Mark L Goodman from USA for sending such a nice 4 value stamps on a cover & posted on the issue date.Looking forward for more such beautiful stamps on 2013.

Christmas FDC from LATVIA

FDC Name:Christmas
Issue Date:01-12-2012
Details:

Latvijas Pasts has been releasing stamps dedicated to Christmas since 1992, and two new additions to the series are made this year. The design of the new stamps draws on traditional Christmas themes - a Christmas tree and gifts hidden under it. The first-day cover depicts a winter scene with a house surrounded by fir trees covered with snow and a snowman, while the cancellation depicts a decorated Christmas tree. The new stamps were designed by artist Lilija Dinere.

The stamp with a denomination of LVL 0.35, suitable for mailing a regular letter within Latvia, has a print run of 1,200,000. The stamp with a denomination of LVL 0.60, suitable for mailing a regular letter outside the European Union, has a print run of 200,000.

Remark:Thanks Juris for sending such nice Christmas FDC.This is my 1st Christmas FDC & Stamps in this year 2012.The design of both the stamps are beautiful.I am sorry for the late posting of this FDC in my blog.I wish you all Happy New Year-2013.

Ancient Chinese Painting “Three Friends and a Hundred Birds” Souvenir sheets FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:Ancient Chinese Painting “Three Friends and a Hundred Birds”
Issue Date:22nd NOV'2012
Details:

To promote appreciation of the beauty of ancient Chinese art, Chunghwa Post is releasing two souvenir sheets on the painting “Three Friends and a Hundred Birds” by the Ming Dynasty painter Pien Wen-chin from the National Palace Museum collection. The first souvenir sheet features three stamps, each highlighting a portion of the original masterpiece, with denominations of NT$5, NT$10, and NT$12. The second sheet features the full scroll with a denomination of NT$70.The designs of the souvenir sheets follow: 

Pien Wen-chin was an important bird-and-flower painter at the early Ming Dynasty court. His work blends the meticulous and exuberantly colored style of the great Northern Song master Huang Ch’üan with the Southern Song court painting tradition. The highly decorative painting features nearly 100 birds perched on bamboo, as well as pine and plum blossom branches. Court paintings of its era often carry symbolic meanings to denote auspiciousness. The “Three Friends of the Winter” refer to pine, bamboo, and plum blossom. Among them, plum blossom symbolizes integrity for its cold hardiness; bamboo is a homonym of a Chinese character that means “blessing,” and pine symbolizes longevity. Though the painting depicts 97 birds, it includes “a hundred birds” in the title to indicate the multitude of birds being featured. Furthermore, the number 100 is regarded as auspicious in Chinese. In consideration of the fact that it was painted for the court, it may also signify “the hundred birds pay homage to the phoenix,” an expression of great reverence. Resembling a spot in a mountain forest where 100 birds have gathered, the entire scroll is fascinating.

For the first time ever in this Post, the souvenir sheet featuring the entire scroll is printed on silk paper. The elegant silk further helps to shine a spotlight on the fine strokes of this masterpiece. A pictorial and a stamp folio featuring both souvenir sheets will also be released on the issuing date of the stamps. The cover of the pictorial is made of hard golden paper with red and black foil stamping, and the front features a fabric paper printed with colorful flowers and birds. The folio is with a classical golden paper cutting to gracefully show up the souvenir sheet printed on silk. Both designs are extremely elegant.The set of stamps are designed by Delta Design Corporation and printed by Cartor Security Printing (France) in color offset.Source-Chunghwa Post.

Remark:Thanks Ching Chen for sending this extra ordinary silk paper souvenir sheet FDC.

Latvian Olympic medal winners - Maris Stromberg, Martin and John Pļaviņa Šmēdiņam FDC from LATVIA

FDC Name:Latvian Olympic medal winners - Maris Stromberg, Martin and John Pļaviņa Šmēdiņam
Issue Date:23-11-2012
Details:

XXX Olympic Games London 2012 medal winners Latvian Post issued two stamps - one depicts a gold medal in BMX cycling sport Maris Strombergs, the second - the bronze medal in beach volleyball Martins Plavins and John Šmēdiņš. Each postage stamp print run of 20 000 copies, and a par value of U.S. $ 0.35, which corresponds to a simple mail transfer territory of Latvian Republic.

XXX Olympic Games London 2012 medal winners Postage stamps used Ilmars Znotiņa photographer captured images of athletes. Stamps, first day covers and stamp designed by artist Girts mouth.

Maris Strombergs is twofold and only Olympic champion in BMX cycling men. In 2008, the athlete won a gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games, in 2010, won the World Championship in BMX, but in 2012 again became the Olympic champion. Maris Strombergs awarded Three Stars of the sporting achievements.

Martins Plavins and John Šmēdiņš a Latvian beach volleyball - the London Olympic bronze medal winners. 2012 season is the third full luminescence Martin and John Šmēdiņa joint season. Besides silver medals in the London Olympics v olejbolisti got bronze medals at the European Championships in Berlin, the silver medalist in the World Cup stage in Marseilles, while the World Championships in Rome athletes won fourth place, which is the best achievement in Latvian beach volleyball history.

Latvian Post issued a second stamp in honor of Maris Stromberg - the first was devoted to the athlete's achievements in the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. 2000 Latvian Post a postage stamp depicting the Sydney Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics Igor Vihrovu, while in 1996 it was issued postage stamps block of Olympic Sports Atlanta 1996, postage stamps depicting four Latvian Olympic champions Javelin - Inese Jaunzemi, Elvira Jones Janis Lusis and Daini litter.Source-Latvia Post.

Remark:Thanks Juris Tarvids for sending such lovely FDC.

Protected Mammal Species FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:Protected Mammal Species in Taiwan
Issue date: 7th NOV'2012

Details:

To introduce protected endemic mammal subspecies of Taiwan, Chunghwa Post has released a set of four stamps on November 7, 2012. The designs of the stamps follow:

1. Paguma larvata taivana (NT$5): This species is found in the mountainous regions of Taiwan proper, Green Island, and Orchid Island. Its name in Chinese—“white nose civet”—comes from the white vertical stripe that runs from its nose to the area between its ears. Retractable claws like those of a cat make it a good tree climber. This civet will wrap its tail around branches to prevent itself from falling off a tree.

2. Mustela nivalis formosana (NT$5): This species is distributed in mountainous regions at an altitude of at least 2,500 meters. Its range includes the Snow, Hehuan, and Jade mountains. The weasel is short and small, with a short tail and legs. Its throat, chest, and belly are white, whereas the rest of its body is brown.

3. Martes flavigula chrysospila (NT$10): This species can be found in the mountainous regions of national parks in central and southern Taiwan, as well as the Dawushan and Wutoushan nature reserves. The animal sports a bright color coat. The golden yellow fur around its neck resembles a luxurious scarf. Its waist is darker in color, and its limbs and tail are blackish brown.

4. Viverricula indica pallida (NT$25): This species, also called “pen cat” in Chinese, is found in Yangmingshan, roadsides along the Northern Cross-Island Highway and mountainous regions of the Southern Cross-Island Highway, Kenting, the East Coast Mountain Range, and the Fushan Botanical Garden. The animal’s anal gland and musk gland can emit a secretion with unusual odor. It has six black and tan stripes stretching from its shoulder to the base of its tail on its back. On the sides of its chest and waist there are some black markings of various sizes. It has a black and off-white ring tail.

The stamps are planned by life science professor Lin Liang-kong of Tunghai University and instructor Qi Wei-lien of National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, designed by Delta Design Corporation, and printed by Cardon Enterprise Co., Ltd. in color offset.Source-Chunghwa Post.

Remark:Thanks Chen for the nice FDC sent by registered post on the issue date.The local first day cancellation is great.

INDIA - ISRAEL Joint Issue FDC from INDIA

FDC Name:India Israel Joint Issue
Issue Date:5th NOV'2012
Details:

The governments of India and Israel have jointly issued two commemorative stamps of INR 5.00 each to mark 20 years of diplomatic relations as a sign of cooperation between the countries.

The theme of the stamps is "Festival of Lights" - Israel's stamp features the menorah with the word "Zion" inscribed inside a magen david star, and India's shows a row of lamps, representing the Indian holiday of Deepavali.

The menorah featured on the stamp was inspired by the wooden menorah used by the Jewish community in Bombay, India.

Israel and India established full diplomatic relations in 1992. Israel opened its embassy in New Delhi in February, although it operated at a somewhat limited capacity.

The friendly ties between these two countries have flourished ever since and currently include agricultural cooperation, joint scientific and technological development, water management collaboration, thriving trade and more. 

One Sheetlet has also isueed for INR 100.00.The sheetlet was printed in limited quantity of 30,000.

Remark:Thanks Debasish Mitra for sending this FDC on the issued date by speed post.The design of stamps & the cover is good .

Cartoon Animation Toy Story FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name: Toy Story
Issue Date:23rd OCT'2012
Details:

To inspire interest in philately among youths, Chunghwa Post features “Toy Story,” an animated movie popular among youngsters, as the subject of two self-adhesive souvenir sheets. Each souvenir sheet includes three NT$5-denominated stamps, and two NT$12-denominated stamps.

A series of 3 “Toy Story” were released from 1995 to 2010. “Toy Story 3” won Best Animated Feature Film of the Year in the Academy Award. The films follow the amazing adventures of young boy Andy’s toys to highlight the value of friendship, faith and trust. The souvenir sheets feature the animated characters of the films: Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Hamm, Rex, Bullseye, Aliens, Mr. Pricklepants, Peas-in-a-Pod, Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear, Trixie and Buttercup. Illustrations of the colorful indoors and outdoors of the animated films serve as the backgrounds of the souvenir sheets; the magical cinematic moments are immortalized in tiny squares of the stamp.Source-Chunghwa Post web.

Remark: Thanks Chen for sending such a beautiful FDC by registered post on the issue date on Toy Story.Both the first day cancellation is great.Two round stamps are very attractive.A remarkable real posted FDC.

50 Years of The Australian Ballet from Australia Post

Stamp Name:50 Years of The Australian Ballet
Details:

In 2012, The Australian Ballet marks 50 years in an illustrious history, and Australia Post is celebrating with the release of two domestic base-rate (60c) stamps. A range of collectables is also available to mark this remarkable milestone in Australia's cultural life.

Australia's premier ballet company is notable for its classical and contemporary dance repertoire, and also for the versatility, technical skill and warmth its dancers bring to performances. The company's full-time ensemble of dancers attracts both audience and critical acclaim - accolades it has enjoyed throughout its history - performing outstanding works created by both Australian and international choreographers.

The stamps and products were designed by Jo Muré from the Australia Post Design Studio, and feature the photographs of Georges Antoni.

The stamp issue features a limited-edition (15,000) postal and numismatic cover (PNC), which presents a 50 cent uncirculated, cupro-nickel coin designed by Aaron Baggio for the Royal Australian Mint.

Personal Greeting Stamps – The Language of Flowers FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:Personal Greeting Stamps – The Language of Flowers
Issue Date:28th SEP'2012
Details:

To provide more custom design options, Chunghwa Post has issued a second set of ten stamps featuring the “language of flowers” on September 28, 2012. This series is a follow-up to the “Personal Greeting Stamps – Travel in Taiwan,” issued on September 27, 2011. The different denominations are distinguished by different background colors. The designs follow:

1. Cotton rose: daintiness. Comely and graceful, cotton roses always manage to stand out in a sea of flowers. They are often used to describe ladies of extraordinary beauty.

2. Bird-of-Paradise: passion. It is known for its distinguished, moon-gazing crane shape. The colors are a bright, flaming red. Bird-of-paradise also represents freedom, fulfillment and bliss.

3. Clary sage: respect. Clary sage comes in pink and bluish purple. It represents longevity and defense against bad fortunes.

4. Dancing lady orchid: gentleness. Dancing lady orchid inspires an impression of dancing butterflies. Small, dainty yellow blossoms hang around the stalks like tiny bells.

5. Zinnia: everlastingness. Zinnia is known for its long flowering period. When in full bloom, the flowers seem to tower one another. It therefore also represents elevation in status.

6. Tagetes erecta: health. The petals are full and bright, with a relatively long flowering period. As a flower species, Tagetes erecta is popular for its vitality.

7. Chinese hibiscus: grace. The blossoms are flamboyant and pleasing to the eye. Chinese hibiscus also represents new love.

8. Fragrant olive: humility. The blossoms are exquisite and sweet with fragrance. Its Chinese moniker, “Gui,” is also homonymous with the Chinese word, “value.” The flower therefore is seen as a symbol of status and prosperity.

9. Flowering crab apple: warmth. The flower blooms in spring, and brings with it the welcoming warmth of the season. Known for its magic spell, crab apple is also lovingly called, “understand me.”

10. Hydrangea: hope. Hydrangea flowers thrive in the warmth of spring. They are the vanguard of a new season.

The stamps are designed by Up Creative Design & Advertising Corporation and printed in color offset by China Color Printing Co., Ltd.

Remark:Thanks Ching Chen for sending this nice 10v set of stamps on the issue date by registered post.

Autumn Greetings 2012 stamps & FDC from JAPAN

FDC Name:Autumn Greetings 2012.
Issue Date: 21st SEP'2012
Details:

The Japanese Post celebrates the autumn by issuing a series of self-adhesive Autumn Greetings 2012 stamps. This is the first issue of Autumn Greetings stamps in Japan. The stamps depict newly introduced character Poskuma and worldly popular Teddy Bear. Poskuma is a post worker bear which loves flowers and eat honey toasts for breakfast. 

Remark:Thanks Kouichi Negishi of CCCC for sending this beautiful FDC on the issue date.

Maria Bieşu FDC from MOLDOVA

FDC Name:Maria Bieşu
Issue Date:7th SEP'2012
Details:

Maria Bieşu (August 3, 1935 – May 16, 2012) was a Moldovan opera singer. Debuting in 1961, she eventually went on to become the chief vocalist of the Chişinău Opera and Ballet Theater. Her artistic excellence brought her international recognition and invitations to sing in other countries, including Italy, where she performed at the Milan Opera from 1965 to 1967.

Technical Details:

Paper Type:Coated

Perforation 14:14½

Watermark:None

Size(mm): 46.00 x 27.50

Designer: Elena Karacenţev

Full Sheet Composition: 10 (2x5)

Printer: Nova Imprim, Chişinău

Print Process: Offset

Quantity Printed: Official FDC = 300

Remark:Thanks Gheorghe for sending this FDC by registered post on the issue date.This will add to my collection of real posted FDC.Many many thanks again.

Teas of Taiwan Souvenier Sheet FDC from TAIWAN

FDC Name:Teas of Taiwan
Issue Date:12-09-2012
Details:

Teas produced in Taiwan are celebrated around the world for their quality. They are grown in northern, central, southern and eastern Taiwan. A rich diversity of specialty teas and production methods have driven tea-growing areas around Taiwan to redefine the international tea industry with kaleidoscopic, aromatic offerings. Based on the degree of fermentation, teas are categorized into several kinds: non-fermented tea (green tea), fully-fermented tea (black tea) and partially fermented varieties. The last is widely known as “Baozhong tea” in Taiwan’s academic circle; it is further categorized by the differences of shape: “strip,” “semi-ball type” and “ball type.” The latter two are commonly known as Oolong tea and Tieguanyin tea.

To encourage better understanding in teas, Chunghwa Post features Baozhong, Tieguanyin, Black tea, Oolong and Oriental Beauty teas as theme for “Teas of Taiwan Souvenir Sheet” with five stamps, was issued on September 12, 2012. The bottom of every stamp is accentuated with the featured tea variety and a cup of tea, and each stamp is set against the tourist attraction of the tea region in single color, complemented by a miniature teapot cutout on the upper right corner. Marginal inscription of the souvenir sheet is inspired by a tea-drinking scenario that manifests the timelessness of Taiwan’s tea culture. The designs follow:

1. Baozhong tea (NT$10): A lightly fermented tea, the tealeaves have a cord-like shape. The tea liquid is honey-gold in color with a pleasant aroma, and a smooth, refreshing taste. It is grown primarily in Pinglin, Shiding in New Taipei City and Wenshan, Nangang in Taipei City. The backdrop of the stamp is set against the Pinglin Tea Museum.

2. Tieguanyin tea (NT$10): A partially fermented tea, Tieguanyin is more oxidized than Oolongs. The tealeaves are rolled into miniature balls, and the tea liquid is amber in color, with a slightly acidic and fruity zest; it is mellow, sweet and smooth to the taste. Tieguanyin is produced primarily in Muzha in Taipei City. The Maokong Gondola is the backdrop of the design.

3. Black tea (NT$10): A fully fermented variety, the tealeaves come in tiny strips and crushed shreds. The tea liquid is a beautiful reddish brown with a light caramel aroma and rich flavor. Black teas are grown mostly in Yuchi in Nantou County and Ruisui in Hualian. The stamp is set against the Sun Moon Lake wharf.

4. Oolong tea (NT$10): A partially fermented tea, Oolongs are unique for their semi-ball shaped or ball shaped leaves. The tea liquid is bright golden-yellow with strong fragrance. Nantou and Jiayi Counties are the primary Oolong-growing regions. The famed Alishan Forest Train is the backdrop of this stamp.

5. Oriental Beauty tea (NT$10): Synonymous with White Tip Oolong, this variety is heavily fermented. The leaves are attached to the twigs, with five colors interspersed across to form a flower-shaped pattern. The liquid is reddish orange that smacks of nectar or ripe fruit, with a rich and smooth aroma. The tea is grown in Emei, Beipu in Xinzhu County, Toufen in Miali County, Pinglin and Shiding in New Taipei City. The stamp features the suspension bridge astride Emei Lake in the backdrop.

The stamps are designed by Up Creative Design & Advertising Corporation, printed by Cardon Enterprise Co., Ltd. in color offset.Source-Chunghwa Post.

Remark:Thanks Chen for such a wonderful FDC sent on issue date by registered post.

Biodiversity Train Special Cover from INDIA

Spl.Cover:Biodiversity
Issue Date:28th July 2012
Details:

Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life forms within a given species, ecosystem, biome, or an entire planet. Biodiversity is a measure of the health of ecosystems. Biodiversity is in part a function of climate. In terrestrial habitats, tropical regions are typically rich whereas polar regions support fewer species.

Rapid environmental changes typically cause mass extinctions. One estimate is that less than 1% of the species that have existed on Earth are extant

Since life began on Earth, five major mass extinctions and several minor events have led to large and sudden drops in biodiversity. The Phanerozoic eon (the last 540 million years) marked a rapid growth in biodiversity via the Cambrian explosion—a period during which the majority of multicellularphyla first appeared. The next 400 million years included repeated, massive biodiversity losses classified as mass extinction events. In the Carboniferous, rainforest collapse led to a great loss of plant and animal life. The Permian–Triassic extinction event, 251 million years ago, was the worst; vertebrate recovery took 30 million years. The most recent, the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event, occurred 65 million years ago, and has often attracted more attention than others because it resulted in the extinction of the dinosaurs.

The period since the emergence of humans has displayed an ongoing biodiversity reduction and an accompanying loss of genetic diversity. Named the Holocene extinction, the reduction is caused primarily by human impacts, particularly habitat destruction. Conversely, biodiversity impacts human health in a number of ways, both positively and negatively.
The United Nations designated 2011-2020 as the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity.
Remark: Thanks Vanket for sending this special cover on the issue date.

150th birthday of Augusts Deglavs FDC form LATVIA

FDC Name:150th birthday of Augusts Deglavs
Issue Date:9th AUG'2012
Details:

FDC released to mark the 150th birthday of the Latvian writer and press worker Augusts Deglavs. The envelope, designed by artist Ģirts Grīva, displays a portrait of Augusts Deglavs, while the cancellation depicts a pen with a quill. One thousand of the special envelopes will be released, available for purchase for LVL 0.35.

Deglavs was born on August 9, 1862, and is known to Latvians as a writer, press worker, book publisher and participant of the New Current movement of Latvian intellectuals. Deglavs is the author of several stories and novels, and one of the pioneers of the novel genre in Latvian literature. His best-known novels are Riga, Zeltīte, Flame, New World, and Between Two Fires. Deglavs was an active contributor to the newspapers Tiesu Vēstnesis, Tēvija, Baltijas Vēstnesis, Dienas Lapa and Mājas Viesis, and worked as the editor of Jaunā Dienas Lapa from 1915 to 1917. Augusts Deglavs died on April 3, 1922. He was buried in the Forest Cemetery in Riga.Source-Lativa Post.

Remark:Thanks Juris for sending the FDC on the issue date.

FDC Name:Olympic Games LONDON 2012.

Issue Date:14th JULY'2012

Details:

Latvia Post issued a postage stamp to commemorate Olympic Games LONDON 2012 featuring Javelin throwing.
The Summer Olympic Games LONDON 2012, officially the Games of the XXX Olympiad, are scheduled to take place in London, United Kingdom, from 27 July to 12 August 2012.
London will become the first city to officially host the modern Olympic Games three times, having previously done so in 1908 and in 1948. London was selected as the host city for the 2012 Olympics out of the nine cities that submitted bids by 15 July 2003.
These Olympic Games LONDON 2012, has adopted the slogan of “Live as One” and the motto of “Inspire a Generation”.
Over the course of 19 days, thousands of athletes from around the globe will compete in 26 fields, in 39 different sports and in 34 separate venues. Over 10,000 athletes from 204 National Olympics Committees (NOCs) are expected to participate. London 2012 Olympic Games begin on 27th July 2012 with the theme slogan ‘Inspire a Generation’.
For the first time, women’s boxing is included in the programme, with 36 athletes competing in three different weight classes. There is a special dispensation to allow the various shooting events to go ahead, which would otherwise be illegal under UK gun law.
After the Games, the Olympic Park will be converted into the largest urban park created in Europe for over 150 years. At Closing of the XXX Summer Olympic Games London 2012, it will be handed over to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic Games. The Closing Ceremony also features the extinguishing of the Olympic Flame, signalling the end of the Games.

Source: http://www.pasts.lv

Remark:Thanks Juries for sending this FDC on the issue date.

Major League Baseball All-Stars (Forever Stamps) cover from USA

Cover Name:Baseball All-Stars
Stamp Issue Date:20th JULY'2012
Details:
The four players honored on these stamps capture our imagination for their exploits and for what they symbolize—the best of baseball. In 2012, the Postal Service salutes Joe DiMaggio, Larry Doby, Willie Stargell , and Ted Williams. Each of these Hall of Famers was a perennial All-Star selection and each left an indelible impression on the game.

Ted Williams (1918-2002) of the Boston Red Sox was the last Major League player to bat over .400 for a single season (1941). During his stellar career, he won six American League batting titles and four home run titles. Today, “the Kid” is regarded as one of the all-time greatest hitters in Major League Baseball history.

Larry Doby (1923-2003) was the first African American to play in the American League, joining the Cleveland Indians shortly after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the National League. He faced prejudice with dignity and courage.

Willie Stargell (1940-2001) powered the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates, a multicultural team known as “The Family,” to a World Series title. He is also remembered for promoting harmony between players from different backgrounds.

Joe DiMaggio (1914-1999) led the New York Yankees to ten pennants and nine World Series titles. Many consider him the greatest all-around player of his time.

Illustrator Kadir Nelson based the stamp art on historic photographs of the four players. Art director Phil Jordan designed the stamps.

The Major League Baseball All-Stars stamps are being issued as self-adhesive Forever stamps. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate.Source-USPA