POSTCARD FROM PORTUGAL

Sporting Clube de Portugal is a Portuguese sports club based in Portugal's capital city of Lisbon. and renowned for its football department. With almost 100,000 registered club members, its teams, athletes and supporters are often nicknamed The Lions. Since its formation, on 1 July 1906, Sporting has had six badges, all of which have had as part of them the colour green and the lion. The club's football team has won 18 national championship titles, 15 national cups and the former UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1964.
Sporting boasts a new stadium, Estádio José Alvalade, built for the UEFA Euro 2004 championship. The stadium was designed by Tomás Taveira and was classified by UEFA as a 5-star stadium, enabling it to host finals of major UEFA events. This stadium has a capacity of 50,076 spectators and Its official opening was on 6 August 2003 when Sporting played and beat Manchester United 3-1.

On the postcard the stamp issued in 2005, part of a set of six stamps celebrating the centenary of the three most important soccer teams in Portugal: Futebol Clube do Porto, Sport Lisboa e Benfica and Sporting Clube de Portugal.

STAMPS AND FDC FROM SAN MARINO

This envelope was sent by San Marino Philatelic Agency bringing stamps and FDC I bought to my thematic collections, in special Braille/blind/blindness issues.

On the cover stamps from different years. On February 28, 2005 San Marino issued a series dedicated to Ferrari Racing Team depicting five of the eight drivers who became world champions driving the magic Ferrari (Ascari, Fangio, Surtees, Lauda, Schumacher). The value 0, 05 presents the British driver John Surtees who won the World Championship for the Italian team in 1964. On the value 0,45 Michael Schumacher won five consecutive drivers' titles with them from 2000–2004.

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2008 as the International Year of Planet Earth to increase awareness of the importance of Earth sciences for the achievement of sustainable development. Four stamps were released on February 26, 2008 referring to this theme. The value € 2.00 calls the problem of global warming and the author Amina Methnani represents the world engulfed in flames.

On August 22, 2008 a set of four stamps celebrating four artists: the 150th anniversary of the birth of the composer Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), the centenary of the death of the artist Giovanni Fattori (1825-1908), the centenary of the birth of the author Giovannino Guareschi (1908-1968) and the bicentenary of the birth of the French artist Honoré Daumier (1808-1879). The € 1,70 value depicts two works by the French printmaker, caricaturist, painter, and sculptor Honoré Daumier: “The Print Collectors” and a painted pottery piece.

On June 16, 2009 San Marino issued the series “Writers” celebrating Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849), Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) and Raymond Chandler (1888-1959), which respectively use the bicentenary of the birth, 150 anniversary of the birth and the 50th anniversary of the death. The value 1,40 € is dedicated to the Anglo-American novelist and screenwriter Raymond Chandler who had an immense stylistic influence upon the modern private detective story, especially in the style of the writing and the attitudes now characteristic of the genre. His protagonist, Philip Marlowe, is considered synonymous with "private detective. The yellow stamp represents private investigator Philip Marlowe through his inseparable hat resting on the phone.


2009 is reaching the end and forty-two countries issued stamps celebrating the bicentenary of birth of Louis Braille. Here is the recent stamp featuring Braille issued by San Marino on 16 June 2009. The € 1,50 stamp image turns into a unique chromatic game between the artistically coloured inscription BRAILLE and the raised dots of the same word.

POSTCARD FROM USA

Panama City Beach is a city in Florida, United States, on the Gulf of Mexico coast. Panama City Beach's slogan is "The World's Most Beautiful Beaches" due to the unique sugar-white sandy beaches of Northwest Florida. The city is a popular vacation destination mainly because its crystal-clear waters, endless warmth and sunshine and beautiful sunrise and sunsets. Thank you, Kelly.

On June 28, 2009, US Postal Service issued a 98–cent definitive stamp, in the Scenic American Landscapes series, featuring a view of the Snake River at dawn in the Grand Teton National Park. Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park preserves a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes and extraordinary wildlife. The abrupt vertical rise of the jagged Teton Range (the Grand Teton, at 4,197 m, is the tallest mountain) contrasts with the horizontal sage-covered valley and glacial lakes at their base, creating a scenery that attracts nearly four million visitors per year.

POSTCARD FROM USA

This postcard came from Michigan sent by my frien James. Point Iroquois Lighthouse is located 5 miles west of Brimley, Michigan, at the entrance to the St. Mary's River from Lake Superior. Established in 1855 and operated by the Lighthouse Service (which became part of the US Coast Guard in 1939), the 65 ft (20 m) round brick white tower with lantern and gallery black continued in service until 1962. The two-floor rectangular brick house which provided living space for three lighthouse keepers, houses nowadays a museum and a gift shop.

The first class stamp issued in 2008 depicts one of the most prominent symbols of the American Revolutionary War: the Liberty Bell, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In USA this cracked bell is a familiar symbol of independence and has been described as an icon of liberty and justice. The definitive stamp “American Clock” features an artistic rendering of the dial, or face, of a banjo clock. Constructed of brass and steel in 1805, the banjo clock depicted on the stamp has a painted iron dial and a mahogany case crowned by a brass eagle. On April 28, 2009, the Postal Service reissued the Purple Heart definitive stamp with a 44-cent denomination.The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military.

COVER FROM PORTUGAL

André from Portugal sent me this first day cover issued on September 21, 2009, called “Fishing Eagles” with two stamps, a joint issue Portugal-Iran. The set is published on the occasion of the celebration of the 500 years of bilateral relations between the two countries.

POSTCARD FROM FINLAND

Nature's fireworks! Aurora Borealis is a fascinating phenomenon, sometimes called the northern and southern (polar) lights, usually observed at night, particularly in the polar regions. The aurora borealis is also called the northern polar lights, as it is only visible in the sky from the Northern Hemisphere, the chance of visibility increasing with proximity to the North Magnetic Pole. The aurora borealis most often occurs near the equinoxes; from September to October and from March to April. It is most visible closer to the poles due to the longer periods of darkness and the magnetic field. Auroras are the result of the emissions of photons in the Earth's upper atmosphere (ionosphere), above 80 km (50 miles), from ionized nitrogen atoms regaining an electron, and oxygen and nitrogen atoms returning from an excited state to ground state. They are ionized or excited by the collision of solar wind particles being funnelled down, and accelerated along, the Earth's magnetic field lines; excitation energy is lost by the emission of a photon of light, or by collision with another atom or molecule. Finland issued on September 9, 2009 a set of three self adhesive stamps presenting the natural Aurora phenomenon.

Finland issued on September 9, 2009 a set of three self adhesive stamps presenting the natural Aurora phenomenon.

COVER FROM SWEDEN

Sweden issued on May 14, 2009 a block with two stamps celebrating the bicentenary of birth of Louis Braille. The block named “Seeing with other eyes” features a finger reading braille and the alphabet embossed in Braille. This cover was sent by Gunilla from Stockholm.

COVER FROM SLOVAKIA

Slovensko Post Office issued on October 23, 2008 two stamps depicting endangered species of orchids, nature conservation thematic. The species Cypripedium calceolus (Lady’s Slipper Orchid) and Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchid) are protected by law and listed in the Red List of Endangered and Scarce Plants of Slovakia as well as the Slovak Red List of Plants and Animals. It is also subject to conservation under the CITES convention.
The art stamp on the cover issued in 1997 presents a painting of the Czech Jan Kupecky: Self-portrait with portrait of his wife. Thank you, Robert.

POSTCARD FROM PORTUGAL

Santa Maria da Vitoria Monastery, more commonly known as the Batalha Monastery, is a Dominican monastery in the town of Batalha, Portugal. It is among one of the most fascinating pieces of Gothic and Manueline architecture within the country.
It has become a symbol of national pride. In 1385, King João I vowed that if his outnumbered army defeated the Castilians at the important Battle of Aljubarrota, he would build a magnificent monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The king was victorious, resulting in the independence of Portugal from Spain and the great Batalha Monastery. The monastery took two centuries to build, starting in 1386 and ending in 1517, spanning the reign of seven kings. Batalha Monastery was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1983.
The postcard shows an external view of the seven Unfinished Chapels, built to house the tombs of the first kings of the Avis dynasty.

On September 26th, 2008 Portugal issued a set of four stamps called Pharmaceutical Ceramics. Medicinal recipients were used to store therapeutic substances, ointments, balms and cosmetics. The 0, 80 cents stamp features two ceramic pots dating back century XIX. Thank you Simão for the viewcard.

COVER FROM NETHERLANDS

Cover sent by my friend Anthony full of commemorative stamps from Netherlands.

POSTCARD FROM MEXICO

The Stadium Azteca was inaugurated on May 29th, 1966 in Mexico City and because of its magnitude and capacity, it is known as one of the most important stadiums of the world. It can hold up to 105,000 spectators comfortably seated. The Azteca, also known as “Coloso de Santa Ursula” has been home of two FIFA World Cup Championships (1970 and 1986), Olympic Events (1968), Pan-American Games (1975) and many other important soccer matches. The stadium has held different types of events, such as music concerts (Elton John, Michael Jackson, and U2, among others), the visit of the Pope John Paul II in 1999 and games of the “American Bowl”.
Brazilians have happy memories of this stadium, where in 1970 the final of the FIFA World Cup was won by Brazil, who beat Italy 4-1. This tournament is still considered by many fans to be the finest World Cup in history and the Brazilian team, featuring Pelé, Carlos Alberto, Gérson, Jairzinho, Rivelino, and Tostão, is usually regarded as the greatest attacking World Cup team ever.

On November 30, 2005 Mexican Postal Service released the permanent series called “Mexico, Popular Creation” with 18 different designs and 14 facial values. These series contributes to the recognition and diffusion of the popular Mexican art. On the postcard two stamps (face value $6.50) features a decorate vase, handicraft produced at Jalisco province and a wooden mask from the Chiapas province.

COVER FROM INDONESIA

Cover sent by Edy Waluyo (www.worldnicecover.blogspot.com). Indonesia Post Office promotes the vast variety of Indonesian cuisine issuing each year a stamp series called "Indonesian Traditional Foods". On the cover we have a food stamp issued in 2005 ( Langga Roko), two issued in 2007 (Roti Cane & Kari Kambing, Gecok) and three issued in 2008 (Nasi Lemak, Sate Bandeng and Kaledo). Thank you, Edy.

POSTCARD FROM CZECH REPUBLIC

Diana sent me this nice oval postcard presenting her lovely historical city. Český Krumlov is a small city in the Czech Republic (around 15,000 inhabitants), best known for the fine architecture and art of the historic old town and Český Krumlov Castle. Construction of the city and castle began in the late 13th century at a ford in the Vltava River. It is a lively and cosmopolitan city with a unique atmosphere rich in history and art. Krumlov is an important cultural center, hosting a number of music festivals and concerts, art museums and theatre festivals. Old Český Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.

The large stamp (face value Kc 12) on the card was issued on May 6, 2009 and presents one of the most important cultural monuments of the country: the Cistercian Monastery at Vyšší Brod. It was founded in 1259 and Czech celebrates this year the 750th anniversary of the building. The postage stamp features the exterior of the monastery church of the Holy Virgin which is the actual dome.

The Czech Post issued on September 14, 1994 a city architecture stamp (face value 6,00 CZK) featuring the town-hall and St. Gothard s Cathedral in Slaný, small city located near Prague.

COVER FROM SPAIN

On July 15, 2009 the Spanish Post Office issued a set of three stamps devoted to three important figures ( scientist Charles Darwin, politician Claudio Moyano and Louis Braille) on the 200 years of their birth. Nuria from Madrid sent me this cover and mint stamps of Louis Braille to my thematic collection of blind/blindness.

POSTCARD FROM USA

Natasha sent me this postcard showing one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in Atlanta, USA: The Fountain of Rings. This fountain is the centerpiece of Centennial Olympic Park and millions of guests visit the Park every year to enjoy the world's largest interactive fountain featuring the Olympic Ring symbol. It’s free to view the Fountain of Rings show, which plays four times a day, 365 days a year, at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. The fountain area is surrounded by flags representing the host countries of each Summer Olympics preceding the 1996 games and columns reminiscent of ancient Greece.

On May 8, 2009, the Postal Service issued a 44–cent, Love: King and Queen of Hearts definitive stamp with two different designs. They show the King and the Queen of Hearts using images from 18th Century French playing cards as a reference. Since the beginning of its popular Love stamps in 1973, the series has featured a wide variety of designs, including heart motifs, colorful flowers, and the word “LOVE” itself.

COVER FROM RUSSIA

Vladimir from Krasnodar sent me this nice cover.
On November 28, 2008 Russia Post Office issued a set of four stamps presenting architectural structures of Russian bridges. The face value 7.00 stamp depicts the Zhivopisny Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge that spans Moskva River in north-western Moscow. Opened on 27 December 2007, it is the first cable-stayed bridge in Moscow and also the highest cable-stayed bridge in Europe.
We see on the face value 8.00 stamp the Surgut Bridge across the Ob River at Surgut. It is a cable-stayed bridge, one of the longest in Siberia. The bridge is 2,110 meters long and has only one tower. Its central span of 408 meters is the longest for single-tower cable-stayed bridge. The bridge was inaugurated in September 2000. In parallel there is a rail bridge.
The Big Obukhovsky Bridge (9.00 stamp) is the newest bridge across the Neva River in Saint Petersburg (opened on 15 December 2004. The full length of the bridge passage is 2824 m, including 382 m long main span and ramps.

POSTCARD FROM USA

My friend Stan from the state of Florida sent me this nice viewcard to my collection of lighthouse postcards. Located just north of Florida, Georgia has a relatively short Atlantic coastline with six surviving historic lighthouses (3 active). The coastline is low, featuring a series of sandy islands known in Georgia as the Sea Islands. Savannah is the largest port in the state.
Sapelo Island Lighthouse is located near the southern tip of Sapelo Island, near Meridian, Georgia. It is the nation's second-oldest brick lighthouse and was built in 1820. The round brick tower (65 ft = 20 m), painted with horizontal red and white bands guided ships into the port of Darien on the Altamaha River. The lighthouse was inactive from 1905 to 1998, when it was renovated to its 1890 appearance and relit.
The Cockspur Island Light is a small lighthouse (46 ft = 14 m), round brick tower painted white, situated on an islet off Cockspur Island at the south channel of the Savannah River near Lazaretto Creek, northwest of Tybee Island, Georgia. It was built in 1848, damaged by a hurricane in 1854 and the tower was rebuilt and enlarged on the same foundation the next year. It ceased operation as an active beacon in 1909, because large vessels routed to the deep and more navigable north channel of the Savannah River.
Tybee Island Lighthouse is located on the south side of the Savannah River entrance, in Tybee Island, state of Georgia. The first lighthouse on Tybee was built in 1736, octagonal in shape (90 ft=27 m) and was constructed of wood. The tower was finally completed until 1867, reached a finished height of one hundred and fifty-four feet and was fitted with a 1st order Fresnel lens, the largest and brightest available making the light visible from almost twenty miles at sea. Rebuilt four times, the current 145 ft (44 m) black and white octagonal brick tower was finally completed in1867. Tybee Island lighthouse is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia and is still in operation.

Little Cumberland Island is the southernmost of the islands of Georgia's Atlantic Coast and Little Cumberland Light is a lighthouse on the north end of the island. The 60 ft (18 m) white round brick tower was in service until 1915 when it was deactivated. The tower was renovated in 1994-98, but it needs a more thorough restoration. A large dune protects the lighthouse from the ocean, but as a result the tower is now barely visible from the water. Little Cumberland Island is privately owned and is not open to the public.
The St. Simons Island Light is a lighthouse in Georgia, United States, on the southern tip of Saint Simons Island, marking the entrance into St. Simons Sound. The original St. Simons Island lighthouse (75 ft = 23 m) was built in 1810 and destroyed during the Civil War. The construction of a second lighthouse was completed in 1872, and the 104 ft (32 m) white round brick tower continues active shining seaward every night.

POSTCARD FROM SWITZERLAND

This postcard shows a nice panorama of the city of Lugano, Lake Lugano and the Monte San Salvatore, in the south of Switzerland, in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, which borders Italy. This region is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland and considered one of the sunniest points in the country. Thank you, Caroline.

Swiss Post issued on May 8, 2009 two stamps featuring buildings which represent the contemporary architecture of the country. The CHF 1.80 value depicts the Pentorama in Amriswil. With a population of only 11,500, Amriswil in Switzerland has erected a festival hall that can accommodate audiences of up to 2,500 people from the surrounding areas. The official title of the building, Pentorama, reflects its five-sided layout, but this multi-purpose hall bears the far more attractive name Festival Hut, which recalls the timber structure that formerly stood on the site. Clad entirely in copper, the new building has an introverted appearance. Designed in the form of a festive tent, the building also meets high acoustic demands, while allowing great freedom of use. The seating can be arranged to face the stage on one side or laid out around a central point. Alternatively, the hall can be divided into two separate galleries.

FDC FROM MALAYSIA

My friend Terence from the Selangor state in Malaysia sent me this first day cover and a banknote (Ringgit). Malaysia Post Office issued on June 18, 2009 a set of three stamps called “Conservation of Nature”, an initiative to remember the importance to preserve the environment worldwide.
The first stamp (Fresh Air – 50 sen) detaches the necessity of controlling the air pollution in a country facing a growing industrialization. Clean and fresh air is essential for healthy living. Go Green is the title of the second stamp (50 sen). Malaysian rainforests play an important role in helping to sustain life of plant and animal species. Rainforests have been sacrificed in the name of wood exploration and to foster farming activities. The 30 sen stamp (Clean Water) detaches the marine eco-system and the damages to marine life and to water quality. Today the conservation of nature has become a necessity of life.

COVER FROM USA

On May 29, 2009, The U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp honouring Bob Hope (1903–2003), a man who enjoyed a lifetime of success on stage and in radio, television and film. He moved to America from England as a child and quickly discovered a natural talent for making people laugh. Hope travelled around the globe performing for U.S. troops and hosted numerous highly rated TV specials. He became one of the most honoured and beloved performers of the 20th century.