Auckland Harbour Bridge.....

To be issued on 1 May 2009

Hi ! Here are the most beautiful stamps on Bridge going to be issued by New Zealand on May 1, 2009 commemorating 50th Anniversary - Auckland Harbour Bridge. Its a wonderful set for the collectors of Bridge and Tourism themes.Fifty years since its opening, Auckland Harbour Bridge is an icon of New Zealand’s landscape. Well, the bridges play a key role in linking one place to another but sometimes they link our hearts too. Here is an inspirational short story on Bridge about the two brothers' quarrel ! It will make you think.......Do you have any bridges that you need to build? Think over it ....! ....Till next Post........ Have a Great Time !

50th Anniversary - Auckland Harbour Bridge

Fifty years since its opening, Auckland Harbour Bridge is an icon of New Zealand’s landscape. Replacing a 40-kilometre drive or a cross harbour ferry ride, it’s been key to growth in the region – transforming North Shore’s seaside villages and rural communities into a thriving city, and opening Auckland City and points north and south to previously unimaginable opportunities for expansion and development.

50c – Opening Day 1959

On 30 May 1959, Governor-General Lord Cobham officially opened the box truss bridge after a week of celebrations that included a crossing by thousands of pedestrians before it was opened to vehicles. Retailers prepared for the event with ‘bridge specials’ and competitions, while parades, fashion shows and dances were held to welcome the new landmark.

$1.00 – Our Bridge 2009

By the late 1960s it was apparent that the Bridge would soon reach its capacity. To cope with the growth in traffic volumes, Japanese company IHI clipped two new lanes to each side of the bridge using the existing pier supports. The work was completed in 1969, with the only major maintenance required since being a girder strengthening project in 2006.

$1.50 – Our Icon 1961

From the day it opened until 1984, Auckland Harbour Bridge was a toll road, charging 25 cents per car with the aim of recovering the costsof construction. After one year of operation, 4.9 million vehicles had crossed the bridge, a figure that increased to 10.6 million in 1966 and reached more than 60 million in 2008. To help manage the traffic flow, the world’s first ‘moveable lane barrier’ was installed in 1990 – it’s now moved four times a day to create an extra lane at peak times.

$2.00 – Our Link 2009

Today, the Auckland Harbour Bridge is an essential link between the North Shore and Auckland City – providing commuters, travellersand tourists with an easy, direct link to motorways stretching north and south. It’s also a visitor destination, with bridge climbing and bungy jumping experiences now on offer to those with an adventurous spirit.

Courtesy - New Zealand Post

Two Brothers Quarrel .....A story about bridge linking the hearts....

Once upon a time two brothers, who lived on adjoining farms, fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a conflict. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's tool box. "I'm looking for a few days' work" he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?" "Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you."

"Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor; in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better."
"See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence --an 8-foot fence -- so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore."

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.

The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge -- a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all -- and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched. "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done." The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand.

They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother. "I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, but I have many more bridges to build.

Do you have any bridges that you need to build?.........Think over it !!!

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Festivals of Singapore...

Deepawali

Hi ! Today's Post is going to be very festive as it depicts twelve beautiful stamps from Singapore featuring Different festivals of Singapore. These stamps have been sent to me by my blogger friend Edmund Ong from Singapore. Thanks Edmund for these fabulous stamps! They have added new colours to the culture section of my Tourism collection. It is interesting to note that This set of stamps depicts two famous Indian Festivals Deepawali and Pongal which are celebrated in Singapore with great joy by Indian community and on these festivals, there is public holiday in Singapore. The changing circumstances in the 19th and the 20th century and the ensuing migrations to Singapore from different parts of Asia has brought about a multi- cultural society. The multi-cultural society makes the Singapore festivals and events a unique time altogether. The society comprises of Chinese, Malayans, Indians and people from other parts of Asia. The Chinese comprise of 80 percent of the population and the rest comprise of Malays, Indians, Eurasians, Philipino, Indonesian, Thai and Japanese. As a result one can find all throughout the year the festive spirits in the city- state.The rich mixture of cultures in Singapore means that there's always a cultural event to celebrate, all through the year. These festivals are usually colourful events centred around religion, age-old myths and traditions or the family. Here are the star stamps of today featuring the colorful festivals of Singapore ! This is all for today....Till Next Post .....Have a Wonderful Time !

Date of Issue - 29 February 2008

Singapore’s rich and vibrant multi-cultural heritage is best reflected in the many colourful festivals celebrated throughout the year. In this set of stamps, eight of the many festivals are featured. The four main festivals depicted are namely Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. In addition, there are also Easter, Hari Raya Haji, Mid-Autumn Festival and Pongal celebrated during the year.

Chinese New Year
It’s hustle and bustle all over Singapore when the Chinese usher in the new lunar year. Auspicious colours like gold and red dominate – from the decorations to the ‘hong bao’ (red packets of money) given to unmarried children for good fortune.

This is the time of family reunions, feasting and gathering. The festivities span 15 days, culminating in the Chingay street parade.

Christmas
Christians attend church services on this day to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. During this joyous season, caroling can be heard in the malls and festive decorations put up along the streets of Singapore.

Deepavali
Deepavali is both visually spectacular and spiritually significant. Its origins are shrouded in legends celebrating the victory of light over darkness, of good over evil. On this day, Hindus traditionally light rows of oil lamps to thank the gods and to usher in all that’s good. Visits are made to family and friends; temples and streets are gaily decorated, along with feasting, festive bazaars and cultural performances.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri
One of two main festivals celebrated by the Muslims in Singapore, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a joyous occasion marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Signifying openness of mind and heart, it is customary on this day for Muslims to attend prayers in the mosque and to seek forgiveness from one another. Then, decked in their finest clothes, they’d visit family and friends for feasting and community bonding.

Easter
Easter is the climax of the Holy Week when Christians around the world commemorate the passion, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On Easter Sunday, Jesus triumphs over death and brings the gift of eternal life to all who believe in him. Like Good Friday, it’s an occasion for remembrance and thanksgiving marked by special church services.

Hari Raya Haji
Hari Raya Haji commemorates the pilgrimage of devotees to the holy city of Mecca. Animals like goat and sheep are usually sacrificed at dawn on this day, followed by prayers at the mosque and visits to each others’ homes. Held on the 10th day of the twelfth and final month in the Islamic calendar, it also symbolises a quest for the reunion of mankind.

Mid-Autumn Festival
In days of old, the Chinese held this festival to mark the bountiful harvest of mid-autumn. Today, it is also known as the Lantern Festival or Mooncake Festival because of the lanterns and ‘moon cakes’ that grace the occasion. Celebrated on the night of the full moon – the 15th day of the eighth lunar month – it weaves a special kind of enchantment like no other festival in Singapore.

Pongal
Originating from South India, Pongal is a four-day thanksgiving celebration for good harvest. In Singapore, gaily-decorated cows, bulls with painted horns and dressed-up bullock carts take part in a cattle parade as cattle is considered sacred in Hindu tradition and bearers of good fortune. “Pongal” also means “boiling over”, symbolising an overflowing of blessings.

Courtesy - Edmund Ong

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It's Earth Day !...

Make Earth Clean, Green & Beautiful !

Hi ! It is 22 April which is globally celebrated as Earth Day., It is is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in in 1970 and is celebrated in many countries every year. This date is Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.Earth Day helps celebrate Earth’s unique place in the universe. It is the only planet in our solar system teeming with incredible biodiversity. Learning about and protecting this biodiversity is what Earth Day is all about. People all over the world celebrate the efforts to protect plants and animals and to clean up the world we live in. Let's all celebrate this day for our beautiful earth which has given real meaning to life to all living things ! Today's post is a philatelic celebration of the Earth Day ! Let's make our earth- Cleaner, Greener & Beautiful !This is all for today !.......Till Next Post .....Have a Wonderful Time !......

The First Earth Day
Senator Gaylord Nelson of the United States founded Earth Day. Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970 in the United States. Across the United States, 20 million people and thousands of local schools and communities participated in the first Earth Day. The huge turnout for the first Earth Day made it the largest organized celebration in the history of the United States. Earth Day’s success helped influence the government of the United States to create stronger laws to protect the environment. Now such laws have been followed by many countries to create awareness about the protection of Earth and its environment.

Make Earth- Clean, Green & Beautiful !
There are many different things each of us can do to help protect species, keep Earth clean, and fix damage that has been done. For example, using fewer natural resources will help make sure there are enough resources to go around. It will also help make sure that future generations won’t run out of the things we all need, like clean water, air, and soil. Earth Day isn’t the only day when the world can and should celebrate the planet we all share. In fact, we should practice it in our daily life.

On World Earth Day I am giving here some items from One Frame collection of Mr. Ajay Srivastav prepared on Beautiful Earth including its plan page. This collection was exhibited in INPEX 2008, Chennai.

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Pride of India Collection

Here is the third replica of Pride of India Collection which was recently issued on Cricket Victories. The actual stamp was issued on 30 December 1971. 25 stamps have been chosen to be preserved forever as engraved solid pure silver ingots, layered with pure 24-carat gold. The Pride of India Collection is an Official Programme of Hallmark Group Limited issued under the Authority of India Post.

Indian Cricket - Stamp Issue Date - 30 December 1971

This famous stamp was issued to commemorate India's historic tour of England in 1971. After losing only one match all tour, India went on to win its first ever Test Series in a nail-biting finish.

To say that cricket is the religion of the nation is to acknowledge the fact that cricket, more than any other single activity or belief, profoundly affects the whole country as one. Cricketing stars are heroes to all, and success and failure on the pitch brings universal euphoria or sadness in equal measure. Winning the Cricket World Cup in 1983 was the highest honour ever achieved by an Indian sporting team.

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World Heritage Site - Kalka Shimla Railway...

Hi ! Here are some new Max Cards on Kalka - Shimla Railway.The 105-year-old railway line that meanders through the hills between Kalka and Shimla, covering 102 tunnels and 800 bridges, has been officially declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.The Kalka-Shimla railway line was built in 1898 during British rule to connect the then summer capital of India, Shimla, with other parts of the country. The two-feet-six-inches narrow gauge railway line that covers a distance of 96 km was officially opened for traffic Nov 9, 1903. It is a big attraction for the tourists visiting Shimla. These Max Cards have been prepared by Mr. Mahendra Sharma of Guwahati.This is all for today !.........Till next Post......Have a Nice Time !....

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New Stamp from Portugal.....

Eight hundred years of Franciscan Order

Date of Issue - 11 March 2009

Hi ! In today's post here is the recent stamp issued by Portugal on 11 March 2009 "Eight hundred years of the Franciscan Order". What attracted me to make this stamp for today's Post is the lovely innocent dog shown on this stamp. Though the stamp is on religion theme and related with the history of Portugal. But this nice stamp can also be included in pet's theme. As I have my own pet dog I am always fascinated to see this innocent creature on stamps though I have not yet prepared a collection on this Man's best friend. To show my love for dogs I am giving here this nice stamp. The stamp shown above has its own history that I am giving below along with the beautiful miniature sheet and FDC issued with this stamp. In the second part of this post some lovely roses which have bloomed these days in my garden. They look so beautiful with the onset of summer season in Kullu. These images are not related with philately, but I just want to share the beauty of these roses which appear on nice images of Roses taken today with all of you as Rose is a flower which attracts every one. But its unfair to put here these images without a philatelic item. So I am showing here a Rose aerogramme of Australia from my collection with the images of Roses from my garden. This is all for today !.....Till next Post ....Have a Nice Time !....

Eight Hundred Years of the Franciscan Order
When turning 25, Francis Bernardon, who had been born in the wealthiest family in Assisi, came to the conclusion that happiness and freedom could only be authentic when inspired in evangelical poverty. And he acted accordingly. With such conversion, the young of Assisi attracted his former companions to his new way of life, and gather twelve followers around the same ideal. In 1209, they all travelled to Rome to beg of Pope Innocent III the approval of their way of life, confirmed in 1223 by Honorius III Bull. The religious institute was henceforth called the Order of the Friars Minor (OFM).

A few years later, in 1212, Clare of Assisi, a noblewoman, tempted by the achievement of her fellow citizen Francis, founded the Order of Poor Ladies. She too succeeded in requesting and gaining the “Privilege of Poverty” from the Pope, through a Rule approved in 1253, although the approval was only achieved on the eve of her death. Thus the Order of Saint Clare (OSC) was created.

In the year 1214, and in view of the growing devotion among the Christian people towards the innovative modality of this evangelic way of living, Francis wrote a letter to all the faithful, inspiring the creation of the Secular Franciscan Order (SOF), which first Rule was approved by the Holy See in 1289. In the 15th century, a movement of life in community, with both male and female branches, grew out of the Third Order. From this movement emerged, in 1521, the Rule of the Third Order Regular (TOR).

The Friars Minor came to Portugal around 1216. One of their first and most notable conquests was Saint Anthony of Lisbon (a. 1190-1231), who found enormous richness in the poverty of the Friar Minors. In 1258, the Nuns of the Order of Saint Clare also settled here, initially in the city of Lamego, but transferred shortly afterwards to Santarém. Also the Third Order of Penitence, founded to congregate all the laypeople who wished to follow the example of Saint Francisco, was exceptionally well accepted by all social classes since the 13th century.

When the Liberal Government decided, in 1834, to extinguish all the Regular Orders, the Order of the Friars Minor held more Religious Houses than all the other Orders together, on the Portuguese Mainland, on Madeira and on the Azores alone.

From 1834 to 1940 the Franciscans remained clandestine, although they continued to work in Portugal as much as they could. In 1891 they restored the Province of Portugal, from the Varatojo Convent. The branch of the Capuchin Friars Minor returned to Portugal in 1939 and the branch of the Friars Minor Conventual a few years later, in 1978. Also the Clarisse Sisters were able to re-emerge, in particular in the 1950’s. The Secular Franciscan Order, precisely because it was secular, was not extinguished in 1834 whereby it could act as an important support to the “egress” friars. The male TOR was not restored, but the female TOR multiplied after 1871, when several Franciscan Sisters’ Congregations of Consecrated Life were created.

Throughout its eight centuries of history, the Franciscan family has always been the one with the greatest number of members and of apostolate work, in Portugal as well as in the rest of the World.

Courtesy - Portugal Post

Thinking of you !

Roses in my Garden

Rose of all Roses, Rose of all the World!You, too, have come where the dim tides are hurledUpon the wharves of sorrow, and heard ringThe bell that calls us on; the sweet far thing. - William Butler Yeats

The red rose whispers of passion, And the white rose breathes of love;O, the red rose is a falcon,And the white rose is a dove. - John Boyle O’Reilly

Which is loveliest in a rose? Its coy beauty when it's budding, or its splendour when it blows? - George Barlow

“Take time to smell the roses"

The world is a rose, smell it and pass it to your friends. -Persian Proverb

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Recent Stamps on Astronomy

Hi ! Here are some new stamps to be issued on Astronomy - the theme for EUROPA 2009 and the year 2009 is also being celebrated as Intenational Year of Astronomy. The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is a global effort initiated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and UNESCO to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the Universe through the day- and night-time sky, and thereby engage a personal sense of wonder and discovery.Here are some beautiful stamps selected for EUROPA 2009 theme by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. This is all for today !.....Till Next Post.......Have a Nice Time.!....

5 April 2009 - Bosnia and Herzegovina

May 2009 - Italy

International Year of Astronomy
Everyone should realise the impact of astronomy and other fundamental sciences on our daily lives, and understand how scientific knowledge can contribute to a more equitable and peaceful society. IYA2009 activities are taking place locally, nationally, regionally and internationally. National Nodes in each country are running activities throughout 2009 which will establish collaborations between professional and amateur astronomers, science centres and science communicators. 137 countries are already involved and over 140 are expected to participate eventually.

8 May 2009 - Switzerland

23 April 2009 - Spain

To coordinate this huge global programme and to provide an important resource for the participating countries, the IAU established a central Secretariat and an IYA2009 website http://www.astronomy2009.org/ as the principal IYA 2009 resource for all.

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