Queen Wilhelmina in Frisian costume, 1892

Koningin Wilhelmina in Fries Kostuum, 1892

(Queen Wilhelmina in Frisian Costume, 1892)

reprinted in 1996

Foto: C.B. Broersma

This is postmarked in 2009 with a Netherlands 95 stamp. 

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Wilhelmina (Wilhelmina Helena Pauline Maria; 31 August 1880 – 28 November 1962) was queen regnant of the Kingdom of the Netherlands from 1890 to 1948. Her reign saw World War I and World War II, and the economic crisis of 1933. Outside the Netherlands she is primarily remembered for her role in World War II, in which she proved to be a great inspiration to the Dutch resistance.

(She is the grandmother of todays Queen - Beatrix of the Netherlands)

The Frisians are an ethnic group of Germanic people living in coastal parts of The Netherlands and Germany. They are concentrated in the Dutch provinces of Friesland and Groningen and, in Germany, East Frisia and North Frisia. They inhabit an area known as Frisia. They have a reputation for being tall, big-boned and light-haired people and they have a rich history and folklore.

Netherlands (Nederland) stamp 2009

Environmental Protection

Globe in the shape of a heart - 95

Space Shuttle Discovery before lift off, and after

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers prepare the orbiter Discovery for vertical lift before mating it with the external tank.



In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Discovery (viewed from behind the Space Shuttle Main Engines) is raised to a vertical position in order to me mated with the external tank.



Reflected in the turn basin at Launch Complex 39 Area, the Space Shuttle Discovery stands atop the crawler-transporter which carries its cargo at 1 mph to Launch Pad 39B. The vehicle takes about five hours to cover the 4.2 miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad.


Clouds of exhaust fill Launch Pad 39B as Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off at 2:19 p.m. EST Oct. 29 on mission STS-95. Making his second voyage into space after 36 years is Payload Specialist John H. Glenn Jr., senator from Ohio
(the postcard doesn't give the year, but this happened in 1998)


Photos courtesy: NASA

From the Postcard book:
Kennedy Space Center: A Book of 33 Postcards from NASA
unused, bought in 2009

Map of New Hampshire

New Hampshire

Granite State

Population: 925,000 estimated

Motto: Live Free or Die

Ninth of the Original Thirteen States

This postcard is postmarked in 2009 with a 28 cent polar bear stamp. 

Ukraine Wedding adornment, Rushnyk

ENG -
Wedding adornment of a house from the village of Bobrivnyk, Zinkiv district, Poltava region.
Late 19th century

postmarked in 2009 with a Ukraina (Ukraine) stamp

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the sender writes:
Rushnyk is the towel decorated with the cross stitch pattern. This is very popular in the Ukraine. You can see them on the wall on this postcard.

I found this on the web:
A rushnyk is a ritual towel. The word comes from ruka, meaning hand, and a regular rushnyk would be simply a towel, a piece of cloth that a person could use to wipe his or her hands. Rushnyk has acquired and is currently used in a double meaning: it retains its simple meaning of "towel" and it has also acquired the meaning of ritual object. The ritual rushnyk is a very important item to which a great deal of power is ascribed. It is used to secure a wedding, to dispatch the deceased to the world of the dead, to protect the home and insure the prosperity and fertility of the inhabitants of the household, among other things.

Dicynodont Dinosaur

Machbildung Eines Dicynodonten

Lebte vor ca. 250 Mio. Jahren

Foto: V. Greiner

Naturkundemuseum - Karlsruhe
(Natural History Museum - Karlsruhe)

postmarked in 2009 with two Germany stamps

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The Dicynodontia are mammal-like reptiles. Dicynodonts were small to large herbivorous animals with two tusks, hence their name, which means 'two dog tooth'. There are over 70 genera known, varying from rat- to ox-sized.

Russian Church, Sanremo, Italy

Riviera Ligure

Sanremo (City in Italy)

La chiesa Russa allo spuntar del sole
(The Russian Church at Sunrise)

This postcard is postmarked in 2009 with an Italia (Italy) 0,85 stamp.

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This gorgeous structure can be referred to as a legacy of Maria Alexandrovna, Russian Empress.
The Church was consecrated to the Saviour and St Catherine and is a fairly eccentric monument. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, many Russians decided to spend their winters in San Remo, this was due to the tsarina Maria Alexandrovna who had spent an unforgettable winter season in San Remo in 1874 and then "promoted" it once back in her country. The Church was finished in 1913 and it is slightly similar to the church of San Basilio in Moscow.

Reversing Falls, Canada

Reversing Falls
Saint John, New Brunswick

Twice daily, the tides of the Bay of Fundy reach such heights, that they actually force the Saint John River to change direction and flow upriver. The rapids at the mouth of the river actually change direction and are thus called Reversing Falls.

Postmarked in 2009 with a Vancouver 2010 Olympics stamp from 1998

Sul-ak-san Mountain in South Korea

A mountain in Korea, the sender writes the name as, 'Sul-ak-san'

This is postmarked with two Korean stamps in 2007.

Korea stamp 2003

National Flag 10

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Korea stamp 2006

Cygnus cygnus (Whooper Swan) 340

Ocelot - cat family

Environmental defense is one of the few national conservation organizations actively working to save the endangered ocelot from extinction.

postmarked in 2009 with a 28 cent stamp

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The Ocelot is a wild cat distributed over South and Central America and Mexico, but has been reported as far north as Texas and in Trinidad, in the Caribbean.

The Ocelot's appearance is similar to that of the domestic cat. Its fur resembles that of a Clouded Leopard or Jaguar and was once regarded as particularly valuable. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Ocelots have been killed for their fur.

Botanical Gardens of Curitiba, Brazil

Curitiba
Jardim Botanico Noturno
Estado do Parana - Brasil

postmarked in 2009 with a machine stamp

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The Jardim Botânico de Curitiba, in Portuguese, or the Botanical Garden of Curitiba, in English, is a park located in the city of Curitiba, the capital of the state of Paraná, and the biggest city in southern Brazil. It is the major tourist attraction of the city, and it houses part of the campus of the Federal University of Paraná.

Opened in 1991, Curitiba's trademark botanical garden was created in the style of French gardens. Once inside you will see extensive gardens in the French style in the midst of fountains, waterfalls and lakes, and the main greenhouse of 458 square meters, which shelters in its interior, plants characteristic of tropical regions.

Sesame Street Muppets

Greetings from our Muppet friends on Sesame Street.

Children's Television Workshop, 1972

unused

from left to right

1. Guy Smiley
2. Oscar the Grouch
3. Grover
4. Betty Lou (I thought it was Prarie Dawn - thanks Thomas for the correction)
5. Herry Monster
6. Ernie
7. Bert
8. Cookie Monster
9. Roosevelt Franklin
10.Sherlock Hemlock
11. Mr. Johnson

babies heads on adult bodies - Alfred Gescheidt

Young Adults by Alfred Gescheidt 1968

postmarked in 2009 with a Netherlands Indians stamp

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Alfred Gescheidt is a professional photographer born in Queens, New York on December 19, 1926. He won a scholarship to the Art Students' League. He served briefly in the Navy during World War II, then went to the University of New Mexico. He decided to become a photographer and transferred to the Los Angeles Art Center School. In the 1950s he documented life on city streets and beaches of America.

His work first appeared in Life magazine in 1951, and in August, 1970, Life published a two-page spread of his work. For three years, Oui magazine published a column, "Gescheidt's World". His work has appeared on record album covers, pocket paperback book covers, calendars, posters, greeting cards and postcards, and in U.S. and European magazines and newspapers including: Esquire, Ladies’Home Journal, Life, Look, Modern Photography, New York, Newsweek, People, Popular Photography, Saturday Evening Post, The New York Times, TV Guide, and Woman’s Day.

Gescheidt has had a long, distinguished career as an artist and photographer. His photomontages, made before the innovation of computer manipulations like Photoshop, made him famous in the industry and his images seen by millions. With an eye for both the humor and the sublime details in everyday life, he has been described as "the Charlie Chaplin of the camera" and "America's foremost photo-satirist."

Health Insurance, NHS Direct

For Life's Little Health Emergencies
NHS Direct

Diarrhoea, Pregnancy, Under the Weather, Ingestion of Toxic Substance, Earache, Emergency Contraception, Vomiting, Wounds or Lacerations, Penile Pain or Swelling, Constipation, Dental Problems, Eye Problems

For life's Little health emergencies
For help making the right choices
For health advice, right now
For reassurance, 24 hours a day

Postmarked in 2009 with a Great Britain, Giant stamp

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the sender writes that in GB they know everyone in the USA is talking about their health system. She is a nurse for NHS and writes that the system works pretty good and that everyone gets treated. Also, that there is a flat rate per item on prescriptions of only 7.20 pounds each.

great postcard!

Christopher Columbus' House in Genova, Italy

Genova
Porta Sporana
Casa di C. Colombo (Christopher Columbus' House)

This postcard is postmarked in 2009 with an Italy, Lamborghini stamp.

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Porta Soprana:
These two impressive towers were part of defensive walls that were surrounding the whole city.
During the French revolution the guillotine was kept here, and one of hangman’s used to live on top of one tower.

Famous Chinese Painting: Fu Boashi

Appreciation of Famous Chinese Paintings: Fu Baoshi

Postmarked in 2009 with 4 China stamps - all for 1.20

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The sender writes that these are famous characters from Chinese literature of three poets and a monk. They are discussing if human life is too short and meaningless compared with the universe. The conclusion they drew is that we are not different from any other thing in the universe, wind, mountain, river and human are all something. So we have to treasure everything and every moment in our life.

The Artist:
Credited with revolutionizing Chinese ink painting, Fu Baoshi (1904-1965) is considered one of the most important Chinese artists of the last century. From an apprentice in a painting shop to an art-history student in Japan, and later an diligent artist who traveled all over China to capture the country's landscape, forming his own style based on traditional artistry, Fu Baoshi continued his quest for artistic adventure throughout his life.

The Edmund Fitzgerald by David Conklin

The Edmund Fitzgerald

"Every Man Knew" by artist David Conklin is co-signed by Gordon Lightfoot. This commissioned painting commemorates the 20th Anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Proceeds from the sale of these prints will help fund a planned Sailor's Memorial at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Whitefish Point, Michigan.

postmarked in 2009 with a 28 cent polar bear stamp

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SS Edmund Fitzgerald was an American Great Lakes freighter launched on June 8, 1958. Until 1971 she was the largest ship on the Great Lakes. Although she had reported having some difficulties during a gale on Lake Superior, the Fitzgerald sank suddenly on November 10, 1975 in 530 feet (162 m) of water without sending any distress signals. The site of the loss is in Canadian waters approximately 17 miles (15 nmi; 27 km) from the entrance to Whitefish Bay. All 29 hands in the crew perished, presumably by drowning. The incident is the most famous disaster in the history of Great Lakes shipping, and is the subject of Gordon Lightfoot's hit song, "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald." The precise cause of her sinking remains a mystery.

Maine Fun Map - Maine Coon Cat

Maine
The Way Life Should Be

Maine Facts:
Maine - "Pine Tree State"
Capital - Augusta
Area - 33,125 sq miles
Population - "1990" 1,227,928
Moto - "Dirigo" - I Direct
Flower - Pine Cone
Animal - Moose
Cat - Maine Coon
Insect - Honeybee
Bird - Chickadee
Tree - Eastern White Pine
23rd State admitted to the Union

This was postmarked in 2009 with a 28 cent polar bear stamp.

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I have never seen a postcard before with the state cat listed on it! I looked it up and yes - There is a Maine Coon breed of cat, here is some info:

One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, the Maine Coon is regarded as a native of the state of Maine. Most Coon Cat breeders believe that the breed originated in mating between pre-existing shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs.
Maine Coons were well established more than a century ago as a hardy, handsome breed of domestic cat, well equipped to survive the hostile New England winters.

Atoka, Oklahoma on a large Letter Postcard

Howdy from Atoka, Oklahoma

This large letter postcard is unused.

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Atoka is a city with a population of 3,107 at the 2010 census.  It was founded by the Choctaw Indians in the 1850s.

Nesting Birds of Finland

Birds that nest in Finland
(click the postcard to see it better)

Pihapiirin Lintuja
Gardsplanens Faglar

This postcard is huge! 8 1/2 inches X 11 1/2 inches

Haarapasky, Ladusvala, Hirundo Rustica (Barn Swallow)
Harakka, Skata, Pica Pica (European Magpie)
Keltasirkku, Gulsparv, Emberiza Citrinella (Yellowhammer)
Kirjosieppo, Svartvit Flugsnappare, Ficedula Hypoleuca (Pied Flycatcher)
Kottarainen, Stare, Sturnus vulgaris (European Starling)
Kuukkeli, Lavskrika, Perisoreus Infaustus (Siberian Jay)
Toyhtotiainen, Tofsmes, Parus Cristatus (Crested Tit)
Kapytikka, Storre Hackspett, Dendrocopos Major (Great Spotted Woodpecker)
Leppalinu, Rodstjart, Phoenicurus Phoenicurus (Common Redstart)
Mustarastas, Koltrast, Turdus Merula (blackbird)
Naakka, Kaja, Corvus Monedula (Jackdaw)
Narhi Notskrika, Garrulus Glandarius (Eurasian Jay)
Pajulintu, Lovsangare, Phylloscopus Trochilus (Willow Warbler)
Peippo, Bofink, Fringilla Coelebs (Chaffinch)
Punakykirastas, Rodvingetrast, Turdus Iliacus (Redwing)
Punarinta, Rodhake, Erithacus rubecula (European Robin)
Punatulkke, Domhere, Pyrrhula Pyrrhula (Eurasian Bullfinch)
Pahkinahakki, Notkraka, Nucifraga Caryocatactes (Spotted Nutcracker)
Rakattirastas, Bjorkrast, Turdus Pilaris (Fieldfare)
Sinitainen, Blames, Parus Caeruleus (Blue Tit)
talitainen, Talgoxe, Parus Major (Great Tit)
Tikli, Steglits, Carduelis Carduelis (European Goldfinch)
Tilhi, Sidensvans, Bombycilla Garrulus (Bohemian Waxwing)
Varis, Kraka, Corvus Corone (Carrion Crow)
Varpunnen, Grasparv, Passer Domesticus (House Sparrow)
Viherpeippo, Gronfink, Carduelis Chloris (European Greenfinch)
Urpiainen, Grasiska, Carduelis Flammea (Common Redpoll)
Vastarakki, Sadesarla, Motacilla Alba (White Wagtail)

postmarked in 2009 with two Finland stamps, one of a moth and one Moomin

New York Twin Towers - 9-11

New York City, Spectacular aerial view of New York's famous Financial District. -

postmarked on 9-11-2002 with the USA Heroes, 2001, firemen raising the flag stamp

Amir Timur - Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan
Amir Timur 1336 - 1405

postmarked in 2009 with two Uzbekistan stamps

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Amir Timur (Temur the Great) (1336-1405) was a man of a complex, multi-faceted personality. He forged his own destiny and became a prominent historical figure.

It was near Samarkand, in the town of Kesh, (in Uzbekistan) which later was given the name Shakhrisabz, where in 1336 to the chief of a small tribe was born a son.

The boy was named Temur. The wounding of his right leg by an arrow made him lame. That is why he is known as "Lame Temur" or "Tamerlane" in English.

From his youth he appeared on the political scene as an active politician and military figure. Having become the ruler of Samarkand he built a great army and carried on many annexationist campaigns.

Tamerlane made an outstanding contribution to the national state system, education and culture, and general development of his state. He promoted the construction of monumental historic buildings, especially in Samarkand. Some of them can be seen today.

Glasgow Science Centre, Scotland

Glasgow Science Centre, Pacific Quay, Scotland

postmarked in 2009 with a Great Britain queen 62p stamp

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Glasgow Science Centre is a visitor attraction located on the south bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland. It is a purpose-built science centre composed of three principal buildings which are the Science Mall, an IMAX cinema and the Glasgow Tower.

Science Mall
The Science Mall is a titanium-clad crescent shape structure that houses three floors of over 250 interactive science-learning exhibits, a Science Show Theatre and the Glasgow Science Centre Planetarium. The planetarium contains a Zeiss optical-mechanical projector that projects images of the night sky onto a 15m diameter dome.

IMAX Cinema
The IMAX cinema is the first and currently only IMAX cinema to have been built in Scotland. The single auditorium seats 370 in front of a rectangular screen measuring 60 feet by 80 feet and has the capability to show 3D films as well as standard 2D films in IMAX format. It opened to the public in October 2000, several months prior to the opening of the two other buildings.

Glasgow Tower
At 127 metres high, Glasgow Tower is currently the tallest tower in Scotland and the second tallest free-standing structure after the Inverkip Power Station chimney. It also holds a Guinness World Record for being the tallest tower in the world capable of rotating 360 degrees from its base to its top.

Montevideo, Uruguay Playa Punta Gorda

Montevideo - Playa Punta Gorda

(great old cars!)

postmarked in 1932 with a Uruguay stamp

Republica Oriental del Uruguay Stamp 1928

Jose Gervasio Artigas 5 Centesimos