The World's First Multimedia Stamp

Technology has again taken a front seat when China came out with the world's first multimedia stamp in September this year.

One can listen to the great poems from the Tang Dynasty that include works by Li Bai, Du Fu and Bai Juyi with the mere touching of the stamps by a special device called the aigo pen. This pen is a unique gadget that combines an infrared recognition system, mass data storage and an MP3 player,

We can expect other countries using this new technology on their stamps soon. Can you imagine a Philippine stamp showing the Philippine Flag and once the aigo pen touches it, the Philippine National Anthem is played? Or a Cory Aquino or Ninoy Aquino stamp that can play their famous lines? How about a stamp of a Philippine President that plays the president's inauguration speech?

My TPF's Star Wars Keychain Collection

A wonderful gift I got for myself this Christmas is being able to acquire the last four pieces of the Star Wars Keychains from The Promotions Factory of Australia. I earlier talked about these keychains in one of my blogs some months ago. Click here to open that previous blog.

The 21 keychains featuring well known Star Wars characters like Yoda, Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker, C3P0, R2D2, and Queen Amidala are a welcome addition to my Star Wars treasures.

The Sherlock Holmes Movie and Stamps

Fans of Sherlock Holmes, a legendary detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Boyle are in for a treat this month with the release of the Sherlock Holmes movie and Guerney Post' Sherlock Holmes stamps.

The movie directed by Guy Ritchie is now a box office smash after grossing $24.9 million on Christmas day.

Robert Downey Jr. plays Sherlock Holmes while Jude Law is his sidekick named Watson.

Here is the story of the movie:
Detective Sherlock Holmes, the most brilliant investigative mind in all of England together with his pragmatic and trusted colleague named Watson must stop a malicious mastermind who sets in motion a plan that could threaten England's future. Holmes and Watson must not only show off their mental prowess, but also roll up their sleeves and throw a few punches to save the day.

Meanwhile Guernsey Post adds a new twist to the character with the issuance of the stamps celebrating the 150th anniversary of Sir Arthur Conan Boyle.

The postal authorities commissioned Keith Robinson, an illustrator and animator, to do the design of the stamps who suggested that a new plot has to made to enliven the commemorative issue.

Guernsey Post decided to sponsor the writing of a new mystery story called Sherlock Holmes and the Curious Case of the Alderney Bull.

Click here to read more on the Guernsey Post' Sherlock Holmes stamps. Open this link to view the movie trailer

The Pope's Christmas Message to Filipinos

Pope Benedict XVI gave his Christmas Day blessing hours after he was knocked down by a woman during the start of the Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.

His "Urbi et Orbi" speech, which means "To the city and the world" in Latin was followed with Christmas greetings in 65 different languages that included a special message for the Filipinos.

Merry Christmas to All!

This Christmas day, I would like to wish all the readers of this blogpage a very merry Christmas.

May all of you have countless joys and blessings. Happy holidays everyone!

Featured above is the October 20, 2009 Christmas stamp issue of the Isle of Man Post featuring Father Christmas himself.

Letters to Santa a hit!

The United States Postal Service (USPS) came out with a limited edition cd that features 13 holiday favorite songs by contemporary and classic stars.

The Letters to Santa cd includes the hits:

"Let it Snow" – Michael Buble

"The Christmas Song" – Nat King Cole

"Sleigh Ride" – Diana Krall

"White Christmas" – Rosemary Clooney

"The Christmas Waltz" – Frank Sinatra

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town" – Ray Charles

"Christmastime is here" – Vince Guaraldi's classic from A Charlie Brown Christmas

USPS says that the cd is now the best selling holiday collection of all time with 70,000 copies sold. It is also at number 15 in Billboard's holiday chart.

Cebu Stamp Club's CSCI Newsletter December 2009 Issue

Cebu Stamp Club, Incorporated's CSCI Newsletter December 2009 Issue is now available. This is the club's last issue for the year.

The e-newsletter is available for free to Cebu Stamp Club members and non-members who love stamps.

Download a pdf copy of the newsletter by clicking here.