25 April - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Gemstone of the Month

Diamond

Flower of the Month: Sweet Pea

First of all Nomanda would like to thank all our new readers! We have been getting more and more of you every day and we really appreciate you! If you are enjoying Nomanda’s blog please pass it on to your friends. And if you would like to make a comment or get your own special mention on your own special day just send us the details through the comments section and we’ll make sure we don’t forget you!

Nomanda’s Happy Special Day blog is a celebration of events and anniversaries that have touched our lives. If today is your special day join us in looking at a few other events that have occurred on your day. Enjoy!

If “great oaks from little acorns grow” then today’s patent must qualify as one of the smallest ever. It was on this day in 1684 that the patent for the humble thimble was granted. Sock darners and needle workers are all grateful!

Not having any socks to darn, or anything else either, “Man Friday” made his first appearance on this day in 1719 when Daniel Defoe published his classic novel “Robinson Crusoe”.






Despite the fact that Napoleon had previously turned down the idea of building the Suez Canal as it was projected to cost too much, the first ground for the canal was broken on this day in 1859 by a French company. It was completed 10 years later and opened in 1869. The very first “canal” linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean is thought to go back to sometime around 1800BC. So not such a new idea after all!



It was on this day in 1960 that celebrated the first submerged circumnavigation of the world by the submarine “Triton”. I cannot get Bob Newhart’s speech made by the captain of the USS Codfish out of my mind;



Whilst the well known drunk Boris Yeltsin was getting himself elected leader of Russia on this day in 1993, weather more typically Russian was to fall in Southern California on this day one year later in 1994 when they recorded 14” of snow . “I told you not to put out the geraniums out yet!”



Birthday celebrations today go to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 – 1893) the great Russian composer with his “1812” overture and the “Nutcracker” being amongst his more popular works. Always makes me smile, that one!




The great jazz singer, Ella Fitzgerald (1918 – 1996) was born on this day and the legacy of her work with some of the best big bands of the time including Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Duke Ellington will always be remembered.

The well known actor of the Coronation Street character Ken Barlow, William Roache was born on this day in 1932. Have a beer on Nomanda, Ken!

Finally, born on this day in 1957 “The Crafty Cockney”, Eric Bristow, the celebrated 5 times world darts champion will be having a beer or two today as well! Cheers, Eric!.




Happy Birthday to one and all!



If you know someone who is celebrating their birthday, anniversary or a special day today or sometime soon why not send them a nice e-card so they get it as soon as they log on! Even better, why not send this page to your friend!
Don’t know what to get for a present? Think about what your special person enjoys doing and the things they like.


For Girls, I know that flowers and chocolates are a bit cliché but nevertheless they always seem to work! Of course, if your budget stretches that far, jewellery, watches, perfume and fashion items are always appreciated!

For Boys, all boys like toys! It’s just as they get older the toys get more expensive. So gadgets and gimmicky things work. Again, if you have the budget then car accessories, sporting equipment and clothes, and man type jewellery like watches and gold chains will go down very well!

And, if all else fails, you could always send them a gift voucher and they can choose whatever they want!

If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special event today I hope you got lots of cards and presents and that there is someone special in your life who will make this day a very happy and special day for you.


Happy celebrations to you from the Happy Special Day Blog!!