23 May - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Gemstone of the Month

Emerald

Flower of the Month: Lily of the Valley



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 you like a bit of sparkle in your life then you should have been at the sale of the French crown jewels that took place on this day in 1887. The buyer has remained anonymous but whoever it was he needed a fairly large pocket as they were sold for the princely sum of 6 million French francs. The surviving jewels, I guess those not included in the sale, are on display at the Louvre but sadly are on display with glass sparklies instead on their original precious stones. Pity really!



A few years later on this day in 1904 the first ship “steerage class” tickets went on sale. It was a happy day for all those Europeans who wanted to leave the continent and start a fresh life in the new colonies. The most popular destination was the USA.



For those wanting a quicker means of transport there were of course the newly formed passenger plane services available. It was on this day in 1923 that the first Sabena passenger flight took off from Brussels, landed at Ostend, and then flew over the channel to land at Lympne in Kent. Having survived years of financial mismanagement the Belgian national airline of which Nomanda has fond memories is sadly now no more!




Passengers on this first flight were probably whiling away the time by reading a book or newspaper so it’s a nice coincidence that the Beatles were to choose this day in 1966 to release their hit single “Paperback Writer”.




Writing their way into the comedy history books were the “Monty Python” team and it was on this day in 1969 that the BBC saw the potential of this series and ordered 13 episodes. Good decision!




Birthday celebrities today start with Denis Compton (1918 – 1997). Scoring his first test century at the age of 19 against Bradman’s touring Australians he also played as a winger for Arsenal FC. He was renowned for his absent mindedness by his cricket team mates as well as his tendency to get lots of his fellow batsmen run out. One of his colleagues, Trevor Bailey, once said of him, “A call for a run from Compton should be treated as no more than the basis for negotiation!”




The English actress, Joan Collins (1933) is next up for birthday honours. Her portrayal as “the bitch” Alexis in the series “Dynasty” is her best remembered character.





Our final birthday wishes go to Graeme Hick (1966) the Rhodesian born cricketer who has played for the county of Worcestershire all his professional life and has represented England in 60 test matches and 120 ODI’s. At his peak he bowled as well as batting at number 3 in the order and was a brilliant slip catcher.



Happy Special Day 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!!