24 May - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Flower of the Month

Lily of the Valley

Gemstone of the Month: Emerald

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!

How many Chancellors of the Exchequer have raised revenue by taxing booze and tobacco? I guess the answer is all of them! However on this day in 1726 the people weren’t going to put up with it any more and revolted following an increase in tax on gin and brandy. Quite right, too, but it doesn’t seem to have deterred succeeding Chancellors from this dreadful habit!



The “new” Westminster Bridge across the river Thames was opened on this day in 1862. Even though it connects the Houses of Parliament with the rest of the world it doesn’t seem to have improved MP’s communication skills!



Another important bridge connecting the New York boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge, was opened on this day in 1883. It has become an iconic part of the New York skyline and is much bigger, higher and more impressive than Westminster Bridge!



Coming in to land in Australia on this day in 1930 was the intrepid aviator Amy Johnson. She had departed from Croydon airport just outside London on 5th May and 19 days and 11,000 miles later she landed her solo flight in Darwin. Great flying, Amy!




Today seems to have been a good day for film premiers as it was on this day in 1985 that the latest James Bond movie “View to a Kill” premiered in the US, and on the same day in 1989 “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” also premiered. All Harrison Ford fans will be queuing up for the latest offering “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” which premiered in Cannes last year! Close call!



Birthday celebrities today start around 2,000 years ago as it was on this day in 15 BC that the Roman commandant Julius Caesar Germanicus was born. He wasn’t too keen on the German tribes, probably as a result of the bashings they’d given previous Roman legions, and has the reputation of being the only Roman commander to have crossed the Rhine and returned successfully. Following his victories in Europe he was sent to Asia where once again his campaigns were successful. However it would all be for nothing as he was poisoned on the orders of his Emperor, Tiberius, and died at Antioch.



Sharing her birthday with JCG is none other than the great Queen Victoria (1819 – 1901). Her reign was to last over 63 years and she ruled over the British Empire at its summit. The Victorian era and the Industrial Revolution put Great Britain where it should be, at the top, but regrettably it has backslided ever since.




Our next birthday celebrity, Bob Dylan, the prolific singer and songwriter was born on this day in 1941. Amongst his many great songs “Blowin’ in the Wind” and "The Times they are a Changin" are Nomanda’s favourites.



Our final birthday wishes go to Eric Cantona (1966) the legendry French footballer whose career with Manchester United is considered by many to have been the catalyst in retuning the club to its former and present glory. Since retiring from professional football he has been involved in many sporting commercials and has acted in several French films.



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!!