20 June - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Flower of the Month

Rose

Gemstone of the Month: Pearl

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!

Today was a very important day in the evolution of the Unites States as it was on this day in 1782 that Congress approved the Great Seal of the US. The two sided seal with the bald headed eagle on the obverse side is recognised throughout the world and is an icon of the US. The symbolism on the seal, with the number 13 repeated many times representing the original 13 member states, is well worth exploring further for those who may be interested. Some of the symbolism, in view of the US posture on foreign affairs, will surprise you, or maybe not!


There was no such hidden meaning on this day in 1949 when the “Gorgeous Gussie”, Gertrude Moran, exposed her lacy knickers to an excited crowd of spectators at Wimbledon. The Wimbledon officials were shocked by the display, so no surprise there then, whilst the fee paying fans were delighted, no surprise there either! The officials had only themselves to blame as the whole incident came about because they had refused “Gorgeous Gussie’s” request to play in a coloured dress set. “Whites only” was their response so she slipped into her frilly white knickers under a short skirt and shocked them all! Good on you, Gussie! Sadly she did not go on to win, but will never be forgotten!


One of the calendar’s biggest sporting events, the Rugby Union World Cup, was first held in 1987 and it was in this day that New Zealand was crowned the first world champions beating France 29 – 9 in the final. The William Webb Ellis Cup, named after the Rugby schoolboy who is credited with inventing the game, was on its way to New Zealand. The current holders of the cup are South Africa who beat England in the 2007 final 15 – 6. The event has only been held 6 times and the cup has been won by South Africa twice, Australia twice, and England and New Zealand have both won it once. The next world cup will take place in New Zealand in 2011 and Nomanda wouldn’t bet against New Zealand winning it for a second time!


Celebrating the end of his long standing career as a Cricket Test Match umpire on this day in 1996 was the charismatic “Dickie Bird”. He was treated to a “guard of honour” by the players and a standing ovation by the spectators as he stepped out onto the hallowed turf of Lords to stand in his 66th and last Test Match. Great Guy!



The price of fuel is on everybody’s mind at the moment and it was on this day in 1977 that the first oil was pumped through the Trans-Alaska pipeline. The oil enters the pipeline in the frozen North of the country and comes out 38 days and 800 miles later at the port of Valdez on the Southern coast. Pump lots more, please, and get the price down is Nomanda’s plea!


Our first birthday tribute today goes to the famous actor Errol Flynn (1909 – 1959). He was a boozer and a womaniser and everybody loved him! Sadly his hedonistic lifestyle caught up with him in the end and the story goes that having said he was “feeling ill” his friend Caldough took him to rest at the apartment of a doctor friend of his. Instead of resting he organised a party and amused the guests with tales of “Derry Do” and impressions. Feeling ill again during the party he left the guests in order to rest with the immortal words “I shall return.” Sadly, he didn’t!


Wendy Craig (1934) is our next birthday celebrity. Of her many funny roles Nomanda likes her performances in the series “Butterflies” best of all!



Next up for birthday honours is Brian Wilson (1942) the renowned songwriter bassist and singer of the Beach Boys. Let’s celebrate his birthday with a few “Good Vibrations”!



Selling over 100 million records Lionel Richie (1950) must deserve a mention and a song! Also born on this day in 1953 was the girl who just wanted to have fun, Cyndi Lauper. Sharing the same birthday with Cyndi is Alan Longmuir of the Bay City Rollers, so let’s have a song from them!


Our final birthday celebrity is John Taylor (1960) from the group Duran Duran. Why don’t we let him do what he does best! (I Do What I Do)



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!!