10 August - Historical Events and Celebrations

Flower of the Month

Gladiolus

Gemstone of the Month: Agate

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!



Depending on what time of the day you visit Nomanda’s blog you may want to come back in the evening to join us in celebrating Mozart completing his “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” on this day in 1787. We don’t do a lot of classical music but this is nice and light!


The completion of the laying of the telephone transatlantic cable was celebrated on this day in 1866 by President Buchanan speaking to Queen Victoria. I just don’t think it would happen today. Can you imagine the conversations?

At the UK end, “Your Majesty, would you like to speak to President Bush on the new ‘phone cable we’ve just laid?" “Why would I want to speak to that man? The last time I met him he pinched my bum!”

At the US end, “Mr President, would you like to speak to Queen Elizabeth II on the new ‘phone cable we’ve just laid?” "Queen who? Who’s she?”

The ubiquitous screw cap was patented by the Englishman Dan Rylands on this day in 1889. Although they are used on virtually every product that comes out of a bottle some more traditional wine producers still persist with the cork. Opening a bottle of wine with a cork is a bit of a performance. First of all you cut the pretty foil, then you carefully insert the corkscrew and delicately pull the cork with a satisfying “plop” sound. Connoisseurs then sniff the cork to ensure the wine hasn’t been damaged. Opening a screw capped bottle of wine and sniffing the cap just doesn’t seem the same somehow!

Another tradition long lost to modern times is the AA man on his motor cycle giving you a courteous salute as he passes your car and recognises your AA membership badge screwed onto the grill of your car. It was on this day in 1897 that the Automobile Club of Great Britain was established. Smart thinking by the founders when you think about it and the time they set it up. Sadly also gone are the little AA boxes at the side of the road where you could call the AA when you were in trouble. Nomanda knows a politician who used to use these boxes to change in when dashing from one appointment to another! It was a country constituency and I guess he had to change in and out of suits and wellies and jeans depending on the next call!

The British Army stationed in Hong Kong shed a tear on this day in 1994 when the last troops left the province. They had been there since 1841 and it was one of the cushiest postings available!

The Scottish rocker Ian Anderson (1947) will be celebrating his birthday today. Maybe he’ll invite the rest of his group Jethro Tull around for a few drinks and a “Bungle in the Jungle”!


Our last birthday celebrity is the American actress Angie Harmon (1972). She’s one of “Joey’s” favourites from Baywatch!




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!!