Saturday 23 August 2008

23 August - Historical Events and Special Celebrations



Gemstone of the Month

Agate


Flower of the Month: Gladiolus


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!



Have you ever been driving in a strange place and have got a “feel” for the direction you should be going and just as you think you’ve almost sorted it all out you come across a “no-entry” sign and a one way street system? I think we’ve all been there and if you thought the one way street is a modern invention by city planners who either walk or cycle to work, you would be wrong! Apparently the first one way street was introduced in London on this day as early as 1617. So, I’m driving my pony and trap along this street and another one approaches from the opposite direction.

“Hello! I say old man I think you’re going in the wrong direction.”

What’s that you say, Guv?” (Just my luck, I’ve got a taxi driver!) “Well, you see as from today this street is a one way street.” “What’s that, Guv? Don’t know what you’re talking about.” “You can only go along this street in the direction I’m going, you’ll have to turn around and take another street.” “Sorry, mate (now he’s getting friendly!) I’ve just come from there and I want to go back.

I exercise a three point turn with my pony and trap (no mean feat) and leave the scene. Where’s a bobby when you need one? Spoke too soon, there he is at the end of the street and we both get a fine! I’ll take the bus next time, as soon as they’re invented!



It doesn’t matter which direction you’re travelling when you’re trying to drive on snow or ice, it’s just very difficult to keep going in any direction. The patenting of the snow chain on this day in 1914 would change all that. They are not however the easiest things to fit, it’s usually cold and wet when you’re trying to do it and if you have Nomanda’s luck one comes off before the wheel has revolved a couple of turns!

Not a lot of snow to worry about in Equatorial Guinea where the world’s largest frog was caught on this day in 1960. He weighed in at an impressive 3.3 kilos and was lucky not to have been caught in French Guiana where he would have ended up in the pot!


Our first birthday wishes go to the actor Lee Majors (1940). Probably best known for the character “Colonel Steve Austin” in the series the "$6,000,000 Man". His money didn’t do him a lot of good as he seems to have spent most of it on his several divorces. His best known ex is the lovely FFFFarrah FFFFawcett MMMajors (not a name for sufferers of speech immmpppediments!)

The strong man Geoff Capes (1949) is our next birthday boy. Standing 196 centimetres tall he weighed in at 147 kilos at the peak of his career. Geoff is Britain’s most capped male athlete of all time and now he’s retired from his shot putting and strength competitions he breeds and shows budgies! A gentle Giant, really!



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!!


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