Wednesday 27 August 2008

27 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!



The British protectorate of Zanzibar didn’t follow the wishes of the British government in the appointment of their new sultan. This difference of opinion on who should be the next sultan led to the shortest recorded war in history on this day in 1896. The “war” lasted a full 40 minutes and guess what, the Brits got their way! Those were the good old days of gunboat democracy and it seemed to work at the time!


The first publication of the “Guinness Book of Records” took place on this day in 1955. The background of how the book came into being and who was involved is fascinating. The idea of some sort of authoritive reference book came about following an argument as to which was the fastest game bird in Europe between Sir Hugh Beaver, the owner of the Guinness Brewery, and one of the house guests at a shoot. The conclusion of the argument was that there was not a reference book available to discover these types of facts, so they decided to produce one. Chris Chataway, the runner and an employee of the Brewery, recommended the McWhirter twins as likely candidates to undertake the job. The original intention was to give the book away free but the demand was such that it became an enormous commercial success!


Trying to produce something interesting and entertaining isn’t always easy, as Nomanda knows! However I hope I don’t ever have to sink to the depths of despair the producers of the “What’s My Line” series sank to on this day in 1961 when “Francis the Talking Mule” appeared as the mystery guest! Did the panel guess correctly, I don’t know and I don’t care!


On this day in 1965 that the Beatles were supposed to have spent an evening with Elvis, Bob Dylan was booed off the stage in New York’s Forrest Hills. I like Bob Dylan, what’s the matter with you!



A couple of years later on this day in 1967 Naomi Sims was to make a name for herself by becoming the first black model to appear on the cover page of a US magazine, the “Fashion of the Times”. Many, including her name sake, have followed her down the cat walk!



The devoted nun Mother Teresa (1910 – 1997) was born on this day. She devoted her life to the sick, poor and needy of the world and there can be few more worthy of a Nobel Prize (1979). After her death she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and given the title “Blessed Teresa of Calcutta”.


The lovely actress Barbara Bach (1949) will be celebrating her birthday today and who knows it may be with the “Spy Who Loved Me”.




The gentleman of the professional golfing circuit, Bernhard Langer (1957) will be celebrating his birthday today with his traditional restraint and modesty. At his peak he dominated the European golf scene and has played in an amazing 10 consecutive Ryder Cup teams.



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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