Saturday 9 May 2009

9 May - Historical Events and Special Celebrations



Gemstone of the Month


Emerald



Flower of the Month: Lily of the Valley



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!



One of the greatest inventions of all time was made on this day in 1785, but you’re going to have to wait a while to make way for thieves and lock pickers first!



The thief was an Irishman, Colonel Thomas Blood, and the subject of the theft nothing less than the crown jewels held at the Tower of London. The crafty Irishman had previously done a “reccie” of the place dressed as a parson accompanied by his “wife”. Having made his plans he returned to the Jewel Room on this day in 1671, overpowered the custodian and made off with the jewels. Despite his careful planning Blood and his accomplices were captured red handed. Blood refused to speak to anyone but King Charles. For reasons unknown, upon hearing his tale not only did the King pardon him, but gave him land in Ireland worth £500 per year. Just goes to show that a cheeky face and a winning smile will get away with anything!



One of the greatest inventor’s of the late 18th century, Joseph Bramah, was busily beavering away doing what he did best. Although best known for his invention of the Hydraulic Press, he also patented an “Improved Water Closet”, and established a lock manufacturing company that is still in business today. His “challenge lock” remained unopened for 60 years despite the reward of 200 guineas for anyone who could crack it. The honour of cracking the lock fell to an American locksmith who opened it at the Great Exhibition in 1851. Not exactly a would be safe breaker, Alfred Charles Hobbs, took 51 hours spread over 16 days to crack it! However indomitable Bramah saved his best invention until 1785 when on this day he patented the beer pump handle!

Bartenders and beer drinkers have been in his debt ever since!




The patenting of the rotary blade lawn mower on this day in 1899 pales in comparison to Bramah’s achievement! The green stuff is growing like mad in Nomanda’s garden at the moment!






Ending a long running battle of which city was top dog it was on this day in 1927 that all the previous contenders lost out and Canberra, a city built to order for the purpose, became the capital of Australia, replacing Melbourne.




Now that we’ve got a new city we need a place to do the washing. Do not despair because it was on this day in 1949 that Britain opened its first launderette in Queensway, London. Great social places, Launderettes, and if you get to know your washing routines properly it’s easy to calculate just how many beers it takes to do the washing. Cheers, Joseph!



In an environmentally friendly “Return to Sender” exercise it was on this day in 1971 that the Friends of the Earth returned 1500 non-returnable bottles to Schweppes. I can just imagine the conversation at the front gates of the Schweppes factory.

“We’ve brought these bottles back for you”. “We don’t want them”. “We know. That’s why we’ve brought them back”. “But these are non-returnable bottles”. “We know. That’s why we’ve brought them back”.
Etc, etc,etc




Birthday celebrities today start with J M Barrie (1860 – 1937), the Scottish author of “Peter Pan”.






The celebrated discoverer of Tutankhamun’s Tomb, Howard Carter (1873 – 1939) the English archaeologist was born on this day. The world has since been in wonderment at this remarkable discovery.





Wuff wuff and “walkies” best describe our next celebrity, Barbara Woodhouse (1910 – 1988). She is renowned for her love of dogs and her dog training books.




Birthday greetings also go to Albert Finney (1936) whose career covers 50 years of films many of which; starting with “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” and “Under the Volcano” are classics of their time.




Final birthday greetings go to Glenda Jackson (1936). Now an MP for the Labour Party, (I wonder how much longer that will be) her performances in “Women in Love” and “Elizabeth R” are Nomanda’s favourites.




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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