23 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!




If you like a bit of sparkle in your life then you should have been at the sale of the French crown jewels that took place on this day in 1887. The buyer has remained anonymous but whoever it was he needed a fairly large pocket as they were sold for the princely sum of 6 million French francs. The surviving jewels, I guess those not included in the sale, are on display at the Louvre but sadly are on display with glass sparklies instead on their original precious stones. Pity really!



A few years later on this day in 1904 the first ship “steerage class” tickets went on sale. It was a happy day for all those Europeans who wanted to leave the continent and start a fresh life in the new colonies. The most popular destination was the USA.



For those wanting a quicker means of transport there were of course the newly formed passenger plane services available. It was on this day in 1923 that the first Sabena passenger flight took off from Brussels, landed at Ostend, and then flew over the channel to land at Lympne in Kent. Having survived years of financial mismanagement the Belgian national airline of which Nomanda has fond memories is sadly now no more!




Passengers on this first flight were probably whiling away the time by reading a book or newspaper so it’s a nice coincidence that the Beatles were to choose this day in 1966 to release their hit single “Paperback Writer”.




Writing their way into the comedy history books were the “Monty Python” team and it was on this day in 1969 that the BBC saw the potential of this series and ordered 13 episodes. Good decision!




Birthday celebrities today start with Denis Compton (1918 – 1997). Scoring his first test century at the age of 19 against Bradman’s touring Australians he also played as a winger for Arsenal FC. He was renowned for his absent mindedness by his cricket team mates as well as his tendency to get lots of his fellow batsmen run out. One of his colleagues, Trevor Bailey, once said of him, “A call for a run from Compton should be treated as no more than the basis for negotiation!”




The English actress, Joan Collins (1933) is next up for birthday honours. Her portrayal as “the bitch” Alexis in the series “Dynasty” is her best remembered character.





Our final birthday wishes go to Graeme Hick (1966) the Rhodesian born cricketer who has played for the county of Worcestershire all his professional life and has represented England in 60 test matches and 120 ODI’s. At his peak he bowled as well as batting at number 3 in the order and was a brilliant slip catcher.



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!!

11 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!



If you had a family get together on Mother’s Day yesterday and a bit of a party then when you had a little waltz with your Mum you will be pleased to know that it was on this day in 1812 that the waltz was first introduced into English ballrooms. And they’ve been dancing it ever since! Nomanda isn’t much of a dancer but if I remember the waltz steps correctly it goes one, two, three, one, two, three, forward side together.




If you’re taking photos of your party and have still got an old Polaroid around then celebrate the introduction of this camera that was launched on this day in 1949 in New York City.




I’m sure the smile on Jay Forrester’s face would be worth a picture on this day in 1951 when he returned from the bank having just filed his patent for the computer core memory. Where would the world be without him?





Also smiling on this day in 1956 was Elvis Presley who made his first entry on the UK charts with his single “Heartbreak Hotel”.





The liner “France” was launched on this day in 1960. I am sure the launch was celebrated in traditional French style. The liner has been immortalised in song by the classic ballad singer Michel Sardou. Well worth a listen!



Puffing its way in a different manner were Peter, Paul and Mary who on this day in 1963 launched their hit record “Puff the Magic Dragon”. It was a lovely ballad and Nomanda’s still not sure whether “Puff” was the name of the dragon of whether it was what they were puffing!





One of our all time favourites, “Monty Python” formed on this day in 1969 and their sketches still make me laugh!






In an attempt to keep their elephant herds from decline it was on this day in 1989 that Kenya announced a worldwide ban on ivory. Quite right, too!





Birthday celebrities today start with Salvador Dali (1904 – 1989), the renowned Spanish impressionist painter. Nomanda’s favourite is “Persistence of Memory”, the one with the melting watches.




The hero of the TV series, “Sergeant Bilko” (1912 – 1985) was born on this day. His unscrupulous antics to make a buck kept audiences laughing for many years. He also reminds me of the CEO Nomanda used to work for once upon a time, but I never had the guts to tell Sir Trevor!




Jackie Milburn (1924 – 1988), the hero (“Wor Jackie”) of Newcastle United fans during the 50’s was born on this day. The only person to beat his record of goals scored for the club is another of the “Geordies” favourites, Alan Shearer.





Another sporting hero, John Parrot (1964) was born on this day and his achievements on the green baize have been followed up by doing a very good commentator’s job, along with his old rival, Steve Davis.




Final birthday greetings today go to the French model, Leatitia Casta, who apart from appearing as the face for L'Oreal, Dior and Channel, being on the front page of all the best fashion magazines, was elected by the Mayors of France to be the new model for the bust of “Marianne” the French allegorical symbol of the French Revolution.




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!!

29 March - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Gemstone of the Month

Bloodstone

Flower of the Month: Daffodil

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!



The 29th March is a happy day indeed for lovers of Swiss bank accounts, cuckoo clocks, music and the world’s most popular drink ……. Coca Cola!



It was on this day in 1798 Switzerland was formed; So everyone with a Swiss bank account, wind up your cuckoo clock and celebrate!






In a serious case of “It ain’t half cold, Mum”, the Niagara Falls stopped flowing on this day in 1848 due to an ice block! Brrrr! It makes me shiver just to think about it.





The day the Victoria Falls freeze over will be a seriously cold one! The Queen who had the falls named after her, Queen Victoria, was celebrating this day in 1871 by the opening of the Albert Hall in London. Music lovers everywhere rejoice and have a look at one of the Hall’s most popular performances “Last Night at the Proms” I feel a WI moment coming up!




Beginning his advertising campaign for Coca Cola this day in 1886 was the inventor of the fizzy drink, one John Pemberton. The campaign was a failure and sadly JSP did not survive to see his product take off.




There are remarkably three celebrities born on this day in 1943. Time will tell who will be best remembered! In my list of reverse order of remembrance is John Major, British Prime Minister from 1990 – 1997. Following in the “Iron Maiden’s” footsteps, how he survived that long is a mystery to me.




Vying for first place for me is, the modern composer and keyboard player, Vangelis, probably best known for one of Nomanda’s favourite pieces of music “Chariots of Fire”.





The other contender who just wins is Eric Idle, the Geordie comedian of “Monty Python” fame and co-writer of one of the MP’s classics, “The Life of Brian”. Is there anyone who has not sung these words? “Always looking on the bright side of Life” One of our 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!!

5 December - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Gemstone of the Month

Turquoise

Flower of the Month: Paper White

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!



According to their own historical records the famous auction house “Christie’s” held their first sale in London on this day in 1766. It has offices in New York and London and has held its auction sales all over the world They’ve sold some weird and wonderful things in their time ranging from “Star Trek” memorabilia to fine works of art. If you’ve got a large bank balance and want a special Christmas present for your special person pop along to their Christmas sale and I’m sure you will come away with something outrageously expensive. Keep an eye out for Nomanda cautiously bidding from behind the large pillar at the back of the room!


More appropriate for Nomanda’s pocket would be an old copy of the Rolling Stones LP “Beggar’s Banquet” that was released on this day in 1968!



Today in 1974 was a sad day for “Monty Python” fans when the BBC decided they’d had enough of them and aired their last show. For those of us who just can’t get enough here’s one of Nomanda’s favourites! The pope and Michelangelo had words about what the painting of “The Last Supper” should look like!



Little Richard (1932) must have been thinking about Italy if not the pope when he recorded his hit “Tutty Fruity”. It’s one of Nomanda’s favourite ice creams with all those frozen bits of fruit in it!




Our final birthday wishes go to the Canadian model and actress Shalom Harlow (1973). Despite the fact that she’s a vegetarian she still managed to walk away with earnings of $2million in 2007 so she can’t be all bad!




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!!

27 October- Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Gemstone of the Month

Opal

Flower of the Month: Calendula

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!



It’s nice to start the week on a light soft musical note so join Nomanda in listening to “Spanish Harlem” recorded on this day in 1960 by Ben E King. He’s now 70 years old and still drifting! Aaaaaaah!



A few years later on this day in 1982 China announced that its population had reached 1 billion give or take a few. One supporter of the Chinese was the Monty Python cast. They liked them so much they even made a special song for them, “I like Chinese”.



Nobody likes villains, except perhaps other villains, but sometimes you have to admire their flair and occasionally taste. It was on this day in 1985 that armed robbers entered the Marmottan Museum, Paris and made off with a total of 9 paintings including 5 Monet’s and 2 Renoir’s. Naughty, but great taste! All the paintings were eventually discovered some from as far away as Japan!


It’s nice when you know you’re on your way to a winner and that’s just what happened on this day in 1988 when the film ET was released for home video. 14 million copies had already been pre-sold. Nice work if you can get it!


Someone having a few technical problems with her home VCR unit admitted on this day in 1992 that she had covered the clock on the unit with black tape to avoid having to watch it blinking. What a great idea, Nomanda wishes he’d thought of that! The woman in question was Tipper Gore, the one and only wife of Al, the future Vice President of the US serving under President Clinton! It’s nice to note that our good friend Georgey Baby doesn’t have it all his own way!


The founder of the Singer Sewing Machine Company and the guy who revolutionised the world of the seamstress, Isaac Merrit Singer, (1811 – 1875) is our first birthday celebrity today.



The lady who seemed to know pretty well everything there was to know about behaving properly Emily Post (1872 – 1960) is our next birthday celebrity. Her book somewhat clumsily entitled “Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home” was read by generations of would be perfect people. She married the society banker Edward Main Post when she was just 19 but didn’t know how to keep him as he ran off with a stripper! What it’ll be all Vicars and Tarts, next!


The proud Welshman with the sonorous voice, Dylan Thomas (1914 – 1953) is our next guy for birthday honours. If you haven’ heard “Under Milk Wood” then here’s your chance! “Bible black” just wonderful!



One of the funniest guys of our generation, John Cleese (1939) will have a great birthday bash at his party today. Choose from “Monty Python”, “Fawlty Towers” or the “Life of Brian”, they’re all classics. A great diplomat, see how he deals with his German guests at his world famed hotel!


Our final birthday tribute goes to the singer Simon Le Bon who despite his pretentious sounding name is a quite a nice guy really. There’ll be lots of grub at his birthday bash as he gets “Hungry Like the Wolf”.



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!!