18 June - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Flower of the Month

Rose

Gemstone of the Month: Pearl

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!

It was on this day in 1815 that the great French leader, Napoleon, was to meet his Waterloo. In fact he met Wellington and a just in time superior force, with the allies being strengthened by the Prussians who arrived at the last minute. Don’t you just hate it when that happens! The site of the battle, just outside of Brussels, has an interesting museum with light and sound effects of the battle. Also, for battle weary tourists, there is a nice choice of cafes and restaurants all serving great Belgium food as well as an amazing range of Belgium beers! Nomanda’s been there, done that!



Sticking his large French nose out of his luxury accommodation in London was another great leader of the French, General de Gaulle. He’d scarpered from France a few days earlier and on this day in 1940 he broadcast his motivating message on the BBC encouraging his countrymen to defy the Nazi occupiers! Winston Churchill was not a fan of de Gaulle and neither is Nomanda!



It was a happy day for cattle everywhere on this day in 1981 when a vaccine to prevent foot and mouth disease was announced. Nomanda has been known to get his foot stuck in his mouth on occasions and no matter how much of this stuff I take it just doesn’t do it for me!




Something else that doesn’t do it for Nomanda is Gay this that and the Other! However in a poor attempt to be politically correct join me in celebrating the opening of the Gay Games on this day in New York in 1994. Apparently these games are held every 4 years just like the real thing; only more time is spent tying up shoelaces than any proper athletic activity. The organisers advise me that you don’t have to be gay to compete but I suppose you have to be open to giving it a try! Actually the more I think about it the more I might give it a go. There can be few better incentives to breaking records than being at the front of a race knowing there are a bunch of shirt lifters chasing up behind, if you forgive the expression! I’m through the tape, still running and breathless thinking about it! Just send the medal on to my home address, please!



First up for birthday honours today is Delia Smith (1941). From a modest start in life she has become a household word and has sold over 18 million copies of her famous cookbooks. The “Delia Effect” has made her a favourite of hardware stores everywhere when they sold out of stuff they’d had on the shelves for years the day after Delia used them! However she has found a place in Nomanda’s heart for her motivating half time speech to the fans of Norwich City Football Club in 2005.
"A message for the best football supporters in the world: we need a 12th man here. Where are you? Where are you? Let's be having you! Come on!" Sadly it didn’t work and they lost to Manchester City! Obviously the Queen is a Norwich City supporter as she awarded the indomitable Delia a CBE in her birthday honours list a couple of days ago.



Sometimes people can be very unkind as I discovered when I was researching the next birthday boy, Paul McCartney, who was born on this day in 1942. The one line tribute described Sir Paul as “writes silly love songs.” Well that is just not true as not all of his songs are love songs! We love you really, Paul! I know he’s past his 64th but it would be nice to hear it!



Another lady musician, Alison Moyet, will be celebrating her birthday today (1961) and we’d love a song from you too, please!





Our final birthday wishes go to Darren “Dizzy” Reed (1963) the keyboardist from Guns 'n' Roses. How about a listen to “Sweet Child o' Mine”.





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!!

18 May - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Flower of the Month

Lily of the Valley

Gemstone of the Month: Emerald

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!




Throughout history the English and French seem to be always at each other’s throats and things were no different at the end of the 1700’s. It was on this day in 1756 that England once more declared war on France. This time it was related to squabbling over the colonies. And just after they got over that one, it lasted 7 years; Britain had another go at the French on this day in 1803 and declared war again. Of course the proclamation that Napoleon was going to become the Emperor of France on this day the following year, in 1804, didn’t help matters any!



Thank goodness that Edwin Budding had his thoughts firmly directed towards his latest invention, the lawn mower, and signed on this day in 1830 an agreement to manufacture the beastly things! Mr Budding you have a lot to answer for. Nomanda visited a flea market recently and I’m sure that one of Edwin’s originals was on sale!



There may have been a few grass clippings around at the next event on this day in 1897 when the first Irish Music Festival was held in Dublin. The Irish are great people and they certainly know how to party so I’m sure this one was a belter! They still hold music festivals in Ireland but just as popular are their Beer Festivals held throughout the summer when the whole population of Ireland seems to wobble from one to the other every weekend. Go to one if you get the chance!



Another reported event that happened on this day in 1953 was the aviator Jacqueline Cochran breaking the sound barrier. The research shows that in doing so she was the first woman to achieve this. Now Nomanda cannot fly at that speed but I’m pretty sure that there have been millions of women who have broken the sound barrier before 1953. In fact some of them are my best friends!



We all know that names are very important, and particularly so if you’re involved in the TV / film industry where they really matter. So it comes as no surprise that Gene Rodenberry, sadly now beamed up, had to suggest no less than 16 names before the producers of the “Star Trek” series decided on Captain Kirk. Great opportunity for the “Star Trekkin” song, please!



First up for honours for doing silly feats of physical endurance and doing them on the same day to boot on this day in 1986 is David Goch. Apparently on this day in 1986 he completed swimming 55,682 miles in a 25 yard pool. Now normally Nomanda isn’t sceptical about these things, but I have to ask if the decimal point is in the correct place. If it’s correct, all I can say is very well done and who did you have to count the 3,920,012 lengths you did?



Not to be outdone, and maybe in an attempt to steal David’s limelight, on the same day Chung Kwang Ying did 2,750 atomic hand-stand push-ups! Frankly it just doesn’t cut the mustard compared to David’s swim!



Birthday celebrities today start with Perry Como (1912 – 2001). Perry’s career stretched over 50 years and he is loved both for his easy styled singing voice as well as for the TV shows he presented not least “The Perry Como Christmas Show”.





Our next birthday celebrity is Margot Fonteyn (1919 – 1991). Britain’s best ballerina, she enthralled audiences all over the world, particularly when she danced with her long time dance partner, Rudolf Nureyev.




Nimble on his feet too but on a football field as opposed to a theatre, our next birthday greeting go to one of the heroes of the 1966 World Cup winning team, Nobby Stiles (1942). The hard mid-fiend player is as famous for his toothless smile as for his brilliant defensive play! Cheers, Nobby!



Next up for birthday honours is the Chinese actor, Chow Yun-Fat (1955). Nomanda chose him because I liked his name and it just shows that I don’t get out a lot. Lovers of blood thirsty Chinese films will know him well!




Final birthday greetings go to Toyah Wilcox (1958). She’s calmed down a bit now from her pink punk days and is really quite good! Great promo videos!




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!!

25 April - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Gemstone of the Month

Diamond

Flower of the Month: Sweet Pea

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 “great oaks from little acorns grow” then today’s patent must qualify as one of the smallest ever. It was on this day in 1684 that the patent for the humble thimble was granted. Sock darners and needle workers are all grateful!

Not having any socks to darn, or anything else either, “Man Friday” made his first appearance on this day in 1719 when Daniel Defoe published his classic novel “Robinson Crusoe”.






Despite the fact that Napoleon had previously turned down the idea of building the Suez Canal as it was projected to cost too much, the first ground for the canal was broken on this day in 1859 by a French company. It was completed 10 years later and opened in 1869. The very first “canal” linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean is thought to go back to sometime around 1800BC. So not such a new idea after all!



It was on this day in 1960 that celebrated the first submerged circumnavigation of the world by the submarine “Triton”. I cannot get Bob Newhart’s speech made by the captain of the USS Codfish out of my mind;



Whilst the well known drunk Boris Yeltsin was getting himself elected leader of Russia on this day in 1993, weather more typically Russian was to fall in Southern California on this day one year later in 1994 when they recorded 14” of snow . “I told you not to put out the geraniums out yet!”



Birthday celebrations today go to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 – 1893) the great Russian composer with his “1812” overture and the “Nutcracker” being amongst his more popular works. Always makes me smile, that one!




The great jazz singer, Ella Fitzgerald (1918 – 1996) was born on this day and the legacy of her work with some of the best big bands of the time including Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Duke Ellington will always be remembered.

The well known actor of the Coronation Street character Ken Barlow, William Roache was born on this day in 1932. Have a beer on Nomanda, Ken!

Finally, born on this day in 1957 “The Crafty Cockney”, Eric Bristow, the celebrated 5 times world darts champion will be having a beer or two today as well! Cheers, Eric!.




Happy Birthday 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 April - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Gemstone of the Month

Diamond

Flower of the Month: Sweet Pea

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 happy chappie on this day in 1814 was Napoleon Bonaparte despite the fact that he had been persuaded to abdicate by the Allies. He was looking on the bright side because, although he was being sent off in exile to Elba, he was allowed to take with him 1,000 men, his “household staff” and was even given the title ”Emperor of Elba”.
Not a bad deal for someone who has just had his bottom spanked! Anyway it wasn’t going to last as he got fed up with life on Elba and left 9 months later to start the 100 day campaign.




Celebrating this day in 1900 was the US Navy who had just launched their first submarine. I wonder if it was a yellow one.





Beyond my brain power but he was up for it at the time, Albert Einstein chose this day in 1906 to baffle the world with his Theory of Relativity. I still don’t get it!




In a stroke of imagination that was to be copied by tax raisers the world over ever since, the state of Iowa introduced the first tax on cigarettes on this day in 1921. Cough your hearts out, smokers!




One of Europe’s best loved and longest ruling monarchs, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, took to the throne on this day in 1951. His marriage to Grace Kelly guaranteed him a place in the memories of Americans who otherwise would probably have never heard of him!





The well loved golfer, Jack Nicklaus, liked this day as he won consecutive Maters titles on this day in 1965 (271 strokes) and 1966 (288 strokes). Seve Ballesteros was to go on and win his Master’s title on this day in 1983 (280 strokes). Good day for golfers, then!




For those golfers who have played on what can only be described as “Mickey Mouse” courses, don’t get too upset, as it was on this day in 1992 that Euro Disney opened just outside of Paris. Why they choose to build it there has always been a mystery to me unless the management really thought their visitors enjoyed walking around in the rain. Cue for Ginger!




Today’s birthday greetings go to Adriano Olivetti (1901 – 1960). He deserves a special mention as without his inventive skills and manufacturing capacity Nomanda may not be here at all!





The Smurf song singer (bit of a mouthful that!), Pierre Cartner gets our birthday wishes today (1935). And our birthday girl today is Lisa Stansfield (1965). We’ll go “All Around the World” to wish you Happy Birthday, Lisa!




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!!

30 March - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Flower of the Month

Daffodil

Gemstone of the Month: Bloodstone

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!


This day in history has been a big and happy day for lots of people going back over the years.


I must mention, because of the Belgian influence in Nomanda, that it was on this day in 988 that Baudouin IV (aka Baudouin with the beard!) became the Earl of Flanders. Other Baudouins would follow him but not all with beards!




It was a happy day today in 1533 for Henry VIII as he celebrated the first of his many divorces, this time from Catherine of Aragon. No doubt she was not so pleased. And co-incidentally (or not!) today was also the day that Thomas Cranmer became the Archbishop of Canterbury. Smart move, Henry!



Moving on to 1814 it was on this day that the British army and their Allies marched into Paris after defeating Napoleon. It wasn’t the first or the last time they would do this and they would have to wait another year before Napoleon met his Waterloo, (another Belgium reference today!)




In 1867 on this day the US got the deal of the century when they bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. I wonder how the cash was spent!.



On this day in 1889 John T Reid opened the first US golf course, Yonkers in New York. The Americans were going to show the world that they took well to the game in the years to come!




In 1932 on this day Amelia Earhart was to be the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. She may have been the first, but certainly not the last because in a previous life, Nomanda has done it hundreds of times, never on her own, though!






It’s a great excuse for a bit of Oh, Oh, Oh it was on this day in 1943 that Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma” premieres in New York!





And in 1987 the painting of the Sunflowers by one of our favourite artists, Vincent Van Gogh, was sold on this day for a record £22.5 million. Coincidentally it was sold on the same day as his birthday in 1853. Nomanda has this painting at home but sadly not the original. A poster copy is the best Nomanda’s budget stretches to!




Andrew Strauss may take some little comfort from his recent 8 wicket defeat in the West Indies by learning that on this day in 1994 the English team were all out for 46 in their game at the Port-of-Spain!




Our first birthday celebrity today is Rolf Harris (1930), the well known Australian singer, entertainer and painter, best known for his own invented instrument the “wobble board”, his song “Sun Arise”, and his fast drawing and painting skills. Not all our Australian friends are so enthusiastic of his talents!



Next up for birthday honours is Warren Beatty (1937) best known for his performance in “Bonny and Clyde”.






Eric Clapton (1945), one of the greatest guitarists of all time is our next birthday boy and here is one of Nomanda’s favourites from him!





Now she’s got a “Fast Car” Tracy Chapman (1964) will be celebrating her birthday in style today!





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!!