Showing posts with label Rugby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rugby. Show all posts

Saturday, 20 June 2009

20 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!



Today was a very important day in the evolution of the Unites States as it was on this day in 1782 that Congress approved the Great Seal of the US. The two sided seal with the bald headed eagle on the obverse side is recognised throughout the world and is an icon of the US. The symbolism on the seal, with the number 13 repeated many times representing the original 13 member states, is well worth exploring further for those who may be interested. Some of the symbolism, in view of the US posture on foreign affairs, will surprise you, or maybe not!


There was no such hidden meaning on this day in 1949 when the “Gorgeous Gussie”, Gertrude Moran, exposed her lacy knickers to an excited crowd of spectators at Wimbledon. The Wimbledon officials were shocked by the display, so no surprise there then, whilst the fee paying fans were delighted, no surprise there either! The officials had only themselves to blame as the whole incident came about because they had refused “Gorgeous Gussie’s” request to play in a coloured dress set. “Whites only” was their response so she slipped into her frilly white knickers under a short skirt and shocked them all! Good on you, Gussie! Sadly she did not go on to win, but will never be forgotten!


One of the calendar’s biggest sporting events, the Rugby Union World Cup, was first held in 1987 and it was in this day that New Zealand was crowned the first world champions beating France 29 – 9 in the final. The William Webb Ellis Cup, named after the Rugby schoolboy who is credited with inventing the game, was on its way to New Zealand. The current holders of the cup are South Africa who beat England in the 2007 final 15 – 6. The event has only been held 6 times and the cup has been won by South Africa twice, Australia twice, and England and New Zealand have both won it once. The next world cup will take place in New Zealand in 2011 and Nomanda wouldn’t bet against New Zealand winning it for a second time!


Celebrating the end of his long standing career as a Cricket Test Match umpire on this day in 1996 was the charismatic “Dickie Bird”. He was treated to a “guard of honour” by the players and a standing ovation by the spectators as he stepped out onto the hallowed turf of Lords to stand in his 66th and last Test Match. Great Guy!



The price of fuel is on everybody’s mind at the moment and it was on this day in 1977 that the first oil was pumped through the Trans-Alaska pipeline. The oil enters the pipeline in the frozen North of the country and comes out 38 days and 800 miles later at the port of Valdez on the Southern coast. Pump lots more, please, and get the price down is Nomanda’s plea!


Our first birthday tribute today goes to the famous actor Errol Flynn (1909 – 1959). He was a boozer and a womaniser and everybody loved him! Sadly his hedonistic lifestyle caught up with him in the end and the story goes that having said he was “feeling ill” his friend Caldough took him to rest at the apartment of a doctor friend of his. Instead of resting he organised a party and amused the guests with tales of “Derry Do” and impressions. Feeling ill again during the party he left the guests in order to rest with the immortal words “I shall return.” Sadly, he didn’t!


Wendy Craig (1934) is our next birthday celebrity. Of her many funny roles Nomanda likes her performances in the series “Butterflies” best of all!



Next up for birthday honours is Brian Wilson (1942) the renowned songwriter bassist and singer of the Beach Boys. Let’s celebrate his birthday with a few “Good Vibrations”!



Selling over 100 million records Lionel Richie (1950) must deserve a mention and a song! Also born on this day in 1953 was the girl who just wanted to have fun, Cyndi Lauper. Sharing the same birthday with Cyndi is Alan Longmuir of the Bay City Rollers, so let’s have a song from them!


Our final birthday celebrity is John Taylor (1960) from the group Duran Duran. Why don’t we let him do what he does best! (I Do What I Do)



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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Monday, 25 May 2009

25 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 were asked to make up your hate list of businesses / professions I’m pretty sure that Insurance companies / Insurance agents will make close to top spot! We all know that whatever they promise at the time you take out the insurance the particular unfortunate incident you’ve just had for some reason isn’t covered by the policy. So let’s raise a glass to John Copson from Philadelphia who on this day in 1721 became the first American Insurance agent. His main business was marine insurance; his business aim was not to pay out.



I wonder if he insured the HMS Pinafore, the ship of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comedy opera that premiered in London on this day in 1878. It was going to be the second longest running musical of its time. There are many good songs from HMS Pinafore but Nomanda likes “When I was a Lad” best! How true!



Two more great songs were to be released on this day in 1968. The first is the Rolling Stones’ “Jumping Jack Flash” and the other maybe less well known but good Irish fun nevertheless is “Unicorn” by the Irish Rovers. Both worth a listen!



Ignoring the advice given him when he asked the doorman at the Chicago Sears TowerHow do I get to the top?” it was on this day in 1981 that Daniel Goodwin decided to climb to the top. It took him 7 hours. Now Nomanda has been there and can tell you all that the lifts work perfectly OK and whiz you up in a minute!




Born in 1891 it was on this day in 1986 that a 95 year old lady golfer achieved her golfing ambition and scored a hole in one on a golf course in Florida. I just hope her eyesight was good enough to see the ball go in the hole! Now Nomanda enjoys a game of golf and this lady has spurred me on to keep trying for a hole in one myself for a few more years! Don’t really want to wait that long, though!



Probably one of the best politicians in recent years from Russia, Mikhail Gorbachev was elected Executive President of the Soviet Union on this day in 1989. He was instrumental in bringing the Cold War to an end and we all should be thankful for that. His contribution to world peace has been recognised by being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990. Still going strong he has been the unfortunate brunt of insensitive cartoonists on account of his distinctive ketchup birthmark!



First up for birthday honours today is the singer Eddie Maxwell (1912 – 1999). He makes the cut because of one of his best known records of his time “Yes we have no Bananas”. Just listen to the words, you’ve gotta love it!




Next up is thriller writer Robert Ludlum (1927 – 2001). His 25 novels have been published in 32 languages and there are around 290 million of his books in print. Nomanda has got every one! Not the 290 million, just one of each! The Bourne series are probably his best known books.




Frank Oz, the puppeteer who has performed with “The Muppets” including favourites Miss Piggy and Fozziz Bear was born on this day in 1966. There must be an opportunity for a good Muppet moment here somewhere!




Our final birthday honours today go to the hero of the 2003 English World Cup Team, Jonny Wilkinson. His drop goal against Australia in the last moments of extra time to win the World Cup made him a rugby legend. Well done, Jonny!



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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Tuesday, 12 May 2009

12 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!



In an age where virtually everything the inventor does ends up being patented I was amazed to discover that it was on this day back in 1792 that the first patent was taken out for the self flushing toilet. This particular piece of genius in fact flushed itself “at regular intervals”. Well there’s a relief! To Nomanda’s enquiring mind the questions that sprung to mind were, when, how often and what about if someone was already there?

Further research revealed that in fact this device is still in use today but of course has been modified with modern technology. These days apparently a laser beam detects when the job is finished and does its stuff. One discounted user described of the modern version as “the crappiest invention ever” and Nomanda is inclined to agree!



Moving on to more entertaining subjects it was on this day in 1932 that the character “Goofy”, aka “Diipy Dawg” was introduced by Walt Disney in “Mickey’s Review”.




Entertaining their fans for the first time with quadraphonic sound on this day in 1977 was the group Pink Floyd at their concert in London. I bet it was a real ear basher and here is one of Nomanda’s favourites from Pink Floyd!




Someone else who was probably getting his ears bashed on this day in 1984 was the ex terrorist come President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Today was the first time he had seen his wife in 22 years and I bet she was highly annoyed at his absence from the family home for such a long time. On a serious note he has been responsible for bringing peace and partnership into the old apartheid divided country and has received accolades for his efforts from all over the world.



Not so important, but to Joe Lucius, I guess it was, because it was on the same day as Nelson was getting his ear bashing that he scored his 13th hole-in-one on the same course on the same hole. The course was the Mohawk Golf Club at Tiffin in Ohio and I can imagine in future games when reaching this hole (15th hole; 150 yards) his playing partners would say “We’ll just put you down for a one on this, should we?



On this day in 1986 Fred Markham became the first man to pedal a bicycle at 65 mph on a level course and without any wind assistance. If he needed to get around that quickly why didn’t he just buy a car?



Having completed her training on the heights of her native country Belgium (highest point 694 metres), Ingrid Baeyens became the first Belgium woman to climb Mount Everest on this day in 1992. Well done Ingrid! I wonder how many more of your country women will follow in your path!



Our first birthday celebrity today is the screen legend Katherine Hepburn (1907 – 2003). Her career spread over 70 years and she has the distinction of being the actress with the most Oscars (4) in the “Best Actress” category.




Our first birthday boy today is Burt Bacharach (1929) the renowned pianist and popular song composer. He has had 70 Top Hits in the US and 52 top hits in the UK. “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” and “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” are amongst Nomanda’s favourites.




Jonah Lomu, the internationally renowned New Zealand rugby player was born on this day in 1975. He stormed onto the international scene in 1995 running through some of the best international tacklers and defenders as if they weren’t there! He is the Rugby World Cup top try scorer with a total of 15 tries to his credit.



Our final birthday greetings go to Amy Wheaton (1978), the child actress appearing in Star Trek. Getting on a bit now of course!





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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Friday, 27 March 2009

27 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 27th March, over the years, has celebrated a number of happy events. In fact it would appear that it’s a great day for discovering, patenting and inventing things.


It was on this day in 1513 that the Spaniard Juan Ponce de Leon discovered Florida. If he could see it now maybe he would have wished he hadn’t!





Now I know that we take a lot of things for granted in life but I have to admit that I’d never given a serious thought to the invention of the shoe lace. Well apparently on this day in 1790 some unsung hero invented it / them. How did people keep their shoes on before this great invention?



Not to be outdone on this day in 1848 John Parker started using medicated adhesive plaster and a few years later Abraham Gerner patented kerosene in 1855.





We didn’t have long to wait for M L Byrn’s patent of the “covered gimlet screw with a “T” handle” on this day in 1860. We now call this wonderful tool a corkscrew and where would we be without it?





Now people could open their wine bottles it wasn’t long before Andrew Rankin came up with his contribution to the world and patented the urinal on this day in 1866. Despite this being a fantastic invention I think he left out one very important detail with his patent. He didn’t specify a standard height for its fitting. Small men everywhere have since been cursed by tall plumbers!



In a fitting case of crime doesn’t pay it was on this day in 1964 that the “Great Train Robbers” were collectively sentenced to a total of 307 years in prison.




On a lighter note on this day in 1992 the renowned Bruce Springsteen released “Human Touch” and Lucky Town”.






Birthday celebrations today go to Carlo Bonaparte (1746), a Corsican attorney and father of his famous son Napoleon. Now we know where Napoleon’s love of law came from!






Also today in 1868 was the birthday of one of our favourite people, Patty Smith Hill, author and songwriter of “Happy Birthday to you”!






Our next birthday celebrity is the outstanding rugby league player and former coach of the Great Britain rugby league team Ellery Hanley (1961). Have a look at this clip of some of his best moments!



Licensed to Kill” alongside Timothy Dalton our last birthday guest is the lovely actress Talisa Soto (1967).






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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