skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Gemstone of the Month
Pearl
Flower of the Month: RoseFirst 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! 
For a young lad of not quite 5 years old today was to be a very special day indeed because it was on this day in 1654 that Louis XIV was crowned the King of France. He didn’t effectively take control of France until 1661 when the First Minister who had been running the show for junior died. He was to become the longest reigning European monarch in a reign that lasted 72 years. He was also known as the “Sun King” as he believed that just asthe earth and other planets revolved around the sun, so should France and the government revolve around him. Obviously not a young man with misplaced modesty!
Thanking their lucky stars on this day a few years later in 1963 were the “Rolling Stones” releasing their first single “Come On”.
One of the things Louis XIV did was to remove his court from Paris out into the country to Versailles. Another guy with a liking for the country life was John Denver who on this day in 1975 was celebrating his #1 hit “Thank God I’m a Country Boy”.
Another cowboy who did well for himself was none other than President Ronald Reagan. Nomanda has always been a bit cynical when it comes to politicians but on this day in 1982 I have to say I’m impressed by the president’s tight schedule. He started the day in Rome with meetings with President Pertini and Premier Spadolini. Then he nipped over to the Vatican for an audience with Pope Paul II. Duly forgiven, he then started his State Visit to England, met with Queen Elizabeth II, had a cup of tea with his friend Margaret Thatcher, then popped into the Houses of Parliament and addressed the House. I wonder what Nancy thought when he got back late for supper and the formal banquet! Nice lady, Nancy, I’m sure she’s a bit of a Tammy!
Dancing with joy as her single “Live to Tell” shot to the #1 spot on this day in 1986 was the lovely Madonna
Birthday celebrities today start with George Bryan “Beau” Brummel (1778 – 1840) the fashion icon of the Regency period. He is credited as being the person who introduced the modern man’s suit being worn with a shirt and tie. He also favoured the cravat tied with a complicated knot. In fact it took him so long to get his knot right that he is reputed to have taken 5 hours to dress each day and recommended using champagne to polish boots. What a load of old boot polish! Sounds like a bit of a dandy to me! 
Not as fastidious in his dress but passionate about his art and dusky maidens our next celebrity, Paul Gauguin, (1848 – 1903) was born on this day. If he hadn’t fallen out with his friend Vincent and stayed longer with him at his yellow house in Arles he may never have left for the tropical islands and both may have lived a bit longer. However they did fall out and off he set. Nomanda loves the works of both these great painters!
Bellowing his way to fame and fortune our next celebrity, Tom Jones (1940) will always be remembered for his numerous hits including “What’s New Pussycat”, “The Green Grass of Home” and “It’s not Unusual”. What was unusual at the time were all the women chucking their knickers at him during his performances but I don’t think he ever recorded “Anything Throws”! 
Another musician with a special act, Prince, was born on this day in 1958. Of his many hits how about a listen to "Purple Rain"!
Our final birthday wishes go to the Russian tennis player Anna Kournikova (1981) who has gracefully glided off the tennis courts onto the cat walk!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!!
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! 
In a lovely example of “how the devil do you know that?” I am reliably informed that the oldie mouldy French cheese Roquefort was created on this very day in 1070! It gets better. Legend has it that a young shepherd, paying more attention to a pretty girl than to his flock (this I’m prepared to believe), abandoned his lunch of bread and cheese in a cave and set off in pursuit of the pretty girl. When he returned to the same cave a few months later, Voila! (as the French say), there was this mouldy old cheese that we now know as Roquefort. Great story and I have to say even greater cheese. Not a cheese for the delicate palate, but if you like creamy and smelly this is the stuff for you!
Getting the smell of Roquefort and the German Army out of their noses on this day in 1940 were the happy 300,000 troops evacuated from Dunkirk. Nomanda’s brother is the proud owner of one of “the little ships” that made this possible. The troops would be back, but not for another 4 years. 
Making his Test Cricket debut on this day in 1964 was the batsman Geoffrey Boycott. He was facing the Australians at Trent Bridge. Renowned for his occupation of the crease he is probably the most boring batsman to watch since the game was invented! I’m sure that when some more adventurous teams saw Boycott coming out with his bat in his hand they just lost the will to live! He is the only batsman I know whose style is described as “right handed slow”!
Giving a lot more fun to their fans on this day in 1965 were the “Rolling Stones” when their song “Satisfaction” was released. That’s much better!
Born and bred and proud of it on this day in 1984 Bruce Springsteen released his record “Born in the USA”. I wonder where the maker’s stamp is. It’s usually on the bottom! Or, as they say in the record business, “the B side”.
Our first birthday celebrity today is the inventor of the “Hovercraft”, Christopher Cockrell (1910 – 1999). It was a long time marinating starting with a fan blower and a couple of tin cans before moving on to the first prototype made from balsa wood. Well they’re a lot bigger and better now, and the English Channel and the Everglades would never be the same again!
Not particularly a record to be proud of but born on this day in 1926 Robert Earl Hughes over grew to become the heaviest human at a gigantic 486kgs. Just think what he’d be if they had a Big Mac around the corner!
Final birthday greetings go to the actress Angelina Jolie (1975), lovely, Lara and living with Brad. Two out of three isn’t bad for anyone! 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!!
Gemstone of the Month
Pearl
Flower of the Month: Rose
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 a memorable day for Londoners today in 1894 when they celebrated the opening of the iconic Tower Bridge. Tower Bridge is the big grand one with two towers and is located close to the Tower of London, hence its name. It is often confused with and called London Bridge which is a much more modest job just up the river.
Celebrating the end of his cricketing career at the age of 50 on this day in 1899 was the indomitable W G Grace. His last game was against the old enemy, Australia at Trent Bridge. His career statistics are 54,896 first class runs and a total of 2,876 wickets. Not bad!
Today in 1927 was a happy day for golfing fans as it was on this day that the first Ryder Cup match took place at Worcester Golf Club in Massachusetts. The event was originally played between Great Britain and the US and up to 1983, with a couple of exceptions, the US was dominant. Since 1983 the tide has turned with Europe coming off best. Don’t miss next year’s event from the Celtic Manor Golf Club at Newport, Wales!
No doubt dissatisfied with the quality of the calendars he was receiving from his suppliers it was on this day in 1946 that the motor mechanic, Louis Reard, introduced the modern bikini at a swimwear show in Paris. Shocked by the design the public display of the bikini was originally banned in many countries. Times have moved on and I’m sure Louis wouldn’t recognize some of the current offerings!
Today was a happy day for third class customers on British Rail who on this day in 1956 decided to end third class travel. Nowadays it seems that it’s been reintroduced for all travellers!
Rolling along on their first tour of the US on this day in 1964 were the “Rolling Stones” accompanied by Bobby Goldsboro and Bobby Vee.
Another more recent group, “Queen”, were celebrating this day in 1976 when their record “Bohemian Rhapsody” went gold. Great! They are one of Nomanda's favourites!
First up for birthday honours today is the actor Tony Curtis (1925). He had made over 100 films in his career and is still going strong!
The next person celebrating his birthday today is John Paul Jones (1946) the bassist for Led Zeppelin. And our final birthday wishes go to Kelly Jones (1874), the Welsh musician who gets on so well with the press!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!!
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! 
Celebrating her reign of 55 years today will be HR Queen Elizabeth II who on this day in 1953 was crowned Queen of England at her coronation ceremony held at Westminster Abbey. The TV was a relatively new, small and expensive item in 1953 but that didn’t stop half the population of the UK going out and buying one so they could see the whole “show” on the telly! Street parties and the singing of the National Anthem was everywhere. With lungs bursting with enthusiasm most of the younger children thought they were sending the Queen flowers called “Victorias”, "Happy” and “Glorias”. But who cared, we had a new Queen! God bless her!
Not lucky enough to live in a democracy, Chinese students were protesting for one in Tiananmen Square on this day in 1989. This time the students were protected by 100,000 civilians who stood between the students and the assembled 10,000 soldiers. Sadly they would not be protected for long as we shall see in a couple of day’s time.
Our first birthday celebrity today is Thomas Hardy (1840 – 1928). Although he saw himself as more of a poet than an author, ironically his novels have proved to be the most popular. The fictional county of Wessex brought to life in his book “Far from the Madding Crowd” was sensitively made into a film starring Julie Christie with Terence Stamp and Peter Finch. It is a classic and if you’ve not seen it, you should!
Our next celebrity is Edward Elgar (1857 – 1934) who’s “Pomp and Circumstance” marches have become an integral part of “The Proms”. His “Land of Hope and Glory” must be his best known work.
Drumming to a different beat, the “Wembley Whammer”, Charlie Watts (1941), drummer of “The Rolling Stones” will be having a glass or two today at his birthday celebrations. I bet that will be a great party! I wonder if he will entertain his guests with his drumming impresario of "Monkey Man".
Another musician who knows how to party, Tony Hadley (1960), the vocalist of the “Spandau Ballet” will also be downing a couple today! Here's one of Nomanda's "Gold" favorites! 
A couple of Australian twins, the Waugh brothers (1965), will be having a coolie in some cricketing bar today. They were the scourge of the English cricket team in the early 2,000’s. Thank goodness they now both retired from the international scene to give someone else a chance! 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!!
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 Tower “How 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!!
For a young lad of not quite 5 years old today was to be a very special day indeed because it was on this day in 1654 that Louis XIV was crowned the King of France. He didn’t effectively take control of France until 1661 when the First Minister who had been running the show for junior died. He was to become the longest reigning European monarch in a reign that lasted 72 years. He was also known as the “Sun King” as he believed that just asthe earth and other planets revolved around the sun, so should France and the government revolve around him. Obviously not a young man with misplaced modesty!
One of the things Louis XIV did was to remove his court from Paris out into the country to Versailles. Another guy with a liking for the country life was John Denver who on this day in 1975 was celebrating his #1 hit “Thank God I’m a Country Boy”.
Another cowboy who did well for himself was none other than President Ronald Reagan. Nomanda has always been a bit cynical when it comes to politicians but on this day in 1982 I have to say I’m impressed by the president’s tight schedule. He started the day in Rome with meetings with President Pertini and Premier Spadolini. Then he nipped over to the Vatican for an audience with Pope Paul II. Duly forgiven, he then started his State Visit to England, met with Queen Elizabeth II, had a cup of tea with his friend Margaret Thatcher, then popped into the Houses of Parliament and addressed the House. I wonder what Nancy thought when he got back late for supper and the formal banquet! Nice lady, Nancy, I’m sure she’s a bit of a Tammy!
Dancing with joy as her single “Live to Tell” shot to the #1 spot on this day in 1986 was the lovely Madonna 
Birthday celebrities today start with George Bryan “Beau” Brummel (1778 – 1840) the fashion icon of the Regency period. He is credited as being the person who introduced the modern man’s suit being worn with a shirt and tie. He also favoured the cravat tied with a complicated knot. In fact it took him so long to get his knot right that he is reputed to have taken 5 hours to dress each day and recommended using champagne to polish boots. What a load of old boot polish! Sounds like a bit of a dandy to me! 
Not as fastidious in his dress but passionate about his art and dusky maidens our next celebrity, Paul Gauguin, (1848 – 1903) was born on this day. If he hadn’t fallen out with his friend Vincent and stayed longer with him at his yellow house in Arles he may never have left for the tropical islands and both may have lived a bit longer. However they did fall out and off he set. Nomanda loves the works of both these great painters!
Bellowing his way to fame and fortune our next celebrity, Tom Jones (1940) will always be remembered for his numerous hits including “What’s New Pussycat”, “The Green Grass of Home” and “It’s not Unusual”. What was unusual at the time were all the women chucking their knickers at him during his performances but I don’t think he ever recorded “Anything Throws”! 
Another musician with a special act, Prince, was born on this day in 1958. Of his many hits how about a listen to "Purple Rain"!
Posts
