Happy Special Day!: football

Showing posts with label football. Show all posts

Tuesday, 23 June 2009

23 June - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

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!

Spare a thought today for the man who made all blogging, emails and the simple typed letter possible, Christopher Latham Sholes, the guy who invented the typewriter and who patented his invention on this day in 1868. The “QUERTY” layout of the letters on the keyboard was designed to avoid the jamming of the keys on frequently used letters. Well, it obviously worked and is still the standard layout on computer keyboards throughout the English speaking world. The continental keyboard uses an “AZERTY” layout for anybody who may be interested!

One little chap who used his natural charm rather than sending love letters was the mongrel “Tramp”! The Disney animated cartoon “Lady and the Tramp” was released on this day in 1955. To the shock of her more sophisticated thoroughbred doggie friends the cocker spaniel “Lady” fell head over heels with the cute mongrel. It’s a story to bring tears to the eyes of the strongest man! I love the bit where they share a bowl of spaghetti together and end up in a tomato sauce kiss. Let’s have it!

Sending out a message without tomato sauce on this day in 1974 the first extraterrestrial message was sent from earth into outer space. Nomanda doesn’t know what was on the messages but later such attempts included “Hello” in 55 different languages and a wide selection of music ranging from pop to classic with a bit of everything else in between! If anyone ever does pick up these messages they must think we’re all nuts down here and will delete earth from their dialling code! We are still awaiting a reply from the first one!

Less interested in extraterrestrials than his food bowl “Himmy” the worlds heaviest cat weighed in at a staggering 20.7 kilos on this day in 1982. He was born and fed in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Nomanda has a lovely cat who like “Garfield” isn’t too keen on dieting, but I promise I’ll never call him fat cat again!

First up for birthday honours today is the cricketing hero of the post war years, Len Hutton (1916 – 1990). In just his second year of playing for his country he scored 364 against Australia at the Oval in 1938, a record test match score that still stands to this day.

Our next celebrity for birthday honours is one of the most significant British pop stars of the ‘60’s, Adam Faith (1940 – 2001). In the late ‘60’s he changed his career and became a very respectable actor in popular TV series. “Budgie” and “Love Hurts” are perhaps his best known. Nomanda still enjoys his songs and “What Do You Want” must be one of his best!

Our final birthday greetings go to the French football star Zinedine Zidane (1972). He has been voted FIFA Footballer of the year twice and has helped his country to both World Cup and European honours. At the end of his career he ended up head butting an opponent and left the international scene in some ignominy. Pity really!

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!!

Sunday, 24 May 2009

24 May - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Flower of the Month

Lily of the Valley

Gemstone of the Month: Emerald

How many Chancellors of the Exchequer have raised revenue by taxing booze and tobacco? I guess the answer is all of them! However on this day in 1726 the people weren’t going to put up with it any more and revolted following an increase in tax on gin and brandy. Quite right, too, but it doesn’t seem to have deterred succeeding Chancellors from this dreadful habit!

The “new” Westminster Bridge across the river Thames was opened on this day in 1862. Even though it connects the Houses of Parliament with the rest of the world it doesn’t seem to have improved MP’s communication skills!

Another important bridge connecting the New York boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge, was opened on this day in 1883. It has become an iconic part of the New York skyline and is much bigger, higher and more impressive than Westminster Bridge!

Coming in to land in Australia on this day in 1930 was the intrepid aviator Amy Johnson. She had departed from Croydon airport just outside London on 5th May and 19 days and 11,000 miles later she landed her solo flight in Darwin. Great flying, Amy!

Today seems to have been a good day for film premiers as it was on this day in 1985 that the latest James Bond movie “View to a Kill” premiered in the US, and on the same day in 1989 “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” also premiered. All Harrison Ford fans will be queuing up for the latest offering “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” which premiered in Cannes last year! Close call!

Birthday celebrities today start around 2,000 years ago as it was on this day in 15 BC that the Roman commandant Julius Caesar Germanicus was born. He wasn’t too keen on the German tribes, probably as a result of the bashings they’d given previous Roman legions, and has the reputation of being the only Roman commander to have crossed the Rhine and returned successfully. Following his victories in Europe he was sent to Asia where once again his campaigns were successful. However it would all be for nothing as he was poisoned on the orders of his Emperor, Tiberius, and died at Antioch.

Sharing her birthday with JCG is none other than the great Queen Victoria (1819 – 1901). Her reign was to last over 63 years and she ruled over the British Empire at its summit. The Victorian era and the Industrial Revolution put Great Britain where it should be, at the top, but regrettably it has backslided ever since.

Our next birthday celebrity, Bob Dylan, the prolific singer and songwriter was born on this day in 1941. Amongst his many great songs “Blowin’ in the Wind” and "The Times they are a Changin" are Nomanda’s favourites.

Our final birthday wishes go to Eric Cantona (1966) the legendry French footballer whose career with Manchester United is considered by many to have been the catalyst in retuning the club to its former and present glory. Since retiring from professional football he has been involved in many sporting commercials and has acted in several French films.

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!!

Monday, 11 May 2009

11 may - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Gemstone of the Month

Emerald

Flower of the Month: Lily of the Valley

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!!

Saturday, 14 February 2009

14 February - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Flower of the Month

Violet

Gemstone of the Month: Amethyst

It’s Valentine’s Day HOORAH!

First of all a very Special Happy Valentine Day greeting to Nomanda’s special person! I hope you have a lovely day and we have a very Happy Special Day together!

We wish a very Happy Special Valentine’s Day to all our faithful readers, friends, lovers and in some cases their partners!

Strangely enough nothing is known of the Saint Valentine whose anniversary is celebrated on this day. The only reference Nomanda can find is that there was a Saint Valentine buried on the Via Flamina, north of Rome on February 14th. Never mind! Celebrating this day is a good excuse to tell your loved ones how much you care for them and a great opportunity for the gift, card and restaurant industries to make a bit of extra dosh!

In a strange co-incidence of “déja vu” the Bank of England was nationalised on this day in 1946. Today nearly every UK bank is propped up with huge amounts of tax payers’ money and it doesn’t seem to have made a blind bit of difference!

Not displaying much of a loving and tender spirit on this special day the ex President Richard Nixon chose this day in 1971 to install his secret taping system in the White House! The thing Nomanda doesn’t understand is how he ever managed to keep it a secret in a place like the White House that must have more leaks in it than Nomanda’s sieve!

Today is a Happy Special Day for lovers so it comes as no surprise that there are lots of celebrities who want to get married on this day for lovers. Below is a selection of the more interesting ones. However my good manners and rose tinted spectacles prevent me from giving details of how many lasted! Do you know?

1952: Joey Adams married Cindy Heller
1984: Elton John married Renate Blauel
1988: Jackie Zeman married Glenn Gordon
1994: Jerry Garcia married Deborah Koons
1995: Roseanne married Ben Thomes

To those who are still married, Happy Anniversary, to those who are not Happy Valentine’s Day!

The guy who proved that just because you can play the game it doesn’t mean that you can be a successful manager, Kevin Keegan (1951), is our birthday celebrity today. He had had lots of associations with Newcastle Football Club over the years so Nomanda hopes it’s “Broon ales all roond” at his birthday bash 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!!

Thursday, 5 February 2009

5 February - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Gemstone of the Month

Amethyst

Flower of the Month: Violet

Sometimes people can be just too clever. On this day in 1827 Hannah Lord Montague cut the collar off her husband’s shirt to wash it and when she’d got it all nice and clean, she sewed it back on again! The Reverend Ebenezer Brown, a local businessman in New York, heard of this wonderful idea and went on to patent the detachable collar and manufacture the stupid things! I suppose he had to manufacture shirts without collars as well otherwise the whole thing would be ridiculous! OK if you’re really lazy and just want to wash the collar and not the rest of the shirt then I suppose the idea had merit. I guess it was before the time of throwing the whole lot in the washing machine and letting the machine do the work. Also it only works if you haven’t already spilled stuff down the front of your shirt! Hey, look at my gleaming collar and tomato stains down the front of my shirt! On the other hand, if you’ve spilled stuff down your shirt and your collar is all nice and clean you only need to change the collarless shirt! It may catch on after all!

Can 78 million people be wrong? I guess not as that is the number of monthly readers that the magazine “Reader’s Digest” reaches each month. There are an estimated 38 million readers in the US and a further 40 million worldwide. It is published in 21 different languages, distributed in 70 different countries and Nomanda hates it! If there was nothing else to read in the doctor’s waiting room I’d just twiddle my thumbs and read all the notices on the walls a dozen times! And the other thing I hate is the number of times they contact me to try and sell the magazine! Please no more once in a life time opportunities for Nomanda!

Maybe one of the reasons that Nomanda doesn’t appreciate the “Reader’s Digest” is that he’s a boy who never grew up, just like J M Barrie’s “Peter Pan”! Walt Disney released their animated cartoon film of the book on this day in 1953. Although “Peter” can be a naughty and mischievous little boy his heart is normally in the right place and he has some great friends! He encourages his friends to ask questions like “What Makes The Red Man Red?” and everyone learns a little more each day!

The citizens of Brisbane, Australia were up to their red knees in Jell-O on this day in 1981 when the largest Jell-O made, coming in at a mouth watering 9,246 gallons of the stuff, was available for consumption! Nomanda loves Jell-O but would have been a bit disappointed because this one was water-melon flavour and that’s not one of my favourites! Pity it wasn’t a strawberry or even better blackcurrant flavour!

Our first birthday celebrity today is Robert Peel (1788 – 1850) the guy who not only formed the Conservative Party, repealed the Corn Laws, but also founded the Police Force as we know it today. The police are still sometimes politely referred to as “Bobbies” and “Peelers” as well as lots of other less polite names!

Two men who influenced the car manufacturing industry are on our birthday honours list today, the Scotsman John Boyd Dunlop (1840 – 1921) the guy who developed the pneumatic tyre; and the Frenchman André-Gustave Citroen, the guy who developed the pneumatic car! Nomanda has a golfing friend whose address at the ball is a very good imitation of an old Citroen Pallas getting up on its haunches!

The 9 times married star of stage screen and bedrooms Zsa Zsa Gabor (1917) is our next birthday guest. She has described herself as a good house keeper. Every time she gets divorced she keeps the house!

The funny American comedian Tim Meadows (1961) is our next birthday boy and he knows a thing or two about puffing the weed!

Nomanda is not a football fan but the over rated overpaid footballer of the year Christiano Ronaldo (1985) gets a reluctant mention as there are lots of people who probably do think that football players deserve the money they earn for a few ball skills! If you are one of them Nomanda would love to hear from you!

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!!