View Full Version : The day - today
4 December 1971
During a rock concert by Frank Zappa And The Mother's of Invention at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland, a flare gun was fired by an audience member into the ceiling, causing a fire which destroyed the venue.
The rock band Deep Purple, who were there to use the casino to record their next album, witnessed the blaze from their hotel and it would be immortalised in their song "Smoke on the Water".
4 December 1993
American musician and composer Frank Zappa died on the same date as the Montreux fire 22 years earlier,
aged 52.
First song I played on the guitar.:guitar:
george tovey, a bit part actor died in 1982. he was 68 and oddly i was watching a film last night where he played the part of a tic tac man at a dog track...
6 December 1887
Thomas Alva Edison recited "Mary Had A Little Lamb" into his phonograph - and made the world's first recording of the human voice.
6 December 1969
A free concert given by the Rolling Stones at Altamont, California ended in tragedy when Hell's Angels stabbed a man to death.
the great bluesman leadbelly died on 6th dec, 1949 aged 61. i also believe the big o, roy orbison did too but in 1988..
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/414728FeIEL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg
Leadbelly had an 'interesting' career: field worker; murderer; the first bluesman to visit and perform in Europe etc. I have some of his recordings.
Pigmy Pony
06-12-2023, 21:55
6 December 1968 - Mrs. P comes into the world. 55 today :)
6 December 1968 - Mrs. P comes into the world. 55 today :)
Many happy returns Mrs. P! :birthday:
walpurgis
07-12-2023, 08:27
+1 :)
8 December 1980
John Lennon was shot in New York and died of his wounds, age 40.
Slim Pickens died on 8th dec 1983 after an operation.
https://geekwithclipons.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/img_6557.png?w=512
Pigmy Pony
08-12-2023, 09:26
8 December 1980
John Lennon was shot in New York and died of his wounds, age 40.
That is a date we'll never forget :(
A mate of mine will also well remember 9 December - he was a massive Lennon fan, and spent that evening drinking away his sorrows, trouble is he was out on his Yamaha RD250. Crashed it on the ride home. Police attended, and he was arrested for drink driving. Lost his licence. Probably blamed Mark Chapman, because that's what pissheads do.
hard to grasp that was 43 years ago.
I mean 43 years back from 1980 is 1937 - which seemed impossibly long ago to me in 1980
12 December 1901
The first transatlantic wireless message was sent 1,800 miles from Cornwall to StJohn's, Newfoundland and received by Guglielmo Marconi.
18 December 1943
Keith Richards born. Happy 80th Keith. :)
18th December 1865
The US officially abolished slavery with the ratification of the 13th Amendment.
8 January 1935
Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, the survivor of twin boys.
Pigmy Pony
08-01-2024, 19:02
8th January 1947 - David Jones (later Bowie) born in Brixton.
10 January 2016
David Bowie died in New York, age 69.
Dashiell Hammett died in 1961 as did Howlin' Wolf but in 1976.
Pigmy Pony
10-01-2024, 21:54
10 January 2016
David Bowie died in New York, age 69.
8 years ago now, where did that time go? Scary.
Dashiell Hammett died in 1961 as did Howlin' Wolf but in 1976.
I would have loved to have seen Mr Burnett sing and play - a sad loss.
I would have loved to have seen Mr Burnett sing and play - a sad loss.Yes they say big Chester really blew the house down. Big man and big voice
Pigmy Pony
19-01-2024, 08:12
Born this day in Texas 1943, Janis Joplin. Would've been her 80th birthday.
Well spotted Steve. A sad loss!
23 January 1976
Paul Robeson, US actor and singer, died in Phildelphia, Pennsylvania, age 77.
23 January 2024
Melanie Safka, US pop singer died age 76.
Pigmy Pony
30-01-2024, 07:03
Gene Hackman, 94 today. The French Connection was on telly at the weekend, not seen it in years, so I've recorded it.
Gene Hackman, 94 today. The French Connection was on telly at the weekend, not seen it in years, so I've recorded it.
IMO, 'The Conversation' is his best film, but he has played good parts in many films - not forgetting the hermit in 'Young Frankenstein'.
30 January 1951
Phil Collins, rock singer and drummer. 73 today.
Pigmy Pony
30-01-2024, 22:49
And actress Olivia Colman, 50 today. I thought she was older than that :doh:
Pigmy Pony
31-01-2024, 07:38
https://www.oldradio.org/2014/01/january-27-1948-wire-recording.html
Macca's probably got one of these knocking about.
Firebottle
31-01-2024, 08:00
Have you scrolled down to the next item Steve?
More up your street:
https://www.oldradio.org/2014/06/1946-great-crepitation-fart-contest.html
There is a 15 minute recording as well!
Oh dear, this thread started off so well, so let's try to get it back on track:
31 January 2024, the following are celebrating their birthday:
Philip Glass, US composer, 87 years.
Phil Manzanera, musician and songwriter, member of Roxy Music, 73 years
John Lyndon, a.k.a. Johnny Rotten, singer, 68 years
Justin Timberlake, pop star and actor, 43 years
Lloyd Cole, singer and songwriter, formerly of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, 63 years
and
Marcus Mumford, musician with Mumford and Sons, 37 years.
slim harpo, the died after a heart attack at 46 yrs in 1970. great bluesman..
Pigmy Pony
03-02-2024, 13:51
In 1959 this was the day the music died with the passing of Buddy Holly. Not sure I agree. Frank Zappa once said "Jazz is not dead, it just smells funny". I think this probably applies to most genres.
In 1959 this was the day the music died with the passing of Buddy Holly. Not sure I agree. Frank Zappa once said "Jazz is not dead, it just smells funny". I think this probably applies to most genres.
Did you know that Holly was inspired to write 'That'll Be The Day' when watching 'The Searchers'?
(It being the catchphrase of the John Wayne character).
I never made that connection before, just read about it recently.
Pigmy Pony
04-02-2024, 09:42
Happy birthday Alice, 76 today. Treat yourself to some new golf clubs :)
Pigmy Pony
04-02-2024, 09:46
And exactly 20 years ago today, Facebook was launched. Should have launched it into the sea :(
Happy birthday Alice, 76 today. Treat yourself to some new golf clubs :)
miss cooper i suspect?
And exactly 20 years ago today, Facebook was launched. Should have launched it into the sea :(
it's had exactly zero impact on my life.
In my last job a girl who sat next to me used to spend her whole day playing 'Farmville.'
One day a director came over to speak with her and she tried to click off it but it froze and was half visible on her screen the entire time he was talking to her. I thought this is it for you love.
Needless to say she got promoted a few months later.
it's had exactly zero impact on my life.
In my last job a girl who sat next to me used to spend her whole day playing 'Farmville.'
One day a director came over to speak with her and she tried to click off it but it froze and was half visible on her screen the entire time he was talking to her. I thought this is it for you love.
Needless to say she got promoted a few months later.
never been on any of these things like facebook or twitter...new big one seems to be tiktok; i mean they cant even spell;)
walpurgis
04-02-2024, 11:20
it's had exactly zero impact on my life.
In my last job a girl who sat next to me used to spend her whole day playing 'Farmville.'
One day a director came over to speak with her and she tried to click off it but it froze and was half visible on her screen the entire time he was talking to her. I thought this is it for you love.
Needless to say she got promoted a few months later.
She should have used Windows 'peek'. It's in the taskbar settings and hides the screen contents when the cursor is at the far bottom right.
Just found mine was off for some reason, it's back on now :).
nigel bruce[of watson fame] born today in 1895.
Pigmy Pony
04-02-2024, 11:40
miss cooper i suspect?
That it is. Or you could have said "Alice? Who the f__k is Alice?" :)
nigel bruce[of watson fame] born today in 1895.
Who he? :scratch:
Pigmy Pony
04-02-2024, 11:42
it's had exactly zero impact on my life.
In my last job a girl who sat next to me used to spend her whole day playing 'Farmville.'
One day a director came over to speak with her and she tried to click off it but it froze and was half visible on her screen the entire time he was talking to her. I thought this is it for you love.
Needless to say she got promoted a few months later.
He probably gave her a pay rise in exchange for some free sheep.
Who he? :scratch:
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTdrMzJoRN4MKveCFc_wNY5yR3VglWIC hZZoVNHqGpk5dW8oOXA
That it is. Or you could have said "Alice? Who the f__k is Alice?" :)
i knew you were an alice cooper fan:eyebrows:
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTdrMzJoRN4MKveCFc_wNY5yR3VglWIC hZZoVNHqGpk5dW8oOXA
Ah OK. Cheers.
Pigmy Pony
04-02-2024, 11:47
Who he? :scratch:
Is he not the Watson to Basil Rathbone's Holmes? I always thought his character was a bit of a buffoon, the Watson in the ITV series more accurate.
The buffon in question is Nigel Bruce. Starting with The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and continuing here, Watson slowly slipped into idiocy. Watson in the books had been a companion for Holmes who not only stood as an audience surrogate, but also humanized the detective and brought an emotional core to the series. However, Basil needs no such help. Basil as Sherlock is dashing, clever, and every bit a swashbuckling hero. (Ironic, considering his other most famous roles were playing villains to Tyrone Power and Errol Flynn.) This leaves Watson in the place of “Buffoon Sidekick.” Watson is every bit the stuffy British stereotype; he “tut-tuts” at Holmes’s dockworker disguise, loses scientists and evidence with frightening regularity, and mostly seems concerned with whether he’ll get some tea and a nap in the near future. Comic writer Kate Beaton of “Hark! A Vagrant” (http://harkavagrant.com/)summed him up best:
Separating Watson of the books from Nigel Bruce, the change actually works well. Basil Rathbone verges on manic in his portrayal of Sherlock, and Bruce’s soporific Watson balances that energy. It’s a little like watching a fox jump around a panda. This balancing act makes them an engaging pair. Take, for instance, this exchange:
Dr. John H. Watson: What woman?
Sherlock Holmes: She’s blonde, five foot, full lipped and very affectionate.
Dr. John H. Watson: Oh, really? Got her phone number?
:D
I think he's the best Watson of them all. I know he's not like that in the books but it works brilliantly in those films.
And he plays it just right too.
Lawrence001
05-02-2024, 00:01
I used to watch then when I was young (like 10-12) and thought he was funny but once I'd read the books I struggled with him.
He played a similar role in other films there was at least one famous one, I'm trying to remember what it was. Not the 39 Steps but something like that.
Lawrence001
05-02-2024, 00:11
I looked it up I think it was Rebecca I was thinking of, but could also have been Suspicion. I haven't seen them again in nearly 40 years.
6 February 1918
The Representation of the People Act received Royal Assent, granting the vote to women over 30.
6 February 2024
Axl Rose, singer, 62 today.
Rick Astley, singer, 58 today.
how and why do I seem to be catching up in age to these people?
Pigmy Pony
09-02-2024, 15:32
Carole King, 82 today. Happy birthday Carole :)
Pigmy Pony
13-02-2024, 22:36
1692 - Soldiers of the Campbell clan killed 38 members of the McDonald clan for not pledging allegiance to William of Orange. The pledge had already been made but it seems the clans didn't get the memo.
And Peter Gabriel turned 74 today.
Ernest Henry Shackleton, born today in 1874..
Pigmy Pony
15-02-2024, 11:13
Ernest Henry Shackleton, born today in 1874..
Cold time of year to be born, hope his mum wrapped him up warm :)
Also born this day (73 today), Jane Seymour. Probably doesn't look like this now.
https://media.vogue.fr/photos/64d3a1dabf64557c61c0668c/master/w_1920%2Cc_limit/1460118858
Walter Smith, the great Rangers manager was born in 1948.
Barings Bank was declared insolvent on this day in 1995 due to 'rogue trader' Nick Leeson running up losses of £827,000,000 on the Singapore International Money Exchange.
He left a note saying 'I'm sorry', and fled the country.
comedian, writer, musician, poet, playwright and actor, spike milligan died today in 2002..
comedian, writer, musician, poet, playwright and actor, spike milligan died today in 2002..
A sad loss. :( Spike suffered from severe depression towards the end of his life.
No doubt he is causing all those in Heaven to clutch their sides in laughter.
Pigmy Pony
27-02-2024, 16:41
A sad loss. :( Spike suffered from severe depression towards the end of his life.
No doubt he is causing all those in Heaven to clutch their sides in laughter.
I read somewhere that inscribed on his headstone is "I TOLD YOU I WAS ILL" :)
I read somewhere that inscribed on his headstone is "I TOLD YOU I WAS ILL" :)
very true steve. he also called the now king a 'Little grovelling bastard' . when receiving a Lifetime Achievement Comedy Award, A letter praising him from the Prince of Wales was read out and Milligan declared: "Little grovelling bastard ..." :eyebrows:
Davy Jones of 'Monkees' fame died today in 2012..
..following the death of his mother, Jones rejected acting in favour of becoming a jockey (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jockey), commencing an apprenticeship with Newmarket (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newmarket,_Suffolk) trainer Basil Foster. He dropped out of secondary school to begin working in that field, but this career was short-lived. Even though Foster believed Jones would be successful as a jockey, he encouraged his young protégé to take a role as the Artful Dodger (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artful_Dodger) in a production of Oliver! (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver!) in London's West End (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_End_theatre). When approached by a friend who worked in a West End theatre during the show's casting, Foster replied, "I've got the kid." Jones's portrayal brought him great acclaim. He played the role in London and then on Broadway (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadway_theatre), and was nominated for a Tony Award (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Award).
4 March 1678
Antonio Lucio Vivaldi, composer and violinist, best known for The Four Seasons, was born in Venice.
4 March 1948
Shaking Stevens, singer.
4 March 1951
Chris Rea, singer.
6 March 1946
David Gilmour, 78 today.
'uncle joe' stalin died in 1953
7 March 1876
Alexander Graham Bell patented the first telephone.
7 March 1989
China declares martial law in Lhasa, Tibet after Tibetian monks and civilians demand independence.
7 March 2024
Ranulph Feinnes, explorer 80 today,
Vivian Richards, cricketer 72 today.
7 March 1876
Alexander Graham Bell patented the first telephone.
7 March 1989
China declares martial law in Lhasa, Tibet after Tibetian monks and civilians demand independence.
7 March 2024
Ranulph Feinnes, explorer 80 today,
Vivian Richards, cricketer 72 today.
good finds barry. you do know its the 8th?
Yes, I meant to do it yesterday but was otherwise occupied. :rolleyes:
Yes, I meant to do it yesterday but was otherwise occupied. :rolleyes:
lol.. thought youd lost a day. im always losing them:doh:
8 March 2014
Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 with 239 people on board vanishes en route to Kuala Lumpur from Beijing. It was never found.
8 March 2024
Micky Dolenz, actor and singer (formerly with The Monkees), 79 today,
Gary Numan, rock musician, 66 today.
Pigmy Pony
08-03-2024, 15:03
Yes, I meant to do it yesterday but was otherwise occupied. :rolleyes:
The post would have been even later if you'd got Ranuph Fiennes to type it for you :) Tough bloke, he got impatient waiting for his doctor to deal with his frostbite, so performed the surgery himself with a coping saw :eek:
The post would have been even later if you'd got Ranuph Fiennes to type it for you :) Tough bloke, he got impatient waiting for his doctor to deal with his frostbite, so performed the surgery himself with a coping saw :eek:
fiennes was/ is a nutter;) great add for the sas
11 March 1988
The Bank of England pound note ceased to be legal tender at midnight and was replaced by the pound coin.
Pigmy Pony
12-03-2024, 07:55
12th March 1941 - Islanders on the Hebrides hid thousands of bottles of shipwrecked whisky from government officials, the event was celebrated in the film "Whisky Galore".
Also my oldest friend 66 years old today (we've been pals since we were 11, but I'm still having my Led Zeppelin Remasters CD back) :)
12 March 1969
Beatle Paul McCartney wed photograper Linda Eastman, while George Harrison was arrested for illegal possession of cannabis.
12 March 1994
The Church of England ordained its first women priests.
12 March 2024
James Taylor, musician, 76 today.
Pete Doherty, musician, 45 today.
13 March 1935
Driving tests were introduced.
13 March 1938
Hitler annexed Austria.
13 March 2024
Neil Sedaka, singer, 85 today
Adam Clayton, musician, bassist with U2, 64 today.
didn't leave much barry :D well done.
this tho.. On this day, Elvis Presley released his self-titled debut album on RCA Records, believed to be the first album to sell one million copies in 1956
18 March 1584
Ivan the Terrible, the first ruler of Russia to assume the title of tsar, died.
18 March 1965
Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leo over completed the first spacewalk, leaving his Voskhod 2 capsule, secured by a tether.
18 March 2024
Queen Latifah, rapper 54 today.
Before any of you point out that the below occurred not on this day but on the 22 March, we will only say that I was otherwise preoccupied with more important Forum matters.
So:
22 March 1895
The first celluloid film was presented to an invited audience by August and Louis Lumiere in Paris.
22 March 1963
The Beatles' debut album 'Please Please Me' was released.
22 March 1993
Intel unveiled the original Pentium computer chip.
25 March 1807
Slave Trade Act abolished slavery in Britian and Ireland.
25 March 1954
Electronics firm RCA began producing colour television sets in Bloomington, Indian.
25 March 1969
John Lennon and Yoko Ono began a week-long 'bed in' peace protest at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel.
25 March 2024
Sir Elton John, musician 77 today.
25 March 2024
Melanie Blatt, singer with the group All Saints, 49 today.
Pigmy Pony
26-03-2024, 13:28
Born 80 years ago today in Detroit Michigan, Diana Ross. Also Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, 76 today. Actually looks older than Diana, but then his face has always looked a bit 'lived in'.
You beat me to it re. Diana Ross. Well done! :)
26 March 1827
Composer Ludwig van Beethoven died in Vienna, aged 56.
24 March 1937
Popeye became the first cartoon character to have a statue erected - by spinach growers in Texas.
Pigmy Pony
26-03-2024, 17:45
You beat me to it re. Diana Ross. Well done! :)
Well, you can't hurry love, no you just have to wait :)
Well, you can't hurry love, no you just have to wait :)
For a chain reaction?
Pigmy Pony
26-03-2024, 20:15
For a chain reaction?
Don't know yet, "I'm still waiting".
Pigmy Pony
28-03-2024, 08:41
60 years ago today Radio Caroline's first transmission from a ship in the North Sea.
In 2020, a new station using the Caroline name and logo was launched in Burnham-on-Crouch, broadcasting to the Maldon district of Essex, on 94.7 FM. The station also has technical support enabling it to broadcast on DAB and DAB+ in some parts of the country. Also on the internet.
I'm now listening via Amazon's Alexa, where they were playing "Dancing in the Street" by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and now it's "I'm Waiting for the Man" by Keith Richards(!) Not bad :)
Ah, Radio Caroline! It was the soundtrack to my life in the mid to late '70s.
I think the ship was called the Mia Migo, and the music the DJs played there were instrumental in forming my tastes in music.
The BBC replacement(s) were never as satisfying to my ears.
Pigmy Pony
28-03-2024, 17:43
It's definitely worth giving it a try Barry. I listened to it quite a bit today, and a good selection of tracks from Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Beatles, and importantly, no adverts and no chat :) Unfortunately (for you) there was also Genesis, Alice Cooper and T.Rex, but then nothing's perfect.
It's definitely worth giving it a try Barry. I listened to it quite a bit today, and a good selection of tracks from Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Beatles, and importantly, no adverts and no chat :) Unfortunately (for you) there was also Genesis, Alice Cooper and T.Rex, but then nothing's perfect.
Oh you never know, I might learn to like them.
Also now I think about it, the ship was probably called the Mi Amigo. That would make sense.
Pigmy Pony
30-03-2024, 09:09
30th March 1867 - U.S. buys Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million (roughly 2 cents an acre). Bet they wouldn't mind getting it back.
Yes the native Americans want Manhattan back too.
I think they are fine with returning the glass beads and the smallpox impregnated blankets.
Again my apologies for posting this a day late - but I've been up to my neck with redecorating. So without further ado:
2 April 1873
British trains were fitted with toilets - but only in sleeper cars.
2 April 1877
The first human cannonball act was performed at London's Amphitheatre, where acrobat Lady Zazal was shot by elastic springs into a safety net.
2 April 1982
Argentinian forces invaded and occupied the British Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.
And some birthdays:
Paul Gabaccini, DJ, 75 years
Linford Christie, athlete, 64 years
Keren Woodward, singer and founding member of Bananarama, 63 years.
Now on this day:
3 April 1860
Pony express service, from Missouri to Sacramento, began.
3 April 1973
The first hand-held portable phone call was made by Motorola executive Martin Cooper in New York.
3 April 2010
Apple released the iPad.
And some more birthdays:
Jane Goodall, conservationist, 90.
Tony Orlando, singer, 80.
Alec Baldwin, actor, 66.
Eddie Murphy, actor and comic, 63.
Leona Lewis, singer, 39.
Tony Orlando, singer, 80.
.
'Let's Save Tony Orlando's House':
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBZPaYUGP6o
Pigmy Pony
03-04-2024, 18:56
That's 1m 42s I won't get back.
3rd April 1957 - Norwich City Council's forward-thinking treasurer decided this was what they needed to speed up their collection of rates and payroll. That it would also help them shed some staff was an added bonus.
Here they are taking delivery. "C'mon lads, put your back into it"
https://norfolkrecordofficeblogdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/computer.jpg
That's 1m 42s I won't get back.
3rd April 1957 - Norwich City Council's forward-thinking treasurer decided this was what they needed to speed up their collection of rates and payroll. That it would also help them shed some staff was an added bonus.
Here they are taking delivery. "C'mon lads, put your back into it"
https://norfolkrecordofficeblogdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/computer.jpg
They couldn't afford a big one then I suppose?
Probably an Elliot 803 machine. The first computer I used as a pupil in the lower sixth.
Think it was solid state, but it was a long time ago.
Pigmy Pony
03-04-2024, 21:33
Probably an Elliot 803 machine. The first computer I used as a pupil in the lower sixth.
Think it was solid state, but it was a long time ago.
This particular one is a 405 - they followed the 400 series with the 800 series according to the article that accompanied the pic.
A 405 - that's the same as the amplifier I occasionally use!
4 April 1949
Eleven countries signed the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington.
4 April 1968
Civil rights leader Martin Luther King was shot dead in Memphis, Tennessee by James Earl Ray.
4 April 1988
TV soap Crossroads ended after 24 years and 4,510 episodes.
And birthdays today:
Dave Hill, rock guitarist with the group Slade, 78
Jonathan Agnew, broadcaster and cricket commentator, 64
Hugo Weaving, actor, 64
Graham Norton, TV host, 61
Robert Downey Jr, actor, 59
Lemar, singer, 46.
Pigmy Pony
04-04-2024, 18:41
Also:
5 years ago today Amazon's Jeff Bezos and his missus agreed a record breaking $35 billion divorce settlement. Blimey, for a settlement like that, I'd marry him.
And 75 years ago NATO was formed.
Also:
5 years ago today Amazon's Jeff Bezos and his missus agreed a record breaking $35 billion divorce settlement. Blimey, for a settlement like that, I'd marry him.
And 75 years ago NATO was formed.
There's an echo on this thread! ;)
Pigmy Pony
04-04-2024, 21:55
:doh: ofc North Atlantic Treaty... I'm such a silly sausage. Bet you didn't know it's Dave Hill's birthday :) 78 candles in a Cup-a-Soup.
:doh: ofc North Atlantic Treaty... I'm such a silly sausage. Bet you didn't know it's Dave Hill's birthday :) 78 candles in a Cup-a-Soup.
I refer the honourable gentleman to post 107. ;)
Pigmy Pony
05-04-2024, 07:21
I know that - I was pulling your leg ;)
On this day in 1830 - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formed.
A few years ago and for about 3 years I worked with an American bloke who was a Mormon. Nice enough fella, and always had interesting stories about his life in Utah. He was also a chain-smoking pisshead who, when not drinking strong lager, made do with strong black coffee.
He once took me round his temple when they had an open day, that was quite interesting - clearly there's money in them there Mormons. Bruce (that was his name) introduced me to a lot of folk there, who all regarded him with a sympathetic smile - obviously they all thought of him as a bit of a lost soul who might be persuaded to return to the flock - no chance.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipPJyKER0OMr9VPuV9gKceNihJILfL7ZHdE2SdAY=s680-w680-h510
View from the top of Chorley's Mormon Temple "Hey everybody, Bruce is back! Hide your beer!"
Pigmy Pony
05-04-2024, 07:33
Also this day 1922, Preston North End and England football legend Sir Tom Finney was born. To supplement his meagre wages (English footballers' pay was capped at £20 per week until 1961) he did plumbing work, which earned him the nickname 'the Preston Plumber'.
https://redrosecollections.lancashire.gov.uk/media.php?i=227281&t=2&p=5&dg=77dd03ff2f9c6158a8176b68cdc9fd607b3950d5
Commemorative statue outside Deepdale, PNE's home ground.
I know that - I was pulling your leg ;)
On this day in 1830 - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formed.
A few years ago and for about 3 years I worked with an American bloke who was a Mormon. Nice enough fella, and always had interesting stories about his life in Utah. He was also a chain-smoking pisshead who, when not drinking strong lager, made do with strong black coffee.
He once took me round his temple when they had an open day, that was quite interesting - clearly there's money in them there Mormons. Bruce (that was his name) introduced me to a lot of folk there, who all regarded him with a sympathetic smile - obviously they all thought of him as a bit of a lost soul who might be persuaded to return to the flock - no chance.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipPJyKER0OMr9VPuV9gKceNihJILfL7ZHdE2SdAY=s680-w680-h510
View from the top of Chorley's Mormon Temple "Hey everybody, Bruce is back! Hide your beer!"
I thought Mormons were supposed to eschew alcohol, tobacco and stimulants such as coffee?
Pigmy Pony
05-04-2024, 09:06
I thought Mormons were supposed to eschew alcohol, tobacco and stimulants such as coffee?
You're quite right, no stimulants whatsoever. Not even tea. They could have hot chocolate, milk, soft drinks as long as they weren't caffeinated, so I'm guessing energy drinks are a no-no too.
Not that any of this concerned Bruce. His wife booted him out because of his habits. Most people we did work for didn't warm to him, he was quite aloof and never made eye contact. He was a little bit broken, but I liked him. Ultimately his lifestyle was getting in the way of work, so we had to part company. I have thought about seeking him out, but I'm worried about what I might find.
Yes - it's a difficult one. I used to have a good friend, with which we shared a love of music, especially blues and jazz, and the frequent 'spliff' or two. Sadly he started to use cocaine and I didn't like what it was doing to him: he became less 'laid back' and far more animated and business-like to the point of being abrupt, verging on rudeness. He was also a moderately heavy drinker.
He met a woman from a very well connected and wealthy family and he married her. Sadly the marriage didn't last long despite them having a child. I guess his wayward ways came out and it was something his wife would not put up with.
The last I heard he was living in Scotland, though I wouldn't know how to find him; and if I did what I would find. Either he has smartened up his act, or has descended further.
Perhaps it's best I don't find out.
Pigmy Pony
05-04-2024, 17:15
Yes - it's a difficult one. I used to have a good friend, with which we shared a love of music, especially blues and jazz, and the frequent 'spliff' or two. Sadly he started to use cocaine and I didn't like what it was doing to him: he became less 'laid back' and far more animated and business-like to the point of being abrupt, verging on rudeness. He was also a moderately heavy drinker.
He met a woman from a very well connected and wealthy family and he married her. Sadly the marriage didn't last long despite them having a child. I guess his wayward ways came out and it was something his wife would not put up with.
The last I heard he was living in Scotland, though I wouldn't know how to find him; and if I did what I would find. Either he has smartened up his act, or has descended further.
Perhaps it's best I don't find out.
Yes, probably best to leave well alone. I think cocaine is just the worst, more so than even heroin. It pervades every part of society, and seems to have become a 'normal' part of daily life for people who were previously functioning perfectly well.
In my last years of going out to bars and clubs I could see it getting more and more commonplace. And I just can't be around these people - boring, intense, aggressive and unpredictable. And as you will have found with your friend, the transition from taking it occasionally to feel different, to taking it regularly to feel 'normal' can come about without warning, and with the user either not knowing or not caring.
I've seen it ruin so many people I'm glad I've managed to keep out of it's way.
8 April 1904
Britian and France signed a mutual recognition of each other's colonial interests (the Entente Cordiale), so ending a thousand years of enmity.
8 April 1925
The Australian government and the British Colonial Office offered loans to enable Britons to emigrate to Australia.
8 April 1967
Bare-foot Sandie Shaw won the Eurovision Song Contest for the UK with 'Puppet on a String'.
8 April 1986
Clint Eastwood was elected mayor of Carmel in California.
Some birthdays today:
Steve Howe, guitarist, 77
Julian Lennon, musician, 61
Mark Blundell, former racing driver, 58
Patricia Arquette, actress, 56.
Pigmy Pony
08-04-2024, 16:31
8th April 1990, David Lynch's "Twin Peaks" premieres on ABC TV. I watched every single episode, and by the end of the series I still had no idea what was going on.
That's the trouble with anything by David Lynch. I've seen a good deal of his output (mostly film), and can't get my head around any of it.
Started to watch Twin Peaks, but gave up after half a dozen episodes. If there was a final denouement, I couldn't be bothered to wait and watch.
They just made it up as they went along. I think they've said as much since.
One of the best tv series ever made.
It was easy to follow and work out what it was all about by the time it ended ;)
In fact it's subject matter is very relevant today.
Great soundtrack too.
So what was it all about then? :scratch:
Sexual abuse, incest in particular.
Pigmy Pony
08-04-2024, 19:19
And what did the dancing midget have to do with the price of fish
Sexual abuse, incest in particular.
Not worth the wait then!
Pigmy Pony
09-04-2024, 07:22
9th April 1992 - John Major elected Prime Minister as the Conservative Party win the most votes in British electoral history.
9 April 1626
Francis Bacon, philosopher and statesman, died - apparently killed by a chicken. He was trying to stuff it with snow as a method of preservation, caught a chill and died.
9 April 1838
The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London, opened.
9 April 1906
Labour politician Hugh Gaitskell was born in London. As chancellor in 1951 he introduced NHS charges, causing Aneurin Bevan, minister of health, to resign.
Birthdays:
Valerie Singleton, TV presenter, 87
Hannah Gordon, actress, 83
Denis Quaid, actor, 70
Rachel Stevens, singer, 46.
Rachel Stevens, singer, 46.
Remember her doing 'LA X' on 'Top Of The Pops', dancing about in a leotard that left nothing to the imagination.
At the end it cuts back to the presenter who says, 'One for the dads, that.'
They'll never allow them to show that again.
Pigmy Pony
10-04-2024, 16:11
Remember her doing 'LA X' on 'Top Of The Pops', dancing about in a leotard that left nothing to the imagination.
At the end it cuts back to the presenter who says, 'One for the dads, that.'
They'll never allow them to show that again.
No they probably wouldn't, but at least the presenter was telling it how it was. Probably still is really :sofa: Ok there was a lot wrong with the olden days, but it's gone too far the other way now, where 'correctness' comes before honesty. And it's not like Ms Stevens and her management didn't know what they were doing ;)
No they probably wouldn't, but at least the presenter was telling it how it was. Probably still is really :sofa: Ok there was a lot wrong with the olden days, but it's gone too far the other way now, where 'correctness' comes before honesty. And it's not like Ms Stevens and her management didn't know what they were doing ;)
Sex sells. At least according to that bloke in 'Spinal Tap.'
Yes, sadly we are living in more puritan times, at least ostensibly.
Actually thinking about it, it might have been 'Death sells.'
Some more historic anniversaries for your delectation:
10 April 1633
Bananas were displayed in a London shop window - the first time they had been seen in Britain.
10 April 1849
The safety pin was patented by Walter Hunt of New York - he made it in three hours and later sold the rights for $400 to pay off his debts.
10 April 1970
Paul McCartney announced he was leaving The Beatles for personal and professional reasons.
Some birthdays:
Gloria Hunniford, broadcaster, 84
Paul Theroux, author, 83
Steven Seagal, actor, 72
Leslie Garrett, soprano, 69
Mary Moore, singer/actress, 40.
11 April 1732
Gibraltar and Newfoundland were ceded to Britain in the Treaty of Utrecht.
11April 1814
Napoleon was forced to abdicate- but allowed to retain his title of Emperor - and banished to the Isle of Elba.
11 April 1929
Popeye made his first appearance as a supporting character in a cartoon strip in William Randolph Hearst's New York papers.
11 April 1951
President Harry S. Trueman relieved War hero General Douglas MacArthur of his command in the Far Eastin a row over Korea.
11April 1961
Bob Dylan made his first public appearance in Greenwich Village, New York
Birthdays today:
Jeremy Clarkson TV motoring expert, 64
Lisa Stansfield, singer, 58
Cerys Matthews, singer, 55.
12 April 1606
The Union Flag became Britain's official flag.
12 April 1954
Bill Haley recorded Rock Around The Clock, the first record to sell a million alone in Britain alone. It was featured in 14 films and recorded in 35 languages.
Birthdays:
Herbie Handcock, musician, 84
Andy Garcia, actor, 68
Claire Danes, actress, 45
Brian McFadden, singer, 44.
15 April 1793
£5 notes were first issued by the Bank of England.
15 April 1912
The Titanic sank after striking an iceberg in the North Atlantic on her maiden voyage.
15 April 1942
The island of Malta was awarded the George Cross for its heroism during German and Italian bombardment.
15 April 1955
The first McDonald's franchise restaurant was opened by Ray Kroc in Des Plaines, Illinois.
15 April 1989
Britain's worst football disaster happened at Hillsborough, Sheffield, when 96 fans were crushed to death during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
Some birthdays:
Marty Wilde, singer, 85
Emma Thompson, actress, 65
Samantha Fox, model/singer, 58
Ed O'Brien, rock guitarist, 56
Emma Watson, actress, 34
Pigmy Pony
16-04-2024, 06:57
Wow, a lot of things happened on 15 April.
I wonder what a fiver could have bought in 1793? More than a sausage barm and a can of pop no doubt.
16 April 1943 - Swiss chemist Dr Albert Hofmann discovers the psychedelic effects of LSD. I don't imagine he got much else done that day. But he stuck with it for most of his life, and lived to a ripe old age of 102.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Albert_Hofmann.jpg/220px-Albert_Hofmann.jpg
2006, and just another day at the office for Albert
Pigmy Pony
17-04-2024, 12:05
On this day 1964, The Rolling Stones release their debut album, called "The Rolling Stones".
Also, Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham is 50 today.
On this day 1964, The Rolling Stones release their debut album, called "The Rolling Stones".
Also, Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham is 50 today.
Well spotted Steve.
17 April 1961
An attempt by Cuban exiles and US forces to invade Cuba at the Bay of Pigs, and overthrow Castro's Communist regime, was driven back.
17 April 1970
Apollo 13 splashed down safely in the Pacific after a failed moon mission.
17 April 1984
PC Yvonne Fletcher was shot dead outside the Libyan embassy in central London.
Birthdays:
Jan Hammer, composer, 76
Nick Hornby, author, 67
Sean Bean, actor, 65.
Pigmy Pony
17-04-2024, 19:22
Well spotted Steve.
17 April 1961
An attempt by Cuban exiles and US forces to invade Cuba at the Bay of Pigs, and overthrow Castro's Communist regime, was driven back.
17 April 1970
Apollo 13 splashed down safely in the Pacific after a failed moon mission.
17 April 1984
PC Yvonne Fletcher was shot dead outside the Libyan embassy in central London.
Birthdays:
Jan Hammer, composer, 76
Nick Hornby, author, 67
Sean Bean, actor, 65.
I know he might be best known for his "Miami Vice" work, but seeing him mentioned here reminds me I used to have a live album that pre-dated that, by him and Jeff Beck many years ago. I seem to remember quite liking it.
Sod it, just put a bid on a vinyl copy. I should probably prepare to be disappointed.
I have it on LP (Epic S EPC 86025). Think I picked it up cheap somewhere. Haven't played it much - it's a bit too smooth for my tastes, I prefer Beck when he is more bluesy rock 'n roll.
You may like it however, but don't be too disappointed if you are outbid.
Pigmy Pony
17-04-2024, 22:37
I trust your judgement Barry. Plenty of other records and CDs out there that need buying :) I don't tend to be disappointed much when I don't win an auction, but often I am after I win :doh:
I've just played side 1, and have to say I haven't changed my opinion. Will play Side 2 tomorrow, after I have cut the grass. :lol:
Pigmy Pony
18-04-2024, 06:15
That could be a good advertising slogan: "More interesting than mowing the lawn" :)
18 April 1985: Wham! become the first western pop act to release an album in China. And they have been exacting their revenge ever since.
18 April 1906: San Francisco earthquake and fire kills 4,000 and destroys 75% of the city.
19 April 1587
Sir Francis Drake sailed to Cadiz and sank the Spanish fleet, an act known as 'singeing the King of Spain's beard'.
19 April 1775
In Lexington, the opening shot was fired - by a British General - in the American War of Independence. This was the shot 'heard around the world'.
19 April 1882
Biologist Charles Darwin, whose theory of evolution revolutionised scientific thinking, died at the age of 73.
19 April 1987
The Simpsons premiered as a short cartoon on the Tracy Ullman Show.
Birthdays:
Alan Price, musician, 82
Tim Curry, actor, 78
Ruby Wax, comedienne, 71
Sue Barker, sports broadcaster, 68
Kelly Holmes, athlete, 54.
22 April 1838
British packet steamer Sirius became the first steamship to cross the Atlantic to New York from England.
22 April 1943
The printing of British £1,000 notes was discontinued.
22 April 1969
Yachtsman Robin Knox-Johnson sailed into Falmouth to complete his 312-day non-stop round-the-world voyage.
Birthdays:
Jack Nicholson, actor, 87
John Waters, film director, 78
Peter Frampton, rock singer, 74
Machine Gun Kelly, rapper, 34.
Pigmy Pony
22-04-2024, 20:23
22 April 1838
British packet steamer Sirius became the first steamship to cross the Atlantic to New York from England.
22 April 1943
The printing of British £1,000 notes was discontinued.
22 April 1969
Yachtsman Robin Knox-Johnson sailed into Falmouth to complete his 312-day non-stop round-the-world voyage.
Birthdays:
Jack Nicholson, actor, 87
John Waters, film director, 78
Peter Frampton, rock singer, 74
Machine Gun Kelly, rapper, 34.
Happy birthday Jack!
https://youtu.be/4j7zD5ydpUo
Pigmy Pony
23-04-2024, 06:12
"Nic nic nic"!
"Indians!"
Today 1968: Shillings and two shilling (florin iirc) coins are the first to go with decimalisation bringing us 5p and 10p coins.
Also 23 April is the national day of England, and the Feast of St. George. Not that anyone in this country is bothered about that, we're far too busy to be spending the day drinking beer.
23 April 1616
William Shakespeare died in Stratford-upon-Avon on what has traditionally been regarded as the 52nd anniversary of his birth in 1564.
23 April 1898
Spain declared war on the US, which responded in kind two days later.
23 April 2020
US president Donald Trump noted that researchers were looking at the effects of disinfectants on Covid-19 and wondered aloud during a White House press conference whether they could be injected into people. (:eek: How stupid can you get? :doh: )
Pigmy Pony
24-04-2024, 06:06
23 April 1616
William Shakespeare died in Stratford-upon-Avon on what has traditionally been regarded as the 52nd anniversary of his birth in 1564.
23 April 1898
Spain declared war on the US, which responded in kind two days later.
23 April 2020
US president Donald Trump noted that researchers were looking at the effects of disinfectants on Covid-19 and wondered aloud during a White House press conference whether they could be injected into people. (:eek: How stupid can you get? :doh: )
Well you could be the American voters who look set to bring him back. That's how stupid :doh:
24 April 2018 - Streaming music services overtake CD and vinyl sales for the first time according to IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry).
24 April 1968 - Paul McCartney "I'm not dead" shock denial.
24 April 1916
The Easter rebellion began in Dublin against British rule in Ireland (ended on April 29).
24 April 1965
The Pennine Way - 250 miles from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border - was officially opened.
24 April 1990
The Hubble Space Telescope was launched by the Space Shuttle Discovery.
Birthdays:
Shirley MacLaine, entertainer, 90
Barbara Streisand, singer/actress, 82
Jean Paul Gaultier, fashion designer, 72
Kelly Clarkson, singer-songwriter, 42.
Pigmy Pony
29-04-2024, 07:49
29 April 2014 - a campaign poster advertising Nigel Farage's UKIP was inadvertently placed next to a "Go Outdoors" poster for inflatable tents that bore the slogan 'No Poles Required' :doh:
29 April 1990 - Wrecking cranes begin tearing down the Berlin Wall at the Brandenburg Gate.
Well spotted Steve.
Gosh, was the fall of the Berlin wall really 34 years ago?
Pigmy Pony
29-04-2024, 14:45
I know, that's almost two generations. In 1990 my daughter was still pre-school. This year her son is school-leaving age. Why is it that childhood seems to be so long, while adulthood is increasingly fleeting? Should be the other way round.
Well spotted Steve.
Gosh, was the fall of the Berlin wall really 34 years ago?
I didn't find out about it until Christmas when I was round at someone's house who had a telly.
Pigmy Pony
29-04-2024, 22:15
I didn't find out about it until Christmas when I was round at someone's house who had a telly.
I assume you mean Christmas 1990 and not Christmas just gone.
So you may not be aware that they found Trevor Jordache's body two years after it went under the patio, unless your mate with the telly kept you updated :ner:
I assume you mean Christmas 1990 and not Christmas just gone.
So you may not be aware that they found Trevor Jordache's body two years after it went under the patio, unless your mate with the telly kept you updated :ner:
That was a couple of years later? By then I had a girlfriend who owned a black and white portable (which I hooked up to the hi-fi via the headphone socket ofc) so Brookie was back on the menu.
Pigmy Pony
30-04-2024, 06:12
That was a couple of years later? By then I had a girlfriend who owned a black and white portable (which I hooked up to the hi-fi via the headphone socket ofc) so Brookie was back on the menu.
"What, another night in? Sometimes I think you only want me for my black and white telly... and why do you ask me to pause it every time Lindsey Corkhill bends over? You know that technology hasn't arrived yet".
And you're right, the Trevor Jordache thing was mid-nineties.
"What, another night in? Sometimes I think you only want me for my black and white telly... and why do you ask me to pause it every time Lindsey Corkhill bends over? You know that technology hasn't arrived yet".
And you're right, the Trevor Jordache thing was mid-nineties.
I used to watch Brookie since it helped with homesickness. Which she found quite amusing. She was posh and didn't really approve of watching telly. Although she did get into Brookie even though it was past its best by then.
I think that the whole Jordache thing was about 1991/1992. But might be wrong.
I got her into 'Prisoner: Cell Block H' too :D
Pigmy Pony
30-04-2024, 17:44
I used to watch Brookie since it helped with homesickness. Which she found quite amusing. She was posh and didn't really approve of watching telly. Although she did get into Brookie even though it was past its best by then.
I think that the whole Jordache thing was about 1991/1992. But might be wrong.
I got her into 'Prisoner: Cell Block H' too :D
Trevor was stabbed to death by wife Mandy in May 1993, then buried by her and daughter Beth. He was found two years later by Jimmy Corkhill and Eddie Banks.
As for Prisoner: Cell Block 'H':
Ropey storylines, wonky cardboard sets, all it had going for it was the women who were gorgeous :)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d2/Prisoner_Cell_Block_H.jpg
Trevor was stabbed to death by wife Mandy in May 1993, then buried by her and daughter Beth. He was found two years later by Jimmy Corkhill and Eddie Banks.
As for Prisoner: Cell Block 'H':
Ropey storylines, wonky cardboard sets, all it had going for it was the women who were gorgeous :)
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d2/Prisoner_Cell_Block_H.jpg
I used to fancy 'Kelly'. I find criminality in women attractive, pick the bones out of that Dr Freud.
Pigmy Pony
30-04-2024, 18:18
30 April 2009 - The Met Office forecast odds-on for a "barbecue summer", with no repeat of the previous two years' washouts. But average rainfall for that summer was up 40%.
30 April 1945 - Adolf Hitler and his new bride Eva Braun end what must be one of the shortest honeymoons ever. With the Russian army now just a stone's throw away, they said goodbye to their bunker staff and retired to another room, where he shot himself, while Eva went for the poison option.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSvFfMHS2fF1AQsnFkqx4OK1Ld2Uu8i7 YP1rd7srxO3NQ&s
OK, so it wasn't actually 40 years ago today, but too funny not to post!
Pigmy Pony
01-05-2024, 08:29
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSvFfMHS2fF1AQsnFkqx4OK1Ld2Uu8i7 YP1rd7srxO3NQ&s
OK, so it wasn't actually 40 years ago today, but too funny not to post!
"Get your own Charles, this is all mine"
Both southerners, so probably no mushy peas and no gravy :(
Pigmy Pony
01-05-2024, 08:45
I used to fancy 'Kelly'. I find criminality in women attractive, pick the bones out of that Dr Freud.
So you come home to your new bird waiting there with a pair of these: "Thought I'd treat you to these Macca, and I didn't even have to shoot anyone... they're just a bit hot right now, so don't play them too loudly"
https://premiumsound.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/JBL-K2-S9900-Zebrawood.jpg
I'll leave you to build on the fantasy :)
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSvFfMHS2fF1AQsnFkqx4OK1Ld2Uu8i7 YP1rd7srxO3NQ&s
'How big can you make your hair?'
So you come home to your new bird waiting there with a pair of these: "Thought I'd treat you to these Macca, and I didn't even have to shoot anyone... they're just a bit hot right now, so don't play them too loudly"
https://premiumsound.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/JBL-K2-S9900-Zebrawood.jpg
I'll leave you to build on the fantasy :)
Yeah I wish. She'd have to go to Paris to nick them as that's the nearest dealer.
2 May 1519
Leonardo da Vinci, Italian artist and man of science, died at the age of 67.
2 May 1933
The Loch Ness Monster legend was born as the Inverness Courier reported 'an enormous animal rolling and plunging on the surface'.
2 May 1997
Tony Blair, at age 43, became the youngest PM in 185 years as Labour routed the Tories in the general election.
Birthdays:
David Beckham, footballer, 49
Lily Allen, singer, 39.
Apologies for the delay - I was otherwise preoccupied.
1 May 1707
The Union of Scotland and England was proclaimed.
1 May 1840
The first Penny Black stamps went on sale five days before the official issue date.
1 May 1931
US president Herbert Hoover opened the Empire State Building in New York. At 1,250 ft high it was the world's tallest building.
1 May 1994
F1 ace Ayrton Senna was killed in a crash, age 34, at the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola.
1 May 2009
Carol Ann Duffy became the first female Poet Laureate.
Birthdays:
Rita Coolidge, singer, 79
Joanna Lumley, actress, 78
Ray Parker Jr, singer, 70
Wes Anderson, director, 55
Pigmy Pony
02-05-2024, 20:06
Apologies for the delay - I was otherwise preoccupied.
1 May 1707
The Union of Scotland and England was proclaimed.
1 May 1840
The first Penny Black stamps went on sale five days before the official issue date.
1 May 1931
US president Herbert Hoover opened the Empire State Building in New York. At 1,250 ft high it was the world's tallest building.
1 May 1994
F1 ace Ayrton Senna was killed in a crash, age 34, at the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola.
1 May 2009
Carol Ann Duffy became the first female Poet Laureate.
Birthdays:
Rita Coolidge, singer, 79
Joanna Lumley, actress, 78
Ray Parker Jr, singer, 70
Wes Anderson, director, 55
For a whole eleven months that title belonged to the Chrysler building, imo a much better looking building. But then I do like things art deco :)
I agree.
It's difficult to get excited about skyscrapers, but I always thought the twin towers of the World Trade Centre were particularly elegant in a minimalist sort of way.
3 May 1494
Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica.
3 May 1808
A duel was fought between two hot air balloonists over Paris.
3 May 1934
Author H G Wells predicted there would be a major world war by 1940.
3 May 1979
Margaret Thatcher became Britain's first female PM as the Tories won the general election.
Birthdays:
Francie Valli, singer, 90
Ben Elton, comedian, 65
Rob Brydon, actor/comedian, 59
Pigmy Pony
04-05-2024, 08:15
4 May 2014 - Science students at the University of Leicester concluded that the wooden puppet Pinocchio (who was prone to telling lies and whose nose would double in length for each lie) could only have told a maximum of 13 lies. After 13 lies it was concluded that the nose would be 140 metres long and the force exerted downwards would cause his neck to snap. I'm no scientist but I'm sure the type of wood in question would affect the results.
4 May 1945 - The North Germany Amy surrendered to British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery.
4 May 2014 - Science students at the University of Leicester concluded that the wooden puppet Pinocchio (who was prone to telling lies and whose nose would double in length for each lie) could only have told a maximum of 13 lies. After 13 lies it was concluded that the nose would be 140 metres long and the force exerted downwards would cause his neck to snap. I'm no scientist but I'm sure the type of wood in question would affect the results.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-8YkWG5w5M
Pigmy Pony
06-05-2024, 06:46
6 May 1954 - Medical student Roger Bannister (25) becomes the first to run a sub-4 minute mile, recording 3:59.4 at Iffley Road Track, Oxford.
6 May 1979 - Six rock-cut tombs found at Heysham, Lancashire became Grade 1 Listed and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Even more importantly, they made the cover of The Best of Black Sabbath album.
https://img.atlasobscura.com/fOBPXZjz_GplB8tZrPZohYcM9LO5Q3zX1QcscfbEaOc/rt:fit/h:390/q:81/sm:1/scp:1/ar:1/aHR0cHM6Ly9hdGxh/cy1kZXYuczMuYW1h/em9uYXdzLmNvbS91/cGxvYWRzL3BsYWNl/X2ltYWdlcy8zNDIz/YmFmNy1jN2E5LTQ1/MjItYmYwYS0wNmI1/MmRlYzg1OGExNjQ0/NWE2NzczMzBlOTA5/ZTBfQW5jaWVudF9z/dG9uZV9ncmF2ZXNf/YXRfU3QuX1BhdHJp/Y2snc19DaGFwZWws/X0hleXNoYW1fLV9n/ZW9ncmFwaC5vcmcu/dWtfLV8zMzM0Njku/anBn.jpg
6 May 2023 - Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey. The 40th reigning monarch to be crowned there since 1066.
7 May 1915
RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat, with the loss of 1,198 lives.
7 May 1928
Parliament lowered the voting age for women from 30 to 21.
7 May 1945
Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally, ending the war in Europe.
Birthdays:
Michael Rosen, author, 78
Phil Cambell, musician (Motorhead), 63
Matt Helders, drummer (Arctic Monkeys), 38.
Lawrence001
08-05-2024, 08:32
7 May 1915
RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat, with the loss of 1,198 lives.
7 May 1928
Parliament lowered the voting age for women from 30 to 21.
7 May 1945
Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally, ending the war in Europe.
Birthdays:
Michael Rosen, author, 78
Phil Cambell, musician (Motorhead), 63
Matt Helders, drummer (Arctic Monkeys), 38.Interesting connection between the two world war dates as it was the sinking of the Lusitania that partly led to the US joining the allies in WW1 - which led to the defeat of Germany - which in turn contributed to the rise of Hitler and ultimately their defeat in WW2.
8 May 1902
Mount Pelée erupted on the island of Martinique, destroying the town of St. Pierrepont and killing around 30,000 people in three minutes.
8 May 1970
The Beatles' final album 'Let It Be' was released.
8 May 1980
The World Health Organisation announced that smallpox had been eradicated.
8 May 1984
The Thames Barrier at Woolwich was officially opened.
8 May 2013
Sir Alex Ferguson announced he would retire as Manchester United manager at the end of the season.
Birthdays:
Sir David Attenborough, naturalist, 98
Alex Van Halen, rock musician, 71
Enrique inglesias, singer, 49
Matt Willis (formerly known as 'Matty Jay'), musician, 41
9 May 1671
Capt. Thomas Blood made an unsuccessful bid to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London.
9 May 1860
J. M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, was born in Kirriemuir, Angus.
9 May 1887
Buffalo Bill's Wild West show opened in London. Queen Victoria was at the premiere.
9 May 1955
West Germany joined Nato.
9 May 1960
The world's first birth control pill was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
9 May 2012
US president Barack Obama officially stated his support for same sex marriage.
Birthdays:
Alan Bennett, playwright/author, 90
Billy Joel, singer, 75
Dave Gahan, singer (Depeche Mode), 62
Martin Lewis, journalist, 52.
9 May 1860
J. M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, was born in Kirriemuir, Angus.
I only learned very recently that the name “Wendy” never existed before Peter Pan and was invented by the author in the book. That said, I don’t suppose it’s a very popular name for babies these days. My Great Niece has just been named Sierra. I asked my niece if her middle name was Cosworth but I don’t think she got it…. A young local radio presenter is called Corsa…. I would have gone for Capri, sounds exotic.
I only learned very recently that the name “Wendy” never existed before Peter Pan and was invented by the author in the book. That said, I don’t suppose it’s a very popular name for babies these days. My Great Niece has just been named Sierra. I asked my niece if her middle name was Cosworth but I don’t think she got it…. A young local radio presenter is called Corsa…. I would have gone for Capri, sounds exotic.
One of my brothers had a girlfriend named Mercedes. But that was in Liverpool.
Instead of calling your dog Rover you could call it Range Rover Evoke.
One of my brothers had a girlfriend named Mercedes. But that was in Liverpool.
Instead of calling your dog Rover you could call it Range Rover Evoke.
I knew someone who had a wife called Mercedes. They were Mexican.
I used to name my Rover cars "Rex", but the Audi I drive now doesn't have a name. :scratch:
10 May 1850
Sir Thomas Lipton, founder of Lipton's grocery chain who went from errand boy to millionaire by the age of 30, was born in Glssgow.
10 May 1940
Neville Chamberlain quit as PM. Winston Churchill formed a coalition government wartime government saying "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat".
10 May 1941
Rudolph Hess, Hitler's deputy, parachuted into Scotland in an effort to negotiate a peace settlement but was arrested and imprisoned for the remainder of World War II.
10 May 1994
Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first black president.
Birthdays:
Graham Gouldman, songwriter (10cc), 78
Maureen Lipman, actress, 78
Bono, rock singer, 64.
Pigmy Pony
11-05-2024, 05:53
10 May 1850
Sir Thomas Lipton, founder of Lipton's grocery chain who went from errand boy to millionaire by the age of 30, was born in Glssgow.
10 May 1940
Neville Chamberlain quit as PM. Winston Churchill formed a coalition government wartime government saying "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat".
10 May 1941
Rudolph Hess, Hitler's deputy, parachuted into Scotland in an effort to negotiate a peace settlement but was arrested and imprisoned for the remainder of World War II.
10 May 1994
Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first black president.
Birthdays:
Graham Gouldman, songwriter (10cc), 78
Maureen Lipman, actress, 78
Bono, rock singer, 64.
Apparently his intention was to convince us that the real danger to Europe came from the Soviet Union, and that we should join forces with Germany. Well that didn't work out, and Hess spent the remainder of his life in prison, the last 21 years of it being the sole prisoner of Spandau prison until his death by suicide age 93.
Pigmy Pony
11-05-2024, 06:18
11 May 1969 - Monty Python is formed, made up of John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Terry Jones.
11 May 1812 - British Prime Minister Spencer Percival was assasinated. Apparently he was mistaken for someone else.
Birthdays:
1941 - Animals vocalist Eric Burdon , 83 today
1963 - English actress Natasha Richardson.
Rolling Stones released “exile on Main Street” 1972
Pigmy Pony
12-05-2024, 09:00
Rolling Stones released “exile on Main Street” 1972
And exactly fifty two years later I buy a copy for £1 at car boot sale. Although I did buy the single "Tumbling Dice" back then.
And exactly fifty two years later I buy a copy for £1 at car boot sale. Although I did buy the single "Tumbling Dice" back then.
It was the last Stones' record I bought.
Pigmy Pony
12-05-2024, 13:08
It was the last Stones' record I bought.
Not a fan of their later stuff then? Among the many albums of mine that "disappeared" many years ago were Emotional Rescue, Steel Wheels and Undercover. I haven't made any effort to replace them, and can't remember if I liked them so...
I have all their earlier output, just didn't keep up with their later stuff.
At the time there were other records making demands on my wallet.
Pigmy Pony
16-05-2024, 08:08
16 May 1568 - Mary Queen of Scots fled to England disguised as an ordinary woman, crossing the Solway to Workington. If there had been Trip Advisor back then she might not have bothered. Sorry Workington.
16 May 1990 - Government minister and dad of the year nominee John Gummer attempted to allay public fears over BSE by having his daughter eat a burger for the benefit of the TV cameras. Kids from back then are now all growed up and taking their kids to McDonalds regularly, which I would argue is only marginally less irresponsible.
16 May 2001 - Labour Deputy PM Johnny "Two Jags", while on a visit to Rhyll North Wales, gets an egg chucked at him, to which he quickly replies with a punch, and in the ensuing scuffle police arrest 29 year-old Craig Evans. I didn't know there was anyone that young in Rhyll, perhaps he was a stowaway on one of the coach trips.
Sorry about the editorialising, I'm feeling grumpier than normal this morning...
Sorry about the editorialising, I'm feeling grumpier than normal this morning...
Don’t apologise, that really made me chuckle, stay grumpy, Steve! :lol:
Steve's grumpy because his genuine fake Omega watch has stopped working after twenty years.
But Steve, you should take some comfort in the recognition that a broken watch displays the correct time twice a day, whereas a watch that just meets the definition of being a chronometer, will only display the correct time once every 60 years!
Pigmy Pony
16-05-2024, 15:20
Steve's grumpy because his genuine fake Omega watch has stopped working after twenty years.
But Steve, you should take some comfort in the recognition that a broken watch displays the correct time twice a day, whereas a watch that just meets the definition of being a chronometer, will only display the correct time once every 60 years!
There is that I suppose. (Actually I don't know why I said that - trying to understand why that is so is just making my brain hurt). My Omega is a chronometer, says so on the dial. I'm now thinking that claim may be false :(
Maybe what you have is not an "Omega' but an 'Omicron'. :D
Pigmy Pony
16-05-2024, 21:45
Maybe what you have is not an "Omega' but an 'Omicron'. :D
:D I have one of those too. As watches go I find it to be a bit chunky.
Sure it's not an "Omigod"?
Pigmy Pony
17-05-2024, 06:18
My mistake - it's called Omron :doh: Doesn't actually tell the time, it's a bit rubbish really. But it does tell me if it's time I saw my doctor.
Is it an Omron RS1 wrist BP monitor? Is it sufficiently accurate?
Pigmy Pony
17-05-2024, 14:04
Is it an Omron RS1 wrist BP monitor? Is it sufficiently accurate?
Mrs. P's out at the moment and I don't know where she's put it. But it looks something like this. Definitely not a wrist one.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/OMRON-X2-Basic-Automatic-monitoring/dp/B08NXBRYFJ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3BV7X68B9N46S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2mRCCUKurgG2q-D0lb5myUC57Wnp-2g6u7RmgvREmNYvoRcZkgDcSx1K7W6wX_0ktYhsUb3yj_BjC7g OIEvdgQjWnJdyzJT_H8_PTxl7-dY3ga3RaochXO0OJzy1lfMuqFfALdtiNdqktp1k9jbAsO3cHd3 17fiHiTM3x1mNmtssm8h1da7Yud_f3nUnY75zf9wNa0N9STQu1 NgL0LQWh4vf1laN5-Zm39tlMiRuUEI8TYf2gkanY5oyrNAin71gyGdzleK8B2yLwhC1 o-ghTGMmge4Qr0RQ7TS8n5iUO3w.4ik2XDPowJcpoVY_tGKwYOfC MFqWaky0LfrRwrA1JSo&dib_tag=se&keywords=omron+blood+pressure+monitor&qid=1715954328&sprefix=Omron%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5
I had to buy one of those and take my blood pressure twice a day for two weeks ‘cos my BP was high when I went to the doctors.*
I hate the pressure on my arm, but it did prove that my BP was normal so won’t have to do that again.
* was it any wonder my BP was high - I was visiting the quack to get my prostate checked…
Ah - the "finger up the bum" check?
Mrs. P's out at the moment and I don't know where she's put it. But it looks something like this. Definitely not a wrist one.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/OMRON-X2-Basic-Automatic-monitoring/dp/B08NXBRYFJ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3BV7X68B9N46S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2mRCCUKurgG2q-D0lb5myUC57Wnp-2g6u7RmgvREmNYvoRcZkgDcSx1K7W6wX_0ktYhsUb3yj_BjC7g OIEvdgQjWnJdyzJT_H8_PTxl7-dY3ga3RaochXO0OJzy1lfMuqFfALdtiNdqktp1k9jbAsO3cHd3 17fiHiTM3x1mNmtssm8h1da7Yud_f3nUnY75zf9wNa0N9STQu1 NgL0LQWh4vf1laN5-Zm39tlMiRuUEI8TYf2gkanY5oyrNAin71gyGdzleK8B2yLwhC1 o-ghTGMmge4Qr0RQ7TS8n5iUO3w.4ik2XDPowJcpoVY_tGKwYOfC MFqWaky0LfrRwrA1JSo&dib_tag=se&keywords=omron+blood+pressure+monitor&qid=1715954328&sprefix=Omron%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5
Looks very much like my Boots version. Checked mine this morning out of curiosity: 120/79, so OK.
The wrist versions are not thought to be much use, as the cuff is too short and the results are not reliable.
Ah - the "finger up the bum" check?
Yes, that’s the one - I was slightly concerned but he was in and out like a flash and far less uncomfortable than taking my blood pressure!
Pigmy Pony
17-05-2024, 20:49
Yes, that’s the one - I was slightly concerned but he was in and out like a flash and far less uncomfortable than taking my blood pressure!
"Brace yourself Alex, I'm going in"
https://ew.com/thmb/86b267xlhaB_yMlNdWS2YhK0ypI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc() :format(webp)/fla406b_0127b-2000-f6d1e4bdf8f04449a8c4619d69e5a955.jpg
Yes, that’s the one - I was slightly concerned but he was in and out like a flash and far less uncomfortable than taking my blood pressure!
As long as he doesn’t do it with a hand on each shoulder!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Back to something less anal:
22 May 1455
In the War of the Roses, the Lancastrians defeated the Yorkists at the Battle of St Albans.
22 May 1859
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, was born in Edinburgh.
22 May 1906
The Wright Brothers patented their flying machine.
22 May 1972
Ceylon became Sri Lanka.
Some birthdays:
Bernie Taupin, songwriter, 74
Morrissey, singer, 65
Pigmy Pony
22-05-2024, 21:38
I'm quite surprised to see that Bernie Taupin is only 74, I was expecting him to be quite a bit older. He's been teamed up with Elton John since he was 17.
23 May 1533
Henry VIII divorced Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn. It lead to a break with the church in Rome.
23 May 1887
The French crown jewels were sold for 6 million francs.
23 May 1934
Bank robbers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were shot dead in Louisiana by Texas Rangers.
Birthdays:
Phil Selway, rock drummer (Radiohead), 57
Heidi Range, singer (Sugarbabes/Atomic Kitten), 41
24 May 1686
Gabriel Daniel Farenheit, German physicist who invented the Newbury thermometer, was born.
23 May 1819
Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace.
Birthdays:
Bob Dylan, singer/songwriter, 83
Patti LaBelle, singer, 80
Pigmy Pony
25-05-2024, 16:46
25 May 1871 - The House of Commons passed the Bank Holiday and Shit Weather Act, creating public holidays on Easter Monday, Whit Monday and Christmas day.
Why was Whitsuntide changed to Spring Bank Holiday? I'm guessing it's a religion thing, where some folk were feeling left out.
Lawrence001
25-05-2024, 18:59
25 May 1871 - The House of Commons passed the Bank Holiday and Shit Weather Act, creating public holidays on Easter Monday, Whit Monday and Christmas day.
Why was Whitsuntide changed to Spring Bank Holiday? I'm guessing it's a religion thing, where some folk were feeling left out.Probably, it's not as if Easter and Christmas are religious holidays. They're just days you eat lots of chocolate eggs and get lots of presents. If Whitsun had some sort of materialistic association they would probably have kept it too.
Pigmy Pony
25-05-2024, 22:03
I will always associate Whitsuntide with candy floss, goldfish in a bag and archery sets where the arrows had suckers on the ends because that was always the week the fair came to town. So fairly materialistic.
Whitsun inspired possibly one of the best poems in the English language:
https://poetryarchive.org/poem/whitsun-weddings/
Lawrence001
26-05-2024, 22:51
Whitsun inspired possibly one of the best poems in the English language:
https://poetryarchive.org/poem/whitsun-weddings/That's a bit cultured Martin. Don't see that round here very often [emoji23]
That's a bit cultured Martin. Don't see that round here very often [emoji23]
Yeah, sorry about that.
A bit of culture is not to be dismissed - it raises the tone and standard of the Forum. :)
Pigmy Pony
31-05-2024, 13:55
31 May 1976 - The Who set the record for the loudest ever rock concert, 120 decibels at 50 metres, at The Valley, Charlton, London.
31 May 1889 - Painter Francis Berraud showed a painting of his dog Nipper listening to a phonograph to the general manager of 'The Gramophone Company' in London. The phonograph was painted out and a gramophone substituted. It later became the trademark for the company "His Master's Voice".
3 June 1946
First bikini was unveiled in Paris.
3 June 1956
Third class rail travel was abolished in Britian.
3 June 1978
The Guinness Book of Records went into the Guinness Book of Records - as the most stolen book from libraries.
Birthdays:
Suzi Quatro, rock singer, 74
Kelly Jones, singer (Stereophonics), 50
Pigmy Pony
06-06-2024, 05:50
Robert Englund, 77 today.
https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Freddy-Krueger-Robert-Englund-Close-Up-Claw-Hand-Blue-Background.jpg?q=50&fit=contain&w=1140&h=&dpr=1.5
"Hope you bought me something nice"
6 June 1844 - The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) founded in London. Never stayed there, but I'm told it's fun :)
6 June 1949 - George Orwell's "1984" was published.
6 June 1967 - President Nasser closed the Suez Canal, alleging that US and British forces were aiding Israel
Pigmy Pony
07-06-2024, 05:57
7 June 1975 - Sony introduce the Betamax videocassette recorder to the public. Two years later JVC introduced the VHS (Video Home System) format, and so started the VHS/Betamax feud which ran for several years, With VHS eventually winning. Despite being inferior in resolution it was taken up more readily by consumers due to its longer recording time and affordability.
Tom Jones, 84 today.
Prince Rogers Nelson, would have been 66 today.
Pigmy Pony
16-06-2024, 12:08
200 years ago today - RSPCA was founded.
16 June 1890 - Stan Laurel (real name Arthur Jefferson) was born in Ulverston, Cumbria. They have a Laurel and Hardy museum up there, driven past it many times but never felt the urge to visit. And with admission costing 7 quid it won't be happening any time soon. Besides, the British lawnmower museum at Southport is only a 30 minute drive, and costs just 3 quid to get in, children £1. Form an orderly queue kids :)
Children should be encouraged to have an interest in lawnmowers, they don't get that at school anymore you know.
They should have a power-washer museum next door for those who have paved over their garden to make it into a car park. Then all the bases are covered.
Pigmy Pony
17-06-2024, 08:13
Children should be encouraged to have an interest in lawnmowers, they don't get that at school anymore you know.
They should have a power-washer museum next door for those who have paved over their garden to make it into a car park. Then all the bases are covered.
Children are actively discouraged from being near anything that might harm them, which is largely the reason that so many are morons without a useful bone in their body. Like keeping cleaning products out of their each and in childproof containers - how are they supposed to learn what these things are for? No wonder mum still has to do their laundry long after they've left home (when I say 'left' I mean dad gave them a lift there of course).
But nobody thinks to put childproof caps on the things that matter, like your beer/spirits, and your favourite chocolate biscuits :scratch:
Children are actively discouraged from being near anything that might harm them, which is largely the reason that so many are morons without a useful bone in their body. Like keeping cleaning products out of their each and in childproof containers - how are they supposed to learn what these things are for? No wonder mum still has to do their laundry long after they've left home (when I say 'left' I mean dad gave them a lift there of course).
But nobody thinks to put childproof caps on the things that matter, like your beer/spirits, and your favourite chocolate biscuits :scratch:
I had a mate at school, they were quite posh, there were rooms in his house he wasn't even allowed in, like the front sitting room ('Kept for best') and his dad's study.
Thought that was weird at the time but now I think if I'd had children of my own I'd probably implement that.
Pigmy Pony
17-06-2024, 19:54
I had a mate at school, they were quite posh, there were rooms in his house he wasn't even allowed in, like the front sitting room ('Kept for best') and his dad's study.
Thought that was weird at the time but now I think if I'd had children of my own I'd probably implement that.
When I was a kid we all had a similar set up - we had the outdoors and parents had the indoors. Though we were allowed in for our tea, bedtime or if we needed a dump.
Pigmy Pony
21-06-2024, 04:41
21 June 1948 - Columbia Records unveil their 33 1/3 rpm phonograph record, invented by Peter Carl Goldmark, allowing up to 20 minutes per side.
21 June 1919 - German sailors scuttled 72 warships at Scapa Flow in the Orkneys even though Germany had surrendered. It was the greatest act of self-destruction in modern military history. My uncle has a rusty old machine gun he recovered from one of the wrecks before a silly diving-at-altitude miscalculation put an end to his diving.
I had a mate at school, they were quite posh, there were rooms in his house he wasn't even allowed in, like the front sitting room ('Kept for best') and his dad's study.
Thought that was weird at the time but now I think if I'd had children of my own I'd probably implement that.
I still feel resentful about not being allowed in my uncle and aunt’s “front room” once they had redecorated (i think i was about ten years old). I was allowed in once with my mum to admire the new three piece suite and was promptly ushered out again - they kept plastic covers on the suite for years, lasted well but must have been strange to sit on :)
I still feel resentful about not being allowed in my uncle and aunt’s “front room” once they had redecorated (i think i was about ten years old). I was allowed in once with my mum to admire the new three piece suite and was promptly ushered out again - they kept plastic covers on the suite for years, lasted well but must have been strange to sit on :)
Just like in 'Time Bandits.'
I had an uncle who would keep the polythene on the driver seat of his new cars until it disintegrated.
25 June 1797
Admiral Nelson was wounded in the right arm by grapeshot. He had it amputated that afternoon.
25 June 1876
Custer's Last Stand took place at Little Big Horn, Montana. Sioux Indians (sic), lead by Crazy Horse killed George Armstrong Custer and all 264 soldiers of the 7th US Cavalry.
25 June 1945
The United Nations was founded.
25 June 1990
7,000 King penguins killed themselves on Macquarie Island. The reason remains a complete mystery.
25 June 2009
Tributes from the world of music and film flooded in following the death of 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson at the age of 50.
Birthdays:
Carly Simon, singer, 81
Tim Finn, musician (Split Enz), 72
Ricky Gervais, comedian/actor, 63.
Pigmy Pony
25-06-2024, 19:42
25 June 1797
Admiral Nelson was wounded in the right arm by grapeshot. He had it amputated that afternoon.
25 June 1876
Custer's Last Stand took place at Little Big Horn, Montana. Sioux Indians (sic), lead by Crazy Horse killed George Armstrong Custer and all 264 soldiers of the 7th US Cavalry.
25 June 1945
The United Nations was founded.
25 June 1990
7,000 King penguins killed themselves on Macquarie Island. The reason remains a complete mystery.
25 June 1990
Tributes from the world of music and film flooded in following the death of 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson at the age of 50.
Birthdays:
Carly Simon, singer, 81
Tim Finn, musician (Split Enz), 72
Ricky Gervais, comedian/actor, 63.
That must have come as quite a shock to Wacko Jacko, and might explain why three years later he performed "Remember The Time" at the 1993 Soul Train Music Awards :)
Oops! Sorry, you are quite correct, that should have read 2009. :doh:
9 July 1540
Henry VIII divorced fourth wife Anne of Cleves, six months after they had wed.
9 July 1877
Wimbledon staged it's first lawn tennis championship.
9 July 1938
Gas masks were issued to civilians in anticipation of the war with Germany. Some 35 million were supplied.
9 July 1955
Bill Haley and His Comets went to No.1 in the US pop charts with 'Rock Around the Clock'.
9 July 1984
A bolt of lightening set fire to York Minster. The 700-year old building suffered serious damage, but the famous Rose Window survived.
Birthdays:
David Hockney, artist, 87
Dean Koontz, author, 79
Tom Hanks, actor, 68
Jim Kerr, singer (Simple Minds), 65
Courtney Love, singer/actress, 60.
23 July 776 BC
The first Olympic Games opened in Olympia. The foot race was won by Coroibos, a cook.
23 July 1759
Work started on the Royal Navy's 104-gun battleship HMS Victory, at Chatham, Kent, built from the wood of 6,000 trees, 90% of which were oak.
23 July 1955
Donald Campbell broke the world water speed record on Ullswater, as he reached 202.32mph in Bluebird.
Birthdays:
David Essex, singer, 77
Woody Harrelson, actor, 63
Slash, rock guitarist (Guns N' Roses), 59
Michelle Williams, singer (Destiny's Child), 45.
Pigmy Pony
13-08-2024, 05:46
Fun fact - in the 2012 Olympics, the folk of Yorkshire won a total of seven golds, two silver and three bronze medals, and on this day it was calculated that had Yorkshire been an independent country they would have finished 12th on the medals table out of 204 competing countries.
Would have finished higher if blowing your own trumpet had been an Olympic sport.
16 August 1819
Troops attacked workers calling for parliamentary reforms at St Peter's Field, Manchester. Eleven people died in what became known as the Peterloo Massacre.
16 August 1896
Gold was discovered in Canada's Yukon Territory, drawing thousands to the region in search of a fortune.
16 August 1956
Horror film star Bela Lugosi died. He was buried in his Dracula cape.
16 August 1962
The Beatles fired drummer Pete Best, replacing him with Ringo Starr.
16 August 1977
King of rock'n'roll Elvis Presley died at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 42.
Birthdays:
Madonna, singer, 66
Ulrika Jonsson, TV presenter, 56.
Never realised Elvis so young when he died, thought he was in his fifties at least.
Pigmy Pony
17-08-2024, 06:25
Never realised Elvis so young when he died, thought he was in his fifties at least.
Because it was 'mum and dad' music, so had to be old. These days they call it 'house clearance' music. Like Jim Reeves, or that bloke that yodelled a bit.
22 August 1485
Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field. He was the third King Richard to die by violent means. Monarchs have avoided the name since.
22 August 1642
Civil war in England began.
22 August 1851
The schooner 'America' outraced more than a dozen British vessels to win a trophy that came to be known as the America's Cup.
22 August 1960
Beyond The Fringe, one of the most influential satirical reviews staged in Britain, opened in Edinburgh.
22 August 2004
Edward Munch's painting The Scream was stolen at gunpoint from the Munch Museum in Norway.
Birthdays:
Steve Davis, snooker player, 67
Roland Orzabal, guitarist (Tears For Fears), 63
Tori Amos, singer, 61
Howie D, pop singer (The Backstreet Boys), 51
James Corden, actor, 46
Dua Lipa, singer, 29
Howie D, pop singer (The Backstreet Boys), 51
Won't be long before they're the Backstreet Pensioners.
Pigmy Pony
22-08-2024, 20:00
Birthdays:
Steve Davis, snooker player, 67
Roland Orzabal, guitarist (Tears For Fears), 63
Tori Amos, singer, 61
Howie D, pop singer (The Backstreet Boys), 51
James Corden, actor, 46
Dua Lipa, singer, 29
Lisa Callaghan, 38. Not famous, just eldest daughter of really forgetful AoS member :doh:
23 August 410
Rome fell to the Visigoths.
23 August 1873
The Albert Bridge, across the Thames at Chelsea, was opened.
23 August 1926
Rudolph Valentino, 'the world's greatest screen lover', died in New York, aged 31 from complications of a ruptured appendix and gastric ulcer. Thousands of women lined his funeral route.
23 August 1938
Cricketer Len Hutton scored what was then a world record Test score of 364 against Australia at the Oval.
23 August 1940
The Blitz began as Nazi bombers launched an all-night raid on London.
23 August 2023
Surgeons revealed they had performed the first womb transplant in the UK. The woman's sister was the living donor of the uterus.
Birthdays:
Shaun Ryder, singer (Happy Mondays), 62
Julian Casablancas, rock singer (The Strokes), 46.
Pigmy Pony
23-08-2024, 18:52
Shannon Ryder, singer (Happy Mondays), 62
Poor Shannon, she's let herself go a bit.
https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article28108405.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_PROD-Im-A-Celebrity-South-Africa-Series-1-Episode-5-28-Apr-2023.jpg
Poor Shannon, she's let herself go a bit.
https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article28108405.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_PROD-Im-A-Celebrity-South-Africa-Series-1-Episode-5-28-Apr-2023.jpg
Bloody predictive texting! :steam:
You could try: http://www.shannonriderband.com but the site looks a bit 'iffy' security-wise. :doh:
Pigmy Pony
23-08-2024, 22:28
You could try: http://www.shannonriderband.com but the site looks a bit 'iffy' security-wise. :doh:
Yes I saw that when I checked out 'Shannon Ryder', on the off-chance that Shaun had decided to follow American composer and musician Walter/Wendy Carlos' example. And whether Bez might have ditched his maracas and changed his name to Beryl :)
No historical dates, no birthdays, but we've just spent a very fraught and difficult day today in Lyon.
Decided to visit an old and historic part of Lyon for lunch. The French have this odd arrangement whereby everyone is expected to have eaten lunch by 14:00; after that time the eateries close. Managed to find one up-market looking (and expensive) restaurant that was open and could serve us.
Had one of the worse meals of my life, and to make matters worse my glass of Côte du Rhône (a red wine) was served cold! You would have thought the French would know better.
Now on our return to where we are staying, the normally excellent public transport system has "developed a problem", which means we will be delayed by nearly two hours. To kill time popped into a Starbucks for a coffee and a cake, and the staff there couldn't get the order right.
Definitely been one of those days. :doh:
The places I've been in France (except Paris), if you hadn't got your snap in for the day by 0700 you were knackered.
I don't think they've ever heard of Spar.
Although that was a long time ago now.
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