sixties and seventies

11
Mar
2024

MONDAY of Daylight Saving Time

Today is Saudi Flag Day, a new national holiday, instituted by royal decree. The occasion embodies the values of the national standard, which has accompanied the country since its foundation in 1727. On March 11th 1937, which corresponds to the 27th of Dhu Al Hijjah 1355 in the Islamic calendar, King Abdulaziz approved the flag of the kingdom.

In a royal statement made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud announced, “… Based on the value of the national flag extending throughout the history of the Saudi state since its establishment in 1139 AH corresponding to 1727 AD. And for about three centuries; This flag was a witness to the campaigns to unite the country that the Saudi state waged. We commanded what is to come: The day (March 11th) of every year will be a special day for the flag, under the name (Flag Day).”

The green flag, standing for peace, development, prosperity, giving and tolerance, features an Arabic transcription, the Islamic creed or ‘shahadah,’ (“There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God”) which is the symbol of the country and the basis of its foundation. The flag also features a sword standing for strength and justice. As a whole, the Saudi flag is a symbol of the country’s unity, a sign of cohesion, and a title of its glory. It also expresses its loftiness, glory, and worldwide position, as well as the historical depth of the Kingdom.

Today is the birthday, in 1944, of Ric Rothwell, drummer with The Mindbenders, (1965 US No.1 single with ‘Game Of Love’ and a 1966 UK No.2 single with ‘Groovy Kind Of Love’). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVyPQA3PO5U

Posted by Tom in Humor, Music, sixties and seventies
08
Mar
2024

f..f..f..FRIDAY!!

Today is Revolution Day, a public holiday in Syria. It commemorates the Syrian coup d’état that caused power in the country to be seized by the military committee of the Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party. Although this coup was originally supposed to fall on March 7th, it had to be postponed due to being discovered by authorities.

The March 8 coup ended the era of democratic experimentation in the post-colonial Syrian Republic, and transformed Syria towards a party state exerting totalitarian domination over daily life. The coup has resulted in the ascendancy of the Ba’athist system, which exerts extensive control over social, economic, political, educational and religious spheres through brutal repression and state terror. Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party has maintained its grip on power for over six decades, through its control of the military, security apparatus, political system and the Mukhabarat, with the country being ruled by its Secretary-General Bashar al-Assad since 2000.

French Pizza?

Today is the birthday, in 1945, of Michael Dolenz, singer and drummer with The Monkees who had the 1967 UK & US No.1 single ‘I’m A Believer’ plus 10 US & 8 UK Top 40 singles. Dolenz is now a actor, television director, radio personality and theatre director. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiQUnxNEDqk

Posted by Tom in Humor, Music, sixties and seventies
06
Mar
2024

Right here in the middle with WEDNESDAY

Today is Independence Day in Ghana. It is Ghana’s National Day and commemorates Ghana’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1957.

The area now part of Ghana has an abundance of natural resources, including gold and ivory, which attracted the attention of colonists. While the Portuguese had been the first to establish a settlement in the region, the attractiveness of the local riches led to a struggle for control between many European nations. In 1874, Britain took control over parts of the country, naming them the British Gold Coast.

Weakened by the efforts of World War II, Britain had begun the process of reducing its colonies around the world, including those Africa. This desire was matched by a rising call for independence in the Gold Coast. In 1947, the United Gold Coast Convention called for “self-government within the shortest possible time” following the Gold Coast legislative elections. In 1951, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah won a majority in the Gold Coast legislative election and in 1952. Nkrumah was appointed the leader of the Gold Coast government.

The Gold Coast region declared its independence from the United Kingdom on March 6th 1957 and established the nation of Ghana. Nkrumah went on to become the first Prime Minister of Ghana.

Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence, on March 6th 1957.

Yoga…

Knit/Crochet

What were you thinking?????

Today is the birthday, in 1947, of Kiki Dee, (Pauline Matthews), singer and actress who had the 1976 UK & US No.1 single Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ with Elton John. As a session singer she worked with Dusty Springfield and also became the first white British artist to be signed by Motown Records, releasing her first Motown single in 1970. Dee now performs with guitarist Carmelo Luggeri. I’ve posted the great recording studio video of Elton John and Kiki Dee singing ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’. Here is a great followup from years later. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf3KiRzZRCQ

Posted by Tom in Humor, Music, sixties and seventies
01
Mar
2024

First FRIDAY in March!!!

Today is the National Day of Heroes, a public holiday in Paraguay. The aim of the holiday is to pay tribute to the work of citizens who have helped make Paraguay what it is today.

In the words of President Horacio Cartes, “Our heroes build a better Paraguay; today we pay homage to all Paraguayans who, with sacrifice and courage, make this a great country.”

This national holiday falls on the anniversary of the death of Marshal Francisco Solano Lopez, President of Paraguay from 1862 – 1870, who was killed in combat during the Battle of Cerro Corá. This was the last conflict in the War of the Triple Alliance (1864 – 1870) that pitted Paraguay against the tri-national alliance of Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

Ice in the back yard

confusing…

Nice guy…

Demotivational Posters

Today is the birthday, in 1927, of American singer, actor, and civil rights activist, Harry Belafonte who had the 1957 UK No.1 & US No.12 single with ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ and a 1957 UK No.2 & US No.5 with ‘Banana Boat Song’. He also scored over 15 US Top 40 albums, including the 1956 Calypso. Belafonte died from congestive heart failure at his home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City, on 25 April 2023, at the age of 96. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-4xyg4PU-U

Posted by Tom in Humor, Music, sixties and seventies, World
26
Feb
2024

Last Monday of February (this year at least!)

I’m back to posting content on this blog and I’ll try to keep it up. I might miss a day from time to time, though.

Today is Makha Bucha, a public holiday in several Mekong region countries such as Cambodia and Thailand. This festival is the second most important Buddhist festival. As with most Buddhist festivals, its date depends on the Lunar cycle. The holiday may also be known as Magha Puja or Lord Buddha Day.

On this day, the full moon of the third lunar month (called Tabodwe); seven months after Buddha began his teachings, over a thousand monks gathered to hear Buddha preach.

Buddha ordained these monks and spread the principles of Buddhism. This marked a key event in the development of the religion. 45 years later, on the same full moon in the third lunar month, Buddha again delivered his teachings shortly before his death.

Only the Noly…

So many great birthdays today, including, in 1932, Johnny Cash US country singer, songwriter who was considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Although he is remembered as a country icon, his songs spanned other genres including rock and roll and rockabilly and blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal won Cash the rare honour of induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. During the last stage of his career, Cash covered songs by several late 20th-century rock artists, most notably ‘Hurt’ by Nine Inch Nails. Cash died of respiratory failure on September 12th 2003, aged 71. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG0fS4DoGUc

Posted by Tom in Humor, Music, sixties and seventies