Today is...

[IceWizard]

03 Mar 2017



World Wildlife Day



The World is full of amazing creatures from every possible medium. From the birds of the air to the majestic whales of the sea, wildlife abounds in the most unusual and unexpected places. Wildlife benefits us in many ways, and has since time out of mind. World Wildlife day is a day to remind us of our responsibilities to our world and the lifeforms we share it with.

History of World Wildlife Day

On March 3rd, 1973 the United Nations General Assembly took a stand against to protect Endangered Species throughout the world. Whether plant or animal, the importance of these species in every area of human life, from culinary to medical, could not be understated. At this time hundreds of endangered species were being threatened every year, and extinction was at a staggeringly high rate. CITES was put into place (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) to ensure that the world did not continue to hemorrhage species that would never be seen from again.

On December 20th, 2013 another step was taken to help spread awareness of the fragility of endangered species in the world. At its 68th session, the UN declared that each year World Wildlife Day would be dedicated to a new purpose and idea to help keep people abreast of the changing nature of our world, and the treasures we stand to lose from the animal and plant kingdom if we don’t take care.



And




International Irish Whiskey Day



On the 27th of March every year, it’s time to celebrate one of the most popular and historical alcoholic spirits out there. Whiskey has been filling the glasses of new and seasoned drinkers alike for generations, and for some aficionados, it’s a serious business.

For some, it’s better when mixed with a little soda, or fruit juice, while others assert that the best and only way to drink whiskey is to have it plain and over the rocks – or ice if you aren’t down with the lingo. Whether you’re new to the charms of this sophisticated spirit or you’ve been enjoying it for years, make today a day to learn about one of the world’s favorite tipples.

The History of International Whiskey Day

International Whiskey Day was announced for the first time back in 2008, first started in 2009, and is meant to observe Whiskey from Scotland, Canada, Japan, Ireland, and America. In addition, the day keeps us mindful of Parkinson’s Disease, in honor of the British writer Michael Jackson who suffered with the disease before his death in 2007.

Jackson was a real aficionado of whiskey, being the author of a large number of books about the drink, with his book ‘Michael Jackson’s Malt Whisky Companion’ being one of the best-selling books on whiskey in the world.

To honor the whiskey expert, who incidentally also knew a thing or two about beers, whiskey fans worldwide raise a glass of the drink to celebrate the man’s life and, of course, the malty spirit itself.


And




National Anthem Day



No matter what nation you hail from, there’s a song that everyone knows, and that touches the heart of every member of your country from young to old. That song is your National Anthem, and it speaks of culture and history, and often the very identity of your nation. In many nations the song is song every morning by school children, and in places like America it is actually sung to open certain sporting events, especially American Football. National Anthem Day is here to celebrate the National Anthems of the world, from the obscure and forgotten to the ones that ring out every day.

History of National Anthem Day

The origin of National Anthem Day is actually in America, where Francis Scott Key wrote the anthem for that fledgling nation while Fort McHenry was under assault by British forces. He himself was in the bay on a military vessel, and saw the entire assault happen. It is from these events that some of the key imagery in the song originated, the ‘bombs bursting in air’. Of course, his time as a military man lent more to the tune itself, which was an old tavern song popular in the day.

Some nations, such as England, don’t actually have an official national anthem. Strange as this may seem, the people of the nation have adopted a song as their anthem. In the places where most national anthems would stand in, the song “God Save The Queen” is used, and that’s why you’ll hear it sung during sporting events and official events. Of course the UK is a tricky devil in this case, given that it actually comprises not one but three Kingdoms, and each has its own anthem of preference.

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March 3 Birthdays



George Miller - 72




Jessica Biel - 35




Alexander Graham Bell - (1847 - 1922) (75)




Julie Bowen - 47




Ian Beattie - 52




Robyn Hitchcock - 64







March 3rd

2008: Norman Smith, the engineer on all of The Beatles’ recordings which took place between 1962 through 1965 & the person credited with discovering Pink Floyd died of cancer in East Sussex, U.K. He was 85 years old.

2003: Ray Jackson sued Rod Stewart over Stewart’s song “Maggie May”. Jackson claimed he came up with mandolin melody & claimed that he lost over $1.5 million because he wasn’t credited for the distinctive “hook”. He was paid $22 for the recording session with Stewart in 1971.

1994: Nirvana singer & guitarist Kurt Cobain slipped into a coma at the Excelsior Hotel in Rome after taking a combination of Rohypnol, chloral hydrate & champagne. Cobain was rushed to the Umberto I Polyclinic Hospital where he had his stomach pumped.

1986: Metallica released their third album Master of Puppets which has gone on to be regarded as one of the most influential heavy metal albums. It was also the band’s final album with bassist Cliff Burton, who would die six months later.

1984: John Lennon peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with “Nobody Told Me” which was final top ten single as a solo artist in the U.S.

1984: The Police peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with “Wrapped Around Your Finger” which was their sixth and final top ten single in the U.S.

1983: A Hell’s Angels member by the name of “Butch” testified to the U.S. Senate that the California chapter has had a murder contract out for Mick Jagger since 1969 & has attempted to kill him twice.

1967: The first incarnation of The Jeff Beck Group which featured Rod Stewart on vocals & Ron Wood on bass kicked off their first tour at the Astoria in London on a package tour with Roy Orbison & The Small Faces. Due to receiving poor notices, The Jeff Beck Group was asked not to complete the tour.

1966: Neil Young, Stephen Stills & Richie Furay formed Buffalo Springfield in Los Angeles. Young had recently arrived in Los Angeles driving a 1953 Pontiac hearse.



Birthdays:

Robyn Hitchcock born in 1953