#Celebrities Born on 6th October

[bargainoriley]

Here’s something I’ve been translating on and off for the past week or so! I was looking at old German youth magazines in order to find interesting articles about classic rock bands (specifically Pink Floyd) and came across this in the 01/1978 issue of BRAVO magazine (One of the most famous teen/young adult magazines in Germany that’s been there since 1958 and is still going strong today!) A lot of youth magazines back in the day had articles and posters about rock bands because, well, that’s the people who were celebrities at that time! This page includes both short descriptions of the band members and a short history of the band up until that point when the issue came out! Enjoy ;)

Here’s the original picture

And here is the translation! (Italized text are context comments added by me to add to the understanding of this text!)

Warning: Some of the information here is obviously incorrect!

Pink Floyd: Their profiles

Nick Mason:

Born on the 27th of January 1945 in London, plays drums, has black hair, brown eyes, is 1,72 m tall (for non metric peeps it’s approximately 5 foot 8), is married to Lindy, has two daughters, owns a vineyard and collects old cars (old timers in German means old/vintage cars)

Rick Wright:

Born on the 28th of July 1945 in London, plays the organ/keyboard, piano, cello, and Moog-synthesizer; has blonde hair, blue eyes, is 1, 74 m tall (approximately 5 foot 9), is married to Juliette, has a son named Jamie, and a daughter named Gaia, loves football (or soccer for American peeps)

Roger Waters:

Born on the 6th of September 1944 in Great Bookham near Cambridge, plays bass, Moog-synthesizer, and sings as well; has blonde hair, grey eyes, is 1,83 m tall (approximately 6 feet), is married to Caroline, and has a 15 month old son named Harry.

David Gilmour:

Born on the 6th of March 1946 in Cambridge, plays lead guitar and sings; has brown hair, blue eyes, is 1,78 m tall (approximately 5 foot 10), is married to Ginger, and has a 2 year old daughter named Alice.

The diary/summary of their career; All their albums

1965

The three architecture students Roger Waters, Rick Wright, and Nick Mason meet and get to know each other, establishing the band Sigma 6.

1966

February: Sigma 6 gets their first fee for a performance in the London Marquee Club and mostly cover popular rock and blues songs. During this time they meet art student Syd Barrett. He writes songs and joins the band as a guitarist and singer. Under his influence Sigma 6 evolve into their own music style: The group does electronic experiments and uses spotlights, reversal film, and recorded footage as part of their stage shows. Thus psychedelic music is born. Syd Barrett is as well (psychedelic), who now comes up with new names for the band almost every month — they call themselves “T-Set,“ “Abdabs” — and in this group a girl sings as well from time to time: Juliette Gale. She later marries keyboardist Rick Wright.

June: The group could pay for a band bus for approximately 200 Mark (the German currency at the time of this article), but decide to separate for the time instead. No one is interested in performing, since the boys want to enjoy the semester holidays as well as after them improve and work harder on their studies; music is fun but a real job is more important. Syd Barrett then has a new idea for a band name: The Pink Floyd Sound. He comes up with his idea through combining the names of two American blues singers: Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. The owner of an artist agency, Peter Jenner, sees a performance from The Pink Floyd Sound in the Marquee, and then from there on decides to manage the band, not knowing the band wanted to break up.

July: Peter Jenner gets the band gigs, and thus Pink Floyd stays together.

October: Pink Floyd are now the stars of the London Underground. They perform in the Roundhouse to 2000 fans, with even Paul McCartney being there to see them.

December: On the 23rd of December the UFO club opens, with Pink Floyd performing there daily henceforth.

1967

January: The English music magazine “Melody Maker” write an article about Pink Floyd, which makes record companies curious about the band. The band accepts the best offer, and as they sign the record label contract, they cash in an advance payment of 40 000 Mark.

February: The first single “Arnold Layne” gets recorded.

March: Arnold Layne goes to the English hit charts.

April: The single is on number 20 in the charts and then falls off. But this beginning success gives them the push they needed to record their first album “The Pipers at the Gates of Dawn.“ Norman “Hurricane” Smith serves as producer for this album, and began his career as a recording engineer for the Beatles. While Pink Floyd work on their album in studio 3 of Abbey Road studios, the Beatles work on their album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” at the same time in studio 2; two decade defining groups working next door.

June: Pink Floyd join as a supporting act along with Jimi Hendrix and the Move (runner up band to Electric Light Orchestra) for an England tour, but only get to play 17 minutes.

July: The second single “See Emily Play,“ becomes part of the English hit charts, coming in at number 6, and the first album “The Pipers at the Gates of Dawn” releases.

September: See Emily Play also goes into the German hit charts and reaches number 28. Syd Barrett at this time also creates a speaker system which is still useful today, where the speaker boxes are placed all around the room.

1968

At this time, it is practically impossible for Pink Floyd to continue performing with Syd Barrett. He is more and more off in his own world and mind, often not knowing where he is. Out of necessity, the band thus searches for a second guitarist who could join the band.

February: David Gilmour joins Pink Floyd. Syd is still part of the band, but during concerts his amps are often not even turned on, so that the audience doesn’t know any better about his mistakes.

April: On the 6th of April Syd definitively leaves the band, with manager Peter Jenner going with him. Pink Floyd begin working on their second album “A Saucerful of Secrets.“

June: At a free open air concert on the 29th in the London Hyde Park the band officially announces and debuts David Gilmour as their new lead (and only) guitarist. On the same day the new album releases as well.

1969

July: The soundtrack album Pink Floyd worked on for the film “More,” releases.

October: Pink Floyd have their first concert in Germany on the 11th of October at the Pop and Blues Festival in the Essen Grugahalle venue. On this day, Deep Purple celebrate their first concert in Germany as well.

November: The double album “Ummagumma” releases and makes the group successful worldwide for the first time.

1970

March: The soundtrack album Pink Floyd worked on for the film “Zabriskie Point” releases.

June: Pink Floyd perform the title track of their upcoming new album “Atom Heart Mother” worldwide at open air festivals with recorded footage, dry ice fog, and light bombs as part of their special effects on stage.

October: The album “Atom Heart Mother” releases and leads the album charts in England and America.

1971

The album “Meddle” comes out. This year Pink Floyd is particularly busy; they go from one concert to the next and have multiple tours worldwide.

1972

The soundtrack album Pink Floyd worked on for the film “La Vallée” releases under the title “Obscured by Clouds” as their new album. The rest of the year the band spends inside the studio.

1973

March: The album “Dark Side of the Moon” releases and is on the English and American album charts for over two years, and also goes gold in Germany. It is to this day the band’s most sold album.

October: Pink Floyd perform their last German concert for a long time on the 12th of October at the Olympiahalle in Munich, and it becomes the sensation of the year. Pink Floyd also make their way into the English and German single charts again with the single “Money.”

1974

Pink Floyd are tired of success and go back to their private family lives, with rumors appearing that the group will break up. In autumn, the double album “A nice pair” comes out, which is a rerelease of their first two albums.

1975

September: The album “Wish You Were Here” releases.

1976

This year, Pink Floyd doesn’t appear publicly that much as well, except for some performances at festivals.

1977

January: In Dortmund Pink Floyd start their first German tour since 3 years ago on the 23rd. They have 2 concerts each for Dortmund, Frankfurt, and Berlin, with Munich having 3. All concerts were sold out 2 months before the tour started. Simultaneously the 11th album of the band, “Animals” releases. Even before the album released, “Animals” goes gold, with 250 000 records being preordered. This German tour is also the starting point of a months long worldwide tour — the most comprehensive one that Pink Floyd have undertaken yet.

Written originally by: K. E. Siegfried

Translated from German to English by: me! (Vik)

(Btw my source to where I found this is the Internet archive, love that place!)

also here are some pictures that were included in the magazine of the band!

[oc-challenges]

WELCOME TO THE OC HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE!

Calling all the monsters, it's time for the OC 2023 Halloween Challenge! This challenge has been hauntin' you for five years, and we're wantin' you to participate!

If you're new here, here's what you need to know: This is an event that takes place over the 31 days of October and presents oc creators with Halloween-themed challenges to get the creative juices dancing. It is open to creations for both fanfiction and original ocs, and if you want to participate you don't have to every one or even in order. It is brought to you by @purpleyearning / @aliverse, @elmunson, and includes suggestions by members of our discord! (special thanks to @endless-hoppington for helping with some descs)

Rules

DO NOT copy others edits.

If you are doing crossovers, PLEASE make sure that the creator of the other oc is okay with crossovers.

If you want your post to be reblogged onto this blog, it must contain the hashtag ohc2023.

Feel free to ask questions, I promise I’m more treat than trick.

Everything is up to the creators interpretation, although I have tried to include some examples for help!

Have fun!

RANDOM/THEMELESS (1st–5th) Some of the challenges that don't coincide with each other.

Day One: Life In Plastic

It's fantastic! Is your OC more of a Barbie or a Bratz? Maybe they go to Monster High, or they're an American Girl Doll with an inspiring story? Perhaps you want to make a Funko version of your OC? To put it simply, this day is about dolls as an ode to the best movie of 2023; Barbie.

Day Two: Lights, Camera, Action!

For day two, we're combining oc as canon, oc as celebrity, and oc's social media into one day where you get to choose which of those challenges you would like to do... maybe even all of them!

Day Three: Born In The Wrong Century

Movies depend on a lot of things, but time and place helps create the ominous feel for it. Like Crimson Peak that belongs to the revival gothic period of 1880s or Jason Voorhees waking up on a spaceship in the year of 2455, give your character(s) a new decade to explore and even monsters to face.

Day Four: Twisted

From reality episodes where two people experience switching roles with one another to an alternative reality where their roles are different from their home's universe, make your character experience life through a whole new perspective by making your hero the villain or your villain the hero.

Day Five: Vampires, Werewolves, and Witches... Oh My!

From Godzilla to Dracula to The Mummy, the monster-verse is rich with lore. Today we focus on those monsters that never go out of style, after all they’re called classics for a reason. Is your oc Frankenstein or his monster?

OH, YOU WANNA PLAY PSYCHO KILLER? CAN I BE THE HELPLESS VICTIM? (6th–12th) Due to its popularity last year, we're bringing back the horror character tropes week.

Day Six: The Harmless Antagonist

Ah, a classic in more than just horror; the mean gorgeous holier-than-thou character; more specifics of this are often The Jock, The Cheerleader, The “Slut”, The Bitch, The Rich Kid, etc. While they may annoy the main character or make their everyday life difficult with academic rivalry or teasing, they’re really nothing compared to the new enemy; the thing or person killing everyone. Which one of your ocs is getting brutally knocked down a peg… or the stairs?

Day Seven: The Comedic Relief

Honestly, they make even the scariest movies bearable. They're almost never the main character but almost always the most liked. They say laughter is medicine for the soul, so which of your ocs soothes the characters and the situation with a joke made at the worst of times?

Day Eight: The Denier/Non-Believer/Skeptic

It doesn’t matter the subgenre, there’s always one. They don’t believe a killers out to get them or their friends despite the fast growing pile of bodies, they claim there’s a natural explanation for the supernatural event terrorizing everyone, they just refuse to get with the program. This often combines with the cop or older-than-everyone-else character. Which one of your ocs will get killed by their stubborness before their loyalty?

Day Nine: The Harbinger

We hear about omens of death in every kind of mythology. Irish folklore warns you of hearing the wailing woman and German myth tells you to never find your doppelganger. Even Western Society in America will drift from their path if they see a black cat on the way. So which of your ocs stands outside of the haunted house and tells the redheaded twins “you’re going to die in there”?

Day Ten: The Accomplice

You never saw it coming, but you should’ve. There’s not just one killer you have to worry about, there’s two. This is the person whose been helping the killer since the very beginning, pretending to be your friend the entire time until the plot reached its rising action. You’re heart broken and the very ground shakes under your feet, the good person you once thought you knew is gone… or worse, had never truly existed. Which of your ocs is not only willing to help a friend hide the body, but kill it too?

Day Eleven: The Killer

They’re haunted and bloodthirsty, compelling in a dangerous way. Everyone has a monster within but due to some tragic backstory of abuse, hate, or ridicule, these people – or things– let the monster win. Whether they done a mask or turn your dreams into sentient nightmares, they’re the main reason why anybody shows up to movie night. Which one of your ocs looks into the reflection of the knife in their hand, and pictures themselves chopping up human bodies instead of vegetables?

Day Twelve: The Final Girl

It’s all come down to this, the last stand. There’s two people left, or at least two important people left; the killer and the final girl. She’s fought tooth and nail, and grief has made way for rage. At first she was just another potential victim, now she’s in the killers way and she won’t go down easy. In the beginning she just wanted to survive, but like Laurie Strode now she wants revenge. Which oc becomes the monsters monster?

WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME We're exploring classic horror locations. Throw your ocs into a horror story that take place in these locations, or make up your own story.

Day Thirteen: Have Killer Fun At Summer Camp! (Location: Summer Camp)

It's Friday The Thirteenth... literally. For today, the location is a summer camp like the one Jason Voorhees terrorizes. Counselor, killer, or camper? Whatever role your oc plays, they certainly didn't read this in the brochure.

Day Fourteen: Vacation Nightmares (Location: Hotel/Island/AirBnB, etc.)

An island that magically speeds up your aging, a hotel with corridors that lead to nowhere, a psychotic airbnb host; Today is about horror in locations that are supposed to be a break from the horror of everyday life, but instead introduces you to whole new horrors.

Day Fifteen: Home Is Where The Haunt Is (Location: House or Apartment)

A home can be a place to make memories and some memories leave a scar. Focus on your characters when a place they call home is threatened.

Day Sixteen: She Doesn't Like It In The Barn (Location: Farm/Ranch)

Samara Morgan was forced to stay in the barn's hayloft to keep her burning images out of her adoptive parents minds. Framer Graham Hess had to defend his home and family from aliens that threatened to kill his son. Pearl craved to be a movie star and experienced a psychotic break where she killed those who denied her her dream. What deadly passages does the farm bestow to your characters?

Day Seventeen: Death is a Mystery and Burial is a Secret (Location: Cemetery or Tomb)

Cemeteries and tombs are the places we put our loved ones to rest, but in horror movies we find that final resting places are not so restful after all. Whether it’s ghosts, zombies, psychotic gravekeepers, or grave robbers ensuring no witnesses; how do your ocs go from mourning to trying to survive until morning?

Day Eighteen: What's The Opposite Of Miracles? (Location: Places of Worship)

Places of worship are supposed to be places of good, where people go for guidance and safety, places full of good beings and devoid of sin. But what if the bad beings sneak in or the sinless place is just a hiding place for those full of sin?

Day Nineteen: This Won't Hurt A Bit (Location: Hospital and/or Asylum)

In season two of American Horror Story, we were welcomed to Briarcliff, an asylum that became ‘home’ to the misunderstood and the criminally insane. Much like other hospitals of the past, many attempts of healing were there to disguise the evil hiding in plain sight. How does your character deal when the place that was supposed to heal them becomes the place that harms them?

Day Twenty: The Trees Have Eyes (Location: The Woods/Forest)

Shadows of the trees cast illusions, the cracking of sticks cause hairs on the back of your neck stand. The wind howls which sounds of a voice, and the birds no longer sing. The woods are creepy, desolate, and you find yourself lost in the sea of their trunks. What happens when your ocs are stuck in the woods?

RANDOM OUTLIER

Day Twenty-One: I Want To Play A Game

Some of the most recent hits in horror history have been not movies, books, or shows, but video games. From Dead By Daylight to Until Dawn, horror fans have been able to experience immersion at a whole new level by trying to make all the right choices as a character. Now, it's time to put your oc into a horror game AU. Will they live, or will they die? Only their stats and choices will tell.

STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED (22nd–27th) Character tropes are fun and all, but for the next six days we're focusing on genre tropes.

Day Twenty-Two: Solitude Causes More Wounds Than It Was Meant To Heal (Trope: Isolation)

Fear is increased when one is alone by themselves, or cut off from civilization like an reclusive island. Focus on your characters in the horror of isolation; are they forced to recognize who they truly are on the inside? Do they practice the law of nature or nurture? Do they keep their morals or own laws?

Day Twenty-Three: The Apocalypse Is The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me (Trope: Apocalyptic)

Just as everything must begin, it also must end. This, unfortunately, includes humanity. What will happen when the world as your oc knows it ends, when that world goes from millions of people to tens or perhaps even one? Will they be forced to adapt, doomed to die, or perhaps even thrive?

Day Twenty-Four: You've Killed Me Before (Trope: Time Loop)

The best thing about the sun setting is that it will come up again in the morning, and a new day will begin. But what if the sun comes up and an old day begins? Whether your oc must solve their own murder, solve somebody else’s murder, or face difficult truths about those around them, it’s time to put them into a time loop.

Day Twenty-Five: Better You Die Than I (Trope: Doppleganger)

In real life, seeing your “doppleganger” is said to be an omen of misfortune or good luck. In horror movies, dopplegangers usually take a more direct approach in ruining the lives of their lookalike. Whether they’re an omen of bad things to come or trying to steal ones life, give your oc a doppleganger and explore the horrors of a stranger that shares your face.

Day Twenty-Six: No Wonder Everyone Keeps Invading You (Trope: Extraterrestrial)

Whether your oc was a believer before or not, life from another planet has arrived to Earth on this day. These so-called aliens come in all shapes, sizes, and colors; They can even come in a human disguise, as a deadly plant, as a machine, or even as little green men. No matter where they came from or what they look like, humanity is not ready for them. Whether we try to hurt them or they try to hurt us, how does your oc deal with extraterrestrial life on Earth and the problems this arrival presents?

Day Twenty-Seven: All Politics Is A Personality Cult Now (Trope: Cult)

What simply starts as a simple dinner meal, a visit to a secluded area where people celebrate, or deciding to reunite with the estranged side of your family, can easily be your steps toward a cult. Have your characters fight to stay alive against those who have welcomed them with sinister intent.

COSTUMES TELL A STORY

Day Twenty-Eight: Let's Be Weird Together

We all know of an iconic squad that so many people are just dying to be a part of. Well, it’s your ocs and their friends chance! Day 28 is group costumes!

Day Twenty-Nine: That Could Be Us

Love isn’t in the air but maybe it’s in the fabric of costumes! It’s time for couples costumes!

Day Thirty: I Can Be Anybody I Wanna Be

If your oc could be anybody, who would they wanna be? Well, for one night only, they can be! It's time for your oc to dress up!

TRICK OR TREAT!

Day Thirty-One: I'm Just Here For The Boos

Halloween is a time for tricks and treats, for ghost to walk among the living and us to disguise ourselves. But it can be killer, and the transference of evil can be achieved. Give your shape to another, gift them and you shall receive in turn. Ocpotluck awaits.

[smashstiel]

me when i dont care at all for the "your birth month your X" but they give me hoodie dean 🥰

its not important at all i just loove hoodie dean . The look ever sorry

omg youre from october??? i was born in november. yayyy birth months neighbours. also the funniest thing is. that i was born. november 6th. and for the last three years. technically four. instead of my birthday, i celebrated november the 5th, destiel canon day. last year me and my bestfriends watched destiel edits and amvs for HOURS (it was amazing i need to experience it againnn). and next day (on my birthday) we didnt do anything which is so funny. november the 5th the only day that will ever matter to me!!!

anyway. i like the your birth month your thing only when i like the thing. if i dont like the thing then i think its the worst trend to ever happen in the history of humanity and everyone who participates in it should be executed. (its not that serious. i swear).

but YESSS dean in hoodie <3333 hes so huggable like that. little guy. little dying man

[mrmrswales]

Hoping for little Wales pageboys and flower girl 🤞🏼

https://peeragenews.blogspot.com/2023/06/duke-of-westminster-and-olivia-hensons.html

Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson's wedding details announced

 The marriage of the Duke of Westminster and Miss Olivia Grace Henson is to take place on 7 June, 2024, at Chester Cathedral.

It is expected that senior members of the Royal Family will be present at the nuptials. The young duke is a fourth cousin once removed of the King. They both have Romanov blood, the duke via his mother Natalia, and the King via the late Prince Philip's Romanov descent.

A spokesperson for the Duke and Miss Henson said: “The couple have chosen the cathedral for both its beauty and long association with the Grosvenor family, including to the Duke personally. Cheshire is the Grosvenor family’s ancestral home and as Miss Henson’s connection to the region continues to grow, they are keen to plan their wedding there.”

The duke's parents, the 6th Duke and Natalia Phillips married at Chester Cathedral, 7 October, 1978, and the Royal Family were there to celebrate the union of one of Britain's wealthiest men and Natalia, daughter of one of Queen Elizabeth II's great friends, the former Georgina Wernher. The duke's aunt, Lady Leonora Grosvenor, married the late 5th Earl of Lichfield at the cathedral, 8 March, 1975, and another aunt, Lady Jane Grosvenor married the 10th Duke of Roxburghe there, 10 September, 1977.

"The Duke and Miss Henson became engaged at Eaton Hall in April and have been incredibly grateful for the warm messages of congratulations they have received since then."

One of Britain’s wealthiest men, certainly our richest duke, 32,  is godfather to Prince George of Wales, and a close confidante of the Prince and Princess of Wales. He was born 29 January, 1991, the only son of the 6th duke (1951-2016).

COME THROUGH PAGEBOY GEORGIE!!

[footballerimaginess]

31 days of Halloween Here is a list of all the fics coming out in October, please note some dates may change. Please let me know what you think of these and which one you are the most excited for.

Sunday 1st October - Pierre Emile Hojbjerg - Pierre being unimpressed that you were prepared to give treats to the trick and treaters Monday 2nd October - Micky Van De Ven - Being in the maze with Micky at the fair. Tuesday 3rd October - Kai Havertz - Even the dogs have to get involved in Halloween Wednesday 4th October - Dominik Szobszlai - Watching films but things get a bit tiring Thursday 5th October - Ferran Torres - A family tradition, but something makes it a more than a family tradition. Friday 6th October - Erling Haaland - All you wanted was a Halloween party. Saturday 7th October - Joao Felix - They say seeing a black cat on Halloween isn't safe and you of course found out the hard way. Sunday 8th October - Ruben Dias - A cute pregnancy announcement Monday 9th October - Marcus Rashford - Celebrating his birthday as well as Halloween Tuesday 10th October - Julian Alvarez - Who's better? you decide Wednesday 11th October - Trent Alexander Arnold - When someone gets caught having more fun that you were having that evening. Thursday 12th October - Pablo Gavi - The creepy crawlies come out to play and someone is too scared to deal with them. Friday 13th October - Rodrigo De Paul - telling each other spooky ghost stories Saturday 14th October - Mykhailo Mudryk - When you walk in a house and Mykhailo doesn't like it as it scares him. Sunday 15th October - Pablo Torre - When someone gets extra competitive Monday 16th October - Rafael Leao - When something goes bump in the night Tuesday 17th October - Virgil Van Dijk - Trick or treating with the children Wednesday 18th October - Ramsus Hojlund - Halloween baking gone wrong Thursday 19th October - Enzo Fernandez - Attempting crafts, attempting is the nice way of putting it. Friday 20th October - Alejandro Balde - Having too much fun with the fake blood... Saturday 21st October - Jamal Musiala - Feeling like someone was with you and getting a chill. Sunday 22nd October - Christian Eriksen - Too old for Halloween Monday 23rd October - Son Heung Min - When the lights go off and it's all dark all night Tuesday 24th October - Christian Romero - having fun with the pumpkins Wednesday 25th October - Ben Chilwell - When someone didn't like your outfit, you were less than impressed. Thursday 26th October - Brennan Johnson - Being convinced the house was haunted when you notice things starting to go missing Friday 27th October - Halloween themed instagram file Saturday 28th October - Lionel Messi - First halloween together Sunday 29th October - Mason Mount - Matching outfits Monday 30th October - Hakim Zieyech - Experiencing your first Halloween with your new born Tuesday 31st October - Fluff Alphabet - Jude Bellingham

[kotf-official]

Let’s meet the band so far! While on the hunt for the fifth member, we thought we’d share the band so far! Meet José, Alé, Matthew, and Sebastian, the Kids Of the Future!

José is the bands oldest member at 19, he’s the leader and the “cool one”. Not much of a talker, but he’s always there for his friends. He was born in October, 1937.

Alejandro, 18, is the social one. Always ready to start the day with a grin! He loves to dance and spent most of his childhood in dance studios perfecting his craft! He was born in the Philippines on May 6, 1996.

Matthew Caddel is the prodigy! Born with something called “perfect pitch” he’s often leading the practices and writing songs when he can! Matthew is 16, born November 6th, 1900.

Sebastian, also known as “Sebby”, loves comic books and cartoons. He turns 15 in February, and is really excited to see an X-men themed celebration. Sebastian was born the year 1980, alongside his favorite superhero- The Dazzler.

The boys of KOTF are super excited to release their upcoming debut album. Checkout for more information at www.KOTF-official.com!

Will they let you see it?

I’ll try and open it for you.

[rajafatema]

The Ladakh Protest: The 21-day Hunger Strike led by Sonam Wangchuk 

Ladakh, famously known as “Mars on Earth”, is the perfect destination where the mind slows down and the soul finds its path.

It is the northeastern Union territory of India, known for its highest mountain ranges, mesmerizing landscapes, beautiful deep valleys, crystal clear blue lakes, diverse wildlife, highest motorable mountain roads, Buddhist heritage, and the overall picturesque beauty of the place.

Ladakh: A union territory without legislature

Ladakh, which was a part of Jammu and Kashmir since 1847, was separated from Indian-administered Kashmir in 2019 and was reconstituted as a Union territory on October 31, 2019.

People of Ladakh have constantly demanded separate territory since the 1930s due to the unfair treatment of Kashmir and the prevailing cultural differences between people of Kashmir and Ladakh.

The formation of Ladakh as a separate Union territory was widely celebrated. Still, people were disappointed because it was made a UT without a legislative assembly and would have a lieutenant governor, while Jammu and Kashmir had a legislature.

What does it mean to have no legislature in Ladakh?

Unlike J&K, Ladakh cannot elect its own representative.

Ladakh will be ruled directly by the central government through a lieutenant governor as an administrator.

The President of India has the power to form rules and regulations for Ladakh, according to Article 240.

Sonam Wangchuk following his Father’s footsteps

Sonam Wangyal was born in 1925 in a small village in the Leh district of Ladakh. He worked his entire life for the rights of the people of Ladakh. He had strong secular beliefs.

He was appointed as the MLC of Jammu and Kashmir from 1957–1967 and as the MLA from 1967–1972, due to his selfless service toward the people of Ladakh.

Wangyal was also an active member in the campaign for ST status for Ladakhis, which was carried out between 1982 and 1984. 

In 1984, on his five-day hunger strike, the former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, visited Leh and requested Wangyal to withdraw from the strike with the promise of granting the status of ST to the people of Ladakh.

Following his father’s strong morals and values and showcasing his devotion to the land and people of Ladakh, Sonam Wangchuk, a nature activist, engineer, innovator, and educationalist, began a “climate fast for 21 days” on March 6, 2024.

Why are they protesting?

The primary goal behind the protest is to raise awareness about the fragile ecosystem of Ladakh endangered by the growing industrial and developmental projects approved in New Delhi without consent, a threat posed as a result of having no legislative assembly in the Union territory of Ladakh.

The residents of Ladakh have two key demands:

Full-fledged statehood for Ladakh: the residents have demanded to elevate Ladakh’s status as a Union territory to a full-fledged state. This would enable Ladakh to have its own government and the right to form its own rules and regulations in favor of the land and people of the territory.

Integration of Ladakh in the 6th Schedule of the Constitution: The 6th Schedule aims to protect areas with tribal and indigenous populations. By including Ladakh in the 6th schedule, it would allow the state to establish autonomous districts and regional councils.

These elected bodies will have the power to administer and protect the tribal regions of the area. It would give the Ladakhis more control over water management, land use, and cultural preservation.

What is the government’s response to the ongoing protest?

Unlike the response and action taken upon the hunger strike carried out by Wangchuk’s father, the present-day government is MIA. 

The current government seems unbothered by the demands and protests in Ladakh, just the way it is, and the deteriorating situation in Manipur. 

The pioneers of the movement and every other active citizen in and out of Ladakh are furious about the inaction of the government and the PM, who knowingly promised in his 2019 manifesto of Lok Sabha, that Ladakh will be incorporated into the 6th schedule of the constitution. But apparently, they failed to honor their promises.

Lack of media coverage:

The lack of media coverage is infuriating for the people of Ladakh and the active citizens of India.

Although the independent media and journalists who are physically present in the ongoing protests do cover the news for the country, But it is disappointing to witness the lack of coverage by mainstream media and the big houses.

The scarcity of coverage of this major issue conceals the truth from the nation. The nation wants to know more about the concerns and affairs of the territory. Unless there is some news from the local media houses, the lack of coverage by the recognized media houses keeps the common man from knowing what is really happening there.

The current news on the Ladakh protest:

According to the current news,

Wangchuk survived solely on water and salt during the 21-day hunger strike (inspired by Gandhiji), which lasted from March 6th to March 26th.

In his speech, he talked about the “21-day fast"—that 21 days was the longest fast that Gandhiji kept during the independence movement.

Wangchuk states that the 21-day fast is over, but the protest will still continue. They will only rest when the government agrees to fulfill their demands.

Wangchuk said, “After me, women will begin a 10-day fast tomorrow. This will be followed by youth and Buddhist monks. Then it could be women, or I could come back. This cycle will go on.”

After ending his 21-day fast, Wangchuk stated “We will continue our struggle (in support of our demands). The gathering of 10,000 people at the venue and the participation of over 60,000 others over the past 20 days is a testimony of the people's aspirations.” 

Conclusion:

All things considered, Ladakh, the "Land of High Passes," stands at a crossroads. While the echoes of their protests might fade from national headlines, the Ladakhi people's yearning for a brighter future persists. Whether they find resolution in the sixth schedule status or the full-throated roar of statehood, one thing is certain: Ladakh's story is far from over.

[10dance]

10 Dance Characters Official Birthdays (and Blood Types)

Since volume 7 was released and the special edition included a calendar, we can now finally know the canon birthdays of our beloved characters! Here are all of them listed, go crazy finding the character who shares your sign and/or blood type. I’m not super into astrology, but I think that most of the signs were pretty well-suited to their personalities.

It’s still hilarious to me that the Shinyas are born one day apart, they’re essentially twins at this point... that gives us more dates to celebrate in the 10 Dance fandom!

Here they are:

January - N/A

February

14th - Ernest William Sergio Bernstein, Aquarius, type O

20th - Tajima Aki, Pisces, type A

March

30th - Nino Zolche, Aries, type B

April - N/A

May

6th - Gabriel Wilkins, Taurus, type A

12th - Yagami Fusako, Taurus, type O

June

4th - Mukai Daisuke, Gemini, type B

July

10th - Urashima Satoru, Cancer, type O

28th - Maximillian Edward Maulder, Leo, type AB

August

19th - Alberto Boemer, Leo, type O

September - N/A

October

15th - Saichi Takashi, Libra, type AB

November

22nd - Sugiki Shinya, Scorpio, type B

23rd - Suzuki Shinya, Sagittarius, type O

December

26th - Norman Edward Owen, Capricorn, type O

[casitafallz-a]

Cracks that cripple the family | Timeline

okay, i think I've covered all basis of the timeline. Somethings might have been missed, some things i’ve tried to keep accurate and some i’ve made up bc canon’s not giving us enough.

1901 

June 19th

Agustin is born.

1906

Agustín meets Julieta for the first time to be healed as a child

1926

Agustin and Julieta Wed

Pepa and Felix Wed

1928

December 

Isabela is conceived

Dolores is convinced

1929

August 7th

Isabela is born

August 31st

Dolores is Born

1931

February

Luisa is conceived

November 14th

Luisa is Born

1934 

March 1st

Camilo is conceived

June 19th

Agustin’s 33rd Birthday | Mirabel’s conception

June 29th

Agustin is forced to leave | Leaves Encanto

Dolores follows Agustin | Leaves Encanto.

Agustín is attacked by jaguar | dragged to new town

Dolores saves Agustin | Drags her tio to a closer town

June 30th

Agustín is taken in by new town

Dolores is taken in by new town

Mid-July

Scars have healed | Agustin starts work

Dolores attends school | first meets Diego Moreno

Agustin befriends Jovan Moreno

August 7th

Dolores’s 7th Birthday

September 15th

Agustín and Dolores celebrate Jovan and Beatriz late pregnancy announcement

December 28th

Camilo is born

1935

February

Clara Moreno is born

March 6th

Mirabel is born

1936

August 17th

Agustín's annulment is filed and processed

Isaac is conceived in-between Agustín and Imelda

October 20th

Agustín and Imelda Wed

1937

May 17

Isaac Rojas is born

1940

January 10th

Miguel Rojas is born

1943

August 31st 

Dolores’s quinceañera

September

Dolores accepts Diego’s date.

Diego stars work at Jovan’s workshop

1944

January

Dolores and Diego have their first time.

Dolores take a job

1945

April 2nd

Agustín and Imelda visit Antonia in the city.

Train Details at the station 

Agustin is injured

Imelda is killed immediately.

April 20th

Imelda’s funeral

May 1st

Agustin is released from hospital

May 21st

Antonio is born

December 31st

Diego saves Dolores

1946

October 24th

Dolores and Diego are engaged

1947

Diego and Dolores increase work for wedding funds

1948

1949

Dolores and Diego Wed

September

Dolore and Diego’s first child is conceived

1950

May 21st

Antonio’s gift ceremony

June 3rd

Mirabel Discover's Agustin’s lost glasses

June 4th

Mirabel finds out who they belong to.

Mirabel meets her paternal Abuela and Abuelo

Agustin and Dolores are assumed deceased.

Vera Rojas confronts Alma about her son’s death

Collapse of Casita 

Bruno reveals himself back.

Reveal of Dolores and Agustin’s survival

June 5th

Felix, Mirabel and Isabela leave for the new town

The trio see Dolores and Agustin at a cafe 

Felix accidently knocks Agustin into the ground

[worldgirlsportal]

Top 10 Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World

Top 10 Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World. Hello friends how are you all today we are going to talk about The Top 10 Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World.So friends here is the list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World.

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10. Kristína Krajčírová.

In the list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World, Kristína Krajčírová is at no 10.She is the 10th Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World and also on our list.She is an adorable and charming Slovakian female.

She is a child singer, dancer, and piano player in Svidník Slovakia She was born on 20 August 1987 in Bratislava and now she is 30 years old.She also won the title of Miss Slovakia.Her full name is Kristína Peláková but she is better known as Kristína.She is very beautiful and attractive.

9. Gabriela Marcinková.

In the list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World, Gabriela Marcinková is at no 9.She is the 9th Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World and also on our list.

She is a Slovakian actress.She works in many movies.She was born on 2 April 1988 in Prešov, Slovakia and now she 29 years old.She is very beautiful and attractive actress.

8. Kyla Cole.

In the list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World, Kyla Cole is at no 8.She is the 8th Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World and also on our list.

She is a Slovakian supermodel, actress, and TV host.She was born on 10 November 1978 in Prešov, Slovakia and now she is 39 years old.She also won the award for Penthouse Pet of the Month.She is very beautiful and attractive woman.

7. Katarina Van Derham.

In the list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World Katarina Van Derham is at no 7.She is the 7th Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World and also on our list.She is a Slovak-American model, actress, and publisher.

She was born on 11 December 1975 in Slovakia and now she is 39 years old. She is a graceful lady which have wonderful figure and talent that simply has no match.

6. Michaela Kocianova.

In the list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World, Michaela Kocianova is at no 6.She is the 6th Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World and also on our list.

She is a Slovak model. She was born on 29 December 1988 in Trenčín, Slovakia and now she is 28 years old.She also won the Elite Model Look Slovak fashion contest.She is a nice, charming and attractive.

5. Martina Valkova.

In the list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World, Martina Valkova is at no 5.She is the 5th Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World and also on our list.She is a Slovakian model and television actress.

She was born on 31 October 1975 in Znojmo, Czech Republic and now she is 42 years old.She works in the movies names I Wake Up Yesterday and Every Million Comes Handy.She also won the Thalia Award for Best Performance in Drama.

4. Adriana Cernanova.

In the list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World, Adriana Cernanova is at no 4.

She is the 4th Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World and also on our list.She is a Slovakian model cum television celebrity. She was born 15 April 1991 in Bratislava, Slovakia now she is 26 years old.

3. Adriana Sklenaříková.

In the list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World, Adriana Sklenaříková is at no 3.She is the 3rd Most Beautiful Slovakian Woman In The World and also on our list.

She is a Slovakian fashion model and actress. She was born on 17 September 1971 in Brezno, Slovakia and now she is 46 years old.Her parents are Zlatica Sklenaříková and Miroslav Sklenařík.She is very beautiful and talented actress.

2. Zuzana Gregorová.

In the list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World, Zuzana Gregorová is at no 2.She is the 2nd Most Beautiful Slovakian Woman In The World and also on our list.

She is a graceful, beautiful, and talented Slovakian model.She was born on 14 August 1989 and now she is 28 years old.She is a very charming woman.

1. Barbora Lucivjanska.

In the list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Slovakian Women In The World, Barbora Lucivjanska is at no 1.She is a Slovakian model.She is the Most Beautiful Slovakian Woman In The World and also on our list.

She was born on 14 August 1989 and now she is 28 years old.She won many awards and titles like Miss Slovakia 2013, Miss Sympathy, and Miss Internet.She is very hot and talented model.

Get most Sexiest Slovakian Women, Celebrity, Swimsuit Model, Curvy Models, Instagram Models - https://www.worldgirlsportal.com/list-of/slovakian-instagram-models/

[sa7abnews]

D-Day and the Liberation of France

New Post has been published on https://sa7ab.info/2024/08/06/d-day-and-the-liberation-of-france/

D-Day and the Liberation of France

The anniversary of D-Day, 6th June 1944, is here again, looking somewhat different in its memorials and commemoration, but unchanged in our important sense of gratitude for al those who served to change the course of the war and our lives today. Just like my VE Day post on the blog here, with its huge visual bibliography of reliable, accurate history books, films and documentaries, so I want to explore a little of D-Day 1944 here today. Scroll down this post to explore these excellent resources (there's plenty of new resources here including Normandy guides).

In Normandy, D-Day is often celebrated through memorial ceremonies and visits to the vast cemeteries. It has also been an opportunity for living history re-enactments of some parts of the Allied Invasion that took place in 1944, such as the 75th anniversary drop zone demonstrations as well as events on the ground including dances, community events and the Normandy for Peace World Forum which usually takes place near to D-Day. (Due to the global pandemic, this year's event will take place in September/October, for more details on the event and the Forum, please visit the Normandy Tourism website.) In 2019 several veterans who did land in Normandy back in 1944 jumped again in infinitely calmer circumstances. Watch Harry Read from the UK and Tom Rice from the USA make their jumps for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. There is also an interview here with Tom Rice from the 101st Airborne Division and more on Harry Read here. If you would like more paratrooper stories, please scroll down to resources on this page.

Wondering why it's called D-Day?

D-Day is a general term denoting a chosen target date for whatever campaign or endeavour is being undertaken enabling a simple countdown to that date. For example D minus 5 is 5 days away from the target date. In France this is known as Jour-J in exactly the same principles. J-5 would be 5 days away from the target date. But in France, D-Day the WWII "event" of 6th June 1944 is known as le débarquement de Normandie. For more on the French elation and importance of this date, see this France 24 summary.

D-Day in WWII

6th June 1944 is probably one of the most well-known dates of the Second World War and in Western history. Around two million troops and personnel were preparing for D-Day including at least 12 nationalities. (The BBC reminds us 'Allied forces consisted primarily of US, British and Canadian troops but also included Australian, Belgian, Czech, Dutch, French, Greek, New Zealand, Norwegian, Rhodesian [present-day Zimbabwe] and Polish naval, air and ground support.') Inspiring books, major films, documentaries and dramatised television shows, D-Day brings together some of the bloodiest battles where Normandy was fought over for another 76 days. There are areas where the story has become a little less than accurate and so I do bear in mind what the historian James Holland states in his excellent Normandy '44: D-Day and the Battle for France,

I have therefore relied on as accurate information as possible, even when it might diverge from the narrative in screenplays, TV series or earlier books. I am not an historian and have provided the sources as part of the visual bibliography at the foot of this post.

When there's not a global pandemic, there are memorials, museums and tours all over Normandy. Have you ever wanted to go on a tour of the landing beaches?

As noted on my last WWII blog post: a brief note on perspectives: I come from Great Britain, born long after the war, a European in nature and a Francophile and so the perspective I have is thoughtful, self-reflexive and somewhat critical but nevertheless a bit British. I explore resources and stories in France and the war in Europe as well as those who fought here during this crucial period. For more on other theatres of war, some of the overview resources can be highly informative but they are beyond the scope of this blog post. I acknowledge the contribution of many nationalities, cultures and personalities who formed the 'Allied forces' and acknowledge the respect they deserve.

Come explore the period with me with the clear voices of the people who truly experienced it.

A Duty to Remember

We will remember them.

The Beginning of the End – D-Day's crucial importance

A turning point in the Second World War and the beginning of the end for Nazism throughout Europe, it was an incredible moment in our collective Western history. It's also a subject that has been much discussed and so this blog post merely touches on the subject overall. I suggest that if you're interested you follow the links below in the "Reading Room" or visual bibliography. I can't possibly cover everything here, but have tried to gather some stories and perspectives to mark the occasion. I am deeply honoured to speak about some of the many, many people who took part in D-Day and the fight for liberating Western Europe. I think of the links in the long chains of people working towards this moment from munitions factory workers, nurses and volunteers to paratroopers, glider pilots and soldiers. I think of the civilians living in occupied France seeing the destruction of their towns and cities, the immense joy of the Liberation.

D-Day on Film and War Correspondents

Very few cameras of any kind went across with the landing crafts, but fortunately some succeeded in capturing footage that helps us piece together more understanding of D-Day and the battles thereafter.

The UK and Canadian sectors filmed onboard landing crafts:

The freedom and bravery of the journalists who covered the War like this never ceases to impress me. Usually unarmed or completely underprepared compared to the soldiers they accompanied, that they managed to capture footage and report back on horrific events, successes and everything in between is remarkable.

Inspired by D-Day and the actions of war correspondents, there is a very special prize given in Bayeux. The Bayeux-Calvados Normandy Award has, in fact, ten different categories of prizes for correspondents. Their website gives us a summary of the creation of the Awards:

'Bayeux, the first town in France that the Allies liberated in 1944, launched this annual international event in the framework of the 50th anniversary of D-Day in 1994. Its purpose is to award journalists from around the world prestigious prizes in four media: the written press, radio, television and photography. In addition to the awards ceremony, the Bayeux Calvados-Normandy award for war correspondents offers a week of exchanges, encounters and debates with the public (young and less young) to take the time to understand international news better.' Due to the pandemic, this year's event will take place in October 2021. Find out more about applications and the process here. (Applications close soon!)

The Beaches and their codenames

There were five beaches that were chosen for the operation, codenamed, from east to west, Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha, Utah.You can view a Google map of the landing beaches and some of the memorials and cemeteries here. Normandy Tourism has an excellent map and introduction on their website. You can also pickup many guides when in Normandy.

Prior to D-Day the armies were arranged in long formations at camps in the south of England, roughly corresponding to where they were going to be landing across the English Channel. Yet they still didn't know where they were actually going to be going! All across the south of England there were millions of troops with their Nissen huts, stores, trucks and equipment all waiting for D-Day. American, British, Canadian and many other nationalities besides all waiting to take part in one of the largest amphibious landings undertaken. What must many of them have been thinking? A complete mixture of emotions and thoughts as well as trying to not think, is the impression I get from personal testimonials in books like those of James Holland or D-Day Untold Stories. It's often a surprise to those of us from outside the USA that the US Army was segregated at this time. I am gladdened to see so many of those African-American stories becoming more visible, including in Linda Hervieux's book, the trailer for which you can see here. Back in the south of England where many British people welcomed all Americans, 6 June 1944 was a clear day. So many women, of course, were watching, waiting or praying, often feeling hopeless or helpless to assist, act or do something. As Nicholson found in the amazing diaries of women during WWII,

'Sheila Hails, marooned with her young baby in an isolated cottage near Lulworth on the Dorset coast, climbed the cliff that morning and saw an amazing sight:

All landing beach codenames seem etched into our minds. Remembrance and freedom walk here hand in hand. You are never far away from a worthwhile museum, a memorial or a day in a lovely French town in this part of Normandy. So much history and beauty combined.

It's an unforgettable and moving experience.

Sword

The beaches of Ouistreham became known as Sword beach and it was the focus of the British 3rd Infantry Division including Royal Marine Commandos and Special Services. The troops ashore at Sword beach were first the DD Sherman tanks at around 07h20 shortly followed by the infantry. They were not met with silence and despite Allied bombing attempts at German positions, the fighting was fierce and the barrage extraordinary with 200 men killed or wounded in a matter of minutes.

Making progress on the beaches was difficult at every point and Sword was no exception. In every sector there were tidal issues, the sea wall and of course some well-developed and coordinated defensive positions along the coast. The next lines of defences, codenamed Morris and Hillman by the British were the further objective. Those were not going to be easy to take.

Holland describes a Corporal Blizzard of the Pioneer Platoon on D-day 'feeling reasonably confident' on the landing craft approaching Normandy. 'Like his fellows in the platoon, he was laden with equipment, including a flame-thrower, his Sten gun, and what were known as 'beehives' – explosive charges that could blow holes in walls and which weighed 60 lb strapped to his back. He was also carrying a Bangalore torpedo – a long pipe filled with nails, shot and an explosive charge. These could be fed into wire entanglements to blow open a path the size of a small room. It was a lot, but Blizzard felt fit enough for two men, not one. All in all he was reasonably optimistic and had been buoyed by the sight of the invasion fleet.' (Holland, 2019: 182-183).

There are more stories such as these from troops at all levels including this one on the BBC History site gathering memories of landing on the Normandy beaches. (Note any links to stories are copyright of the author; WW2 People's War is an online archive of wartime memories contributed by members of the public and gathered by the BBC. The archive can be found at bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar)

At Sword beach, there was the scene and extraordinary image of the lone piper playing the bagpipes on the beaches as troops landed. Like the airborne troops, the Commandos were volunteers and had undergone special training 'and were taught to use their initiative and think on their feet. Each man was supremely fit. They thought themselves a cut above the rest and, collectively, they were.' (Holland, 2019: 183). How did this music in battle come about? It appears that some of these units had a few eccentric characters or at least some unorthodox ways of passing the cross-Channel time – one company commander was said to recite passages from Henry V over a loudspeaker, and of course, Brigadier the Lord Lovat, chief of Clan Fraser of Lovat was a proud Scotsman who wore a beret instead of a helmet and insisted that Bill Millin pipe them onto the beaches. Having played on arrival, Lovat asked him to play again and so we have the incredible image of Millin playing the bagpipes amongst such shellfire and carnage.

The piper Bill Millin who recounts the landings here. Of course he also formed part of the group under Lovat at Pegasus Bridge (the Bénouville Bridge taken by the glider pilots arriving in the middle of the night enabled the seaborne invasion troops to make progress across Normandy) scene of The Longest Day. You can find out more about the Bridge and museum here.

Among Lovat's men were two troops of French Commandos under Capitaine Philippe Kieffer, a naval officer who had joined the Free French in 1940. They had trained in Wales and Scotland with British commandos and were the only French troops arriving on D-Day in the seaborne landings. The last surviving veteran, Léon Gautier, from Kieffer's units has been at this year's 77th anniversary weekend of closed (not publicly available) services and commemorations. Find out more here. In previous years, having settled in Ouistreham, he has attended events and organised museums visits and much more. His friendship with a fellow veteran of D-Day who also settled there, a German solider called Joannes Börner was clear to see at the 70th anniversary of D-Day and signified the peace for which we are deeply grateful. You can find out more about Gautier here with pictures from that 70th anniversary.

Juno

Juno is known as one of the primary Canadian landing beaches. It is Courseulles-sur-Mer and is renowned for also being the place where the exiled Général Charles De Gaulle first stepped foot on French soil after the D-Day landings, followed by Winston Churchill on 2 June and King George VI on16 June. There is now a Cross of Lorraine on the historic spot. Find out more about those moments of history here.

Much like other beach landings on D-Day, the Canadian troops had much to contend with between drifting off course, sinking tanks and the like, but there was a contrast with the Omaha Beach insofar as the German guns inland were not aimed at Juno and it made for a much quieter reception. But this is all relative! The Canadians did not have anything easy as they advanced as fast as they could across the beaches, scaling the wall and heading for the railway line. A number of men were hit and with mortars falling and bullets hissing past them, they had to carry on moving forwards regardless of their comrades or their fear. Shortly after they had cleared the beaches, Sergeant Charlie Martin of the Queen's Own Rifles instructed his men to "Move! Fast! Don't stop for anything! Go! Go!' (quoted in Holland, 2019: 176) and having lost several men on the way, they cleared the beaches only to find themselves in a mine field. Narrowly missing two close calls with mines in almost as many moments, Martin got them al through the minefield but without his helmet, which was spun round by a stray bullet.

For more personal stories you can hear veterans talking to young Canadians here on CBC and discover more Canadians' stories including first and only female photographer in the Canadian Army during WWII. Karen "Hermie" Hermiston's story is here.

Nowadays you can visit the Juno Beach Centre, the area's only Canadian museum. There is a friendly welcome and many exhibits on Canada's role in the war effort and teh D-Day landings. There are also guided tours.

The centre is also fundraising right now and you can donate or find out more at their website, including how to get a certificated Juno Beach Canada flag. It is also a cycle-friendly museum with plenty to support keen cyclists following D-Day trails around Normandy and further afield. Find out more about the cycle routes and facilities here. I'm not actually digressing here either, as the site reminds me that 'The bicycle is an important symbol of the story told at the Juno Beach Centre. On June 6, 1944, folding bicycles were part of the equipment of some of the Canadian troops landing on Juno Beach. Upon entering the Juno Beach Centre, you will be able to discover one of these bikes with all its history.'

Courseulles-sur-Mer

Gold

Gold Beach, a short way west of Juno, was one of the main British landing beaches near Courseulles-sur-Mer.

After many years of planning and fundraising, the officially opening of the British Normandy Memorial will take place on the 77th Anniversary of D-Day on 6 June 2021. You can watch the unveiling live here (10h30 BST) and possibly a replay afterwards.

There has not previously been a permanent British memorial in Normandy and from the appearance of the hints released on their website, it looks like it will be beautiful, serene and ideal of quiet reflection and remembrance.

If you too are passionate about supporting the D-Day landing beaches and their memorials, consider giving regularly as a Guardian of the Memorial at the Normandy Memorial Trusts's fundraising pages. They can also accept direct donations and you can find out more here.

For your next trip to Normandy, you can download the App to help you explore the memorial including many of the stories of those whose names are inscribed there.

Omaha

"Bloody" Omaha was the main US landing beach and the location for huge losses for the Allies. Still known as 'bloody' Omaha, this stretch of coastline between Vierville-sur-Mer, St-Laurent-sur_mer and Colleville-sur-Mer was the scene of brutal fighting. Amongst those prearing to land on this well-defended beach was Corporal Wlater Halloran of the 165th Signal Photographic Company. Unlike those slides already mentioned with enormous packs and ammunition on their person, Halloran had only 'a Bell & Howell fixed-focus single-lens Eyemo movie camera wrapped in protective plastic, a musette bag holding ten cans of film and orange Signal Corps bags in which to send the footage back to England, he was armed only with .45 Colt pistol. […]' (Holland, 2019: 156). This does not sound like a way to be prepared for what was to come! It is interesting to note the well-defended positions for the Nazis, often portrayed as a huge number of war-hardened elites of the Wehrmacht (Holland, 2019) which is simply not true. Most of the defenders were also young men, terrified and in possession of machine guns firing 23 bullets a second with a strong survival instinct. Terrified or not, opening fire from the bluffs (highly defensive positions) made a terribly short landing for so many soldiers that day. Amongst the shells raining down and the machine gun fire from left and right, Halloran kept on going. Some of the footage he captured that day is the only live footage of men advancing, and being cut down, in this first wave of troops moving in across their landing subdivision on Omaha Beach. The total carnage within the first fifteen minutes is the kind of terrible picture we hold in our minds when we think of D-Day. There were also tanks sinking, men drowning weighed down by their packs, those being hit on the water or sunk in the swell and waves offshore. Of 2,500 casualties at least 1,000 were killed within the first hour. It's a sobering and painful reminder of the sheer horror of war and D-Day's immense sacrifices.

It makes the Rangers landing at Pointe du Hoc even more unimaginable. West of Omaha this was one of the most daring military exploits of the day. US Army Rangers scaled the sheer cliffs (30 metres high!) where the Germans had stationed artillery guns trained on Utah and Omaha beaches. Having moved the guns inland, the Rangers were left to find the guns and take them out whilst repelling counterattacks. The D-Day plan for Pointe du Hoc was for the soldiers, under command of Provisional Ranger Group Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel James Rudder, to use rocket-fired ropes and London Fire Brigade extendable ladders to scale the sheer cliffs on both the site. A similar operation had been undertaken in Siciliy by the SAS, but it still sounds completely suicidal to me! But they had the immense advantage of complete tactical surprise having scaled the sheer cliffs which no one dared presume would be the case. (more details in Holland, 2019)

As dawn spread across the coast of Normandy, 'there was no longer any mistaking the scale of the invasion force out to sea. 'I'm not ashamed to say', admitted Obergrenadier Karl Wegner, 'that I was never so scared in my life.' One of the newly recruited 17-year-old soldiers that had helped to form the 352 Division he […] was now manning a machine gun strongpoint overlooking the track running off the beach towards the village of Vierville. Having never been in action before, he was terrified about what he was about to face, yet could not help gaze in amazement at what was appearing before his eyes.' (Holland, 2019: 149)

Sadly Omaha continued to be a hard fought section of the landing beaches and sheer hell for everyone involved. For some perspective, you might like the testimonials in this short video.

For more on the Omaha Beach landings there is also more information in this video including the British specialists primarily from the RAF who joined American soldiers in the landings on to Omaha.

Utah

In enormous contrast to Omaha Beach, the D-Day landing beach near St-Marie-du-Mont was a relatively lightly defended beach. So much so that the landing groups managed to link up to the 101st Airborne by midday. There are many scenes in Band of Brothers which are connected to this landing group.

Today you can visit the beach and its Normandy Landings Museum known as the Musée du Débarquement de Utah Beach which is located inside the former German command post.

Another remarkable place to visit to understand D-Day and the landings. The museums provides plenty of context and information, as their website states: Built on the very beach where the first American troops landed on June 6, 1944, the Utah Beach Museum recounts the story of D-Day in 10 sequences, from the preparation of the landing, to the final outcome and success. This comprehensive chronological journey immerses visitors in the history of the landing through a rich collection of objects, vehicles, materials, and oral histories.

Admire an original B26 bomber, one of only six remaining examples of this airplane still in existence worldwide, and relive the epic experience of American soldiers through the film “VICTORY IN THE SAND,” winner of a CINE GOLDEN EAGLE AWARD 2012 and the 2013 CINE SPECIAL JURY AWARD for best museum documentary.

If you like uncovering hidden gems, you might like to explore this historian's story of the sixth D-Day landing beach from Roosevelt's own map. Find out more about this mystery in this video.

Whatever your nationality, standing on those landing beaches can be a deeply affecting moment off stillness. Thinking about those thousands of troops from Canada, Britain, USA, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and other parts of the world as they became part of the biggest amphibious invasion ever attempted and its importance in turning the tide of the war. Creating the beginning of the end of the war, Operation Overlord and D-Day started the long journey to the freedom we enjoy today in Western Europe.

Operation Overlord and the Battle for France

Of course, the landing beaches were an incredible part of the story of D-Day. The organisation of shipping alone to allow for such a fleet to cross the enemy-mined waters of the English Channel still seems a gargantuan task to even consider. There were, of course, many other elements of this operation that contributed to the ultimate Allied victory after D-Day not least airpower and airborne attacks. If you have watched the remarkable (and of course very US-centric) Band of Brothers television series (with superb cast, period detail and a great story) you will be familiar with the contribution of paratroopers to the Operation Overlord and D-Day plans. I once went to Upottery in Devon, England to just soak up some of the feelings I thought I could conjure from standing in a small country village that featured in some of the preparations for D-Day. Of course I realise now that I could have chosen from a huge list of places! There is no clear demarcation off take-off airfields or any of the WWII infrastructure, but swathes of the south of England were key in the preparations for the Landings and their secrecy was paramount. Somehow I was just inspired to feel one tiny step closer to those men who stood packed up in 30kg plus of gear to be flown over the Channel, under fire and to land in Normandy. You must have hoped you'd land in the right Drop Zone (DZ) and have some idea of what on earth you were supposed to do when you got there. The stories like these are what makes Ambrose's Band of Brothers book so compelling and why since then I have enjoyed so many of James Holland's books on WWII. Normandy '44 is no exception and provides diaries, stories and sources from Americans, Canadians, French, Germans, an Irish nurse and a New Zealander. Find out more in the visual bibliography below including books, films, audio and more.

Imperial War Museum, UK

After D-Day

Soon after D-Day, as the invading forces moved inland and the Battle of Normandy continued, it was possible to ship across more supplies such as ambulances on the landing craft. As Nicholson observes, 'Wrens like Eda Howes, who had supervised the telephone exchange at Fort Southwick, had a role to play setting up communications. She and two others were shipped across to Arromanches and driven along bomb-cratered roads to their base in western Normandy, where they holed up in an empty medieval house and slept on the floor with their gas-masks as pillows. ATS girls were sent out to Normandy to run mobile army canteens.And WAAF nursing orderlies were put on board Dakotas and flown out to France to escort the wounded back to Britain, frequently under fire. For nurses were, as ever, vital.' (Nicholson, 2011: 273)

The Battle of Normandy of course continued for nearly 100 days and you can explore this remarkable period and its aftermath in many of the museums in the region. From the museum at Arromanches, to those in Bayeux and Caen, you can explore D-Day from many angles. Find out more about these museums in my Instagram series this week @francewhereyouare in my Museums of France series where you can get all the practical information for each museum to bookmark for your trip. (for more on visiting Normandy today, keep on reading…)

For an aerial overview with some historical facts and figures (N.B. I have not checked them for accuracy) to help you picture the D-Day landings you can watch this video:

Visiting Normandy today

One of the most popular tourist destinations in France, Normandy continues to charm new and regular visitors alike. Long beautiful coastline and beaches, rich verdant countryside and charming towns and villages. Normandy has so much to offer any visitor.

If you would like to tour the landing beaches, visit the museums, towns and places where battles and landings took place, it makes for a wonderful and moving trip. There are many tour operators who will arrange all the details for you if you're travelling for a day or two from Paris. If you really want to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Normandy, I recommend taking longer to explore and take in how much there is here. A car is recommended for these journeys or booking small scale tours. You can also explore on foot or by bike, all of which are linked below.

Tours, Guides and Accommodation

For an overview of all museums, remembrance and cemeteries in Normandy you can always start here at the Tourist Information site. It's packed full of images and links.

If you're driving yourself and making your own itinerary, I recommend the Lonely Planet book on Normandy & D-Day beaches (with suggested itineraries for food, Monet and more in the region if you'd like to combine D-Day remembrance with other subjects). You can find that here. It gives a simple overview of places, and some historical detail. It also provides realistic timescales for not rushing your visit.

Sometimes, the historian and author James Holland does an in-depth tour of the area. There is nothing planned beyond 2021, but it might be worth registering your interest if you're passionate about exploring fully the D-Day landing beaches and sites. Find out more here at Tripsmith.

If you'd prefer a short form tour and are staying in Paris, you can always take a day trip from Paris with transport: The Tour Guy – Day Trip from Paris to the D-Day battlefields

If you'd like to explore your options, Overlord Tours does a wide variety of tours and starting points. Have a look at their wide selection including Jepe tours, American, Canadian and British beach tours.

I have also heard good things about Dale Booth Normandy Tours.

Staying in Bayeux is a great base but you could also consider staying in and around Caen or other small places around the Manche and Calvados départments.

For more inspiration you can find some charming manor houses townhouses and chateaux at Sawday's. Get your own copy here. If you're not familiar with Sawday's, they look for comfort, originality and authenticity and so while there is enormous variety, there's a really personable feel to most places recommended in the guide. If you're not interested in the chain hotels and want something that feels more of its place, then this could be a great starting point! Find out more about Sawday's at their website.

If I can't book direct with an owner, or if I'm booking well ahead of time and need some flexibility, I like to use Booking.com as there is so often a flexible cancellation policy and plenty of information to make your choice. This is especially useful in big cities like Paris, Bordeaux or Nice, but you can be amazed at the smaller places on there too! You can book here at France Where You Are's special link (It supports the blog at no cost to you.)

If you're staying in Bayeux, the tour company often recommended there is Bayeux Shuttle featuring in Rick Steves' guidebooks.

Walking and Cycling around Normandy/D-Day landing beaches

If you would like to undertake a walking or cycling trip to visit some of the towns and beaches, on a D-Day trail, there are guided and self-guided options.

Cycling and walking tours (guided) in Normandy: Battlefield Journey (UK-based tour company)

Freewheeling France has a wealth of resources on cycling routes, tips and bike hire links throughout France. Check out their example routes in Normandy for guided and self-guided trips related to D-Day or note as you wish. I definitely fancy cycling from the D-Day beaches to Mont St. Michel. What would be your dream trip? The Tour de France 2016 travelled from Mont St. Michel to Utah beach and you can follow that route too, more details here. The fascinating Juno Beach Centre has a Maple Leaf trail if you'd like to cycle with Canadian remembrance.

New this year is the unveiling of the extra additions to the cycle route on the Vélo Maritime. Find out more about these long cycle routes and all the amazing sights you can see en route at la VéloMaritime.

There are fat-bike tours some of which have permission to go over beaches such as Omaha Beach (with film showings in bunker and more). N.B. single person bookings are possible. Find out more at Normandy tourism.

Normandy is such a special place and regular readers and newsletter subscribers know that I love it and have done so ever since my first school trip there aged nine. Today I am passionate about all of France but Normandy has a large place in my heart always. Frome exploring the D-Day landing beaches, following in the footsteps of the Impressionists or simply enjoying life in the slow lane to take time for good food, cheese, cider, calvados or apple juice, I love Normandy in every season and in every way! It has bucolic countryside, glorious coastlines and a rich diversity of cultural attractions. Taking time to visit Normandy is always time well spent.

As the Normandy for Peace Forum states,

To visit Normandy can be many things, but the freedom to choose your itinerary was forged there on those beaches. D-Day was a fundamental turning point in the Second World War and the subsequent Battle for France. Almost three months of fighting marked every part of this region and helped to turn the tide of war. Devastating, remarkable and worthy of remembrance, D-Day makes 6th June so unforgettable. The rich, green haven of Normandy is so tranquil and its peace and beauty reminds us how easily we can turn to turmoil once more. Lest we forget.

Don't go just yet! Please come in to the library and explore some more…

Exploring World War II – the Reading Room

D-Day

Audiobook version:

US Memoirs and Accounts

Forgotten stories of African-American soldiers

WWII Historical overviews

In France

James Holland is a master storyteller historian and I have enjoyed many of his books immensely. A masterful achievement is his Normandy '44: D-Day and the Battle for France which features principal personalities from France, Britain, Canada, the USA, New Zealand, Ireland and Germany.

In this remarkable book, Holland presents a broad overview that challenges some of the well-trodden tales we often hear about. The Normandy campaign and D-Day and the 76 bitter days after it are brought to life in stories from a cast of people with eye-witness experiences from resistance fighters to soldiers, tank men and civilians, they are well-represented there. It is an epic tale well worth your time, including many previously unseen sources and testimonies from around the world. Also created into a TV series, available in many regions on Amazon Video.

streaming online:

Normandy and WWII battlefields Travel Guides

Life in Paris and the city's liberation

An infographic visual version of WWII history (in French)

The dark years are also chronicled in a simple format of BD (graphic novel or bandes-dessinée)

In Great Britain / United Kingdom

Winston Churchill's diaries and accounts of the World War in his own words.

Audio CD version:

Juliet Gardiner's seminal and engaging book on wartime Britain The often overlooked contribution of the women who were pilots, but not treated as such!

Nicholson's superb book full of personal stories and gripping emotional realities of war from all walks of life

A remarkable edited collection of letters home

Recommended Films & Documentaries

The Sorrow and the Pity Army of Shadows Annihilation Nazis: A Warning from History The World at War

D-Day films, TV and more

Band of Brothers is one of those remarkable television series that is thoroughly engaging and worth its big budget! It focuses on the 101st Airborne Division of the American army and has a thoroughly American perspective, but an excellent international cast who give some career-best performances with superb sound editing, special effects and a remarkably touching story. It's human, brutal and immensely engaging. If you enjoyed it, I recommend the extras as the veteran interviews are remarkable and unmissable.

Further than his excellent performance as Dick Winters, Damian Lewis is in a documentary in the US on meeting Dick Winters. Find out more on Amazon Prime (may be US-only)

Audio

As well as online archives and collections, you might find CDs at your local library. Listen to the sounds and voices of D-Day: USA

BBC War Reports on CD

Sounds on Spotify Speeches and broadcasts

Thanks for joining me on the blog today. Let me know if the D-Daylanding beaches hold special memories for your family or community.

Remember, you can sign up to the France Where You Are Newsletter here to get all the exclusive news and a little dose of France in your inbox every first weekend of the month.

[dazfashionz]

Greece 🇬🇷

Traditions

Name day celebration

Most Greeks are named after a religious saint. A very important tradition is that everyone who has a name coming from a saint celebrated by the church celebrates his name on a given day of the year. On the "name day" of someone, his friends and family visit him without invitation and offer wishes and small presents

The hostess of the house offers pastries, sweets and hors d'oeuvres to the guests. In Greece, name days are more important than birthdays.

Engagements

It is a custom in Greece to get engaged before getting married. The man has to ask for the hand of the woman from her father and close family, while the two families give presents to the bride and groom. The couple exchanges wedding rings that are worn on the left hand. After the wedding, these rings will be worn on the right hand.

Carnival

In Greece the carnival is called Apokries. The festival consists of two weeks of the feast, beginning from the Sunday of Meat Fare and ends with the first day of the Lent, called Clean Monday.

Everyone is costumed and parties take place in the streets and bars, throwing colored confetti to each other. The most famous Carnival Parade takes place in the city of Patra

The Carnival is believed to come from paganism, and more precisely from the old festivities worshipping Dionysus, the god of wine and feast.

Easter

During the night of the Holy Saturday (Megalo Savato), everybody dresses well and goes to the church where a ceremony is held. Just before midnight, all of the lights of the church are turned off, symbolizing the darkness and silent of the tomb, while the priest lights a candle from the Eternal Flame, sings the psalm Christos Anesti (meaning Christ has risen) and offers the flame to light the candles of the people. Everyone passes the flame one to another. The bells ring continuously and people throw fireworks.

The Ohi Days

On October 28th, the Greeks celebrate the day when the Greek dictator Metaxas refused to let the Italians invaded the country during World War II. It is the celebration of the heroic OXI. Most Greeks put a Greek flag on their windows and balconies, while a parade takes place with the participation of school students and the army.

The Greek traditional belief of the evil eye dates back to at least the 6th century BC, the Classical Antiquity, or the time period that encompassed the Classical Era in Ancient Greece, when it commonly appeared on drinking vessels. During this time, the Greek civilization was at its intellectual peak.

A common theme in literature at the time was that the eyes were a source of deadly rays that could bring harm to others.

The Light Blue: Color of the sky – symbolizes truth and therefore it provides direct protection against the evil eye, while the dark blue color symbolizes water as it is an universal solvent.

The evil eye is the belief that someone can catch the evil eye curse or Matiasma from someone else’s jealous compliment or envy. If a person has caught the evil eye they will usually feel bad physically or mentally. Or in simple terms bad things happen.

When babies are born, Greeks will have a blue eye pinned at the top of the pillow from the moment they are born. And if you come down with sudden horrible headaches, weakness or illness but you can’t find logical explanation for your strange state, Greeks will say you have been evil eyed or (Matiasmenos). Meaning the eye have been placed upon you.

Anther tradition greek do when they celebrate is smashing plates on the ground.

Whether this is at a wedding, traverna,baptism or an intimate party smashing plates aren’t done on accident.

Breaking plates is done purposely, accompanied by music, in celebration, and you will often hear the word “Opa!” expressed with great joie de vivre when it happens.

Smashing plates became well known and normalized to people outside of Greece following the debut of the 1960 film “Never On Sunday.” There is a scene that shows the main characters in a raucous moment of really having a good time as glasses drop and smash on the floor during a dance.

In symbolic ritual, a plate is smashed at the graveside of the departed following a Greek Orthodox funeral. Life has ended on earth. The plate is smashed, signifying the end of life. Smashing the plate is also considered an act of mourning.

Smashing plates is done in joy as well as to mourn. It was once believed that a celebration could draw the attention of some bad energy, or even worse, some nasty spirits. 

Historical places

The Hellenistic period spanned for more than 16,000 years from the 12th century BC to around 600 AD, giving the world philosophy, mathematics, medicine, and much more. Comprising a loose collection of city states related by a common language and culture, it gave birth to the Minoan, Mycenean and Macedonian empires and spread knowledge far and wide across the Eurasian region.

Acropolis, Athens

Built in the fifth century BC and dedicated to Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, Acropolis is the most important site to see when visiting Athens. Its iconic Parthenon temple possibly the most recognizable ancient site in the world sits high on a hill in the center of the city and glimpses of its majesty can be seen from any location.

The Greek landmark is home to a number of significant ruins, including the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Propylaea, the site’s monumental gateway.

One of the best museums in Europe, the Acropolis Museum sits in the foothills of the Acropolis itself. The museum tells the incredible story of this iconic site and poignantly has spaces left empty in the hope the controversial Elgin Marbles will one day be returned by the British Museum in London.

Knossos, Crete

Spreading over some six square miles and occupied since the neolithic era, Knossos in Crete is not only the most expansive Bronze Age site in Greece, but is also thought to be the oldest city in Europe

The main site takes in the vast palace dating from around 2000 BC that provided the epicenter of the Minoan Civilization and covers around five acres. At the time, it provided an incredible show of wealth for an empire that stretched to Athens and beyond.

The palace’s layout may well be the inspiration for one of the most enduring myths that Greece is known for, the legend of the Minotaur, a fierce beast to which seven Athenian boys and girls were sacrificed each year until it was vanquished by the Athenian hero Theseus.

Temple of Poseidon, Sounio

On the southern tip of the Athenian Peninsula, some 30 miles from the city center, the Temple of Poseidon stands on a hill, overlooking the sparkling Aegean Sea. The temple dates from around 400 BC, though others are thought to have preceded the current structure on the same site.

Dedicated to the God of the Sea, Storms and Earthquakes, it, too, plays a role in the story of the Minotaur. Theseus’ father, the Athenian King Aegeus, waited for the return of his son’s boat from Crete, expecting to see white sails if Theseus had defeated the minotaur, and black if he had perished on his quest.

Greek patterns

Greek key, referred to as meander, is in its most basic form a linear pattern. The design is made up of a long, continuous line that repeatedly folds back on itself, mimicking the ancient Maeander River of Asia Minor with its many twists and turns.

Homer mentions the river in “The Iliad,” and it is believed that the meander motif symbolizes infinity or the eternal flow of things. In fact, the word “meander” is derived from the ­250-mile-long snaking Maeander, known today as the Menderes, which flows through southwestern Turkey.

But it’s the Greeks who used the motif with abandon, hence the reason we most commonly refer to it as the Greek key. The Romans then copied it, and by the 18th century, all of Europe had adapted it into their design vocabulary.

these terms are modern designations even though the decorative motif appears thousands of years before that culture, thousands of miles away from Greece, and among cultures that are continents away from it.

Meanders anew common decorative elements in Greek and Roman art. In Ancient Greek they appear in many architectural friezes and in bands of the pottery of Ancient Greece from the geometric period.

[hbhughes]

Janet M. (Rosnick) Evans

Janet M. (Rosnick) Evans, 76, Pittston, formerly of Luzerne, peacefully journeyed home to her Lord and Savior on Feb 1, 2024 after a brief illness.

She was born on October 22 , 1947 and was, until 2 years ago, a lifelong resident of Luzerne, PA. She graduated from Luzerne High School in 1965 and the Nesbitt School of Nursing in 1968. Janet worked as a Registered Nurse at Nesbitt Hospital until 1974, when she chose to stay home after the birth of her second child. In 1982 she returned work at Luzerne County Headstart, where she first held the position of school nurse, then took the role of family worker, which she held until her retirement.

On September 6, 2023, Janet celebrated her 54th Wedding Anniversary with her High School sweetheart, Bruce Evans. Janet and Bruce spent almost their entire lives together, having started dating when they were in 8th grade. Through the years their love affair grew into the family that was the center of her life. Her son and daughter, 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren were blanketed by the seemingly boundless love that Janet gave them.

There are endless memories of Love and Laughs shared with their "Nainy.” Family was the most important thing in her life, and Nainy was the core of her family. Anyone who had the privilege of watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren spending time with their Nainy would know they were seeing pure love and joy in the happiness of another.

Janet was a member of The Luzerne United Methodist Church and cherished her Faith and her Church Family. Nobody has made more of a "joyful noise" unto the Lord than her, despite her lack of singing ability. Janet poured her Faith into everything she did, never failing to give thanks and praise for the blessings in her life. Janet would often spend time talking to and praying with complete strangers, sharing God's love wherever she could.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John & Emma (Keller) Rosnick and her sister Mariann Rosnick. Janet always looked forward to the day when she would be reunited with them in His Glory.

She is survived by, and will be greatly missed, by her Husband of 54 years, Bruce Evans - Pittston, daughter Mindy and her husband Rick Evans - Lehman Twp, son Josh and his wife Danielle - Dallas, grandchildren Emma Berlew, and her husband Alex, Ian Evans and fiancé Montana Raggi, Jake Evans, Izzy Evans, Eli Evans, Zoe Evans, and her two great-grandchildren Beau and Alex Berlew.

Family and friends are invited from 4 to 7 PM on Monday, February 5th at Luzerne United Methodist Church, 446 Bennett St., Luzerne, PA 18709.

Funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, February 6th at Luzerne United Methodist Church, with Rev. Lucy Obrzut, officiating. Interment will be held following the service at Lehman Center Cemetery, Lehman. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, Forty Fort.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Luzerne United Methodist Church Memorial Fund in Memory of Janet Evans.

Rest in His Peace and Glory, Nainy.

We love you to the Sun and the Moon and the stars and back again a bazillion times...and even more than that!

[thoughtfulnessme]

30/12/2023

So, it's been a hot minute since I posted anything.

Our baby girl is now nearly 10 months old, she is the most amazing little girl. She is so funny, silly, clever. She loves exploring her little world, she loves being outside and playing with trees and looking at birdies. She loves splashing in water and giving cuddles. She smiles all day and loves when we chase her around crawling. I cannot believe she is almost 10 months old and this year is almost over.

2023 - the year our baby was born & the year we became parties. It was the best, happiest but also hardest year of our lives. We overcome a lot but everyday is such a blessing with our beautiful little girl. I love watching her grow and develop every day. Let's do the yearly recap of 2023!!

January - I had my baby shower at my home surrounded by my closest family and friends, I had the best time!!

February - I started my mat leave and (im)patiently waited for my little girl to arrive.

March - Our girl arrived on 6th March after 38 hours of labour. It was so intense, traumatic and ended in an emergency c section but our girl was happy & healthy!!

The birth process effed me up pretty mentally. I suffered post natal depression and insomnia!

April - We had our babies first easter and my brothers, stepmum and dad met our daughter

May - celebrated my first mother's day with my mum and bubba

June - I finally got the hang of looking after my baby. Emotionally, I was feeling so much better and felt more like myself! Mum went home and it was just me and hubby looking after bubs. At the end of the month, my dad & brothers came to visit again.

July - Bubba started baby sensory and swimming and enjoyed both. It was so adorable seeing her get more confident each week and interact with other babies.

August - Bubba started solids! At first, she absolutely hated food.

September- celebrated our first fathers day as a family, bub started sitting up by herself.

October - my mum came back down for a visit, we celebrated my birthday altogether, bub started crawling and we had our first family holiday to Fiji which was amazing!!

November - my dad and step mum visited again and we had a great time.

December - Our baby's first christmas!! We spent it with my mum, brothers and my in laws. We had the best time spending time together, going to lunch, dinner and the beach.

We had the most amazing year!!! It will be sad to see this year go but I am excited to see what 2024 brings!!

[forblogmostly]

Toyam Sports Limited’s Triumph: "Kumite 1 Warrior Hunt" Clinches Best Sports Web Series Award at KISFF 2023

In an exhilarating celebration of athleticism and storytelling, Toyam Sports Limited emerged victorious as its sports web series, "Kumite 1 Warrior Hunt," secured the coveted title of "Best Sports Web Series" at the 6th Kenya International Film Festival (KISFF) 2023.

A Cinematic Triumph in Nairobi - From October 26th to October 29th, Nairobi, Kenya, played host to the esteemed KISFF, the premier African film festival that brought together a global array of sports enthusiasts and entertainment aficionados. The suspense reached its pinnacle on the festival's fourth day as the winners were unveiled, and "Kumite 1 Warrior Hunt" stood out among an impressive lineup of sports feature films, television series, and web series.

Excellence in Every Frame - What set "Kumite 1 Warrior Hunt" apart was not just its portrayal of the adrenaline-fueled world of mixed martial arts (MMA) but the sheer brilliance in storytelling, production quality, and its captivating depiction of the sports and competition realm. The award signifies not only the triumph of a series but also the acknowledgment of Toyam Sports Limited's commitment to delivering outstanding content.

A Proud Moment for Toyam Sports Limited - Toyam Sports Limited takes immense pride in this recognition, viewing it as a stepping stone to continue producing top-notch content for sports enthusiasts worldwide. The series, born out of the company's desire to elevate MMA's status in India's diverse sporting landscape, has succeeded in making an indelible mark.

Making MMA a Household Name - "Kumite 1 Warrior Hunt" is not merely a web series; it's a cultural phenomenon. As India's first sports web series, it plunges viewers into the heart of MMA, aiming to make the sport a household name. This achievement gains added significance in a time when discussions around fitness and well-being dominate the discourse among India's youth.

Entertainment with a Purpose - Beyond its entertainment value, "Kumite 1 Warrior Hunt" serves as an educational tool, unraveling the nuances and excitement of MMA for its audience. Simultaneously, it acts as a crucial platform for Indian MMA fighters, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their exceptional skills on a global stage.

A Humble Acknowledgment - Mr. Mohamedali Budhwani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Toyam Sports Limited, expressed his humility upon receiving this prestigious award at the Kenya International Sports Film Festival. He sees this recognition as a motivation to redouble efforts in producing sports content that not only entertains but also propels MMA athletes from India onto the global stage.

As Toyam Sports Limited continues its journey, this triumph at KISFF 2023 marks a significant chapter, and "Kumite 1 Warrior Hunt" stands as a testament to the company's dedication to sports excellence and storytelling brilliance. The future looks promising as Toyam Sports Limited aims to bring more compelling narratives to sports enthusiasts worldwide. Stay tuned for the next chapter in their journey of triumphs and accolades. 

[rosepais]

October

October is a month of pomp and glory! To be more precise, it is the month I was born. For the last 18 years, ever since I started earning that is, I ensure, this month and I are celebrated. People have different ways to celebrate their birthdays, as for me, this is the opportunity I take from the entire year to thank the people who matter to me, and to access where I stand in terms of personal growth and take key decisions in life.

For this to happen, it is important to take break from the mundane, hence every year, I ensure to take 10 days off from work. To completely detox my mind and body and just to celebrate the fact that I was born.

This year is a little special. I turned 39! For millions out there, they do not look at this from my perspective. For me, this year will be special, because whether I get past this year alive or not, it is the last 30’s of my life.  Age is just a number, indeed, but it is also a number that you will never live again. Have you taken time out to celebrate the number you have reached in your life? If you think it sounds weird then you do not love yourself enough to appreciate the air you breathe, the day you live and the people you love. Strictly my opinion alone.

Like every year for the last 18 years, I give myself a lot of credit in October. I do things that make me happy, I meet people that have stood by me and helped make my life worth living, I travel, I eat, I buy myself a gift with my own money, I write my journal to appreciate my journey in the last one year and last but not the least, I remind myself, how important I am and jot down goals to achieve for the next one year.

After diligently applying for leave, I ensured every single day is well spent. I never work on my birthday; it is a policy I follow strictly.

Mother. 1st day I dedicated my day for my mother. We would not be around if not for them. I spent time buying her the things she wanted, helped her learn how to take a video on her phone and how to place orders for groceries. She is a quick learner and now her phone memory is already filled with lots of videos! 

Child. 2nd day to 4th day I took off on my planned vacation. During this vacation I took time to think and reevaluate my personal goals. Spent lot of time with my child and we both shared a lot of secrets. We understood each other better and fell in love a little more. I ensure I go to the beach every year without fail and unwind. I spent 4 days doing nothing. Just watched the ocean for hours, ate a lot and played a lot with my kid.

Me. 5th day was my birthday. It felt like a normal day except the fact that the whole day goes in saying “thank you”. I had nothing planned hence I was wondering what I should do for myself. Every year I gift myself a little something with some money saved. Suddenly it clicked that I have always been wanting a fancy body massage. I immediately booked a Swedish massage and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Had some delicious home cooked meal made by mum, later went out with my friends for dinner and then slept like a baby. A day well spent and spent happily without expecting anyone to make it happy for me. I made myself happy in small little ways.  On this day, many people texted me with some very special heart-warming messages which also was the highlight of my day.

Home. 6th day I spent time rearranging my home, and decluttering. Everyone and everything need a little detox. I gave away stuff I didn’t need anymore and rearranged my wardrobe. By end of it, I realized I have enough clothes that I do not need to shop for the next 2 years. Not sure if I should be happy about this or sad.

Sleep. 7th and 8th day I did nothing but sleep. I woke up, ate food, slept again for hours. I was exhausted and needed to catch up on lots of sleep before the practical life reopened again. Sleep is so important to me I felt so good to put my sleep time on my planner. Dedicating time to nothing but lazing around my cozy bed and sleep which on usual days I can only dream off while staring at the windows of my work desk, awakened me and made me feel active. Although I will miss sleeping again.

Friends. Next couple of days I spent time meeting people who I have not met for long. It felt so rejuvenating catching up and laughing about the silliest jokes ever. Friends are my pillars of strength and the reason why I sail through life. I do not have many, but the ones I have are my pills of happiness. Non-judgemental, non-toxic, pure happy pills. It is so important to be surrounded by people who will elevate your spirits. I am blessed to have them.

During the 12-day break, while I had my moments alone, I started thinking about how I was a year ago, what were my pain areas and how have I grown past that. I took time to thank God for every moment where he gave me strength to pull past through the saddest of days.

As I enter 39, I realize I am a little stronger than I was, happier than I could ever be, a few kgs extra because of the holiday eating and a little extra grateful for everything I have and achieved. I also understood myself as a person even better. I am in love with myself and proud of who I am.

I promised myself that I would live everyday of 39th year to my fullest and promise that if I reach 40, I will treat myself to a better gift, a bigger cake, longer vacation, and more happiness without expecting anyone else to do it for me.

I am writing this blog, as silly as it may sound to some of you, to help you understand that you are not to take yourself for granted. You are beautiful, you are important and while you work hard everyday to keep others happy, take time off to celebrate YOU.

October, or any month you are born, is a special month. While the trees unwind too by shedding their unwanted leaves and revamp with new colours, I urge you to reconsider shedding your past life and growing a new one designed by you, for you.

Thanks for reading.