Bruce Lee's Death Anniversary

 

Bruce Lee, who passed away on 20 July 1973, in Hong Kong, aged 32, was an American-born film actor who was renowned for his martial arts prowess and who helped popularize martial arts movies in the 1970s.

Lee was born in San Francisco, but he grew up in Hong Kong. He was introduced to the entertainment industry at an early age, as his father was an opera singer and part-time actor. The younger Lee began appearing in films as a child and was frequently cast as a juvenile delinquent or street urchin. As a teenager, he took up with local gangs and began learning kung fu to better defend himself. At that time he also started dance lessons, which further refined his footwork and balance; in 1958 Lee won the Hong Kong cha-cha championship.

Lee’s parents were increasingly disturbed by his street fighting and run-ins with the police, and they sent him to live in the United States shortly after he turned 18. He lived with family friends in Seattle, where he finished high school and studied philosophy and drama at the University of Washington. While in Seattle he opened his first martial arts school, and in 1964 he relocated to Oakland, California, to found a second school. It was about that time that he developed his own technique—jeet kune do, a blend of ancient kung fu, fencing, boxing, and philosophy—which he began teaching instead of traditional martial arts. He drew the attention of a television producer after giving a kung fu demonstration at a Los Angeles -area karate tournament, and he was cast as the sidekick Kato in the television series The Green Hornet (1966–67).

Lee had difficulty finding acting jobs after the cancellation of The Green Hornet, and he began supplementing his income by giving private jeet kune do lessons to Hollywood stars, including Steve McQueen.  In the 1969 film Marlowe, Lee received notice for a scene in which he destroyed an entire office through kickboxing and karate moves. Troubled by his inability to find other suitable roles, however, he moved back to Hong Kong in 1971. There Lee starred in two films that broke box-office records throughout Asia, and he later found success in the United States with Tang shan da xiong (1971; Fists of Fury [U.S.], or The Big Boss [Hong Kong English title]) and Jing wu men (1972; The Chinese Connection [U.S.], or Fist of Fury [Hong Kong English title]).

Lee used his sudden box-office clout to form his own production company, and he coproduced, directed, wrote, and starred in his next film, Meng long guo jiang (1972; Return of the Dragon [U.S.], or The Way of the Dragon [Hong Kong English title]). Lee’s following film, Enter The Dragon (1973), was the first joint venture between Hong Kong- and U.S.-based production companies, and it became a worldwide hit, thrusting Lee into international movie stardom. Tragically, he died six days before the film’s Hong Kong release. The mysterious circumstances of his death were a source of speculation for fans and historians, but the cause of death was officially listed as swelling of the brain caused by an allergic reaction to a headache medication. At the time, Lee had been working on a film called Game of Death, which was pieced together with stand-ins and cardboard cutouts of Lee’s face and was released in 1978.

After Lee’s death, his films gained a large cult following. Lee himself became one of the biggestpop culture icons of the 20th century, and he is often credited with changing the way Asians were presented in American films. A slightly fictionalized biopic, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, appeared in 1993. His son, Brandon, followed Lee into acting, and he died after being shot with a misloaded prop gun while filming The Crow (1994).

 

Edmund Hillary's Birth Anniversary

 

Edmund Hillary, born on 20 July 1919, was a New Zealand mountain climber and Antarctic explorer, who with the Tibetan mountaineer Tenzing Norgay was the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest (29,035 feet [8,850 metres]; the highest mountain in the world.

Hillary’s father was a beekeeper, an occupation he also pursued. He began climbing in New Zealand’s Southern Alps while in high school. After military service in World War II, he resumed climbing and became determined to scale Everest. In 1951 he joined a New Zealand party to the central Himalayas and later that year participated in a British reconnaissance expedition of the southern flank of Everest. He was subsequently invited to join the team of mountaineers planning to climb the peak.

The well-organized expedition was launched in the spring of 1953, and a high camp from which to mount attempts at the summit was established by mid-May. After a pair of climbers failed to reach the top on May 27, Hillary and Tenzing set out for it early on May 29; by late morning they were standing on the summit. The two shook hands, then Tenzing embraced his partner. Hillary took photographs, and both searched for signs that George Mallory, a British climber lost on Everest in 1924, had been on the summit. Hillary left behind a crucifix, and Tenzing, a Buddhist, made a food offering. After spending about 15 minutes on the peak, they began their descent.  They were met back at camp by their colleague W.G. Lowe, to whom Hillary reputedly said, “Well, George, we knocked the bastard off.” Hillary described his exploits in High Adventure (1955). He made other expeditions to the Everest region during the early 1960s but never again tried to climb to the top.

 

 

World Jump Day

World Jump Day is celebrated on July 20th every year. It was created in 2013 by the World Jump Day Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting physical activity and well-being. The purpose of World Jump Day is to encourage people of all ages to get up and jump around. Jumping is a great way to get exercise, relieve stress, and have fun. It can also help to improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength.

World Jump Day History

·   World Jump Day was created by German artist Torsten Lauschmann from the United Kingdom.

·    The first event took place on July 20th, 2006.

·  Lauschmann created a website to promote the day and had over 600 million registered jumpers.

·   The idea behind World Jump Day was to change Earth's orbit by having enough people jump simultaneously.

·    The goal was to reduce global warming, although the concept was unscientific.

·   Despite the lack of scientific basis, World Jump Day continues to be celebrated by millions worldwide.

·  World Jump Day promotes physical activity and raises awareness of global warming.

·   The World Jump Day Foundation was founded in 2013 to organize and promote World Jump Day events.

·    World Jump Day is celebrated on July 20th annually.

·   Celebrations can involve activities like jumping rope, playing jumping games, and engaging in general jumping exercises.

 

10 Benefits of Jumping

Jumping, whether it's in the form of jumping exercises, trampolining, or simply jumping for fun, offers several benefits for physical health, mental well-being, and overall fitness. Here are some of the benefits of jumping:

1.     Improves cardiovascular health and strengthens the heart.

2.     Increases bone density and helps prevent osteoporosis.

3.     Enhances coordination, balance, and agility.

4.     Boosts mood and releases endorphins, promoting a sense of happiness and well-being.

5.     Burns calories and aids in weight management.

6.     Stimulates lymphatic circulation and detoxification.

7.     Strengthens muscles, particularly in the legs and core.

8.     Improves motor skills and proprioception.

9.     Increases energy levels and reduces fatigue.

10.  Provides a low-impact exercise option that is gentle on the joints.

International Moon Day

Every year July 20 is observed as International Moon Day all over the globe. The day celebrates the first landing by humans on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 lunar mission. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon in a location that they then named Tranquillity Base on the same day.

Why is International Moon Day celebrated?

According to the official website, “The Moon Village Association submitted an application during the UN-COPUOS 64th Session, for the proclamation of International Moon Day on July 20, the anniversary of the 1969 first human landing, from the United States of America, with the Apollo 11 mission. The proclamation got approved on December 9 2021, by the UN General Assembly.”

In its resolution 76/76 on "International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space" in 2021, the General Assembly recognised July 20 as International Moon Day, a United Nations-approved international holiday.

The celebrations will also take into account the accomplishments of all States in lunar exploration and increase public awareness of environmentally friendly lunar exploration and utilisation.

What is the significance of International Moon Day?

In collaboration with UNOOSA, International Moon Day became an annual celebration all around the world. As per Moon Village Association, International Moon Day is an opportunity to inform the public, promote, and raise each year, at the global level, awareness of the situation and prospects for humanity, the sustainable Moon Exploration and Utilisation, and the need to act jointly to regulate activities on and around the Moon.

International Moon Day serves as a reminder that space exploration is still taking place today, in addition to its historical significance. Technology has made amazing strides during the past 50 years, allowing us to travel farther into space than ever before. This worldwide celebration will serve as both a testament to past achievements and an ongoing reminder of the ambitious goals for future Moon exploration missions. With the blessing of the UN, this event will promote more global cooperation between global stakeholders as well as increase the participation of the next generation in achieving this aim.

 

International Chess Day

 

International Chess Day, celebrated annually on July 20, honours the ancient chess game and its global impact. Recognised by UNESCO since 1966, this day promotes chess as a tool for education, the development of logical thinking, and cultural exchange.

It commemorates the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924, emphasising chess as a unifying force across cultures and generations. Celebrations typically include tournaments, exhibitions, and educational events worldwide, highlighting chess’s role in fostering strategic thought, sportsmanship, and community engagement. 

International Chess Day: Significance

• International Chess Day acknowledges the universal appeal of the game and honours its ability to transcend cultural and language barriers.
• It also has the ability to bring people together with a shared passion.
• The game of chess helps promotes cognitive skills, critical thinking, and concentration. 
• International Chess Day highlights the importance of fair play, respect for opponents, and the value of competition for growth.
• The complexities of chess can help face challenges in life and improve decision-making skills. 
• Chess can teach valuable life lessons such as patience, resilience, and the ability to learn from mistakes.

Mangal Pandey's Birth Anniversary

Mangal Pandey, born on 19 July 1827, in Akbarpur, India, was an Indian soldier whose attack on British officers on 29 March1857, was the first major incident of what came to be known as the Indian, or Sepoy, Mutiny (in India the uprising is often called the First War of Independence or other similar names).

Pandey was born in a town near Faizabad in what is now eastern Uttar Pradesh state in northern India, although some give his birth place as a small village near Lalitpur (in present-day southwestern Uttar Pradesh). He was from a high-caste Brahman landowning family that professed strong Hindu beliefs. Pandey joined the army of the British East India Company in 1849, some accounts suggesting that he was recruited by a brigade that marched past him. He was made a soldier (sepoy) in the 6th Company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, which included a large number of Brahmans. Pandey was ambitious and viewed his profession as a sepoy as a stepping-stone to future success.

Pandey’s career ambitions, however, came into conflict with his religious beliefs. While he was posted at the garrison in Barrackpore in the mid-1850s, a new Enfield rifle was introduced into India that required a soldier to bite off the ends of greased cartridges in order to load the weapon. A rumour spread that the lubricant used was either cow or pig lard, which was repugnant to Hindus or Muslims, respectively. The belief arose among the sepoys that the British had deliberately used the lard on the cartridges.

There have been various accounts of the events of March 29, 1857. However, the general agreement is that Pandey attempted to incite his fellow sepoys to rise up against their British officers, attacked two of those officers, attempted to shoot himself after having been restrained, and eventually was overpowered and arrested. Some contemporary reports suggested that he was under the influence of drugs—possibly cannabis or opium —and was not fully aware of his actions. Pandey was soon tried and sentenced to death. His execution (by hanging) was set for April 18, but British authorities, fearing the outbreak of a large-scale revolt if they waited until then, moved the date up to April 8. Resistance to the use of Enfield cartridges later that month in Meerut led to the outbreak of a revolt there in May and the start of the larger insurrection.

In India, Pandey has been remembered as a freedom fighter against British rule. A commemorative postage stamp with his image on it was issued by the Indian government in 1984. In addition, a movie and stage play that depicted his life both appeared in 2005.

Samuel Colt's Birth Anniversary

Samuel Colt, born on 19 July 1814, in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, was an American firearms inventor, manufacturer, and entrepreneur who popularized the revolver.

As a teenaged seaman, Colt carved a wooden model of a revolving cylinder mechanism, and he later perfected a working version that was patented in England and France in 1835 and in the United States the following year. Featuring a multichambered cylinder that rotated and locked by cocking the hammer, Colt’s repeating single-barreled pistols, rifles, and shotguns were slow to gain acceptance, and a company that formed to manufacture them in Patterson, New Jersey, failed in 1842. The following year he devised an electrically discharged naval mine, the first device using a remotely controlled explosive, and he conducted a telegraph business that utilized the first underwater cable.

Word that Colt’s multishot Paterson weapons had been effective against Indians in Texas prompted a government order for 1,000 pistols during the Mexican-American War, and Colt resumed firearms manufacture in 1847. In 1855 he built the world’s largest private armoury in the South Meadows area of Hartford. Assisted by engineer-superintendent Elisha King Root, he developed beyond any private industrialist before him the mass manufacture of firearms by using interchangeable parts and machine production, and he applied progressive ideas concerning employee welfare. His invention made him a wealthy man. At the time of his death in 1862, his firm already had produced some 450,000 guns in 16 different models. Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company produced the pistols most widely used during the American Civil War, and its six-shot single-action .45-calibre Peacemaker model, introduced in 1873, became the most-famous sidearm of the American West.

The company also became famed for its production of the Gatling gun, a hand-cranked machine gun invented by Richard J. Gatling, and for a series of John M. Browning-designed semiautomatic pistols, most notably the Model 1911. Having been sold by Colt Industries in 1989, the Colt Firearms Division was reconstituted as Colt’s Manufacturing Company. Today the enterprise is best known for government-contract production of the M16 assault rifle in all its many iterations and for the AR-15semiautomatic rifle.