I was hatched on this 17th day of January in the year of our Lord 1975 which makes me a humble dirty tree (Irish – 33).
In 4 months time that will make me a Dirty Tree and a Turd.
So what can I say about this incredible day? Not a lot really. I don’t remember a damn thing. I know it was a Friday so that must have been kewl. At least mom could have been home for the weekend. You see, I was even considerate way back then.
Let’s take a walk around the tinterweb with my great mate Google:
According to astrology:
2008 will be a Number One year for you. Ruled by the Sun. This is a year of action. The seeds you plant now, you will reap later. Others might find you less sociable, as you are busier than ever and you focus on your activities and your needs. Still, you are outgoing and your initiative is stronger than ever. Advice – Stand alone, take action, start fresh, express independence.
Famous people lucky enough to have shared my day:
January 17, 1863 – David Lloyd George – Prime Minister
January 17, 1899 – Al Capone – Gangster
January 17, 1933 – Shari Lewis – Puppeteer
January 17, 1931 – James Earl Jones – Actor
January 17, 1942 – Muhammad Ali – Boxer
January 17, 1944 – Joe Frazier – Boxer
January 17, 1949 – Andy Kaufman – Comedian
January 17, 1927 – Tom Dooley – Humanitarian
Nice. A couple of boxers and a gangster. Maybe that’s what makes me a fighter? But I am certainly honoured to share my birthday with James Earl Jones. “Luke, I am your father!”
According to history:
http://www.brainyhistory.com/days/january_17.html
My God. There has been a lot of death and misery on January 17 in history. 1995 – 7.2 earthquake destroys Kobe Japan killing 5,372 die, 1991 – Operation Desert Storm begins U.S. led allies vs Iraq, 1989 – Gunman opens fire in California schoolyard; 5 students slain, 30 wounded.
There are of course some good things too. 1993 – Russian Irina Privalova cycles world record 300m indoor (35.45″), 1976 – “I Write the Songs” by Barry Manilow hits #1, 1976 – Hermes rocket launched by European Space Agency, 1963 – Joe Walker takes X-15 to altitude of 82 km
According to reality:
I am stuck in the Happy Valley’s Reps Camp for my birthday. That’s ok really because I don’t really go big on my birthday anyway. I will share a few bottles of good red wine with some good friends and pass out early. Sounds like a plan!
Happy Birthday Hoox
Thank you Hoox
Happy Birthday HooX!
[...] seems like a very popular day to give birth. I’d like to wish a big happy birthday to HooX, Marike and SuperEts! Hope you all have an awesome birthday, and that the year ahead holds only [...]
I’m so confused. You’re a dirty tree because you were born in 1975, That doesn’t even rhyme. Or because you were born on the 17th or January?
I was born in 1975 am I a lord?
Happy Birthday Silly Lil Hoox.
According to my records – “Friday’s child is loving and giving…(!!!???) and no, your mom didn’t get home for the weekend.
May being a dirty tree and 2008 be a great year for you.
Lou – Thank you sweetie
Oh and you are really going to have to show me that pingback thingmy. I just don’t get it.
Blither Bean Baby – Firstly… THANK YOU!! XXX Now secondly… I will try and explain but it might be easier for you to go and ask an Irishman to say “Thirty Three”. Half of America claim Irish descent so it shouldn’t be difficult. None of that was meant to rhyme but perhaps I should be a lord. Lord Hoox no less. Ok, try this. Put on an Irish accent and say OUT LOUD, “dirty tree”, “thirty three” and “tirty tree”. Dont just read it, say it out loud. Yeah that’s it B, you got it!
Rethom – Yeah and what are you trying to say? I am not giving enough? Ok Mother, what you want?
Hey well at least I tried to get you home for the weekend….
Thank you!! Lots of love…
Oh and I just got an email in from my grandmother
“Dear [Hoox]
Another birthday coming up – just to wish you a happy day and a good year ahead of you. I remember you being born – I came up from EL to be with [brother] and [father] whilst your mother was in the nursing home. They were living in Yellow Wood Park then, a house as I remember with a very steep drive way, and I used to get [brother] ready in the afternoon and take him in to see your mother. I remember him running down the corridor in the nursing home to see [mother]. It was good old Durban hot and I found it difficult to sleep at night, and driving from Yellow Wood Park to Overport somewhere was quite a chore for me, especially with a two year old, (I think) in the back seat with no child seat, but we got there and back safely each time.
That must be thirtysomething years ago, I guess.
……[some text excluded]…….
Anyway, whatever direction your life takes you in the coming year, may God be with you always, is my birthday wish for you.
Have fun and continue to learn and experience good things wherever you are,
Love, blessings and prayers always,
Gran”
Isn’t she just the sweetest lady on earth?
Thank you so very much Gran. Lots of love to you too! Oh and I am replying to your email now.
Chris,
World’s number one Gran, absolutely brilliant. Treasure her, she must be one of the world’s most progressive oldie’s. I can’t imagine anyone else’s gran being on t’internet.
Regards
WG
PS Oh, happy birthday (have a drink for me)
Sorry, i meant to say that I share my birthday with only one famous person. Weel I only know one and I can’t be bothered searching for any more.
Imagine, me and Sophia Loren sharing a birthday. I’d love to have a joint party with her (even at 70, she’s a cracking looking woman).
WG
Hey WG – She is awesome isn’t she?
Thank you dude… And now Im on a hunt to see who you share your birthday with. Although to do have a good one right there!
I always drink for you my good man!
WG – Here you go mate. Just a few more:
September 20, 1853 – Chulalonghorn, Siam – Royalty
September 20, 1878 – Upton Sinclare – Writer
September 20, 1928 – Dr. Joyce Brothers – Psychologist
September 20, 1934 – Sophia Loren – Actress
Not so sure about the royalty but certainly acting like the psychotic writer is quite fitting no? Ok ok … You are royalty!
Happy Birthday Chrispy!!! Have a great one – wish you were here so i could spoil you
Come visit soon and i will call you later!
Big hug and kiss
Sis Bean xx
Oh my beautiful baby sis Bean – Thank you angel. I will be back in London on the 15th Feb for 1 week. Get that wine ready! It’s been too long!
xxxxxx
Haha, I knew you could not resist that one. I’ve now got my very own research assistant based in Albania :>)). You are amazing!
Wow, who would have thought that t’internet could be so useful. I’m in UK 17th Feb for a week, so we must get together for a post birthday beer or 6. suggest a place where we can meet and I’ll make every effort to get there. It doesn’t have to be anything special, but it should NOT be Aberdeen (too cold and desolate). Mmmm, maybe the Old Smoke would be suitable.
On the subject of royalty, you’re not a million miles out. There’s a bit of family history that explains why we are called GallaCher and not (the more common) GallaGher. To be honest, I’ve never delved into it as I am probably more of a commie than a royalist.
WG
WG – So glad to hear you will be in town mate.
Im afraid I am going to have to stick to London as I have a lot to do in a short space of time. I will be there from Friday 15th to Thursday 21st. You have my UK mobile number? Lets make a plan … Letsh git pished. For old times sake!
Chrisi-Veels geluk met jou verjaarsdag! Don’t ask me how to pronounce that please…Red good Wine seems like a great choice for tonight and I’m happy you finnally got hooked to that. But i still remember the squashed grapes speech you held repeatedly in the near past…hahaha
Enjoy your day-Melaz
Melaz – Oh my dear it’s all about the wine these days! I dont remember any squashed grape speech. I dont make speeches.
Thanks you very much!
OK, let’s see……
I fly to Aberdeen on 17th/18th.
Celtic play in Glasgow on Wed 20th.
You leave for USA on Thursday 21st.
We could watch football in a London pub on Tuesday night (and say happy birthday to Sophia in some nightclub if we stay up late enough).
I could pop up to Glasgow on the Wed afternoon for the fitba.
Back to Aberdeen on Thursday before returning to my lovely Egypt on the Saturday.
Mmmm, might be difficult, but I’ll see what I can do. Maybe I should come visit you in the states. Do they sell beer there?
Meantime, have a great time tonight and don’t worry about any hangovers (I never do).
WG
WG – Matey I think you are a genius. The Tueday sounds grand. Im sure we can find one or two places givin it large after midnight! Im just not sure how the Hoox is going to maintain. He is getting old now!
There is no beer in the States. They only have that 2.5% beer-look-alike pish
Yep, Dirty Tree sounds just about right!! Haha…I text messaged you a birthday wish this morning, but I didn’t know if you received it. Anyway, in case you didn’t, I wanted you to know that I was thinking about you and your many drinks you were engulfing on this special day. I hope it was a lovely one as always. Can’t wait to see you, well at least I hope to. Much love my dear and miss you bunches!! ~Your B
Oh, for the love of … I missed your birthday. Many happy returns. Like the dirty tree and a turd. Toilet humour, gets me every time.
Loving the dirty tree picture too.
Day late and … oh shit it’s two days late. Never was once for timeliness.
Hope you had a great day and wishing an even better 2008.
Ex
B – Hey my sweetness. No I didnt get a text message from you unfortunately but thank you so much for trying! Oh and you are not supposed to agree to me being a dirty tree. Im a clean dirty tree.
See you sooooon! xxx
Alex – Thank you very much. Appreciate it!
EA – Thank you so much. Long time no hear. I hope you are well and good!
wondering what happened that night…did u go early to bed?
KP – All I am prepared to say is there were more than just a couple of bottles of red wine shared that night and I have many photos to prove it! Ask the Doc!
Define early. Before sunrise? 
haha ask the doc?…why? was he pissed off because of the “click” of your camera…?
he talks too much!!!
haha you don’t need to ask him
Early…hmmm before midnight? or better next morning?
…
KP – Hee hee… Before midnight is even still too early for old farts like me! Next morning is much better!