October 24th: The Day Sheffield F.C. Became the World's First Football Club

As a student of the University of Sheffield, I felt obliged to write about Sheffield F.C. for this day. The Club was founded 155 years ago on October 24th 1857 making them the world's oldest club playing Association football. Back in 1857, however, they had a different set of rules known as the 'Sheffield Rules', which hold a strong resemblance to Australian rules football i.e. there was no offside rule.


   Sheffield football started off when members of the Sheffield cricket club held informal kick-abouts in 1855, where there weren't really any rules enforced at all. Two years later, the Football Club was established at Parkfield House in Highfield, formed by Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest. At first the games consisted of "Married vs. Singles" or "Professionals Vs the Rest", but later a proper team took shape. Before the FA began, there were several types of football rules around England, thus the creation of 'Sheffield Rules'.

October 23rd: The Day the iPod was Announced

iPod generations

The iPod is now a normal part of our 21st Century lives in the Western world. But imagine a time, with no iPod...*gasp!* October 23rd 2001 was the day that Steve Jobs announced the coming of a technological device that allows you to carry "1,000 songs in your pocket". 

   Over the past 12 years, a multitude of generations of iPod have been developed and updated, maintaining our hunger for the newest, shiniest, snazziest iPod. Variations include: the Classic, the Shuffle, the Touch, the Nano and the Mini. The iPod, among other digital music players, has effectively killed the physical CD production industry and replaced it with virtual music collections like iTunes. Could this device that has transformed our daily lives for the better, also mean the end of an era in music production? 
If you are interested in this topic, check out my October 2nd blog post here, which discusses the battle between the CD and digital.

October 22nd: The Day the First All-Female band got Number 1

Until October 22nd 1966, not a single all-woman music ensemble had achieved a number one selling album. Suddenly, The Supremes emerged into the spotlight! The girls were the first act signed to Motown Records, and performed behind the names of 'The Primettes', 'The Supremes' and 'Diana & The Supremes'. Their music career was the most commercially successful of the Motown Records acts, as not only were they women, but they were also black, and embraced this new feminine image that had not been done before in music. 

   The Supremes album The Supremes A' Go-Go became number one on this day in 1966, and signified the rise of female music recognised in the charts. Although a highly inspirational band with an endless string of classic hits, the band had issues behind closed doors. Diana Ross appeared to be the shining star of the group (and striving towards a solo career), and there were quite a few switch-arounds in the group dynamic. The 2006 movie Dreamgirls maps the career of The Supremes, with Beyonce playing a character resembling Diana Ross, and Jennifer Hudson's persona closely associated with Supreme's member Florence Ballard.

   Despite the problems in the band, the achievement of October 22nd 1966 remains significant, as it paved the way for future female groups and girl bands to gain recognition for their musical talents.

October 21st: The Day the U.K. Celebrate Apples

Apple Day first began on October 21st 1990 in Covent Garden, London. It is not, as the technological generation might assume, a day dedicated to the super-computer-company that has dominated the 21st century. Alternatively, it is just about apples and orchards.
   
The idea behind the day is to celebrate the apple as an icon that represents the physical, cultural and genetic diversity that communities treasure. It was initially founded by the organisation Common Ground who described the day as an appreciation of the variety and richness of the apple. When you think about it, apples do have a lot of uses. From helping Isaac Newton to understand gravity to providing many quill and ink users with a pen pot; making cider; apple martinis; apple juice; apple pie...the list goes on. Villages and communities organise various apple-related events on October 21st to celebrate this (golden) delicious fruit.

Octobizzle 20th: Tha Dayzzle Snoop Dogg Was Fo' Shizzle Born-izzle

Translation: October 20th: The day Snoop Dogg was, for sure, born.

Indeed, the American rapper, singer-songwriter, producer and actor Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Doggy Dogg aka (more recently) Snoop Lion was born October 20th 1971. Of course, his parents did not name their baby boy Snoop Dogg. Originally, he was known as Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. I agree with Snoop that Calvin probably wouldn't have matched the pimp/gansta image too well.

Snoop Lion

   Discovered initially by rapping giant Dr. Dre (another deceiving name - unfortunately Dre is not a real doctor, just as Snoop isn't a dog...), Snoop has catapulted his way headfirst into the music industry and become one of the most established rappers of his time. He is well known for his smooth, laid-back approach to rapping, delivering his vocals in a calm, melodic way. Snoop also made it cool to do '-izzle speak' again, which pretty much involves morphing the endings of normal words with '-izzle'. A personal favourite of mine is 'pizzle', which apparently is the '-izzle speak' for 'penis'. Well, durr...(!)

   Most recently, Snoop Dogg has ditched his doggy ways for the majestic title of Snoop Lion. The documentary 'Reincarnated' records his journey to Jamaica to make a new album and rediscover the essence of Snoop. He is embraced by the Jamaican people and, according to his website, "is positively impacted by Rastafarian culture, and becomes reincarnated as Snoop Lion."  Cool. Happizzle Birthdizzle Snoop Lion!

October 19th: The Day Mother Teresa was 3/4 a Saint

October 19th 2003 marked the day Mother Teresa of Calcutta was beatified by Pope John Paul II. This achievement meant she had passed the third stage (of four) of canonization in the Catholic Church. By becoming beatified, Mother Teresa is now acknowledged as 'Blessed', and if she is awarded the final step of canonization, she will become a saint, hence be among the canon of recognized saints.

Saint Teresa?

   Although Mother Teresa died September 5th 1997, her miracles and missionary work for the poor, sick, orphaned and dying continues to be praised. She declared:"By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world.  As to my heart, I belong entirely to the heart of Jesus." Mother Teresa was the founder of the Missionaries of Charity - an organization that today runs in 133 countries by 4,500 sisters - and was the leading role model in her dedication and determination in helping the poorest of the poor. Her efforts were accredited in the 'Gallup's List of Most Widely Admired People of the 20th Century', in which Mother Teresa was voted first; and also she was the recipient of the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize.

   Her beatification in 2003 arose after the Vatican recognised the miraculous healing of a tumour in the abdomen of Monica Besra and connected her recovery with her locket containing Mother Teresa's picture. The woman claimed a celestial light beamed from the locket and cured the cancerous tumour.

   However, there have been several contradictions to this "miracle". Besra's husband and several of her medical staff all argue it was conventional medical treatment that healed the tumour. Dr Ranjan Mustafi, Besra's doctor, told The New York Times that the cyst was not cancerous in the first place: "It was not a miracle. [...] She took medicines for nine months to one year." Whether or not this was a miracle by Mother Teresa in spiritual form, or just medicine doing its job, the beatification took place the following year. This means that there needs to be a second miracle discovered in order for Mother Teresa to be considered a saint. Even if this does not occur, the remarkable and charitable nature of this woman is a model that people should celebrate and aspire to in itself.

October 18th: The Day the U.S.A. Suspended Two Black Olympians

In the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, Team U.S.A. told two of their 200 metre sprinters to leave the Olympic Village. African American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos were suspended for supposedly using the victory ceremony of their event to promote Black Power. After being awarded the gold (Smith) and bronze (Carlos) medals for the race, the athletes raised a black-gloved fist in the air during the national anthem, an act that the president of the United States Olympic Committee strongly disapproved of. 
   Later, Tommie Smith conveyed in his autobiography Silent Gesture that the gesture was not a Black Power salute, but rather a Human Rights salute. However, on the podium the two men wore various black clothing to symbolise black poverty and pride - they even received their medals shoeless to expose their black socks. As they left the podium they were booed by the crowd, on which Smith commented: 

'If I win, I am American, not a black American. But if I did something bad, then they would say I am a Negro. We are black and we are proud of being black. Black America will understand what we did tonight.' 

   Taking into account the time period of this circumstance was in the 1960s, the sheer controversy of these political elements surrounding the event is not surprising. Today society generally has a more liberal mind, and of course I cannot speak for all, but what was formerly shocking and worthy of being exiled from the Olympic Village, now just seems like a demonstration of pride and achievement (a feeling that is encouraged and supported today, no?). Do you agree? 

October 17th: The Day Al Capone was Imprisoned

October 17th 1931 was the day that Al Capone was convicted for evasion of income tax and a plethora of violations of the Volstead Act i.e. the prohibition of alcohol. The infamous gangster of the 1920s, Alphonse Gabriel Capone, had multiple counts against him, however the jury only agreed to 5 guilty counts at the Chicago Federal Building.
   Capone attempted to bribe and intimidate the predicted jury for the trial, however he was discovered by The Untouchables, and the jury panel was substituted for another. The trial of October 17th 1931 was extensive, but eventually the judge sentenced Capone to 11 years in prison and heavy fines for his misconduct.
   The Atlanta U.S. Penitentiary, Lincoln Heights Jail and Alcatraz prisons all opened their doors for Capone, and the guards took special precautions to restrict his power and connections. He was paroled on November 16th 1939, and after his imprisonment, Capone's involvement with organized crime somewhat diminished, along with his health. In January 1947, he died from cardiac arrest following a stroke just days before.

October 16th: The Day Handguns were Banned in the U.K.

October 16th 1996 was the day that the British government announced their plans to ban handguns. The abolition was following a brutal massacre in Dunblane, Scotland: former scoutmaster Thomas Hamilton killed 16 school children and their teacher, injured 13 other children and 3 teachers, and then shot himself.
   The Conservative MP David Mellor declared on the subject: 'Isn't it time to conclude, literally and metaphorically, that they game is up for handguns now?' Many protests were issued against the Tories' proposals, arguing for the right to privately own a gun, however the ban came into effect in February 1997 in the hope of reducing gun-related crime.
   Obviously the law has not stopped the gun crime altogether, as anyone with a motive of any sort would determinedly find a gun. What do you think about the usage of handguns in Britain? Is the law too harsh, or is it successfully protecting us from further massacres? 

October 15th: Global Hand-washing Day

Since 2008, Global Hand-washing Day has been trying to promote hygiene and to motivate the world's population the wash their hands with soap. The idea was founded at the August 2008 World Water Week held in Stockholm, and urged the importance of disease prevention through hand-washing. Throughout the programme they have managed to gain the support of schools in over 70 countries.
   Did you know: 

• that the germs on your hands after you've been to the toilet could lead to cholera, typhoid, shigellosis, influenza, pneumonia and many more?
• nearly 80% of germs that cause sickness are spread by our hands?
• you'll find more germs on your computer keyboard, chopping board or telephone than you would on your toilet seat?

October 14th: The Day Winnie-the-Pooh is First Published

On October 14th 1926, A. A. Milne's children's classic Winnie-the-Pooh was published for the first time. This is the collection of stories about the bear who lives 'deep in the hundred acre wood', with his human friend Christopher Robin, the donkey Eeyore, the tiger Tigger and the pig Piglet, along with many other wildlife creatures. Milne coined words such as 'Hunny' (Winnie's favourite sweet treat), and 'Poohsticks' (a game that Christopher Robin plays where you throw sticks in the stream). 

E. H. Shepard Winnie-the-Pooh

Disney Winnie-the-Pooh

   Much of the Winnie-the-Pooh stories have been adapted and redesigned by Disney, who have created various productions including The Tigger Movie, Piglet's Big Movie, Pooh's Heffalump Movie, and Winnie the Pooh. The classic illustrations by E. H. Shepard show Pooh in his original form, i.e. less fat and without the red shirt. 

Which do you prefer? Disney's Pooh or Shepard's Pooh?

October 13th: The Day Margaret Thatcher was Born

1925 was the year that the Former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, was born. The 'Iron Lady' was known for her strong and stubborn leadership style and policies, and was in office as Prime Minister from 4th May 1979 to 28th November 1990. 

  Her controversial actions and policies aside, Thatcher was the first woman Prime Minister for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and thus far, no woman has achieved this status yet. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George H. W. Bush in 1991. Various media representations of Thatcher have depicted a mixed response towards her personality, for example, Spitting Image showed her as a masculinised bully; Meryl Streep played her in The Iron Lady as a suffered of Alzheimer's disease; and the effects of her policies regarding the miners in the 1970s are portrayed in Billy Elliot. Today, Margaret Thatcher turns 87 years old!

October 12th: The Day America's First Madhouse Opens

Virginia opened the USA's first insane asylum on October 12th 1773. Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg was the first recorded location of the 'madhouse', although there may have been unofficial establishments. 

Eastern State Hospital, Virginia

   As with the majority of asylums before recent times, the mentally ill people were poorly treated and suffered shocking abuse from the people in power. It is also interesting to learn that Virginia founded the first 'Coloured Asylum' in 1870. The racial separation even in asylums signifies just how much cruel prejudice was present during this time.

   Although America's first asylum was in 1773, the concept of a building to contain mentally unstable people was founded long ago in 872 in Cairo. This was slightly different however, as accounts written by European travellers have shown there was a notable kindness and care for the mentally ill patients by the doctors. However, as more and more asylums opened around the world, the stigma towards 'madness' and mental illness grew increasingly discriminative.

October 11th: The Day of the Girl Child

October 11th 2012 has been declared as the International Day of the Girl Child by the United Nations. The day has been dedicated to considering the opportunities and rights of girls, and the inequality they face as a result of their gender. The Day of the Girl was triggered by the campaign 'Because I Am a Girl', which addresses problems of child marriage, the education of girls, and gender-based violence in and around school. 

Learn more about Day of the Girl here

   By focusing on the position of the girl child on a global scale, the United Nations hope to help overcome child poverty, discrimination, sex-trafficking, child prostitution and the distinct lack of healthcare and educational facilities for girls around the world. 
   The idea was proposed by Canada's Minister for the Status of Women, Rona Ambrose, who acknowledged that: '...the empowerment of and investment in girls...are key in breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence and in promoting and protecting the full and effective enjoyment of their human rights...' The United Nations' intentions, if successful, should raise awareness of these growing issues targeting girls, and improve the quality of female life in countries that regard them as second-class citizens, or lower. 

October 10th: The Day Jack Daniel Died

Jack Daniel, founder of the Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey distillery, died on October 10th 1911. Born Jasper Newton Daniel, Jack founded the company in 1866, and its success has reached right through to present day. Daniel did not marry or have children, so when he became critically ill with blood poisoning, he handed the business over to his favourite nephew Lem Motlow in 1907. 
   Jack Daniel died in 1911 from his poisoning, which seemed to have been primarily in his toe. Early one morning as he tried to get into the safe at work (which he often forgot the code for), Daniel kicked the door with frustration, causing the infection to form in his foot. This story was used in an advertising campaign on the London Underground in 2006, with the moral punch-line of 'Never go into work early'. The distillery - now a museum - often tells the guests that Jack Daniel used to treat his infected toe by dipping it in the Jack Daniel's whiskey!

October 9th: The Day of the Phantom of the Opera

October 9th 1986 saw the opening performance of the Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre, London. The story was based on the 1910 novel by Gaston Leroux Le Fantome de l'Opera, a purely gothic-themed plotline, which Lloyd-Webber has considerably 'musical-ed it up' with romantic and even some comedic elements. The Phantom of the Opera was a raging success, and remains to this day the longest running musical in Broadway history.
   The notable leading roles (the Phantoms and the Christine Daaes) were played by Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, and since then the 2004 film adaptation saw Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum starring. Lloyd-Webber and his lyricist Charles Hart collectively produced some of the most musically stunning songs of the West End shows, including The Phantom of the Opera, All I Ask of You and Music of the Night. With a recently released sequel, Love Never Dies, and a revised production of the show about to hit the stage, The Phantom lives on. Have you seen the show? Does it live up to its time-honoured reputation?

October 8th: The Day California Elected the Governator

On October 8th 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected governor  for the state of California. The Austrian-American film star has previously appeared in The Terminator, Collateral Damage and Predator; involved himself in bodybuilding from a young age; and most recently put his hand to politics. 

  During the elections, Schwarzenegger was up against the existing governor, Gray Davis, who still had 3 years of his term to complete. The end results, however, stole the title from Davis with a straight victory of 48.7%, a whole 16% above his nearest rival. His victory speech revealed that he wanted "to be a governor of the people", and his initial act as Governor Schwarzenegger was to abolish the highly unpopular car tax rise that was made by Davis. Other acts caused controversy though, for example, February 2004 when he intended to rule against San Francisco's allowance of gay marriages. Schwarzenegger stated on the matter that they would cause "an imminent risk to civil order". Schwarzenegger ended his term as Governor of CA in 2011. What do you think about his political life? 

October 7th: The Day Identical Twins Invaded Sweden

On this day in 1977, a research experiment involving the relationship between identical twins' human behaviour and the environment was launched. Ninety sets of identical twins journeyed to Felixstowe in Sweden for 'a brief shopping trip', although many of the siblings just considered it as a fun excursion, rather than part of a scientific investigation.

Do you know the "who's who?" of identical twins?

   Part of the study involved the twins dressing in the same clothes, just to confuse matters further. The ninety sets of twins ranged in ages from 11 to 80 years old, and had congregated in Felixstowe from all other parts of Sweden. The study was conducted by the Swedish Twin Register, who monitor them closely; and today over 70,000 twin pairs have been recorded between the years 1886 and 1990, which instigated a large volume of further investigations and interest. What do you think? Are twins completely influenced by environmental or external factors; or is it a genetic, innate factor that affects their behaviour?

October 6th: The Day the First Human-Powered Circumnavigation of the Globe is Completed

Yorkshireman Jason Lewis became the first human self-powered circumnavigator of the entire globe on October 6th 2007. Circumnagivation is the travelling of the whole of the Earth's circumference; and whereas the majority of circumnavigators travel by motorized vehicles, Lewis was the first man to complete this extraordinary achievement with solely human power. 

The final few strides to Greenwich
with his wooden pedal boat in 2007

   Lewis and his fellow adventurer Stevie Smith began their epic tour of Planet Earth in Greenwich London in July 1994. Over the thirteen years of 'Expedition 360', the two men travelled via the modes of a wooden pedal boat, roller blades, kayak, hiking and biking. Although Lewis and Smith originally planned to complete their journey in 3.5 years, their E.T.A. was unfortunately extended an extra 9.5 years due to various complications that slowed them down (among these were a bout of depression; a crocodile attack; issues with Egyptian authorities leading to him being arrested under suspicion of spying; and two broken legs after being hit by a driver in Colorado). These problems should not, however, detract from the amazing achievement of Smith and Lewis. Together they travelled over 60,000km by July 2007, and by October 6th 2007 the total distance was a mind-blowing 74,842km. Makes you feel lazy, doesn't it.

October 5th: The Day 007 Makes His First Appearance

October 5th 1962 was the release date of the first ever James Bond film Dr. No. Fifty years to the day Sean Connery played the shaken not stirred English secret agent, the main character of the Ian Fleming 1958 spy novel of the same name.

   Director Terence Young worked alongside producers Harry Saltzman and Albert R. Broccoli to make the film on a low budget, and their success marked the beginning of this ultimately British, sexy, scintillating and stimulating series of Bond films. Obviously the stunts and special effects were limited due to 1960s technology, however the film was nothing else seen before. This is the film that features the beautiful white bikini-wearing Honey Ryder, who emerges out of the waves collecting shells, instantly winning the hearts of Bond and the male audience members. Dr. No set the standard for future Bond films with the correct dose of girls, gadgets, villains, car chases, explosions, etc. 
  Have you seen the new Skyfall movie? Do you think it will live up to the old classic adventures of agent 007?

October 4th: Cinnamon Roll Day

Cinnamon crazy

On October 4th, the country of Sweden dedicate their day to promoting kanelbulle (cinnamon buns). It is thought that cinnamon rolls actually originated from the Swedes, which explains their interest in this tasty treat. 
    Nationally known as kanelbullens dag, October 4th has helped to raise the profile of the cinnamon-based pastry, providing an hugely beneficial platform to companies such as Cinnabon. This relatively new establishment specialises in buns of the cinnamon variety (or 'Cinnabons') and has reached an international status. So there you have it, October 4th is Cinnamon Roll day. Cinnamon is the future, according to the folks at Cinnabon.

October 3rd: The Day The Mickey Mouse Club Debuts on TV

The Mickey Mouse Club aired for the first time ever on the ABC television channel on October 3rd 1955. The show was the second attempt by Walt Disney to create a television series to raise the profile of the Disneyland theme park, in the form of a variety show for children featuring talent displays, cartoons, games and newsreels. 

How the popstars Britney, Justin and Christina got so famous

    Luckily for him, it worked. Well, at least for four years. In 1959, ABC cancelled the show despite its high popularity. In order to pay for the show to be aired an excessive amount of adverts had to be played, which will have no doubt frustrated viewers. Also, there were issues involving the sponsorship's disinterest in a children's educational programme, and furthermore the Disney studios did not achieve their predicted high-profit margins in merchandise sales. 
   However, after a multitude of successful world tours, the Mickey Mouse Club was revived in the 1970s, drawing in a fresh new generation of Disney enthusiasts. Once the revival was secured, the show swung from strength to strength, storming right up into the 1990s. The most noteworthy of cast members of the 1993-1995 Seasons 6-7 (i.e. present celebrities) were Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake and Ryan Gosling, with Jessica Simpson just missing out at the Season 6 auditions because she was immensely intimidated by Aguilera's amazing voice. Makes sense though, even today Jessica Simpson isn't really anywhere near the talent of Christina (sorry Jess). Did you watch the Mickey Mouse Club?

October 2nd: The 30th Birthday of the CD

30 years too old for the CD?

30 isn't everyone's favourite birthday, but this may be especially the case for the Compact Disk. The Sony CDP-101 was released on October 1st 1982 in Japan, which subsequently launched the CD. In its heyday, the CD was a futuristic, shiny, exciting new storage device. They were portable, easy to use, and often included little booklets of album art and lyrics (yay!). However 30 years on, this enthusiasm for the CD has somewhat dwindled. Everything is now available in digital downloads now thanks to revolutionary programmes such as iTunes and Spotify. Is it time for us to let go? Or should we help the CD cling on for a few more years of life - it's only 30 after all!
   With every technological advancement that comes by, it seems to be getting more and more clear that digital is the future. Although there is still a market for CDs, this is rapidly shrinking as it is mainly comprised of music veterans and people who are intimidated by new technology. Even when gift buying now, when you would once buy someone a CD for Christmas, you can now buy an iTunes gift card - although they're not half as fun to unwrap on Christmas morning! For hardcore music lovers, it is tempting to 'stay loyal' as it were, and buy the physical CD album from the high-street, because that's what a 'true fan' would do. But for the rest of us, i.e. the majority, our fast-paced hectic lifestyles have no time for shopping anymore, and value convenience, ease and speed wherever possible. Why get dressed and go to HMV to buy a CD when you can stay in bed and download it to your laptop? This is the tough competition that the CD is facing.
   Tumble weed has practically blocked the entrances of music shops all over the world, and it's looking like we're just going to have to come to terms with the CD's demise. I hope that CD does not die out completely, nothing can beat the aesthetically pleasing CD collection on your wall and the fold-out posters inside the cover! What do you think? Do CDs seriously need to up their game at 30 years old, or is it useless? Are you  team CD or team digital?

Interested in the fate of the CD? Click here to read my article where I discuss the uncertain future of the Compact Disc in the music industry, courtesy of We Are Unseen webzine.

October 1st: The Day Julie Andrews was Born

This year the all-singing and all-dancing English actress Dame Julie Andrews turned 77 years old. Born in 1935, Andrews' career stretches from Broadway and stage acting to feature films to directing to book writing. She is a national treasure, and a comforting role model to have throughout your childhood. Her most notable roles on the screen were as lovable nanny Mary Poppins, the endearing music enthusiast Maria von Trap, and more recently the heart-warming grandmother in The Princess Diaries series. See a pattern? Dame Julie Andrews, to me, is the ultimate maternal figure in theatre and film, teaching us to sing our do, re, mi's and tidy our bedrooms up. 

Dame Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins (1964)

   And her voice! It is thought that her voice had a five-octave range at the peak of her singing career, hence why her main successes were in the West End or in film-musicals. Andrews was in demand, too. On seeing a performance of Camelot that she starred in, Walt Disney selected her as the perfect actress to play Mary Poppins (of course - Mary Poppins was supposed to be 'practically perfect in every way!'). Due to pregnancy however, Andrews turned the part down, but Disney said 'We'll wait for you.' 

   Sadly, Dame Julie lost her spectacular voice in 1997 when she had to undergo surgery after experiencing muscular strain on her vocal chords. Although her singing voice is not what it used to be, Andrews has proved herself in other fields, striking success in movies like The Princess Diaries, Despicable Me and Shrek. Among her plethora of awards, she has Golden Globes, Emmys, Grammys, BAFTAs, Academy Awards...the list goes on. In 2000, she was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to the performing arts. Do you like Julie Andrews? Do you think she has succeeded in pursuing her career despite the loss of  her iconic voice?