World Outlander Day

This World Outlander Day, fans from all over the world are showing their love for the series which brought Sam Heughan’s rugged Highlander Jamie Fraser onto our screens.

It marks the day in 1991 when Diana Gabaldon first published her novel Outlander, which became the hugely popular book series and Starz show which we all know and love.

June 1 has become the day to celebrate one of Scotland’s biggest and most beloved TV shows.

Celebrating the big day, the show posted on its Twitter account: “Lord, ye gave me a rare fanbase and God I loved them well. Happy #WorldOutlanderDay to the most incredible, creative, thoughtful, and passionate fans ever.”

So, in honour of Outlander’s anniversary, we thought we’d share a few interesting things you may not know about the show. See link below for credit….

1. “This man is grotesque!”

Author Diana Gabaldon’s first reaction to the casting of Sam Heughan as Jaime? “This man is grotesque!” But she quickly changed her mind when she saw his audition tape. “He was gone: it was just Jamie Fraser. He had nailed this particular scene just perfectly. He had the exact right combination of menace, sex, everything,” she said.

Photo: StarzBuy photo

Author Diana Gabaldon's first reaction to the casting of Sam Heughan as Jaime? "This man is grotesque!" But she quickly changed her mind when she saw his audition tape. "He was gone: it was just Jamie Fraser. He had nailed this particular scene just perfectly. He had the exact right combination of menace, sex, everything," she said.

2. A sex scene had to be reshot due to Scottish weather

Mild spoiler: An outdoor sex scene between Claire and Jamie had to be reshot as it didn’t have enough nudity. They were filming beside a river in Scotland in November, so the actors were freezing and fully clothed. But producers decided to reshoot as it wasn’t deemed sexy enough, according to Catriona Balfe (Claire). The scene, which is in season four, was eventually refilmed when Scottish temperatures were a little warmer, and both actors got their kit off.

Photo: StarzBuy photo

Mild spoiler: An outdoor sex scene between Claire and Jamie had to be reshot as it didn't have enough nudity. They were filming beside a river in Scotland in November, so the actors were freezing and fully clothed. But producers decided to reshoot as it wasn't deemed sexy enough, according to Catriona Balfe (Claire). The scene, which is in season four, was eventually refilmed when Scottish temperatures were a little warmer, and both actors got their kit off.

3. It may have been delayed due to Indyref

It is rumoured the release of the very first Outlander series may have been delayed due to the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014. Although author Diana Gabaldon has denied this, emails leaked by Wikileaks show then UK Prime Minister Cameron met with Sony representatives weeks before to discuss the show’s release date. Lead actor Sam Heughan has been vocal in his support for Scottish Independence.

Photo: StarzBuy photo

It is rumoured the release of the very first Outlander series may have been delayed due to the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014. Although author Diana Gabaldon has denied this, emails leaked by Wikileaks show then UK Prime Minister Cameron met with Sony representatives weeks before to discuss the show's release date. Lead actor Sam Heughan has been vocal in his support for Scottish Independence.

4. Castle Leoch was also in Game of Thrones

Doune Castle, which is where the Castle Leoch scenes were filmed, is no stranger to television and film. The Medieval stronghold in Stirling starred in Monty Python and the Holy Grail – “Your mother smells of elderberries!” – and also as Winterfell in Game of Thrones.

Photo: Robert PerryBuy photo

Doune Castle, which is where the Castle Leoch scenes were filmed, is no stranger to television and film. The Medieval stronghold in Stirling starred in Monty Python and the Holy Grail - "Your mother smells of elderberries!" - and also as Winterfell in Game of Thrones.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/world-outlander-day-10-things-you-might-not-know-about-hugely-popular-show-starring-sam-heughan-3257447%3famp

More to Explore

How to Observe

Share #WorldOutlanderDay on social media. Read the book series for the first or in some cases fourth time. Binge watch the series again. Blood of my Blood comes out this August.  We expect season 8 this year too.  While we are all sad to see the series end both the books and show will live on through the loyal fan base. 

Motivation In March is here!

As I look out the window, the world is shaking off the last of winter’s chill. We know that the first signs of spring aren’t always pretty—they’re often muddy—but they are always a promise. That promise is what this March issue is all about. It’s a tapestry woven with the golden threads of transition, remembrance, and celebration…

NATIONAL CUT THE CORD DAY

Break free from expensive cable bills on February 9th by celebrating National Cut the Cord Day! The streaming movement has rapidly grown over the past five years, and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping. As the digital world supplies more choices, it also provides the flexibility, selection, and reliability we’ve been looking for.

We prefer our Prime Account.  We already get so many Prime perks.  Let’s face it you’re probably already getting goods from Amazon. So our Prime Video just goes hand in hand with it. Great movies and shows, Amazon originals, and of course sports.

NATIONAL CUT THE CORD DAY HISTORY

Sling TV founded National Cut the Cord Day, to commemorate the day the service launched in 2015. On the fifth anniversary, Sling TV encourages people across the nation to make the leap from cable to live TV streaming by participating in National Cut the Cord Day.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCutTheCordDay

Cutting the cord has never been easier. With apps and online tools, learn more about the benefits and opportunities of cutting the cord. Weigh the pros, cons and potential savings. When you’re ready to lean into the freedom of streaming on-demand content plus live TV, cut the cord!

Once you’ve decided cutting the cord is right for you, make sure to have the following items before getting started:

  • High-speed internet access
  • Supported device
  • Valid credit/debit card
  • Valid email address
  • An idea of content needs – those must-have channels or shows for you and your family

With so many ways to stream live and on-demand content, it may be overwhelming to know where to start. Setting up a streaming subscription like Sling TV is easier than ever by taking three easy steps: make an account, customize a channel lineup and start streaming!

Experienced cord-cutters, share your favorite ways to watch, your experiences cutting the cord and more. Check out my recommendations for a good show!

Use #NationalCutTheCordDay to join the celebration.

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Found my next favorite! Can’t wait.

Fascination with February

February is the year’s quiet paradox—a shortest month that somehow contains multitudes. Sandwiched between the forward momentum of January and the budding promise of March, it carves its own unique space: a 28-day (or sometimes 29-day) interlude of introspection, romance, and unpredictable charm. It’s a month that feels both fleeting and deeply significant, a hushed corridor where winter’s grip is tested by the first, fragile whispers of spring. We are fascinated by February precisely because it defies simple definition, packing a profound punch into its compact frame.

The heartbeat of February is measured in its special days, which range from the deeply sentimental to the whimsically specific. It opens with the lighthearted introspection of Groundhog Day, a folkloric checkpoint in our seasonal journey. The mood then shifts dramatically toward the warmth of Valentine’s Day on the 14th, a global celebration of love in all its forms. Be sure to check out our Valentine’s Gifts, Playlist and Movie recommendations.   We also include some Date night ideas you can use for your Valentine’s night.  But the month also holds space for more solemn reflection during Black History Month, a dedicated time to honor the struggles, triumphs, and central contributions of Black communities. These observances, side-by-side, create a rich emotional tapestry unique to these four weeks.

On the sports front, February delivers a thrilling one-two punch. In the United States, the month is dominated by the spectacle of the Super Bowl, an event that transcends football to become a cultural holiday of its own, complete with iconic commercials and halftime shows. Shortly after, the world turns its eyes to the grace and grit of the Winter Olympics (when they fall in this month), where athletes conquer ice and snow in a stunning display of human perseverance. The energy of these events provides a vibrant, communal contrast to the month’s often chilly and solitary weather.

And that weather is a character all its own. In the Northern Hemisphere, February is the stubborn, often brutal, climax of winter—a time of “February Freeze” where snow piles high and skies stay steel-gray. Yet, within this, are precious “February Thaws,” teasing glimpses of what’s to come. The light noticeably changes, with days growing longer, offering a silent promise that the deep freeze won’t last forever. This push-and-pull between winter’s last stand and spring’s early stirrings makes every February day a small, quiet drama.

Celebrate All Month Long

National Fasting February
National Self Check Month              February’s Birthstone Amethyst
National Enrolled Agents Month
Free and Open Source Software Month
American Heart Month
An Affair to Remember Month
Black History Month
National Canned Food Month
Creative Romance Month
Great American Pies Month
National Bake for Family Fun Month
National Bird Feeding Month
National Cherry Month
National Children’s Dental Health Month  Spay & Neuter Awareness Month
National Grapefruit Month
National Heart Month
National Hot Breakfast Month
National Library Lover’s Month
National Snack Food Month
National Weddings Month
National Embroidery Month
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Astrological Signs & Notable Figures

February is divided between two astrological signs. Those born from February 1st to 18th are Aquarius, the visionary Water Bearer, known for being progressive, intellectual, and humanitarian. Those born from February 19th to the 29th are Pisces, the empathetic Fish, characterized by their creativity, intuition, and compassionate nature. This month boasts an array of famous birthdays, including inventors and presidents like Thomas Edison (Feb 11) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb 12), civil rights icons like Rosa Parks (Feb 4), and renowned artists like Bob Marley (Feb 6) and Nina Simone (Feb 21). It also includes modern figures like actor Jennifer Aniston (Feb 11) and activist Greta Thunberg (Feb 3).

Finally, February claims its own with distinctive birthday symbols. Its flowers are the violet, signifying loyalty and faithfulness, and the primrose, a hopeful symbol of young love. Its birthstone is the striking amethyst, a gem associated with peace, courage, and clarity of mind. These symbols perfectly capture the essence of the month and those born within it: a blend of deep resilience (the enduring violet), heartfelt connection (the delicate primrose), and serene strength (the luminous amethyst). In the end, February fascinates because it is a microcosm of life itself—brief, beautiful, bittersweet, and brimming with unexpected contrasts waiting to be embraced.