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

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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. 

NATIONAL SPACE DAY

National Space Day dedicates the first Friday in May to the extraordinary achievements, benefits, and opportunities in the exploration and use of space. The goal of the observance is to promote math, science, technology, and engineering education in young people, The hope is to inspire them to pursue a career in science, especially a career in space-related jobs.

Careers in space involve a wide range of specialties. Going to space requires many working parts, and that’s not just the parts that go into space. All kinds of engineers build the equipment, computers and make the computations.

Accountants and public relations manage the books and the press. Meteorologists, chemists, physicists, and biologists analyze data and doctors monitor the health of the astronauts. As preparations are underway, photographers and writers record the events.

While we’ve only been exploring space for less than 60 years, we continue to learn so much. Imagine all the roles in space you can fill. While we’ve named a few here, how many more careers can you name? Do you know which one is yours?

NATIONAL SPACE DAY HISTORY

In 1997, Lockheed Martin Corporation created National Space Day as a one-day event. In 2001, due to its extreme popularity, former astronaut and senator John Glenn expanded Space Day to International Space Day.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSpaceDay

Teachers, students, space-related organizations, groups, and agencies hold celebrations, demonstrations, and educational programs each year. The day has grown rapidly in recent years and is celebrated worldwide as International Space Day. Join an event near you. Other ways to celebrate include:

  • Build a model rocket and launch it.
  • Watch your favorite launch. Is it the Hubble Space Telescope, Apollo 11, or SpaceX Falcon 9?
  • Look for the International Space Station as it orbits the Earth.

Get involved by sharing your knowledge and skills, too! Host an event and share your experiences. Share your favorite space pictures using #NationalSpaceDay

NATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION DAY

National Science Fiction Day promotes the celebration of science fiction as a genre, its creators, history, and various media, too. On January 2nd annually, millions of science fiction fans across the United States read and watch their favorites in science fiction. 

The date of the celebration commemorates the birth of famed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov.  An American author and Boston University professor of biochemistry, Isaac Asimov was born Isaak Yudovich Ozimov on January 2, 1920. He is best known for his works of science fiction and his popular science books. Isaac Asimov, whose works are followed by many, died on April 6, 1992.

National Science Fiction Day is recognized by the Hallmark Channel and the Scholastic Corporation. 

Considered a master of hard science fiction, Asimov, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke, was considered one of the “Big Three” science-fiction writers during his lifetime. Many regard the Foundation Series as Asimov’s most outstanding piece. His other major series are the Galactic Empire Series and the Robot Series.

Some of the successful television shows recognized by science fiction fans include Star Trek-The Next Generation, The X-Files, Battlestar GalacticaDoctor Who, and The Twilight Zone.

As we look back at some older science fiction in our current technology-infused world, how close do the writers come to imaging our futures? Long before Asimov created his first work, humans imagined machines that allowed them to soar like birds. Another man, Leonardo Di Vinci, looked to the future, too. He designed contraptions worthy of the science fiction in his time.

Science fiction impacts life in ways we may not even consider – even those who don’t enjoy reading or watching science fiction. 

NATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION DAY HISTORY

Since at least 2011, science fiction lovers have been honoring Isaac Asimov and other science fiction contributors. In 2013, asimovs.com published a guest editorial by Ed Finn. The writer talks about doomsday predictions while also looking toward the future – all moving toward the true meaning of National Science Fiction Day. Read the complete article, Celebrate National Science Fiction Day by Learning to Live in the Future.

HOW TO OBSERVE #ScienceFictionDay

The day encourages reading or watching science fiction. However, consider exploring science fiction in other ways. For example:

  • Introduce science fiction to an entirely new generation. Offer to read excerpts from your favorite science fiction author to a youth group at a library. 
  • Explore the authors of science fiction you’ve never read before.
  • Study the history of science fiction and how it has impacted modern culture.
  • Share your favorite science fiction story or character. 

Use #ScienceFictionDay to post on social media.