Events

Remembering Evil: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

On November 1, 2005, the United Nations Genera Assembly declared through an official resolution that January 27 is to become the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On this day, every member country of the United Nations is required to commemorate the effect of the evil that befell more than a million Jews. This day is to stand witness for all time, about the culpability that humans are capable of inflicting on their fellow humans.

 

Thomas Crapper Day commemorates the death of Thomas Crapper Jan 27 1910. Though Crapper did not invent the flush toilet (it had existed for the previous century) he perfected the flush mechanism. He was the founder of Thomas Crapper & Co. a manufacturer of many different sanitary appliances.

On the last Monday in January, Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day returns by "pop"ular demand!  Think of all the joy that bubble wrap has brought us. Don't bogart the bubble wrap on this special day.  Share the snapping and popping to make the world a better place!

The American Blues Singer and Guitarist Jonny Lang

Jonny Lang was born Jon Gordon Langseth, Jr. on January 29, 1981 in Fargo, North Dakota. Little did his parents know that their child would one day become one of United States of America’s leading blues singers who can charm the hearts of many followers that love emotional soulful music like nothing else in the world.

Funny Andy Milonakis?

 Start spreading the video…  This was how Andy Milonakis, a celebrated boy-looking, soon to be 31-year old comedian started in the world of show business.  Now, this famous comedian stars in his very own television show, The Andy Milonakis Show.  He had no connections in the industry; he had not done anything spectacular to merit the attention he is now generating.  What he had was a video camera, a computer and an internet connection.  That’s it folks, the story of Andy Milonakis climb to comic stardom.

Dick Cheney, 46th Vice President of the United States was born Jan. 30th 1941 in Lincoln Nebraska and grew up in Casper, Wyoming. His public service career began with the Nixon Administration.  He has distinguished himself by serving under four presidents.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is highly infectious and caused by an organism identified as Mycobacterium leprae in the year 1873 by Dr. Gerhard Amauer Hansen. It causes skin problems characterized by skin macules which are anesthetic, causing loss of feeling over the affected areas and some degree of paralysis of both the upper and lower extremities.

Leprosy throughout History:

Leprosy is a disease that can be traced back to the time when the Messiah was still living amongst mortals here on earth. Remember the gospel where there was an old man infected with this disease who was stoned by some people because of his affliction? The people were hard and cruel to him because of his physical appearance. His skin was filled with open wounds and the texture was described as reptilian-looking.

Singing with Justin Timberlake

This former front man of N’Sync has come a long way from being the boyband singer that his fans used to know. There proved to be a better life after his N’Sync days, and in 2002 he released his first solo album (Justified) shortly followed by his second in 2006 with FutureSex/LoveSounds. His life is one fascinating story of successes.

Jackie Roosevelt Robinson was born Jan. 31 1919 at Cairo Georgia. As a Brooklyn Dodger he was the first black to enter major league baseball.

National League MVP 1949

Inducted into Hall of Fame 1962

Wherever you find your artistic inspirations, Jan 31st is a commemorative day to seek it out.  Inspire Your Heart with Art Day is a reminder to go out and visit a favorite painting or sculpture, browse a book of art with a friend, or hang orange shower curtains all over your town...oh wait a minute...that's somebody else.

Chew bubble gum at school? Oh the unimaginably happy delirium! On February 1, kids who donate 50 cents (or more) get to chew bubble gum at participating schools that day. The collected money is given to a charity of the schools choice.

In the Roman Catholic Church, Feb 2 is Candlemas, commemorating the purification of Mary and the presentation of Jesus in the temple 40 days after his birth. The feast is also called the Presentation of the Lord. Candlemas marks the end of the Christmas liturgical season.

On February 2 Punxsutawney Phil is sought out for his weather prognosticating skills. Members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club's inner circle in Punxsutawney Pa run the show every year. Wearing top hats at Gobbler's Knob the group brings Phil out from his stump and reads the official proclamation. Will there be an early spring or more winter? The legend goes, if Phil sees his shadow there will be 6 more weeks of winter.

Groundhog Day: An Exciting Prelude to Spring

February 2 marks the celebration of Groundhog Day, a tradition based on weather lore and origins as early as the fifth century. It is believed that when the groundhog (woodchuck) comes out of his home and sees his shadow then winter will be extended for a few more weeks. However, if the groundhog does not see his shadow then spring is believed to be just around the corner.

Imbolc: The First Day of Spring in the Irish Calendar

Imbolc is an Irish tradition celebrated during the first day of spring. This is usually held at the beginning of February but it is celebrated in August by those in the southern hemisphere. This is only one of the four major celebrations in the Irish calendar, and Imbolc is said to have been dedicated to the goddess Brighid (goddess of poetry, healing, and witchcraft).

 

Four Chaplains Memorial Day commemorates the sacrifices of the four chaplains aboard the SS Dorchester Feb 3, 1943. The Dorchester was torpedoed off the Greenland coast.

World Cancer Day: Awareness and Action

Cancer is defined as an abnormal growth of cells which tend to reproduce and sometimes spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system. It is said that approximately 11 million people all over the world are diagnosed with this disease and about 7 million might die of this disease. Indeed, cancer is a worldwide concern because of its impact on the quality of life of its victims and their families. Many cancers are preventable and curable. Evidence-based knowledge and awareness of the root cause of cancer is the best way to prevent the approximated 11 million cancer cases all over the world. Early detection combined with chemotherapy and other forms of treatment may cure at least 2/3 of cancer cases. It is a fact that inaction and lack of awareness are major causes of the mortality of cancer cases. Cancer claims at least twice as many lives as AIDS and kills more than the number of AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis victims put together.

The Talented Sara Evans

On the day Feb. 5, 1971, a child was born in Boonville, Missouri who goes by the name of Sara Evans. She was raised in New Franklin, Missouri. Her two brothers soon demonstrated an interest in playing musical instruments. At the age of 4, Sara Evans showed a talent in singing which her mother surely noticed. Being practical and open minded she hoped that her daughter’s talent for singing can help the family with its many financial issues. This prompted her to bring her daughter to a local club in Colombia, Missouri. Sara Evans was soon performing in the local club every Saturday night for a whole two years.

Bob Marley Day: The Reggae Tradition Continues

Bob Marley is a legend in the music industry who popularized reggae music (a style of music that emerged in Jamaica) and has inspired and captivated people from all cultures and walks of life through his songs. In 1991, Bob Marley Day was officially set on his birthday, February 6 to commemorate and give tribute to this great man.

Laughing Out Loud with Chris Rock

Comedy skits, movies, television sitcoms…you name it, Chris Rock made it. This multi talented man who hails from South Carolina has made a name for himself in the entertainment world. His unique and highly creative performances in front of a camera or on stage have opened millions of doors for Fellow African-Americans who want to make it big in the entertainment industry.

Svetlana Boginskaya: The Belarusian Phoenix

There are countries in this world that do not own a gold medal from the Olympics. But this woman bagged three gold medals for her country. A well-accomplished ballerina and gymnast, this woman is looked up to. She is called with several titles like Belarusian Swan and the Goddess of Gymnastics mainly attributed to her height and grace and for her artistry on floor exercises.

The Great Glenn Beck

Glenn Beck is the famous voice behind the highly syndicated and third-highest-ranked national talk show on the radio called The Glenn Beck Program. The Glenn Beck Program is aired over 232 radio stations around United States and Puerto Rico. This show has propelled Glenn Beck to be named seventh most influential host out of the Top 25 Talk Radio Hosts in America by the NewsMax.Com Magazine.

Inventor’s Day: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

The Inventor’s Day was created to remind us of our debt of gratitude to the inventors of the present and the past who have served to make mankind’s existence a lot easier. Without the perseverance and determination of these inventors, most everyday objects such as the television, the computer, cell phones, and shopping carts would not have become a reality. Without inventors to blaze new paths for development, mankind would’ve found it hard to get to where it is today.

Clean Out Your Computer Day

The desk, your garage and closets aren't the only things that can get cluttered. Hard drives can become full of disorganized files of unknown content. Having a system of organizing your computer and doing regular cleaning is what clean out your computer day (the second Monday in February) is all about. Come up with logical naming conventions for your files and develop a system of categorized folders. Don't just save files in where a program first points to! While we're at it lets get rid of all those outdated program disks and maybe even uninstall some things that are never used.

In 1831 a British science expedition set sail. For the next five years Charles Darwin served as naturalist aboard the H.M.S. Beagle.
Studying fossils in South America, Darwin noticed a similarity between certain extinct animals and modern species. The expedition ventured worldwide and Darwin studied plants and animals, collecting specimens along the way.
The Galapagos Islands became a keen interest for him as he recorded the variations of plants and animals like what he had seen in South America. From these observations Darwin would later develop his theories of evolution.

President Lincolns Birthday: Commemorating Abe

Abraham Lincoln is one of the most notable figures in American history. He was the 16th President of the United States who served from 1861 to 1865. He was also the first American President to come from the Republican Party.

Peter Tork’s Music

Peter Halsten Thorkelson popularly known as Peter Tork was a native of Washington DC. Most publications would list him as born in 1944 but he was truly born Feb. 13th 1942. At the age of nine, he started schooling in piano playing and had shown talents for music. He studied other musical instruments like banjo and, acoustic and bass guitars.

Bud Smith

Ever wondered how February 14 became, the day on which we celebrate and explore love in all its many ideals, Valentines Day?

There are many differing opinions on how Valentines Day started.

One story says that when the Roman Empire reigned, a festival every February was held in honour of the God of Fertility and during this time, young men would choose their mate. When a Emperor named Claudius came around, he outlawed all marriages in fear that the men would not be able to fight. Young couples still fell in love though and still wished to marry and they took these desires to the Catholic Bishop Valentine who, understanding love, began to secretly marry couples. When Claudius found out, he had Valentine arrested and ordered put to death. While waiting in jail, Valentine began exchanging letters with the jailers daughter and soon had fallen in love with her. The day he was to be beheaded, he wrote her one last note and signed it: From Your Valentine.

Another story points to Christianity in 496 A.D outlawing the pagan Lupercian Festival and replacing it with a day in February to honour the martyr St. Valentine.

A third story as to the origin of passing out cards stems from a French Count who was captured and imprisoned in London. From his cell he wrote his wife letters, including a passionate set of poems which he sent to her in February.

At the turn of the century, a new form of Valentines Day card appeared the Penny Dreadful. Up until this point, cards were relatively expensive but the Penny Dreadful changed all that. They were just what the name implied, costing only one cent and completely bad. The cards were cheaply made, the artwork was amateurish and the colouring was uneven. On top of that the verses printed on them were not the most romantic of prose. They were more often insults, taking swipes at old maids, teachers and the like. Still their low cost kept them popular for years.

For hundreds of years, Valentines Day has been a day of symbols. You can hardly go through the day without seeing a rose (as a symbol to Venus, the Goddess of Love), images of doves and lovebirds (who mate for life) or hearts. The heart was thought to be the centre of all emotion. People believed that when they gave a heart, they were truly giving all of the love and emotion that they possibly could give.

Its past aside, Valentines Day is the second the most popular card sending holiday just behind Christmas with one billion cards sent a year. When the calendar turns to February, we start to think of love. February has for centuries been designated the month for lovers, with the primary celebration being on February 14, St. Valentines Day. We send cards, flowers, and candy and our children give out Valentines in school. Valentines Day reminds us to tell our loved ones just how much we care about them.

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Nirvana Day: A Buddhist Festival

Buddhism has been viewed as being enlightened with life and its worth. It teaches rebirth and followers believe that life is influenced by past karma. It directs to a way of life that shuns self indulgence and self centeredness. Buddhism has no supreme god or deity and is simply a way of life for its followers.

A Better Earth for Tomorrow: Kyoto Protocol Day

The Kyoto Protocol Day was established to commemorate the agreement of many countries to reduce their greenhouse gases emissions. It was opened for signing on December 11, 1997 and entered into force on February 16, 2005. Today, more than 150 countries have signed this agreement and have pledged to reduce their carbon dioxide and 5 other greenhouse gases emissions.

A Day for Random Acts of Kindness

Wouldn’t it be great if people start doing random acts of kindness for a whole day? Why, the world would be such a wonderful place if only people would do that. Just imagine, your next door neighbor would offer to mow your lawn for you, your aunt would offer to baby-sit for the kids while you and your wife go on a romantic dinner, your little sister would stop pestering you for a while, and your boss would not be such a slave driver for a day and would actually give you a few breaks. Of course, you wouldn’t just take and take and take. You would also give your share of kindness. You could try helping that old woman cross the street, you could give a toy to that little girl who is bawling her eyes out, you could buy some flowers for your wife or you could give your mother a call and ask her how she is and update her about the things that have been happening in your life.

President's Day occurs the 3rd Monday in February to honor the two presidents, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.

Pretty in Pink Molly Ringwald

If ever there was an American Sweetheart, Molly Ringwald was it.  This screen and stage actress took the country by storm in her realistic and superb performances of teenage roles in the 1980’s.  Molly Ringwald garnered the top spot in Video Hits One’s (VH1) 100 Greatest Teen Stars.  She has blockbuster movies that she made in her teen years the most notable of which are Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and also Pretty in Pink.  Sixteen Candles launched her to the mainstream and The Breakfast Club solidified her reputation as a teenage movie star.

Kiss from a Seal

Does anyone remember the artist who sang those ever heart wrenching songs such as “Kiss from a Rose”, “Fly like an Eagle” or, for our more familiar British friends, “Killer?”  The titles of the songs won’t probably ring much of a bell now, but once you’ve listened to them, you’ll notice a distinctly soft, warm voice that one can’t help but think of Seal.

Tragic Melody:  The Life of Kurt Cobain

“Famous is the last thing I wanted to be.”  This was what Kurt Cobain said yet he and the other members of his Seattle-based band, Nirvana, became the toast of the country and the world.  As the band’s leader, songwriter and vocalist/guitarist, Kurt Cobain’s star was the brightest.  Causing immeasurable controversy, Kurt Cobain officially died by his own hands on April 5, 1994.

The Lovely Jennifer Love Hewitt

That beguiling smile…those twinkling eyes…the sexy voice…these characteristics are just a few of a long list on reasons why everybody loves a certain girl named Jennifer Love Hewitt. Her captivating personality seems to add up every beautiful feature she possesses.

England’s Pride: Howard Jones

Howard Jones was born John Howard Jones on February 23, 1955 at Southampton England to proud parents John and Thelma Jones.  He is the first of the four boys blessed to this couple.  He grew up in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire and attended the Royal Grammar School there.  He later attended the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

The Music of Sammy Kershaw

Sammy Kershaw was born Samuel Paul Kershaw on February 24, 1958 in Kaplan, Louisiana. He is a well-known American Country and Western music singer and a songwriter to date. His music made a great impact on country music lovers all around the United States.

The Captivating Tea Leoni

An accomplished actress, a loving mother and a devoted wife; this is Tea Leoni. Her name is pronounced as “TAY-uh” and means goddess in Greek. She lives her namesake with much aplomb and character. Tea Leoni even has her own asteroid, the 8299 Tealeoni named after her. Without a doubt, this woman has surely captivated millions with her beauty in the inside as well as outside.

The Ballad of Michael Bolton

Michael Bolton draws thousands of fans, young and old alike because of his magnificent talent in singing and delivering heart-wrenching and powerful music to lovers and friends alike. He has since sold over 53 million albums and earned recognition from award giving bodies like the prestigious Grammy Music Awards and the American Music Awards throughout his career.