National Day of Encouragement gives people the extra support they may need to do what they want or need to do. Sponsored by the Encouragement Foundation at Harding University in Arkansas, the event began in 2007. On September 12, 2007, Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe signed a proclamation designating this day as the "State Day of Encouragement." In 2011, the 112th US Congress made it a national observance.

Africa

Sep

Programmer, International Day of the: September 12*

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International Day of the Programmer celebrates the men and women behind nearly every modern tool and convenience, from your car and videos to smartphones and the internet. These people make technology useful by scripting and telling it what to do. Each year it is celebrated on the 256th (hexadecimal 100th, or the 28th) day of each year (September 13 during common years and on September 12 in leap years). 256 is an important number in programming as it is the number of values represented in an eight-bit byte.

Africa

Sep

South-South Cooperation Day, Intl.: September 12

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South-South Cooperation is a manifestation of solidarity among peoples and countries of the global south that contributes to their national well-being, their national and collective self-reliance, and the attainment of internationally agreed on development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Cooperation occurs through a broad collaboration framework in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and technical domains. Developing countries share knowledge, skills, expertise, and resources to meet their development goals through concerted efforts. The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation celebrates the economic, social, and political developments made in recent years by regions and countries in the south. It highlights the UN's efforts to work on technical cooperation among developing countries.

Africa

Sep

Video Games Day, Ntl.: September 12

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National Video Game Day celebrates video games. A BRIEF HISTORY OF VIDEO GAMES Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann submitted a patent on January 25, 1947, for the "Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device," which, though never put into production, laid the foundation for video games. In 1948, a chess simulation game created by Alan Turing and David Champernowne became the first video game. It would have to wait a while to be played. At the time, computers didn't have enough memory to run complicated scripts. In 1950, Bertie the Brain, a tic-tac-toe arcade game, premiered using a purpose-built machine. In 1952, Pilot ACE was the first game created that could run on an IBM. A video version of checkers followed it. In 1954, the University of Michigan was the first to develop a graphics-based computer game that simulated billiards. The cue maneuvered via a joy stick and knob. By 1958, the game of tennis had made it to video. Business simulation games soon followed, taking "gaming" into the 1960s. The first purpose-built entertainment game originated with MIT and Harvard in 1962 from the minds of Martin Graetz, Steve Russell, and Wayne Wiitanen. It was called Space War and was popular among the various academic and research institutions with mainframe computers. At the time, a singular language did not exist that would allow programming across various platforms. That changed with BASIC in 1964. The first commercial video game was a coin-operated arcade game developed by Bill Pitts, and Hugh Tuck at Stanford University called Galaxy Game. At $20,000, it was too expensive for most arcade owners, and Galaxy Game never advanced past the prototype stage. Concurrently Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney were working on a much lower-cost version called Computer Space, which became the first video game sold commercially. Computer Space's creator would later be known as Atari, Inc. Pong would be the first game released under the new company in 1972, and an entire new industry was born. Magnavox saw an opportunity and developed the first in-home video game console that used a television set as the screen. Ralph Baer first put forth the concept in the 1950s. However, the technology needed to catch up with his ingenuity, which would take a decade and a half. The Odyssey went on sale in September 1972 and lasted until 1975. A lack of marketing strategy in distribution and channels spelled the ultimate doom for the product. However, it paved the way for Atari, Nintendo, and a host of other companies to create one of the most lucrative and successful entertainment and learning industries ever seen. David Earle created Nation Video Game Day. His company Kid Vid Warriors, sponsored it until 1996, when it moved from July to September. In 1997, the event settled on September 12 annually, without a sponsor.

Africa

Sep

9 X 13 Day: September 13

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The measurement 9 X 13 refers to a standard baking pan size commonly used for casseroles, cakes, brownies, cobblers, and other goodies. To celebrate 9 X 13 Day on September 13 each year, bake and serve something extraordinary in a 9 X 13 pan.

Africa

Sep

Blame Someone Else Day: September 13

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On the first Friday, the 13th of each year, Blame Someone Else Day grew out of tradition. Friday the 13th is a day when bad things are supposed to happen. Therefore if bad things do happen, blame someone else!

Africa

Sep

Celiac Disease Awareness Day (1839): September 13

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Celiac Disease Awareness Day occurs each year on the birthday of Dr. Samuel Gee. Its objective is to educate Americans about celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and the benefits of a gluten-free diet for the 1% of people in the US with this autoimmune, hereditary disease. Dr. Gee is responsible for identifying the link between diet and celiac disease. He was born on September 13, 1839.

Africa

Sep

Chocolate Day, Intl. (1857): September 13

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International Chocolate Day marks the birthday of Milton S. Hershey (September 13, 1857), the founder of The Hershey Chocolate Company in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Chocolate beans have been used since around 1900 BC by the people of Central America, usually as a bitter drink, often alcoholic, or with red peppers. (It is quite a treat if you’ve never tried hot chocolate with red peppers using hot water instead of milk!) On his fourth voyage, Christopher Columbus brought this delicious bean to Europe. He noted the encounter in his ship’s log on August 15, 1502. A few decades later, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés would bring the bean back in bulk (he was only 17 when Columbus found it). But in its Central American form, it wasn’t the sweet treat we see today. That required several inventions: John Baker’s process of grounding cocoa beans between millstones to create a powder in 1764 turned it into a spice. Conrad Van Houten developed a method for extracting the cacao liquor from the fat in the cocoa bean in 1828, which made chocolate affordable. And finally, the development of conching by Swiss chocolatier Rodolphe Lindt in 1879 made it into candy. The rest is sweet history. There are several different types of cocoa beans. Though native to the Americas, nearly two-thirds of cocoa production today occurs in Africa, and Ivory Coast is the largest producer.

Africa

Sep

Defy Superstition Day: September 13

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Defy Superstition Day gives you the license to let black cats cross your path, walk under ladders and break mirrors with impunity. Today is the day to resist following superstitions or eliminate them altogether.

Africa

Sep

Fortune Cookie Day: September 13

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The fortune cookie idea originated in Japan in the mid-19th century. Per Japanese tradition, fortunes, referred to as omikuji, were placed inside a cookie and served to guests. At the turn of the century, this idea found its way to a Japanese tea house in San Francisco via the Benkyodo Bakery. Rather than the traditional sesame and miso batter, the bakery changed to butter, vanilla, and flour batter and called them "fortune tea cakes." Los Angeles and Hong Kong have competing claims for the title of "creator of the fortune cookie." Frankly, both claims are irrelevant. The idea and concept originated in Japan. The competing cities fine-tuned it.

Africa

Sep

Friday the 13th: September 13

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Friday the 13th is an unlucky day in Western superstition, and it occurs when the 13th day of the month falls on a Friday in the Gregorian calendar. The superstition surrounding this day may have arisen in the Middle Ages, originating from the story of Jesus' last supper and crucifixion in which there were 13 individuals present in the upper room on the 13th of Nisan (Maundy Thursday), the night before his death on Good Friday. While there is evidence of Friday and the number 13 being considered unlucky, there is no record of the two being referred to as incredibly unfortunate before the 19th century. According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day, making it the most feared day and date in history. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid doing business, taking flights, or even getting out of bed. An estimated US$800 to $900 million is lost in business on Friday the 13th, although no scientific evidence exists.

Africa

Sep

Friday the 13th: September 13

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Africa

Sep

Jane Austen Festival (UK): September 13-22

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JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL:

A CELEBRATION OF REGENCY ENGLAND

The Jane Austen Festival, held annually in Bath, England, is a ten-day event celebrating the life, works, and era of one of Britain's most beloved authors. Established in 2001, the festival is organized by the Jane Austen Centre, a museum and exhibition space dedicated to Austen's life and works.

Jane Austen (1775-1817) remains a literary icon due to her keen observations of social manners, sharp wit, and pioneering use of free indirect discourse. Her novels, often set in the genteel society of her time, explore themes of love, marriage, and social class with enduring relevance and charm. Her popularity endures because her characters and their predicaments resonate with readers across generations.

Austen belonged to the English gentry, a social class below the nobility. This class consisted of landowners who lived off rental income, clergy, and professionals such as lawyers and military officers. Austen's family was relatively well-off, though not wealthy. Her father, George Austen, was a rector, and her mother, Cassandra Leigh, came from a family with connections to the nobility.

Austen's upbringing provided her with a solid education and access to literature, which were crucial to her writing development. Her social class is reflected in her novels, which often focus on the lives and concerns of the landed gentry and the challenges women face seeking suitable marriages in a society where social status and economic security are paramount.

BEST-KNOWN WORKS

Austen's most famous novels include:

"Pride and Prejudice" (1813)—A romantic novel centered on the complex relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

"Sense and Sensibility" (1811)—The story of the Dashwood sisters and their contrasting approaches to love and life.

"Emma" (1815)—Follows the titular character's misadventures in matchmaking.

"Mansfield Park" (1814)—A narrative focusing on the life of Fanny Price, raised by her wealthy relatives.

"Northanger Abbey" (published posthumously in 1818)—A satire of Gothic novels.

"Persuasion" (published posthumously in 1818)—Centers on Anne Elliot and her rekindled romance with Captain Wentworth.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

The Jane Austen Festival is a vibrant celebration that brings the Regency era to life. Key events include:

Grand Regency Costumed Promenade—Participants don Regency attire and parade through the historic streets of Bath, a highlight that draws hundreds of enthusiasts.

Theatrical Performances and Readings—These events showcase Austen's works through adaptations and dramatizations, allowing fans to experience her stories anew.

Workshops and Talks—Experts and historians offer insights into Austen's life, her novels, and the historical context of her writing.

Regency Dance Classes—Attendees can learn the elegant dances of Austen's time, culminating in a grand ball.

Guided Tours—These tours explore locations in Bath that are significant to Austen's life and novels, including her former residence and settings from her books.

The festival honors Austen's literary legacy and provides a unique cultural experience, immersing visitors in the elegance and charm of Regency England. Through its varied activities, the Jane Austen Festival in Bath continues to attract fans from around the globe, celebrating the timeless appeal of one of literature's most enduring figures.

Africa

Sep

Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day: September 13

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Kids Take over the Kitchen Day, created by the Young Chefs Academy, encourages children to get into the kitchen and make the family meal today. It is an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their children about meal preparation, nutrition, and cooking.

Africa

Sep

New York Marathon First Run (1971)(US-NY): September 13

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September 13 is the anniversary of the first New York City Marathon in 1970. The event was held at Central Park and organized by Fred Lebow and Vince Chiappetta. Fifty-five out of 127 participants completed the race, with the sole female runner backing out due to illness. Prizes consisted of wristwatches and recycled trophies. Today, over 50,000 people take part representing all genders, and the New York Marathon is the largest in the world.

Africa