117th CONGRESS, 1st Session, S. RES. 469 Designating December 3, 2021, as "National Phenylketonuria Awareness Day." Whereas phenylketonuria (in this preamble referred to as "PKU'' is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder characterized by the inability of the body to process the essential amino acid phenylalanine and that causes intellectual disability and other neurological problems, such as memory loss and mood disorders, when treatment is not started within the first few weeks of life; Whereas PKU is also referred to as Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Deficiency; Whereas newborn screening for PKU was first initiated in the United States in 1963, became mandatory in most States in 1966, and was recommended for inclusion in State newborn screening programs under the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-204; 122 Stat. 705); Whereas approximately 1 out of every 15,000 infants in the United States is born with PKU; Whereas PKU is treated with medical foods that limit phenylalanine; Whereas the 2012 Phenylketonuria Scientific Review Conference affirmed the recommendation of lifelong dietary treatment for PKU made by the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference Statement in 2000; Whereas, in 2014, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and Genetic Metabolic Dieticians International published medical and dietary guidelines on the optimal treatment of PKU; Whereas medical foods are necessary for children and adults living with PKU; Whereas adults with PKU who discontinue treatment are at risk for serious medical issues, such as depression, impulse control disorder, phobias, tremors, and pareses; Whereas women with PKU must maintain strict metabolic control before and during pregnancy to prevent fetal damage; Whereas children born from untreated mothers with PKU may have a condition known as "maternal phenylketonuria syndrome," which can cause small brains, intellectual disabilities, congenital disabilities of the heart, and low birth weights; Whereas although there is no cure for PKU, treatment involving medical foods, medications, and restriction of phenylalanine intake can prevent progressive, irreversible brain damage; Whereas access to medical foods varies across the United States, and the long-term costs associated with caring for untreated children and adults with PKU have a substantial financial impact on families, individuals, and society; Whereas access to medical foods can prevent detrimental effects on individuals with PKU, their families, and society; Whereas scientists and researchers are hopeful that breakthroughs in PKU research will be forthcoming; Whereas researchers across the United States are conducting important projects involving PKU; and Whereas the Senate is an institution that can raise awareness of PKU among the general public and the medical community: Now, therefore, be it be resolved, That the Senate— (1) designates December 3, 2021, as "National Phenylketonuria Awareness Day," (2) encourages all individuals in the United States to become more informed about phenylketonuria and the role of medical foods in treating phenylketonuria; and (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the National PKU Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with phenylketonuria.

Africa

Dec

Roof Over Your Head Day, Ntl.: December 3

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National Roof Over Your Head Day is a simple day with a simple message—remember how lucky you are if you have a roof over your head and help those less fortunate than you.

Africa

Dec

Turner Prize Awarded (UK): December 3 (est)

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Each year, the art world turns its gaze to the United Kingdom as the Tate Gallery awards the coveted Turner Prize, one of the most recognized honors in contemporary British visual arts.

Established in 1984, the Turner Prize is named after the 19th-century British landscape artist JMW Turner. It was conceived with the intent of promoting discussion about new developments in contemporary British art. The award is conferred to a British artist under the age of 50 for an outstanding exhibition or presentation of their work in the preceding year.

The Tate Gallery, one of the UK's most prestigious institutions, oversees the prize's administration. Annually, a jury of art world professionals selects a shortlist of artists, typically numbering four. The nominees' works are then showcased in a special exhibition at the Tate Britain in London and occasionally at other venues in the UK.

The Turner Prize has a rich history of sparking debate and controversy, both for the artworks and artists it honors and the broader questions it raises about the nature and boundaries of contemporary art. Winners, in particular, have often been at the forefront of avant-garde movements, challenging conventions and pushing artistic boundaries.

The recipient of the Turner Prize receives £25,000, while shortlisted artists each receive £5,000. Over the years, the prize money and the accolade itself have provided recipients with invaluable exposure and opportunities, propelling many to international renown.

Despite occasional criticisms and controversies, the Turner Prize remains an emblem of innovation in the art world and continues to celebrate and elevate the work of groundbreaking British artists.

For more information about this year's nominees and exhibitions, visit the Tate Gallery's official website.

Africa

Dec

AFL-CIO Day (1955): December 4

06:20 AM | -

Today marks the anniversary of combining the two largest labor unions in the United States, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), on December 4, 1955. According to the AFL-CIO, unions are about the following: “Unions are about a simple proposition: By joining together, working women and men gain strength in numbers so they can have a voice at work about what they care about. They negotiate a contract with their employer for a fair and safe workplace, better wages, a secure retirement, and family-friendly policies such as paid sick leave and scheduling hours. They have a voice in how their jobs get done, creating a more stable, productive workforce that provides better services and products.”

Africa

Dec

Banks, Intl Day Of: December 4

06:20 AM | -

On December 19, 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 74/245, designating December 4 as the International Day of Banks. The day recognizes the significant potential of multilateral and other international development banks in financing sustainable development and providing know-how, along with the vital role of banking systems in the Member States in improving the standard of living. The resolution aligns with the UN's commitment to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in September 2015. The SDGs aim to achieve sustainable economic, social, and environmental development by 2030. Eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, and addressing climate change are highlighted as critical challenges. Achieving sustainable development requires long-term perspectives and collective action involving governments, the private sector, and civil society. The global economy faces risks, financial volatility, and geopolitical factors hindering growth, stability, and development. Weaknesses in the global financial system, including the volatility of capital flows, debt sustainability challenges, and reduced competition, pose risks to achieving the SDGs. Ensuring coherence across policy areas, including financial regulations and addressing social and environmental risks, is crucial to creating a sustainable financial system. National development banks play a role in developing financing options for SDG-related investments. Their alignment with the Goals and collaboration with multilateral banks can enhance Goal-related finance by combining international resources and local market knowledge.

Africa

Dec

Brown Shoes Day: December 4

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Brown Shoes Day, or Wear Brown Shoes Day, is a day for wearing brown shoes. The origins of this jokey holiday aren’t clear, but one can easily assume that someone got tired of everyone wearing the same boring black shoes every day and tried to urge people into spicing things up and wearing brown shoes for at least a day. And with brown socks too!

Africa

Dec

Cheetah Day, Intl: December 4

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CELEBRATING THE WORLD'S FASTEST ANIMAL:

INTERNATIONAL CHEETAH DAY

International Cheetah Day raises awareness about cheetahs, their endangered status, and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting them. The day highlights cheetahs' challenges in the wild and seeks to inspire action to ensure their survival.

ORIGINS

Dr. Laurie Marker, a prominent conservationist and the founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), initiated International Cheetah Day. She chose December 4 to honor a cheetah named Khayam, whom she raised and trained in Oregon in the 1970s. Khayam became an ambassador for understanding cheetahs and their natural behaviors.
The day underscores Dr. Marker's lifelong dedication to protecting this species and promoting coexistence with humans.
Cheetahs, the world's fastest land animals, face many threats that have led to a significant decline in their population. Fewer than 7,500 cheetahs remain in the wild and inhabit only about 10% of their historic range.
ISSUES IMPACTING CHEETAHS
Key issues affecting cheetahs include:
—Habitat loss and fragmentation: Expanding human settlements, agriculture, and infrastructure encroach on cheetah habitats.
—Human-wildlife conflict: Cheetahs often prey on livestock, leading to retaliatory killings by farmers.
—Illegal wildlife trade: Cheetahs are captured and sold as exotic pets.
—Lack of genetic diversity: Small populations lead to inbreeding and reduced genetic health.

OBJECTIVES

International Cheetah Day focuses on:
—Education: Teaching people about the ecological importance of cheetahs and their precarious situation.
—Advocacy: Encouraging policies and practices that support cheetah conservation.
—Fundraising: Supporting organizations like the Cheetah Conservation Fund and other initiatives to protect cheetahs.

PARTICIPATING

—Spread Awareness: Share facts about cheetahs and their conservation on social media using hashtags like #InternationalCheetahDay.
—Support Conservation Efforts: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that protect cheetahs.
—Learn and Teach: Host educational sessions, read books, or watch documentaries about cheetahs and their ecosystems.
—Advocate for Change: Promote wildlife-friendly practices, such as reducing human impact on cheetah habitats.
International Cheetah Day is a crucial reminder that immediate action is necessary to secure the future of these magnificent animals and preserve our planet's biodiversity.

Africa

Dec

Cookie Day, Ntl.: December 4

06:20 AM | -

National Cookie Day was first proclaimed by Jim Henson's creation of the Cookie Monster (Sesame Street in the 1980 book "The Sesame Street Dictionary." If the Cookie Monster had something to do with it, you know it's a serious holiday! National Cookie Day falls during the holiday season, a time when baking cookies takes precedence. So grab your bowl, mix and bake!

Africa

Dec

Dice Day, Intl.: December 4

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International Dice Day celebrates one of the oldest games and tools of gaming in existence, dice. Whether you play Monopoly, Backgammon, Dungeons & Dragons, Craps, or any other game with dice, this is your day! Dice and dice games have been around longer than the written word. Dice have been found in most ancient civilizations' ruins, whether made from animal bones, stone, or wood. Casinos around the globe offer various promotions on this day, but even if you're not into gambling, there are plenty of dice games that one can enjoy on International Dice Day.

Africa

Dec

Santa Barbara's Day (C): December 4

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Santa Barbara's Day has a special meaning for all the young women hoping to marry. The legend goes that if a single girl or woman puts a branch of a cherry tree in water on this day, and it blooms by Christmas, she will wed next year.

Africa

Dec

Santa's List Day: December 4

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Santa's List Day is the traditional day for children to write letters to Santa Claus and tell him what they would like for Christmas. Legend says it is also the day Santa makes his Naughty and Nice lists. Nice children, the legend goes, get presents on Christmas morning, and naughty children get a lump of coal.

Africa

Dec

Bathtub Party Day: December 5

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Bathtub Party Day is a celebration for the stressed out as the holiday season kicks into high gear. Today is when you forgo the shower and slip into a leisurely tub surrounded by rubber duckies, swizzle soap, and bubbles. Silly, perhaps, but a great way to slide into the holiday season fully rested.

Are you looking for an authentic bathtub party? Well, you’ll need to head to Budapest, Hungry on Saturday nights to partake in the largest bathtub party in the world, held almost weekly at the Budapest Thermal Bath from 10 PM to 3 AM. Spring, summer, and autumn bathtub parties occur at Szechenyi Baths. Winter parties at Lukacs Baths and ring in the new year at the pre-New Year’s Eve Cinetrip Pool Party on Dec 30 in Szechenyi Baths.

To book your Budapest Bathtub party, go here: http://www.bathsbudapest.com/Budapest-bath-parties.

Africa

Dec

Discovery Day (HT)(1492): December 5

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Discovery Day in Haiti marks the anniversary of December 5, 1492, when Columbus discovered the island nation. Discovery Day is a public holiday.

Africa

Dec

Iffy Piffy Biffy Boo Day (1901): December 5

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Iffy Piffy Biffy Boo Day celebrates the work of psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and expert on hypnosis Milton H. Erickson (December 5, 1901 - March 25, 1980). Iffy piffy biffy boo is a nonsense string of words with a powerful objective. "Iffy piffy biffy boo" is a pattern interrupt, a communication strategy first explained by Dr. Erickson that breaks a sequence of behavior or thought without engaging physically. It is a way of changing the subject and refocusing attention. Lawyers, teachers, actors, salespeople, and leaders use this technique effectively to guide the conversation, regain control of a room, or diffuse an escalating situation. A pattern interrupt can be a sudden movement, a change in tempo, tone, or random words. Nonsensical words or unexpected changes not only diffuse the monotony, but you switch the energy and reset the conversation. It is a "do-over" and pattern interrupt perfected! It is also hilarious watching someone attempt to repeat it back to you, and twice the fun if they say it fast! Try it. Iffy piffy biffy boo is a playful version of a pattern interrupt celebrating Dr. Erickson's work. It takes the rut out of routine with a smile. Use iffy piffy biffy boo, or create a unique version for yourself. It is up to you. Annually on his birthday, December 5.

Africa

Dec

Kids Day, Special: December 5

06:20 AM | -

Set aside each year to recognize the extraordinary abilities of children with mental or physical disabilities, Special Kids Day is sponsored by Special Kids Day. See the source website for details.

Africa