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National Dessert Month celebrates dessert. The concept of dessert as part of a meal originated in Andalusia, Córdoba (Spain) on the Iberian Peninsula, circa 840-852 AD. Dessert was the brainchild of what you might call the first rock star-fashionista-inventor-culinary artist of the Common Era, Abu al-Hasan Ali Ibn Nafi, or as he was more commonly known, Ziryab, meaning "Blackbird" or "Jaybird" in Persian. Ziryab was born in 789 AD in what is today Iraq. He is one of the more interesting characters in history, rising from slavery to the top of the royal court during his life. Thanks to him, we have music schools, toothpaste, deodorant, clothes for different seasons, asparagus, and a three-course meal; those are his most notable contributions. THE THREE-COURSE MEAL Before Ziryab, dining didn't have much of a protocol. Instead, the food arrived on the table in a pile, and people grabbed whatever they wanted with their hands. Ziryab worked for the royal family in Córdoba. As part of his duties, he sought ways to make events memorable. "Why did dinner have to be dull?" he thought. Ziryab invented presentation, dressing up the table with fine linens, crystal glasses, and different size spoons. He also reorganized how food arrived on the table, changing it to a procession rather than presenting all dishes simultaneously. At the time, this was revolutionary. A man of many talents, Ziryab figured out that if you started with a soup (to prep the stomach and get digestion going), then moved on to the main dish of meat, veggies, and starches, the entire meal became an event when topped off with something sweet. Andalusia's royal court and aristocracy loved this new idea of three courses and making a meal a celebration. The custom of three courses and table dressing soon spread throughout the kingdom, upper classes, and the rest of Europe and the world. That sweet topping off the meal became known as dessert about 900 years later when the French donated the word "desservir" or "clear the table" to denote the last item served. Of course, today's dessert can be a sweet treat, a cup of coffee, tea, or liquor. Today, we tend to eat dessert whenever we want. Still, technically, it's only dessert if it comes at the end of a meal. Today, dessert is what we celebrate and serve. And, thanks to Ziryab, we can! __________________ WHY HAVE YOU NEVER HEARD OF ZIRYAB? BLAME TOLEDO. Why don't you know about Ziryab? That's a little complicated, but I'll try to explain. Ziryab lived during what Eastern scholars call the "Golden Age of Islam," roughly the seventh century through the early 11th century AD. At the time, the Roman Catholic Church viewed the education of the masses as a threat; only the aristocracy's men and the clergy should be literate and educated. Muslims viewed it as a blessing and duty of faith for everyone, including women. Education for all is in the Qur'an. The Golden Age is marked by tremendous scholarship and invention and ended as Christian forces retook the Iberian Peninsula from Islamic forces beginning at the end of the 11th century. It was not a quick conquest, requiring 450 years to complete, and included the period called the Renaissance (the 1300s-1500s) in European history. In 1609, the Muslims were expelled from what is now Spain, completing the era. As part of this reconquest, in 1499, the Archbishop of Toledo ordered all Arabic manuscripts (except those of medicinal value) to be burned in the public square of Granada. Over a million original records and books were destroyed, with them the writings of historians, scientists, educators, and philosophers worldwide. It was a vast loss of knowledge and learning. Part of the reconquest of Europe included rejecting ideas, inventions, and processes created by persons or institutions of the Islamic and, at times, Jewish faiths. The focus instead turned to Greek and Roman scholarship. Today, if you grow up in Western countries, your world history education likely includes intense Greek and Roman history studies, some Egyptian, and many European, but very little on the Ottoman Empire, China, or Greater Asia. Because of this, Western-educated people do not know about people like Ziryab, who impacted so much of how we live today. Holy Toledo! The effects of Toledo's censorship continue today, though that is slowly changing one curious person at a time.

Africa

Oct

Disability Employment Awareness Month: October

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National Disability Employment Awareness Month was created via a Presidential proclamation in 2011 in the US and Canada in 2015. More than 20 years after the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities, including injured veterans, are making immeasurable contributions to workplaces across our country. Unfortunately, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities remains too high, nearly double that of those without disabilities; reversing this trend is crucial. Canada lags behind the United States with disability initiatives, but 16% of our working population lives with a disability. Public and private sector employers use this month to focus on ways to increase employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities and make sure their workplace remains accessible and disability friendly.

Africa

Oct

Disability History & Awareness Weeks (US/CA): October 1-14

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Disability History & Awareness Week educates children and the general population about people with disabilities, their achievements, and how to prevent becoming disabled through personal safety and awareness. It's about addressing the stigma surrounding many disabilities and those suffering from them. This event is marked locally by various state and local government institutions throughout the United States during Disability History Month each year. In some states, like Florida, it is observed for two whole weeks, and in others, like Virginia, it is observed during the second week of October, and Canada celebrates the first school week of October. Check with your local government agencies for events in your area.

Africa

Oct

Diversity Awareness Month, Global: October

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Diversity Awareness Month seeks to remind us about the many gifts diversity bestows on society. Its purpose is to educate people that differences lead to progress. Embrace rather than reject. This event began in the US but is currently global.

Africa

Oct

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: October

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October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, per presidential decree. Over the past few decades, significant achievements have been made in reducing domestic violence in America. Yet, despite tremendous progress, an average of three women in America die due to domestic violence each day. One in four women and one in thirteen men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. These statistics are even more sobering when we consider that domestic violence often goes unreported. The ramifications of domestic violence are staggering. Young women are among the most vulnerable, suffering the highest rates of intimate partner violence. Exposure to domestic violence puts our young men and women in danger of long-term physical, psychological, and emotional harm. Children who experience domestic violence are at a higher risk for failure in school, emotional disorders, and substance abuse. They are more likely to perpetuate the cycle of violence themselves later in life.

Africa

Oct

Down Syndrome Month, Ntl.: October

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October in the U.S. is the National Down Syndrome Month. It aims to raise awareness about the nature of Down Syndrome and encourage people and society to not treat persons with it as human beings rather than disabled. Down Syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been part of the human condition and exists everywhere in the world. Today people with Down Syndrome can be found throughout society, including in high-profile careers like acting and film. This month celebrates the possibilities rather than limitations of life with Down Syndrome and seeks to educate the public about what it is and is not.

Africa

Oct

Dyslexia Awareness Month: October

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Dyslexia Awareness Month raises awareness of dyslexia and its signs and symptoms. During this month, people share their stories about struggling with this learning disability. Dyslexia was coined by Rudolph Berlin, an ophthalmologist, in 1887 after the condition was discovered by Oswald Berkham, a German doctor, six years prior.

Africa

Oct

Eczema Awareness Month: October

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National Eczema Month is an awareness campaign held annually in October in the United States. The campaign aims to educate the public about eczema, a common skin condition affecting millions worldwide.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin. It can significantly impact the quality of life for those affected, and National Eczema Month aims to raise awareness, provide education, and support those living with the condition. During National Eczema Month, various organizations, healthcare professionals, and individuals gather to share information, resources, and personal stories to raise awareness about eczema. The month-long campaign encourages people to learn more about the condition, its symptoms, treatments, and how to manage it effectively.

It's also an opportunity for people living with eczema to connect with others, share their experiences, and find support. Activities during National Eczema Month often include educational events, workshops, and online discussions. Organizations like the National Eczema Association (NEA) are crucial in promoting the campaign by providing resources, organizing events, and offering support to individuals and families affected by eczema. They also work to raise funds for research to improve treatments and find a cure for the condition.

Africa

Oct

Elderly, Intl. Day of: October 1

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The United Nations General Assembly designated today as the International Day of the Elderly. Ageism is a widely prevalent and prejudicial attitude that stems from the assumption that age discrimination and sometimes neglect and abuse of older persons is currently a social norm. It is, therefore, acceptable. In reality, it stigmatizes people simply because they have advanced in age. Ageism occurs in every culture, faith, socio-economic class, and society. It finds expression in individuals’ attitudes, institutional and policy practices, and media representations devaluing and excluding older persons. Today is about appreciating the individual, abolishing discrimination based on how many wrinkles or gray hairs a person might have, and focusing on the potential and value of a human being at each stage of life.

Africa

Oct

Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month: October

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Every person on the planet has a type of genius. Some are very good with science, others with politics, arts or sales. And then there are those people who seem to understand people. They always know the right thing to say or do when it affects others. These are the people with a very high emotional IQ, emotional intelligence. What is emotional intelligence? According to the Emotional Intelligence Institute: "Emotional intelligence (EI) is defined as the ability to monitor one's own emotions, as well as those of other people, to discriminate between different emotions, and to label them appropriately." This month is about learning how to improve your emotional intelligence. Improve your life and those around you.

Africa

Oct

Energy Action Month, Ntl.: October

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Proclaimed by President Obama, October marks Energy Action Month, and the nation is looking to the federal government to provide leadership in energy management and sustainability. Federal agencies are working diligently to meet the challenging goals of Executive Order 13693: Planning for federal sustainability in the next decade The Energy Independence and Security Action of 2007 Supporting the Energy Policy Act of 2005 America is progressing toward these goals with projects and programs across the federal government. Whether these efforts are implemented campus-wide or in individual remote facilities, every action taken by the hard-working employees at our defense and civilian agencies contributes to our national success. Initiatives and programs available through the federal government include the following: Presidential Performance Contracting Challenge Better Buildings Smart Labs Accelerator Data Center Accelerator Large Campus and Innovative Change Initiative Federal renewable energy projects and deployment tools See the Federal Energy and Water Management Awards section for federal model projects.

Africa

Oct

Erntedankfest (DE): October 1

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Erntedankfest is the German day of thanksgiving for the harvest. This annual festival is celebrated by both Catholics and Protestants throughout the country, and it is a day of eating, libation, and reflection.

Africa

Oct

Eye Injury Prevention Month: October

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When asked, only 35 percent of respondents said they always wear protective eyewear when performing home repairs or maintenance; even fewer do so while playing sports. Protecting your eyes from injury is one of the essential things you can do to keep your vision healthy throughout your life. This month raises awareness and provides resources to protect eyesight from injury or blindness.

Africa

Oct

Festival of Penha (BR-RJ): October

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Three hundred and sixty-five steps ascend the mountain to Rio de Janeiro’s famed Basilica de Penha. This landmark is known as a place of healing and draws pilgrims from throughout the region each Saturday in October, seeking hope and relief from sickness. The ritual is known as the Festival of Penha.

Africa

Oct

Filipino American History Month (1587): October

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Senate Resolution 287 passed on October 5, 2011, and created National Filipino American History Month. This month promotes understanding, education, enlightenment, appreciation, and enrichment through the identification, gathering, preservation, and dissemination of the history and culture of Filipino Americans in the United States. There are currently more than 30 Filipino American chapters nationwide and several conferences focusing on this unique culture. October marks the anniversary of the arrival of the first Filipino in America, October 18, 1587.

Africa