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Promoted by the National Science Teachers Association and supported by several high-tech companies, National Computer Learning Month promotes computer education and computer literacy regardless of age, income, or sex. Computer literacy is essential to today’s workforce. Even the most menial of jobs often require computer skills. This month is about filling the gaps, helping those unable to access training, and improving overall computer literacy.

Africa

Oct

Contact Lens Safety Month: October

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Over 40 million Americans wear contact lenses. Contact Lens Safety Month helps people who wear contacts avoid injury and infection by teaching them how to properly clean and care for their contact lenses. Annually in October.

Africa

Oct

Cookie Month: October

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How many foods have their monsters? Not many, right? Well, cookies do, a blue monster that chases after cookies and can’t get enough. Cookies (or biscuits in the United Kingdom) have existed for centuries. This sweet treat originates in Greece with syrup, honey, and other sweeteners used before the discovery and importation of sugar. Celebrate National Cookie Month with cookies! Lots and lots of cookies!

Africa

Oct

Corn Month: October

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Corn, also known as maize, has a storied history that begins in ancient Mesoamerica and was first domesticated in Mexico around 9,000 years ago. Indigenous peoples cultivated corn from a wild grass called teosinte, and through selective breeding, they developed the staple crop known today, which would become integral to the agricultural societies of the Americas. AS A FOOD As European explorers reached the Americas, corn reached the rest of the world, where it adapted to various climates and soils, becoming a global commodity. Today, it is not only a vital food source but also a key ingredient in animal feed and a raw material in industry. Corn can be cooked in numerous ways, reflecting its versatility. It can be boiled, grilled, roasted, and steamed when on the cob. Corn kernels can be cooked similarly to other grains or popped for popcorn. Moreover, corn is ground into flour or meal and used in popular recipes. Some of the most common dishes that feature corn include: TORTILLAS—A cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, tortillas are flatbreads made from cornmeal, essential for tacos and many other traditional dishes. POLENTA—In Italian cooking, polenta is a porridge made from cornmeal, often served as a side or with toppings like cheese, sauce, or vegetables. CORNBREAD—A staple in the Southern United States, cornbread is a quick bread made with cornmeal, often enjoyed with barbecues and as a comfort food. CORN CHOWDER—A hearty soup popular in the American Northeast, corn chowder includes corn kernels, potatoes, cream, and sometimes bacon or ham. AREPA—In South American countries like Colombia and Venezuela, arepas are thick patties made from precooked corn flour, often filled with cheese, meats, or other fillings. PAP—A traditional cornmeal porridge served with meat and vegetable stews in various African countries. AS AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL Corn features in the production of biofuel, specifically ethanol. Corn-based ethanol is a renewable fuel made from the fermented starch of corn grains. It is blended with gasoline to increase octane levels and improve emissions quality. Corn ethanol is the most common biofuel in the United States, and government mandates and subsidies have supported its production. The use of corn for ethanol production has been a subject of debate due to concerns about its impact on food prices and food supply, as well as discussions about the net energy and environmental benefits of corn-based ethanol compared to other fuels. Despite this, it remains a significant component of biofuel production in many countries. National Corn Month is an opportunity to explore the culinary delights of this universal grain or chip in for a greener planet by upgrading your fuel.

Africa

Oct

Country Ham Month: October

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Country Ham Month promotes a Sunday dinner favorite, the country ham. Country ham is a specific style of hardwood smoking, salt curing, and lengthy aging of pork hammocks, common to the Southern United States. Smoking is what gives the ham its red color. The term Country Ham originated in 1944. This event originated with the National Country Ham Association (NCHA) in 1999; check your local market for special deals on ham, and enjoy!

Africa

Oct

Country Music Month: October

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CELEBRATING AMERICAN MUSIC: COUNTRY MUSIC MONTH Country Music Month, celebrated every October, is dedicated to honoring country music's rich history and cultural significance. This genre profoundly influences American culture and continues to resonate with millions of fans worldwide. The month-long celebration includes concerts, special events, and tributes to country music legends, offering a time to reflect on the genre's impact and evolution. Country Music Month was first established in 1970 by President Richard Nixon, who issued a presidential proclamation to recognize the contributions of country music to American culture. The declaration highlighted the genre's roots in American folk traditions and its role in shaping the nation's musical landscape. Over time, the event transitioned from a presidential proclamation to an annual senate proclamation, reflecting the continued importance of country music in American society. This change helped to ensure the ongoing recognition and celebration of the genre at the national level. THE HISTORY OF COUNTRY MUSIC Country music's history dates back to the early 20th century. It is rooted in the folk songs, ballads, and dance tunes of the Appalachian Mountains and the rural South. Country music emerged as a distinct genre in the 1920s, with the recording of the first commercial country songs, such as Fiddlin' John Carson's "The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane," in 1923. Country music quickly gained popularity, characterized by its use of storytelling, string instruments like the fiddle, banjo, and guitar and its themes of rural life, love, hardship, and patriotism. One of the pivotal moments in the history of country music was the 1927 Bristol Sessions in Tennessee, where artists like Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family made some of the first country music recordings—often called the "Big Bang" of country music, marking the genre's entry into the mainstream. Over the decades, country music evolved, incorporating blues, gospel, and rock and roll elements. The genre gave rise to various subgenres, including honky-tonk, bluegrass, and outlaw country, each contributing to its rich and diverse sound. MOST PROMINENT COUNTRY MUSIC SINGERS Country music has produced some of the most iconic and influential artists in the history of American music. Among the most prominent country music singers of all time are: —Hank Williams Often referred to as the "King of Country Music," Hank Williams' songwriting and vocal style have left an indelible mark on the genre. —Johnny Cash Known as the "Man in Black," Cash's deep voice and storytelling ability made him a legend in country and popular music. —Dolly Parton A singer-songwriter and philanthropist, Parton is celebrated for her powerful voice and contributions to country and pop music. —Patsy Cline One of the most influential vocalists in country music, Cline's crossover appeal helped bring country music to a broader audience. —Willie Nelson A pioneer of the "outlaw country" movement, Nelson's distinctive sound and rebellious spirit have made him a beloved figure in country music. —Reba McEntire Known as the "Queen of Country," McEntire's career spans several decades and includes numerous hits and awards. Country music is important not only as a genre but also as a reflection of American culture and identity. It tells stories of everyday life, struggles, and triumphs, resonating with listeners through its honesty and emotional depth. The genre has also significantly shaped other musical styles and continues to influence artists across various genres. BLACK ARTISTS AND COUNTRY While country music is traditionally associated with white artists (which is strange given its gospel, blues and bluegrass influences), Black musicians are increasingly playing a significant role in shaping the genre's history and continue to influence it today. Here are some of the most prominent Black country music singers of today and yesteryear: —Charley Pride Pride is one of the most iconic Black country music artists ever. With hits like "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'" and "Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone," Pride became the first Black country music superstar. He won the Country Music Association's (CMA) Entertainer of the Year award in 1971 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000. —Darius Rucker Rucker initially gained fame as the lead singer of the rock band Hootie & the Blowfish before launching a successful solo career in country music. His debut country single, "Don't Think I Don't Think About It," topped the Billboard Country chart, making him one of the few Black artists to achieve such success in the genre. Rucker has won multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance. —Kane Brown Brown is a contemporary country music star who has quickly risen to fame with hits like "Heaven," "What Ifs," and "Good as You." Brown's music blends country with elements of pop and R&B, appealing to a broad audience. He has received several awards and nominations from the ACMs and CMAs. —Jimmie Allen Jimmie Allen is another rising star in country music, known for songs like "Best Shot" and "Make Me Want To." Allen made history as the first Black artist to launch a country career with two consecutive number-one hits on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. He won the CMA New Artist of the Year award in 2021. —Mickey Guyton Guyton is a trailblazing Black female country artist who has gained recognition for her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics. Her song "Black Like Me," released during the Black Lives Matter movement, garnered widespread attention. In 2020, she became the first Black female solo artist to earn a Grammy nomination in a country category, and in 2021, she became the first Black woman to host the ACM Awards. —Ray Charles Charles is primarily known for his contributions to soul and R&B, but he also significantly impacted country music with his 1962 album "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music." The album was a crossover success and is credited with broadening the appeal of country music to a broader audience. —DeFord Bailey Bailey was a pioneering Black country musician and the first Black performer on the Grand Ole Opry. A master of the harmonica, Bailey's performances in the 1920s and 1930s helped lay the foundation for country music, even though he faced significant racial barriers during his career. THE ASIAN INFUSION Country music has a massive following in Asia, encouraging more Asians to adopt the genre. Here are a few notable Asian and Asian-American artists who contributed significantly to country music. —K.T. Oslin Oslin is an American country music singer and songwriter who became one of the most successful female artists in the late 1980s. Although she was born to an Asian-American father, she is often recognized more for her contributions to country music than for her heritage. Her hit songs, "80's Ladies" and "Do Ya," made her a prominent figure in country music during her time. —Neal McCoy McCoy is a Filipino-American country singer who has had a successful career in the genre since the 1990s. He is known for hits like "Wink," "No Doubt About It," and "The Shake." McCoy's energetic performances and blend of traditional and contemporary country music have earned him a dedicated fan base. —Tiera Kennedy Kennedy is an emerging country artist of Asian descent who has been making waves in the genre. While she is still in the early stages of her career, her talent has already garnered attention, and she represents the growing diversity within country music. The aforementioned artists have contributed to the rich tapestry of country music and paved the way for greater diversity and representation within the genre. Their successes and challenges reflect the evolving landscape of country music and its ability to embrace artists from all backgrounds. Country Music Month reminds us of the genre's enduring legacy and its ability to bring people together through shared experiences and emotions. It is a time to celebrate the artists, songs, and traditions that have made country music a cornerstone of American culture and recognize its ongoing impact on the world of music.

Africa

Oct

Crime Prevention Month, Ntl.: October

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National Crime Prevention Month seeks to raise awareness in the United States about best practices in crime prevention and how to protect yourself, your family, and your home. It is sponsored annually by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC). Its motto? "Living safer, being smarter" and teen and child favorite McGruff the Crime Dog's slogan, "Take A Bite Out Of Crime®." National Crime Prevention Month originated in 1984.

Africa

Oct

Critical Illness Awareness Month: October

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Critical Illness Awareness Month seeks to educate the public about the availability of insurance in the event they are diagnosed with a severe illness. Critical Illness Insurance provides a lump-sum benefit upon diagnosing an acute illness or medical event. This can include, but is not limited to, conditions such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, organ transplants, coronary bypass surgery, or other severe illnesses as defined in the insurance policy. Critical Illness Insurance aims to cover costs associated with treating and managing the illness and any financial obligations that may become more challenging to handle due to the disease. These could include daily living expenses, out-of-pocket medical costs, mortgage payments, or even travel expenses related to medical treatment. Reasons people purchase Critical Illness Insurance include: Financial Security: Diagnosed with a critical illness can be financially devastating due to high medical costs and the potential inability to work during treatment and recovery. The lump-sum payout from critical illness insurance can provide necessary financial support. Coverage Gap: Health insurance may not cover all the costs associated with treating and managing critical illnesses, such as deductibles, copayments, out-of-network treatments, or experimental therapies. Critical Illness Insurance can help fill this coverage gap. Flexibility: Unlike health insurance, which typically pays directly to the healthcare provider for specific services, the payout from a Critical Illness Insurance policy goes to the policyholder for medical expenses, household bills, or other financial obligations. Increasing Incidence of Critical Illnesses: Cancer, heart disease, and strokes are the most common illnesses covered. Having Critical Illness Insurance provides a financial safety net if such a diagnosis occurs. Higher Survival Rates: Advances in medical science mean more people are surviving critical illnesses. However, the costs associated with the aftermath and recovery can be steep. Critical illness insurance can help manage these expenses. Critical Illness Insurance policies specify what illnesses are covered, the specific definitions of illnesses, any waiting periods, and any exclusions that may apply.

Africa

Oct

Custodial Workers Day, Ntl.: October 1

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Custodial Workers are the people we often don’t see but make our lives better. Custodial workers perform cleaning, maintenance, and minor repair tasks in offices, public spaces, and homes. They are called Custodians, Janitors, Maids, Housekeepers, Cleaning Staff, and Cleaners. They often make minimum wage or just barely above it. What they do is critical. Imagine if your garbage at work wasn’t taken out. Or if the floor wasn’t cleaned, dusted, and kept in good repair. Nothing is worse than entering a grimy bathroom with overflowing trash and no soap, toilet paper, or water. The reason we rarely must endure such disgust is thanks to custodial workers. Today is a day to honor them, seek them out, and thank them for their service. By doing so, you’ll genuinely make their day!

Africa

Oct

Cybersecurity Month, Ntl.: October

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National Cybersecurity Awareness Month focuses on cyber security, the dangers of cyber crimes, and what we can do to prevent them. Cyber crimes are rising, with the internet touching almost all aspects of our daily lives. These include identity theft, credit card theft, Ponzi schemes, bait and switch, extortion, spying, and bullying; almost anything that can happen in the real world has a web world cousin. This month, Homeland Security, police, and other organizations devoted to fighting crime and national security will launch public education campaigns and workshops to help people spot attacks. The best way to observe this month is to check your cyber security. 1) When was the last time you updated your virus database? 2) Can you spot a phishing email when you see one? 3) Have you fully scanned your computer to ensure there are no Trojan horses, malware, or unauthorized access points? 4) Are you using a VPN when you’re in public to protect your information from prying eyes? 5) Do you use a privacy screen on the computer you use in public? 6) When was the last time you updated your passwords? 7) Have you set your privacy settings on mobile devices and social media to give you security? You can do these things to increase your cybersecurity, and this is the month to do it. Many software and hardware manufacturers will promote security-related products in honor of this month.

Africa

Oct

Dental Hygiene Month, Ntl.: October

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National Dental Hygiene Month raises awareness about the importance of dental hygiene in preventing dental issues and diseases.

Africa

Oct

Depression Education and Awareness Month: October

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National Depression Education & Awareness Month is sponsored each October by Pharmacists Planning Service, Inc. The Center for Disease Control defines depression as a mental illness. It can be costly and debilitating to sufferers, adversely impacting the course and outcome of ordinary chronic conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Depression also can result in increased work absenteeism, short-term disability, and decreased productivity. Who Tends to be Most Depressed? According to the CDC, the majority of depressed persons share one or more of the following traits: Persons 45-64 years of age Women Persons of color High school dropouts Divorced but not remarried Unemployed Those without health insurance These categories form the basis for most persons suffering from depression.

Africa

Oct

Dessert Month, Ntl.: October

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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 and Awareness Week (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