National Folic Acid Awareness Week is an awareness campaign by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Folic acid is a B-vitamin that is necessary for proper cell growth. If taken before and during early pregnancy, folic acid can prevent up to 70% of neural tube defects within the brain and spine. The CDC and the U.S. Public Health Service recommend that all women between the ages of 15 and 45 consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily to prevent two types of neural tube defects, spina bifida and anencephaly.

Since these congenital disabilities develop within the first few weeks of pregnancy, it is essential to have enough folic acid in your body BEFORE becoming pregnant and to continue getting enough folic acid during early pregnancy. Women need folic acid even if they are not planning to become pregnant, as nearly half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned.

Africa

Jan

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (US-TX): January 17 - February 8

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First held in 1896, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is the original indoor extravaganza combining a carnival, entertainment, competitive riding, and premium stock sales and competitions. It features forty-five acres of stock and entertainment under one roof.

Africa

Jan

Foundation Days, (TW)(1912): January 1-2

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FOUNDATION DAYS IN TAIWAN

THE ISLAND'S UNIQUE HISTORY

Foundations Day in Taiwan marks a moment of reflection on the island's storied past and its development into the vibrant democracy it is today. While Taiwan does not have a national holiday explicitly called "Foundations Day," it often looks to January 1, 1912, as a significant historical marker. On that day, the Republic of China (ROC) was established following the Xinhai Revolution, overthrowing the Qing Dynasty and ending more than two millennia of imperial rule in China. This event set the stage for the ROC to become one of the earliest republics in Asia.

THE BIRTH OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN)

On January 1, 1912, Sun Yat-sen, often hailed as the "Father of the Nation" in Taiwan, proclaimed the founding of the Republic of China in Nanjing. The establishment of the ROC was a bold statement of modernity and reform in the early 20th century. It aimed to replace the monarchy with a government based on democratic principles inspired by Western ideals. However, the early years of the ROC were marred by internal strife, warlordism, and external conflicts, delaying its consolidation as a unified government.

Taiwan's unique and contested status arose from the complex geopolitics of World War II and the Chinese Civil War. For centuries, Taiwan's Indigenous peoples were governed under various regimes, including Dutch colonists, Qing China, and Japan, which annexed the island in 1895 after the First Sino-Japanese War. Taiwan remained under Japanese control until 1945, when Japan surrendered in World War II, and the island was handed to the ROC.

Following Japan's defeat, the Chinese Civil War resumed between the ROC government and Mao Zedong's communist forces. By 1949, the communists established the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland, while the ROC, led by Chiang Kai-shek, retreated to Taiwan. This split created a long-standing dispute over Taiwan's sovereignty. The PRC claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan sees itself as a self-governing democracy.

A DEMOCRATIC ISLAND

Today, Taiwan operates under a multi-party democracy with a presidential system. Its government includes an elected president, a legislature, and independent judiciary branches. Taiwan has become a global economic and technological powerhouse, primarily through semiconductor manufacturing. Despite its success, Taiwan faces diplomatic challenges, as only a handful of nations officially recognize it due to pressure from the PRC.

PERSISTING CONTROVERSY

Taiwan's contested status stems from differing interpretations of its sovereignty. The PRC views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has vowed to pursue "reunification," while Taiwan operates as a de facto independent state. The international community remains divided, with many nations adhering to a "One China" policy. However, many maintain unofficial ties with Taiwan.

Foundations Day serves as a reminder of the island's turbulent yet inspiring journey. It underscores Taiwan's resilience and unwavering commitment to democratic principles in the face of ongoing political and geopolitical challenges. For its people, the legacy of January 1, 1912, and the formation of the ROC are enduring symbols of a quest for self-determination and modern governance in the region, reassuring them about their country's values.

Africa

Jan

Free Thinker Day (1737): January 29

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Freethinkers Day, also known as Thomas Paine Day, is an opportunity to promote appreciation of free thought in honor of the life and works of Thomas Paine. Free thought supports reason over faith and rejects arbitrary authority. Thomas Paine was a courageous freethinker whose work inspired great social and political advancement across the world. Raised in England, Paine played a vital role in the American and French Revolutions. His books and pamphlets, including "The Age of Reason," "The Rights of Man," and "Common Sense," gained a mass audience for the liberating philosophy of the Enlightenment. In the 1990s, the Truth-seeker magazine began celebrating Freethinkers Day on Thomas Paine's birthday to educate the public on the importance of Thomas Paine in the history of freedom. Also in the 1990s, the Thomas Paine Foundation began celebrating the birthday of Thomas Paine on January 29, a Thomas Paine Day proclamation on June 8, and other Paine theme events during the year.

Africa

Jan

Fresh Squeezed Juice Week, Ntl.: January 19-25

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The Juice and Smoothie Association (JASA) initiated Fresh Squeezed Juice Week to educate consumers about the industry, promote juice bar franchises, and support independent juice bars.

Africa

Jan

Fruitcake Toss Day: January 3

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This event was a joke but has become an excellent fundraising opportunity for charities. It's always newsworthy, and the dense consistency of fruitcakes makes them highly mobile when thrown. Fruitcakes are a dessert popular during Christmas. In some ancient cultures, it was a custom to bury one's loved ones with fruitcakes; today, it is more customary to re-gift fruitcakes! Most of us are guilty of this, or at least 38% of Americans report doing so. Those that re-gift have likely never tried a good fruitcake. Many are marinated in brandy and make quite a delicious addition to afternoon tea.

Africa

Jan

Gardening, Mail-order Gardening Month, Ntl.: January

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January is National Mail Order Gardening Month. Why January? Because few things excite gardening enthusiasts during the height of the winter more than the reminder that spring is on its way.

Africa

Jan

Genocide Hearing at ICJ (IL/PS)(2024): January 11-12

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Today is the anniversary of the hearing to determine if Israel conducted genocide against the Palestinian people in 2023 and 2024. In a significant development in international law, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), located at the Peace Palace in The Hague, will conduct public hearings on January 11 and 12, 2024, in answer to the proceedings instituted by South Africa against Israel on December 29, 2023, concerning alleged violations of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention). The heart of South Africa's Application is a request to indicate provisional measures. This request aims to prevent "further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide Convention" and to ensure Israel's compliance with its obligations under the same Convention. South Africa presents its oral argument on January 11, with Israel responding on January 12. Each country will have two hours. The ICJ, established in June 1945 and starting its activities in April 1946, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Composed of 15 judges elected for a nine-year term by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council, the Court's primary roles are to settle legal disputes submitted by States and provide advisory opinions on legal questions referred by authorized United Nations organs and agencies. This case marks a pivotal moment in applying international law, especially concerning the Genocide Convention. The world's eyes will be on The Hague as these proceedings unfold, potentially setting a precedent in international legal standards and state accountability. The application submitted by South Africa asserts the state of Israel is currently conducting genocide against the people of Palestine and that it is committing acts against the Palestinian people that it characterizes as genocidal. The application explicitly addresses actions by the Israeli government and military in response to attacks that occurred in Israel on October 7, 2023. South Africa, while condemning all violations of international law, including attacks on Israeli civilians and hostage-taking by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, maintains that such events do not justify or excuse breaches of the 1948 Genocide Convention. The application argues that Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip seek the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian population, which constitutes a distinct national, racial, and ethnical group. The alleged genocidal acts include: Killings. Causing serious bodily and mental harm to Palestinians in Gaza. Creating conditions of life that could lead to their physical destruction. South Africa accuses Israel of not only failing to prevent genocide but also actively committing it, thereby violating the Genocide Convention. The application also notes Israel's failure to prevent or punish incitement to genocide by senior officials and others, highlighting a breach of fundamental obligations under the Genocide Convention. Another key assertion in the application is the context of the ongoing actions against the Palestinians by the state of Israel. The South Africans note that this is not a one-off event. Rather, it is part of 75 years of increasing repression, subjugation, attacks, and imprisonment of a people due to their religion. CONSEQUENCES OF A FINDING OF GENOCIDE Should the Court produce a finding of genocide, all signatories to The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, including the United States, which is currently aiding and abetting Israel's actions, and the state of Israel are duty-bound to stop the action by any means. It will mean several leaders in Israel who have actively promoted genocide can be prosecuted for their crimes and prevented from traveling to many nations. The nation-state itself will forever be associated with genocide. The term genocide was coined during WWII to describe the wholesale destruction of Jewish, Romani, and other peoples by the Third Reich through the holocaust. The Convention was created and agreed to by 154 nations to ensure such wholesale murder never occurs again. Genocide is the highest crime any country or individual can be accused of. It is the worst of the worst.

Africa

Jan

Get Organized Month (Go Month), Ntl.: January

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January is National Get Organized Month. The National Association of Professional Organizers created the month in 2005 to increase awareness of the value of being organized and even hire a professional organizer when your personal or work life starts to demand it. Celebrating the National Get Organized Month is essentially about getting your life in order and making it more time-efficient.

Africa

Jan

Get to Know Your Customer Day Q1: January 16

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A day set aside each quarter of the year to work on your customer journey, marketing, sales funnel, and customer service policies and find additional ways to increase customer loyalty through appreciation. The Loyalty Formula: Loyalty = Great Service + Confidence "Customer Loyalty is about the next time—every time. Every day, and all of the time. All year long!" -Shep Hyken

Africa

Jan

Ginuary: January

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Ginuary is a celebration of all things gin worldwide, each day set aside for a new way to enjoy gin. The month celebration seems to have come out of nowhere with no specific origin. Aussie Mem Rynne has taken up the mantle and created the official Ginuary website with many resources, recipes, and drinks to sample. Enjoy!

Africa

Jan

Glaciers' Preservation, International Year of: 2025

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UNITED NATIONS'

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF GLACIERS' PRESERVATION

In response to the alarming rate at which glaciers are melting globally, the United Nations declared 2025 the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation. This initiative aims to raise awareness and mobilize action to protect these vital ice formations, crucial for the planet's ecological balance and human well-being.

OBJECTIVES

The primary goals of this year-long observance are:

Increase Awareness—Educate the public and policymakers about the importance of glaciers and the urgent need to protect them.

Promote Research—Encourage scientific research to better understand climate change's impacts on glaciers and develop strategies for their preservation.

Support Conservation—Mobilize resources and support for conservation efforts aimed at protecting glaciers and mitigating the effects of their melt.

Foster Collaboration—Enhance international cooperation to address the global challenge of glacier melt and its consequences.

UNDERSTANDING GLACIERS

Glaciers are massive, slow-moving rivers of ice formed from compacted layers of snow. Over many years, the weight of accumulated snow compresses and turns into dense ice.

Glaciers form in areas where more snow falls in winter than melts in summer. As snow accumulates, it compresses into ice, and the glacier flows outward under its weight.

IMPACT ON LIFE AND ECONOMICS

Water Resources—Glaciers are crucial freshwater reservoirs that supply water to rivers and lakes, especially during dry seasons, and are vital for agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower.

Sea Level Rise—Melting glaciers contribute significantly to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.

Climate Regulation—Glaciers reflect sunlight, helping to regulate the Earth's temperature. Their loss accelerates global warming.

Biodiversity—Glacial regions support unique ecosystems and species. Their melt disrupts these habitats, leading to biodiversity loss.

Tourism and Culture—Glaciers attract tourists and hold cultural significance for many indigenous communities. Their degradation impacts local economies and cultural heritage.

The need for the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation is more pressing than ever:

Climate Change—Accelerating climate change is melting glaciers at unprecedented rates, with dire consequences for water resources, sea levels, and global temperatures.

Environmental Impact—The rapid loss of glaciers is disrupting ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, and contributing to natural disasters like floods and landslides.

Human Livelihoods—Millions depend on glaciers for water, agriculture, and energy. Their melt threatens food and water security, especially in vulnerable regions.

Global Awareness—Raising awareness and mobilizing global action are crucial to mitigate these impacts and protect glaciers for future generations.

As the world grapples with the multifaceted challenges of climate change, the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation serves as a crucial call to action. By fostering awareness, promoting research, and encouraging international cooperation, this initiative aims to safeguard glaciers, ensuring they continue to play their vital role in sustaining life and regulating the planet's climate.

Africa

Jan

Glaucoma Awareness Month, Ntl.: January

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January is Glaucoma Awareness Month in the United States. According to the World Health Organization, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Eye diseases gradually steal sight without warning by damaging the optic nerve. Although the most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and the elderly, glaucoma can affect people of all ages. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among African-Americans, Hispanics, and the elderly. Siblings of persons diagnosed with glaucoma have a significantly increased risk. There is no cure for glaucoma yet. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. In its most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Vision loss begins with a peripheral or side vision, so if you have glaucoma, you may not notice anything until significant vision is lost. The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get a comprehensive eye examination. Then, if you have glaucoma, treatment can begin immediately. Spend this month educating yourself and your family about glaucoma, and if it’s been a while since your last visit to the eye doctor, schedule a visit this month.

Africa

Jan

Global Family Day: January 1

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Global Family Day is recognized by the US Congress, UN General Assembly, and a variety of governments and organizations the world over. Global Family Day originated with Linda Grover, who passed away in 2010. She believed that the world needed a secular holiday that everyone could celebrate, not just holidays for different religions or nationalities.

Africa

Jan

Gobind Singh (S)(1666): January 7

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Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, or Govind Singh, is a Sikh holiday commemorating the birth of Guru Gobind Singh's tenth Guru of the Sikhs. Even though he was born on December 22, 1666, his birthday is most often celebrated on January 7, depending on the calendar. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is a religious celebration during which the faithful pray for prosperity.

Africa