January 22, 1973, saw the landmark decision by the United States Court on Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. This ruling made abortion legal in the United States and gave women the choice of having a child if pregnant or ending the pregnancy. The ruling passed seven to two, upholding a right to privacy under the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment, extending it to a woman's decision to have an abortion. It was a tricky decision because it needed to balance the state's two legitimate interests—protecting women's health and protecting the potentiality of human life. The court decided that a woman has a right to abort a pregnancy until fetal viability. Viability is defined as "potentially able to live outside of the mother's womb, albeit with artificial aid." Today this is translated to 23 or 24 weeks, with medical advances making headway to shorten that period even further. Update: In June 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, forcing over half the women in the United States to live in states where the procedure is either banned or extremely limited. American cities and states will not know the full ramifications of this regression in women's rights for several years. Over the next decade, if it remains struck down, expect universities in states with bans to see a reduction in students applying and attending. Employers in these states will have difficulty attracting young workers, thus forcing a decline in home values and, therefore, the tax base. Reduced taxes impact other public services as younger workers seek states that protect their rights and place the value of a woman's life before the unborn. Those of childbearing age, particularly the educated and those with means, will choose to live where they can control their lives over locations where they cannot.

Africa

Jan

Room of Your Own Day: January 25

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Room of One's Own Day was created by the folks at Wellcat.com. It's a day to appreciate thethe importance of having one's own room, whether for work or leisure. It is especially important for people who are married and have children and vital to one's health and sanity to have a personal space.

Africa

Jan

Rose Bowl (US-CA): January 1

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THE FRAGRANT FOOTBALL GAME:

THE ROSE BOWL

Often referred to as "The Granddaddy of Them All," the Rose Bowl stands as the oldest and one of the most prestigious bowl games in college football. Its rich history dates back to January 1, 1902, when the first game was played as part of the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California. The game was initially organized to support the parade and promote the city as a winter vacation destination, a tradition that continues to this day.

Though initially intended as a one-time event, the Rose Bowl returned in 1916 and has been held annually ever since. Traditionally played on New Year's Day, the game is a cornerstone of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, a festival that includes the famous Rose Parade.

The Rose Bowl's significance lies in its tradition and the high-quality competition it attracts. With long-standing ties to the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences, it typically features the champions of these conferences. This matchup has created some of the most memorable moments in college football history.

In 1998, the Rose Bowl became a part of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), a move that significantly elevated its status. It occasionally hosted the BCS National Championship Game, further cementing its importance in the college football landscape. In 2014, it became one of the six bowls in the College Football Playoff (CFP) system, hosting a CFP semifinal game every three years. This development added a new layer of excitement to the game, making it an integral part of the national championship race.

Nestled in Pasadena with the San Gabriel Mountains as a backdrop, the Rose Bowl's location adds to its allure. Built in 1922, the stadium is a National Historic Landmark and has hosted numerous significant events beyond college football. These include Super Bowls, World Cup matches, and Olympic events, all of which have contributed to the stadium's rich history and cultural significance.

The Rose Bowl epitomizes the pinnacle of college football tradition and excellence in college athletics.

Africa

Jan

Rotating Earth Day (1851): January 8

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Physicist Jean Foucault had many theories he would go on to prove. But, on January 8, 1851, he tested one of those theories. He believed the earth, being spherical, rotated on an axis. This axis causes day and night and contributes to the seasons. Using a device he designed called the Foucault pendulum, he could prove the earth did rotate on an axis from his home in Paris, France. Rotating Earth Day marks that anniversary.

Africa

Jan

Rubber Ducky Day (1970): January 13

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Peter Ganine patented his sculpture of what would become the 'rubber duck' in the 1940s and chose to reproduce it as a floating toy, resulting in over 50 million sales. Rubber Ducky day honors the character Rubber Ducky's birthday, proclaimed by Sesame Street as January 13. The yellow duck became a popular character on the children's television show through its appearances with the character Ernie who first sang the "Rubber Ducky Song" on an episode in February 1970. The song, surprisingly, made it to 16 on the Billboard Top 100 charts on September 26, 1970.

Africa

Jan

Run-up-the-Flagpole Day: January 2

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Run-up-the-Flagpole Day is a day in the U.S. that comes from "Let's run it up the flagpole and see if anyone salutes it," a phrase that became popular in the 1950s. It means "to present an idea and see whether it is acceptable." The phrase is a cliché, but the day remains to encourage us to present unique ideas without hesitation.

Africa

Jan

Saint Anthony's Day (356 AD): January 17

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Saint Anthony's Day celebrates the hermit monk of Egypt, Anthony the Great (January 12, 251 - January 17, 356 AD). He helped create the monastery system in the Latin, Orthodox, and Coptic churches. His feast day occurs on the anniversary of his death.

Africa

Jan

Saint Basil's Day (C) (379 AD): January 1

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January 1 is recognized as Saint Basil's Day by several Christian denominations. St. Basil is said to have been born in central Turkey and is famous for his intellectual brilliance, care for the poor, and rules he created for monastic life. St. Basil's Day is celebrated with gifts, carols, and other customs intended to bring good fortune in the new year. The event marks the anniversary of his death, January 1, 379AD.

Africa

Jan

Saint Dwynwen Day (UK): January 25

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Saint Dwynwen is the Welsh saint of love and friendship who died in 460 AD, and he is one of several saints who lived a secluded life in the famous Abby at Llanddwyn Island. For the Welsh, this is an annual celebration of love and friendship and a revered local custom.

Africa

Jan

Saint Gudula Day (712 AD): January 8

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The feast day of Saint Gudula celebrated the patron saint of Brussels. A daughter of a wealthy family, she is best known for her charity work.

Africa

Jan

Saint Paul Winter Carnival (US-MN): January 23 - February 1

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Created in 1886, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival is one of the most significant events in the Twin Cities metro area. This city-wide indoor and outdoor event attracts over 200,000 people a year. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Jan

Saint Vincent's Day: January 22

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If the sun is shining today, viticulturists (winegrowers) rejoice. Legend states that if the sun is shining on Saint Vincent's Day, that year's grapes will yield excellent wine. Saint Vincent of Saragossa, a Spanish deacon, is the patron saint of viticulturists. Martyred for his faith on this day in 304 AD, January 22 is his feast day in the Roman Catholic tradition. Orthodox Christians celebrate it on November 11.

Africa

Jan

San Sebastian's Day (BR): January 20

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Saint Sebastian was a maverick known for his bravery and secret life as a Christian, hiding at the very top of Roman nobility before Rome became Christian. Being Christian was dangerous at the time, yet Sebastian converted large numbers of soldiers to the faith, including the governor of Rome. But, like many before him, eventually, he was caught and executed under Roman law for practicing and proselytizing Christianity in 288 AD. Saint Sebastian is the patron saint of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His feast day is celebrated throughout the Christian world on January 20, and orthodox sects observe Saint Sebastian's feast on December 18.

Africa

Jan

Sanctity of Human Life Day (1973): January 22

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Sanctity of Human Life Day in the United States symbolizes the sacredness of human life and is meant to fight for the lives of the unborn and against abortion. Today is the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling in the United States legalizing abortion. Sanctity of Human Life Day originated with President Reagan in 1984.

Africa