The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) starts operations, February 23, 1947
2024-02-29
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an institute responsible for crafting and promulgating international standards that ensure quality, safety, and efficiency across products, services, and systems. It began operations February 23, 1947. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, ISO has members from 170 nations, it has published 25,000+ international standards and it has over 800 technical committees (TCs). The organization's portfolio is extensive, covering almost every industry, from technology and manufacturing to food safety, agriculture, and healthcare. One notable standard is ISO 9001, which focuses on quality management systems. TC 307 focuses on standardization of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies. ISO 11615, "Health informatics, Identification of medicinal products, Data elements and structures for the unique identification and exchange of regulated medicinal product information", is part of a suite known as the Identification of Medicinal Products (IDMP) standards, which also includes ISO 11238, ISO 11239, ISO 11240, and ISO 16791. Collectively, they aim to improve safety, quality, and efficacy of medications worldwide. The name "ISO" is not an acronym. It is derived from the Greek word 'isos', meaning equal. This choice reflects their commitment to equalizing and standardizing practices across nations for the betterment of global interoperability and understanding. More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO Art&Text🫶ChatGPT.
Python initial release, February 20, 1991
2024-02-29
Python, a high-level programming language, was initially released February 20, 1991, by Guido van Rossum, Netherlands, It emphasizes code readability with its notable use of significant whitespace. Its standard library supports various programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming. Python 1.0 in 1994 introduced many core features. Python 2.0 in 2000 added list comprehensions and garbage collection. Ended with 2.7. Python 3.0 in 2008 was a major rewrite, not backward compatible, with changes like print function, Unicode support, and syntax alterations. Python was named after the British comedy group Monty Python. Philosophy of the Python language: By typing "import this" into a Python interpreter, you'll be presented with the "Zen of Python" by Tim Peters, which includes aphorisms such as "Beautiful is better than ugly" and "Simple is better than complex". It is widely used for a variety of applications, from web development to data analysis and artificial intelligence. Python is one of the most popular programming languages. Its popularity is due to the rise of data science, machine learning, and its role in academic and educational settings. Python's simplicity and versatility, combined with a strong community and extensive libraries, contribute to its widespread use and ongoing popularity across diverse fields. More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python_(programming_language) Art&Text supported by ChatGPT.
Celebrating Café au Lait Day, we honor not just a beverage but a tradition steeped in history. Café au lait, translating to "coffee with milk" in French, has its origins deeply rooted in European culture, particularly in France. It's a simple, yet elegant drink, consisting of equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk. This blend offers a smoother, creamier alternative to its Italian cousin, the cappuccino, making it a favorite morning ritual for many. The concept of adding milk to coffee stretches back centuries, with variations found in many cultures. Café au lait began to be sold commercially in the 17th century, coinciding with the spread of coffee houses across Europe. The concept of the coffee house as a social hub originated in the Middle East and quickly spread to Europe, where it transformed local drinking habits and social practices. In France, the first coffee house, Café Procope, opened in Paris in 1686, becoming a meeting place for intellectuals, artists, and writers. In New Orleans' it's traditionally served with beignets. This pairing is a delightful expression of the city's French heritage and a must-try experience for visitors. Millions enjoy this beloved beverage daily, either at home or in cafés. It's a testament to its timeless appeal and the joy of shared moments over a cup of coffee. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Café_au_lait https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffeehouse https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee Art&Text🫶ChatGPT.
International Childhood Cancer Day 2024
2024-02-29
International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), observed annually on February 15th, is a global campaign to raise awareness and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, survivors, and their families. There are approximately 400,000 children and adolescents 0-19 years old diagnosed with cancer each year worldwide. Despite advances in treatment, cancer is among their leading causes of death, emphasizing the need for continued research and improved treatments. The most common cancers in children differ significantly from those seen in adults, with leukemia (such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia), brain cancers, lymphomas, solid tumors like neuroblastoma (in infants and young children), and Wilms tumor (a kidney cancer) being among the most prevalent. These cancers have varied prognoses and treatment options, which have improved over the years, leading to increased survival rates. However, high-income countries see survival rates of 80% or more, while low- and middle-income countries have survival rates of less than 20%. ICCD serves to raise awareness and promote the need for equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, and care for all children worldwide. It's a call to action to work together to advance research, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilling life. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childhood_cancer https://internationalchildhoodcancerday.org/ Art&Text 🫶 by ChatGPT.
Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a day dedicated to love and affection. Its origins can be traced to both Christian and Roman traditions. The name "Valentine" likely comes from two Christian martyrs named Valentine who lived in the Roman Empire during the 3rd century. One of the legends surrounding Valentine suggests that he defied Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriages for young men, as Claudius believed that single men made better soldiers. Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret and was eventually arrested and executed on a February 14th. Legend says, he sent a love letter to his jailer's daughter, signing it "From your Valentine," which is a phrase still used today. Valentine's Day gained popularity over the centuries. In the Middle Ages, it became associated with romantic love. In the 19th century, the exchange of love notes and cards became a common practice. Today, Valentine's Day is a global occasion. 200+ million roses are grown, 20+ Billion USD are spent, 190+ million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged in the US alone. Piquant: Among people surveyed, 20% of men purchase gifts for multiple partners, while only 6% of women do the same. Today is perfect for quality time with your partner, or, maybe, embracing the opportunity to finally express affection to your secret love. Be Decent, Virtuous and Brave and —ask them to be your Valentine! More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine%27s_Day Art by Dall-E, text supported by ChatGPT.
Carnaval de Argentina 2024
2024-02-29
The Carnaval de Argentina is a vibrant and diverse celebration that varies significantly across the country, reflecting the rich tapestry of Argentine culture. Its origins can be traced back to the colonial period, with significant influences from European and Indigenous traditions. The most famous celebrations occur in the provinces of Corrientes and Entre Ríos, particularly in the cities of Gualeguaychú, Corrientes, and Concordia, each offering its unique flavor of carnival festivities. One of the hallmark features of the Argentine carnival is the "comparsa," a musical group that performs in elaborate costumes, accompanied by dancers who parade through the streets. The Gualeguaychú Carnival, often referred to as the "Carnival of the Country," is especially renowned for its spectacular floats and costumes, drawing comparisons to the Rio Carnival in Brazil. Gualeguaychú alone hosts tens of thousands of spectators each weekend of the celebration; thousands participate in over 100 murgas in Buenos Aires, "Carnaval Porteño", alone. In 2024 the Buenos Aires Carnaval ends February 13th. The Carnaval was revived in the 2000s after a decades-long ban by the military dictatorship, highlighting its importance as a cultural expression and social protest. The event is not only a display of creativity and joy but also an economic booster, attracting tourists from across the globe. More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buenos_Aires_Carnival Art&Text supported by ChatGPT.