Joy Drop: A belated Happy Birthday to all the leap year babies – MASHAHER

Friends, as we begin another month of 2024 (where did the time go?) I saw the cutest little post on X (formerly Twitter) about Leap Year babies.

The tiny infants known as “leaplings” are often given knitted frog-hats to celebrate their special arrival date. I love this and it brought such a smile to my face. Babies are precious and should be loved and protected. Less than 1 per cent of the world’s population was born on Feb. 29. That’s unique and simultaneously adorable.

There’s nothing more quintessentially Canadian than the Canadian Heritage moments. I love them and often talk about “burnt toast.” They are produced by Historica Canada and the 60-second bilingual offerings are a fantastic way to teach history.

The latest one is about Norm Kwong. Kwong was the first Chinese professional football player in Canada. In my work, I write and tell stories about current athletes. It is really great to learn more about important sports history. Andrew Phung voiced the end of the public service announcement. 

It is the Year of the Dragon and much of the world celebrated Chinese Lunar New year and the parades and events were lovely. So was this adorable little dog out with its family for some fun. From coast to coast there were activities and community gatherings. May it be a prosperous year for everyone!

Some of the greatest upsets in soccer are the U.S. women’s soccer team losing to anyone. The W Gold Cup has begun (Canada is at the top of their group) but the fun came when Mexico beat the U.S. in a thrilling 2-0 match. It’s always fascinating to watch the American media react to a loss from this team. But the way that tri color fans celebrated after Mayra Pelayo’s goal is even better. Have a look at this flame-thrower shot into the back of the net.

Speaking of running and excitement, in LaSalle, Ont., a deer broke into the community centre and jumped into the pool. No one was hurt and the lifeguards were very careful. Maybe the creature just wanted to attend open family swim! 

Deer breaks into Ontario rec centre and jumps into pool

A deer busted through a window of a LaSalle, Ont., recreation centre and jumped into a swimming pool on Feb. 25, 2024. (Video by Francesco Siino)

Right now, the World Athletics Indoor Championships are happening in Glasgow, Scotland and CBC Sports’ Devin Heroux is on the ground covering the event. He captured Sarah Mitton’s gold in shotput Friday morning!

The last thing that brought me joy this week was sent to me dozens of times. The Albert Einstein College of Medicine is a school in New York City. Earlier this week, it was announced that it was receiving a $1 billion gift from Ruth Gottesman, the widow of a Wall Street investor, and the school would be tuition-free. Gottesman gave the school the money to ease the lives of the students, many of whom would face huge student debt upon graduation. What a beautiful moment to witness these students celebrating. The young doctors can focus on helping the needs of the community instead of trying to pay off their loans. I honestly wish all young people could get opportunities like this.

Have a beautiful weekend! 

Free tuition for NYC med school

Students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine learned Monday they will no longer pay tuition, thanks to a $1 billion US donation from the chair of its board of trustees.