WITH TODAY BEING the calendarial anomaly February 29 or Leap Day all bets are off. Traditionally it has been the one day of the year where women are encouraged to propose to men. While this rather outdated notion may still be a bit of fun in some quarters we at City Times see it as a time to attempt something new whacky or wild. It's 24 hours you usually don't get so why not try something extraordinary on this extra day? Who knows it may stick.

On the tip of your tongue

Today could be your first day on the road to speaking a new language. Get in touch with the Eton Institute before midday today and you'll be able to get a 50% discount on many popular courses. Visit: http://middleeast.etoninstitute.com

Craft your clobber

Learn to make your own clothes by taking a sewing class at Craft Land at Town Centre Jumeirah. Will you be the next Versace? Visit: www.mycraftland.com

Skating the issue

You could be the next Tony Hawk and you don't even know it. Vans has re-launched Dubai's indoor skate park Vans Zoo Skate Park a skateboard nirvana at Warehouse no. 1 Al Manara St. Al Quoz. Go and give it a go.

Freeze the flab

Think liquid nitrogen is only for foot specialists and defeating the T-1000 Terminator? Think again. It is also said to fight weight gain by normalising your metabolism and get rid or cellulite. Check out the ICEQUEEN Wellness Spa based in Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

Captain cook

Run out of Kitchen Nightmares episodes? Learn a new skill with the three-course cooking master class at Table 9 restaurant Hilton Dubai Creek at a discounted rate of Dhs499 for two people (regular price is Dhs395pp). Classes run Monday-Thursday from 7pm-9pm. Call 04 227 1111

Chord values

If you're a bit bored with being upright and at ground level perhaps bungee jumping is for you. Book your leap with Gravity Zone in Al Quoz Dubai at http://www.gravityzone.co.

Putt it down to experience

It's sometimes difficult to get in a full 18 before the sun goes down however this isn't an issue at Tee & Putt glow in the dark mini golf at Wafi Mall.

Eat behind the Bamboo Curtain

So you're a fan of Communist cuisine but a trip to the Far East is just a bit much. Fear not. Dubai is home to its very own North Korean restaurant serving up Pyongyang's finest - or at least as close as you can get over here. You'll eat pretty well for around Dhs40 in Okyru-Gawa in Deira and you never know who you might run into.

Are you having a laugh?

Anything can happen at an improv show so you're more than likely going to experience something new at The Courtyard Theatre's improv comedy night taking place tonight at 8pm. Unplanned and unrehearsed make sure to go with ideas for scenarios. Visit: http://courtyardplayhouse.com

Leap Day facts

. As it takes a fraction under 365 and a quarter days for the Earth to orbit the sun a day has to be added every four years to keep in line with the Gregorian calendar.

. Apparently in some European countries if a man refuses a woman's proposal today he is obliged to give her money buy her a gown or buy her 12 pairs of gloves to 'hide the embarrassment of not being engaged'. Why 12 we don't know. In the Middle Ages this was enshrined in law.

. Children born on February 29 as well as lamenting they can only really celebrate their birthdays once every four years are invited to join the Honour Society of Leap Year Day Babies.

. In Scotland it is unlucky to be born on February 29.

. In Greece it is unlucky for a couple to marry on a Leap Day.

. Today is also St. Oswald's Day who died on February 29 992.

. There are approximately 4.1 million people in the world with February 29 birthdays.

. The Summer Olympics are always held in a leap year.

. The Texan town of Anthony celebrates Leap Day with a rowdy festival. It is the self-proclaimed Leap Year Capital of the World.