Among the innumerable little gems the cult TV hit 30 Rock bestowed upon us during its seven season reign was a Leap Day mythology and cause for celebration of February's curious and mystical disappearing final day. Directed by the impeccable Steve Buscemi, the episode "Leap Day" debuted on Feb. 23, 2012, and the episode offered brilliant satire of the commercialization of every conceivable sort-of holiday. To quote Kenneth Parcell and Pete Hornberger, here's the gist:
"Every four years, you get a magical extra day!"
"A day to do the things you ordinarily wouldn't do! To take chances!"If you don't recall Leap Day William -- the somewhat terrifying "Santa Claus" of Leap Day -- we'll wait thirty seconds for you to watch this quick clip.
As you might recall, February 29th only comes around once every four years, and Monday is your shot, baby. Go for something big -- something you'd never otherwise do. How's that for pressure?
Remember: Real life is for March. -- Leap Day William
Unleash your inner daredevil
If you've been putting off a literal leap, this is the day to finally commit.
Indoor skydiving: No plane or 'chute required, Frisco's iFly features a 14-foot wind tunnel with circulating winds that average from 100 to 125 mph. iFly simulates free-fall so well that pro sky divers and military personnel train at locations around the country. First-time flyer packages begin at $69.95 and iFly Dallas is open until 10 p.m. on Feb. 29.
Bungee jumping: Feel like diving head-first off a platform for a 7 story fall? Good for you, and we know just the place. Zero Gravity Thrill Park in North Dallas offers five different free-fall type attractions from conventional bungee jumping to the Skycoaster (that's like a giant swing you can ride with friends), the Nothin' But Net (a 16 story drop into a giant net), the Skyscraper (a "massive windmill" that whips through the air at fighter jet speeds) to the Texas Blastoff (like a giant slingshot that shoots you 150 feet into the air, falling in "twist, turns and flips"). Prices range from $32.99 for one ride to $116.95 for a combo of all five rides. Plus, your magical extra day means one more chance to take part in the February special: Thrill Seeker Combo for Two. The park's open from 4-10 p.m. on Feb. 29.
Indoor surfing: If falling through the air is a little too far out of your comfort zone, fair enough. Aqua Shop at the Shops at Willow Bend in Plano lets you hang ten without a long car ride or braving chilly ocean temps. All you'll need is a swimsuit and a healthy appreciation for fish out of water situations -- your best wipe out might even make it on the live cam. It costs $20 (pre-tax) to book a half-hour increment, with the latest beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 29.
Conquer your stage fright
Open mic: Whether you're the next Aziz Ansari or an undiscovered Paul McCartney, it's time to take a deep breath and step onstage. Hey, you might bomb the first time -- you certainly wouldn't be the first -- but, you've got to get a few boos before you break big. Dallas Comedy House hosts an open mic for stand up every Tuesday, beginning at 8 p.m. Sure, that's not technically Leap Day, but you can make a commitment to it by emailing openmic@dallascomedyhouse.com before midnight Sunday and making a loud public announcement to friends on Monday. It's free to go up and free to watch, and each comic gets 3-5 minutes.
More into music? This site -- Open Mic Dallas -- rounds up opportunities throughout D-FW.
Road-trip to the Leap Year Capital of the World
Perhaps you had no idea Anthony, Texas, boasts this unique distinction, but the 5,000 person town gets a bit bigger every four years during its Worldwide Leap Year Birthday Celebration. Leaplings from all over the United States and world pilgrimage to Anthony, which sits on the Texas/New Mexico border, about a 10 hour drive from Dallas.
This year, they're celebrating on Feb. 27, 28 and 29, and the festivities include a parade, pizza party picnic, a birthday dinner, a golf tournament, hikes, city tours, a karaoke mixer and other events, many of which are free, and all of which are open to the public.
The Las Cruces Sun-News has a full list of events, locations and details.
Push your palate to the limits
Remember Fear Factor, the game show that often asked contestants to take a bite out of hissing cockroaches, maggots and coagulated blood paste pizza sauce? We're not suggesting you do anything of the sort.
There are, however, a few ... unconventional ... dishes at D-FW restaurants worth a try if you've got the guts. Small Brewpub serves Sour Squash Fritters -- that's pickled pigs feet with pepper jam -- and something called a Smoked Trotter -- fungus jus with fermented collards -- and almost any taqueria worth its salt is a good place to try lengua -- that's cow tongue, often served in a taco, with a mild flavor and tender, juicy consistency. We'd recommend Taqueria El Si Hay or Taqueria La Paisanita among the best.
Fall for freebies, events and deals
If your idea of adventurous means going out for lunch rather than eating over your work keyboard, we salute your commitment to trying something new. Here are some deals on Feb. 29 only.
Freebies for Leaplings: Love a person who has the ... misfortune? fortune? of celebrating a birthday only once every four years? All require valid photo ID with DOB, of course, and it's best to call just to ensure your location of choice is participating.
Hard Rock Cafe has a special Leaplings Eat Free menu. Options include a burger, mac and cheese, chicken sandwich and more.
Pizza Hut is giving away free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza for carryout.Olive Garden is giving away four free dolcini (bite sized desserts), one for each year you missed, plus this year's birthday.More deals:
Cafe Brazil offers any vegetarian entree for free with the purchase of a drink. It's for dine-in only and available to those with Fan Status. (Don't know what that is? Just become a fan by "liking" Cafe Brazil's Facebook page.)Sundown at Granada's Hoppy Leap Day Celebration serves up drink specials including $2.29 select drafts and $4 select IPAs.