All - Leep Calendar

First held in 2015, National Goat Yoga (yes, this is a real thing) takes the monotony out of the traditional yoga routine. It brings real goats in for strength training, novelty, and companionship. The month is the brainchild of Goat Yoga instructor April Gould and occurs each year in February.

Africa

Feb

Gold Heart Day: February 14

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Gold Heart Day, celebrated on February 14, originated from the Variety Club, an international charity formed by show business personalities. Established in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1927, the club's focus shifted to charity following the adoption of an abandoned baby in 1928. The U.K. chapter began in 1949. In 1991, the Gold Heart Pins were introduced as a fundraising tool in Great Britain. The day is dedicated to raising awareness and support for disadvantaged and disabled children, helping them reach their potential. It provides vital aid and resources to these children and their families, underscoring the importance of equal opportunities for all children.

Africa

Feb

Golden Retriever Day, Ntl.: February 3

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National Golden Retriever Day is an unofficial event dedicated to one of the most beloved dog breeds, the Golden Retriever. This day is marked by dog lovers and owners showcasing their affection and appreciation for these friendly, loyal, intelligent canines. The history of the Golden Retriever breed dates back to the mid-19th century in Scotland. Lord Tweedmouth, at his estate near Inverness, is credited with developing this breed. He aimed to create a dog adept at retrieving games in the Scottish highlands. The breeding program began with a now-extinct yellow-colored retriever, "Nous," and a Tweed Water Spaniel named "Belle." The result was a litter of puppies with excellent retrieving capabilities and a gentle, trainable nature. Golden Retrievers were officially recognized as a breed by The Kennel Club of England in 1911. The breed reached North America in the early 20th century and received recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1932. The popularity of Golden Retrievers rests on their versatility and agreeable temperament. Known for their intelligence, they are relatively easy to train and are often used in roles such as search and rescue, guide dogs for the blind, and therapy dogs. Their friendly and tolerant demeanor makes them excellent family pets, suitable for homes with children and other animals. Golden Retrievers are revered for their beautiful golden coats, ranging from light cream to a rich golden hue. Their appearance, coupled with their playful and affectionate nature, endears them to many. Dog owners and enthusiasts celebrate National Golden Retriever Day in various ways. Activities include special walks or outings with their pets, organizing meet-ups with other Golden Retrievers and their owners, and sharing photos and stories on social media. Many also use this day to promote awareness about breed-specific health issues and to support Golden Retriever rescue organizations. In summary, National Golden Retriever Day is a day of appreciation for a breed that embodies loyalty, intelligence, and affection. It celebrates the bond between Golden Retrievers and their owners and acknowledges the breed's contributions as working dogs and loving companions. The Golden Retriever's enduring popularity as a pet is a testament to its adaptable, friendly nature and striking appearance.

Africa

Feb

Grain Bin Safety Week, Ntl: February 16-22

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This is one of those events that if you live in a city, the dangers inherent probably never occurred to you. You may be aware of this danger if you work on a farm or in an industry with sand, sawdust, or other granular mediums. Nationwide Insurance created Grain Bin Safety Awareness Week in 2014 to highlight the dangers to farmers entering grain bins when machinery is active. Several dozen farm workers die yearly or are injured when caught in the quicksand of grain bins, which can cover a person in seconds. This awareness campaign supports the training of first responders and the supply of rescue tubes to departments. Grain Bin Safety Awareness Week is one of two events focusing on bin safety. Stand Up for Grain Safety Week is the second, in late March.

Africa

Feb

Grain Free Day, Ntl: February 21

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Gluten-free has become a buzzword and a highly sought-after characteristic in food. Grain Free Day began in 2019 as a promotional venue for Siete Family Foods, a grain-free traditional Mexican and American foods manufacturer. Gluten is an organic protein found in plants called prolamin. People with celiac disease and those with a wheat allergy—less than 1% of the global population—experience inflammation and other side effects from gluten. For this extreme minority of people, their diets must be gluten-free. Today is a day to learn about that and empathize by going a day without grain. However, like many current and former food fads, the majority of people who insist on gluten-free do not need it. Their reasons are self-serving, including: Vanity reasons (e.g., demanding gluten-free without a disease gets a person a lot of attention via disruption at any event with food and sympathy). Psychological reasons (e.g., they think it's healthier because some influencer says so; it is something they can control (and be pitied for), or they have imagined symptoms medical tests cannot confirm). Regrettably, the gluten-free bandwagon boy-who-cried-wolf embracing of the fad diminishes the reality and urgency for the small percentage of people with an actual health need for a gluten-free diet—people with celiac or a diagnosed allergy. It trivializes their condition by making it a fad. For them, it is not a fad. It is life and death. For the record, gluten has zero negative impact on non-celiac and non-wheat allergic people. In fact, as a protein, it is highly favorable for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Africa

Feb

Grammy Awards (US-CA): February 2

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The recording industry's most prestigious award, the GRAMMY, is presented annually by The Recording Academy. The Recording Academy's voting membership awards a GRAMMY to honor excellence in the recording arts and sciences. It is a peer honor awarded by and to artists and technical professionals for artistic or technical achievement, not sales or chart positions (GRAMMY Awards Voting Process). The annual GRAMMY Awards presentation brings together thousands of creative and technical professionals in the recording industry worldwide.

Africa

Feb

Grandmother Achievement Day: February 11

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Grandmother Achievement Day is an unofficial event that honors and recognizes grandmothers' significant contributions and achievements. This day serves as a heartfelt tribute to grandmothers' unique role in families and society, acknowledging their wisdom, love, and influence that transcend generations. Grandparents, especially grandmothers, hold a vital place in the family dynamic. They often act as secondary caregivers, mentors, and historians, passing down traditions, stories, and values that shape family heritage and individual identities. Grandmothers, in particular, are seen as nurturing figures who provide emotional support, wisdom, and unconditional love. Their experiences and knowledge are invaluable in guiding younger generations through various life challenges. In many cultures, grandmothers are the matriarchs of families and a pivotal link between the past and the present. They play a crucial role in childcare, allowing parents to work while ensuring children grow up in a loving, stable environment. Grandmothers often teach essential life skills, share cultural practices, and contribute to their grandchildren's emotional and moral development. Beyond the family, seniors, including grandmothers, are uniquely positioned in society. They are carriers of history, tradition, and cultural knowledge. In community settings, grandmothers often act as advisors and leaders, drawing on their wealth of experience to contribute to community wellbeing. Many also actively volunteer, sharing their time and skills to benefit others. The celebration of Grandmother Achievement Day varies from family to family. It may include gatherings where family members express gratitude and love, share stories, and create new memories. Some families may present gifts, create homemade tokens of appreciation, or engage in activities that grandmothers enjoy. The day may include community events and social media campaigns that acknowledge and celebrate the myriad contributions of grandmothers. Grandmother Achievement Day is a day to honor and appreciate grandmothers' unique and invaluable contributions. It's an opportunity to acknowledge their role in nurturing family bonds, preserving traditions, and providing wisdom and love. This day underscores the broader societal recognition of seniors' importance and ongoing impact within communities and families.

Africa

Feb

Grapefruit Month, Ntl.: February

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Nation Grapefruit Month occurs each year in February. The purpose is to focus on the health benefits of eating grapefruit. Though the largest of the commercially cultivated citrus fruits, grapefruit was named such by a Jamaican farmer in the early 19th Century because they grow in clusters, like grapes. Grapefruit is the only known citrus fruit not to have originated in Southeast Asia. The earliest account shows it to be from the West Indies, and it is a combination of two fruits: oranges and pummelo. The fruit first arrived in the United States in 1823 via either French or Spanish settlers in Florida. The sweetest version, the Ruby Red Grapefruit, was an accident discovered in the late 1920s groves of Texas. The fruit was granted a patent and became the hallmark of the Texas citrus industry. Today grapefruit is grown in several warm climates, including Texas, California, and Florida. Color can range from off-white to deep red.

Africa

Feb

Great American Pizza Bake: February 9-15

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The Great American Pizza Bake, celebrated during the second week of February, is an annual event dedicated to the beloved culinary staple, pizza. This week-long celebration encourages people across the United States to bake their pizzas at home, experimenting with various toppings, styles, and techniques. The purpose of this event is not just to indulge in pizza but also to foster family bonding and creativity in the kitchen while appreciating the rich history and cultural significance of pizza. Pizza's history dates back to ancient times, with various cultures preparing flatbreads with toppings. However, the modern pizza originated in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th to early 19th century. Initially, it was food for the lower classes, a simple and affordable dish made with readily available ingredients. The classic Margherita pizza, topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, was created in 1889 by chef Raffaele Esposito in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy. The colors of the pizza—red, white, and green—were intended to represent the Italian flag. Pizza arrived in the United States with Italian immigrants in the late 19th century. It remained mainly within Italian communities until after World War II when returning American soldiers stationed in Italy helped popularize it. From there, pizza rapidly became a part of American culture. The latter half of the 20th century saw the rise of pizza chains and the development of distinct American styles, like New York thin crust, Chicago deep dish, and California-style pizzas. The Great American Pizza Bake integrates pizza into American culture and cuisine. It's a time when families and friends gather to share the joy of making and eating pizza, exploring a variety of toppings and flavors that reflect the diversity of American culinary tastes. From traditional pepperoni and cheese to more gourmet and culturally diverse toppings, the event showcases pizza's versatility and universal appeal. During this week, schools, community centers, and culinary enthusiasts often host pizza-making classes and contests, fostering community involvement and culinary education. Social media platforms buzz with homemade pizza recipes and photos, further promoting the event. In summary, the Great American Pizza Bake is an annual homage to pizza, celebrating its journey from a simple Neapolitan dish to a staple of American cuisine. It's a week that highlights the culinary creativity and diversity of pizza and underscores its role in bringing people together in the kitchen and at the dining table.

Africa

Feb

Green Week, Ntl: February 3 - April 30

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National Green Week is a school-based annual event where schools dedicate a week to green learning and sustainability-focused programs between February and April. To enroll, teachers need to become members of GEF. Once a member, Pick any week between the first week in Feb. and April 30 to be your Green Week. Select a sustainability-themed program and integrate the grade-specific lessons, activities, and readings. Complete this survey at the end of your Green Week and be entered to win a $100 Amex gift card. Upon completion, submit your program to Green in Action Award. Prizes include up to $250 for your class or school. Learn more at: greeneducationfoundation.org

Africa

Feb

Gregorian Calendar Day (1582): February 24

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On February 24, 1582, Pope Gregory XIII established the Gregorian calendar via a Pappel Bull, the primary calendar used today and underlying international commerce. The new calendar went into effect on October 4, 1582. In 1752 it became the official calendar throughout most of Europe and the empire colonies. Russia, a holdout, started using it in the 20th century. The Julian calendar, which the world was using, was created by Julius Cesar. It had a problem, though. It wasn't accurate. Every year it was off by 11.5 minutes. Over centuries, 11 minutes per year adds up. When Pope Gregory established the new calendar, Cesar’s was ten days off. The Julian calendar added an extra day every four years to account for the extra quarter day it takes the sun to rotate around the earth. We call this a "leap year." This idea may have come from the Hebrew calendar, which adds a thirteenth month, Adar II, to account for the difference between the moon and sun rotations in its leap years. The Gregorian calendar addressed the missing 11.5 minutes and split time into two eras: before the birth of Jesus Christ (BC) and after the nativity, or anno Domini (AD), "the [first] year of our Lord" in Latin. Of course, non-Christian religions and secularists didn't like this, so they changed it to "Before the Common Era" (BCE) and "Common Era" (CE). No matter what you call it, the demarcation point is still the same: the birth of Jesus Christ. Orthodox Christians still use the Julian calendar (off by 11 days when the Gregorian calendar was adopted globally in 1752) as their religious calendar, which is why you'll find two different celebrations of Easter and Christmas each year. Other religions use their calendars, most of which follow the movements of the sun, moon, and-or stars. These calendars are shorter than the Gregorian, now the international standard. The oldest calendar in the world is the Byzantine calendar, which began marking time over 7,500 years ago.

Africa

Feb

Groundhog Day (1886): February 2

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Groundhog Day is an American tradition with roots in the Roman Empire, though it combines pagan rituals with Christian observances. It coincides with Candlemas, the date in the Christian calendar 40 days after the birth of Christ, representing the purification of the Virgin Mary. It is the reason Groundhog day occurs on February 2nd. Various legends in Europe state that winter will continue if the sun shines on Candlemas, and if it is cloudy, winter will end early. The idea of using an animal to predict the length of winter comes from the Romans. The Romans often used the exit from the hibernation of various animals to predict future events, regarding the creatures as omens. Punxsutawney Phil of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is the name of the groundhog used to predict whether winter will continue or spring will be early. It’s a big event each year reported all over the United States. The first time Punxsutawney Phil predicted the weather was in 1886.

Africa

Feb

Guitar Day, Get Out Your : February 11

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Got the winter blues? Call some friends, light the fire and pull out your guitar for a little down-home fun. Get Out Your Guitar Day is set aside at the height of winter to bring a little musical cheer to the long nights and short cold days.

Africa

Feb

Gulf Coast Rip Current Awareness Week, Ntl.: February 24-28

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Gulf Coast Rip Current Awareness Week is n public service campaign supported by the US Government’s National Weather Service and other agencies. More people die from rip currents than tornados, flooding, tropical torms or lightning combined each decade. Most rip current fatalities are visitors from non-coastal locations. Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore and are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers, especially for weak or nonswimmers. The United States Lifesaving Association states that 80 percent of surf beach rescues are attributed to rip currents. Over 100 people die annually from drowning when they cannot escape a rip current. Rip currents form when waves break near the shoreline, piling up water between the breaking waves at the beach. One of the ways this water returns to the sea is to form a rip current, a narrow jet of water that moves swiftly offshore, roughly perpendicular to the shoreline. Under most tide and sea conditions, the speeds are relatively slow; however, under a particular wave, swell, and beach profile conditions, their speed can quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the surf, even the most experienced swimmers. Rip currents can be very narrow to hundreds of meters wide. The seaward pull of rip currents varies from just beyond the line of breaking waves to hundreds of yards offshore.

Africa

Feb

Gulf Food Show (UE): February 17-21

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Gulf Food is the most prominent exhibition for restaurants and food in the GCC. The Middle East’s food service industry brings in over USD 25 billion per year, with casual dining and fast food restaurants representing the most significant segment at 58%. Over 5000 companies from more than 120 countries participate annually.

Africa