All - Leep Calendar

Restoration of the Republic Day marks the anniversary of August 16, 1863, the day the island nation reacquired its independence. Restoration of the Republic Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Aug

Roller Coaster Day, Ntl.(1878): August 16

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Roller Coaster Day marks August 16, 1878, the anniversary of the first patent for the roller coaster granted to Richard Knudsen and JG Taylor. Several years later, the first roller coaster built by LaMarcus Thompson opened on the Coney Island boardwalk in New York.

Africa

Aug

Rum Day, Ntl.: August 16

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National Rum Day began as a marketing campaign for Caribbean Rum and became a national celebration. Today, people drink rum straight or mixed with fruit juices.

Africa

Aug

Saint Roch's Day (1327): August 16

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Saint Roch (Rocco) died on August 16, 1327, under the Julian calendar and is known as the Patron Saint of Dogs. Saint Roch's Day is his feast day in the Catholic Calendar. Catholics have many feast days. It was how the church assisted the ruling class in keeping the peace. Feast days are a way to keep serfs and peasants from being disillusioned with life. By providing feast days throughout the year, the common people who worked the land received many days off (far more than the 52 Saturdays and seven national holidays currently allotted in the US). Sundays were a day of rest per The Bible. Feast Days allowed the people to enjoy life and assuaged them from rebellion against the aristocracy. That is why there are so many Catholic feast days.

Africa

Jun

T-Rex World Championships (US-WA): June 29

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Emerald Downs, a suburban Seattle venue known for live horse racing, transforms into a prehistoric battleground in late August. Over 200 people donning inflatable Tyrannosaurus rex costumes run down the race track for the annual T-Rex World Championships. The spectacle began in 2017 as a Tri-Guard Pest Control team-building outing. The 2023 races were dedicated to Terry Richards, Tri-Guard's CEO, who died in a small plane crash earlier in the year. Tri-Guard had 40 employees participating in the races. The T-Rex World Championships attracted participants from various states, including Texas, Ohio, Virginia, Louisiana, Oregon, California, and Idaho. Eight heat winners qualified for the Championship, reflecting the national appeal of an event as whimsical as it is competitive. The actual T. rex, which roamed Earth between 65 million and 67 million years ago, remains a subject of scientific study and public fascination, thanks partly to Hollywood's portrayal in the "Jurassic Park" franchise. However, the inflatable-costumed variant is proving to be a thrilling draw at Emerald Downs, where the spirit of competition meets a dash of the fantastical. Whether for team-building or straightforward enjoyment, the T-Rex World Championships has found its place in the contemporary cultural landscape, turning an ordinary track into a theater of dinosaur delight.

Africa

Aug

Tell a Joke Day (1738): August 16

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Tell a Joke Day marks the anniversary of the death of Joseph Miller, a comedian who lived in England from 1684 until his death on August 16, 1738. A collection of his works can be found in the book Joe Miller's Jests, which he didn't write, but was compiled over two centuries by admirers of his works. The best way to honor Miller's Memory? Tell a joke today!

Africa

Aug

Wave at Surveillance Day, Intl: August 16

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Increasingly, the world is becoming one major surveillance state. In cities like London, it is tough to go anywhere and not land on CCTV, and artificial intelligence is making this even more invasive. Today, acknowledge this ever-present Big Brother and wave (or flip the bird if you prefer) to let those watching know you see them seeing you. International Wave at Surveillance Day began in 2010.

Africa

Aug

Aviation Week, Ntl. (1871): August 17-23

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Marking the anniversary of Orville Wright’s birthday on August 19, 1871, Aviation Week is a celebration of all aspects of aviation, including technology, travel, and tourism.

Africa

Aug

Black Cat Appreciation Day, Ntl.: August 17

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BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY Black Cat Appreciation Day is an adoption awareness event. Due to superstition, black cats often have a hard time getting adopted. Islamic and Christian faiths (50% of the world's population) historically attribute black cats to witchcraft and evil. Of course, it is silly. They're just black. But the stereotypes endure. On August 17, the ASPCA and other animal advocates highlight black (and tuxedo) cats with special adoption incentives each year. Let a black cat cross your path and enter your home as part of the family. BLACK CAT SUPERSTITIONS Black cats have been the subject of myths and superstitions across various cultures and throughout history, often seen as either good luck or bad luck, depending on the region. Here are some common superstitions surrounding black cats: Bad Luck in Western Cultures: A black cat crossing your path is considered bad luck in many Western cultures, particularly in the United States and parts of Europe. This superstition dates back to the Middle Ages when black cats were often associated with witchcraft and evil. Good Luck in the UK and Japan: Conversely, black cats symbolize good luck in the United Kingdom and Japan. In the UK, a black cat crossing your path brings good fortune, while in Japan, black cats attract positive relationships and prosperity. Witches' Familiars: During witch hunts in some parts of Europe, black cats were believed to be familiars of witches or even witches themselves transformed into animal form. Owning a black cat could lead to accusations of witchcraft. Sailors' Companions: Sailors used to keep black cats on ships as a talisman against bad luck at sea. Families of sailors also kept black cats at home to protect their loved ones while at sea. Symbol of Prosperity: A strange black cat's arrival at your home signifies prosperity in Scotland. Financial Fortune: In France, black cats are referred to as "matagots" or "magician cats" and bring good luck and wealth to owners who feed and treat them well. The superstitions about black cats illustrate how cultural perspectives can vary dramatically from one place to another, with the same animal seen as either a harbinger of good luck or a bad omen.

Africa

Aug

Contact Lens Health Week: August 17-25 (est)

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CONTACT LENS HEALTH WEEK: PROMOTING SAFE AND HEALTHY LENS USE Each August, Contact Lens Health Week is observed across the United States to raise awareness about the importance of proper contact lens hygiene and care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) organizes the week by collaborating with eye care professionals, public health agencies, and contact lens manufacturers. Created in 2014, Contact Lens Health Week seeks to educate contact lens wearers about the risks associated with improper lens use and promote practices that can prevent eye infections and other complications. The campaign emphasizes the need for consistent, healthy habits to maintain good eye health and ensure the safe use of contact lenses. ACTIVITIES DURING CONTACT LENS HEALTH WEEK Throughout the week, various activities engage and inform the public: Educational Webinars and Workshops—Eye care professionals conduct online and in-person sessions to discuss the best practices for contact lens hygiene, including cleaning, storing, and handling lenses properly. Public Awareness Campaigns—The CDC and partnering organizations disseminate information through social media, websites, and print materials, highlighting key messages about contact lens safety. Free Eye Exams and Consultations—Participating optometrists and ophthalmologists offer complimentary eye exams and consultations to help detect potential issues early and provide personalized advice on lens care. Interactive Exhibits and Demonstrations—Events at community centers, schools, and healthcare facilities feature demonstrations on proper lens cleaning techniques and the correct way to insert and remove lenses. Distribution of Educational Materials—Brochures, posters, and digital content detailing the dos and don'ts of contact lens wear and the importance of regular eye check-ups are made available to the public. THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTACT LENS HEALTH Contact Lens Health Week is important because millions worldwide use contact lenses, and many are unaware of the potential risks of improper use. Poor hygiene practices, such as sleeping in lenses, not cleaning them correctly, or using them beyond the recommended period, can result in eye infections, corneal ulcers, and other serious complications. By promoting awareness and education, Contact Lens Health Week aims to reduce the incidence of contact lens-related infections and improve overall eye health. The campaign encourages wearers to develop and maintain healthy habits, such as washing hands before handling lenses, following the lens care instructions provided by eye care professionals, and replacing lenses and cases as recommended. Since its inception, the event has been observed annually, serving as a vital reminder of the importance of eye health and the need for vigilance in contact lens care. Through ongoing education and outreach, Contact Lens Health Week strives to ensure that all contact lens wearers can enjoy clear vision without compromising their eye health.

Africa

Aug

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, Ntl.: August 17-23 (est)

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Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve Week (ESGR) is a program initiated by the Department of Defense in 1972. This program aims to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employees and assist in resolving conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment.

Africa

Aug

Feet, I Love My Feet Day: August 17

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I Love My Feet Day is about paying attention to the foundation of your life and what everything you do, stands on. Created by author Carolyn D Jenkins to promote her children's book on foot care, "My Feet: An Ode."

Africa

Aug

Friendship Day, Women's Ntl.: August 17

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Human beings are social creatures and have always valued the importance of friends in their lives. Women tend to be more social than men—fun fact: The average woman speaks 5,000 words daily, while the average man speaks just 2,200. National Women’s Friendship Day was created and dedicated to female friends and emphasizes the special bond shared between women.

Africa

Aug

Independence Day, (GA)(1960): August 17

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Independence Day in Gabon marks the anniversary of August 17, 1960, the official day of independence from France. Independence Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Aug

Independence Day, (ID)(1945): August 17

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Independence Day in Indonesia marks the anniversary of August 17, 1945, when Indonesia declared independence from The Netherlands. Independence was achieved on December 27, 1949. Independence Day is a national holiday.

Africa