All - Leep Calendar

April in the United States hosts National Realtist Week. No, it's not a week that celebrates realism and people who think of themselves as realists. Instead, it's a week to commemorate real estate brokers or realtists. Promoted by organizations like the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), on this day, we celebrate the vital role of real estate brokers in our society.

Africa

Apr

Siamese Cat Day, Ntl.: April 6

06:20 AM | -

Siamese Cats are known for their talkative nature and dark masked faces with dark ears. These highly affectionate cats are one of the most recognized breeds and have existed since the 1400s. The breed originated in Thailand, formally the Kingdom of Siam. National Siamese Cat Day was created in 2014 by cat lover and columnist Jace Shoemaker-Galloway.

Africa

Apr

Sport for the Development of Peace, Intl. Day of: April 6

06:20 AM | -

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is a United Nations initiative to promote sport instead of war and increase childhood development worldwide. Sport brings people together, and like in South Africa, can bridge divides decades have erected. Sports for peace apply to several of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the original 2000 Millennium Development Goals.

Africa

Apr

Student Athlete Day, Ntl.: April 6

06:20 AM | -

Created in 1987 by the National Consortium for Academics and Sports, Nations Student-Athlete Day celebrates high school and college-age athletes and their positive effects on their schools, lives, and communities. Athletes must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher to be honored on this day. Since the day's inception, nearly five million student-athletes have been honored.

Africa

Apr

Tartan Day (1320): April 6

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The Scottish people won independence from England on April 6, 1320. The Declaration of Arbroath document formerly recognizes this and installed Sir Robert the Bruce as the first Scottish King. One way to celebrate? Watch the 1995 film "Braveheart" on this day. Though it takes a lot of creative licenses, the film roughly dramatizes the battles leading up to this document's creation.

Africa

Apr

Twinkie Day (1930): April 6

06:20 AM | -

Few things are more ubiquitous or emblematic of American culture than the golden log shape shortcake filled with cream named after Twinkle Toe Shoes. James Dewar of Continental Baking in River Forest, Illinois, invented it. Known as Twinkie, this lunch box-size dessert is jokingly rumored to stay fresh for up to a hundred years (due to preservatives) and has been a favorite childhood (and adult comfort food) ever since. The Twinkie was invented on April 6, 1930.

Africa

Apr

America Saves Week: April 7-11

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America Saves Week (also called Military Saves Week when targeted at active service members) is coordinated by America Saves and the America Savings Education Council. The week is an annual opportunity for organizations to promote proactive fiscal savings behavior and a chance for individuals to assess their saving status. The event first ran in 2007.

Africa

Apr

Assistant Principals Week, Ntl.: April 7-11

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Each April, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, with congressional backing, honors National Assistant Principals Week to recognize the contributions of assistant principals to the success of students in schools across the United States.

Africa

Apr

Beaver Day, Intl. (1894): April 7

06:20 AM | -

International Beaver Day seeks to teach people how to help the engineers of the wild, the beaver, and this animal’s critical role in an ecosystem. Less than 10% of the original beaver population still exists in North America’s beaver and even fewer in Eurasia. Beaver dams were important in filtering silt from streams, creating watering holes and wetlands, and connecting streams and rivers to organic floodplains. Their absence has caused increased pollution, the drying up of estuaries, and reduced natural fertilization, which occurs with flooding. This event started in 2009 and occurs on the birthday of Dorothy Richards (April 7, 1894), founder of the nonprofit Friends of Beaversprite. Richards died in 1985.

Africa

Apr

Beer Day, Ntl. (1933): April 7

06:20 AM | -

On April 7, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's signature repealed the Volstead Act, thus beginning the end of prohibition in the US with the legalization of 3.2 percent beer. In December of that year, the 19th Amendment, prohibiting alcohol, was repealed. PROHIBITION TODAY Only 11 countries remain completely dry (not even found in hotels). All are Muslim-majority countries. Afghanistan Bangladesh Brunei Iran Libya Kuwait Pakistan Saudi Arabia Sudan Somalia Yemen The Maldives and Mauritania are also dry countries; however, both depend on tourism and serve alcohol in high-end hotels and resorts but prohibit it in the rest of the country. Now that it has opened to tourists, Saudi Arabia is considering a partial lift on its prohibition. India includes many dry provinces in its Muslim-majority areas, and The Emirates of Sharjah, one of the United Arab Emirates, is also dry. Some airlines extend the prohibition of these nations' gate-to-gate, no matter where you travel. For example, India Air will not serve alcohol on any flight originating in dry countries or going to dry countries. However, most airlines will serve once you hit 10,000 feet or are outside the dry nation's border, whichever comes first. The list of major airlines that are alcohol-free are: Saudi Arabian Airlines Pakistan International Airlines Kuwait Airways Egypt Air Iran Air Royal Brunei Airlines (will allow you to bring your own onboard); Malaysia Airlines ("dry" on flights of three hours or less). For non-Muslim ex-pats (like this writer) living and working in one of these dry countries, when we leave for any reason, we first want an ice-cold beer or a nice glass of wine (and usually bacon too). Happy Beer Day

Africa

Apr

Blue Forest Bloom (BE): April 7-25

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Millions and millions of bluebells blooming at once in Hallerbros, Belgium. It’s a sea of blue melding with green in an ancient forest, attracting thousands of tourists yearly. Check out the webcam to see the best time to go. These flowers can be in full bloom as early as late March. The middle of April is usually the best time to see them. https://www.hallerbos.be Header image: Bosanemonen en wilde hyacinten, 2011, (C) Hallerbros.be

Africa

Apr

Bullying, Making the First Move Day: April 7

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Created to encourage families to come together and take the first step in preventing bullying, "Make the First Move Day" focuses on advocacy promoting recovery and healing resources for victims of bullying, and educating families on how to address and prevent it. Annually on April 7.

Africa

Apr

Coffee Cake Day, Ntl.: April 7

06:20 AM | -

Coffee continues to be one of the world's favorite drinks. Cake, on the other hand, tops the charts as a favorite food for many of us. So what can be better than coffee or cake? Coffee cake! The term "coffee cake" first entered English in 1879, but the Danish in the 17th century created a yeast-based bread with sweet toppings. There is no right or wrong way to make coffee cake. Typically, it is not as sweet as a regular cake with frosting. It can be topped with crumbles, fruit, nuts, honey, and cream. Celebrate National Coffee Cake Day in the most obvious way, with a large slice of a coffee cake!

Africa

Jun

Dietitians Week, (AU): June 16-22

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NATIONAL DIETITIANS WEEK IN AUSTRALIA Dietitians Week in Australia and the South Pacific is supported by accredited practicing dietitians and focuses on APD achievements and the services they offer. Hashtags include #Dietitians Week and #Inspiring. National Dietitians Week in Australia highlights dietitians' critical role in fostering health and well-being nationwide. Celebrated annually, this week highlights the expertise of these healthcare professionals specializing in food and nutrition. Dietitians are pivotal in educating individuals and communities on healthy eating habits, managing food-related disorders, and promoting overall health. THE ROLE OF A DIETITIAN Dietitians are trained experts in dietetics, nutrition science, and its impact on health. They work in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, community health centers, and research institutions. Their duties encompass: 1) Assessing individual nutritional needs and creating personalized diet plans. 2) Providing guidance on managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity through diet. 3) Offering support and education on food allergies and intolerances. 4) Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care plans. 5) Conducting research to advance nutritional science and public health. THE IMPORTANCE OF DIETITIANS Dietitians' work is vital in combating diet-related health issues and promoting a healthier society. Their expertise helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the quality of life. Dietitians also play a crucial role in public health initiatives, food policy development, and nutritional education, making their contributions indispensable in both clinical and community settings. HEALTH OF AUSTRALIANS Australia faces significant health challenges related to diet and lifestyle. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), nearly two-thirds of Australian adults are overweight or obese. This statistic underscores the importance of dietitians in addressing the obesity epidemic and related health conditions. Additionally, only a small percentage of Australians meet the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, highlighting the need for improved dietary education and intervention. Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers are prevalent and closely linked to diet. Dietitians' efforts in promoting healthy eating, balanced nutrition, and lifestyle changes are crucial in mitigating these health issues and fostering a healthier population. _________ National Dietitians Week reminds us of dietitians' essential role in shaping a healthier Australia. Their expertise and dedication are fundamental in addressing the nation's dietary challenges and improving public health outcomes. As Australia continues to grapple with diet-related health issues, dietitians' contribution remains more critical than ever. Sources: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)

Africa

Apr

Every Day is Tag Day: April 7

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Millions of dogs and cats are taken to animal shelters as strays each year—but only about 15 percent of dogs and two percent of cats that end up in shelters without an ID tag or microchip are reunited with their owners. The American Humane Association celebrates Every Day Is Tag Day to encourage all pet owners to tag and microchip their companion animals. Pet care is more than providing food, water, and shelter. Pet care includes tagging and microchipping your pet. If you have a companion animal that isn’t chipped and tagged yet, many pet stores and vets will have specials with this promotion.

Africa