The first quarter moon occurs when the moon is one-half illuminated by the sun. Each day forward increases the amount of the moon you can see. The first quarter typically occurs seven days after the new moon.

Africa

Apr

Pillow Fight Day, Intl.: April 5

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International Pillow Fight Day is the first Saturday of April, which sees various massive pillow fights worldwide in many big cities. This event has grown in magnitude since it was first held in 2008 and is a media favorite due to its pure, playful fun!

Africa

Apr

Raisin and Spice Bar Day, Ntl.: April 5

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National Raisin and Spice Bar Day is an unofficial food event in the United States. Best way to celebrate? Have a raisin and spice cereal bar for breakfast.

Africa

Apr

Read a Roadmap Day: April 5

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Read a Road Map Day celebrates an essential component of civilization for the past 3,000 years. The first known road map is the Turin papyrus map showing the travel-friendly riverbeds near Thebes, Egypt, in 1160 BC. GPS devices have replaced standard road maps in recent years, but map reading is essential for everyone. Maps are still used in books, can be drawn, and are critical in understanding historical events as they are often the only reference point. Plus, what happens if the GPS isn’t working? Can you find your way around old school? Most young people today cannot. Take this opportunity to test your map reading skills and make sure you and your children still know how to read a map if it ever becomes necessary (like when traveling in many places overseas where GPS isn’t available). It is a skill that may save your life!

Africa

Apr

Robotics Week, Ntl.: April 5-13

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National Robotics Week starts on the first Saturday of each April. First organized in 2009, its goal is to celebrate robotics technology in the US and to educate people on how robotics impact everyday life. The week raises awareness about the importance of funding robotics technology and inspires students of all ages to pursue careers in any STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Africa

Apr

Science Fest, Intl. (UK): April 5-20

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The International Science Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, premiered in 1989. It encourages people to open their world and celebrate science and technology each year. The two-week program encourages attendees to explore and immerse themselves in wonder through innovative events. The International Science Festival in Edinburgh is the world's oldest annual celebration of science and technology. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Apr

Week of the Young Child: April 5-11

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The Week of the Young Child™ is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest early childhood education association. The purpose of the Week of the Young Child™ is to focus public attention on young children's and their family's needs while recognizing the early childhood programs and services that meet them.

Africa

Dec

Falls Festival (AU-VIC): December 29-31

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BRING ON THE NEW YEAR

THE FALLS FESTIVAL VICTORIA

The Falls Festival in Australia is a major multi-day music and arts festival that typically occurs over New Year's Eve. Founded in 1993, it began in Lorne, Victoria, but has since expanded to include locations in Byron Bay, New South Wales, and Fremantle, Western Australia.

The festival started as a way to celebrate the local community, arts, and environment, and it has grown into a significant event attracting national and international artists and thousands of festival-goers from across Australia and around the world.

The Falls Festival has always uniquely celebrated music, art, and culture. It serves as a platform for showcasing established and emerging artists across various genres, including rock, hip-hop, indie music, electronic music, and more. The festival also includes dance, comedy, theatre, circus, and other arts performances, creating a vibrant cultural experience.

Falls Festival includes music performances across its multiple stages, participatory arts and crafts, gourmet food and drink from local vendors, and engaging in various onsite activities designed to enhance the community and cultural experience. The festival offers camping options, allowing attendees to stay onsite and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere for the duration of the event.

HISTORY

The Falls Festival started in 1993 when a few local friends decided to hold a small event for about 11,000 people in Lorne, Victoria. The idea was to bring tourists to the area to support the local economy during the off-peak season. It proved successful and quickly became an annual event, gaining notoriety and popularity over the years. Following the success in Lorne, the festival expanded to other locations to accommodate more attendees and diversify its impact.

Over the years, the Falls Festival has become known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful natural settings, alongside its strong commitment to sustainability, including waste reduction initiatives and environmental conservation efforts. It remains one of Australia's most popular music festivals, renowned for its broad array of entertainment and picturesque locations.

Africa

Dec

Armagnac Day, Intl.: December 21

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INTERNATIONAL ARMAGNAC DAY

WHAT IS ARMAGNAC?

Armagnac, a distinguished cousin of cognac, is one of France's oldest distilled spirits. Its rich history dates back to the 14th century. Originating from the Gascony region in southwest France, Armagnac is revered for its deep historical roots and meticulous production process, distinguishing it from other spirits.

Crafted from white wine grapes such as Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc, and Colombard Armagnac, whose distillation uses a column still. This method contributes to its robust and full-bodied flavor profile. After distillation, it is aged in oak barrels, gaining complexity and a spectrum of flavors ranging from spicy to sweet, with vanilla, plum, and pepper notes. This aging process can vary from a few years to several decades, significantly influencing the bottles' taste and price.

The allure of Armagnac extends beyond its production to its versatility in consumption. Traditionally served neat, its warmth and depth are best appreciated at room temperature, allowing the bouquet of flavors to unfold. Armagnac has recently gained popularity as a cocktail base, lending a rich, nuanced character to classic concoctions.

POPULARITY OF ARMAGNAC

It offers connoisseurs a piece of French heritage, a sip of history with each glass, reflecting centuries of artisanal tradition. It appeals to those who seek a spirit with authenticity and regional character, one that tells the story of its origin with every drop.

COST

The price of Armagnac varies widely, influenced by the bottle's age, brand, and rarity. Entry-level Armagnacs can start around $40, but older vintages and more prestigious labels can command prices well into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

HISTORY

The history of Armagnac is as rich as its flavor. First mentioned in the 14th century, people used it for therapeutic purposes before connoisseurs recognized its uniqueness. Over the centuries, Armagnac has been crafted by many small producers, each contributing to its legacy and the diversity of styles available today.

Armagnac remains a cherished staple in the cellars of spirits enthusiasts worldwide, a testament to its enduring appeal and the timeless art of French distillation. Whether enjoyed in a sophisticated cocktail or sipped slowly by a fireside, Armagnac offers a unique and luxurious experience to those who appreciate its history and craft.

Africa

Dec

Christmas Jumper Day (UK): December 12

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WEAR A JUMPER.

SAVE THE CHILDREN

Christmas Jumper Day is a festive and fun event celebrated annually in the United Kingdom. It typically occurs sometime during the week of December 9. Participants are encouraged to wear their brightest, funniest, and most outrageous Christmas jumpers (sweaters) to school, work, or just around town.

The idea behind Christmas Jumper Day is simple: everyone who joins in wears a Christmas jumper and makes a small donation to Save the Children. This contribution helps fund the charity's work in providing essential services and support to children worldwide.

The event has gained immense popularity across the UK, with many schools, offices, and community groups participating. It's seen not only as an opportunity to have some seasonal fun but also as a way to raise awareness and funds for a good cause. Social media plays a significant role in the day, with participants sharing photos of their jumpers using specific hashtags, thus spreading the word and encouraging others to participate.

Christmas Jumper Day began in 2012, and each year, it grows in popularity, reflecting the UK's love for Christmas and charitable giving.

Ireland also celebrates during the week of December 9 to fund research and services for Multiple Sclerosis.

Africa

Oct

BRICS Summit (RU): October 22-24

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THE BRICS SUMMIT

BRICS is an acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group was originally known as "BRIC" until the inclusion of South Africa in 2010.

The BRICS countries are known for their significant influence on regional and global affairs due to their large, fast-growing economies and substantial impact on regional and international affairs. Collectively, the BRICS countries represent around 41% of the world's population, 24% of the global GDP, and 16% of global trade.

The BRICS Summit is an annual meeting held by the BRICS countries to discuss issues of mutual interest and foster cooperation in various domains such as trade, technology, culture, and politics. These meetings provide a platform for the leaders to engage in dialogue and negotiate common positions on international matters.

Here is an overview of some aspects of the BRICS Summit:

The concept of BRICS began to take shape in the early 2000s. The first formal meeting in 2006 occurred on the sidelines of the G8 Summit, and the first full-fledged BRICS Summit took place in 2009 in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

Economic collaboration and reform of global financial institutions are common topics at the Summit. The group has called for more representation in institutions like the IMF and World Bank. The creation of the New Development Bank (NDB) in 2014 is one of the significant achievements in this area, aimed at funding infrastructure projects in developing countries.

The BRICS nations seek to balance the Western-dominated international political and economic order. They often discuss global governance, peace, security, and climate change issues. The Summit also includes cultural and people-to-people exchanges to foster understanding and friendship among the nations, including education, tourism, and sports programs.

While BRICS represents a significant global force, the group faces challenges regarding internal cohesion, as the countries have different political systems, economic structures, and strategic interests. Some critics argue that these differences hinder the group's ability to act as a unified entity. However, the BRICS Summit is a vital platform for collaboration and dialogue among some of the world's most influential emerging economies. It symbolizes the shift in global power dynamics, with the group striving for a more equitable and multipolar world.

WHO ARE THE BRICS AS OF SUMMER 2024?

Brazil
Russia
India
China
South Africa
Egypt
Ethiopia
Iran
United Arab Emirates
Malaysia

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