All - Leep Calendar

NATIONAL CORN MONTH: HIGHLIGHTING A GLOBAL STAPLE ROOTED IN ANCIENT TRADITION Corn, or maize, is one of the world’s most versatile and widely grown crops. Its history stretches back over 9,000 years when early farmers in southern Mexico began domesticating a wild grass called teosinte. Through centuries of careful cultivation, corn evolved into the plump, golden kernels recognized today, becoming a cornerstone of agriculture, cuisine, and industry worldwide. Corn cultivation originated in the Balsas River Valley of modern-day Mexico around 7000 BCE. Indigenous peoples across the Americas refined and bred it for size, color, and flavor, eventually introducing it to regions as far north as Canada and south as the Andes. Corn quickly became a global commodity when European explorers arrived in the Americas in the late 15th century. By the 16th century, it had taken root across Europe, Africa, and Asia, often replacing less productive grains in subsistence farming systems. Today, there are over 300 known varieties of corn, typically grouped into six main types: —Dent corn: used in processed foods and livestock feed —Flint corn: known for its hardness, often used in Latin American cuisine —Sweet corn: the soft, juicy kernels eaten as a vegetable —Popcorn: a special flint corn that expands when heated —Flour corn: used in baking and tortillas —Pod corn: a rare, mostly ornamental variety Corn is a key ingredient in many everyday foods. The top seven products that prominently feature corn (listed by popularity) are: —Cornbread —Tortillas —Popcorn —Cornflakes —Polenta —High-fructose corn syrup (used in soft drinks and processed foods) —Corn chips Beyond food, corn plays an outsized role in global economies. It is essential in producing ethanol fuel, bioplastics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, animal feed, and industrial starches. Its adaptability and productivity make it one of the most valuable crops in the world. Corn is grown on every continent except Antarctica. Ranking of the top producers of corn globally: —United States – by far the largest, producing over 30% of the world’s supply —China —Brazil —Argentina —Ukraine —India —Mexico Born of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, corn forms the backbone of modern agribusiness. It remains a symbol of ingenuity and sustenance. Corn’s importance extends well beyond nutrition. It supports entire economies, provides renewable energy, and even helps make the packaging and fabrics we use daily. As climate pressures mount and food systems evolve, corn’s adaptability may again prove vital in feeding and fueling the world.

Africa

Jul

Couch Potato Day (1976): July 15

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Today is the anniversary of the first uttering of the words "couch potato" on July 15, 1976, by Tom Iacino of Pasadena, California. He was referring to his friend, cartoonist Robert Armstrong. According to a 2014 interview in Bon Appetite magazine, Armstrong's girlfriend answered the phone instead of saying, "Is Bob there?" Iacino instead asked, "Hey, is the couch potato there?" Armstrong loved the saying and trademarked it. By 1983 Armstrong and author and satirist Jack Mingo released "The Official Couch Potato Handbook" (currently published by Last Gasp Books). It became a best seller. Football fans use "couch potato" to mark the first Saturday of the College football season. A day in which one can sit on the couch and watch football games all day long, snacking, drinking beer, and simply enjoying themselves. Typically this falls on the Saturday after Labor Day. However you choose to celebrate, today is your day to kick off your shoes and plunge into that couch or lazy chair guilt-free!

Africa

Jul

Country Music Day, Ntl.: July 4

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National Country Music Day celebrates the heritage and beauty of country music and its place in American culture. National Country Music Day is an unofficial holiday without a set sponsor, but it always falls on Independence Day in the United States. There is also an International Country Music Day.

Africa

Jun

Scams Awareness Month, Ntl. (UK): June

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Each year millions of people in the United Kingdom fall prey to scammers via the phone, online, mail, and doorstep. These scams rob consumers of thousands or even billions of pounds and leave scars, including emotional trauma and loss of confidence. Scams Awareness Month seeks to provide the people of Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland with the tools, reasoning, and education necessary to spot and avoid scams. The Citizen’s Advice website includes hundreds of resources and activities to help you become savvy about scams.

Africa

Jun

Scleroderma Awareness Day, World (1940): June 29

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World Scleroderma Awareness Day is set aside during World Scleroderma Awareness Month to bring awareness to this autoimmune condition through fundraising events and public outreach. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that causes the skin and internal organs to thicken and tighten, leading to organ failure and death. This medical condition has no cure. The date marks the anniversary of the death of Swiss painter Paul Klee on June 29, 1940. He died from the disease.

Africa

Jun

Scleroderma Awareness Month, Intl.: June

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Initiated in the United Kingdom, Scleroderma Awareness Month seeks to unite organizations worldwide to increase awareness of this rare autoimmune condition. Scleroderma is a rare, chronic disease of the immune system, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Two and a half million people worldwide have scleroderma, with over 12,000 in the United Kingdom. It is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system becomes overactive and attacks healthy tissue.

Africa

Jun

Scoot to School Week (IE): June 8-12

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National Scoot to School Week in Ireland, initiated by Green Schools Ireland in 2015, promotes healthier and more environmentally friendly modes of transportation for primary school students. The week encourages children to use scooters, walk, bike, or utilize public transport to travel to and from school to address health and environmental concerns. National Scoot to School Week addresses pressing health issues, as evidenced by studies showing a decline in physical activities among school children in Ireland and an alarming rise in obesity rates. In addition to combating health problems, it also focuses on environmental sustainability. Reducing reliance on private transport helps tackle air pollution, which is a significant environmental risk in Ireland. The week includes various activities designed to make scooting to school enjoyable and safe. Schools often organize events like scooter races, workshops, and road safety education sessions. The week champions physical exercise and aims to reduce the number of cars on the road, thereby contributing to environmental preservation. Since its inception, National Scoot to School Week has expanded its impact, encouraging a shift in mindset towards healthier lifestyles and environmental consciousness among children and their families.

Africa

Jun

Sea Turtle Day, World: June 16

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Sea Turtles live much of their early life at sea, not returning to nesting grounds for up to 20 years after hatching. A group of different turtles, sea turtle species can range from about 70cm/40kg to the giant leatherback at 180cm and 500kg. Sea turtles don't have teeth, and only one out of every 1,000 born survive to adulthood. Sea turtles can swim thousands of miles in most oceans worldwide. The biggest threat to their existence is humans when hunted for food or through the plastic waste we discard in the oceans. Plastic bags resemble jellyfish, which turtles eat, and other waste forms barricades, making it impossible for hatchlings to reach the sea. Currently, six of the seven species are threatened. World Sea Turtle Day is a global awareness campaign highlighting the conservation of these gentle giants and the threats of human activity, specifically plastic, to their existence.

Africa

Jun

Seafarer, Day of the: June 25

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International Day of the Seafarer emphasizes the economic importance of 1.5 million seafarers worldwide and encourages young people to consider a maritime career. Initiated by the International Maritime Organization, this event began in 2011. Image: Fishing boat leaving the harbor in Bahrain.

Africa

Jun

Sebeiba Festival (DZ): June 26-July 6

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The Sebeiba festival, an enchanting tradition rooted in the heart of Djanet, an oasis town in the Tassili N'Ajjer National Park of southeastern Algeria, is a vibrant expression of the region's cultural heritage. This 3,000-year-old annual ten-day festival is a cornerstone of the Tuareg community's social and cultural life. In 2014, the festival became a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity event. It begins on the full day of Ashura, an Islamic holiday, and concludes after ten days. Originating from a historic peace agreement between rival Tuareg tribes centuries ago, the festival celebrates peace and unity. It commences with a solemn ritual called "Takaraket," symbolizing the end of hostilities and the beginning of the festivities. The heart of Sebeiba lies in its dramatic reenactments of ancient battles. Participants, dressed in traditional indigo robes and brandishing handmade swords and shields, engage in mock fights, showcasing their equestrian skills and martial prowess. This symbolic warfare is a reminder of the past struggles and the value of the peace they now cherish. Music and dance are integral to the festival. The "Tinde," a rhythmic beat produced by women using mortar and pestle, accompanied by melodic chants, creates a mesmerizing ambiance. Men perform the "Tahaggart," a dance characterized by slow, deliberate movements, reflecting the stoic nature of the Tuareg people. Throughout Sebeiba, there's a vibrant display of Tuareg crafts and cuisine. Artisans showcase their skills in silverwork, leatherwork, and textile weaving. At the same time, traditional dishes like "Taguella," a type of flatbread, and "Eghajira," a hearty soup, are savored by participants and visitors alike. The festival also serves as a social nexus, fostering community bonds and providing a platform for young people to learn about their heritage. Including modern elements, such as soccer matches and camel races, adds a contemporary twist to this ancient festival, ensuring its relevance and appeal to younger generations. As the festival concludes with a day of rest and reflection, participants don their finest attire and gather to share stories, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and community. The Sebeiba festival not only preserves the rich cultural legacy of the Tuareg people but also symbolizes their resilience and unity in the face of historical adversities.

Africa

Jun

Secure Your Load Day, Ntl. (2010): June 6

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Robin Abel's daughter was seriously injured by an unsecured load, and Paul Reif, whose son Matthew was killed by an unsecured load on June 6, 2010. Together they created Secure Your Load Day. The event aims to raise awareness about the dangers of unsecured loads and educate the public on the importance of properly securing items in their vehicles. The initiative encourages drivers to follow these guidelines: Tie down the load with rope, netting, or straps. Cover any items not enclosed with a sturdy tarp or net. Refrain from overloading the vehicle and distributing the weight evenly. Regularly check the pack during the trip to ensure everything remains secure. Be aware of any local regulations regarding load security and adhere to them. Secure Your Load Day seeks to reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by unsecured loads on the road.

Africa

Jun

Selfie Day, Ntl: June 21

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National Selfie Day celebrates the pictures one takes of oneself on their cellphone. It began as a fundraising event in Texas to support local charities in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area; this event began in 2014.

Africa

Jun

Sexual Violence in Conflict, Day for the Elimination of: June 19

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Rape of both men and women has been used as a weapon in war as long as war has existed. Each year the United Nations seeks to raise awareness of its use in combat and its devastating effects on its victims and promote accountability from its perpetrators. Today is the anniversary of the resolution's adoption. From the Resolution of June 19, 2015, adopted by the General Assembly: "Noting that civilians account for the vast majority of those adversely affected by armed conflict, that women and girls are particularly targeted by the use of sexual violence, inter alia by terrorist and extremist groups, including as a tactic of war to humiliate, dominate, instill fear in, disperse and/or forcibly relocate civilian members of a community or ethnic or religious group, and that sexual violence perpetrated in this manner may in some instances persist after the cessation of hostilities, and recognizing that men and boys are also victims of sexual violence in conflict, Condemning in the strongest terms all sexual and other forms of violence committed against civilians in armed conflict and post-conflict situations, inter alia, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization, or any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity, Recognizing the importance of providing timely assistance and increasing access to health care and other multi-sectoral services for survivors of sexual violence and of promoting their rehabilitation and non-stigmatization."

Africa

Jun

Shaheedi Arjan Dev (S) (1606) : June 16

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Today is the anniversary of the Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib, who was born on what would today be May 2, 1563, in the Gregorian calendar. Arjan was the fifth of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism, achieving that title on September 16, 1581. He was assassinated on June 16, 1606, and was the first Sikh guru martyred. Guru Arjan Dev Ji is noted for: a) Compiling the hymnal foundation of the Guru Granth Sahib b) Contributing 2218 hymns to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib c) Authoring Sukhmani Sahib Bani (Prayer for Peace) d) Compiling the Adi Granth (Sikh Bible) e) Building the Golden Temple f) Developing the Amritsar g) Founding the Masund system

Africa

Jun

Sickle Cell Day, World: June 19

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World Sickle Cell Day is celebrated on June 19 of each year, is recognized globally, and was created by the United Nations by resolution. Sickle Cell is an inherited blood-based disorder affecting hemoglobin, the characteristic of blood that makes it red. Symptoms include anemia and extreme pain when red blood cells stick together and block blood flow and oxygen in small blood vessels. This event is separate from Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, observed in September in the United States.

Africa