All - Leep Calendar

The Andromeda Galaxy, or M31, is a spiral galaxy approximately 2.537 million light-years from Earth. It's the nearest spiral galaxy to our Milky Way and is on a collision course with it in about 4 billion years. This galactic giant galaxy becomes visible to the human eye during the autumn months in the Northern Hemisphere.

To view, choose a clear, dark sky away from city lights. Andromeda will appear as a faint, blurry smudge in the constellation of Andromeda, which can be found by first locating the Great Square of Pegasus. Two lines of stars extend from the square, forming a "V" shape. Andromeda Galaxy is located just above these lines.

The optimum time to view Andromeda this week will be at the new moon when the sky is darkest. Binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the viewing experience, revealing more details of the galaxy, including its bright core and dust lanes.

Africa

Jan

Year of the African Violet: 2024

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2024 is the Year of African Violets.

African violets, scientifically known as Saintpaulia, are a popular genus of houseplants originating from Tanzania and southeastern Kenya in East Africa. Discovered in 1892 by Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, they have since captivated plant enthusiasts worldwide. The appeal of African violets lies in their vibrant blooms and lush, velvety leaves, making them a prized addition to indoor gardens.

There are over 20 originating species of African violets; through extensive hybridization, enthusiasts have developed thousands of varieties in various colors, patterns, and sizes, ranging from the traditional purple to pink, white, blue, and even multicolored flowers.

The violet's popularity as houseplants began to surge in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, where they became a fixture in homes due to their year-round blooming potential and compact size, suitable for indoor spaces. African violets are known for their temperamental nature, making them challenging to grow.

Each requires specific growing conditions to thrive: moderate to bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-drained soil. Over-watering or under-watering leads to problems, as can the wrong type of water; they are sensitive to cold water and excessive minerals. Furthermore, they need a consistent temperature and are prone to pests and diseases. That's not all. Their delicate roots and preference for stable environments contribute to their reputation as a somewhat difficult plant to maintain.

Perhaps due to their nature and difficulty, this engendered the lovely plant and entered popular culture as the plant for green thumbs. Not everyone could keep them alive. If you could, your reputation as the ultimate gardener skyrocketed with your friends.

Africa

Jan

Year of the Squash: 2024

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2024 is the Year of Squash (the plant kind, not the sport or British drink).

Squash has been a staple in diets and agriculture for centuries and is known for its remarkable diversity. It is indigenous to the Americas and belongs to the genus Cucurbita, which encompasses multiple species and varieties cultivated and cherished in numerous cultures.

Squash traces back thousands of years, with its earliest cultivation believed to have occurred in Mesoamerica. Archaeological evidence suggests that squash is one of the first cultivated crops, originating more than 10,000 years ago in the Americas.

Cucurbita falls into four key categories:

CUCURBITA PEPO—includes zucchinis (courgettes), pumpkins, and some summer squash.
CUCURBITA MAXIMA—includes Hubbard and Buttercup squashes.
CUCURBITA ARGYROSPERMA—includes cushaw squashes.
CUCURBITA MOSCHATA—includes butternut squash and additional pumpkin varieties.

Currently, hundreds of different types of squash are cultivated globally, traditionally in two groups: summer squash and winter squash.

Summer squashes are harvested when immature, and their skin is tender and edible; zucchini and yellow squash are well-known examples.

Winter squashes are harvested when fully mature, featuring hard, thick skins and a longer storage potential; examples include pumpkins, plus acorn, spaghetti, and butternut squashes.

Squash plants are known for their vigorous growth and sprawling vines, with some varieties capable of producing immense fruits. As a crop, they are valued for their edible fruit, seeds, and flowers in various culinary traditions.

The cultural significance of squash is notable, particularly among Native American tribes who regarded squash as one of the "Three Sisters" along with maize (corn) and beans. This trio of crops is traditionally grown together via companion planting to benefit each plant.

Africa

Jan

Year of the Angelonia: 2024

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2024 is the Year of the Angelonia.

Angelonia, often called "summer snapdragon" due to its resemblance to snapdragons, is a captivating flowering plant known for its vibrant and long-lasting blooms.

Originating from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Angelonia is a favorite among gardeners, particularly in warm climates.

Angelonia includes several species, but the most commonly cultivated is Angelonia angustifolia. Over the years, horticulturists have developed numerous varieties of this species, focusing on enhancing its color range, bloom size, and hardiness. Gardeners can choose from various Angelonia varieties, showcasing colors like purple, pink, white, blue, and bicolor patterns.

What makes Angelonia particularly appealing is its resilience and its low maintenance. It is known for its ability to withstand heat and humidity, and it typically reaches 18 inches tall (46 centimeters), forming dense, bushy mounds covered in flowers from late spring until the first frost.

The flowering plant is popular in borders, container gardens, and as a bedding plant. Their upright growth habit and continuous blooming make them a standout. Their drought tolerance adds to their appeal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet visually striking plants.

Africa

Jan

Year of the Lily: 2024

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2024 is the Year of the Lily.

The lily, a genus of flowering plant known scientifically as Lilium, is prized for its striking beauty and fragrance. Native primarily to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, wild lilies grow in Asia, Europe, and North America.

About 100 originating species of lilies have engendered many varieties and hybrids through cultivation. The diversity in their forms is remarkable. Colors include whites, yellows, oranges, pinks, reds, purples, and combinations. The shapes of lily flowers vary as well, with some being trumpet-shaped, bowl-shaped, funnel-shaped, and recurved.

Lilies are prized in gardens and bouquets tracing back to 1500 BC in Crete; their popularity has only grown. Different species and hybrids bloom at various times throughout the growing season, with some flowering in early summer and others in late summer or early fall.

Despite their delicate appearance, many lily varieties are hardy and relatively easy to grow. Lilies typically prefer well-drained soils and a full sun or partial shade position. However, the care and conditions required can vary significantly among the different species and hybrids, making it essential for gardeners to understand the specific needs of the lilies they grow.

Africa

Jan

Year of the Hosta: 2024

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2024 is the Year of the Hostas.

Hostas, known for their lush foliage and shade-loving nature, are a popular perennial plant in many gardens. Originally from northeast Asia, particularly Japan, China, and Korea, hostas have become a staple in temperate gardens worldwide. Their ability to thrive in shaded areas, where many other plants struggle, has contributed significantly to their popularity.

There are approximately 70 species of hostas, but the world of hostas extends far beyond these thanks to extensive hybridization efforts. These efforts have resulted in thousands of registered cultivars, each with unique characteristics. Hostas come in various leaf shapes, textures, and colors, including green, blue, and yellow variations, and even variegated patterns that combine multiple colors.

Hostas are primarily grown for their foliage, ranging in size from tiny leaves a few inches long to giant varieties with leaves over a foot wide. The plant's foliage can be as small as a few inches or centimeters in height and width to over a yard or meter in size. In addition to their stunning leaves, many hostas produce delicate flowers on tall stalks in the summer, ranging in color from white to lavender and purple.

One of the reasons for the hosta's popularity is its ease of care. These plants are hardy and can tolerate various soil conditions, although they prefer moist, well-drained soils. They are ideal for shady gardens, thriving under trees or on the north side of buildings where other plants might not grow as well. Despite their hardiness, hostas can be susceptible to pests like slugs and deer, which are attracted to their tender leaves.

Hostas add versatility to landscaping as border plants, groundcover, and alone. Their versatility, low maintenance, and beautiful foliage ensure that hostas remain a beloved choice for gardeners worldwide.

Africa

Jan

Year of the Buddleia: 2024

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2024 is the Year of the Buddleia (Buddleja).

Buddleja or Buddleia, commonly known as the "butterfly bush," is a genus of flowering plants that has gained widespread popularity in gardens worldwide. Native to Asia, Africa, and the Americas, Buddleia species are renowned for attracting butterflies, making this flowering bush a favorite of gardeners.

The Buddleia genus includes 140 species, each ranging in size and shape from small shrubs to large trees. The most commonly cultivated species is the Buddleia Davidii from China, known for its robust growth and explosion of flowers.

Buddleia's flowers are rich in nectar and highly attractive to butterflies and pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds. Its blooms typically appear in summer and fall in cascading clusters. Colors include purple, blue, pink, white, and red, each with a sweet fragrance that makes them irresistible to pollinators.

Buddleia grow rapidly and thrive in challenging conditions. It often grows well in poor soils and can quickly establish itself in new areas, which, while beneficial for garden cultivation, has also led to it being considered invasive in some regions. Its ability to self-seed and spread rapidly means that gardeners must manage its growth carefully.

Africa

Feb

Chinese Year of the Dragon, 4722: February 10 - January 28, 2025

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The Chinese calendar is the backdrop of the Chinese year. It is based upon the moon's phases and runs in 12-year cycles, each year denoting a different animal in the Chinese astrological lineup. 2024 is the year of the Dragon. Numerically, this year would be 4722.

The Chinese Year of the Dragon is a vital zodiac year in the Chinese calendar. The Dragon is the fifth animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle and is considered one of the most influential and auspicious of the twelve.

The Dragon symbolizes strength, good fortune, and power in Chinese culture. People born in the Year of the Dragon are believed to inherit these characteristics as they are often seen as confident, ambitious, and charismatic individuals with natural leadership qualities. Dragons possess a magnetic personality that attracts others to them.

The Year of the Dragon is favorable for important undertakings and significant life events, and Dragon years are believed to bring prosperity, success, and good luck. Many Chinese couples plan their pregnancies to ensure their child is born in the Year of the Dragon; businesses plan major expansions, acquisitions, or new products.

Traditionally, Dragon years are celebrated with various customs and festivities. These may include dragon dances, where a team of performers carries a long dragon puppet through the streets, symbolizing the mythical creature. Fireworks, lantern festivals, and family gatherings are common during the Chinese New Year celebration.

Africa

Jan

Polar Year, Intl: 2032

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As climate change rapidly reshapes Earth's cold regions, scientists worldwide strive to break the political impasse and advocate for urgent environmental action. In November 2023, over 40 scientists from polar countries convened in Paris for a critical international science conference on Earth's poles and glaciers. Jane Francis, Director of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and representative of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), underscores the visible impacts of warming waters on shrinking glaciers in the Antarctic. "The changes that we see in the Arctic are scary," notes Gerlis Fugmann, Executive Secretary of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), highlighting the drastic effects on Indigenous populations and the environment. The Polar Summit aims to offer specific, science-informed policy recommendations. Francis expresses frustration over the slow political response to climate change, advocating for comprehensive policies and leadership embracing new technologies and sustainable living. A recent SCAR report emphasizes the global impacts of Antarctic changes, including extreme weather events and ocean acidification. "There is a huge urgency now to communicate that to policy-makers," Francis asserts. Looking ahead, the International Polar Year (IPY) in 2032-33 represents a significant opportunity for research and funding to address polar changes. Fugmann, who experienced the previous IPY, highlights the necessity of understanding and responding to these changes. Francis acknowledges the dual responsibility of scientists as truth-tellers and society's role in adopting sustainable practices. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, initiated the Paris Call for Glaciers and Poles, emphasizing global involvement in addressing the polar crisis.

Africa

Jan

Year of the Family, IYF+30, Intl.: 2024

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As 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family (IYF+30), civil society organizations worldwide are uniting to support the United Nations and Member States in honoring this milestone. The organizations involved have pledged to collaborate with the United Nations system, particularly with the Division for Inclusive Social Development of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DISD). The focus for IYF+30 centers on key trends identified by the United Nations Secretariat: new technologies, climate change, urbanization, international migration, and demographic changes with their profound impacts on family dynamics. By re-establishing the International Year of Family on its 30th anniversary, the group seeks to support families as critical agents in recovery, governance, cohesion, protection, education, care, and development. It recognizes the family's crucial role in societal development and the importance of creating an empowering family environment. One highlight is the need to acknowledge and support unpaid care and domestic work, advocating for policies promoting shared household responsibilities. It calls for greater attention to the well-being and mental health of caregivers and care recipients, with a particular focus on the social impact of the pandemic on families. Furthermore, the organizations emphasize that children should grow up in nurturing family environments characterized by happiness, love, and understanding. They acknowledge the pivotal role of family-oriented networks and organizations in mainstreaming local, national, and international family policies.

Africa

Dec

Futures Day, World: December 2

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UNESCO's World Futures Day is a global initiative dedicated to exploring, discussing, and envisioning diverse and sustainable futures. Its focus encourages forward-thinking, innovative approaches to addressing today's and tomorrow's challenges, emphasizing the importance of foresight in global policymaking.

The origin of World Futures Day stems from UNESCO's commitment to fostering a culture of anticipatory governance and strategic foresight. Recognizing that the rapid pace of technological, environmental, and social changes presents complex challenges, UNESCO established this day to promote a proactive approach to shaping future scenarios.

The purpose of World Futures Day is multifaceted. Primarily, it aims to engage policymakers, academics, futurists, and the public in a dialogue about the future, considering various perspectives and disciplines. It's a day for sharing insights, research, and innovative ideas that can guide humanity toward sustainable, inclusive futures.

This observance also serves as an educational platform, highlighting the importance of future literacy – the ability to understand and influence the future. UNESCO emphasizes the need for education systems to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to actively navigate and shape the future.

World Futures Day includes conferences, workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative projects. These events allow participants to explore emerging trends, potential risks, and opportunities and devise strategies for building resilient, adaptable societies.

A significant aspect of World Futures Day is its focus on inclusivity and diversity in envisioning the future. UNESCO encourages the inclusion of voices from various cultural, geographical, and socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring that future scenarios reflect the aspirations and concerns of all segments of society.

Africa

Jan

African Year of Education: 2024

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The African Union designated 2024 as the African Year of Education. In past decades, the continent has struggled to meet the needs of its citizens. Primary and secondary education access remains a significant hurdle, particularly in rural areas. Schools are often far away, leading to long travel distances for students. Lack of transportation and financial constraints compound these problems. CHALLENGES Even where schools are accessible, the quality of education may be inadequate. Overcrowded classrooms, poorly trained teachers, lack of materials, and outdated curricula are common challenges. Cultural biases and gender roles can limit educational opportunities for girls. Discrimination, early marriage, and household responsibilities often keep girls out of school, perpetuating gender disparities in education and the workforce. In regions plagued by political turmoil or conflict, schools can be targets, teachers and students can be at risk, and instruction often takes a backseat to immediate survival needs. Finally, health problems, particularly HIV/AIDS and malnutrition, can impair learning ability and attendance. SUCCESSES However, Africa has made significant advances in education over the past decade. Enrollment in primary and secondary schools within multiple nations has increased, boosting enrollment rates significantly. Initiatives to provide free or subsidized education, school meals, and uniforms have contributed to getting more children into classrooms. Programs focused on female education have yielded results in many areas. Scholarships, community engagement, and awareness campaigns continue to bridge educational gender gaps in several countries. The introduction of technology, including e-learning platforms and mobile education apps, has expanded access to quality education, particularly in remote areas. Collaboration with international organizations and investment by foreign governments continue to support the establishment of new educational institutions, teacher training, and curriculum development. Many nations emphasize vocational and technical training to align education with labor market needs, preparing students for careers in various trades and industries. With community involvement and grassroots initiatives, administrators created new, locally relevant educational programs that enhance access and engagement. The African Year of Education seeks to raise awareness of the concerted efforts by governments, communities, and international partners to improve and better serve the needs of students now and in the years to come. Source: Assembly/AU/Dec.864(XXXVI)

Africa

Jan

America's Presidential Election Year: 2024

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For those of us in the United States, the circus is in town—also known as the Presidential elections. Unlike other nations, America's presidential election cycle can be up to two years in length. That is two years of negative ads. Two years of posturing. Two years of campaign donation solicitations. Two years of sound bytes, verbal regurgitation, and competing bumper stickers. It's like watching a slow-moving sport for the rest of the world. Here in the US, we call it the circus. The Presidential elections in the United States are a central feature of the country's democratic process and represent the method by which the President and Vice President are elected to office. Held every four years, these elections culminate in a complex and highly regulated process. As of the passage of the 22nd Amendment by Congress on March 21, 1947, a President can only be elected President twice in his or her lifetime. Additional requirements are that he or she be a natural-born citizen of the United States, 35 years or older, and not an active participant in insurrection or espionage against the United States. The election begins with the primary elections and caucuses, where members of each political party vote to select their party's candidate, followed by national conventions, during which each party formally nominates its chosen candidate, who then selects a running mate to be the Vice Presidential candidate. The general election occurs on Election Day, the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. United States citizens aged 18 and older can vote for their chosen candidate. However, the President is not directly elected by the popular vote. Instead, the United States uses an Electoral College system, wherein each state is allotted a specific number of electoral votes based on its population and representation in Congress. Candidates vie to win these electoral votes, and the candidate who receives an absolute majority of the electoral votes, at least 270 out of 538, becomes the President-elect. The decision goes to the House of Representatives if no candidate receives an absolute majority. The Electoral College system has sometimes led to discrepancies between the popular vote and the electoral vote, leading to debates and discussions around the fairness and effectiveness of the system. Notably, candidates have won the popular vote in some instances but lost the election due to the Electoral College distribution. The votes for the Electoral College are counted and certified by Congress on January 6 in a ceremonial count led by the current Vice President. Following the election, the President-elect is inaugurated on January 20, marking the beginning of a four-year term. A President can serve a maximum of two terms. The US Presidential elections attract global attention. They reflect the American people's values, concerns, and aspirations and often set the tone for the nation's domestic and foreign policies. With a blend of tradition and constant evolution, the Presidential elections continue to be a vital expression of American democracy.

Africa

Jan

European Year of Cycling: 2024

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The ECF recently wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen a letter signed by 33 members, asking her to designate 2024 as the European Year of Cycling. Attaining a designation by the Commission ensures additional funds and regionwide coordination exists. The European Cycling Federation can declare the year independently as a recognized organization. As of this writing, they're seeking additional support from the whole of the European Union for the event. Europe is on the brink of becoming a continent where cycling is a significant transportation mode, not just in a few places. Numerous EU countries are adopting national cycling strategies, municipalities are improving cycling infrastructure, and Europeans are cycling billions of kilometers yearly. More businesses are utilizing cargo bikes for deliveries. The 2024 European Year of Cycling could be the spark to encourage millions of Europeans to cycle. Europe needs cycling more than ever. One hundred cities are pledging to be climate-neutral by 2030. New EU policies are projected to urge European cities toward Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans to reduce transport sector carbon emissions. The goals of the European Green Deal can only be met with more Europeans, particularly in cities, cycling instead of driving. Cycling is vital to European history and culture. Celebrating it can make it accessible to all. What's a European Year? It's a public awareness campaign on a particular issue to spark debate and dialogue among EU nations. It allows EU institutions to highlight a subject relevant to all EU countries and citizens, aiming to educate and alter attitudes. The Commission suggests the theme, usually during the State of the Union address by the Commission President. The European Parliament and EU member state governments debate and finally adopt it. Many European Years provide extra funding for local, regional, and national projects related to the theme. It sends a potent political message that the theme should receive additional attention in policymaking.

Africa

Jan

European Year of Skills: 2024

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European Year of Skills focuses on non-formal adult learning and education, which teaches and provides training and professional development designed to advance careers and improve society as part of life-long learning.

Africa