All - Leep Calendar

Let this be a lesson; people will race anything! Welcome to the 'Tiller Thriller.' First run in 1990, the World Championship Rotary Tiller race has become the hallmark event of the PurpleHull Pea Festival in Emerson, Arkansas. All in all, silly as it is, the Tiller Thriller makes for one heck of a fun afternoon. Put it this way, you'll never experience anything like this again!

Africa

Jul

Wife Carrying Championships, Intl. (FI): July 5-6

06:20 AM | -

The Wife Carrying World Championship in Finland has been held yearly since 1991. The event is organized by volunteers from nearby village associations, entrepreneurs, seniors, and youth living in Sonkajärvi. It is as the name describes: men carrying women on their backs compete in a series of relay endurance tests to determine the World Champion. It is as difficult to do as it is fun to watch. The event has been picked up in other countries as well, including the United States and the United Kingdom, each of which holds its own competitions. The Wife Carrying World Championship is the brainchild of Mr. Eero Pitkänen, of the Sonkajärvi municipality. Decisions on the event are made via the Sonkajärven Eukonkanto corporation committee consisting of public servants within the Sonkajärvi municipality, deputies from nearby companies & associations, and private persons living in Sonkajärvi.

PLEASE NOTE: All televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) should be treated as estimated, even if the dates are set. Several factors can cause an event to change dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promoter prior to committing resources. In many cases, we must estimate the dates based on previous years' schedules, as the final dates are not set until a few months or weeks prior to the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Jun

Almond Buttercrunch Day: June 29

06:20 AM | -

National Almond Buttercrunch Day commemorates almond buttercrunch, created in 1923. This candy was made popular during World War II when it was shipped to soldiers overseas. Brown & Haley, a candy company, developed the recipe and packaging. Known as Almond Roca because of its almonds and the fact that it looked like rocks, almond buttercrunch is made with butter, sugar, salt, and almonds mixed and melted to form the “rocks” and stored in tin cans.

Africa

Jun

Camera Day, World (1888): June 29

06:20 AM | -

Photography enthusiasts have a lot to celebrate on National Camera Day. Today is the anniversary of the first Kodak camera sold on June 29, 1888. The camera documents whatever is happening in the world. Before its invention, people relied on paintings, which were very expensive and viewable by a select group of people. Photography changed that. It documents day-to-day living quickly and reproduces readily. The camera is not a recent invention. Several cultures claim the invention of the camera. Ibn Yunus of Egypt is often cited in Western cultures as the inventor, sometime near 1000 AD. However, written documentation of pinhole style, or camera obscura, existed nearly 1400 years earlier, in 391 BC, according to Chinese records. Therein, Mozi writes of the process used in pinhole cameras to project an image. These early cameras, however, did not allow for the collection of an image, only its projection. That changed early in the nineteenth century. The first photograph was taken by Nicephore Niepce in 1814, and he recorded the image on silver chloride-coated paper. This prototype, however, was temporary. In 1827, he produced a more permanent photograph using a wooden camera developed by Charles and Vincent Chevalier. The first modern photograph was developed in 1836 by Louis Daguerre using a copper and silver mix plate coated with iodine vapor. George Eastman of the Kodak Company produced the first film camera. By the early 2000s, cameras became digitized, resulting in higher resolutions and more detailed photographs that are much more easily reproduced and shared. The addition of cameras to cellular phones has democratized photography for the world.

Africa

Jun

Federal-Aid Interstate Highway Act (1956): June 29

06:20 AM | -

Today is the anniversary of the passage of the Federal-Aid Interstate Highway Act in 1956. The story of how the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 (also known as the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act) came about is interesting. In 1919, 28-year-old Lieutenant Colonel Dwight D. Eisenhower participated in the popular convoy across the Lincoln Highway, the longest road in the country then. The trip was exhausting and took too long for Eisenhower's liking. During World War II, Eisenhower observed the popular German autobahn network and was very impressed by it. These two events spurred him to announce his "Grand Plan" for highways in 1954 once President of the United States, and it became law two years later on June 29, 1956.

Africa

Jun

Independence Day (SC)(1976): June 29

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Independence Day in Seychelles marks the anniversary of June 29, 1976, the official separation of the nation from Great Britain. Independence Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Jun

Saint Peter & Paul Day (C): June 29

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One of the oldest events in the calendar, Saint Peter and Saint Paul Day, acknowledges the execution and sacrifice of the two apostles at the hand of Emperor Nero. Peter was crucified, and Paul was beheaded. This feast day began in the third century AD.

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

Tropics, International Day of the: June 29

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The Tropics are the region of the earth between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. They represent 40 percent of the world's land mass and 80 percent of biodiversity. They are the world's lungs, the source of many medicines, and unique cultures, languages, and people. The United Nations has set aside the International Day of the Tropics to help educate the world about this critical global resource.

Africa

Jun

Waffle Iron Day, Electric: June 29

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National Waffle Iron Day honors the electric waffle iron. Waffles have been around since the Middle Ages. Originally intended to be used in an open flame, the original design used two metal pans attached to a long pole, and the cake was cooked in between these pans in an open flame. Cornelius Swartwout patented the first stove-top waffle iron on August 24, 1869. There is no specific patent or product launch attached to this day. However, General Electric created the first electric waffle iron prototype in 1911, which went on sale in 1918.

Africa

Jun

Aboriginal History Month, Ntl. (CA): June

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Since 2009, June has been National Aboriginal History Month in Canada. June 21 is set aside each year as a day to honor the culture and contributions of native Canadians. Often referred to as the First Nations, including the Inuit and Métis tribes. Royal Proclamation of 1763 is the foundational document and agreement between the First Nations people and the Crown. It laid the basis for Canada's territorial evolution. Concurrently The Treaty of Paris in 1763 ended more than 150 years of European competition and conflict in Canada. France ceded its colonial territories to Britain, becoming the primary European power in most of North America. The Spanish Empire extended into California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. France maintained its hold until 1803 of what would later be called the Louisiana Purchase. The First Nations comprise six geographical Groups: Woodland: Living in the boreal forest in the eastern part of the country; Iroquoian: inhabited the southernmost area Plains: Dwelling in the grasslands of the Prairies; Plateau: Ranging from the semi-desert conditions in the south to high mountains in the north; Pacific Coast: Living in the coastal regions of British Columbia Mackenzie and Yukon River Basins: Inhabiting the northern areas adjacent to Alaska. The history of the First Nations people and Canada is quite lengthy. A summary is here: http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1307460755710/1307460872523

Africa

Jun

Accordion Awareness Month, Ntl. (1822): June

06:20 AM | -

National Accordion Awareness Month was established in 1989 by Tom Torriglia to help spread the word about the resurgence in the accordion's popularity. At times referred to as a "squeeze box," the accordion has been around since 1822 and made its way to the New World with German immigrants in the 1880s. Most people are familiar with the accordion in polka, classical Italian, and Texano music. For these genres, it is a staple instrument. However, depending on who is playing it, it can sometimes be confused for a harpsichord, piano, or even a string section. The three videos below will allow you to listen to three very different-sounding accordions played by masters. Accordion music has three main styles: diatonic, chromatic, and keyboard. Diatonic accordions have one, two, or three rows of buttons. Chromatic Accordions have buttons for keys. Keyboard accordions have a piano keyboard on one side and buttons on the other. Accordion enthusiasts include: Lucy Liu—Actress "Elementary," "Ally McBeal," and "Charlie's Angeles" Ross Perot—Presidential Candidate and Industrialist James Stewart—Actor in "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" Tony Lavelli—Basketball player for the Boston Celtics John Smoltz—Baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves Deborah Norville—Journalist, NBC Today Show And since 1990, the piano accordion has been the official musical instrument of San Francisco, California.

Africa

Jun

Acne Awareness Month, Ntl.: June

06:20 AM | -

National Acne Awareness Month focuses on self-esteem, one of the most common skin conditions in the United States, affecting more than 40 million Americans. An estimated 40 percent of adolescents experience acne and acne scarring to such a degree that treatment by a dermatologist becomes necessary. Psychological and social implications for those with acne scars affect self-confidence and self-image. This month is about raising awareness of the solutions for acne and acne scarring while providing emotional support to those battling the social stigma and issues of acne.

Africa

Jun

Adopt-a-Cat Month (AHA): June

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Each spring during “kitten season,” thousands of newborn kittens join millions of cats already in shelters nationwide. That means your local shelter has a bounty of cute, cuddly newborns, in addition to all the mellow, older cats and everything in between. This month is about raising awareness of cats and kittens in need of forever homes and the need to spay and neuter to prevent over-populations. Special programs help you adopt your first cat — or bring home a friend for another beloved feline! National Adopt-a-Cat Month is one of two sponsored Adopt-a-Cat Months in June. The Humane Society of the United States and the American Humane Association champion adoption months in June.

Africa

Jun

Adopt-a-Shelter Cat Month (ASPCA): June

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une is ASPCA's National Adopt-a-Shelter Cat Month. The ASPCA hosts several events, including cute cat video contests, summer programs for youth volunteers, and low-cost adoptions. Cats are ideal for single people and apartment dwellers as they tend to be independent and, unlike dogs, don't need to be walked several times a day. Felines can be left alone for a weekend with food and water and take care of themselves. See the ASPCA's Feline-alities matching pet personality matching service to find the perfect cat for you. http://www.aspca.org/adopt/meet-your-match/meet-feline-alities PREVIEW OF FELINE-ALITIES THE ASPCA has classified cats into the following personality categories. See if you can spot yours! PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR "I'm working undercover to keep an eye on you and your household. You may not even know you're under surveillance, and I can vanish into thin air if anyone or anything interferes with my investigation. If you need a cat who knows how to stay out of trouble and will always keep your secrets, I just might take your case." SECRET ADMIRER "When it comes to relationships, I'm very level-headed, and I don't leap in paws first, if you know what I mean. But give me a little time, and then I'll shower you with purrs, head-butts, and plenty of lap time. In the meantime, you may not see much of me, but I'll think a lot of you!" LOVE BUG "Do you seek affection? I do! If you also like petting, purrs, and paws kneading your lap, I think we might have a LOT in common. I'm looking for "someone who enjoys quiet times and togetherness." Could that someone be you?" THE EXECUTIVE "I have to say, I'm a busy cat. First, I've got to check out what's happening out the window. Next, I'll see if any closets or cupboards need looking into. And then there are my naps—can't be late for those. I can fit a little socializing into my schedule. Shall we plan on breakfast and dinner? I hope you like kibbles." SIDEKICK "Like all sidekicks, I'm just plain good company. I like attention, and I also like my solitude. I don't go looking for trouble, but I'm no scaredy-cat, either. If you are looking for a steady companion to travel with you on the road of life, look no further." PERSONAL ASSISTANT "You're working on the computer? Let me press the keys. Reading the paper? I'll hold the pages down for you. Watching TV? I'll just plop in your lap so you can pet me. I love an orderly household, don't you? I'll help you with all your chores, and I'll help you relax when we're done. You'll wonder how you ever managed without me." MOST VALUABLE PUSSYCAT (MVP) "I'm a savvy cat who knows the score, and I'm pretty unflappable, too. I don't mind entertaining myself, but a human companion at the other end of the couch and a nice scratch behind the ears always make my day. If you're looking for a resourceful addition to your team, think about signing this Most Valuable Pussycat." PARTY ANIMAL "I'm a cat on a mission: PARTY! I love to play and explore and test my limits. I'd love to play with you, but I can make a toy out of anything: pencils, post-it notes, potatoes. If you're looking for some laughs and someone to liven up the party, think about inviting me." LEADER OF THE BAND "I'm a cat who does everything in a big way. I not only like to be in the middle of things—I like to lead the parade. I'm an adventurous cat, but I'll still spend time showing you my affectionate side. I'm the demonstrative type, you might say. Want a cat who's brimming with confidence? That's me." To understand the science behind this ASPCA program, check out Feline-ality 101: http://www.aspca.org/adopt/meet-your-match/feline-ality-101

Africa