All - Leep Calendar

World No Tobacco Day encourages smokers to quit their deadly habit for a day and raises awareness about the problems of tobacco smoking for smokers and those around them.

Africa

May

What You Think Upon, Grows, Day: May 31

06:20 AM | -

Are your thoughts positive or negative? How we think about situations, and ourselves directly translates into our actions and future. What You Think Upon, Grows, Day is about the power of positive thinking. Use this day to shine.

Africa

May

Train Day, Ntl (1971): May 13

06:20 AM | -

Train Day began in 2008 to honor the anniversary of the creation of Amtrak on May 1, 1971, and encourage Americans to discover their country and travel by train. The First Transcontinental Railroad was built between 1863 and 1869 by three private companies over public lands that connected the eastern U.S. rail network with the Pacific coast. The railroad opened for traffic on May 10, 1869. The coast-to-coast railroad connection revolutionized the settlement and economy of America. It aligned the western states and territories with the northern Union states and made transporting passengers and goods coast-to-coast considerably quicker and less expensive.

Africa

May

Ivor Novello Awards (UK): May 18

06:20 AM | -

The Ivor Novello Awards, commonly referred to as "The Ivors," were established in 1955 by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors (BASCA) and are named after the Welsh composer and actor Ivor Novello (born David Ivor Davies). The annual awards ceremony honors excellence in British and Irish songwriting and composing. The Ivor Novello Awards are the UK's Grammy Awards and are considered one of the most prestigious accolades a songwriter or composer can receive. Awards celebrate the art of songwriting and composing, acknowledging the creative talent behind the music that shapes the cultural landscape. Unlike the Grammy Awards, the Ivors focus on craft, creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship rather than commercial success. Categories include Best Song Musically and Lyrically, Best Contemporary Song, PRS for Music Most Performed Work, and other specialized awards that highlight outstanding achievements within the music industry. They are seen as a barometer of musical excellence and have recognized legendary figures, emerging talents, and groundbreaking compositions. For a musical craftsman, winning an Ivor Novello Award is considered a prestigious honor and generally boosts an artist's career and reputation within the music community. The ceremony is a high-profile event attended by industry professionals, artists, and celebrities, attracting media attention that promotes songwriters and composers. It showcases the diversity and richness of the UK's musical accomplishments while serving as a platform to celebrate and acknowledge the talents of creators and performers from various genres and backgrounds.

Africa

May

Ivors Week (UK): May 15-19

06:20 AM | -

Ivor Week is a five-day fundraiser for the The Ivors Academy Trust annd lead-up and celebration of the British music industry leading up to and through the Ivor Novello Awards, or "The Ivors." Artists, celebrities, and music industry craftsmen gather for a week of celebration, networking, workshops, and concerts to celebrate the industry and support each other leading up to the awards ceremony on Thursday night. Anyone who is anyone in the British music industry attends and anticipates the week. Unlike the Grammy Awards, the Ivors focus on craft, creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship rather than commercial success. Categories include Best Song Musically and Lyrically, Best Contemporary Song, PRS for Music Most Performed Work, and other specialized awards that highlight outstanding achievements within the music industry. They are seen as a barometer of musical excellence and have recognized legendary figures, emerging talents, and groundbreaking compositions.

Africa

May

Running of the Balls (US-TN): May

06:20 AM | -

The Running of the Balls in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States, is an annual month-long fundraiser by Outdoor Gravity Park for charity in May and September. Teams sign up during these months to be chased downhill by a giant manned zorb. One team member rolls down a hill inside a giant transparent inflated ball called a zorb, chasing, knocking, and running over friends and family. It's like the running of the bulls without the horns and injuries, with all proceeds going to support the local food bank. Zorbing traces its origins back to New Zealand, where entrepreneurs Dwane van der Sluis and Andrew Akers launched it as a commercial venture in 1995 after watching hamster balls. They sought a new adrenaline-charged activity that included a unique way to appreciate New Zealand's hilly landscapes. "Zorbing" soon became the generic term for this spherical thrill ride. It involves using an inflatable, transparent, double-sectioned ball, also known as a zorb, with one ball inside the other. The air between the two balls acts as a shock absorber for the rider, cushioning them as they tumble head over heels down a hill. The sport expanded rapidly in New Zealand, followed by international interest. By the early 2000s, zorbing locations emerged in various adventure tourism hotspots worldwide, including Europe, the United States, Australia, and Asia. A water-based version called hydro-zorbing soon appeared. In this rendition, a bucket of water is added to the inner orb, creating a human washing machine experience as the rider sloshes around during the descent. Zorbing has since moved into soccer, bowling, and other sports, with comedic results. The Guinness World Records acknowledged zorbing's popularity in 2006 by noting the longest Zorb ride ever recorded. Steve Camp of Canada rolled down a hill in a zorb for an impressive 570 meters (1,870 ft).

Africa

May

Bubba Day, Ntl.: May 1

06:20 AM | -

Created by comedian T. Bubba Bechtol, National Bubba Day celebrates the southern slang for Good 'ol boy (or girl), that is, anyone named Bubba or Bubbette (female). National Bubba Day occurs on May 1 annually. There is also an unofficially noted and unsponsored "Bubba Day" online, celebrated June 2 each year.

Africa

May

Chocolate Parfait Day, Ntl.: May 1

06:20 AM | -

Chocolate Parfait Day falls on the first of May each year. A parfait is made with either pudding or custard. Custards have eggs, and puddings do not. Custards thickened through egg protein. Puddings thickened through starch (tapioca, cornstarch, etc.) Chocolate Parfait Day is an unofficial holiday with no sponsor.

Africa

May

Constitution Day (MH)(1979): May 1

06:20 AM | -

The Marshall Islands' National Day, also known as Constitution Day, is celebrated annually on May 1st. This public holiday commemorates the adoption of the Marshall Islands' constitution on May 1, 1979. The constitution established the Republic of the Marshall Islands as a self-governing entity in free association with the United States, which provided for the country's defense and allowed for financial assistance. The Marshall Islands, located in the central Pacific Ocean, were initially under Spanish control before being sold to Germany in 1885. After World War I, Japan took control of the islands under a League of Nations mandate. Following World War II, the Marshall Islands became part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands administered by the United States. The process of gaining self-government for the Marshall Islands began in the 1970s, culminating in the drafting and adoption of the constitution on May 1, 1979. The Compact of Free Association with the United States was signed in 1982, and the Marshall Islands gained full independence on October 21, 1986. Constitution Day is a significant event in the country, marked by various festivities and activities. Celebrations include parades, traditional dance performances, sports competitions, and speeches by political leaders. The day is an opportunity for the Marshallese people to express their national pride and unity while honoring their history and achievements since gaining self-government.

Africa

May

Executive Coaching Day: May 1

06:20 AM | -

Executive Coaching Day helps educate leaders and those aspiring to leadership on the benefits of executive coaching. People use coaching for: Leadership Development Merging Exec Teams Organizational Change Strategic Leadership Etiquette Coaching Career Transition Gender Management Interpersonal Conflict Job Promotion Use this day to learn more about what you can achieve through executive coaching.

Africa

May

Flu Season Begins, Southern: May 1

06:20 AM | -

Today marks the official beginning of the flu season south of the Equator. Fortunately for you, it’s nowhere near as bad in the south as in the north. Lucky you, Australia, Brazil, and your temperate neighbors. The World Health Organization has reported that influenza activity has declined in all temperate countries of the southern hemisphere. At the same time, influenza-like illness has increased in many European countries. Of course, that doesn’t mean you get off scot-free. The Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) has adopted WHO recommendations for the seasonal influenza vaccine composition. Influenza activity peaks at the end of August in most areas of Australia and Tasmania. The Northern Territory experiences a late peak, while Western Australia reports increased activity from mid-August through September.

Africa

May

Get Fit, Don't Sit Day: May 1

06:20 AM | -

Research shows that changing our sedentary habits is one of the most effective ways to prevent type two diabetes. This wellness day is about drawing attention to the importance of getting up and moving at work and home as part of a healthy lifestyle. The American Diabetes Association recommends that everyone, including people with diabetes, get up and move every 90 minutes. Companies, organizations, and communities can play an important role by encouraging their employees and members to be active and take better care of themselves—while lowering their risk for type two diabetes. See the website for this year's e-toolkit and resources to help companies and organizations get involved.

Africa

May

Homeowner's Day, New: May 1

06:20 AM | -

Homeownership is intrinsic to the American dream, and it's a goal and freedom many aspire to. National New Home Owner's Day celebrates first-time buyers basking in accomplishing this major life decision and goal.

Africa

May

Hug Your Cat Day: May 1*

06:20 AM | -

Cats have been prized pets for more than 7000 years. Each year on this day, you have an excuse to hug those delightful fur babies that make life fun. Hug Your Cat Day is a special day where cat owners are encouraged to embrace their cats and show their love, then post the images on social media. Created by author Maris D’Vari for her character Apricat, Hug Your Cat Day always falls on May 1.

Africa

May

Keep Kids Alive Drive 25, Ntl.: May 1

06:20 AM | -

Keep Kids Alive; Drive 25mph Day is a day of action designed to make roadways safer for drivers, pedestrians, passengers, cyclists, and kids at play. Commit to practicing safe driving for the next 24 hours to participate. These may translate to safer driving in the year ahead.

Africa