All - Leep Calendar

The Belmont Stakes is the third race in what is known as the Triple Crown and is by far the most grueling at a distance of 1.5 miles. The first race began in 1867. Secretariat, winner of the Belmont and the Triple Crown in 1973, continues to hold the record for the fastest time and the most significant lead, beating his rival by over 30 lengths.

Africa

Jun

Best Friends Day, Ntl.: June 8*

06:20 AM | -

National Best Friends Day began with childhood engagement advocates DoSomething.org. It is a day to celebrate the people in your inner circle, your closest friends. This event is currently unsponsored. Another Best Friends Day occurs in August, is.

Africa

Jun

BET Awards (US-CA): June 28 (est)

06:20 AM | -

According to the Nielsen Company, the BET Awards is one of the most-watched entertainment awards shows on cable television. The BET Awards franchise remains the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET's #1 telecast every year. The program recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in various categories. This event first aired in 2001.

Africa

Jun

Bike Day, World: June 3

06:20 AM | -

World Bicycle Day celebrates the two-wheeled wonder, the bicycle, and its contribution to health, transportation, freedom, and the environment. Where did bicycles come from? The history of the bicycle can be traced back to the early 19th century, with several key innovations and milestones shaping its development over the years. Here's a brief overview of the bicycle's evolution: The Walking Machine (1817): Invented by German Baron Karl von Drais, the "laufmaschine" or "draisine" was the first human-powered two-wheeled vehicle. It had no pedals, momentum by the rider pushing his feet against the ground. The Velocipede (1860s): Known as the "boneshaker" due to its rough ride, the Velocipede was an early version of the bicycle with pedals attached directly to the front wheel. Frenchman Pierre Michaux and his son Ernest are credited with this invention. The High-Wheel Bicycle (1870s): Also called the "penny-farthing" or "ordinary bicycle," the high-wheel bicycle featured a large front wheel and a small rear wheel. The design allowed for increased speed, but it was difficult to mount and prone to accidents. The Safety Bicycle (1880s): John Kemp Starley, an English inventor, introduced the safety bicycle in 1885 with his "Rover" model. This design featured two equal-sized wheels, a chain-driven rear wheel, and a diamond-shaped frame. Riding was much safer and more comfortable than the high-wheel bicycle, which led to its widespread popularity. Pneumatic Tires (1888): John Boyd Dunlop, a Scottish inventor, developed the first practical pneumatic tire, which used air-filled rubber tubes to provide a smoother ride. This innovation significantly improved the comfort and efficiency of bicycles. Derailleurs (1900s): The derailleur, a mechanism for changing gears, was introduced in the early 20th century. It allowed cyclists to switch between different-sized sprockets on the rear wheel, enabling them to tackle varying terrain more easily. Mountain Bikes (1970s): Mountain biking emerged as a popular sport in the 1970s, with pioneers like Gary Fisher and Joe Breeze modifying bicycles for off-road use. The first mass-produced mountain bike, the Specialized Stumpjumper, was introduced in 1981. BMX Bikes (1970s): Bicycle motocross, or BMX, originated in the United States in the 1970s. These small, sturdy bikes were designed to race on dirt tracks and perform stunts. The sport gained popularity and eventually became an Olympic event in 2008. Carbon Fiber Frames (1980s): In the 1980s, manufacturers began using carbon fiber to create lighter, more robust bicycle frames. This material allowed for more efficient energy transfer and improved aerodynamics, making bicycles faster and more responsive. Electric Bikes (1990s): The first electric bicycles, or e-bikes, appeared in the 1990s, using battery-powered electric motors to assist with pedaling. E-bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a more accessible and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional bicycles and other forms of transportation. Bicycles continue to evolve and diversify, with various styles and technologies available to suit diverse needs and preferences. From casual riders to professional racers, bikes remain a popular and enduring mode of transportation and recreation worldwide. World Bicycle Day began in 2018. Header image: Workers' bicycles at the Taj Mahal complex in Agra, India. Photo LD Lewis

Africa

Jun

Blood Donor Day, World: June 14

06:20 AM | -

World Blood Donor Day has been observed annually since 2004. Voluntary, unpaid blood donations must be increased rapidly in more than half the world’s countries to ensure a reliable supply of safe blood for patients whose lives depend on it. “Although we have many external differences, the same vital blood pumps through all our veins,” said Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. “Voluntary, unpaid blood donation is the act of giving life – the greatest gift any person can give or receive.” About 108 million blood donations are collected globally every year. Nearly 50% of these blood donations are collected in high-income countries, home to less than 20% of the world’s population. The average blood donation rate is more than nine times greater in high-income and low-income countries. However, in many countries, demand exceeds supply, and blood services face the challenge of making sufficient blood available while ensuring its quality and safety. An adequate supply can only be assured through regular donations by voluntary, unpaid blood donors. Regular voluntary unpaid blood donors are the foundation of a safe blood supply because they are associated with low levels of infection that transfusions, including HIV and hepatitis viruses, can transmit. Around the world, 25 countries cannot screen all donated blood for one or more of these infections due to irregular supply of test kits, staff shortages, poor quality test kits, or lack of quality in laboratories. WHO encourages all countries to establish blood services based on voluntary non-remunerated blood donations. Today, only 62 countries get nearly 100 percent of their national blood supplies from voluntary unpaid blood donations, with 34 countries still dependent on family donors and even paid donors for more than 75 percent of their blood supply. Blood can be used whole or separated into its parts, such as red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and other “substances” that can be used to treat a wide range of diseases. A single unit of blood can benefit several patients. Transfusions of blood and blood products help save millions of lives every year, including during emergencies such as conflicts, natural disasters, and childbirth. It can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with a higher quality of life and supports complex medical and surgical procedures. “Voluntary blood donors come from all walks of life, but they have one thing in common: they put others before themselves — people they don’t even know,” said Dr. Ed Kelley, Director of the Department of Service Delivery and Safety at WHO. “Each time they donate blood, they commit an act of selfless heroism.” World Blood Donor Day’s objective is to improve the safety and adequacy of national blood supplies by promoting a substantial increase in the number of safe, voluntary, unpaid donors who give blood regularly.

Africa

Jun

Bloomsday (1904): June 16

06:20 AM | -

Bloomsday commemorates the life and works of author James Joyce after Leopold Bloom from his 1922 novel "Ulysses." Joyce chose the date of Bloomsday in honor of the anniversary of his future wife's first date. On Bloomsday, it is common to reenact costumed scenes from the novel or conduct public readings from the book. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, holds an annual Bloomsday fair on this day, sponsored by The Rosenbach.

Africa

Jun

Bloomsday Festival (IE)(1904): June 11-16

06:20 AM | -

The Bloomsday Festival is a week-long celebration in Ireland leading up to Bloomsday, June 16th. The week is a literary exploration of the life and works of James Joyce, who wrote "Ulysses." The Bloomsday Festival and Bloomsday are named after the novel's lead character, Leopold Bloom. This event is co-sponsored by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Brandywine Realty. 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

Jun

Bomb Pop Day, Ntl: June 25

06:20 AM | -

National Bomb Pop Day celebrates the frozen six-sided treat, the Bomb Pop. The dessert originated in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1955 and is a common sight at American Fourth of July celebrations.

Africa

May

Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month: May

06:20 AM | -

The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance promotes Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month. TSC is a genetic disorder that causes tumors in various organs, primarily the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, skin, and lungs, and it’s the leading genetic cause of epilepsy and autism. This month is dedicated to finding a cure for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), raising awareness of the condition and what the people suffering from it go through, and providing the tools and resources to improve their lives.

Africa

May

Tuna Day, World: May 2

06:20 AM | -

World Tuna Day is a day that commemorates the fish most commonly used in cooking, the tuna. In 2017 the United Nations officially added World Tuna Day to its dossier of awareness campaigns, recognizing the critical role of tuna in sustainable development, food security, economic opportunity, and livelihoods of people around the world. Tuna species account for 20 percent of fish caught in the oceans and over eight percent of internationally traded seafood. Tuna plays a crucial role in ensuring a healthy and robust marine ecosystem. Nearly two-thirds of the tuna currently served in restaurants and purchased through supermarkets originates in the Pacific Ocean. Small Island Development States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDC) benefit most from the sustainable use of marine resources and the challenges affecting tuna stocks. However, the decline in Ocean health continues to affect all fish species, including tuna, making the future outlook of this essential food source uncertain.

Africa

May

Turtle Day, World: May 23

06:20 AM | -

The American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) champions World Turtle Day, a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle. ATR launched World Turtle Day to increase respect and knowledge for the world’s oldest creatures. These gentle animals have been around for 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing due to smuggling, the exotic food industry, habitat destruction, global warming, and the cruel pet trade. ATR’s ultimate goal is to stop the illegal trade in turtles and tortoises worldwide. The priority in the United States is to ask pet stores and reptile shows to stop selling hatchling tortoises and turtles without informing pet buyers about their future pets. For example, many people buy sulcata tortoises as impulse buys because they are so adorable when tiny. The breeders and pet stores frequently do not tell the buyers that this tortoise can grow to 100 pounds or more and needs constant heat throughout the year since they do not hibernate. This event first ran in 2000.

Africa

May

Twilight Zone Day (1908): May 11

06:20 AM | -

On May 11, 1908, the first National Gathering of Governors occurred. The president at the time was Teddy Roosevelt. The day commemorates the coming together of the nation's governors and the decisions made to protect America's natural resources and institute a nationwide system of conservation and preservation. National Twilight Zone Day's name comes from the comments of William Jennings Bryan, the future Secretary of State under Woodrow Wilson. His point was that there could be no twilight zone between the state and federal government that would allow corporations to exploit the nation's natural resources. Bryan stated: "I am jealous of any encroachment upon the rights of the state, believing that the States are as indestructible as the Union is indissoluble. It is, however, entirely consistent with this theory to believe, as I do believe, that it is just as imperative that the general government shall discharge the duties delegated to it, as it is that the States shall exercise the powers reserved to them. There is no twilight zone between the nation and the state, in which exploiting interests can take refuge from both, and my observation is that most-not all, but most of the contentions over the line between Nation and State are traceable to predatory corporations, which are trying to shield themselves from deserved punishment, or endeavoring to prevent needed restraining legislation." The Governors' Resolutions Committee prepared a declaration of the Governors' view that— (1) Conservation of natural resources was a subject of transcendent importance. (2) The President was to be commended for calling the Conference to seek remedies for environmental degradation through the cooperation of the federal government and the states. (3) The President should call the Governors and members of Congress together from time to time to continue their dialogue concerning natural resource protection. (4) Each state should appoint a Commission on the Conservation of Natural Resources.

Africa

May

UEFA Champions League Final (HU): May 30

06:20 AM | -

The Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Champions League Finals is an annual football competition that brings together the best club teams from across Europe to compete for the title of European Champions. The competition was first held in 1955 and has since become one of the most prestigious club competitions in world football. The Champions League Finals are played in a single-match format, with the winner crowned the champions of Europe. The final generally occurs in May or June in a different location each year. The site of the final is usually a large stadium in a major European city, and the event attracts a global audience of millions of football fans. The road to the Champions League Finals is a long and challenging one. Teams must first compete in the qualifying rounds to earn a place in the group stage, playing a series of matches against other top teams from across Europe. The top two teams from each group then progress to the knockout stages, competing in two-legged ties to determine who will advance to the next round. The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final are played as one-off matches, with the winners of each tie progressing to the next stage. The final is the culmination of months of hard work and dedication, and the atmosphere in the stadium on the night of the championship game is electric. Some of the most successful teams in the history of the Champions League Finals include Real Madrid, AC Milan, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich. These teams have won multiple Champions League titles over the years and are among the most successful and storied clubs in European football history. 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

May

Ultraviolet (UV) Awareness Month: May

06:20 AM | -

Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization, has declared May UV Awareness Month to help educate the public on the dangers of UV and how to protect the eyes. For example, in addition to the skin, the eyes can become “sunburned,” known as photokeratitis. The painful condition may result in temporary vision loss for a few days. Pterygium, a growth of tissue that forms on the white of the eye, correlates directly to an individual’s UV exposure. Without treatment, this condition may require surgical treatment. Alarmingly, a recent survey conducted by N3L Optics found that more than 40 percent of runners and 35 percent of water sports participants do not consistently wear sunglasses during those activities. Only 50 percent of men and 33 percent of women prioritize having the right sunglasses for their sport. Reflective surfaces like snow, water, sand, and asphalt can significantly increase the amount of UV radiation the body is exposed to. Unfortunately, UV damage is cumulative and has been linked to eye problems later in life, including tumors, cataracts, and macular degeneration, an eye disease that currently has no cure. The delicate skin around the eye and the eyelids are also susceptible to UV damage. According to the Office of Air and Radiation at the Environmental Protection Agency, basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer affecting eyelids. It may appear on the lower lid, in the corners of the eye, and under the eyebrows. PBA offers these tips on how to keep your future bright with protection from UV: Always wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. Sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes but cause pupils to dilate, allowing in even more harmful rays. Sunglasses that block 100 percent UV-A and UV-B rays should always be worn with a brimmed hat. Wrap-around sunglasses are best as they protect the eyes and the skin around the eyes. Although some contact lenses may offer UV protection, they cannot protect the entire eye and the skin around it. Sunglasses should be made of unbreakable polycarbonate for active lifestyles, especially for children. Ask your doctor about prescription medication that may cause increased sensitivity to light. Always wear eye protection when using a tanning bed. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times more than the sun, which can cause severe damage to the external and internal structures of the eye and eyelids. “We want to stress the importance of protecting the eyes from UV rays, especially to young people,” said Hugh R. Parry, president, and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “Although we may not notice any ill effects of UV exposure today, it can greatly impact our ability to see clearly in the future.” For more information on the dangers of UV exposure and how to choose the best sunglasses for adults and children, please visit Prevent Blindness America’s dedicated website at preventblindness.org/protect-your-eyes-sun or call (800) 331-2020.

Africa

May

Underground America Day: May 14

06:20 AM | -

Underground America Day celebrates the more than 6,000 North Americans living on Earth and in it. Their homes are built in or underground rather than above it. Architect Malcolm Wells came up with the idea in 1974.

Africa