All - Leep Calendar

On May 31, 2010, the Israeli navy attacked the unarmed protest ship, the Mavi Marmara, the lead boat in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea within international waters resulting in the murder of nine activists, eight from Turkey and the ninth from the United States. Turkish Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (iHH) created the "Free Gaza Movement" and organized the flotilla to bring humanitarian aid and construction materials to the besieged Gaza Strip. Israeli has and continues to maintain a complete blockade since 2007. International outrage over the incident was immediate and dramatically shook Turkish-Israeli relations. As of 2023, the Gaza Strip, with over two million people, over 70 percent under the age of 30, is still under the complete stranglehold of the Israeli military with limited movement of goods and people in or out. Despite paying taxes, the people of Gaza have no rights or status under Israeli law. The Israeli army has occupied, blockaded, or quarantined the Gaza Strip since 1967. In the centuries leading up to 1967, the coastal region was a thriving agricultural and commercial hub, with beautiful beaches and a steady tourism trade. Today it is one of the most impoverished places in the world, regularly surveilled, bombed, and starved of even the most basic necessities by the occupying nation. Under international law, Israel's behavior in the Gaza Strip is collective punishment, a war crime. The situation is so dire that Gaza is described as an "open-air prison" by human rights advocates worldwide. The Freedom Flotilla and the Mavi Marmara were trying to alleviate the situation; it is the only reason they were attacked. The hasbara (propaganda) by the attacking nation attempted to spin the story in favor of the military. However, though the falsified videos and reporting remain easily accessible on the internet (we will not link to them), investigations proved deception, and the state ultimately paid modest reparations to the families of the murdered human rights workers. The full report on the Mavi Marmara attack is in the document download section below, including the details on how and where the attacking nation manipulated the videos and story to distort the attack and change the narrative.

Africa

May

Macaroon Day, Ntl.: May 31

06:20 AM | -

Macaroons first appeared in Italy during the ninth century AD. They are miniature bite-sized cakes made with nut paste, usually almonds, sweeteners, and spices. The first recipe for macaroons appeared in 1725. Macaroon Day celebrates the dessert.

Africa

May

Nirjala Ekadashi (H): May 31

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In the Hindu religion, Ekadashi (Pandava Bhima Ekadashi, or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi.) is one of two Ekadashi every month; each is known by a different name and has great importance. Worship of Lord Vishnu occurs on Ekadashi. Nirjala Ekadashi is the waxing fortnight of the Hindu month of Jyestha, corresponding to the May-June month in the Gregorian calendar. The Ekadashi derives its name from the waterless (Nir-jala) fast observed today. Devotees perform a day-long fast and seek love and affection from Lord Vishnu. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

May

Otter Day, World: May 31

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World Otter Day raises awareness about otters. Otters are semi-aquatic mammals of the Mustelidae family, including weasels, ferrets, and badgers. There are 13 different species of otters worldwide, and they are known for their playful, curious behavior and sleek, streamlined bodies. Otters are well-suited to life in and around water. Their fur is dense and waterproof, which helps to keep them warm and dry while swimming. Their webbed feet facilitate swimming and diving, and they can hold their breath underwater for several minutes. Otters are carnivorous and feed on fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and small mammals. Using their dexterous front paws, otters catch and manipulate their prey. Many species of otters are social animals and live in groups, while others are more solitary. Otters communicate with each other using a range of vocalizations, including whistles, grunts, and chirps. Otters live around rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, where habitat loss, pollution, and hunting have landed some varieties on endangered or vulnerable lists.

Africa

May

Parrot Day, World: May 31

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World Parrot Day, first held in 2004, celebrates the beautiful tropical species of birds called parrots. Three hundred and fifty varieties of parrots exist, and one-third face potential extinction due to loss of habitat and the exotic pet trade. World Parrot Day seeks to raise awareness about protecting parrots in the wild and best practices in caring for parrots as pets. Annually May 31.

Africa

May

Save Your Hearing Day (1976): May 31

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First observed in 1976, Save Your Hearing Day focuses attention on the importance of hearing and how to prevent problems as you age. Medical experts believe that 50% of hearing loss could be prevented through various common sense and health practices. Today is a day to find out what you must do to ensure you have excellent hearing for the rest of your life. Practical actions you can do today to save your hearing. 1. Turn down the volume on radios, TVs, and headphones. 2. Reduce exposure to loud noises like jackhammers, sirens, lawnmowers, and concerts. 3. Wear hearing protection/ 4. Use the 60/60 rule. Listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes a day. 5. Avoid cotton buds and fingers when cleaning ears. 6. Stay healthy. 7. Get your hearing checked at your annual physical.

Africa

May

Senior Health & Fitness Day, Ntl.: May 31

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National Senior Health & Fitness Day is promoted by over 1,000 organizations across the United States; it's a day for helping seniors get and stay in shape and maintain fitness.

Africa

May

Speak in Full Sentences Day / No Texting Day: May 31

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Speak in Full Sentences Day, or No Texting Day urges people to communicate properly. Whether speaking or writing, try to use language as intended and refrain from using abbreviations, emojis, and other shortcuts to good communication. The creator of this event is unknown. However, it's been around for a few years and precedes the Trump Twitter administration.

Africa

May

Tobacco Day, World No: May 31

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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

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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

Apr

Small Business Week, Ntl.: April 30 - May 6

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Every year since 1963, the United States' Small Business Administration highlights the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others nationwide through National Small Business Week. Events take place across the country to engage the small business community and highlight their importance as innovators and job creators who strengthen the nation's economy.

Africa

Apr

Spank Out Day, Ntl.: April 30

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The Center for Effective Discipline (CED) promotes National Spank Out Day to urge parents to look for healthier and more effective discipline options and limit corporal punishment for their children. Spanking is not only a crude and violent attempt at discipline but also an ineffective one. Spanking and hitting a child causes alienation and induces fear-based adherence, and it fails to teach understanding and behavior modification. National Spank Out Day encourages organizations to implement a No Hit Zone. A No Hit Zone is an environment that supports a culture of safety and health where: No adult shall hit another adult. No adult shall hit a child. No child shall hit an adult. No child shall hit another child. No Hit Zones provide education and promote healthy relationships and safe environments across the lifespan.

Africa

Apr

Stewardship Week, Ntl.: April 30 - May 7

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Created in 1955 to draw attention to America's need to protect its natural resources, National Stewardship Week ensures quality of life with supporting the economy. The National Association of Conservation Districts annually hosts the week to educate the public and businesses about best practices.

Africa

Apr

Tabby Day, Ntl.: April 30

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The most common marking is the familiar stripped pattern on cat fur known as "tabby." Eighty percent of cats can be considered tabby. These tiny tigers warm the hearts of millions of people worldwide, so it is only fitting they have their day. Like Bulldog Day, Sandy Robins created this event as a book promotion for "Making the Most of all Nine Lives: The Extraordinary Life of Buffy the Cat." You can often guess a cat's sex by its markings. Orange tabby cats are 80% male, whereas a male calico cat is extremely rare. Solid-colored cats often show their tabby roots faintly on their tail or when the sun hits them just right. Enjoy National Tabby Day! Image: Joey or 'Jojo,' an 18-pound, solid muscle, Saudi Arabian spotted desert tabby and beloved adopted pet of LEEP's Founder.

Africa

Apr

Therapy Animal Day, Ntl.: April 30

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Therapy animals are different than service animals. Service animals perform specific tasks their owners can't do due to disability, such as seeing-eye dogs or public service like K-9 police dogs. Therapy animals fulfill a psychological function, providing comfort and companionship. Whereas a service animal is 'on the job' wherever its owner/handler goes, a therapy animal seeks out affection, cuddles, and to be touched. Therapy animals can be cats, dogs, birds, rodents, or anything that brings comfort to a human. Goals of National Therapy Animal Day: Recognize and honor therapy animals. Raise awareness and educate the public about the role therapy animals play in enhancing the health and well-being of humans. Honor the thousands of dedicated handlers (the human members of therapy animal teams) who volunteer their time and compassion during visits.

Africa