All - Leep Calendar

Introduced and passed in the US House of Representatives in 2020, Immigrant Heritage Month is a celebration of the accomplishments and contributions immigrants and their children have made in making the United States a healthier, safer, more diverse, and prosperous country and acknowledging their importance to the future. Unless you are a Native American or your ancestors were brought here against your will on slave ships, your family were immigrants at some time. As demographics have shifted over the past 120 years, various groups have organized to keep out or make immigration difficult for persons of color, non-protestant faiths, or of differing political beliefs. Under some administrations, they’ve succeeded. Yet, the United States would not be the United States without immigration and cannot continue without immigration. Celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month and celebrate what makes America unique.

Africa

Jun

Independence Day (WS)(1962): June 1

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Independence Day in Samoa marks the anniversary of June 1, 1962, the official separation of Western Samoa from New Zealand. Independence Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Jun

Indigenous History Month, Ntl. (CA): June

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In June, Canadians celebrate National Indigenous History Month to honor the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is also an opportunity to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous communities. National Indigenous History Month is a time for learning about, appreciating, and acknowledging First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people's contributions to shaping Canada. The Government of Canada recognizes the importance and sacred nature of cultural ceremonies and celebrations that usually occur during this time. While festivals and events for National Indigenous History Month may be different this year than those in the past, we can still share and learn from stories, traditions, and culture in new ways that keep us together and connected.

Africa

Jun

Mandaraka Day (KE)(1963): June 1

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Marking the end of British colonization of Kenya on June 1, 1963, Madaraka Day, or self-rule day, is a national holiday in Kenya.

Africa

Jun

Men's Health Education Awareness Month: June

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Playing on Father's Day and other events focused on men, Men's Health Education Awareness Month uses June to help biological men learn how to safeguard their health and live fully. This event focuses on preventing heart disease, osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction, BPH, STDs, cancer, etc.

Africa

Jun

Men's Month Intl.: June

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International Men’s Month, or International Men’s Health Month, is observed in June. Backed by a Congressional health education program, this June campaign aims to raise awareness of the health problems of biological men, their prevention and treatment, and create a work-life balance and lifestyle. This event provides opportunities for healthcare providers, policymakers, and other related organizations to educate men about their health, treatment, and cure of disease.

Africa

Jun

Microchipping Month, Ntl. (UK): June*

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If you own a dog in the United Kingdom, you must get your dog microchipped and maintain current residential and contact records via Petlog or other government databases. National Microchipping Month in the United Kingdom is an annual awareness campaign designed to inform owners of available resources and their responsibility under the law. According to the UK Kennel Club, these are the key facts you need to know: • All dogs in the UK must be microchipped. • Puppies must be microchipped by eight weeks. • Breeders will be responsible for microchipping and must be recorded as the first keeper. • The recorded keepers (where the dog resides) MUST keep contact details up to date on a government-compliant database. • Full guidance can be found in the Animal Welfare Act of 2006, downloadable here: http://www.legislation.gov.uk • Regulations vary in Wales and Scotland. • All dogs must still wear an ID tag. Failure to microchip your dog could cost you up to £500—ouch!

Africa

Jun

Migraine Awareness Month, Ntl.: June

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Migraine Awareness Month, supported by the American Headache and Migraine Association, seeks to build awareness about migraine and cluster headaches. Here are some statistics: One billion people worldwide suffer from migraines. 1 in 4 households is affected by migraine. 1 in 5 women suffers from migraines. 1 in 11 children struggle with migraines. Rather than relegating this month to a mere campaign drive on migraine issues, the organizers want people to promote and educate others about this condition actively.

Africa

Jun

Milk Day, World: June 1

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In 2001, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) selected June 1 as World Milk Day. This awareness campaign celebrates the crucial contributions of the dairy sector to sustainability, economic development, livelihoods, and nutrition.

Africa

Jun

Month of Community (UK): June

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The Month of Community in the United Kingdom aims to unite people and celebrate community power. The initiative encourages people from all walks of life to organize and participate in events and activities that foster community spirit, cooperation, and inclusivity. The Month of Community evolved from the success of the Great Get Together, an annual event organized in memory of Jo Cox, a British Member of Parliament who was murdered in 2016. The month builds on her concepts by promoting various events and initiatives that strengthen community bonds. During the Month of Community, local groups, organizations, and individuals organize various activities to foster connection and collaboration. These events may include street parties, community picnics, sports events, fundraisers, art exhibitions, and environmental clean-up initiatives. The goal is to create opportunities for people to meet their neighbors, make new friends, and celebrate the diversity and strength of their local communities. Several national organizations, charities, and government bodies support the Month of Community by providing resources and guidance to help community groups organize and promote activities that deliver a lasting impact on communities across the UK.

Africa

Jun

Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month, Ntl.: June

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Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month is an annual month-long awareness campaign to increase awareness of the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Myasthenia Gravis (MG). This disease occurs in humans and animals. Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disease where the body creates antibodies to attack the said body’s immune system, particularly the neuromuscular junction, where the nerves and muscles connect. Women ages 30-40 and men ages 50-60 are the typical sufferers of this condition, which can include partial paralysis of the eye movement, droopy eyelids, and difficulty speaking and swallowing, resulting in choking. In some advanced stages of the disease, patients can lose the ability to walk.

Africa

Jun

Nail Polish Day, Ntl: June 1

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National Nail Polish Day celebrates the many colors available for wear on your fingers and toes, just in time for the summer. This event was created by Essie Nail Lacquer in 2017.

Africa

Jun

Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day, World: June 1

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In 2016, Bree Bonchay, LCSW, and survivors of narcissistic abuse established World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day (WNAAD) to raise awareness about narcissism and promote summits and tools for those impacted. Narcissistic abuse is a form of emotional abuse projected by a narcissist onto those around them. It can manifest in various ways, including verbal and psychological abuse, manipulation, gaslighting, and control tactics. The effects of narcissistic abuse can be deeply damaging, leading to trauma and a wide range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). WNAAD encourages victims and survivors to share their stories to spread awareness and validate others who have experienced similar situations. The hashtag #IfMyWoundsWereVisible is often used on social media in conjunction with this day, aiming to highlight that just because abuse isn't physically visible doesn't mean it's not real. NARCISSISM What it is and how to recognize it By LD Lewis Referred to as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) by most in the medical and social fields, the nature of this disorder is challenging to diagnose and, to date, impossible to cure. As a descriptor, narcissism is a collection of personality/behavior disorders. Narcissists cannot love like ordinary people, but they can sap all the love from everyone around them and create a living nightmare for all within their reach. Since narcissists see themselves as perfect, they are always the victim. NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER "The Diagnostic and Statistics Manual, Rev IV," lists the following as descriptive of Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Has a grandiose sense of self-importance, including exaggerating achievements and talents, with the expectation of recognition as superior without commensurate achievements. The narcissist is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love. Believes he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people or institutions. The narcissist requires excessive admiration. He/she has a sense of entitlement, including unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations. Is interpersonally exploitative and takes advantage of others to achieve his or her ends. Lacks empathy and is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others. Cruelty is a goal. He/she is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her. The narcissist shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes. Narcissism becomes visible in a person's late teens and early twenties, growing in intensity and cruelty as the narcissist ages. Unfortunately, no long-term treatments exist for narcissism; once it develops, few narcissists will admit they have a problem since one of the signs of narcissism is the tendency to play the victim and blame everyone else for any ill will, problems and incomplete or substandard work, most won't seek help. They consider themselves perfect. THE CASE OF BETTY BRODERICK A famous case of narcissism involves a former housewife, mother, and socialite in San Diego, California, named Betty Broderick. Today she is a convicted murderer doing life for killing her ex-husband Dan Broderick and his new wife of six months, Linda, in 1989. Betty's story illustrates the classic narcissism symptoms in the movie, "A Woman Scorned," and its sequel, "Her Final Fury." In 2021, a limited series, "Dirty John, The Betty Brodrick Story," also emerged, focusing more attention on the manipulation tactics of her husband. In the movie, Betty's marriage begins to fall apart due to her overbearing attitude, accusations of infidelity, sense of entitlement, self-perceived victimization, and persecution. Rather than addressing the issues, her behavior goes from bizarre— Burning her husband's clothing and throwing a ring across the room because it isn't exactly what she wanted at Christmas. To callous—Dropping her young children off in the middle of the night and leaving them sitting alone outside without supervision or even knowing if her husband is home. And finally, to violent—driving her car into her ex's house while her children are home, destroying family pictures and heirlooms, and using psychological blackmail on her children for sympathy. Throughout all of this, the harm she's doing to her children remains insignificant to her. How her four children feel, think, or how her behavior affects them matters not. All that matters is hurting the cause of her perceived persecution, Dan and Linda. Ultimately she sneaks into the house and kills the couple while they sleep. Ironically, she apologized to her two eldest dollars a few hours later, saying, "I hope I didn't ruin your day. You didn't have anything special planned did you?" Throughout the trial and even from prison, Betty continues to stress her persecution, grief, and victimization at her husband's hands. She feels no remorse or responsibility for causing their deaths or the impact on her children, stating, "There may be two dead bodies, but there are five victims, me and my four children." SPOTTING NARCISSISM Seeing narcissism before it finds you can be a task. Self-absorption and narcissism are not the same thing. Each human possesses some trends toward narcissism, and we all can be selfish from time to time. Empathy is the easiest distinguishing factor between self-absorption and narcissism. Someone who is self-absorbed feels empathy and can show genuine sympathy. A narcissist cannot and does not understand the concept. He or she may act sympathetic because it is expected. Rather than an emotion, the person is mirroring those around him/her rather than expressing emotion. But when pressed to discuss, reflect or analyze why he or she has feelings of empathy, a narcissist cannot. Most relationship experts recommend dating each other at least twice a week and speaking on the phone nearly every day—long distance does not count in this recommendation—for an entire year before considering marriage. This time allows for spotting psychological problems, anti-social behavior, and sociopaths in the dating pool before you say I do. Issues like active drug and alcohol addiction, mental or physical abuse, and con artists bubble to the surface during this period. Most people, including narcissists, can behave well for three to six months; however, very few can hide who they are daily for a year. NARCISSISTS VS CON ARTISTS AND ADDICTS Living a lie takes a tremendous amount of energy, and one of the advantages of dealing with self-worshipping elitists, is they think they are more intelligent and better than everyone else, so they tend to slip up sooner than con artists or addicts, who are somewhat paranoid and hyper-vigilant due to the fact they are hiding something. In contrast to addicts on con artists, narcissists do not believe they have a problem—everyone else does, but not them. Second, they are very good at superficial relationships, possessing charm that portends excitement when with them. They are grandiose, attribute a high level of sophistication and elitism to self, and often look like the "person in the know." A little research into their background will tell you if their boasting matches their presented achievements. Narcissists are generally smoke and mirrors with little substance). What signs should you look for in dates, friends, politicians, leaders, and business associates to discover if you are dealing with a narcissist? NINE WARNING SIGNS OF NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER Narcissists refrain from introspection, rarely discussing memories, dreams, or thoughts of self-analysis. Cause and effect are foreign ideas—nothing is a narcissist's fault. Personal accountability is an unknown concept. Narcissists cannot relate how they learned a lesson about themselves or the world. Self-improvement rarely enters a narcissist's realm as the narcissist already sees him or herself as perfect, superior, and above most others. Generally, if self-improvement is a goal, it is done for manipulation's purpose: to get something he or she wants. At the same time, they are very good at pointing out everyone else's faults, shortcomings, or handicaps. Narcissists do not share thoughts, feelings, or dreams of their own. Instead, if ideas are shared, they quote others, rarely thinking for themselves. When asked to elaborate or explain how they came to such a conclusion, unless it's scripted, they cannot. When asked where the opinion came from, a narcissist rarely sources the information as it takes the spotlight from them and places it on another. If feelings are shared, they'll respond with what they perceive to be the answer you want to hear based on behavior they've seen in others. When pressed to elaborate, they cannot. Narcissists consider themselves superior and never ask for collaboration in problem-solving. Rather, narcissists prefer to find someone else to do it and then minimize the delegated person's contribution or take the full glory and ignore the others altogether. When asked about their past, narcissists are vague and ambiguous. Childhood friends, siblings, and others hold no importance unless they can be used to make the narcissist seem more important than he or she is. Empathy is a foreign language. Narcissists lack empathy and cannot "put the situation on the other foot to look at it from both sides." People are tools to narcissists, not human beings. A narcissist sees no problem using people to attain his objectives and does not care if he destroys others because his needs, objectives, or agenda are the only things that matter. He is superior, and everyone else is here to serve him, the legend in his mind. This "God complex" illustrates why physical contact rather than long-distance relationships are needed. This type of behavior surfaces through interaction with others, specifically family and friends. If you are not there, you won't see it. So what can you do if you are involved with a narcissistic personality? If dating and not married or employed in a situation where you are required to work with someone like this in close cooperation, run, leave, and do whatever you can to limit contact and distance yourself from this person. You cannot fix a narcissist, and the nature of their disorder prevents them from improving themselves. The emotional cost to you is not worth it. A narcissist cannot love you or receive love for love's sake. They think differently. Stay with a narcissist, and you will spend the rest of your life unfulfilled, snatching scraps of attention and rationalizing and using your energy to set right the escalating damage the narcissist leaves in his/her wake. If married and you've had children with this person, once you've determined you are dealing with a narcissistic personality disorder, your primary responsibility is the children. The cost to them and their self-esteem daily can produce issues that last a lifetime. If divorce isn't an option, counseling is a must. The children must learn to deal with this disorder without undermining their self-worth. Parental approval and recognition mean a lot to children, and withholding or attaching conditions to love causes extreme confusion and angst. Children need to learn that though they express love, this person is sick and cannot, but this does not reflect the quality of their love or being. Children brought up by a narcissistic parent often chase poor relationships because this is the only definition of love they know, that which is given and never returned. As a healthy parent, you can prevent a lifetime of heartache once you realize this is the cause. The best way to deal with persons with NPD is not to deal with them. If avoidance is not possible, limiting exposure is essential for your health, sanity, and the health and sanity of those around you. ____________ The above is an abbreviated and updated version of this article that originally ran on CouplesCompany.com in the Dating Advice Channel from 2004-2011.

Africa

Jun

NBA Finals: June 1-18

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The NBA Finals is the National Basketball Association (NBA) championship series, the premier professional basketball league in the United States and Canada. The NBA Finals take place annually at the end of the NBA playoffs, which typically start in April and conclude in June. The Finals pit the winner of the Eastern Conference against the winner of the Western Conference in a best-of-seven series to determine the NBA champion. The NBA Finals have a rich history dating back to the league's inception in 1946, when it was known as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). The first Finals took place in 1947, and the league was renamed the NBA in 1949 after a merger with the National Basketball League (NBL). The Finals follow a 2-2-1-1-1 format, meaning the team with the better regular-season record hosts games one, two, five, and seven, while the other team hosts games three, four, and six. The first team to win four games in the series is the year's NBA champion. Throughout the NBA Finals history, several teams have established themselves as dominant forces. The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers are the most successful franchises, each with at least 17 championships as of 2022. Other notable teams with multiple titles include the Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs. The NBA Finals also showcase the league's best players competing at the highest level, often leading to memorable moments and performances. The NBA Finals MVP Award, introduced in 1969, recognizes the most outstanding player in the championship series. The NBA Finals garner significant attention from basketball fans worldwide, as it represents the pinnacle of professional basketball competition and crowns the season's champion.

Africa

Jun

Oceans Month, Ntl.: June

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National Oceans Month is officially proclaimed by the President of the United States each year. The month commemorates the importance of the ocean’s ecosystem to the economy, transportation, and trade with a focus on stewardship.

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