All - Leep Calendar

National Shut-in Visitation Day is held on February 11 each year. National Shut-in Visitation Day shares hope and friendship with the millions of men, women, and children who, due to physical, mental, or emotional reasons, are incapable of leaving their homes and living out their existence cut off from the outside world. These situations leave people feeling alone, isolated, and dispirited. Think about your neighborhood. Is there someone you rarely see? Would it make their day if you brought them flowers, cookies, or a plant and shared a cup of tea? What about your local nursing home or hospice? So many people end up in such places, alone and far from their families. Try spending the day talking, listening, and engaging people who don’t have the opportunity to leave. Gift them an afternoon of normalcy. Today is about kindness and caring, helping your fellow man, and giving the most valuable gift you have—your time and yourself. This event began with Monsignor Losito (May 7, 1931 - November 3, 2011) of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Reading, Pennsylvania. It continues as part of his legacy but is not officially sponsored.

Africa

Feb

Sick, World Day of (C)(1858): February 11

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World Day of the Sick is a feast day of the Roman Catholic Church instituted on May 13, 1992, by Pope John Paul II. Beginning on February 11, 1993, World Day of the Sick is celebrated every year on the day of commemoration of Our Lady of Lourdes. All Christians are urged to seek "a special time of prayer and sharing, of offering one's suffering." Pope John Paul II was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease as early as 1991, an illness he disclosed later. Significantly, he created a World Day of the Sick one year after his diagnosis. The Pope had written much on suffering and believed in redemption and salvation through Christ. The feast of Lourdes is chosen as the day, given the Blessed Virgin (Our Lady of Lourdes) has been proven to generate a minimum of 70 miracles since 1858. This event falls on the anniversary of the first appearance of the Virgin Mary to Saint Bernadette in Lourdes, France, in 1858.

Africa

Feb

Singles Day (Satisfied), Ntl.: February 11

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It is said that the only thing worse than not being in a relationship is being in a bad relationship. Sometimes, being single is a blessing! Today is a day for all the uncoupled people of the world to celebrate themselves and enjoy the freedom that comes with being accountable solely to oneself.

Africa

Feb

Six Nations, Round 2: February 11-12

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Round two of the Six Nations Rugby Championship Starts today.

Africa

Feb

Spilled Milk Day, Don't Cry Over (1678): February 11

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Today is the anniversary of the poem published in 1678 by Jean de la Fontaine, "La Laitière et le Pot au Lait." The poem is the origin of the saying, "Don't Cry over Spilled Milk." Below is the English Translation from the original French. The Milkmaid and the Pot of Milk By Jean de La Fontaine Perrette, on her head having a pot of milk Well-placed on a little cushion, Was intending to get without problem to the town. Dressed lightly and short, she went with long strides, Having put on that day, so she'd be more agile, Simple garments and flat shoes. Our milkmaid so attired Counted already in her thought The income from her milk; was using the money; Bought a hundred eggs; had a triple brood of chickens. Everything was going well thanks to her diligent care. "It is, she said, easy for me To raise chickens about my house. The fox will be very skillful. If he doesn't leave me enough to have a pig. The porker to become fat won't take much bran; He was, when I got him, of reasonable weight: I will have, when I sell him, fine and good money. And who can stop me from putting in our stable, Considering the money I will have, a cow and her calf, Whom I will see leap about among the herd? Perrette on this thoughts, leaps also, carried away: The milk falls; goodbye calf, cow, pig, chickens. The lady of all these goods, leaving with sorry eye Her fortune hence spread out, Goes to ask forgiveness to her husband, With a good chance of getting slapped. The story was made into a farce: It was called the Pot of Milk.

Africa

Feb

Victory Day (IR)(1979): February 11

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On February 11, 1979, the Shah of Iran, installed by the US and UK after a successful coup in 1953 against the democratically elected government, was deposed and forced from power by a popular uprising headed by Sayyid Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, a strict adherent to Shi'ia Islam. It marked the beginning of the modern-day state of Iran. Victory Day marks that anniversary and is a national holiday in the country.

Africa

Feb

White T-Shirt Day (1937): February 11

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White T-shirt Day commemorates the first contract signed between the American Auto Worker's Union and General Motors Corporation on February 11, 1937. "After a six-week sit-down strike by General Motors (GM) autoworkers at the Fisher Body Plant No. 2 in Flint, Michigan, GM president Alfred P. Sloan signs the first union contract in the history of the American auto industry. The strike was organized by the United Auto Workers (UAW), who wanted to be recognized as the sole bargaining authority for employees at GM factories. The UAW, founded in 1935, also demanded improved working conditions and job security for GM autoworkers. At the time of the strike, GM, founded in 1908 by William Durant, had been the world's largest automaker since the early 1930s." Read the full article at: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/gm-signs-first-autoworkers-contract"

Africa

Feb

Women & Girls in Science, Intl. Day of: February 11

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Celebrating the contributions of women and girls to the sciences, the UN's International Day for Women and Girls in Science highlights gender bias in the sciences (less than 30 percent of professionals worldwide are women). It increases learning opportunities in these fields for women and girls. The internet resource for this event states: "According to UNESCO data (2014 - 2016), only around 30 percent of all female students select STEM-related fields in higher education. Globally, female students' enrollment is particularly low in ICT (three percent), natural science, mathematics and statistics (five percent) and in engineering, manufacturing, and construction (eight percent)." This event first ran in 2016.

Africa

Feb

Youth Day (CM): February 11

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On February 11 each year, Cameroon in West Africa celebrates its youth with parades, activities, and festivities. Youth Day is a national holiday in the country.

Africa

Feb

Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, Ntl.: February 12-18

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National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week draws attention to the role of cardiac rehabilitation in reducing the potentially devastating effects of heart disease. The organizers provide educational resources on the website designed to advance patient care and discounts on featured cardiovascular-related webcasts in the AACVPR Education Center throughout February.

Africa

Feb

Children of Alcoholics Week, International: February 12-18

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International Children of Alcoholics Week celebrates recovery. Thousands of children (of all ages) have received the help they needed to recover from the pain and losses suffered in their childhood due to a parent’s abuse of alcohol or drugs. The week offers hope to those still suffering from the adverse impact of parental alcohol and drug addiction through educational programs, proclamations by mayors and governors, poster contests in schools, and radio, television, and print media. Tools and suggestions are available on the website at: http://www.nacoa.org/coaweek_tools.html.

Africa

Feb

Darwin Day, Intl. (1809): February 12

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Today is the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Charles Robert Darwin on February 12, 1809, at The Mount, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, United Kingdom. He passed away on April 19, 1882, at 73. Darwin is renowned for his work on human evolution, and his best-known works are "Origins of the Species" and "The Decent of Man;" he is considered one of the most controversial scientists of all time. His thesis directly challenged the literal interpretation of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism's origins story on how man came to be and how long he has existed on this planet. Darwin's work does not challenge the parable or analogous interpretations of the faiths, which historically used storytelling to explain a complex idea in a language people 5500 to 170 years ago, absent our understanding of the sciences, could understand. Love his work or hate it, Dr. Darwin was unique in history. This day is about remembering his work and the power of thinking outside the box of perceived wisdom.

Africa

Feb

Flirting Week, Intl.: February 12-18

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Created by best-selling relationship author Robin Gorman Newman, International Flirting Week celebrates this ancient art. It recognizes its role in the lives of singles seeking a mate, couples looking to sustain their love, and those simply exchanging a playful glance with a stranger, acquaintance, or colleague. Flirting, though a natural response to the opposite sex, is not always considered a good thing. In fundamentalist religious groups within the major faiths of the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Mormon, flirting can be seen as immoral and actively condemned or prosecuted.

Africa

Feb

Freelance Writers Appreciation Week: February 12-18

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Freelance writers and journalists are some of the hardest-working people on the planet and are essential to news organizations, businessmen, politicians, and celebrities who need to hire ghostwriters. This week honors the writers' work in uncovering stories and keeping us informed.

Africa

Feb

Have a Heart for a Chained Dog Week, Ntl: February 12-18

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Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week is an annual awareness campaign highlighting the plight of chained, penned, abused, and neglected dogs. There are times when an outdoor dog is tethered for its protection. However, this should not be a permanent state. Just like people, dogs get bored and lonely and need to be able to move. They need socialization, love, and comfort. Consider what it would be like as a human, locked in solitary confinement 23 or 24 hours a day. For a chained and penned dog, this is their experience, and some owners keep their animals chained up for decades, a situation that is especially cruel in very hot or cold climates. Let animal authorities or rescue groups know if you notice a dog in your neighborhood living this life, take pictures and send them to rescue groups or your local animal control. If your pet must be chained or penned most of the time, seek solutions that minimize its discomfort. No animal should have to live its life in chains.

Africa