All - Leep Calendar

Today is the anniversary of the enactment of the 55-mile-per-hour speed limit in the United States in 1974. Speed limits have been with us since 1757, when they first appeared in Boston. The 55-mile-per-hour speed limit became the maximum speed limit in the United States for 12 years, beginning in 1974 and ending in 1986. The logic behind the limit was to force fuel economy following the 1973 oil embargo, and experts believed the law would force fuel consumption to fall by 2.2%. It only fell between .5 and 1.1%, depending upon the study. As Sammy Hagar famously states in his song “I Can’t Drive 55”, the double nickel speed limit was not popular, especially on rural highways in western states. In 1987 the US Congress raised the national speed limit to 65 MPH. By the end of 1995, National Highway Designation Act permanently killed the idea of a federal speed limit, transferring authority to the individual states.

Africa

Jan

Adopt a Rescued Bird Month: January

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If you live in West Los Angeles, you may have seen the flock of green parrots. Conventional wisdom is a few birds escaped from a pet store fire sometime in the 1980s, and now they number in the 100s. It’s quite a sight the first time you see them. Parrots are not native to North America, but exotic birds are popular pets. Sometimes they get lost, their owners pass, or they are surrendered where they end up in shelters and need to find new homes. Adopt a Rescue Bird Month highlights that animal rescue helps all animals, including birds. If your dream is to own a bird, before you purchase from a pet store, check with your local shelter and bird rescue. You might be able to give a bird its forever home.

Africa

Jan

Adult Entertainment Expo, Las Vegas (US-NV): January 4 - 7

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The Adult Entertainment Expo is the largest gathering of products and services related to the adult entertainment and the adult products industries globally. It is an awards program for those in the industry and a trade show of products and services within the legal adult industries. 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 unknown until 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

Jan

AFC Championship Game: January 29

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The American Football Conference (AFC) Championship Game, or AFC Title Game, determines which team from the American AFC will play in the Super Bowl against the National Football Conference (NFC) Championship Game winner. The Super Bowl is played between the top team in the AFC and the top team in the NFC. It is the final professional football contest of the year, and the winner is considered the World Champion. 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

Jan

ALA Youth Media Awards: January 30

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The American Library Association honors books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens each year. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the ALA Youth Media Awards, including the prestigious Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards, guide parents, educators, librarians, and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by committees composed of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work in children's and young adult literature and media. 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

Jan

Alasitas Festival (BO)(1781): January 24

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Making a little deal out of big dreams, Alasitas is a unique festival found only in Bolivia. The pre-Columbian (before 1492) Aymara people of Bolivia ushered in the fall harvest season with a pagan festival celebrating the goddess of abundance, Ekeko. Prayers with offerings of miniaturized objects to the goddess informed the ritual, with hopes of being blessed with abundance in the coming year. With the arrival of Christianity, the festival folded into the pre-Lent celebrations. Later, the anniversary of the January 24, 1781 battle between the Bolivians and imperial Spain marked its beginning, making it a civic holiday. Today Alasitas is held annually beginning on the battle's anniversary in the city of La Paz and continues for a month, usually until the first day of Lent. Priests and shamans perform blessings. Everything in the town goes small, from fun-size food to tiny bicycles, dolls, and plants. Even money and houses are miniaturized for those wishing for either in the upcoming year. These little dreams and indulgences are part of the celebration. Bolivians purchase and collect miniature dolls, furniture, plants, and other collectibles to represent their hopes and wishes for the coming year and eat mini meals of itty bitty foods. Globally, Alasitas is often referred to as The Festival of Miniatures, bringing the festival and traditions full circle to their cultural origins.

Africa

Jan

Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders Day, (1908): January 15

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Today, January 15, is the anniversary of the founding of the first black sorority in the United States in 1908 at Howard University. It is called the Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Africa

Jan

Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month (CA): January

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Each year Alzheimer’s Canada hosts National Alzheimer’s month. Nearly one million Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias today, a number expected to increase to 1.4 million in the next 15 years. Three out of four Canadians know someone with dementia. Women represent 72 percent of Canadians living with Alzheimer’s. Two or more family members provide care for every person with the disease. Women account for 70 percent of family caregivers. In 2011 alone, caregivers spent 444 million unpaid hours providing care. That’s the equivalent of $11 billion in lost income or 230,000 full-time jobs. Dementia costs the Canadian economy $33 billion annually, and by 2040, that figure will skyrocket to $293 billion annually. Age is the most significant risk factor for dementia; after age 65, the risk doubles every five years. Dementia also occurs in people in their 50s, 40s, and even 30s. Dementia is progressive and varies significantly from person to person. From the initial onset, it can take eight to 10 years – or even longer, before death. Dementia is fatal. Its causes are not fully known, and there is still no cure or effective treatment to prevent or reverse the disease. Dementia is a collective term to describe brain disorders whose symptoms include: A decline in memory, reasoning, and communication skills. Gradual loss of ability to carry out day-to-day activities. Changes in personality and behavior. Dementia can be present in the brain for up to 25 years before symptoms appear. There are many ways to get involved with the campaign at www.alzheimer.ca/stillhere:

Africa

Jan

Ancestors (Heroes) Day (HT)(1804): January 2

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August 21, 1791, through January 1, 1804, represents the 12 years in which the slaves of Haiti fought against French colonial rule for their independence. Ancestors Day or Heroes Day commemorates the people who died fighting for Haiti’s freedom during this war. It falls on the anniversary of the first full day of freedom, January 2, 1804. We’ve included a few songs from the era for your enjoyment below. Heroes Day is a national public holiday in Haiti.

Africa

Jan

Angel Island Day, Ntl. (1910): January 21

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Today marks the anniversary of the opening of the immigration center on Angel Island, January 21, 1910. Located in the San Francisco Bay, Angel Island is the 2nd most significant island in the bay, with views of Sonoma and Napa on clear days. From 1910 to 1940, the Angel Island Immigration Station, "The Ellis Island of the West," was the first stop for over 1 million Asian immigrants entering the US. In 1964, after lobbying by the Chinese American community, it was declared a state landmark by the state of California. In 1975, California created the Angel Island Conservatory with a primary mission to facilitate the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historical and natural resources on the island.

Africa

Jan

Anniversary of the Storming of the US Capitol (2021): January 6

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INSURRECTION AT THE US CAPITOL Today is the anniversary of January 6, 2021, storming of the US Capitol. For the first time since 1814, the US Capitol was attacked. In 2021, the assault was led by American rioters representing various groups, including white supremacists, QAnon conspiracy theorists, militias, anarchists, and Trump loyalists. Five people died when the rioters and the smoke cleared: four rioters and a police officer. The storming was planned on social media by various domestic hate groups, domestic terrorists, white supremacists, and attention seekers fueled by President Trump's refusal to accept election results and his Tweets encouraging participation. This alternate interpretation of election outcomes is a garrulous scheme initiated before 2016 by Mr. Trump, as the vanguard of his ego should he lose. At that time, he won the Electoral College. In 2020, despite a record-breaking turnout of voters, Mr. Trump lost the election to Mr. Biden by over 7 million votes, putting the Electoral College vote at 232 for Trump to 306 for Biden. Ratifying the Electoral College by Congress on January 6 following November's presidential elections is the final step in certifying a presidential election. THE WHY The rioters' aimed to stop the certification of the Electoral College by congress and prevent Mr. Biden from becoming the next president. They believed this would allow Mr. Trump, who lost the election, to remain in office, an objective equated with an in-house coup. Their belief that the election was rigged against Mr. Trump was carefully curated. It received enforcement through an echo chamber of right-wing media outlets and social media posts, nurtured by conspiracy theories, anger, and the perceived loss of societal privilege. They were primed, indoctrinated true believers, filled with fear, rage, and anger to burn. They needed a match to burst into flames. Mr. Trump supplied that match. He told his supporters that the only way he could lose the election was through fraud and that they needed to fight to take back their country and make it right. The president told them the media was their enemy and that COVID-19 was nothing to worry about. He told them Democrats were communists, Marxists, and socialists (though very few Trump disciples can define or differentiate each term). He told his believers and fans many things daily and month after month. His lies and distortions provided a narrative of victimization in repetitive soundbites, punctuated with fear, a sense of belonging and purpose that so many desperately needed. These scenarios, and their subsequent conspiracy theories, found traction with coronavirus lockdowns beginning in March 2020. Trump supporters received a steady diet of curated news for the next eight months. Messaging and confirmations meticulously inflamed passions, created doubt and promoted multiple conspiracy theories. It was a toxic stew on the edge of boiling over. By election day in early November, 46% of those identifying as Republican believed the election was being stolen from them and their beloved leader, Mr. Trump. They thought a coup was in the process due to voter fraud; for the cult members, there was no other explanation. What followed was a circus of 60 election lawsuits accusing voter fraud. Eventually, all but one case was dismissed. Three instances of voter fraud were identified in Pennsylvania, and all three were fraudulent votes for Mr. Trump. DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE The theatrics of the vote didn't end with lawsuits. In several key states, including Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nevada, officials found themselves and their families receiving death threats and enduring violence for doing their job. One group of white supremacists, urged on by conspiracy theories, set out to kidnap the Governor of Michigan. The FBI thwarted them, given the kidnapping was planned on social media. Rather than rectify the rhetoric, Mr. Trump embraced it, nurturing, massaging, and cultivating it through speeches, social media, and live, in-person rallies (in the middle of a pandemic). His followers embraced his denials and accusations as gospel. Primetime right-wing opinion entertainers enthusiastically fueled the farce, even as their news divisions increasingly deferred toward fact-based reporting. Discounting the rhetoric was considered a betrayal by many Trump supporters, who sought out increasingly radical information sources to feed their fantasy. By Christmas, many Trump acolytes and an increasing number of Republicans convinced themselves the election was rigged. Officials from various branches of government, the judiciary, and even foreign observers, certified the 2020 US election was one of the most secure in history. Other than a scattering of isolated instances, all attested there was no fraud. The election was fair. Mr. Trump lost, period. In the newspeak language of the MAGAverse, a loss was impossible. Mr. Trump's supporters, encouraged by the president, continued to refuse any result that did not conform to their narrative. As the New Year approached and the final certification of the election results by congress on January 6 loomed, calls for "Stop the Steal" grew, especially on social media. Mr. Trump invited his fans to gather in Washington DC on January 6 for a rally to do just that, tweeting, "Be there. It will be wild!". That would become the understatement of a decade. A DAY OF CHAOS AND ANARCHY Hundreds of thousands of people answered Mr. Trump's call, pouring into Washington DC with flags, signs, MAGA hats, and anger, IMMENSE anger. In addition, a significant portion of the rioters came armed, something the Secret Service would point out to the president. The president didn't care because the rioters were not there to harm him. This sentiment of the president would be revealed during the January 6 Committee Hearings in 2022, along with other evidence pointing to the president's direct involvement in orchestrating the insurrection. Rioters arrived with guns, knives, and other weapons, including Molotov cocktails and spears. Additional weapons included baseball bats, body armor, bullhorns, chemical weapons including pepper spray, smoke bombs, flash-bang grenades, IUDs, nooses, and at least two pipe bombs. The day began around 08:20, with the president tweeting his usual disproved voter fraud and victimization allegations. At the same time, his fans gathered at the Ellipse south of the White House. By 11:30, several Trump officials and supporters began warming up the crowd for the 'Save America Rally.' Hardcore members of his fan club, many armed, simultaneously gathered at the Capitol building. At 12:49, two pipe bombs were found, one at the Republican National Committee and another at the Democratic National Committee. Police have since speculated the purpose of the bombs was to divert police away from the Capitol building. At noon, Mr. Trump ascended the stage, devoting the next hour to promoting conspiracy theories, his victimization, disproved allegations, and debunked election theft assertions. The fawning crowd of supporters, true believers, and diehard fans loved it. As the US Congress took its seats in their respective chambers at 13:00, Mr. Trump whipped his fans into a cheer-filled frenzy. He urged them to march down Pennsylvania Avenue and 'Stop the Steal' by protesting the joint chamber ratification of the electoral college results. Typically, this is a tedious ceremonial procedure for finalizing the election results. While most of Mr. Trump's fans raucously enjoyed the president's speech, 1.2 miles away, militant supporters began executing their social media plan to storm the Capitol. At 12:53, militants overran the first of three barricades, breaching all three ten minutes later and chasing Capitol police officers across the lawn of the Capitol. At 13:10, Mr. Trump finished his speech, and attending fans made their way up Pennsylvania Avenue. Tens of thousands of people moved from the Ellipse to the Capitol, joining the thousands already there. The president returned to the White House, where he watched the spectacle on television, doing nothing for nearly four hours. Ultimately four insurrectionists and two police officers died, several from medical causes. One insurrectionist was shot and killed, attempting to breach the Capitol further. ____________ Mr. Trump first alleged voter fraud in 2015, leading up to the 2016 election. This charge was quickly forgotten when he won but would be resurrected again leading up to the 2020 election, which he lost by 8 million votes.

Africa

Jan

Answer Your Cat's Question Day: January 22

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Have a talkative cat? Today's the day you speak back and answer his or her question—another crazy holiday from Wellcat.

Africa

Jan

Apple Tree Day (US/UK): January 6

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Apple Tree Day is a British custom as ancient as Christmas and part of the celebration of Epiphany. Of distinction is the practice of wassailing, or apple howling. Wassail is a traditional word indicating drinking for someone’s health, or on Apple Tree Day, drinking for the apple tree’s health. Apple Tree wassails are sung to the apple trees, and festivities are held in apple orchards on Twelfth Night Eve and Twelfth Night between January 5-6. Celebrations include: Creating bonfires in apple orchards. Wrapping favorite trees in ribbons. Whacking apple trees while reciting poetry. Drinking hard cider and pouring a portion of the cider on the roots of the trees to encourage a good harvest in the coming year. Today it is most common for children to wassail in the apple orchard during the day with non-alcoholic cider. But, for adults, it remains a reason to gather around the apple tree with noisemakers and instruments (to wake up the trees from their winter slumber), swap stories, and drink lots of hard cider, sharing a little with the tree.

Africa

Jan

Apricot Day, Ntl.: January 9

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The apricot or Armenian plum is a superfood. High in iron with properties and nutrients believed to protect against inflammation and improve eyesight, the apricot has been a favorite summer treat for centuries. Originally from China, it was in Armenia where the apricot first gained popularity. By the 18th century, it had made its way across the pond to the new world, first with colonialists in Virginia and later with the Spanish missionaries colonizing the west coast in 1792. Delicious off the tree, canned or dehydrated, National Apricot Day is all about enjoying this super fruit.

Africa

Jan

Arbor Day, (US-FL): January 20

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Florida is one of the first states to celebrate Arbor Day, and it has been doing so since 1886. The day focuses on environmental education and increasing the planting of trees throughout the state. Annually on the third Friday in January.

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