All - Leep Calendar

National Jelly Bean Day celebrates the Civil War-era candy. Jelly beans, originally "Boston beans," are a product of the American Civil War, introduced in 1861 by Boston candy maker William Schrafft. As part of his marketing campaign, he encouraged patrons to send jelly beans to troops in the Union Army. The first mention of jelly beans in the press was in an advertisement on July 5, 1905. During the 1930s, jelly beans, chocolate bunnies, and eggs became a staple of Easter celebrations. By the 1980s, jelly beans had achieved high office, with President Ronald Reagan insisting upon a bowl of jelly beans in his office.

Africa

Apr

Oklahoma Day (1889): April 22

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Oklahoma Day, celebrated every year since 1889, marks the anniversary of the state's founding on April 22, 1889. Throughout the state, events celebrate its founding, including school lessons, wildlife exhibitions, museum events, and live concerts.

Africa

Apr

Beef Week, Great British (UK): April 23-30

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Great British Beef Week (GBBW) increases awareness of the quality and versatility of assured British beef. It raises vital funds for those in need in the farming industry by partnering with the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

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Apr

Book and Copyright Day, World (1616): April 23

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On April 23, 1616, Cervantes, Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors, such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K. Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla, and Manuel Mejía Vallejo. With so many notable authors tied to the date, April 23 became a natural choice for UNESCO to pay tribute to books and authors and needed a date. World Book and Copyright Day urges young people to discover the pleasure of reading while becoming familiar with those who have furthered humanity's social and cultural progress.

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Apr

Cheesecake Day (Cherry), Ntl.: April 23

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National Cherry Cheesecake Day celebrates the decadent dessert made of cream cheese, eggs, flour, vanilla, and sugar with a crushed graham cracker base topped with cherry glaze. Cheesecake is one of the world’s oldest desserts. Aegimus, a Greek physician in the third century BC, made the earliest record of a cheesecake.

Africa

Apr

Children's Day (TR)(1920): April 23

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Children's Day is also referred to as National Sovereignty Day in Türkiye and marks the creation of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the day Türkiye became a sovereign nation following the fall of the Ottoman Empire. This day was first celebrated in 1929. In 1979, the United Nations adopted this day as International Children's Day.

Africa

Apr

English Language Day (1564): April 23

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English is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. The other official languages of the United Nations are Chinese, Spanish, Russian, French, and Arabic. Each language gets its day each year. English Language Day marks the traditional birth anniversary of William Shakespeare.

Africa

Apr

English Muffin Day, Ntl.: April 23

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Like Canadian bacon (which isn't Canadian), the English muffin technically is not English. It is American, though the man who created it, Samuel Bath Thomas (1855–1919), was an English immigrant (1874) to the United States. In 1880, his New York bakery began creating its signature griddle muffin. In 1902 he added the name 'English,' and the English muffin was born. National English Muffin Day is the annual event celebrating Thomas' delicious invention.

Africa

Apr

First Full Male Genital Transplant Successfully Completed (2018): April 23

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The first successful full genital transplant of a penis and scrotum on an injured vet at John Hopkins was announced on April 23, 2018. The recipient is a US Sergeant wounded by an IED; the surgery happened in late March 2018. After nearly a month in recovery, it was declared a success. Until now, men injured on the job, through sports, or in battle in this most sensitive area lived without a critical component of manhood, self-esteem, intimacy, and essential bodily functions. This pioneering surgery restores hope and normal life to them. The ability to successfully transplant these organs likewise increases the possibility of future limb transplants.

Africa

Apr

Ganga Saptami (H): April 23

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Ganga Saptami (Ganga Jayanti / Ganga Pujan) is devoted to the goddess Ganga, representing happiness, fame, and salvation. Bathing in the Ganges river on Ganga Saptami is seen to bring good fortune. Garlands float down the river, and the Ganga Aarti, a devotional service featuring lit wicks soaked in butter nestled in bowls, is offered to the gods at sundown. 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

Apr

Gathering of Nations (US-NM): April 23-25

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The Gathering of Nations is one of the world's most recognized annual conferences. It brings Native American people together to celebrate and share their unique culture. The Gathering of Nations Pow Wow organizes community outreach projects and is loved by many. Affectionately it is referred to as "The Mecca of Indian Country."

Africa

Apr

Girls in ICT Day, Intl.: April 23

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ELEVATING GIRLS IN THE FIELDS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) International Girls in ICT Day is a global initiative supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The event, celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday in April, aims to encourage and empower girls and young women to consider careers in information and communication technology (ICT). The purpose is to bridge the gender gap in the technology sector, promote digital literacy (the ability to use digital technology, communication tools, and networks to access and manage information), and create a more inclusive digital world. WHAT IS ICT? Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. This encompasses the Internet, wireless networks, cell phones, computers, software, middleware, videoconferencing, social networking, and other media applications and services that enable users to access, retrieve, store, transmit, and manipulate information. IMPORTANCE OF GIRLS' EMPOWERMENT IN ICT Encouraging girls to get involved in ICT is crucial for several reasons: —Economic Growth: The ICT sector significantly drives economic development and job creation. Including more women in this field can contribute to overall economic growth and bring a fresh perspective and innovative solutions to the industry, fostering a more dynamic and robust digital economy. —Innovation and Diversity: Diverse teams bring different perspectives and ideas, fostering innovation and creativity. Increasing female participation in ICT can lead to more innovative solutions and technologies. —Empowerment and Opportunities: ICT skills can empower girls and young women, providing them with better career opportunities and financial independence. —Addressing Gender Inequality: Promoting gender diversity in ICT helps address broader issues of gender inequality and ensures that women thrive in the digital economy. HURDLES GIRLS MUST OVERCOME Girls face several barriers to entering and succeeding in the ICT field: —Cultural and Societal Norms: In many cultures, societal expectations and stereotypes discourage girls from pursuing careers in technology, often labeling it as a male-dominated field. Lack of Role Models: The underrepresentation of women in ICT means fewer female role models for girls to look up to, making it harder for them to envision themselves in such careers. Parents can play a crucial role in encouraging their daughters' interest in ICT and providing them with the necessary support and resources. —Access to Education and Resources: In some regions, girls have less access to quality education and resources, including computers, internet connectivity, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs. —Confidence and Self-Efficacy: Girls often lack confidence in their abilities to succeed in ICT due to societal messaging and a lack of encouragement. —Workplace Challenges: Women in ICT can face challenges such as gender bias, a lack of mentorship, and difficulties balancing work with personal responsibilities, which can deter them from entering or staying in the field. The ICT sector must create a supportive and inclusive work environment to address these challenges and retain female talent. Initiatives like International Girls in ICT Day aim to address these hurdles by: —Raising Awareness: Promoting the importance of gender diversity in ICT through campaigns and events. —Providing Education and Training: Offering workshops, coding boot camps, and scholarships to girls to build their ICT skills. —Mentorship and Networking: Creating robust mentorship programs and networking opportunities is crucial in supporting girls and women in ICT. These initiatives provide a sense of community and guidance, helping to build confidence and skills in the field. Advocating for Policy Changes: Encouraging governments and organizations to implement policies that promote gender equality in the ICT sector is a powerful way to drive societal change. By advocating for these changes, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for girls and women in ICT. By tackling these challenges, International Girls in ICT Day seeks to create an environment where girls can thrive in the digital world, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and innovative technology landscape.

Africa

Apr

Harrogate Spring Flower Show (UK): April 23-26

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When you think of gardening, two countries come to mind: Japan and England. Both are exquisite gardeners and create some of the most impressive gardens in the world. To that end, the bi-annual Harrogate Flower Show (spring and fall) in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, features 100 of the United Kingdom's top plant nurseries, established and up-and-coming garden designers, and landscapers. The Show Gardens category showcases amateur gardening groups. The event attracts over 100,000 visitors and 1,000 exhibitors each year.

Africa

Apr

Lost Dog Awareness Day: April 23

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More dogs go missing on July 5 than any other each year, according to PawBoost, most likely due to the fireworks and festivities the night before. Because of this, Paw Boost has established National Lost Dog Awareness Day to highlight pet safety and help owners reunite with lost pets. A personal note from Laura for anyone whose pet goes on a walkabout: On December 6, 2017, my cat Miss Zoe left our new home in South Philadelphia as I brought in the garbage cans. We had just moved in two weeks prior, and she had endured a traumatic two months moving to the United States from the Middle East and living in AirBnB until I could secure a new home. A desert stray when I rescued her, she found herself lost and caught in the snow in a major US city 8,000 miles away from anything she knew. Every night and early morning, I went looking for her, calling her name, shaking treats, papering the neighborhood with posters, working NextDoor and Paw Boost, and visiting shelters and vets. It was excruciating. Miss Zoe is chipped and was wearing a collar with a tag. She also had a GPCats collar (GPS) in the Middle East, but it wasn't working in the US. Seventeen days later, I received a call from a neighbor three blocks down and two over. My neighbor recognized her from the posters I put up around the neighborhood and the forwarded PawBoost Alerts that people featured on their social media pages. Services like PawBoost notify the local vets and shelters, create posters for you and post your notice on Facebook to their network of rescuers. Still, as a pet parent, you must walk the blocks and talk to people. Most lost pets stay within a half mile to a mile of your home. It can take months, and you can't give up. Miss Zoe is a shy cat. Even with cat treats, it took time to coax her out; she thanked me by shredding my hands and arms with her teeth and claws as I wrestled to get her into the carrier. That earned me a blood-soaked trip to Urgent Care. In retrospect, I recommend thick gloves, like those for dishwashing. All Zoe needed to go spazz-cat was to see the carrier she'd occupied for an 18-hour flight! At least a dog will walk on a leash. The other tool I used was Nextdoor.com, which was critical in keeping my spirits up and getting everyone in the vicinity looking for Miss Zoe. She became infamous in our Point Breeze neighborhood. Several weeks after I found her, people would stop me to ask if she'd been found or wave at us when they saw her sitting in the front window. Today Miss Zoe (and her brother Sinatra) is happy and home (in fact, she's sleeping on my desk beside me right now—snoring). Use this day, Lost Dog Awareness Day, to familiarize yourself with the tools available should your pet go on a walkabout. If you know what to expect and what to do, you'll significantly increase the chances of a happy ending.

Africa

Apr

Lover's Day, Ntl.(ES)(1616): April 23

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Lover's Day or National Book and Lover's Day has been a holiday in Spain since 1714. The tradition is for a woman to buy her love a book and for a man to buy his love roses—like Valentine's Day with a cerebral twist. The event falls annually on the day following the death anniversary of writer Miguel de Cervantes, April 22, 1616, and on the anniversary of William Shakespeare's death, April 23, 1616. It's also Saint George's Day. The books are a tribute to Cervantes and Shakespeare. The roses come from the legend of Saint George. He is said to have killed a dragon, and a red rose appeared from a drop of its blood.

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