All - Leep Calendar

Today is the anniversary of Mark Twain's release of Jim Smiley and his Jumping Frog in 1865. This was Mark Twain's first book to draw a wide audience. It also marks the beginning of one of the most celebrated writing careers in American history and is the birth of the Calaveras County jumping frog contest. This popular tourist attraction remains alive to this day. The story of Smiley and His Jumping Frog is about gambling and having the wool pulled over your eyes, teaching us a valuable life lesson which should be read by everyone.

Africa

May

Great Prayer Day (Store Bededag) Day (DK): May 13

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The 4th Friday after Easter is Great Prayer Day, Common Prayer Day or in Dutch, “Store Bededag”, a public holiday celebrated in Denmark. During this time, folks go for a walk Langelinie or in Kastellet, listen to a choir and eat a specially-made buns on the eve of the holiday. The day begins by the bells ringing, particularly around Christianshavn. There is no work during this day, and fasting is encouraged. This event is a public holiday in Denmark and was first celebrated in 1686.

Africa

May

Hummus Day, Intl: May 13

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Hummus is a protein rich dip made of chickpeas, sesame paste, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. It originated in the Middle East and is a staple with most meals in the region. It can be used as a spread on sandwiches, as a dip or a side dish and its popularity has increased substantially in the Western world. International Hummus Day was started in 2012 to encourage people to gather and eat together whilst celebrating this humble food. It is currently sponsored by Sabra Dipping Company.

Africa

May

Leprechaun Day, World: May 13

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World Leprechaun Day is a tribute to the colorful Irish pigmies that wreck havoc and endeavor to hide from those seeking their fortune. Honestly, who doesn’t love leprechauns? These pint size fairies of Irish lore are the bringers of good luck and wealth…if you can catch them! Dressed in the uniform of a shoemaker, little leprechauns are said to spend their days in solitary making shoes and guarding their pot of gold which is said to appear at the end of rainbows. Leprechauns first appear in the medieval tale Echtra Fergus mac Léti (Adventure of Fergus son of Léti), an ode to Irish legend and a king of Ulster. The story is believed to have been written sometime in the 14th Century.

Africa

May

Arthritis Care Awareness Week (UK): May 14-21

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Arthritis Care Awareness Week is a UK based event which raises awareness about arthritis, gathers support for people with this condition, and highlights the work of Arthritis Care, a charity which supports this event. Arthritis is a widespread condition which affects 9 million people in the UK, over 10% of the population. Approximately 27,000 people under the age of 25 have arthritis, of which 12,000 are children. Arthritis is the single largest cause of physical disability in the United Kingdom. This event includes World Autoimmune Arthritis Day on May 20th each year.

Africa

May

Bird Day, United Nations World Migratory: May 14 - 16

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The United Nations hosts World Migratory Bird Day on the second Saturday in May (previously May 10) to focus on the impact of migratory birds on the health of people and the planet. CMS and the African-Eurasian Migratory Water bird Agreement (AEWA) – two intergovernmental wildlife treaties administered by UN Environment Program (UNEP) – organize the campaign in cooperation with a number of partners.

Africa

May

Buttermilk Biscuit Day: May 14

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Buttermilk Biscuit Day celebrates the Southern original quick bread made with buttermilk, eggs, flour and baking powder. Biscuits (American style) in general were considered a treat prior to the American Civil War, and later an expediency. They were popularized throughout the country via Kentucky Fried Chicken in the 1950s. Biscuits and gravy is a traditional American breakfast consisting of buttermilk or flour biscuits, drenched in a white gravy with pork sausage. It can also be made with other meats; however, pork is the tradition. Relatively inexpensive, this dense, flavorful breakfast provided substantial energy for people during the day. Until recently, large breakfasts were a necessity. People worked in labor intensive jobs and many of the modern conveniences available today replace tasks that required brawn. The dish traces its roots to the Jamestown colony in the United States and became very popular during the American Revolution. It remains a favorite in the United States, especially in the Southern States. Today, biscuits and gravy, due to its high energy and fat content, is a ‘treat’ breakfast beloved by millions (including this writer!).

Africa

May

Carabao Festival (PH): May 14-15

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Carabao is the Tagalog word for water buffalo. This two day festival is a tribute by farmers to their patron saint, San Isidro. Throughout the country farmers dress themselves and their carabao in festive clothing and parade through the streets.

Africa

May

Chicken Dance Day: May 14

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Chicken Dance Day pays homage to the accordion tune popularized by Werner Thomas of Davos, Switzerland in the 1960s. The song is derived from the Swiss song "Der Ententanz" (The Duck Dance). Essentially it’s a drinking song, most commonly played as part of the Oktoberfest celebrations.

Africa

May

Chihuahua Day, Intl.: May 14

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International Chihuahua Day was created in 2010 by proud pet parent Nadia Alteria to celebrate the birthday of Teaka, her beloved Chihuahua on May 14 each year. There are several theories on the of origin of The Chihuahua breed. The first believes it to have originated in the northern Mexico state of Chihuahua in the early 1800s. The tiny dog was basically a tourist souvenir for American tourists to take home with them. The second ties it to the Mayans and their predecessors, the Toltec. The small dogs were believed to be guides in the afterlife, sacrificed and buried with their owners. This seems to hold some merit as European explorer Francisco Hernandez describes the ritual using small tan colored Techichis (predecessor of the Chihuahua) in sacrifices and burial rituals. A third theory ties the breeding of Techichis with Chinese Crested. A fourth states the Chihuahua is the evolution of the ancient Xoloitzcuintli, a small hairless dog native to Central America for thousands of years. A fifth theory ties in European origins, Malta to be precise and the aristocratic practice of keeping pocket dogs as companions. But then again, these dogs were probably brought over from the new world exploration...which brings us back to Mexico. Recent DNA evidence appears to knock out the Euro-Asian origins of Chihuahua, and travel articles by James Watson in the 1870s confirm the purchase of the small dog by tourists at the end of the 19th Century. Which ever is the true origin, (or combination thereof), nobody really knows. What people do know is Chihuahua's are delightful companion dogs that are fully loved by their owners. Happy International Chihuahua Day! Image: Lemondrop, Melbourne, Australia. Owner Sarah Vellios

Africa

May

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Awareness Day: May 14

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Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Awareness Day is observed the second Saturday of May each year in order to shed light on this often misdiagnosed, little-known genetic syndrome. First observed in 1989, CdLS is an opportunity to educate all segments of the population about the syndrome. CdLS is a genetic syndrome present from birth. There is no cure. It occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 live births and affects males and females equally, regardless of race. The severity of CdLS ranges from mild to severe, but all individuals with CdLS share similar characteristics: small stature, hands, feet, and head; joined eyebrows; long eyelashes; upturned nose; and thin, downturned lips. Physical and cognitive development is delayed. Self-injurious behavior is common, and between 60-70% display some degree of autism spectrum disorder. Speech and language are delayed or absent. Limb differences and/or missing limbs occur in 25% of cases. Common medical problems include gastroesophageal reflux disease, bowel abnormalities, heart defects, seizures, and cleft palate. Since 2004, changes in three different genes have been identified as causing CdLS. These genes are NIPBL on chromosome 5; SMC1A on the X chromosome; and SMC3 on chromosome 10. Changes in the latter two genes seem to correlate with a milder form of the syndrome. In 99% of cases, the gene change that causes CdLS is sporadic, not inherited, which means the change occurs randomly during conception. Researchers estimate there are 20,000 individuals in the U.S. who have CdLS but live without diagnosis and/or support services. Content taken from the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome website.

Africa

May

Dog Mom's Day, Ntl.: May 14

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Created in 2018 by DIG, National Dog Mom's Day celebrates woman's best friend and her bond with her dog. Many women without children (or with) consider their dogs (and cats) to be their four legged children and refer to themselves as pet parents. On the eve of Mother's Day, National Dog Mom's Day sets aside some time to celebrate this special bond.

Africa

May

FA Cup Final, Emirates (UK): May 14

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First played to determine the champion of the 1871-72 season, the Football Association of England (FA) Cup is the longest running association-led football (soccer) competition in the world. For most of the Cup's history, it has been played at London’s Wembley Stadium. Tradition governs that the FA Cup final is played after all Premier League games end, traditionally within the month of May.

Africa

May

Fair Trade Day, World: May 14

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World Fair Trade Day promotes economical development between business, consumers, products and services in line with the Charter of Fair Trade Principles defined by the World Fair Trade Organization. This varies somewhat from fairtrade, which is poverty alleviation initiative and a worker based version of fair trade focused upon safe working conditions, sustainability on a local level and just contracts between tradesmen, artisans and farmers in the developing world. Annually on the second Saturday in May. This event first ran in 2001.

Africa

May

Jamestown Day: May 14

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On May 14, 1607, the colony of Jamestown was founded in the United States. It was the first permanent English settlement in the New World. The 2nd Saturday in May is when the town holds its celebration. The city holds an annual festival on the Saturday closest to the 14th.

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