All - Leep Calendar

If you've never had the opportunity to travel solo, this is a great day to plan your adventure. There are several benefits to traveling solo. Go where you want. Do what you want; best of all, you don't have anyone to answer to, and you can explore anything your heart desires. It's also a great way to meet the locals. When you're ala carte, you're more approachable. NOTE FROM LAURA I've traveled all over the world, to nearly 60 countries, and I can readily say my favorite places as a single woman traveling include Beirut, Lebanon; New Delhi, India; Manila and Cebu in the Philippines; Vienna, Austria; Belize; Muscat, Oman; Nairobi, Kenya; and Sibiu, Romania (beyond charming and affordable!). WHEN IT COULD BE BETTER I was not too fond of Sri Lanka and Cuba, simply because neither was well-developed or easy to get around as a solo single woman. Cuba was complicated because I had bed bugs at both of my hotels—the second was a last-minute booking due to my mistake of booking part of my stay on the other end of the island, which I couldn't get to. That wasn't clear until I arrived in Havana. Otherwise, I wish I had more time there. Sri Lanka was a rolling disaster and a good lesson in what not to do and why questions need to be asked rather than assumed. I went during Eid al Fitr. Since I lived in a dry country in the Middle East where pork is illegal, being non-Muslim, my goal was to escape Ramadan restrictions and enjoy wine poolside and bacon with breakfast. I assumed that Sri Lanka, a Buddhist-majority country with only a seven percent Muslim population, would be the perfect escape. I needed to do my research better. The bars (including hotels) in Columbo don't serve liquor during Eid as a sign of respect, and my five-star hotel eliminated pork for the same reason. No wine and no port, that was bad enough, but what destroyed the trip was the 6 AM hour-long first prayers broadcast by loudspeaker on the beach directly outside my oceanview hotel room each day of Ramadan and then Eid. It wasn't the call to prayer (which I find comforting and that lasts less than three minutes). Oh no. They broadcast the entire one-hour service every morning by loudspeaker from 6-7 AM. Trust me. I would have been just as peeved if it were morning mass! My five-day trip to Sri Lanka was the worst trip I've ever taken. It didn't need to be. I should have asked questions before going, and I should have gone at a different time of year. Lesson learned. TIPS FOR SOLO TRAVELERS First, if it is an "all-inclusive resort," check to ensure you won't be the only single person at a popular honeymoon destination. I made that mistake in Mexico, but I still loved the trip! It was a little lonely and a tad awkward at dinner time. I often use Airbnb rather than a hotel in European, Oceania, and North American cities. It is far less expensive, and the washer and dryer come in handy on trips over five days. Typically, I travel slightly off-peak season and always book four-or five-star hotels. The trick is to use the AMX Platinum card to reserve and choose a room one price level below the suites. In every case except one, I've been upgraded to a suite. Use a similar tactic with airfare. Most carriers open up the business and first-class seats that aren't sold 24 hours before the flight. You can bid on these for a few hundred dollars and usually win. Winning the bid gets you free lounge use and more weight on luggage, not to mention better food, priority boarding, and a comfortable seat. Another reason for booking expensive hotels is access to the concierge to arrange day trips, travel, and events with reputable suppliers. Once I get the lay of the land and obtain a quality driver or guide via the hotel concierge, I'll usually stay in an Airbnb or a friend's house on return trips. Also—and this is important—always leave a couple of dollars daily with a thank you note for the cleaners who make up your room. They will take good care of you! The other network I use extensively for travel is the ex-pat community. Ex-pats travel a lot, and most know of homes, drivers, and guides in various countries. A great driver or guide can make all the difference to a single traveler. Traveling alone is a fantastic experience. It is quite freeing, and frankly, of all the places I've been alone, only that mentioned above was a nightmare. Enjoy! __________ Plan a Solo Vacation Day is created by Solo Travel Portal.

Africa

Mar

Pit Bull Celebration Month: March

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March is Providence Animal Center's Pit Bull Celebration Month, a month-long focus on adoptions and a subsidized spay-neuter drive. Affectionately referred to as "Pitty's" by their owners, a pit bull is a broad term for several breeds and mixed breed dogs classified as work dogs. Pitties are prized for their loyalty, affection, and intelligence, traits that sometimes leave them unfairly maligned due to their fiercely protective nature. Natural guard dogs, attacks, when they occur, are usually due to poor training or owner handling. The month's highlight is St. Pitty's Week. St. Pitty's is an essential fundraiser for Providence Animal Center's Fix-a-Bull program. Funds raised subsidize the spay-and-neuter outreach and behavior initiative targeted at the most in-need dogs within the Greater Philadelphia area. For people living in Media, Pennsylvania, or off the Mainline, several bars and restaurants host fundraising nights, drink specials, and other special events.

Africa

Mar

Pig Day, Ntl.: March 1

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National Pig Day in the United States celebrates pigs, the animal kind, not the male kind. The first National Pig Day occurred in 1972 and was created by sisters Ellen Stanley, a teacher in Lubbock, Texas, and Mary Lynne Rave of Beaufort, North Carolina. Its sole purpose is to accord the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized, place as one of man's most intellectual and domesticated animals. Today Pig Day does not have an official sponsor or organizer. Zoos and schools celebrate it, and other industries throughout the US, as a day to give pigs a break by learning about pigs. Or as a day to enjoy bacon, chops, and other delicious meats.

Africa

Mar

Pie Week, British: March 2-8

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BRITISH PIE WEEK British Pie Week, by Jus-Rol, began in 2007 and occurs each March during the first week, starting Monday. It celebrates everything pie, and local restaurants and markets often support it. HISTORY OF ENGLISH PIE Pies have a long and storied history in England, dating back to medieval times. The concept of a pie originated in ancient civilizations, where people encased meat and other fillings in a pastry shell to preserve the contents. However, the English pie as we know it began to take shape during the medieval period. Medieval Period: In medieval England, pies were a practical way to preserve food. The pastry, known as a "coffin," was thick and inedible, serving primarily as a container for the contents. These early pies were often filled with meats, including game, and kept food fresh during long journeys or periods without refrigeration. Renaissance and Elizabethan Eras: During the Renaissance, pies became elaborate and were served at banquets and feasts. The fillings diversified to include not only meat but also fruits and custards. The pastry itself migrated to a more edible form. 17th and 18th Centuries: By the 17th and 18th centuries, pies had become a staple in English cuisine. Sweet pies, particularly fruit pies, gained popularity alongside the traditional savory pies. 19th Century to Present: The Industrial Revolution and advancements in baking technology further popularized pies. Pies remain an integral part of British culinary tradition, celebrated in sweet and savory forms. WHAT IS A PIE? A pie is a baked dish consisting of a pastry dough casing that contains a filling of various sweet or savory ingredients. The key components of a pie include: Pastry Crust—as a top, bottom, or fully encased (top and bottom) crust. Filling—including a range of meats and vegetables (savory pies) to fruits, custards, and creams (sweet pies). BRITISH VS AMERICAN PIES While the basic concept of pies is similar in both England and the United States, there are some notable differences: Crust—English pies often have a thicker, more robust pastry crust than American pies' typically lighter, flakier crust. Filling—English pies are traditionally more savory, with popular varieties including steak and kidney, chicken and mushroom, and meat pies. On the other hand, American pies are renowned for their sweet varieties, such as apple pie, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie. Presentation—English pies are frequently served as part of a meal, often accompanied by vegetables and gravy. American pies generally are served as desserts. THE UK'S MOST POPULAR PIES Steak and Kidney Pie—A classic British pie filled with diced beef, kidney (often from a lamb), and onions, all cooked in a rich gravy. Chicken and Mushroom Pie—Contains chicken and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, often with a hint of herbs. Shepherd's Pie—Though technically a pie, it has a mashed potato topping rather than a pastry crust and is filled with minced lamb and vegetables. Cottage Pie—Similar to Shepherd's Pie but made with minced beef instead of lamb. Pork Pie—A traditional English cold meat pie filled with pork surrounded by a hot water crust pastry. Cornish Pasty—commonly filled with beef, potatoes, swedes (rutabagas), and onions. Fruit Pies and Tarts—While less common than savory varieties, fruit pies like apple pie and tarts (such as Bakewell tart) are also popular. Pies in the UK continue to be a beloved part of the culinary landscape, reflecting the country's rich history and regional diversity.

Africa

Mar

Physicians Week: March 25-31

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National Physicians Week is an annual event dedicated to honoring and recognizing the contributions of physicians in the United States. National Physicians Week began with Dr. Michael Hanak, an internal medicine physician who observed that while other healthcare professionals had dedicated celebrations, physicians did not. His advocacy led to the first official observance of National Physicians Week in 2014, following a proclamation from Congress. This acknowledgment was a response to the increasing recognition of the challenges and sacrifices made by physicians, including long hours and high-stress levels. The medical profession has a long and storied history, dating back to ancient times. Notable milestones include the establishment of the first public health system in Egypt around 3000 BC, the creation of the Hippocratic Oath by Hippocrates around 500 BC, and the founding of some of the earliest medical schools in Europe during the 1100s. The word 'physician' was first recorded in the dictionary in 1400. Over the centuries, physicians have significantly contributed to healthcare, including establishing the first blood bank in 1937, the first human-to-human heart transplant in 1967, and the first artificial heart implantation in 1982. This week highlights the hard work and dedication of around 700,000 physicians in the U.S., acknowledging their vital role in our lives and the healthcare system. It's a reminder of the importance of showing gratitude to these healthcare professionals who tirelessly work to improve our health and well-being.

Africa

Mar

Pharmacist Awareness Month (CA): March

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Pharmacy Awareness Month in Canada celebrates and educates Canadians about pharmacists' contributions in delivering healthcare. Pharmacists across Canada have expanded their scope of practice in the past ten years by doing more for their patients.

Africa

Mar

PHACE Syndrome Awareness Week: March 15-22

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International PHACE Syndrome Awareness Week raises awareness about PHACE Syndrome and supports families affected by the condition. PHACE Syndrome is a rare disease that affects multiple body systems and is characterized by several abnormalities that co-occur more frequently than expected. The acronym PHACE stands for Posterior fossa anomalies, Hemangioma, Arterial anomalies, Cardiac anomalies, and Eye anomalies. These represent the disorder's most common signs and symptoms. The syndrome is more prevalent in girls than in boys, and the severity and specific symptoms can vary significantly among affected individuals. Most children with PHACE Syndrome do not exhibit all the major symptoms associated with the disorder. The most conspicuous sign of PHACE Syndrome is often a hemangioma, an overgrowth of blood vessels, which typically appears on the face, head, or neck. The exact cause of PHACE Syndrome is currently unknown. The treatment for PHACE Syndrome varies based on the specific symptoms and their severity. It often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including specialists in dermatology, cardiology, neurology, and ophthalmology. Treatment may include medications, surgery, or other interventions to manage the symptoms. The PHACE Syndrome Community and The PHACE Foundation of Canada established the awareness week to create awareness about the syndrome. It includes various activities such as webinars, research on the disease, and viewing educational videos to increase understanding of what PHACE Syndrome is and how to improve the health and quality of life of those affected.

Africa

Mar

Pet Sitters Week, Professional: March 1-7

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After a corporate layoff in 1983, Patti J. Moran decided to start her own small petsitting business, a service unheard of at the time, in North Carolina. As requests for information on starting similar companies came in from around the globe, Moran’s passion for pets and her new petsitting business led her to write Pet Sitting for Profit, establish an international association, and spearhead an entirely new industry. Pet Sitters International (PSI), the professional petsitting organization, is now the world’s leading educational association for petsitters. Introduced by PSI in 1995, Professional Pet Sitters Week™ (PPSW™) is an annual observance that honors professional petcare providers, seeks to educate the pet-owning public about the advantages of professional in-home pet care, and encourages pet-loving entrepreneurs to explore professional petsitting as a viable career.

Africa

Mar

Pet Poison Prevention Month: March

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Concurrent with National Poison Prevention Month for people, March has also been declared National Pet Poison Prevention Month. Pets are highly susceptible to poison, many of which we don't consider harmful because they are benign to us. According to healthy pet advocates Four Muddy Paws, the following are the most common toxins for dogs and cats: Common Dog Poisons 1. Chocolate 2. Mouse and Rat Poisons (rodenticides) 3. Vitamins and Minerals (e.g., Vitamin D3, iron, etc.) 4. NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) 5. Cardiac Medications (e.g., calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, etc.) 6. Cold and Allergy Medications (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, etc.) 7. Antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) 8. Xylitol (common in toothpaste and chewing gum) 9. Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) 10. Caffeine Pills Common Cat Poisons 1. Topical spot-on insecticides 2. Household Cleaners 3. Antidepressants 4. Lilies 5. Insoluble Oxalate Plants (e.g., Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, etc.) 6. Human and Veterinary NSAIDs 7. Cold and Flu Medication (e.g., Tylenol) 8. Glow Sticks 9. ADD/ADHD Medications/Amphetamines 10. Mouse and Rat Poison Four Muddy Paws recommends pet parents check with the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center for a complete list of preventative actions and ways to pet-proof your house at https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control. You can also download the ASPCA Poison Control APP from your favorite APP store at https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/apcc-mobile-app.

Africa

Mar

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week (US-PA): March 18-21

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The National Conference on Pediatric Health Care is an annual event organized by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). This conference serves as an education and networking event for nurse practitioners specializing in pediatric care. It encompasses a wide range of sessions tailored to meet nurse practitioners' practice needs in primary, acute, and unique care settings. The event offers opportunities for learning, networking, and discovering new aspects of pediatric health care. A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) is a registered nurse (RN) with advanced clinical education and training in pediatric health care. PNPs provide various services, including diagnosing illnesses, conducting exams, and prescribing medication. They often work in primary care settings to provide specialized health care to children from infancy through adulthood. NAPNAP is a professional organization that advocates for children's health and advances the nursing practice of PNPs. They also offer a virtual conference experience, providing on-demand access to recordings of the live presentations from the Denver conference, which will be available from mid-May through the end of July. For those interested in becoming certified, NAPNAP also offers certification review courses for the PNCB pediatric primary and acute care exams in conjunction with the conference.

Africa

Mar

Pencil Day (1858): March 30

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Pencil Day marks the anniversary of Hyman Lipman's patent on March 30, 1858, when an eraser was added to the graphite pencil. The first mass production of pencils began in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1662, although pencils were produced in small quantities for around a century before that. In America, the first wood pencils were crafted in 1812, and Lipman's was the first to include an eraser in 1858.

Africa

Mar

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Week (US-CA): March 21-24

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Africa

Mar

Pecan Day, Ntl. (1775): March 25

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National Pecan Day marks the anniversary of the planting of the first pecan trees by George Washington on his estate Mount Vernon on March 25, 1775. The trees were gifted to him by Thomas Jefferson. The pecan is native to North America and was a favorite food of the Native Americans. Prized for its sweet yet nutty flavor, the pecan is featured in many recipes.

Africa

Mar

Pears Helene Day: March 15

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Americans love to celebrate food and don't shy away from celebrating other nations' cuisine. Well, this dessert is both and worth celebrating: Pears Helene. Pears Helene is a smooth French dessert that combines warm poached pears, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate sauce in one. If that's not worth celebrating, we don't know what is!

Africa

Mar

Peanut Month, Ntl.: March

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The peanut industries recognize National Peanut Month throughout the US. The Texas Peanut Producers have created a tiny Peanut IQ for the event. Here are some highlights: 1) One acre of peanuts will make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches. 2) It takes almost 850 peanuts to make an 18oz jar of peanut butter! 3) Two peanut farmers were elected President of the United States: Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter. 3) The average American child will eat 1,500 peanut butter sandwiches by the time he or she graduates from high school. You can read the full facts at: http://texaspeanutboard.com/peanut-facts

Africa