All - Leep Calendar

March is National Credit Education Month. Each year Credit Professionals International and the Credit Education Resources Foundation sponsor events designed to remind consumers and educators, as well as business and government leaders, of the importance of developing the skills needed to manage their finances efficiently and effectively.

Africa

Mar

Credit Card Reduction Day: March 21

06:20 AM | -

CREDIT CARD REDUCTION DAY In a landscape where credit card debt looms as a formidable challenge for countless Americans, finding the most effective strategy to eliminate it is a pressing concern for many. Experts agree that while there is no one-size-fits-all solution, adopting a disciplined and strategic approach can significantly ease the burden of credit card debt. The first step in tackling credit card debt is to take a comprehensive inventory of all debts, noting the balances, interest rates, and monthly payments. This clarity is crucial for formulating a plan that targets debts efficiently. One widely recommended strategy is the debt avalanche method, which focuses on paying off the credit card with the highest interest rate first while maintaining minimum payments on others. This approach saves money in the long run by reducing the interest paid over time. Alternatively, the debt snowball method, endorsed by financial experts for its psychological wins, suggests paying off debts from smallest to largest. This method provides a sense of accomplishment with each debt cleared, keeping individuals motivated throughout their debt-elimination journey. Budgeting plays a pivotal role in debt reduction. Creating a realistic budget that prioritizes debt repayment without neglecting essential expenses is critical. Cutting discretionary spending, such as dining out and subscription services, can free up additional funds for debt payments. Another effective tactic is negotiating with credit card companies for lower interest rates. A simple phone call explaining one's financial situation and asking for a rate reduction can sometimes lead to significant savings on interest payments. For those with good credit, transferring balances to a card with a 0% introductory APR can provide a much-needed respite from high-interest rates, allowing more of the payment to go toward the principal balance. However, planning to pay off the balance before the promotional period ends is essential to avoid facing high rates again. Side hustles or part-time jobs can offer additional income specifically earmarked for debt repayment. This extra income can accelerate the debt elimination process significantly. In extreme cases, the best action might be to consult with a credit counseling agency for a debt management plan. These plans can consolidate debts into a single payment with a lower interest rate, though they may require closing credit accounts, which could impact credit scores. Eliminating credit card debt requires determination, discipline, and strategic financial planning. Staying committed to a repayment strategy, adapting as necessary, and avoiding new debt during repayment are crucial for economic freedom. The journey may be challenging, but the peace of mind and financial stability from debt-free are invaluable.

Africa

Mar

Crayola Crayon Day, Ntl. (1903): March 31

06:20 AM | -

Today is the anniversary marking the 1903 release of the first box of Crayons by Binney & Smith in upstate New York. In 1996 the 100 billionth Crayola crayon rolled off the production line in Easton, Pennsylvania. Most people today cannot imagine life without a childhood filled with crayons. To this day, these wax markers remain one of childhood's most beloved and used toys.

Africa

Mar

Craft Month, Ntl.: March

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Whether you sew, paint, sculpt, scrapbook, crochet, or turn bottle caps into art, March’s National Craft Month focuses on the hobbies and creativity that allow each person to express their unique style. Grab some glue and make something beautiful. National Craft Month began in 1994 as a way for individuals to participate in hands-on activities, try a new skill and discover the benefits of creativity. National Craft Month has grown into an international celebration of inspiration, innovation, and creativity, with millions of participants underscoring the familiar and near-universal experience of making. During National Craft Month, creative businesses across the country offer product discounts, special classes, demonstrations, and tips and projects to help people unleash and cultivate their creative abilities.

Africa

Mar

Crabmeat Day: March 9

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National Crabmeat Day is recognized throughout the United States by seafood restaurants and often includes specials on crab-based dishes. The event itself has no official sponsor. Until recently, crabbing was considered one of the most dangerous occupations in the world, with the Bering Sea of Alaska functioning as the flash point. Crabbing began in earnest during the early 1900s as an occupation, and it was done derby style. Picture a concert without reserved seating and a mad rush for the best spots when the doors open. Derby fishing is like this. The season is only a few days long, and hundreds of boats would challenge each other to get to the best hunting grounds and pull up as many crabs as possible. In the chaos, many lives were lost, both human and crustacean. With Alaska officially becoming a state in 1959, the state and Federal authorities took control of the natural resources, including fish and shellfish. Regulations in the 1980s due to overfishing and global warming ended the free-for-all with laws, quotas, and enforcement of coastal waters. In 2005 a formal quota system was instituted basing the number of crabs that a ship could catch based on the previous year’s catch. The quota made the industry far safer but eliminated a large portion of the jobs. Today crab fishermen can be found in several territories: Alaska, Canada, Russia, Japan, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. The top four crabs sought are the King, Dungeness, Tanner, and Snow Crabs.

Africa

Mar

Courtesy Day, Ntl. Common: March 21

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Common Courtesy Day is an unofficial holiday with no set sponsor. The word "courtesy" evolved from the English word "curtsey," a form of bowing first practiced with enthusiasm in the 16th century. Common Courtesy is the set of cultural rules within a given society. No matter where you are, some of these are universal. Every culture in the world uses "Please," "Thank you," "You're welcome," and "excuse me" in some form. These are considered universal. However, each society has its own rules governing other behaviors, such as who can speak first, whether to shake hands, when, how to eat, and more. National Common Courtesy Day is your opportunity to discover the common courtesies of your culture and learn a few from another.

Africa

Mar

Courageous Followers Day: March 4

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The courageous follower provides emotional support for leaders but does not hesitate to speak truth to power constructively. He or she offers a model of bold leadership that creates conditions in which it is easier for followers to talk about the facts as they see them and for leaders to give appropriate consideration to what they are being told. When they work well together, leaders and followers create a true partnership and better service any organization's mission. Great leaders learn to lead first as followers. This month is about becoming an indispensable part of your organization's team and developing the skills that allow you to be a courageous follower today to become an excellent leader tomorrow.

Africa

Mar

Corn Dog Day: March 21

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The corn dog is an American snack with multiple claimants to its creation. This popular street food consists of a hot dog coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter and deep-fried. It has become synonymous with state fairs, sporting events, and street festivals. The story of the corn dog begins in the early 20th century, with various inventors across the United States staking their claim. Some narratives point to the Fletcher brothers, Carl and Neil, who purportedly introduced the corn dog at the Texas State Fair between 1938 and 1942. However, this account is contested by others, including claims from Pronto Pup vendors in Oregon, who argue that they invented the corn dog in 1939. Despite these competing origin stories, the corn dog's popularity is linked to its appeal as an easy-to-eat, portable, and delicious snack, ideally suited for the casual dining experience of fairgrounds and outdoor events. Its novelty and the convenience of enjoying a hot meal on the go cemented the corn dog's place in American food culture. The corn dog's appeal lies in its taste and embodiment of innovation and the spirit of American entrepreneurship. It represents a moment of culinary creativity, where traditional ingredients were combined in a novel way to create a new eating experience. This ingenuity, coupled with the nostalgia many Americans feel for state fairs and childhood memories, has kept the corn dog popular for decades. National Corn Dog Day, celebrated annually on the first Saturday of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship, adds a layer of cultural significance to this iconic snack. Established in the early 1990s by friends Henry Otley, Brady Sahnow, and Corbin Fries at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, the day was born to celebrate their love for corn dogs, basketball, and American culture. The founders saw the corn dog as a symbol of unity and celebration, bringing people together over shared traditions and enjoyment. National Corn Dog Day has since evolved from a local event to a national celebration, reflecting not just a love for the snack itself but the communal joy and the spirit of festivity it represents. It's a day when fans across the country indulge in corn dogs, tater tots, and American beer, embracing the simplicity and pleasure of this deep-fried delicacy.

Africa

Mar

Corned Beef and Cabbage Day: March 17

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Celebrate Corned Beef and Cabbage Day each year on Saint Patrick's Day. Corned beef and cabbage, a dish often associated with St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the United States, carries a complex history that intertwines with the socio-economic fabric of Ireland and the broader story of Irish immigration. Despite its strong association with Irish culture, the dish as it is popularly known today, particularly in the U.S., diverges from traditional Irish fare. The History and Making of Corned Beef Corned beef refers to brisket or another cut of meat cured or pickled in a seasoned brine. The term "corned" comes from the large grains or "corns" of salt historically used in curing. This method preserves meat and was common before the advent of refrigeration. The beef is soaked in a brine of water, salts, and spices and then slowly cooked until tender. This process preserves the meat and imparts a distinctively savory and slightly spicy flavor. Association with Ireland The association of corned beef with Ireland dates back to the 17th century when Ireland was a major producer of salted beef. However, the beef was mostly exported and too expensive for the average Irish family, which more commonly ate pork or bacon. The widespread consumption of corned beef and cabbage as an Irish dish is largely an American innovation developed by Irish immigrants in the 19th century. Upon arriving in the United States, many Irish immigrants found beef more readily available and affordable than it had been in their homeland, thanks to the booming cattle industry. However, the corned beef they encountered in America was different; it was Jewish corned beef, cured with a brine similar to the one used for Irish bacon and cheaper than pork. Irish immigrants adopted corned beef as a substitute for traditional bacon, pairing it with cabbage, an affordable and abundant vegetable. Global Variations While corned beef and cabbage epitomize an Irish-American dish, variations of corned beef are found in other cuisines worldwide. For example, corned beef combines rice and spices in the Caribbean for a tropical twist. In the Philippines, it transforms into a breakfast dish served with rice and eggs. Americans create a potato dish known as corned beef hash (literally mashed potatoes and corned beef mixed together), and the British have their version of salt beef, which can be similar to Irish corned beef but is often served in sandwiches or with potatoes and mustard. Cultural Significance The association of corned beef and cabbage with St. Patrick's Day in the United States has more to do with Irish-American identity than Irish national tradition. The dish symbolizes the adaptability and resilience of the Irish people, reflecting how immigrants modified their culinary traditions to suit their new circumstances while maintaining a connection to their heritage.

Africa

Mar

Consumer Rights Day, World (1962): March 15

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Each year since 1983, the world marks World Consumer Rights Day on the anniversary of President John F Kennedy's 1962 address on consumer rights to the US Congress. Despite where you are in the world, all consumers should be respected and protected against market abuses and the social injustices undermining their rights.

Africa

Mar

Consumer Protection Week, Ntl.: March 1-7

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The first whole week of March is National Consumer Protection Week. National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is a coordinated campaign encouraging consumers nationwide to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed decisions.

Africa

Mar

Constitution Day, (BY)(1994): March 15

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The Eastern European nation of Belarus celebrates the adoption of its constitution on March 15, 1994, as Constitution Day, a national holiday.

Africa

Mar

Constitution Day (AD)(1993): March 14

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Constitution Day in Andorra is a significant national holiday observed annually on March 14th. It commemorates the day in 1993 when the Principality of Andorra's first Constitution was ratified through a popular referendum, marking a pivotal moment in the country's history. This day signifies Andorra's transition to a constitutional democracy and establishing a modern legal framework for the country's governance. Constitution Day's significance lies in celebrating Andorra's constitutional and democratic milestones. Before the adoption of the Constitution, Andorra was one of the last European countries to operate under a political system that was essentially feudal. The Constitution formalized the co-princes roles (the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain) as Andorra's heads of state while establishing a parliamentary system and guaranteeing certain fundamental rights and freedoms for its citizens. Constitution Day is celebrated across Andorra with various official ceremonies and public events. These celebrations often include speeches by political leaders, educational programs focused on the Constitution and Andorra's political history, and cultural activities that promote national heritage. It's a day for Andorrans to reflect on their country's progress towards democracy and the rule of law and celebrate the principles of freedom, equality, and justice enshrined in their Constitution. The holiday underscores the Constitution's importance in shaping Andorra's identity as a sovereign nation and its role in safeguarding its people's rights and liberties. Constitution Day in Andorra serves as a reminder of the enduring value of democracy and the continuous effort required to preserve and enhance democratic governance and civil liberties.

Africa

Mar

Consider Christianity Week: March 22-28

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The goal of Consider Christianity Week is to equip Christians with the knowledge and ability to "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do so with gentleness and respect" (1 Pet 3:15). Not only will this strengthen their faith, but it will increase the effectiveness of their witness.

Africa

Mar

Compliment Day, World: March 1*

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World Compliment Day began in The Netherlands in 2011 and has quickly spread worldwide to make March 1 the most joyful day of the year. "A sincere and personal compliment costs nothing, but the impact on the recipient is huge," says Hans Poortvliet, World Compliment Day Founder. On March 1, if every person in the world pays at least three people in his/her environment or (social) network a genuine and sincere compliment, the goal of achieving the most positive day in the world will be reached, and everyone will be in a good mood!

Africa