All - Leep Calendar

Coaches help you excel in many areas, whether sports and business or life and love. With the new year starting, Dating and Life Coaches Recognition Week raises awareness among people considering a career in this field. It raises awareness of the resources available to those seeking to improve their lives, including love.

Africa

Jan

La Tropicale Amissa Bongo (GA): January 6

06:20 AM | -

Due to political strife, this event may be cancelled this year, again. La Tropicale Amissa Bongo is a thrilling race of endurance, speed, and competition woven into the fabric of the African landscape. Named after Omar Bongo's daughter, Gabon's late President, this international professional cycling race in Gabon showcases the region's vibrant culture and scenic landscapes. Since its inception in 2006, La Tropicale Amissa Bongo has become a beacon for cycling in Africa, attracting teams and riders worldwide. It's not merely a race but a celebration of human willpower and the rich heritage of Gabon. The race's route, which often changes from year to year, takes riders through dense rainforests, alongside glittering coastal lines, and into bustling cities. With multiple stages spanning a week, the race tests the riders' strength and determination as they battle the challenging terrain and each other. Each day's stage is a new chapter in a captivating story, filled with twists and turns, triumphs and defeats. The riders must negotiate steep climbs, treacherous descents, and all the unpredictability of the equatorial region's weather. Local communities along the route embrace the race, coming out in droves to cheer on the cyclists. For many in Gabon, La Tropicale Amissa Bongo is more than a sporting event; it's a source of pride and a symbol of the nation's growing presence on the international stage. The competition, although fierce, fosters camaraderie and friendship among riders. Legends are made, dreams are fulfilled, and sometimes, unexpected heroes emerge from the peloton to seize victory. La Tropicale Amissa Bongo is not only about race but also a tool for social change. The event promotes environmental awareness, encourages tourism, and aids in local development, thus leaving an imprint that lasts well beyond the finish line. Each edition of La Tropicale Amissa Bongo weaves a new tale. Still, the essence remains the same: a story of the human spirit, of a nation's joy, and of a race that has come to symbolize hope, determination, and the celebration of life in Gabon.

Africa

Jan

Sydney Festival (AU): January 8-25

06:20 AM | -

The Sydney Festival is a major summer music and cultural festival in the nation of Australia's largest city, Sydney. It takes place on land previously owned by the first nation people of the Eora Nation, something the organizers take great pains to acknowledge, which makes the following ironically apropos. In 2022 the festival hit a rather painful snag, with over 40 performers and acts withdrawing due to a single sponsor: the nation-state of Israel and its government funding of the Sydney Dance Company's performance of "Decadance." Requests to drop the funding failed, and artists acted according to their conscience and withdrew. Why the commotion? It has to do with a single objective issue, Israeli apartheid. Protesters point to the endemic and increasingly draconian 54-year-long history of enforced policies and practices in the Occupied Territories and Israel's two-tiered legal system. This system includes laws that discriminate based upon race, origin, and faith within and beyond the Green Line. The creative community is not a big fan of national exceptionalism when it privileges one group of people over another. Impacting the pocketbook, boycotting is one of the few non-violent acts of protest that hit supporters where it counts. It led to the end of apartheid in South Africa, and boycotts effectively turned the civil rights movement around in the United States. In both cases, industry and business ultimately figured out it was better to support human rights than go against them if they wanted to stay in business. Though it did take several decades of pressure and boycotting in the US and South Africa, once the money men said no to racism and apartheid, the government had to support the movement and end the practices. See? Stop the money. End the political will to keep. End the practice. Simple. The festival includes music acts, theater, documentaries, symposiums, workshops, and exhibitors. It was first held in 1977 and has continued to grow ever since. The 2022 incident has sent a clear message to organizers worldwide, and whether it continues to resonate, only future years will tell.

Africa

Jan

Chilcano Week (PE): January 9-16

06:20 AM | -

Chilcano Week in Peru is a celebration dedicated to one of the country's most beloved cocktails, the Chilcano. The event gained popularity in the early 2010s. Its inception is a testament to the growing interest in Peruvian cuisine and beverages nationally and internationally. The Chilcano cocktail, traditionally made with Pisco (a Peruvian grape brandy), lime juice, ginger ale, and a few drops of bitters, is a staple in Peruvian bars and restaurants. Chilcano Week began to celebrate this classic drink and to promote Pisco, an essential component of Peruvian cultural heritage. Throughout the week, participating bars and restaurants across Peru, especially in cities like Lima and Cusco, offer special menus and promotions featuring various versions of the Chilcano. These establishments often experiment with new flavors and ingredients, showcasing Pisco's versatility and Peruvian mixology's creativity. In addition to enjoying Chilcanos, people participate in a variety of events organized during the week. These can include mixology classes, Pisco tastings, and workshops where attendees learn about the history of Pisco and the art of cocktail making. Some events also focus on pairing Chilcanos with traditional Peruvian dishes, providing a comprehensive experience of Peru's rich culinary culture. HOW IS GRAPE WINE DIFFERENT THAN GRAPE BRANDY? Grape brandy and grape wine are products derived from grapes, but they are distinct in their production processes, characteristics, and consumption. GRAPE WINE Fermenting crushed grapes using yeast creates wine. The yeast consumes the sugar in the grapes and converts it into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This fermentation process usually lasts a few days to a week. Wines typically have an alcohol content ranging from about 8% to 15%. There are numerous varieties of wine, including red, white, rosé, and sparkling, each with its specific production method and grape variety. Wine does not require a distillation or aging process to alter its alcohol content or flavor profile significantly. GRAPE BRANDY Distilling fermented grape juice creates brandy. The distillation process involves heating the wine to create steam, which is then cooled to form a liquid. Brandies typically have a higher alcohol content than wine, usually around 35% to 60% alcohol by volume. After distillation, brandy is traditionally aged in wooden casks. The aging process can last several years, significantly influencing the brandy's flavor, color, and quality. Brandy is usually consumed in smaller quantities than wine, often served as a digestif or used in cocktails. Both grape wine and grape brandy originate from grapes; wine is a fermented beverage, and brandy is a distilled beverage with a higher alcohol content. Chilcano Week plays a significant role in supporting local businesses, particularly boutique producers of Pisco. It boosts tourism and fosters a sense of pride in Peru's national products and traditions. The week-long event has become a fixture in Peru's cultural calendar, attracting locals and tourists eager to explore the flavors and traditions of Peruvian cuisine.

Africa

Jan

Folic Acid Awareness Week, Ntl.: January 11-17

06:20 AM | -

National Folic Acid Awareness Week is an awareness campaign by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Folic acid is a B-vitamin that is necessary for proper cell growth. If taken before and during early pregnancy, folic acid can prevent up to 70% of neural tube defects within the brain and spine. The CDC and the U.S. Public Health Service recommend that all women between the ages of 15 and 45 consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily to prevent two types of neural tube defects, spina bifida and anencephaly. Since these congenital disabilities develop within the first few weeks of pregnancy, it is essential to have enough folic acid in your body BEFORE becoming pregnant and to continue getting enough folic acid during early pregnancy. Women need folic acid even if they are not planning to become pregnant, as nearly half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned.

Africa

Jan

Home Office Safety and Security Week: January 11-17

06:20 AM | -

Home Office Safety & Security Week occurs each year and focuses on people who work out of their homes. Many precautions taken in corporations or workplaces to safeguard employees (and the company's bottom line from lawsuits) remain absent in home office environments. Home Office Safety & Security Week teaches the dangers in home offices and how to avoid them.

Africa

Jan

Cuckoo Dancing Week: January 11-17

06:20 AM | -

Cuckoo Dance Week is a tribute to the comedy team of Laurel and Hardy. Their theme song was called 'The Dance of the Cuckoos.' It's a week to rediscover the joy of the comic team during the seven days leading up to Oliver Hardy's birthday, January 18, 1892. Created by the late William T. Rabe.

Africa

Jan

Australian Open (AU-VIC): January 12 - February 1

06:20 AM | -

First played in 1905, Melbourne's Australian Open is one of the big four tennis tournaments each year: French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. The tournament occurs during the last two weeks of January and sometimes bleeds into early February. 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

PPAI Expo Las Vegas: January 12-15

06:20 AM | -

The Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Expo, Las Vegas, is North America's most prominent international promotional products trade show. It features more than 11,000 distributors from nearly 4,000 companies worldwide, resulting in over a quarter million different products gathered together under one roof.

Africa

Jan

Auto Show, North American Intl. (US-MI): January 14-25

06:20 AM | -

Created in 1988 as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people, and ideas that matter most – up close and in one place. Administered by Executive Director Rod Alberts, the NAIAS is one of the most significant media events in North America and the only auto show in the United States to earn a distinguished annual sanction from the Organization Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. The first six days of this event are for the press and dignitaries; the show opens to the public on the sixth day. 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

Celtic Connections (UK): January 15 - February 1

06:20 AM | -

Featuring 2000+ artists, 30 events, and 20 venues, Celtic Connections is the largest music festival in the United Kingdom. Fans will find a variety of music genres, from indie and fusion to rock, Gaelic, and traditional. Celtic Connections is one of the most anticipated festivals of winter. The festival first ran in 1994. 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

Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Festival (BR-BA): January 15

06:20 AM | -

The Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Festival (Our Father of Happy Endings) is a vibrant and deeply spiritual event that annually graces Salvador in the northeastern state of Bahía, Brazil. It is a fusion of Catholic and Candomblé traditions. Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian religious tradition created during the colonial. Most Candomblé people are descendants of slaves. Their culture combines elements of African traditions, particularly those of the Yoruba, Fon, and Bantu peoples, with influences from Roman Catholicism. At the heart of this celebration is the Nosso Senhor do Bonfim church, an iconic religious site. Participants wear traditional white attire and embark on a procession that stretches approximately eight kilometers (five miles) from the Church of Conceição da Praia (Church of the Conception by the Beach) to the Nosso Senhor do Bonfim church. This pilgrimage blends joyous chants, music, dancing, and fervent prayers bolstered by images of Jesus and Candomblé deities. One of the most striking symbols of this festival is the "fitas", or wish ribbons, usually in vibrant hues. Ribbons are tied to the church gates or worn on wrists; each knot represents a wish or prayer. Festival goers believe their wishes come true once the ribbon falls off naturally. The festival features an intriguing ritual known as the "Lavagem do Bonfim" (Washing of the Bonfim). Women dressed in baianas, a traditional Bahian attire, ceremonially wash the church's steps. This act, imbued with religious significance, is said to purify the church and attract blessings for the new year. The ten-day festival includes culinary delights, music, and street dancing. The rhythms of samba and Afro-Brazilian beats resonate throughout the city, making the Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Festival a favorite with locals and tourists alike.

Africa

Jan

Neuter Your Ex Month: January 15 - February 14

06:20 AM | -

The "Neuter Your Ex" fundraiser by Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center is a unique and humorous Valentine's Day campaign in which, for a $50 donation, a feral cat named after an ex-partner is neutered or spayed. The popular fundraiser is increasingly picked up by other animal charities in the United States and worldwide. This initiative supports efforts to control the feral cat population humanely through their trap-neuter-return (TNR) program while engaging the community in a fun way. The idea quickly gained popularity and received a positive response from the public. Like other inventive fundraisers like "Line the Litter Box with Your Ex" and "Cry me a Cockroach," this campaign creatively combines fundraising with community engagement, albeit it's not a widespread trend among animal rescue charities. If you're a dog fan with a nasty ex, check out Finding Shelter's "Crappiest Valentine Fundraiser Ever." They'll put your ex's name on a doo bag and happily fill it on a rescue dog's next walk. Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center's mission focuses on ending companion animal homelessness in Camden County through community awareness and responsible ownership. In collaboration with other animal welfare groups, they are working towards helping New Jersey become a "no-kill" state by 2025. In the United States, approximately 6.5 million companion animals are estimated to enter US animal shelters annually. This number includes dogs and cats, with a relatively even split. However, these numbers can vary from year to year and depend on various factors, including efforts in spaying/neutering, adoption campaigns, and public awareness programs to reduce the number of homeless pets. Creative fundraising efforts are popular among zoos, aquariums, and animal charities, leveraging a mix of humor and the universal experience of dealing with past relationships to generate funds for a good cause. It's a testament to the innovative ways in which non-profits seek to engage the community and support their missions.

Africa

Jan

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (US-TX): January 16 - February 7

06:20 AM | -

First held in 1896, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is the original indoor extravaganza combining a carnival, entertainment, competitive riding, and premium stock sales and competitions. It features forty-five acres of stock and entertainment under one roof.

Africa

Jan

Santos Down Under, (AU-SA): January 16-25

06:20 AM | -

Santos Tour Down Under is Australia's largest cycling race, with a rich history as the premier bike race in the southern hemisphere. The first race in 1999 saw local rider Stuart O'Grady taking the win. Since then, numerous internationally renowned cyclists have joined the honor roll. The event has grown year after year to become the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere. 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