All - Leep Calendar

International Hummus Day began in 2012 to encourage people to gather and eat together while celebrating this humble food. Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern and Mediterranean paste made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and various spices. The dish has a rich history going back centuries. The word "hummus" is derived from the Arabic word for chickpeas, "ḥimmaṣ." Chickpea cultivation in West Asia and the Mediterranean stretches back to 7,000 BC. The earliest documented recipes for hummus are in cookbooks from the 13th century in Cairo, Egypt. Falafel, made from fava beans and ground chickpeas, is another classic Arabic dish using several of the same ingredients rumored to have originated in Cairo. One of the essential ingredients in hummus, tahini (sesame seed paste), also has a long history in the region. The use of sesame seeds dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Assyrians and Babylonians, around 3,000 BC. It is unclear when tahini and chickpeas were first combined. The history of hummus encompasses the cultural and culinary traditions of various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean societies, including the Ottomans, the Levantines, the Persians, and the Arabs. As the Ottoman Empire expanded, hummus spread to various parts of the empire, including Greece, Turkey, and the Balkans. This expansion led to regional variations in the dish, with different countries and cultures adding their unique twists to the basic recipe. In the 20th century, hummus gained popularity in the Western world, particularly in the United States and Europe, as a healthy and delicious food option. The dish's popularity has grown significantly over the past few decades, with an increasing variety of flavors and ingredients added to cater to diverse tastes. Today, hummus is enjoyed worldwide and recognized as a staple food in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It has become a symbol of culinary cultural exchange and is celebrated for its delicious taste, versatility, and numerous health benefits.

Africa

May

Huntington's Disease Awareness Month (CA): May

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May is National Huntington Disease Awareness Month in Canada. Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic brain disorder that destroys life, and it is described as having Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Schizophrenia all at once. HD causes cells in specific parts of the brain to die. As the disease progresses, a person with Huntington's cannot manage movements, recall events, make decisions, and control emotions. The condition leads to incapacitation and, eventually, death. HD is hereditary. A child born to a parent with HD has a 50% chance of sharing the same fate as all family members. One in every 7,000 Canadians has Huntington's disease, males and females have the same risk of inheriting the disease, and HD occurs in all races. A middle-aged disease, its symptoms usually appear between the ages of 30 and 45, but in rare instances, it has shown up in children as young as five and with people in their 70s. Currently, it is incurable with no effective treatments. In 2006, Canadian researchers stopped the progression of HD in mice. Dr. Sipione, from the University of Alberta, showed that injecting ganglioside GM1 into the brains of HD mice can reverse the disease's motor symptoms. Her experiments prove that it might be possible to develop drugs to reverse at least some of the effects of HD in humans. In May 2012, Dr. Ray Truant of McMaster University revealed a link between this fatal neurodegenerative disease and Alzheimer's. This link may point to potential drug targets for both disorders. National Huntington Disease Awareness Month is a time for Canadians to learn about the disease, support those with it, and raise funds and awareness toward a cure. This event occurs in the United States with a different sponsor.

Africa

May

Huntington's Disease Awareness Month: May

06:20 AM | -

May is National Huntington Disease Awareness Month in the United States. Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic brain disorder that destroys life, and it is described as having Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Schizophrenia all at once. HD causes cells in specific parts of the brain to die. As the disease progresses, a person with Huntington's cannot manage movements, recall events, make decisions, and control emotions. The condition leads to incapacitation and, eventually, death. HD is hereditary. A child born to a parent with HD has a 50% chance of sharing the same fate as all family members. One in every 7,000 Canadians has Huntington's disease, males and females have the same risk of inheriting the disease, and HD occurs in all races. A middle-aged disease, its symptoms usually appear between the ages of 30 and 45, but in rare instances, it has shown up in children as young as five and with people in their 70s. Currently, it is incurable with no effective treatments. In 2006, Canadian researchers stopped the progression of HD in mice. Dr. Sipione, from the University of Alberta, showed that injecting ganglioside GM1 into the brains of HD mice can reverse the disease's motor symptoms. Her experiments prove that it might be possible to develop drugs to reverse at least some of the effects of HD in humans. In May 2012, Dr. Ray Truant of McMaster University revealed a link between this fatal neurodegenerative disease and Alzheimer's. This link may point to potential drug targets for both disorders. National Huntington Disease Awareness Month is a time for Canadians to learn about the disease, support those with it, and raise funds and awareness toward a cure. This event is also occurring in the Canada with a different sponsor.

Africa

May

Hurricane Preparedness Week, Ntl.: May 4-10

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It only takes one storm to change your life and community. Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are nature's most powerful and destructive phenomena. They're the same thing—location determines which word describes it. Hurricane is the word for these storms in the Atlantic and northeast Pacific oceans near Japan and SE Asia. If it occurs in the northwest Pacific ocean, we call it a typhoon; in the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean, it is called a cyclone. You must prepare if you live in an area prone to these destructive storms. Dangerous flooding, destructive winds, and tornadoes from these storms threaten even areas well away from the coastline. The National and Central Pacific Hurricane Center issue watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous tropical weather. Hurricane Preparedness Week is your time to prepare for a potential land-falling tropical storm or hurricane. Learn how with the daily tips below and related links. Share these with your friends and family to ensure that they're prepared.

Africa

May

Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day: May 15

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Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a debilitating and potentially life-threatening pregnancy disease marked by rapid weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration due to unrelenting nausea and vomiting with potentially adverse consequences for the mom-to-be and the newborn(s). International Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day seeks to educate women and their caregivers about this disease, its warning signs, and its treatments. Annually on May 15.

Africa

May

I Need a Patch for That Day: May 21

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I Need a Patch for That Day is celebrated in honor of the quick fixes that allow us to continue our journey or use whatever, in all their shapes and forms, including symbolism. It is a day to recognize the importance of patches instead of giving them a bad rep like we usually do, "This is just a patch, it's not a real solution," is a common saying. And they are not wrong; finding a real solution for something is nice. Until that time, however, a patch can be your savior, and on this day, we remember and honor patches, those that we stick to our injured legs or arms, smoking patches that help us get rid of a bad habit, metaphorical patches that help us cope with a situation while figuring it out. Let's face it. Patches are great!

Africa

May

Independence Day (ER)(1991/1994): May 24

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Eritrea's National Day, also known as Independence Day, is celebrated annually on May 24th. This public holiday commemorates Eritrea's declaration of independence from Ethiopia on May 24, 1991, after a long and arduous struggle for self-determination that lasted for about 30 years. The Eritrean War of Independence began in 1961 when the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) initiated an armed struggle against Ethiopian rule. Over time, the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) emerged as the leading force in the fight for independence. After many years of conflict, the EPLF finally defeated the Ethiopian forces in 1991, and Eritrea declared its independence. However, it wasn't until May 24, 1993, that Eritrea's independence was officially recognized through a UN-supervised referendum, where the majority of Eritreans voted for sovereignty. Eritrea's National Day is a significant event in the country, marked by various festivities and activities. Celebrations include parades, flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, and speeches by political leaders. The day is an opportunity for Eritreans to honor the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence and express their national pride and unity.

Africa

May

Independence Day (GE)(1919): May 26

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When people ask me which country I've visited that surprised me, my answer is the Black Sea nation of Georgia and the city of Batumi (pictured above). Beautiful, eclectic, and as yet uncorrupted by chain stores and fast food restaurants, this little gem of Eastern Europe and Western Asia combines the majesty of the Russian Empire, the utilitarianism of the Soviet Union, and the forward modernism of its entry into the post-Soviet world after 1991. And did I mention the wine? Georgia makes some of the best and most diverse types of wine globally, with winemakers and little shops on nearly every street. Grapevines adorn buildings, like in other cities where ivy climbs the walls. The people are friendly and best of all, it is quite affordable. Like many nations in the region, it was part of the Russian Empire for many years. Independence Day marks its freedom from that empire on May 26, 1919. Unfortunately, it was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1922 and endured communism until it again found freedom in 1991. Ever since, this pretty little country nestled against the Caucasus Mountains has experienced civil unrest. However, since the 2010s, it has found its ground and continues looking toward the future.

Africa

May

Independence Day (JO)(1946): May 25

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Jordan's National Day, also known as Independence Day, is celebrated annually on May 25th. This public holiday commemorates Jordan's declaration of independence from British rule on May 25, 1946. The event marked the end of the British Mandate for Transjordan and the establishment of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, led by King Abdullah I. The British Mandate for Transjordan was established after World War I, following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The mandate was meant to be a temporary arrangement, with the ultimate goal of preparing the territory for self-government. On March 22, 1946, the Treaty of London was signed, which officially recognized Jordan's independence, and on May 25, 1946, the British Mandate was terminated, and Jordan became a fully sovereign state. Jordan's National Day is marked by various activities and events throughout the country. Celebrations include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and speeches by political leaders. The day is an opportunity for Jordanians to express their national pride and unity while honoring the history and achievements of their country since gaining independence.

Africa

May

Independence Day (PY)(1811): May 14-15

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Independence Day: Celebrated on May 14th and 15th, this two-day public holiday commemorates Paraguay's declaration of independence from Spain on May 14, 1811. The event marked the beginning of the Paraguayan Republic and the end of Spanish colonial rule. Celebrations include parades, cultural performances, and various events across the country. This day serves as an opportunity for Paraguayans to express their national pride and unity, and to honor their history and achievements since gaining independence.

Africa

May

Independence Day (TL)(2002): May 20

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Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, celebrates its National Day on November 28th, also known as Proclamation of Independence Day or Restoration of Independence Day. This public holiday commemorates the declaration of independence from Portugal on November 28, 1975. The process of decolonization in Timor-Leste began in 1974 when Portugal initiated a series of political reforms and started to withdraw from its overseas colonies. On November 28, 1975, the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN) unilaterally declared the country's independence. However, just nine days later, on December 7, 1975, Indonesia invaded Timor-Leste and annexed it as its 27th province, leading to a long and bloody struggle for independence. Timor-Leste's struggle for independence continued for 24 years, with various resistance movements fighting against Indonesian occupation. Finally, in 1999, a United Nations-sponsored referendum was held, in which the majority of the population voted for independence. Following a period of United Nations administration, Timor-Leste officially became an independent nation on May 20, 2002. National Day is a significant event in Timor-Leste, marked by various festivities and activities throughout the country. Celebrations include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and speeches by political leaders. The day serves as an opportunity for the people of Timor-Leste to express their national pride and unity, as well as to honor the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence.

Africa

May

Indianapolis 500 (US-IN): May 25

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The Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana roars to life on a Sunday, usually before Memorial Day. The Indianapolis 500, or the Indy 500, is billed as "The greatest spectacle in racing" and is part of the Triple Crown of Motorsports. The race began in 1911, with its first winner, Ray Harroun.

Africa

May

Infertility Survival Day, Ntl.: May 4

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Mother’s Day is difficult for women and families who want to have children but cannot. Therefore, the Sunday prior to Mother’s Day is National Infertility Survival Day, set aside for those struggling with infertility. A variety of tools are made available through fundraising, friendships, and outreach.

Africa

May

Infrastructure Week, Ntl: May 12-16

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Infrastructure Week is a national week of education and advocacy that brings together American businesses, workers, elected leaders, and everyday citizens around one message: It’s #TimeToBuild. Leaders and citizens around America will highlight the state of American infrastructure— roads, bridges, rail, ports, airports, water and sewer systems, the energy grid, and more. It encourages policymakers to invest in the projects, technologies, and policies necessary to make America competitive, prosperous, and safe. A bipartisan steering committee and over 150 affiliates host events, drive media attention, and educate stakeholders and policymakers on the critical importance of infrastructure to America’s economic competitiveness, security, job creation, and in the daily lives of every American.

Africa

Nov

International Booker Prize (UK): November 10

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The Booker Prize, formerly known as the Booker-McConnell Prize and commonly known as the Booker, is one of the most prestigious awards in the literary world, recognizing outstanding works of fiction. Established in 1969, the prize is awarded annually to the best novel written in English and published in the United Kingdom or Ireland. The prize plays a significant role in shaping the modern literary landscape, bringing recognition, compensation, and acclaim to its recipients. The Booker Prize was initially open to authors from the Commonwealth, the Republic of Ireland, and Zimbabwe. However, in 2014, the eligibility criteria were expanded to include any English-language novel published in the UK or Ireland, regardless of the author's nationality. This change sparked considerable debate in the literary community but has since helped to globalize the prize's reach. The International Booker Prize, established in 2005 as the Man Booker International Prize, is a related but distinct award. It recognizes the finest works of translated fiction worldwide, highlighting the importance of translation in connecting global audiences with diverse literary voices. Unlike the Booker Prize, which acknowledges a single author, the International Booker Prize is awarded jointly to the author and the translator of the winning book, underscoring the collaborative nature of translated works. The winners of both the Booker Prize and the International Booker Prize receive significant monetary awards and a substantial boost in international recognition and book sales. The prizes are known for their rigorous selection process, with panels of esteemed judges from various literary backgrounds. The Booker Prize is typically announced in the autumn, while the International Booker Prize generally occurs in the late spring or early summer. These events are highly anticipated in the literary community and attract widespread attention from media and readers worldwide. They continue to celebrate and elevate the finest in fiction and translated literature, contributing to the richness and diversity of the global literary landscape.

Africa