All - Leep Calendar

Coca-Cola® Day celebrates the world’s best-known soft drink and one of the most recognized brands in the world. It all began on this day in 1886 when the curiosity of an Atlanta pharmacist, Dr. John S. Pemberton, led him to create a distinctive-tasting soft drink for soda fountains. He made a flavored syrup, including extract of coca leaves and kola nuts, added for medicinal purposes, of course (it was a pharmacy). Pemberton took this syrup to his neighborhood pharmacy, where he mixed it with carbonated water and was deemed “excellent” by those who sampled it. Dr. Pemberton’s partner and bookkeeper, Frank M. Robinson, is credited with naming “Coca‑Cola” and designing the trademarked, distinct script still used today. Before he died in 1888, just two years after creating what was to become the world’s best-selling sparkling beverage, Dr. Pemberton sold portions of his business to various parties, with the majority of the interest sold to Atlanta businessman Asa G. Candler. Under Mr. Candler’s leadership, the distribution of Coca‑Cola expanded to soda fountains beyond Atlanta. In 1894, impressed by the growing demand for Coca‑Cola and the desire to make the beverage portable, Joseph Biedenharn installed bottling machinery in the rear of his Mississippi soda fountain, becoming the first to put Coca‑Cola in bottles. Large-scale bottling became possible just five years later when in 1899, three enterprising businessmen in Chattanooga, Tennessee, secured exclusive rights to bottle and sell Coca‑Cola. The three entrepreneurs purchased the bottling rights from Asa Candler for just $1. Benjamin Thomas, Joseph Whitehead, and John Lupton developed the Coca‑Cola worldwide bottling system. Though the original recipe for Coca-Cola included cocaine (the amount of which has never been disclosed), and this ingredient was instrumental to naming the product, as of 1929, Coca-Cola has been completely narcotics-free.

Africa

May

Coconut Cream Pie Day: May 8

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Whipped cream, coconut, pudding, and pastry, who doesn’t love coconut cream pie? National Coconut Cream Pie Day is an unofficial holiday with no sponsor, but that’s no reason not to indulge and enjoy a little bite of heaven.

Africa

May

Coeliac Awareness Day, Intl.: May 16

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Coeliac (Celiac) Awareness Day is an annual international event that seeks to educate people about celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and the benefits of a gluten-free diet for the one percent of people with this autoimmune, hereditary disease.

Africa

May

Coeliac Awareness Month (UK): May

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Coeliac (Celiac) Awareness Month (formerly week) is an annual international event that seeks to educate people about celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and the benefits of a gluten-free diet for the one percent of people with this autoimmune, hereditary disease.

Africa

May

College Savings Day: May 29

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The 529 College Savings Plan is a tax-deferred vehicle in the US tax law that allows parents and students to defer tax payments on savings for college and other educational pursuits/costs. Similar to a retirement 401K, it reduces the amount of tax owed now and defers or cancels it in the future if it is used for its intended purpose. College Savings Day, or 529 Day, is a national event designed to raise awareness of this savings option and educate the population on its numerical equivalent, May 29 or 5-29 each year.

Africa

May

College Students with Disabilities Recognition Month: May

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Also referred to as College Students with Disabilities Recognition Month, Co-ed Disability Month highlights achievements by students with disabilities. Nominate your favorite specially-abled student for the annual award at Image Impact International.

Africa

Mar

Umbrella Month, Ntl.: March

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National Umbrella Month celebrates the parasol, sunshade, brolly, parapluie, rainshade, gamp, Bumbershoot, and umbrolly, better known as the umbrella. The umbrella as a sunshade dates back to ancient China, nearly 4,000 years ago. Using umbrellas for rain didn’t gain favor until the 1600s, and then it was only something women used. That was changed when Englishman Jonas Hanway defied convention and began carrying one everywhere he went in 1750s Europe. Practicality overcame vanity. By the end of the century, men and women regularly carried umbrellas to shield them from the rain. This event was created by Thomas Edward Knibb and is currently unsponsored.

Africa

Mar

Umbrella, Open an Umbrella Indoors Day: March 13

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Parasols, sunshades, umbrellas, brolly, parapluie, rain shade, gamp, Bumbershoot or umbrolly, however, you refer to it, today is the day to flaunt superstition and Open an Umbrella Inside Day. Umbrellas have protected people from the wind, sun, snow, and rain since around 2000 BC. The superstitions originate in pagan faiths that believed that the natural world represented various gods and spirits. It was thought that opening an umbrella indoors would block these spirits or gods, thus leaving you unprotected.

Africa

Mar

Universal Human Beings Week: March 1-7

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Universal Human Beings Week was created by the International Society of Friendship and Goodwill in the 1980s to focus on universal human rights, diversity, inclusivity, and recognizing the commonalities shared by all people, regardless of their backgrounds. Though the organization no longer exists, the Internet promotes this week via social media. Universal Human Beings Week focuses on: Promoting Human Rights: Emphasizing the importance of universal human rights as defined by international declarations and treaties. Celebrating Diversity: Recognizing and celebrating the diverse cultures, languages, and traditions of people worldwide while acknowledging our shared humanity. Fostering Global Unity: Encouraging a sense of global community and solidarity, transcending borders, ethnicities, and social divisions. Educating about Inclusivity: Raising awareness about the importance of integration and equality in all aspects of society. Addressing Global Challenges: This section highlights the need for collective action to address global challenges that affect all human beings, such as climate change, poverty, and conflicts. Encouraging Empathy and Understanding: Promoting empathy, understanding, and respectful dialogue among people from different backgrounds. Though the organization behind the event no longer exists, the idea of a day celebrating the universality of humanity lives on.

Africa

Mar

Unplugging, National Day of: March 7/8

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National Day of Unplugging is a 24-hour period where people worldwide volunteer to unplug and live without technology from sundown on a Friday in March to sunset Saturday. What’s with the sundown-to-sundown timeline? The event was started by Reboot, a Jewish consortium of artists, writers, intellectuals, and others who explore what it means to be Jewish and Jewish culture. In the Jewish faith, events start at sundown. The Sabbath, the day of rest in the belief, always begins on Friday at sundown and goes until Saturday at sunset. It is outlined in the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) the Sabbath is to be kept holy as a day of rest and introspection to commune with God. What better time to unplug, relax, connect with family and friends and do something other than remain chained to technology?

Africa

Mar

Urban Ballroom Dance Day, Ntl.: March 8

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Celebrating the history of African American ballroom dancing originated in this nation’s urban areas. Urban ballroom dancing includes Detroit Ballrooming, Chicago Stepping, Hand-dancing, Bop, Latin Hustle, Two-step, Swing, and other partner dancing styles. National Urban Ballroom Dance Day first ran in 2011. Annually on the second Saturday in March.

Africa

Mar

Vaquita Month, Save the: March

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The vaquita is the most endangered marine mammal in the world. This exquisite porpoise with spot-dog eyes lives in the northernmost portions of the Gulf of California and averages four to five feet (1.5-2 meters) in length. Gestation is ten months, and a vaquita cow can only birth one calf a year, and that calf requires five years to mature to adulthood. Currently, ten vaquitas exist in the wild, with none in captivity. Since their discovery in 1958, their numbers have declined by 50 percent annually. Vaquitas face extinction due to illegal fishing. Like the pangolin, the vaquita's plight is due to poaching, in this case, for the totoaba, a similarly-sized fish. The totoaba's swim bladder is used in alternative medicines in China, and the rarity of the fish fetches a high price there. The illegal gillnets used to scoop up totoaba trap the vaquita underwater and, as mammals, cause them to drown.

Africa

Mar

Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month: March

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Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month, observed annually, spotlights a group of often misunderstood and underdiagnosed medical conditions. This dedicated month aims to raise awareness, improve understanding, and foster support for those affected by vascular anomalies. Vascular anomalies encompass a broad range of conditions related to abnormal blood vessels. These conditions can vary significantly in appearance, location, and impact on health. Anomalies are classified into two main groups: vascular tumors, such as hemangiomas, and vascular malformations, which include conditions like lymphangiomas and arteriovenous malformations. Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month was created to increase understanding and awareness of this condition. Though not rare, it is not widely recognized by the general public or even by many healthcare professionals. This lack of awareness can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and a lack of support for patients and their families. Additionally, the month aims to dispel myths and provide accurate information about these conditions. One key challenge in discussing the prevention of vascular anomalies is that many of these conditions are congenital, meaning they are present at birth. Factors like genetic mutations play a significant role, although the exact causes of many vascular anomalies remain unknown. Consequently, there are currently no established methods for preventing them. Anyone can be born with a vascular anomaly, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or geographic location. The onset of symptoms and the severity of these conditions can vary widely. Some individuals may live with minor, asymptomatic anomalies, while others may experience significant health challenges. Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month is a call to action for increased research, better treatment options, and enhanced patient care. It's a time when patient advocacy groups, medical professionals, and families unite to share stories, educate the public, and support one another. Through these efforts, the month contributes to a greater understanding of these complex conditions, paving the way for better medical outcomes and a more informed and empathetic society.

Africa

Mar

Veggie Month (UK): March

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Veggie Month in the United Kingdom, celebrated in March, encourages people to eat more vegetables and highlights the benefits of a plant-based diet. It promotes healthier eating habits but also about understanding the environmental impact of food choices. During Veggie Month, various events educate people about vegetarian and vegan diets, including cooking demonstrations, recipe sharing, and discussions about sustainable agriculture. In terms of vegetables that are in season in the UK in March, you'll find a variety of hearty vegetables that thrive in the cooler weather. Some of these include: Leeks—prized for their mild, onion-like flavor, leeks are versatile and can be used in various dishes, from soups to pies. Brussels Sprouts—these small, cabbage-like vegetables deliver a slightly bitter, nutty flavor. Parsnips—a root vegetable, parsnips are sweet and can be roasted, boiled, or used in soups and stews. Cabbage—available in several varieties, cabbage is a staple in many dishes and can be used in everything from salads to fermented foods like sauerkraut. Kale—a hardy green vegetable, kale is packed with nutrients and added to salads, smoothies, or as a cooked side dish. Swede (Rutabaga) is a root vegetable that is a cross between a cabbage and a turnip (swede). It is often mashed or used in stews. For those looking to plant vegetables in March for a summer or fall harvest in the UK, consider the following options: Tomatoes: Start them indoors in March and transplant them outside after the last frost. They require a sunny spot and regular watering. Peppers: Like tomatoes, peppers should be started indoors and moved outside in late spring. They need warmth and sunlight to thrive. Beetroot: Easy to grow, beetroot can be sown directly into the soil in March for a summer harvest. Carrots: These can be sown directly into the ground in March. They need loose, well-drained soil. Lettuce and Salad Leaves: Perfect for continuous harvesting, these can be sown directly into the ground or in containers. Peas: Hardy and easy to grow, peas can be sown directly into the ground in March. They require support as they grow. Remember, gardening success can vary based on specific local climate conditions, so it's always a good idea to consult a local gardening expert or resource for tailored advice.

Africa

Mar

Vernal Equinox, Northern Hemisphere: March 20

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A national holiday in Japan, the Vernal Equinox occurs in March in the northern hemisphere, when the earth's access is a tilt at zero degrees, favoring neither the northern nor southern hemispheres. It is the official beginning of spring and is a highly auspicious day in faiths that base their calendars on the sun's movement.

Africa