All - Leep Calendar

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

Pig Day, Ntl.: March 1

06:20 AM | -

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

Pit Bull Celebration Month: March

06:20 AM | -

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

Plan a Solo Vacation Day: March 1

06:20 AM | -

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

Plant a Flower Day: March 12

06:20 AM | -

Plant a Flower Day is celebrated each March and encourages people to enjoy wildlife gardening. Wildlife Gardening involves seeding and planting species that are native to your area and attract wildlife to your yard. Today is an excellent opportunity to get your family to work together, plant local favorite flowers, and chart their growth. You can start seedlings inside if you do not have a yard available. Planting indoors will also protect them from inclement weather and insects. Supported by the National Wildlife Federation.

Africa

Mar

Plumbing Day, World: March 11

06:20 AM | -

World Plumbing Day celebrates the importance of plumbing in our everyday life. This international event is recognized by the World Health Organization and initiated by the World Plumbing Council in 2010. The world’s most precious resource, water, is harnessed by plumbing. Running water in your kitchen, an indoor toilet, and hot water for a shower are all things most of us take for granted. The safety of drinking water is a concern for people worldwide. Imagine if you suddenly didn’t have it. Technology has taken plumbing to new heights since the days of the Greek and Roman empires. Products consistently improve the efficiency of water usage through shower heads, faucets, and toilets. These efforts save trillions of gallons of water each year and billions of dollars for individuals and companies.

Africa

Mar

Poetry Day, World: March 21

06:20 AM | -

World Poetry Day's date was chosen during UNESCO's 30th session in 1999. Its main objective is to pay tribute to the men and women who use free speech as an instrument of change and beauty. World Poetry Day also supports linguistic diversity through poetic expression and offers endangered languages the chance to be heard.

Africa

Mar

Poison Prevention Awareness Month: March

06:20 AM | -

Poison Prevention Awareness Month is one of two poison-related events in March. The second is Poison Prevention Week during the second half of the Month. The U.S. Poison Control Center notes, "A child is accidentally poisoned every 30 seconds! And more than 50 percent of all poisoning occurs at HOME in children under five years of age." Thousands of children are poisoned yearly by everyday household products such as insect sprays, cleaners, paints, bleach, perfumes, and medicines. National Poison Prevention Month educates parents about the dangers of common household poisons and what they can do to keep their children safe. The following are guidelines for parents from the National Poison Control Center: What is poison? Information for Kids. How can you get poisoned? You can get poisoned by eating, drinking, touching, or smelling something that can make you sick or hurt. Some things, like medicine, can make you sick if you take the wrong kind or too much. Always ask a trusted grown-up before you take any medication. Never put anything in your mouth if you are unsure if it is safe to eat. Ask a grown-up first! Where are poisons found? Poison exists in every room in your home or outside, like some plants, berries, and mushrooms. What can you do if someone gets poisoned? If you think you got into a poison, tell a grown-up immediately! They will call the poison center, and the poison center will tell them how to help you. If you think your mom or dad, your brother or sister, or even your friend got into a poison, you can call the poison center too. Learn the poison center's phone number, 1-800-222-1222, and make sure you have the poison center number on or near your house's telephones. How can you be prepared? Ask your mom or dad to teach you what is dangerous and what is not. Sometimes poisons can be colorful or have exciting designs on the packaging. Avoid anything you aren't familiar with unless an adult says it's okay. Encourage your family to have a plan in case someone gets poisoned. Like fire and tornado drills, a well-practiced plan of action can keep you and your family safe.

Africa

Mar

Poison Prevention Week, Ntl.: March 16-22

06:20 AM | -

Since 1962, the President of the United States has proclaimed the third week of March as National Poison Prevention Week to raise awareness about the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them. US poison centers answer millions of calls a year. About 90 percent of the people who call with poison emergencies can be treated at home by following the advice of poison center experts, saving over one billion dollars in medical expenses.

Africa

Mar

Polar Week, Intl.: March 14-20 (est)

06:20 AM | -

International Polar Week is an awareness and education campaign sponsored by The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS). The polar regions support a rich array of life in the Arctic and Antarctic. Scientists worldwide are working together to increase our knowledge of the cryosphere and its inhabitants in a spirit of international cooperation. Sponsor APECS's Education and Outreach Committee uses this opportunity to plan & develop polar science-related activities alongside teachers, educators, and those interested in polar education each year. This event occurs twice a year near the spring and autumn equinox.

Africa

Mar

Potato Chip Day, Ntl.: March 14

06:20 AM | -

National Potato Chip Day is observed annually in the US and celebrates a simple snack that generates over US$ 15 billion in revenue annually. Chef George Speck (Crum) of Native American and African American heritage and his sister Wicks Speck are often attributed as the originators of the thin potato snack, despite the several recipes in cookbooks in the 1820s and 1830s. What is indisputable is that Speck is the man who popularized the chip, or "crisp," as the English would say. Potato chips were first served at Moon's Lake House in Saratoga Springs, New York, hence the nickname "Saratoga chips." Speck's sister explained in an interview during the 1930s that the potato chip's creation was a mistake. A slice of potato fell into a pan of grease, cooked, and she pulled it out and set it aside in 1853. Her brother walked by, popped it in his mouth, and liked it. Chips were a quick and easy addition to the menu and used up the scraps from potatoes. Speck opened his first restaurant in 1860, Crum's, and the potato chip would become synonymous with him. Fastidious toward detail, Speck ensured every table in his upscale restaurant included a basket of chips as an appetizer (like tortilla chips in Mexican restaurants today). Speck died at the age of 90 in 1914. Today potato chips are one of the most popular snacks in the world.

Africa

Mar

Poultry Day, Ntl.: March 19

06:20 AM | -

National Poultry Day highlights poultry, be it chicken, turkey, duck, goose, or quail. Poultry is a general term for any domesticated bird raised for meat or eggs. In the United States, chicken is the most popular meat served for meals. National Poultry Day is an unofficial holiday with no specific sponsor.

Africa

Mar

Pound Cake Day: March 4

06:20 AM | -

Pound Cake Day highlights the 18th century (1747) creation that required a "pound of butter, pound of eggs, pound of sugar and a pound of flour" to bake the pound cake.

Africa

Mar

Poutine Day, Ntl. (US/CA): March 5

06:20 AM | -

National Poutine Day is celebrated in the United States and Canada. Poutine may be the original comfort food—French Fries drenched in cheese curd and gravy, plus anything else you want to put on top. This dish originated in Quebec, Canada, and has become a pub favorite.

Africa

Mar

Prayer, World Day of: March 7

06:20 AM | -

Regardless of faith, World Day of Prayer, first observed in 1927, is an opportunity for the world to come together and pray for universal peace, prosperity, and understanding.

Africa