All - Leep Calendar

Beer Day in Iceland marks the anniversary of the end of 75 years of prohibition regarding beer on the island nation, March 1, 1989. Other alcohol was available after 1921, but beer was tied to the colonial past when Denmark ruled Iceland. Therefore, when the ban finally ended in 1989, 44 years after Iceland's independence from Denmark, beer became the national drink. Throughout the nation, pubs and restaurants host celebrations and all-day happy hours. Beer Day kicks off the annual five-day Food and Fun Festival in Reykjavik each year: http://www.foodandfun.is.

Africa

Mar

Behavior Analysis Day, World (1904): March 20

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World Behavior Analysis Day recognizes and promotes the science of behavior analysis—a discipline that focuses on understanding and improving human behavior through research-based principles and interventions. The day aims to raise awareness about the contributions of behavior analysis in various fields such as education, healthcare, business, and environmental sustainability. World Behavior Analysis Day's importance lies in educating the public about the value of behavior analysis and its potential to enhance quality of life. Behavior analysis is grounded in the work of B.F. Skinner, born March 20, 1904, and other pioneering scientists offer evidence-based approaches for teaching new skills, reducing problematic behaviors, and promoting positive social change. This day provides an opportunity to showcase the success stories and advancements made possible through this scientific approach, highlighting its impact on education, autism spectrum disorder interventions, mental health, organizational behavior management, and beyond. People can take advantage of World Behavior Analysis Day in several ways: Education and Awareness: This day can be used by individuals to learn more about behavior analysis and its applications. Organizations and professionals in the field can host workshops, webinars, and public lectures to educate the community about how behavior analysis can improve various aspects of life and work. Advocacy: Advocates can use the day to promote policies and initiatives that support behavior analysis in public services, such as education systems and mental health care. Raising awareness among policymakers and stakeholders about the benefits of behavior analysis can lead to increased support and funding for behavior-analytic services. Community Engagement: Professionals and organizations can organize community events or volunteer services that demonstrate behavior analysis in action. For example, schools and educational institutions might host open days or interactive sessions to show how behavior analysis techniques support learning and development. Professional Development: For those in the field or interested in entering it, World Behavior Analysis Day can be an opportunity for professional growth. Participating in conferences, seminars, and networking events can help professionals stay updated on the latest research findings and best practices in behavior analysis. Public Recognition: Celebrating the achievements of individuals and organizations who have significantly contributed to behavior analysis can inspire others. Awards, acknowledgments, and stories of positive impact can highlight the transformative power of behavior analysis and encourage broader adoption of its principles. World Behavior Analysis Day reminds us of the significant role behavior analysis plays in improving individual lives and addressing societal challenges. By participating in education, advocacy, community engagement, and professional development activities, individuals and communities can leverage the science of behavior analysis for social good.

Africa

Mar

Bell Day (1876): March 7

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Alexander Graham Bell Day marks the anniversary of the receipt of United States Patent No. 174,465 1876, the patent for the telephone. Bell's inventions include optics, telecommunications, hydrofoils, and aeronautics. A nature lover, Bell also served as the second president of the National Geographic Society from 1898-1903.

Africa

Mar

Benito Juárez Day (MX)(1806): March 17

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Often referred to as "Mexico's Lincoln," Benito Juárez lived between 1806 and 1872 and was president of Mexico for five terms between 1858 and 1872. Juárez was responsible for the legislation that limited the church's power over national affairs. Benito Juárez Day is a federal holiday in Mexico celebrated on the third Monday of March. Juárez was born March 21, 1806, in San Pablo Gueletao, a village in the state of Oaxaca, to farmers and a member of the Zapotec tribe. Juárez didn't learn to read, write or speak Spanish until he entered his teens under the tutelage of Franciscan monks. He graduated from the seminary in 1827, was elected to the city council in 1831, and earned a degree in law in 1834, beginning his political career. In 1847 he was elected governor of Oaxaca until 1852. In 1853 dictator Santa Anna regained power in Mexico, and the first two long wars began. By 1854, Juárez had joined the resistance under General Alvarez and became his minister of justice. One of his first laws, known as "Juárez's law," served to limit the church's power over national politics. By 1856 he was governor of Oaxaca once again. By 1857, he was installed as the chief justice of the Supreme Court—for about a year until he was arrested during another attempted coup. However, as chief justice, he was next in line for the presidency should the president die in office. Juárez escaped captivity in 1858. That same year the Reform War 1858-61 started, and Juárez was captured again near Guadalajara, briefly, before fleeing again, this time to Manzanillo, where he assisted in rebuilding the resistance. Juárez then became the president of Mexico. During 1857, the two men corresponded regularly to the death of US President Lincoln. Juárez remained president of Mexico until his death.

Africa

Mar

Bibliomane Day (1990): March 20

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On March 20, 1990, Stephen Blumberg, an American bibliomaniac (collector of rare books), was arrested in one of the most significant book thefts in United States history. Blumberg's crime was exceptional not only because of the sheer volume of the stolen property but also due to the nature of the items stolen—rare and valuable books and manuscripts. This case is a fascinating study of extreme bibliomania, leading some to refer to the anniversary of his arrest as "Bibliomania Day," a tongue-in-cheek recognition of Blumberg's obsessive compulsion for collecting books by any means necessary. Blumberg's method of operation was meticulous and stealthy, allowing him to amass over 20,000 books and documents from more than 268 libraries and museums across the United States and Canada. His targets were not ordinary books but rare and often irreplaceable works, including centuries-old maps, first editions, and manuscripts. Blumberg utilized various techniques to execute his thefts, often entering libraries during public hours and removing items without detection. He would sometimes disguise himself or use tools to bypass security systems, showing high premeditation and skill in his criminal activities. The exceptional nature of Blumberg's crime lies in the cultural and historical significance of the stolen items. Libraries and institutions lost valuable assets, some of which were historically important. The thefts represented not just a financial loss but a cultural one, affecting scholars, researchers, and the general public who lost access to these resources. Blumberg's capture is due to investigative work by law enforcement and tips from the antique book community, which had become increasingly suspicious of an individual acquiring such a vast and rare collection without clear proof. When authorities arrested Blumberg at his home in Ottumwa, Iowa, they discovered an estimated $5.3 million worth of stolen books and manuscripts, confirming the extent of his nearly two-decade-long spree of bibliomania. His arrest and the subsequent discovery of the stolen collection highlighted the challenges libraries face in protecting their collections, leading to improvements in security measures and inventory management in institutions nationwide. The story of Stephen Blumberg is a cautionary tale about the dark side of obsessive collecting. It serves as a reminder of the value and vulnerability of cultural and historical artifacts. The term "Bibliomania Day" serves to remember Blumberg's extraordinary crime and reflect on the importance of preserving and protecting literary heritage.

Africa

Mar

Biodiesel Day, Ntl. (1858): March 18

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March 18, 1858, Rudolph Diesel, the inventor responsible for the diesel internal combustion engine, created in 1897, was born.

Africa

Mar

Bipolar Day, World (1853): March 30

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World Bipolar Day (WBD) is an initiative of the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD), the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD). It is held annually on the birth date of Vincent Van Gogh (March 30, 1853). After his death, doctors believed he had bipolar disorder. World Bipolar Day brings awareness to bipolar disorders and seeks to eliminate social stigma by educating the global population about bipolar disorders and improving sensitivity towards the illness. This event first ran in 2014.

Africa

Mar

Birkebeinerrennet (NO): March 15

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Love skiing? Then you’ll love Norway’s annual Birkebeinerrennet! This cross-country race starts in Rena and finishes in Lillehammer. Fifty-four kilometers in length, it showcases the beauty of this northern European country's people and culture.

Africa

Mar

Birth Defects Day, World: March 3

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World Birth Defects Day raises awareness of congenital disabilities surveillance, prevention, and care while funding research. Currently, three to six percent of all babies born have severe birth defects, many of which are preventable, and it is one of the leading causes of death in infants and small children.

Africa

Mar

Black Forest Cake Day, Ntl.: March 28

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German Black Forest Cake or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is a layered sponge cake soaked in cherry schnapps, stuffed with whipped cream and whole cherries, and topped with frosting and dark chocolate shavings. It is named black forest for one of its main ingredients, the Morello cherry, which grows in this southwest region. Pastry chef Josef Keller (1887-1981) invented the Black Forest cherry cake in 1915 for his Café Ahrend.

Africa

Mar

Black Hole Awareness Month: March

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National Black Hole Awareness Month is an unofficial holiday with no sponsor. Black holes are a theory. In January 2013, astronomers released the first pictures of what they think a black hole will look like - but admit they don't yet have the technology to check their theory. Black holes are invisible, as light cannot escape their gravitational pull. See the whole article in the UK's Daily Mail at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2266573/First-picture-astronomers-think-black-hole-looks-like-youll-wait-build-telescope-theyre-right.html.

Africa

Mar

Black Marriage Day: March 23

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Black Marriage Day, observed annually on the fourth Sunday of March, was established in 2003 by Nisa Muhammad of the Wedded Bliss Foundation to celebrate and promote the value of marriage within the African American community. This day is important because it highlights Black love and marriage's strength, resilience, and beauty, countering negative stereotypes and providing positive examples of Black couples and families. It is a platform to encourage dialogue about the social, economic, and cultural benefits of solid marital bonds in the Black community. The significance of Black Marriage Day extends beyond mere celebration; it is a response to the challenges and disparities African American couples face. Historically, Black marriages experienced various systemic barriers, including economic inequality, racial discrimination, and the lingering effects of slavery and segregation. These challenges have contributed to lower marriage rates and higher divorce rates among African Americans compared to other racial groups in the United States. The impact of Black marriage on culture is profound. Strong marital relationships contribute to families' stability and economic well-being, providing a supportive environment for raising children. Married couples in the Black community often serve as role models, offering tangible examples of commitment and resilience in the face of adversity. Moreover, Black marriages contribute to the diversity and richness of the American family landscape, showcasing the varied expressions of love and partnership. Focusing on Black marriage is necessary for several reasons: Strengthening Communities: Stable marriages and families are foundational to the health and vitality of communities. By supporting Black marriages, there is a potential to foster stronger, more resilient communities that can better support their members socially and economically. Counteracting Negative Stereotypes: Celebrating Black Marriage Day helps to counteract and challenge the negative stereotypes and narratives often portrayed in media and popular culture about Black love and families. Promoting Positive Outcomes: Research has shown that children raised in two-parent households tend to have better academic outcomes, higher self-esteem, and lower rates of involvement in the criminal justice system. Highlighting and supporting Black marriages can contribute to positive outcomes for the next generation. Addressing Unique Challenges: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Black couples, including racial discrimination and economic disparities, Black Marriage Day emphasizes the need for targeted support and resources to help these couples thrive. Black Marriage Day promotes various events and activities, including marriage seminars, vow renewal ceremonies, community festivals, and educational workshops. These events celebrate Black love and provide couples with tools and resources to build and maintain healthy relationships. Black Marriage Day plays a crucial role in affirming the value of marriage within the African American community, promoting positive representations of Black love, and addressing the unique challenges faced by Black couples. It stands as a testament to Black families' resilience and enduring strength, contributing positively to the broader cultural and social fabric of society.

Africa

Mar

Black Pound Day (UK): March 1

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Born in 2020 in the wake of the Black Lives Matter global protest, Black Pound Day in the United Kingdom is a monthly event occurring on the first Saturday of each month. The purpose is to ask consumers to support Black-owned businesses on this day by shopping at them or giving their patronage. Musician DJ Swiss created it.

Africa

Mar

Black Press Day, Ntl.(1827): March 16

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On March 16, 1827, the first black-owned newspaper was published in the United States, the Freedom's Journal. It was founded by the Reverend John Wilk, John Russwurm, and Samuel Cornish in New York City as a weekly and remained active until March 28, 1829.

Africa

Mar

Black Swan Day (2020): March 13

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Black Swan Day marks the day the COVID-19 situation turned upside down in the United States over eight hours on March 13, 2020. An event is considered a "Black Swan Event" when it upends norms and changes how society behaves going forward. It is a sudden and disruptive event. March 13, 2020, certainly fits that description. On March 13, 2020, the United States declared a National Emergency over the novel Coronavirus. On that day, the US had 2,183 cases with 48 deaths. Globally, the world had recorded 145,417 cases and 5,427 deaths. What we were about to engage as a global community, nobody knew. Everyone has a story about that day, and this is mine. FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH At 7:30 AM, March 13, 2020, I arrived my office in Bala Cynwood (Bah-la Kin-wood), Pennsylvania, wary of the fact it was Friday the 13th, but looking forward to getting the day over so the weekend could start. I was doing direct marketing door-to-door, business-to-business for 100% commission. I hated it with a passion but needed income as I researched LEEP. Every morning we held a ninety-minute "sales meeting," remedial training for the never-ending stream of recruits, 90% of whom never made it to 30 days, let alone a whole week. This day I lucked out, and I didn't have to take a trainee into the field. SCHUYLKILL GHOSTS & BUBBLE GUM LIGHTS At around 9:30 AM, I headed to my car, swung onto City Avenue, and headed toward Center City on the Schuylkill (Skoo-kull), interstate highway 76. It was the first indication that this would not be a typical day. There wasn't a single car moving westbound on the I-76, not one. Usually, the infamous highway is bumper-to-bumper at this time of day, actually any time of day. Where were the cars? I exited onto the PA1 northbound. On this road, another major highway, no cars were going southbound either. Two miles in, and still no cars on the other side. Drivers traveling my way were looking around as puzzled as me. A woman in hijab passed, catching my eye; she nodded and shook her head, confused. I grinned back half-heartedly and shrugged. Suddenly, over the crest ahead, a flood of bubble gum lights and sirens spilled into all the southbound lanes, swelling from the emergency parking lane to the Jersey barrier dividing us. Dozens and dozens of police motorcycles rushed toward us, followed by police cars, fire engines, command cars, and ambulances. Each vehicle was fully animated, and all had sirens blaring. Confused, my car compatriots and I all eased over to the shoulder, trying to figure out what to do. The flood of rapidly moving vehicles was over a mile in length. Then I saw the hearse. It was a funeral procession for a first responder. It is hard to explain the fear this engendered. My first thought was terrorism. Why else would roads be closed and hundreds of emergency vehicles of every flavor be traveling quickly toward Center City, lights flashing and sirens blaring? Fortunately, it was a show of respect, not my worst fear. However, the day continued in its strangeness. SHADES OF 1918 My first stop in North Philadelphia was an Irish pub with two locations in the city. The person I needed to speak with wasn't in, but his father was. I asked about their plans for Saint Patrick's Day the following week. "I don't know," he confided. "My father lived through the 1918 pandemic, and we're not sure what this is yet." The Spanish Flu. Over 12,000 Philadelphians lost their lives within six weeks during the 1918 second wave. It tore through the city after a Labor Day parade attended by an estimated 200,000 people. THE SIGN Wishing him luck for Saint Patrick's Day, I left and headed into the territory I planned to work that day, an area of light and heavy industrial manufacturing peppered with strip malls and various fast food joints. After about thirty minutes, I got my first contract, a multi-location retailer with a warehouse. Fabulous. After about forty minutes with them, I headed to a Starbucks. Parking, I exited the car, looking forward to sitting down. Instead, a sign at the door read: "Takeout only until further notice due to COVID-19." What? Gingerly, I scanned the other storefronts in the strip mall. Most were closed, except for a Redwing shoe store and a Duncan Donuts. The closed locations all had similar signs. Several strip malls later with closed signs, and I began to panic as I needed a restroom. The Taco Bell, cheesesteak place, and sub shop all refused customers inside. Nearly every location I could enter was empty, and the proprietors were worried and not friendly, which was highly unusual. Typically only nail salons and pawn shops were mean to me. Everyone was on edge. By 3 PM, I called it a day. Until I entered my car, without access to a radio during the day I didn't know that all hell had broken loose. The White House had officially declared a National Emergency over the Coronavirus. Several outbreaks in the US were reported, and suddenly people were discussing shutting everything down. "They can't shut everything down," I thought, "can they?" MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2020 That weekend, there was a stayed uneasiness. Monday morning's commute was better than Christmas week, with hardly any cars on the road. After our mind-numbing sales meeting, I headed to Philadelphia's Italian Market (my favorite place in the city) and checked in on existing clients until my 1:30 PM appointment with a culinary school in South Philly. As I left the school with a new contract, my phone started vibrating and screeching with an alarm I'd never heard. The text read, "The state of Pennsylvania will shut down at 5 PM today, March 16, 2020." What the?!? No! I'm supposed to get my hair cut tomorrow! Little did I know it would be seven more months of mop head before that would happen. Dumbfounded, I stood on the sunny street with budding trees staring at the message on my phone. It was 3 PM, exactly. Fortunately, I had made my commission for the week. Screw it! I didn't want to go home, and I didn't want to work. I wanted people, a communion of strangers, so I headed to a pub within stumbling distance of my house. About 15 of us sat in the small 1930s era bar, drinking cheap wine and bottled beer, tipping the bartender liberally, and discussing events with trepidation. The owner wandered in around 4 PM and informed us that the bar and most other businesses would indefinitely close at 5 PM. We watched the news on the tele and tried to make light of this new reality. At 4:55 PM, a final toast before one-by-one, we spilled out the door and made our way home. It was the end of an era and the beginning of what would become two and a half rather surreal years for everyone. ________________ As of today, January 19, 2023, 672,364,867 cases of COVID-19 have been reported globally. Six million, seven hundred thirty-seven thousand, four hundred seven people have died, and the US stands at 103,708,163 cases with 1,127,080 deaths, the highest in the world. I don't think I'm a fan of black swans anymore.

Africa