All - Leep Calendar

Chocolate Chip Cookie Week is an unofficial event with no sponsors. It is revered by bakers, cookie enthusiasts, and various businesses in the food industry who seize the opportunity to honor this classic American sweet. The chocolate chip cookie was invented in 1938 by Ruth Graves Wakefield, who, along with her husband, owned the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. The story goes that Wakefield, while making a batch of cookies, realized she was out of baker's chocolate and substituted it with broken pieces of semi-sweet chocolate, expecting it to melt and absorb into the dough. Instead, the chocolate held its shape, and the iconic chocolate chip cookie was born. The recipe's popularity soared upon its publishing in a Boston newspaper. As its fame grew, Wakefield struck a deal with Nestle: her recipe became part of the packaging of their semi-sweet chocolate bars in exchange for a lifetime supply of chocolate. This agreement led to Nestle creating chocolate chips or "morsels" specifically for baking in 1939, further solidifying the cookie's place in American culinary history. Chocolate Chip Cookie Week is a testament to the cookie's enduring popularity. It is typically marked by bakeries and cookie enthusiasts sharing their unique takes on the classic recipe and providing a sweet opportunity for people to indulge in nostalgia.

Africa

Mar

Chocolate Covered Raisin Day, Ntl.: March 24

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Chocolate Covered Raisin Day celebrates the movie house classic. The idea of covering fruits, nuts, and even nougat with chocolate wasn’t possible until the 19th century. The technology needed to separate chocolate from cocoa butter wouldn’t be invented until 1828 by Conrad Van Houten in today’s Netherlands. Without this process, chocolate is a spice, like cinnamon or ginger. Fortunately, the process was developed, and different techniques, including conching, invented by Rudolph Lindt in 1879, would eventually lead to that box of chocolates everyone loves to get. Chocolate Covered Raisins Day is an unofficial holiday with no sponsor.

Africa

Mar

Chocolate Week, American: March 16-22

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National Chocolate Week is an annual promotion supported by the National Confectioners Association. It aims to support the chocolate industry and promote products created from chocolate. Chocolate beans have been used since around 1900 BC by the people of Central America, usually as a bitter drink, often alcoholic or with red peppers. (It is quite a treat if you’ve never tried hot chocolate with red peppers using hot water instead of milk!) On his fourth voyage, Christopher Columbus brought this delicious bean to Europe. He noted the encounter in his ship’s log on August 15, 1502. Later, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés would bring the bean back in bulk a few decades later (he was only 17 when Columbus found it). But in its Central American form, it wasn’t the sweet treat we see today. That required several inventions: John Baker’s process of grounding between millstones of cocoa beans to create a powder in 1764. Conrad Van Houten’s development of a method for extracting the cacao liquor from the fat in the cocoa bean in 1828 made chocolate affordable. And finally, the development of conching by Swiss chocolatier Rodolphe Lindt in 1879. The rest is sweet history. There are several different types of cocoa beans. Though native to the Americas, nearly two-thirds of cocoa production occurs in Africa today, and Ivory Coast is the largest producer.

Africa

Mar

Christchurch Massacres (NZ)(2019): March 15

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Today is the anniversary of the Christchurch Massacre. On March 19, 2019, a 28-year-old white supremacist and Islamophobic man entered the Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand. He proceeded to massacre worshipers, live-streaming his rampage on social media. Fifty-one people were killed and another 40 injured before he was apprehended. The victims ranged from age 3 to 71 years old. The linked article from the BBC includes the photos and biographies of all those murdered. The Christchurch Massacre is the deadliest mass shooting in New Zealand’s history.

Africa

Mar

Citizenship Day, American (PR)(1917): March 2

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American Citizenship Day in Puerto Rico, observed annually on March 2, commemorates the day in 1917 when Puerto Ricans were collectively granted U.S. citizenship under the Jones-Shafroth Act. President Woodrow Wilson signed the act into law, marking a significant change in the relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States. Prior to this act, Puerto Ricans held only "citizenship" as residents of Puerto Rico, a status that did not include all the rights and privileges of U.S. citizenship. The purpose of American Citizenship Day in Puerto Rico is to reflect on the complex history and implications of Puerto Rican citizenship, which has evolved over a century since the Jones Act. It's a day that prompts discussions on the island's political status, its unique relationship with the United States, and the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. The observance also provides an opportunity to educate younger generations about the historical context of their citizenship and its impact on their identity and rights. The creation of this day highlights a pivotal moment in Puerto Rico's history, acknowledging both the benefits and limitations that have come with U.S. citizenship. While Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens by birth, they cannot vote in presidential elections unless they reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Moreover, the island's representation in Congress is limited to a non-voting Resident Commissioner. American Citizenship Day in Puerto Rico serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate over the island's political status—whether it should remain a U.S. territory, pursue statehood, or seek independence. The day underscores the unique and sometimes contentious relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States, reflecting on Puerto Ricans' rights, identity, and aspirations within the broader American polity.

Africa

Mar

Civil Defense Day, World (1972): March 1

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World Civil Defense Day, observed annually on March 1st, was established by the International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) to bring attention to civil defense's importance and honor emergency services efforts worldwide. The day was created in 1990, marking the anniversary of the ICDO's constitution of 1972. The purpose of World Civil Defense Day is multifaceted: it aims to raise awareness of the crucial role that civil defense plays in protecting people and property in times of emergencies and disasters, promote the preparedness of emergency services, and enhance public understanding of preparedness measures. The observance of World Civil Defense Day reminds us of the global need for preparedness and resilience against natural and man-made disasters. Activities on this day often include educational campaigns, drills, and disseminating information on disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and how individuals can take action to protect themselves and their communities. Governments, schools, and civil defense organizations use the day to highlight the significance of emergency services and encourage cooperation and coordination among various agencies and the public. WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON FORMS OF CIVIL DEFENSE? Civil defense encompasses a broad range of services and measures designed to protect the civilian population, maintain public order, and respond to emergencies, disasters, and threats of war. These services are typically organized at national or local government levels and involve coordination among various agencies and organizations. Essential services and components of civil defense include: Emergency Preparedness and Response: Developing and implementing plans to prepare for and respond to natural disasters (such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes), man-made disasters (such as industrial accidents or terrorist attacks), and wartime situations, including evacuation plans, emergency shelter management, and emergency supply distribution. Search and Rescue Operations involve conducting missions to find and assist individuals trapped or affected by disasters. These missions involve specialized teams trained in urban search and rescue, mountain rescue, and water rescue. Disaster Relief and Recovery: Providing immediate relief to disaster-affected populations, including food, water, shelter, and medical care. Recovery efforts focus on rebuilding and rehabilitating affected areas to restore normalcy. Public Warning Systems: Developing and maintaining systems to warn the population of imminent threats or emergencies, such as weather alerts, earthquake early warning systems, and alerts for other hazards, including using sirens, text message alerts, and broadcast warnings. Firefighting Services: Extinguishing fires and preventing fire hazards, especially in widespread emergencies with elevated fire risk. Firefighting services are a critical component of civil defense in both peacetime and wartime scenarios. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense: Preparing for and responding to hazardous material incidents, chemical spills, biological threats, radiological contamination, and nuclear accidents, including detection, decontamination, and protective measures. Evacuation and Sheltering: Organizing the evacuation of civilians from dangerous areas and providing safe shelters during emergencies, including managing temporary housing and ensuring the safety and security of evacuees. Public Education and Training: Educating the public on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including first aid training, emergency kit preparation, and drills that enhance a community's resilience and self-reliance. Infrastructure Protection: Ensuring the security and resilience of critical infrastructure and key resources essential to national security, economic stability, and public safety, including utilities (water, electricity), transportation systems, communication networks, and healthcare facilities. Civil defense services minimize the impact of disasters and emergencies on the civilian population, safeguard public health and safety, and ensure that communities can recover and rebuild in the aftermath of crises. World Civil Defense Day underscores the importance of building a culture of safety and preparedness globally. It honors the dedication and bravery of emergency personnel who risk their lives to save others and emphasizes the collective responsibility of societies to foster environments that can withstand and recover from disasters. By commemorating this day, the ICDO and participating nations aim to strengthen the effectiveness of civil defense measures and enhance the capacity of individuals and communities to mitigate the impact of disasters.

Africa

Mar

Clam on the Half Shell Day, Ntl.: March 31

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National Clam on the Half Shell Day is a great day to grab the friends, some beer, and head down to the water for a good old fashion clambake. Get a bed of hot stones covered with seaweed and throw the clams you’ve dug up into the heap. Now stand back and enjoy! National Clam on the Half Shell Day is an unofficial holiday with no sponsor.

Africa

Mar

Clap 4 Health Month: March

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Children, seniors, and just about everyone can clap. Not only is it exercise, but it releases feel-good endorphins that elevate your mood. Clap for Health Month is an annual outreach program that uses clapping to educate Americans about obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Africa

Mar

Clean Out Your Closet Week, Intl.: March 16-22

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International Clean Out Your Closet Week, spanning the equinox, encourages people to declutter and organize their wardrobes. It has gained popularity among home organization enthusiasts, lifestyle bloggers, and professional organizers. Cleaning out one's closet aligns with the broader movement towards minimalism and efficient home organization, championed by the growing trend of sustainable living. International Clean Out Your Closet Week emerged from contemporary trends emphasizing decluttering and home organization in preparation for Spring and the act of turning the closet. Turning the closet refers to removing winter clothes, storing them, and replacing them with Spring and Summer clothes. The rise of consumer culture in recent decades, followed by a push towards more mindful consumption, has made regularly cleaning out and reevaluating personal belongings more relevant. During International Clean Out Your Closet Week, participants are encouraged to sort through their clothing and other items stored in closets, deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. Charity organizations that benefit from clothing and household items donations often support the event. It also receives attention from environmental groups advocating for reducing waste and promoting sustainable fashion and consumer goods practices. SEVEN QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CLEANING YOUR CLOSET When cleaning out and reorganizing your closet, it's helpful to ask yourself questions to guide the process and decide what to keep, discard, or donate. Here are seven key questions to consider: Have I worn this in the last year? If you last wore an item in the past year, you're unlikely to wear it again. Unworn indicates it's time to let it go. Does it fit me well, and is it comfortable? Clothing that doesn't fit comfortably or flatter your body is unlikely to be worn. Keeping only those items that fit well ensures your closet contains clothes you'll wear. Is it in good condition? Check for any wear and tear. Items damaged, faded, or irreparably stained should be discarded unless you can quickly fix them. Is it still in style, and does it align with my current tastes? Our style evolves. If something is outdated or no longer matches your taste, consider removing it from your wardrobe. Does this item have sentimental value? Some items hold sentimental value. However, you must be selective and realistic about how many items you keep. Is this item versatile? Consider how well the piece integrates with the rest of your wardrobe. Items you can wear in multiple ways or with various outfits are more valuable in a functional, streamlined closet. Would I buy this item today? This question helps you assess the item's current value to you. If you don't choose to buy it now, it might not be worth keeping. Asking these questions can help create a more functional, organized, and enjoyable closet with items you love and use. International Clean Out Your Closet Week taps into the growing awareness and enthusiasm for home organization and sustainable living. Its relevance is rooted in contemporary societal trends that value minimalism, organization, and conscious consumerism.

Africa

Mar

Clean Up Australia Day (AU): March 1

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During a national week of action, more than 680,000 volunteers across 6,834 sites have removed an estimated 15 thousand tonnes of rubbish from their favorite parks, beaches, bushland, suburban streets, and waterways across the nation. Pip Kiernan, the new Chair of Clean Up Australia, speaking from the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, where it all began 30 years ago, noted how proud she is to see so many more Australians taking up the challenge to continue her Dad’s crusade against rubbish. “It’s amazing to see so many people are as passionate about looking after the environment as Dad was; I am confident that together we can continue to grow Clean Up Australia Day well into the future,” said Pip Kiernan.

Africa

Mar

Clean Up Your IRS Act (Taxes) Month, Ntl.: March

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The American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS) is a national, non-profit organization of professionals representing taxpayers before the IRS. Each year in March, they sponsor Clean Up Your IRS Tax Month to raise awareness that tax planning and organization continue to be the best bulwark against an audit.

Africa

Mar

Cleaning Week, Ntl. (US/CA): March 23-29

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National Cleaning Week occurs in late March. The American Cleaning Institute established National Cleaning Week to coincide with the traditional practice of spring cleaning, a custom with deep roots in many cultures worldwide. In climates with distinct winter seasons, spring has historically been seen as an opportune time to open up and clean out homes after long, enclosed winters, clearing dust and preparing for the warmer months ahead. Over time, this practice took on a more formalized tone in the context of National Cleaning Week. The week features various activities and promotions related to cleaning and organizing spaces in domestic and commercial settings. Cleaning companies often use this week to promote their services, while retailers may offer deals on cleaning supplies and equipment. The purpose of National Cleaning Week extends beyond mere tidiness to themes of sustainability and environmental consciousness. The week serves as an opportunity to advocate for eco-friendly cleaning practices and products, emphasizing the importance of maintaining healthful spaces for people and the planet. Furthermore, National Cleaning Week is often used as a platform to acknowledge the hard work of professional cleaners. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of these workers' essential role in maintaining public health and safety, particularly highlighted during global health crises. National Cleaning Week is a contemporary observance rooted in the age-old practice of spring cleaning. It reflects a collective desire for renewal and cleanliness and promotes sustainable practices and recognition of the cleaning industry's crucial role in maintaining healthy environments.

Africa

Mar

Client's Day: March 19

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Client's Day, observed annually on March 19th, is a relatively recent addition to the calendar of professional observances. Its purpose is to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of clients in the business world. This day is an opportunity for businesses and professionals to show appreciation for their clients, strengthen existing relationships, and build new ones. It serves as a reminder of the value of customer service and the role of clients in the success of any business venture. A "client" refers to any individual or entity that engages the services or advice of a professional or company. Unlike customers who may purchase goods in a transactional manner, clients often have a more ongoing, relationship-based interaction with businesses or service providers. This distinction highlights the importance of nurturing positive, long-term relationships with clients across various industries, including law, finance, consulting, and beyond. Client's Day was initiated in Lithuania in 2010 by the Klaipeda Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Crafts. Arturas Zuokas, a prominent Lithuanian entrepreneur and politician, created the day after recognizing the need for a dedicated day to strengthen the bond between businesses and their clients. Since its inception, Client's Day has gained international recognition, with various organizations and businesses worldwide embracing the occasion to express gratitude to their clients through special events, promotions, and personalized gestures of appreciation. The observance of Client's Day emphasizes that clients are the cornerstone of any business and that their satisfaction and loyalty are crucial for long-term success. It encourages companies to reflect on their client relations strategies, improve their service offerings, and express their gratitude for the trust and opportunities provided by their clients. Celebrating Client's Day involves: Sending thank-you notes. Offering special discounts or gifts. Hosting client appreciation events. Simply reaching out to express gratitude for their business and feedback. Client's Day is a testament to clients' essential role in the business ecosystem. It promotes a culture of appreciation, service excellence, and mutual respect between businesses and their clients.

Africa

Mar

Close the Gap Day (AU): March 20

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Many of Australia’s First Peoples are denied the same access to healthcare that non-Indigenous Australians take for granted. Despite a decade of Government promises, the gap in health and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians is widening. Close the Gap Day is an annual awareness, and action campaign addressing this issue and supported by the CTG coalition and is currently run by ANTaR.

Africa

Mar

Coconut Torte Day, Ntl.: March 13

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National Coconut Torte Day occurs each March. Celebrate by gathering ingredients to make one. Build up three or more layers of cake while liberally slathering the layers in between with flour, ground nuts, breadcrumbs, sugar, eggs, and of course, lots and lots of coconuts. You will make some new friends with this one. National Coconut Torte Day is an unofficial event with no sponsor.

Africa