All - Leep Calendar

George Washington Carver was one of the most influential scientists of the early 20th century. He pioneered crop rotation and several food products we use today, including sweet potatoes, peanuts, and soybeans. He discovered alternative uses for various products and established the Agricultural Studies program at Tuskegee Institute. Born into slavery during the waning days of the US Civil War, Carver found his way to Iowa. Here, with the help of others who recognized his talent and potential, he attended university. In 1894, Carver became the first African American to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. Due to his extra research on fungi and their impact on crops, benefactors convinced him to pursue a graduate degree in agriculture, which he completed in 1896. Carver's work touches on multiple aspects of agricultural products and processes. A staunch supporter of education and civil rights. Carver died from a fall on January 5, 1943. Carver Day is a testament to his contributions and a celebration of his life.

Africa

Jul

Civil Disobedience Thoreau, Intl. (1817): July 12

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International Civil Disobedience Day (sometimes called "Simplicity Day") marks the anniversary of the birth of Henry David Thoreau on July 12, 1817. Thoreau was an American author, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, and historian. His most famous work, "Civil Disobedience," was published in 1849. One of the most lauded writers in history, Thoreau's work has influenced generations of leaders and writers, including Mohandas Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Martin Buber, Leo Tolstoy, John F. Kennedy, Marcel Proust, Ernest Hemingway, Upton Sinclair, Sinclair Lewis, and William Butler Yeats.

Africa

Jul

Eat Your Jell-O Day, Ntl.: July 12

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Eat your Jell-o Day is simply a day to eat the gelatin dessert trademarked as Jell-o in 1899 by May David Wait. There is no trademark application, patent, or birthday/death day tied to this event; we can only assume that someone wanted an excuse to eat one of their favorite summer treats and thus created the day. After that, it became a traditional celebration that proliferated on the Internet.

Africa

Jul

Independence Day, (KI)(1979): July 12

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Kiribati (Formerly the Gilbert Islands) is an island nation of 32 atolls and one raised coral island in the South Pacific. Independence Day celebrates its autonomy from Great Britain on July 12, 1979, and this is a national holiday.

Africa

Jul

Independence Day, (ST )(1975): July 12

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Independence Day in São Tomé and Príncipe marks the anniversary of July 12, 1975, the official declaration of Independence from Portugal. Independence Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Jul

Jousting, Torneo della Quintana (IT): July 12

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ITALY'S TORNEO DELLA QUINTANA: A HISTORIC JOUSTING SPECTACLE The Torneo della Quintana, a historic jousting tournament, is a significant cultural event held annually in Foligno, Italy. The tournament dates back to the 17th century, with the first recorded event occurring in 1613. The Quintana was originally a military exercise designed to train knights in lance skills, but it has evolved into a grand celebration of history and community. During the month-long event, two jousts are held, one on the second Saturday of July and the second on the final day of the tournament in early August. These events draw thousands of local and international spectators who gather to witness the vibrant pageantry and thrilling competition. The tournament occurs in the Campo de li Giochi, an arena designed for the Quintana. Participants, known as knights, represent the ten districts (rioni) of Foligno, each donning elaborate costumes and riding beautifully adorned horses. The goal is to gallop at full speed and pierce a ring suspended from a rotating statue with a lance, demonstrating precision and skill. Behind the scenes, the Ente Autonomo Giostra della Quintana, a non-profit organization, orchestrates the event. This body works tirelessly to preserve the historical integrity and ensure the tournament's smooth operation. The event also involves the community, with locals participating in various roles, from organizing committees to performing in parades and reenactments. The Quintana is more than just a tournament; it is a vibrant celebration of Foligno's heritage, bringing together history, culture, and community spirit. Each edition reaffirms the town's dedication to preserving its past while engaging the present, making the Torneo della Quintana a cherished tradition that continues to captivate and inspire.

Africa

Jul

Night of Nights (US-CA)(1999): July 12

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Morse Code formed the standard of international maritime communication for much of the 20th century. Night of Nights celebrates the end of its use in the United States at Point Reyes Station on July 12, 1999. Each year, on this night, radio stations, ships at sea, and ports come together on-air, sharing stories and communications to honor the men and women of the radiotelegraph industry. What began as an American event is worldwide.

Africa

Jul

Orangemen's Day (UK)(1690): July 12

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In Northern Ireland, July 12 is the Orangemen’s Day. Otherwise known as The Glorious Twelfth, this is a bank holiday celebrated Monday when it falls on a weekend. It commemorates the Battle of Boyne. Public offices, businesses, and transport services are on special holiday timetables, and marches organized by the Lodges of the Orange Order are held. March participants dress in suits with black bowler hats, white gloves, and collarettes, usually in orange and draped around the neck to form a V-shape. Collarets indicate the lodge number and position of the wearer. The Battle of the Boyne occurred on July 1, 1690, near Drogheda on the east coast of Ireland between the forces of King James VII of Scotland and James II of England. Prince William of Orange, who later became King William III, emerged the victor. At its base, the Battle of the Boyne is the struggle between Catholics and Protestants for Ireland, with Prince William of Orange representing the latter and King James, the former. The actual battle did not happen on July 12 but on July 1. The dates differ today because the Gregorian Calendar replaced the Julian calendar in 1752.

Africa

Jul

Pecan Pie Day: July 12

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Pecan Pie Day is a celebration highlighting one of the most loved pies, the pecan pie. Though a Southern staple, people cannot resist the buttery smell of the pecan pie cooked on this day. The makers of Karo syrup popularized the pecan pie, but the origin of this pie is France, and the French brought it to New Orleans. Personal Story from Laura: "My first encounter with pecans occurred when I was about six. Mom and Dad had another couple over to play Bridge. It turns out they didn't have enough pecan pie for the adults and kids, so they told us kids, all four of us, that we had to be 18 years of age to eat pecan pie. We believed them. I would be 18 the first time I tasted pecan pie. It is my favorite today, but I can't believe my parents coveted it! Or that I believed them. We still laugh about that to this day." So, enjoy your pecans this month, but please don't tell your children they can't eat pecan pie until they are adults. They might believe you!

Africa

Jul

People with Different Colored Eyes Day (Heterochromia Iridium): July 12

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People with Different Colored Eyes Day celebrates those born with heterochromia iridium. Heterochromia iridium is a condition where the color of one iris differs from the other. This condition, though rare, happens when there is an increase or decrease in iris pigmentation.

Africa

Jul

Sand and Dust Storms, Intl. Day on Combating: July 12

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THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY ON COMBATING SAND AND DUST STORMS The United Nations has launched the International Day for Action to Combat Sand and Dust Storms in a world increasingly impacted by environmental challenges. This ambitious initiative underscores the pressing need to address the global impact of these formidable natural phenomena. The objectives of this day are multifaceted. At the forefront is the goal of mitigating and adapting to the ever-growing threat of sand and dust storms. Countries worldwide are called upon to develop and implement strategies to lessen the frequency and severity of these storms. Enhancing the capacity of affected regions is also critical, ensuring that countries have the tools and knowledge necessary to manage and reduce the impacts effectively. Scientific research and improved monitoring systems are pivotal to this endeavor, providing the data needed to understand better and predict these storms. Furthermore, the initiative emphasizes the importance of international cooperation, recognizing that the transboundary nature of sand and dust storms necessitates a global response. Dust and sand storms threaten human health, the environment, and the economy. They bring with them a host of health risks, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and eye infections. Environmentally, these storms can devastate ecosystems, degrade soil quality, and lead to the loss of arable land. The economic impact is equally severe, with damage to infrastructure, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased healthcare costs. Agriculture, in particular, suffers immensely. Crops are often buried under layers of dust, disrupting soil fertility and diminishing planting and harvesting cycles. Infrastructure is also at risk, with buildings, roads, and other structures suffering damage that requires costly repairs. Public health concerns rise as respiratory and cardiovascular issues become more prevalent, leading to higher healthcare expenditures. Furthermore, economic activities such as transportation and tourism are inhibited, resulting in significant financial losses. Sand and dust storms typically originate in the world's arid and semi-arid regions, where strong winds easily lift loose sand and soil. Primary sources of these storms include the Sahara Desert in Africa, the Arabian Desert in the Middle East, the Gobi Desert in Asia, and the Great Victoria Desert in Australia. However, the impact of these storms is not confined to their points of origin. Atmospheric transport can carry dust across continents, affecting regions far from the source. Some sand storms have historically left an indelible mark due to their severity. In 1935, the Black Sunday Dust Storm in the United States devastated the Great Plains, symbolizing the Dust Bowl era. In 2009, a massive dust storm originating in the Lake Eyre Basin blanketed eastern Australia, including Sydney, causing widespread health issues and transportation disruptions. Similarly, a 2008 dust storm from the Gobi Desert enveloped Beijing and northern China, reducing visibility and causing respiratory problems. More recently, the "Godzilla dust cloud" of 2020 traveled from the Sahara Desert across the Atlantic, impacting air quality and visibility in the Caribbean and parts of the Americas. In 2008, a colossal dust storm in the Middle East affected Iraq, Iran, and the Arabian Peninsula, leading to health crises and daily life disruptions. These historical storms highlight the vast and devastating impact that sand and dust storms can have. The United Nations' International Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms aims to mitigate these effects through coordinated global efforts, offering hope for a future where the impact of these natural phenomena can be significantly reduced.

Africa

Jul

Simplicity Day (1817): July 12

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Simplicity Day marks the birthday of Henry David Thoreau, an influential poet, historian, and philosopher, on July 12, 1817. Take a step back from your busy life today, and destress by enjoying simple things. Go on a nature adventure, spend time alone, or press pause and take time to be.

Africa

Jul

Skinny Dip Day, Intl.: July 12

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International Skinny Dip Day encourages people to find somewhere they can legally swim in the nude and take a break from the summer heat. Worldwide, locally held contests encourage challenging various world records at skinny dipping events. It was initiated in 2018.

Africa

Jul

Wayne Nebraska Chicken Day (US-NE): July 12

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Coordinated by the Wayne Area Chamber of Commerce, the Chicken Show is a festive annual event held on the second Saturday in July. Founded in 1981 by the Wayne Regional Arts Council, the theme of "chickens" was chosen because of: The potential for art materials. Most people have knowledge and familiarity with chickens. Chickens are humorous. The Wayne Chicken Show received the 1996 Nebraska Outstanding Tourism Award and was selected in 1999, along with four other community events in America, for Library of Congress inclusion. Wayne Chicken Show 2005 was the winner of two Nebraska State Pinnacle Awards given by the Nebraska Festival and Events, Inc. The Collectible 25th Anniversary Egg was awarded the "Most Unique" merchandise item, and the other award was for best "Festival Photo."

Africa

Jul

Barbershop Music Day (1945): July 13

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In 1945 Edna Mae Anderson of Tulsa, Oklahoma, invited several women to sing in a group. Their husbands were members of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America. The women wanted to be part of the group, but the men said no. Later that evening, the Sweet Adelines, a group of female acapella singers, was created. This group later expanded to become the Sweet Adelines International. The Adelines created Barbershop Music Day in 2005 to mark the 60th anniversary of their organization.

Africa