Ekadashi is a Hindu observance that can fall into two categories: annually and monthly. Sattila or Tilda Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the waning moon (Krishan Paksha) during the fortnight of the Hindu month of Magha. Devotees consider it highly auspicious to bathe in the water mixed with sesame seeds on this day and to offer donations to the needy. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian Calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

Jan

Shortbread Day: January 6

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Shortbread Day celebrates the Scottish medieval biscuit twice-baked with sugar and spices. Shortbread originated in the early 12th century when the Crusaders brought sugar back from west Asia and introduced it to Europe. Other scholars attribute its invention to Mary, Queen of Scots, in the 16th century.

Africa

Jan

Show and Tell Day at Work: January 8

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Show & Tell Day at Work comes from the minds of Thomas & Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays. Based on the elementary school tradition of Show & Tell Day, adults can bring a pet, a toy, or an award to work, and you show it and tell people about it for as long as they are willing to listen to you.

Africa

Jan

Six Nations, Round 1: January 31 - February 1

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ABOUT THE SIX NATIONS RUGBY TOURNAMENT Round one of the Six Nations Rugby Championship starts on January 31 and runs through February 1. The match-ups are as follows. January 31, 2025 France vs Wales February 1, 2025 Scotland vs Italy Ireland vs England HISTORY OF SIX NATIONS The Six Nations Rugby Tournament, a cornerstone of international rugby union competitions, dates back to 1883. Initially known as the Home Nations Championship, it included the four United Kingdom countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. The tournament expanded in 1910 to include France, becoming the Five Nations until Italy joined in 2000, marking the birth of the current Six Nations format. The Six Nations occurs annually, involving the national teams of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. These teams compete in a round-robin format, each playing the others once per season. Matches are held in the participating countries, making the tournament a pan-European event celebrated for its intense rivalries, historic venues, and passionate fanbases. The motivation behind the Six Nations Tournament is multifaceted. Primarily, it serves as a prestigious competition in the rugby calendar, fostering national pride and showcasing some of the best talents in the sport. It also plays a crucial role in developing rugby in Europe, providing a competitive platform for the teams and a significant revenue stream for the sport's growth at all levels. Players selected for the Six Nations are typically the crème de la crème of rugby talent from their respective countries. Selection is a high honor, representing the culmination of individual and team efforts within domestic and international leagues. The tournament highlights veteran stars and is a launching pad for emerging talents to make their mark on the global stage. The Six Nations is a series of rugby matches and a cultural phenomenon that transcends sport. It encapsulates a blend of tradition, national identity, and sporting excellence, making it a pivotal event for players and fans. The tournament's enduring appeal is a testament to its significance in rugby and the broader sporting landscape. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Jan

Skating Month, Ntl.: January

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National Skating Month in the United States includes on-ice and off-ice activities. It is an opportunity to learn to ice skate, exercise, and spend quality time with your favorite people.

Africa

Jan

Skeptics Day, Ntl.: January 13*

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National Skeptics Day celebrates skepticism and its innumerable gifts. It is one of two Skeptic’s Days on the calendar, with the second, International Skeptics Day, in October.

Africa

Jan

Ski and Snowboard Month, Ntl.: January

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National Ski & Snowboard Month in the United States encourages people to go out, learn to snowboard or ski, and have fun! See local resorts and shops for discounts on skiing and snowboarding items.

Africa

Jan

Skin Relief Day, Winter: January 8

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Created by the brand managers of CeraVe skincare products, National Winter Skin Relief Day reminds people to take extra care of their skin during these cold months. Whether exposed to internal heat and dry air or frostbitten cold, the skin is the largest organ of our body. Keeping it hydrated and nourished not only makes it feel better but keeps it younger.

Africa

Jan

Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Ntl.: January

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National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month is January in the United States. Proclaimed by President Barack Obama on December 31, 2012, it aims to remind people about the vital role they can and should play in eliminating all forms of human trafficking. While slavery in the developed world is not what it used to be, human trafficking is still a grave issue that costs the lives of many people every year.

Africa

Jan

Smart Phone Day, Intl. (2007): January 9

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International Smart Phone Day marks the anniversary of the premiere of the iPhone by Steve Jobs of Apple Computer on January 9, 2007.

Africa

Jan

Snow Plow Mailbox Hockey Day: January 23

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Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day is created by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays & Herbs. The day demonstrates appreciation for snowplow drivers who spend the entire winter plowing streets and avoiding mailboxes. Snowplow mailbox hockey is a made-up game in which snowplow drivers hit mailboxes. The farther away a driver can fling a mailbox after hitting it, the more points are rewarded. Make-believe game, remember? Please note that attacking mailboxes is a crime, vandalism. Practice at your own risk.

Africa

Jan

Snowcare for Troops Awareness Month: January

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Snowcare for the Troops Month (previously week) encourages volunteers to help clear snow and ice from the homes of families of deployed, deceased, elderly, or injured veterans. Call (888) 611.2955 to participate in your area, either as someone needing help or volunteering. Greencare for the Troops is the summer initiative.

Africa

Jan

Snowmobile Safety and Awareness Week: January 18-26

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Snowmobile Safety & Awareness Week raises awareness about snowmobile safety. Promoted by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA), snowmobile safety is a pressing issue, with over 1.2 million registered snowmobiles in the United States.

Africa

Jan

Social Security Check Day (1940): January 31

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Social Security Check Day marks the anniversary of the first Social Security check issued in the United States on January 31, 1940, to Ida May Fuller for $22.54. Its number, 00-000-001, reflected this. Miss Fuller had filed her retirement claim on November 4 of the previous year, having worked under Social Security for almost three years. Social Security continues as a vital part of the United States' retirement program for senior citizens and a safety net for the disabled.

Africa

Jan

Solar Cycle 25: 2025

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SOLAR CYCLE 25 PEAKS:

WHAT TO EXPECT IN JULY 2025

Solar Cycle 25, which began in December 2019, is expected to peak around July 2025. This period of heightened solar activity brings a range of impacts on Earth, driven by solar storms and other space weather phenomena. Understanding and preparing for these effects is crucial for businesses and individuals.

THE NATURE OF SOLAR CYCLE 25

Solar cycles last approximately 11 years and are marked by the activity in the Sun's fluctuations. These cycles are characterized by the number of sunspots and dark regions on the Sun's surface, indicating areas of intense magnetic activity. Solar Cycle 25, following a relatively quiet Solar Cycle 24, is anticipated to be more active, with an increase in solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and other solar phenomena.

IMPACT OF SOLAR STORMS AND SPACE WEATHER

Solar storms, caused by CMEs and solar flares, can have significant effects on Earth:

Geopolitical and Technological Impact—Solar storms can disrupt satellite communications, GPS systems, and power grids. In extreme cases, they can cause widespread blackouts and damage to infrastructure.

Aviation and Space Travel—Increased solar activity poses risks to astronauts and high-altitude flights, exposing them to higher radiation levels.

Radio Communication—HF (high frequency) radio communications can be severely affected, impacting aviation, maritime operations, and emergency services.

Auroras—One of the more visually striking effects is the intensification of auroras, visible at lower latitudes during significant solar storms.

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH INCREASED SOLAR ACTIVITY

As Solar Cycle 25 intensifies, we can expect more frequent and stronger solar storms. This heightened activity will likely lead to:

Increased Frequency of Auroras—More opportunities to witness the Northern and Southern Lights.

Disruptions in Technology—Greater potential for interruptions for GPS, communications, and power systems.

Higher Radiation Levels—Increased risks for astronauts and passengers on high-altitude flights, particularly over polar regions.

PRECAUTIONS FOR BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS

Several precautions can mitigate the effects of increased solar activity, including:

Infrastructure Protection—Power companies can install protective devices and protocols to manage grid stability during solar storms.

Satellite Shielding—Operators can design satellites with shielding to protect against solar radiation and ensure redundancy in critical systems.

Communication Plans—Businesses and emergency services should have contingency plans for communication disruptions.

Awareness and Monitoring—Individuals and businesses should stay informed about space weather forecasts to avoid potential impacts on technology.

FREQUENCY OF INTENSE SOLAR CYCLES

Solar cycles vary in intensity. Historically, more intense cycles occur approximately every 22 years, with the Hale cycle, a magnetic cycle of the Sun lasting about 22 years, influencing the intensity of solar activity. The last notably intense cycle was Solar Cycle 23, which peaked around 2000. Comparatively, Solar Cycle 24, peaking around 2014, was relatively mild.

As Solar Cycle 25 peaks in July 2025, the increased solar activity will significantly impact technology, aviation, and daily life. Understanding these effects and preparing can help mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities, such as enhanced aurora visibility. Staying informed and taking proactive measures will be vital in navigating the challenges of the heightened solar activity.

Africa