Nuanced November 2024

November is the start of the holiday season in many parts of the world. It is a time for family, football, food, shopping and decorating, particularly in the Christian and Jewish world, leading to Christmas and Hanukkah in December.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the days are getting shorter and cooler as autumn settles in with a vengeance. Down south, spring is on full display. Flowers are blooming, the trees are perky, and the days are getting longer.

GENERAL THEMES FOR NOVEMBER

Aside from the near nauseating coverage of the American circus (aka Presidential elections), November themes center around family, charity—food banks, those with disabilities or experiencing homelessness; food-related healthcare awareness campaigns, including several directed diabetes and Crohn's, dominate the health events. The adoption of children and pets is well represented, as are themes tied to the approaching holiday season in much of the world. Key events include China's mega retail Singles Day on November 11, which puts Black Friday, this year, November 29, to shame. Thanksgiving in the United States, November 28, is a major holiday. Hindus around the world celebrate Diwali from October 31-November 1.

Men's health issues are centered in the Movember movement (expect lots of unshaved faces). Indigenous peoples are celebrated and acknowledged via American Indian Heritage Month. Finally, winter preparation events tied to car maintenance and home heating feature prominently.

Note: I covered Diwali and Thanksgiving in detail in previous issues on November events. You can access those here:

November 2023

November 2022

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With winter fast approaching in the Northern Hemisphere (and summer in the Southern), many of us are in search of a good book to curl up with. What better way to start this issue than with a nod to The Booker Prize, a prestigious award that often heralds the best reads for the season?

As we delve into the world of prize-winning reads, I'm excited to spotlight one of my subscribers, Sean McNulty. His Auraist newsletter is a treasure trove for those seeking unique and exceptional reads. With his insightful reviews and engaging masterclasses, Sean takes his readers on a journey of discovery, introducing us to the best-written books from the United States and the United Kingdom each month. It's a fascinating exploration of literature that's sure to pique your interest. You can check out his newsletter [here].

Ready? Let's dive into this issue's featured events with The Booker.

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Previous finalists for the Booker Prize—photo courtesy of The Booker Prize Foundation.

THE BOOKER PRIZE

Date: November 12, 2024

Location: United Kingdom

Champion: Booker Prize Foundation

The Booker Prize, formerly known as the Booker-McConnell Prize and commonly known as the Booker, is one of the most prestigious awards in the literary world, recognizing outstanding works of fiction. Established in 1969, the prize is awarded annually to the best novel written in English and published in the United Kingdom or Ireland. The prize plays a significant role in shaping the modern literary landscape, bringing recognition, compensation, and acclaim to its recipients.

The Booker Prize was initially open to authors from the Commonwealth, the Republic of Ireland, and Zimbabwe. However, in 2014, the eligibility criteria were expanded to include any English-language novel published in the UK or Ireland, regardless of the author's nationality. This change sparked considerable debate in the literary community but has since helped to globalize the prize's reach. The prizes are known for their rigorous selection process, with panels of esteemed judges from various literary backgrounds.

Five female authors and writers from Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States are among this year's Booker Prize finalists. The prize will be announced on November 12.

Flag of the European Union.

EUROPEAN UNION DAY

November 1, [1993]

Location: European Union

Champion: Historical Anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union comprising 27 member countries, primarily in Europe. Its origins trace back to the aftermath of World War II, with the idea of fostering cooperation and preventing future widespread conflict.

The EU's journey is a testament to the power of unity. It was first conceptualized in 1950, with the proposal of the Schuman Plan, by the French foreign minister, Robert Schuman. This led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. In 1957, the Treaty of Rome was signed, forming the European Economic Community (EEC), with the same six countries, to create a common market and customs union.

The EEC expanded to include Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom in 1973. Greece joined in 1981, followed by Spain and Portugal in 1986.

In 1993, the Maastricht Treaty became effective, establishing the EU and setting the foundation for a single currency, the euro.

The EU continued to expand, with Austria, Finland, and Sweden joining in 1995.

In 2004, in the most significant single expansion, ten more countries joined the EU: Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Romania and Bulgaria followed in 2007.

The most recent addition was Croatia in 2013. In a historic move, the United Kingdom exited the EU on January 31, 2020, in an event commonly known as "Brexit."

Plum Pudding is a big part of the British Christmas tradition.

STIR-UP SUNDAY

Date: November 24, 2024

Location: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada

Champion: Tradition

Stir-up Sunday is a traditional day in the United Kingdom, celebrated on the last Sunday before Advent. It marks the beginning of Christmas preparations, particularly making Christmas pudding, also known as plum pudding. The name "Stir-up Sunday" originates from a prayer in the Book of Common Prayer, which calls people to "stir up their hearts in preparation for Advent" and became linked to the practice of stirring the pudding ingredients.

Plum pudding is a decadent dessert made from dried fruits, spices, and other ingredients mixed on Stir-up Sunday. Family members take turns stirring the pudding from east to west, symbolizing the journey of the Wise Men while also making a secret wish. Some traditions involve adding coins or charms to the pudding, which are believed to bring luck to those who find them when served on Christmas Day. After being prepared, the pudding is stored to allow its flavors to mature, and it is typically set aflame with brandy before serving.

Though fewer families make their own Christmas puddings today, Stir-up Sunday is an essential cultural event in the UK. It signifies the start of festive preparations and carries the spirit of family togetherness, luck, and anticipation for Christmas.

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Totensonntag is a day to honor the dead in Lutheran cultures—promptography LD Lewis.

TOTENSONNTAG

Date: November 24, 2024

Location: Germany, The Netherlands

Champion: Tradition

Totensonntag, or "Sunday of the Dead," is a religious holiday observed in Germany and the Netherlands. It is a Protestant day of remembrance for the dead, similar to All Saints' Day in Catholic tradition. The holiday falls on the last Sunday before Advent, usually in late November.

The tradition of Totensonntag, with its roots dating back to 1816, was established by King Frederick William III of Prussia. The king's noble intention was to honor the memory of soldiers who died during the Napoleonic Wars. This historical event has evolved over time, expanding to become a day to remember all deceased loved ones, and it became widely observed across Protestant communities in Germany.

Rudolph's Run is a scavenger hunt you play with your car.

RUDOLPH'S RUN

Date: November 28 - December 24, 2024

Location: United States-Louisville, Kentucky

Champion: Danger Run

Want to make your Christmas holiday more exciting? Then head to Louisville, Kentucky, and see if you can beat the Rudolph's Run. This scavenger hunt in cars runs on the weekends from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. Solve clues and view the fantastically decorated homes of the season while helping Santa replace his list and save Christmas. The game ends at an outdoor holiday market that you can explore!

Founded in 1994 and inspired by "Ghost Run" events, this road rally scavenger hunt leads to exquisitely decorated houses in the area. Each team must solve a clue to move on to the next part of the mystery. Winners are determined by how well they stay on route, measured by their vehicle's odometer. The top 25 participants compete at the end for the grand prize.

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Senior pets make great companions. They're gentle, calmer and often well trained—promptography LD Lewis.

ADOPT-A-SENIOR-PET MONTH

Dates: November 1-30, 2024

Location: United States

Champion: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month. Senior pets over seven are often overlooked in favor of kittens and puppies. However, senior pets have a unique appeal. They tend to be calmer, trained, and exceptionally loving, making them ideal pets for the elderly or families with small children.

Senior pets include former rescue and police dogs, animals left homeless due to their owner's death, and animals surrendered due to economic conditions, housing, or moves. Some people abandon or relinquish pets due to health issues, and pets like us often need extra attention as they age. This week is the perfect time to give a senior pet a second chance at life, a life he or she can celebrate with your family in a new forever home.

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ALPHA-1 is a genetic disease that can activate at any time during your life. It impacts the lungs and liver—promptography LD Lewis.

ALPHA-1 AWARENESS MONTH

Date: November 1-30, 2024

Location: Australia

Champion: ALPHA-1 Association of Australia

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is a genetic illness that affects the lungs or liver at various stages in one's life. Essentially, it is a protein produced in the liver. This protein protects lung tissue by dissolving damaged/aging cells and harmful bacteria, promoting the ability to breathe.

Identifying this disease early in patients is essential to fostering a long and healthy life for those with it. This month, an awareness campaign will alert the public, inform people of treatments and encourage people to get tested. For more details on ALPHA-1, click the link to visit the full description.

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Losing a brother or sister at any age is a gut-wrenching experience. This month recognizes that pain—image LD Lewis

BEREAVED SIBLINGS AWARENESS MONTH

Date: November 1-30, 2024

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Deborah & Peter Kulkkula

Bereaved Siblings Awareness Month supports siblings who have lost brothers or sisters. Often, people don't know what to say to or do to someone grieving, so they turn away and do nothing. Reach out to bereaved siblings. Be someone who will listen without advice, a shoulder to cry on, or a warm hug when needed.

Deborah and Peter Kulkkula created this event. Their website is no longer active, so we've linked to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's page, which includes tips for parents of children grieving the loss of a sibling.

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Irish coffee is an alcoholic drink with coffee and whisky—promptography LD Lewis.

IRISH COFFEE DAY

Date: November 10, [1952]

Location: United States

Champion: Historical Anniversary

Irish Coffee Day celebrates the anniversary of the Irish coffee arriving in the United States and becoming one of the world’s most beloved cocktails. The original recipe for Irish coffee goes like this:

“Cream as rich as an Irish brogue;

coffee as strong as a friendly hand;

sugar sweet as the tongue of a rogue;

and whiskey smooth as the wit of the land.”

Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco was the first to serve Irish Coffee on November 10, 1952. Joe Sheridan, a bartender, is the mixologist. Stanton Delaplane, a journalist, discovered the drink in Ireland and brought the secret formula back to the United States. The original Irish coffee is believed to have been first served at the flying boat terminal in Foynes, Ireland.

This is one of two Irish Coffee Days. The other occurs in January.

Impressionist idea of the world's flags.

NATIONAL ANNIVERSARIES IN NOVEMBER

 

INDEPENDENCE DAY

 

• Antigua and Barbuda (November 1, 1981)
• Albania (November 28, 1912)
• Angola (November 11, 1975)
• Barbados (November 30, 1966)
• Colombia (November 11, 1811)
• Micronesia (November 3, 1980)
• Cambodia (November 9, 1949)
• Lebanon (November 22, 1943)
• Latvia (November 18, 1918)
• Mauritania (November 28, 1960)
• Panama (November 28, 1821)
• Panama (November 3, 1903)
• Poland (November 11, 1918)
• Suriname (November 25, 1975)

 

NATIONAL DAY

 

• Micronesia (November 3, 1978)
• Timor-Leste (November 28, 1975)
• Estonia (November 16, 1991)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina (November 25, 1943)
• Dominica (November 3, 1978)
• Monaco (November 3, 1949/2005)
• Oman (November 18-19, 1940)

 

REPUBLIC DAY

 

• Brazil (November 15, 1889)
• Mongolia (November 26, 1924)
• Maldives (November 11, 1968)
• Chad (November 28, 1958)

 

REVOLUTION DAY

 

• Bangladesh (November 7, 1975)
• Mexico (November 20, 1910)
• Russia (November 7, 1917)
• Algeria (November 1, 1954)

 

Graphic representation of sports.

MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS IN NOVEMBER

 

 

• FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup (Football): October 16 - November 3 —Dominican Republic
• Makepung Lampit Races (Specialty): November 17 —Indonesia
• Melbourne Cup (Horse racing): November 5 —Australian
• New York Marathon (Running): November 3 —United States
• WWE Survivor War Games (Wrestling): November 30 —Canada

 

DEEP DIVE FEATURE

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Mail-in Ballot in the state of Pennsylvania.

UNITED STATES GENERAL ELECTION

Date: November 5, 2024

Location: United States

Champion: Constitutional Requirement

 

The 2024 US General Election will occur on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. It is the 60th quadrennial presidential election, in which voters will decide who becomes the next president of the United States. The election also includes elections for members of Congress, state legislatures, and other local offices. The economy, healthcare, climate change, immigration, and foreign policy lead the issues. This year, Israel's year-long genocide in Gaza, attacks in the West Bank and its bombing of neighboring state Lebanon, in addition to the continuing war in Ukraine, feature prominently with voters. It is the first time since the Viet Nam conflict of the 1960s and 1970s that foreign policy issues have significantly impacted an American election.

 

CAMPAIGN PLATFORMS

The campaigns focus on contrasting visions for the country and foreign policy. These summaries are based on the public comments at rallies and in interviews by both candidates.

Ms. Harris' campaign emphasizes focusing on the middle class, including healthcare, elder care and child care, creating opportunities for individuals and businesses, social justice causes, and furthering the transition to green energy while supporting fracking. She also advocates continuing support for Ukraine and, tentatively, a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon without resolution of the underlying issues of occupation and apartheid.

Mr. Trump's campaign promises to take revenge on his opponents and deregulate or dismantle federal and some global agencies. He openly advocates for the ability to remove federal employees based on fealty and an increase in drilling for fossil fuels. His key policy promotes punitive immigration measures, including mass deportations. He also presses for an end to support for Ukraine and continued support of Israel's military-led campaigns and territorial expansion.

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Expect the first few weeks of November to be an anxious time for many worldwide. States ratify their votes between November 7 and the Certificate of Ascertainment of Appointment of Electors issued on December 11.

Next is the Meeting and Vote of Electors in their states on December 17, followed by the final Deadline for Electoral Votes to be Received on Christmas, December 25. On January 6, 2025, Congress will certify the Electoral College votes, and the President will become official. He or she will take office on January 20, 2025.

Given the shenanigans leading up to the general election (this year has been particularly dirty and brutal) and the attempts to sew doubt as to the outcome, the world most likely will only know whether Ms. Harris or Mr. Trump will be the next president of the United States several days later. Given the United States' outsized influence globally, approximately 150 million people choose to decide how chaotic the next four years will be. I say choose, as voting is not mandatory in the United States.

I submitted my ballot on October 2.

 

HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

The history of US presidential elections dates back to the late 18th century when the founding fathers established the Constitution in 1787. The Constitution created the framework for the Electoral College, which formally elects the president and vice president every four years—more on the Electoral College below.

 

WHO CAN VOTE?

Two hundred forty-four million Americans are eligible to vote in 2024. Who can vote in an election is often left up to the states.

In general, to vote in a United States election, a person must be:

—18 years of age on the day of the election.

—A United States citizen, meaning the individual is born on American territory, to American parents, or naturalized.

—Are registered to vote (except in North Dakota)

—Satisfy any restriction in their state (e.g., currently not in jail, not a convicted felon, in possession of a state-issued ID).

According to an October 1, 2024 Gallup poll, Americans fall into the following political parties:

—Republican: 31%

—Democrat: 28%

—Independent: 41%

Independents include those with no party (like myself), Libertarians, Social Democrats and Green Party members, and other special interest groups. Most states prevent independents from voting in presidential and congressional primaries. Primaries are where the candidates are chosen.

A poll by Gallup on October 12, 2024, asked Independents if they lean more Republican or Democrat. The poll found that:

 

 

• 49% lean Republican,
• 42% lean Democrat and
• 9% are neutral.

 

KEY MILESTONES IN US ELECTIONS:

 

—First Presidential Election (1788-1789):

George Washington was unanimously elected as the United States' first president in 1789. Washington, a highly respected military leader from the American Revolution, ran unopposed and was elected by the Electoral College.

—Electoral College System:

The system was a compromise between those who wanted direct election by citizens and those who wanted Congress to choose the president. Electors from each state, based on the state's population, cast votes for the president. The system allows for indirect election, with electors typically chosen by popular vote.

—Expansion of Voting Rights:

Initially, only white male landowners could vote in presidential elections. Over time, voting rights expanded with the 15th Amendment (1870) granting voting rights to African American men, the 19th Amendment (1920) granting voting rights to women, and the Voting Rights Act (1965) addressing racial discrimination in voting.

—Modern Presidential Elections:

The election process has evolved to include primary elections, national conventions, and televised debates. The two-party system (Democratic and Republican) has dominated since the 19th century, shaping the dynamics of presidential elections.

 

THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE

The Electoral College is the United States's system of electing its president and vice president. It consists of 538 electors from all 50 states and Washington, DC, who are responsible for officially selecting the president based on the popular vote in their respective states. To win the presidency, a candidate must secure at least 270 electoral votes—a simple majority.

Each state is assigned a certain number of electors, equal to the total number of its Congressional delegation: its number of representatives in the House of Representatives plus its two senators. For example, a state with ten representatives and two senators would have 12 electoral votes.

 

US OVERSEAS TERRITORIES, EXPATRIATES AND THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE

In US presidential elections, overseas territories and expatriate Americans face distinct voting circumstances regarding the Electoral College.

—US TERRITORIES

Territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands do not have electoral votes in the presidential election. Only states and Washington, DC, are allocated electoral votes.

While residents of US territories are US citizens (except American Samoa, whose residents are US nationals), they cannot vote in presidential elections unless registered to vote in one of the 50 states or Washington, DC.

—WASHINGTON DC

Washington, DC, is a district, not a state. The district is home to approximately 750,000 people (about the same population as North Dakota). Upon ratifying the 23rd Amendment in 1961, Washington, DC, received three electoral votes (the equivalency of two senators and one congressman).

EXPATRIATES (US CITIZENS LIVING ABROAD):

—US citizens living abroad can vote in presidential elections by casting absentee ballots in the last state in which they resided before moving abroad, provided they are still eligible to vote in that state.

—These votes are counted in the popular vote for their state, and the state's electors then contribute to the Electoral College totals.

—Absentee voting for expatriates is facilitated through the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), which ensures that US citizens living abroad, including military personnel, can vote in federal elections.

 

ORIGINS OF ELECTORAL COLLEGE

The Electoral College was established in 1787 during the Constitutional Convention. Its creation was a compromise between several competing ideas for electing the president:

—Direct popular vote:

Some delegates wanted the president chosen by a popular vote of all citizens.

—Congressional selection:

Others wanted Congress to elect the president, arguing that the general public might need to be better informed about distant candidates.

To balance these views, the framers of the Constitution created the Electoral College. It allowed for a degree of public participation through state elections but ensured an additional layer of deliberation through electors.

The Founding Fathers also worried about the potential for "mob rule" or the dominance of large, populous states over smaller ones, so the Electoral College emerged to give smaller states a voice.

 

IMPORTANCE OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE

—Balancing Federalism and Representation:

The Electoral College reflects the federal nature of the US government, balancing power between populous and smaller states. Since electoral votes are partly based on the Senate (where all states have equal representation), smaller states have more proportional influence than they would in a purely popular vote system.

—Focus on Swing States:

Because most states have predictable voting patterns, candidates often focus their campaigns on "swing states," where the outcome is uncertain. This means a few key states can heavily influence the election. Critics argue this reduces attention to states where one party dominates, but proponents say it ensures attention to smaller or less populous states that might otherwise be ignored.

—Protection Against Direct Democracy:

The Electoral College operates as a check against direct democracy. The framers of the Constitution were concerned that the public might not always make informed choices, so they created a system to have an intermediary body (the electors) between the people and the final decision.

—Preventing Regional Dominance:

The system requires candidates to build broad coalitions that span different country regions. A candidate could theoretically win in a purely popular vote system by focusing only on densely populated urban areas, ignoring rural and less populated regions. The Electoral College forces candidates to win various states, ensuring that presidents represent a wide geographical range.

—Historical Precedent:

Although the system has been criticized, the Electoral College has been used in every US presidential election since the first one in 1789. Efforts to abolish or reform it have so far failed, as changes would require a constitutional amendment, which is politically challenging.

 

CONTROVERSIES AND CRITICISMS OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE

—"Winner-take-all" System:

Most states use a "winner-take-all" approach, meaning the candidate who wins the majority of the popular vote in a state gets all of its electoral votes, which can lead to situations where a candidate wins the presidency without winning the national popular vote, as happened in the elections of 2000 (George W. Bush vs. Al Gore) and 2016 (Donald Trump vs. Hillary Clinton).

—Disproportionate Power of Small Population States:

Smaller states have more electoral power relative to their populations than larger states. Each state has two senators regardless of population, so the vote of a citizen in a smaller state can carry more weight than that of a citizen in a larger state.

—Potential for Faithless Electors:

In theory, electors could vote against the popular vote in their state, though this is rare, and many states have laws requiring electors to follow the popular vote. These electors are known as "faithless electors," and while they've rarely affected the outcome of an election, their existence introduces some unpredictability.

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The US presidential election system is unique, with its roots in balancing federalism, popular sovereignty, and institutional checks. The outcome affects national governance and has profound global implications due to the US's role in world affairs.

Election Day is a state holiday in Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, Illinois, the territory of Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

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AND THAT IS A WRAP! Thank you for the gift of your time! The next will feature December events, and I'll post the 2025 Annual Events and Themes special edition over the Christmas holiday.

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ABOUT LEEP CALENDAR: LEEP Calendar (https://www.leepcalendar.com) is a beta-launch web-based application of over 12,000 events, holidays, and anniversaries designed around the needs of professional marketers and editorial departments, created by marketing and editorial veteran LD Lewis.

Last updated: Nov 24th 2024