All - Leep Calendar

On February 3, 1959, Richie Valens age 17, Buddy Holly, age 22, and JP Richardson, age 24, three 1950s-era Rock-n-Roll singers, died in a plane crash on their way to a performance. This night became known as "The Day the Music Died" and was later popularized in the song "American Pie" by Don McLean.

Africa

Feb

Therapeutic Recreation Month, Intl.: February

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International Therapeutic Recreation Month focuses on the activities of recreational therapists and the impact they have on helping people achieve fulfilling lives. Recreational therapists develop therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being, design recreation programs, and coordinate volunteer services and paid entertainment. Recreational therapists work in hospitals, government institutions, nursing homes, and other places that assist the wounded and sick.

Africa

Feb

Therapeutic Recreation Month, Ntl. (CA): February

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Therapeutic Recreation Month in Canada focuses on the activities of recreational therapists and the impact they have on helping people achieve fulfilling lives. Recreational therapists develop therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being, design recreation programs, and coordinate volunteer services and paid entertainment.

Africa

Feb

Thinking About Sex Day, Ntl. (UK): February 14

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Think About Sex Day in the United Kingdom always falls on Valentine's Day. It is about looking at sexuality, how we relate to each other, and what to do when problems arise. The Sexual Advice Association takes a traditional, satirical look at the issue of one partner wanting and another not in the first video presented. The purpose of Think About Sex Day is to improve the sexual health and well-being of men and women and to raise awareness of the extent to which sexual conditions affect the general population.

Africa

Feb

Thinking Day, World: February 22

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During World Thinking Day, girls participate in activities and projects with global themes to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries. World Thinking Day is part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts' Global Action Theme (GAT), based upon the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These objectives aim to improve the lives of the world's poorest people, and educating girls is one of the most potent and effective ways to reduce global poverty.

Africa

Feb

Through with the Chew Week: February 17-21

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"Through with the Chew" Week is a public health initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco use and encouraging users to quit. This observance typically falls on the third full week of February, coinciding with the Great American Spit Out on the third Thursday of the week. The campaign "Through with the Chew" Week focuses on growing concerns over the health impacts of smokeless tobacco. Unlike cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products like snuff and chewing tobacco were not initially under the same scrutiny for their health risks. However, as evidence mounted showing the serious health consequences of using these products, including increased risks of oral cancer, gum disease, tooth decay, and nicotine addiction, public health campaigns began focusing on smokeless tobacco as well. "Through with the Chew" Week was established to respond to this public health challenge. The campaign aims to dispel myths about smokeless tobacco being a safer alternative to smoking, promote the benefits of quitting, and provide resources and support for individuals seeking to break their nicotine addiction. Throughout the week, health organizations, schools, and community groups organize various events and educational programs. These activities often include presentations by healthcare professionals, testimonies from former users, distribution of educational materials, and promotion of quitting resources like hotlines and support groups. The key goals of "Through with the Chew" Week are to reduce the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use, particularly among young people who might be more susceptible to trying these products, and to support current users in their journey to quit. The initiative emphasizes that quitting smokeless tobacco can lead to immediate and long-term health benefits, improving overall quality of life. This week is a crucial part of broader efforts to address all forms of tobacco use and their impact on public health. Focusing specifically on smokeless tobacco, "Through with the Chew" Week fills a vital niche in tobacco cessation and prevention efforts.

Africa

Feb

Thumb Appreciation Day: February 18

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Thumb Appreciation Day is an unofficial day highlighting the anatomical and functional significance of the thumb in our daily lives. The thumb has always been a point of fascination due to its crucial role in human evolution and functionality. Thumb Appreciation Day aims to acknowledge and celebrate the thumb's extraordinary capabilities. With its opposable and flexible nature, the human thumb allows for a wide range of motions and functions, including gripping, holding, and manipulating objects. This dexterity has been instrumental in developing skills ranging from tool use to communication through sign language. Thumbs are significant because they enable precision grip – the ability to hold an object between the thumb and fingers. This ability is a key factor in the evolutionary success of humans, allowing for more complex tool use and technological advancement. The history of human understanding of the thumb's importance can be traced back to early anatomical studies. The thumb's unique structure and capabilities have been studied in various fields, including biology, anthropology, and medicine. Other animals also possess thumbs, or thumb-like structures, albeit with varying functionality. Primates, such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans, have opposable thumbs similar to humans, which they use for climbing, grooming, and handling food. Certain other animals, like pandas, have developed pseudo-thumbs, a modified wrist bone, to aid in gripping bamboo. Koalas also have two opposable thumbs on their front paws for a better climbing grip. Thumb Appreciation Day acknowledges the remarkable capabilities of the human thumb. It offers an opportunity to reflect on how this small part of our anatomy has played a significant role in the evolution and functionality of human beings, setting us apart in the animal kingdom.

Africa

Feb

Tile Day, Ntl: February 23

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Honoring the beauty and durability of tile, National Tile Day is an initiative of the tile and stone exhibition host, Coverings. The event aims to raise awareness of tile's key benefits, including durability, sustainability, versatility, and affordability. Tile is one of the first decorative building materials ever used and dates back thousands of years. This event first ran in 2017.

Africa

Feb

Tim Tam Day (AU): February 16

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Tim Tam Day in Australia celebrates one of the country's most beloved biscuits, the Tim Tam. This day, though not an official holiday, has been embraced by Tim Tam enthusiasts who use it to celebrate their affection for this iconic Australian treat. Ian Norris, the director of food technology at Arnott's, one of Australia's largest biscuit companies, created Tim Tams after a trip to Britain in 1958. There, he encountered the Penguin biscuit, a similar chocolate-covered biscuit. He aimed to create a superior version, and after some experimentation, the Tim Tam was born and first released to the Australian market in 1964. The popularity of Tim Tams relies on their unique structure and flavor. A Tim Tam consists of two layers of chocolate malted biscuit, separated by a light chocolate cream filling and coated in a thin layer of textured chocolate. This combination of textures and flavors has made Tim Tams a household name in Australia and beyond. Tim Tam Day sees biscuit fans indulging in various Tim Tam-related activities. From the "Tim Tam Slam" (a popular method of eating the biscuit involving biting off opposite corners and using it as a straw to drink a hot beverage) to baking Tim Tam-inspired desserts, the day is all about celebrating this culinary icon. Social media plays a significant role, with people sharing photos, recipes, and expressions of love for the biscuit. The appeal of Tim Tams goes beyond their taste. They are a part of Australian culture and identity, often associated with family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday moments of indulgence. Tim Tams has also gained international fame, exporting to several countries and allowing people worldwide to experience a taste of Australia. Australia's Tim Tam Day is a testament to the enduring popularity of a simple biscuit that has become a cultural icon. It's a day for Australians and Tim Tam lovers everywhere to celebrate a treat that has brought joy and deliciousness to millions.

Africa

Feb

Time Management Month, Ntl.: February

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National Time Management Month is about taking a look at how efficiently you are using your time and skills and making adjustments to maximize. These 10 Tips from Entrepreneur Magazine will help you with time management and productivity at the office. 1) Record thoughts, conversations, and activities each week and keep a schedule. 2) If an activity or conversation is vital to your success, assign it time. 3) Spend a minimum of 50 percent of your time engaged result producing activities 4) Anticipate disruptions 5) Reserve 30 minutes before or after your day to plan. 6) Take five minutes before every call and task to decide what result you want to attain. By doing this, you will know what success looks like before you start. 7) Take five minutes after each call and activity to determine whether you achieved the desired results. 8) Post a "Do not disturb" sign when you have to get work done. 9) Block out other distractions like Facebook and other forms of social media unless you use these tools to generate business. 10) Remember that it's impossible to get everything done.

Africa

Feb

Time to Talk Day (UK): February 6

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Created in 2014, Time to Talk Day takes place on the first Thursday in February in the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to break the silence surrounding mental health issues. Mental health problems affect one in four people, yet the subject is often considered taboo. For people with mental health problems, not being able to talk about it can be one of the worst parts of the illness. By encouraging discussions on mental health, stereotypes disappear, relationships improve, and tools for recovery become accessible.

Africa

Feb

Tinnitus Awareness Week (US/UK): February 3-9

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National Tinnitus Awareness Week (TAW) in the United States and the United Kingdom raises awareness of the disorder "ringing in the ears," which affects nearly 14% of people worldwide. Of those, 7% test positive for chronic tinnitus. Most commonly caused by exposure to loud noise (amplified music, machinery, workplace noise), tinnitus is one of the world's most widespread and underestimated health issues. This week is about learning about the disease and what you can do to safeguard your hearing. In the United States, see the American Tinnitus Association. In the United Kingdom, consult the British Tinnitus Association (BTA).

Africa

Feb

Toast Day, Ntl. (UK): February 27

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Toast Day celebrates all types of toasted bread and is created by Wilkin & Sons Ltd., a manufacturer of jams and jellies and host of the World Bread Awards out of Essex, England.

Africa

Feb

Tongue Twister Contest Day, Intl.: February 22

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International Tongue Twister Contest Day is an unofficial event celebrated by enthusiasts of linguistic games and challenges. The day focuses on the art and fun of tongue twisters – phrases designed to be challenging to articulate correctly, often amusing when mispronounced. Tongue twisters have been a part of oral traditions for centuries, used not only for entertainment but also as a tool for language education, speech therapy, and actor training. International Tongue Twister Contest Day celebrates the linguistic complexity and humor inherent in tongue twisters. Participants engage in contests to see who can recite tongue twisters quickly and accurately without stumbling over the words. These contests often occur in schools, language clubs, and community gatherings, encouraging people of all ages to enjoy the playful aspect of language. Tongue twisters exist in almost every language and vary widely in content, structure, and difficulty. They often involve alliteration or a sequence of similar but distinct phonetic sounds, making them challenging yet entertaining to articulate. The history of tongue twisters goes back to many ancient cultures, with the oldest recorded tongue twisters created in an ancient Sanskrit text. In English, tongue twisters have been documented as far back as the 19th century, with some, like “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,” still popular today. The appeal of tongue twisters lies in their ability to engage language skills, improve diction and pronunciation, and provide entertainment. They are also used in educational settings to help students learn new languages and improve their speaking abilities. International Tongue Twister Contest Day, therefore, represents more than just a fun challenge; it is a celebration of the linguistic diversity and complexity that tongue twisters bring to language learning and cultural traditions around the world. It showcases the universal nature of language games and their role in cultural and educational contexts across various languages and regions.

Africa

Feb

Tooth Fairy Day, Intl.: February 28

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The first known accounts of the idea of a Tooth Fairy originated in Arabia in the 1300s. To this day, in Islamic countries, parents continue to toss lost teeth in the air, a practice dating well before the advent of Islam. However, the tradition of paying children for teeth (or rewarding children for such) is seen in the Viking culture as early as the 7th Century. During the profoundly superstitious Middle Ages, several myths surrounded the loss of teeth. At this time, children began leaving them under their pillows for a prize, and parents left a trail of fairy dust for the children to find in the morning. The Tooth Fairy is genuinely an international myth that borrows from traditions worldwide. No single culture is responsible for the myth; it grew with the global trade routes.

Africa