All - Leep Calendar

Barbie in a Blender Day officially ran between 2003 and 2009. It was a protest movement by college students worldwide under the moniker of Freeculture.org. The purpose of the event was to support free speech rights. The Barbie in a Blender project was inspired by a legal case involving a lawsuit filed by Mattel, the maker of Barbie dolls, against Utah-based artist Tom Forsythe. In 1999 Forsythe created a series of photographs titled “Food Chain Barbie,” portraying nude Barbies in suggestive poses among kitchen appliances. Mattel filed a lawsuit, claiming copyright infringement and demanding Forsythe stop selling prints. On June 30th, 2004, the case was settled. A federal judge ordered Mattel to pay Forsythe $1.8 million in legal fees and court costs, calling Mattel’s suit “frivolous” and “unreasonable.” The Forsythe case highlights the increasing challenges those who wish to comment on popular icons, symbols, or cornerstones of culture face, given that many are trademarks or copyrights of large corporations. “If you want to talk about the problems with society, all of the widely recognized figures are copyrighted,” says Nelson Pavlosky of Freeculture.org. “In the past, cultural icons belonged to everyone…[now] if you want to use a relevant character to critique society, you’ll get burned by companies who can silence you, not by winning in court, but by outspending you and forcing you to cave in or lose all your money.” Though no longer a sponsored event, the whimsical nature of the day and the importance of preserving free speech have forced a continued observance of the day by free speech advocates worldwide.

Africa

Jul

Bastille Day (FR/MF) (1789): July 14

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La Fête Nationale or Bastille Day is National Day in France. It commemorates July 14, 1789, storming of the Bastille, a prison in Paris. Storming the Bastille was one of the first significant acts of armed rebellion during the French Revolution. On July 14, 1790, one year to the day, the revolutionists officially united the French nation. The annual parade in Paris in honor of La Fête Nationale is the oldest annual military parade in Europe.

Africa

Jul

Bathing and Basking Festival, Xi Shai Jie (CN): July 19

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XI SHAI JIE (THE BASKING AND BATHING FESTIVAL) A Cultural Celebration of Sun, Water, and Heritage Each summer, as the sun crests over the lush mountains of southern China, the Bouyei ethnic minority of Guizhou Province gathers in festive unity for Xi Shai Jie, or the Bathing and Basking Festival. Rooted in ancient customs, this colorful holiday celebrates nature, vitality, and community, blending water rituals, sun worship, and joyful reunions. Held annually on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month—typically in July—Xi Shai Jie marks a spiritual and physical cleansing. Though the exact origins of the festival are challenging to pinpoint, it has been observed for centuries, passed down through generations as a vital expression of Bouyei cultural identity. The festival gained broader recognition in the early 2000s when regional governments began promoting it as an emblem of ethnic heritage and rural tourism. A key tradition is the act of bathing in rivers or springs. Wearing traditional dress, families gather at natural water sources to wash themselves and their children to purify the body, cast away misfortune, and protect against illness. After the bath, villagers “bask” in the sun—hence the name Xi Shai Jie—as sunlight is essential for health and spiritual renewal. Equally important are the foods and festivities that follow. Bouyei women prepare colorful glutinous rice dyed with natural plant extracts, zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves), fresh river fish, and seasonal fruits: communal feasts and open-air banquets feature during the day. Traditional songs, bamboo dances, bullfighting contests, embroidery exhibitions, and sporting competitions fill the village squares, transforming the event into a celebration of ethnic pride and a showcase of intangible cultural heritage. Xi Shai Jie is a vibrant celebration of life, health, and harmony. It offers a bridge between generations and preserves the unique culture of Asian society.

Africa

Jul

Battle of the Boyne Holiday (UK)(1690): July 13

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Fought on July 1, 1690, the Battle of Boyne was a decisive battle in Irish and English history. King William III, with his English and French Protestant armies, defeated King James’ army of Irish and French Catholics. This occurred on the banks of the River Boyne and halted the re-adoption of Catholicism in England. At the time, the Julian Calendar was in use rather than the Gregorian. Because of this, the holiday is marked in Northern Ireland as a celebration of Protestantism over Catholicism on its Julian date of July 12.

Africa

Jul

Be a Dork Day: July 15

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Be a Dork Day is a license to be weird, arcane, and dorky. Although the 'official' Google definition of a dork describes one as a "dull, slow-witted, or socially inept person," the modern version is quirky. Yes, these eccentrics might not follow the usual trends or be with the in-crowd. Still, dorks are often some of the most extraordinary people around. Being cool is not a requirement to make it in life, so kudos to all dorks who choose to remain faithful to living the life they want!

Africa

Jul

Be Nice to New Jersey Week: July 5-11

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No state receives more lousy press from comedians than New Jersey. Therefore, Lone Star publications decided New Jersey needs a week for the nation to "share the love" and support it as it should be.

Africa

Jul

Beans and Franks Day: July 13

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Beans and Franks Day (or Beanie Weenie Day) falls during the height of BBQ season in the Northern Hemisphere. This day celebrates a cowboy staple, beans, and franks. Best way to celebrate? Cook and serve beans and franks.

Africa

Jul

Beef Tallow Day, Ntl.: July 13

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National Beef Tallow Day premiers in 2018 and promotes the use of healthy, animal-based fats in cooking and baking. This day strategically falls on National French Fry Day. Have you ever had incredibly delicious french fries? If you have, they were likely fried in beef tallow fat, which is ideal for high-heat cooking. With trans-fats, the manufactured synthetic fats, on their way out, people are rediscovering the versatility and flavor of natural animal-based fats like beef tallow.

Africa

Jul

Bereaved Parents Awareness Month, Intl: July

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Bereaved Parents Awareness Month supports bereaved parents. Often people don't know what to say to or do for grieving parents. Sometimes, they turn away and do nothing. We encourage people to return and reach out to bereaved parents and their families. Give them someone who will listen to them without advising them; a shoulder to cry on, and a hug when appropriate. Basically, be there for the bereaved.

Africa

Jul

Bikini Day (1946): July 5

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Today is the anniversary of the aquatic clothing style that has enchanted men and terrified women into dieting for nearly five generations. The term "bikini" was coined by French automotive engineer Louis Réard in 1946 after the Bikini Atoll, a site in the Pacific used to test atomic bombs. He believed his two-piece swimwear would create an "explosive" cultural reaction akin to an atomic bomb. Réard's design was not the first two-piece swimsuit. Archaeological evidence, including Roman mosaics, show women wearing two-piece garments during athletic events as early as 300 AD. Swimming as a leisure activity didn't catch on until the nineteenth century. In 1837, London opened its first public swimming pool, and the Metropolitan Swimming Clubs of London, established in the 1860s, held regular swimming competitions. Though now considered recreation, swimwear followed current fashions with modesty as a requirement. Following World War I, swimsuits, like fashion, became less conservative. By the early 1940s, two-piece bathing suits were available, but they still covered the navel and a woman's posterior. Réard's bikini, introduced in Paris on July 5, 1946, was a radically streamlined design. It was so small that Réard claimed it wasn't a genuine bikini unless you could pull it through a wedding ring. Despite its initial controversy due to its revealing design, the bikini gained broad acceptance by the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in films, with celebrities, and in fashion magazines. The 1960s saw the rise of the "Monokini," a topless swimsuit designed by Rudi Gernreich, and later, the "Microkini," an even more revealing style. While these styles did not gain the same level of popularity as the bikini, they represented the ongoing trend toward more revealing swimwear. By the 21st century, the bikini became a multi-billion-dollar industry. It remains a staple of beachwear fashion in many parts of the world, and its influence extends beyond swimwear, influencing lingerie, activewear, and even general fashion trends.

Africa

Jul

Bioterrorism/Disaster Education and Awareness Month: July

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Pharmacists Planning Service sponsors bioterrorism/Disaster Education and Awareness Month in July. The month provides information and solutions to the general public, health care industry, and NGOs on preparations and protocols in the event of disasters, man-made or natural.

Africa

Jul

Bison Month, Ntl.: July

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ABOUT NATIONAL BISON MONTH National Bison Month is celebrated in July to raise awareness about bison, their historical significance, ecological role, and contributions to North American heritage. The month celebrates the American bison, often called buffalo and promotes conservation efforts. Difference Between Bison and Buffalo Bison and buffalo are distinct animals, though the terms are often used interchangeably in North America. Key differences include: Species: Bison: Native to North America and Europe. Examples include the American bison (Bison bison) and European bison (Bison bonasus). Buffalo: Native to Africa and Asia. Examples include the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and the Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Physical Characteristics: Bison: Have a large hump over their shoulders, large heads, and thick fur, particularly around the head and shoulders. Buffalo: Lack the hump, have sleeker bodies, and vary significantly in horn shape and size. Nutritional Benefits of Bison Meat Bison meat is considered highly nutritious due to several factors: Lean Protein: Bison meat is lower in fat and calories than beef, making it a lean source of protein. High in Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in B vitamins (B12, B6), zinc, iron, and selenium. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to grain-fed beef. Lower in Cholesterol: Bison meat typically has lower cholesterol levels than beef, pork, and chicken. Origins of National Bison Month National Bison Month began in 1990, spearheaded by the National Bison Association (NBA) and other conservation groups and enthusiasts. The initiative was created to promote bisons' historical importance, nutritional benefits, and ecological role in grassland ecosystems. The NBA, alongside other organizations, has worked to restore bison populations, advocate for sustainable bison ranching, and educate the public about the significance of this iconic animal.

Africa

Jul

Black Family Month, Ntl.: July

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Shaun McLaughlin created black Family Month in New York to focus on the needs of Black families. The month utilizes the tradition of family reunions to get the community involved. Involvement includes supplying free health services, education, and entertainment opportunities. Families are encouraged to do activities together such as reading, family dinners, classes, and attend annual check-ups. The organizers are no longer available for this event; however, tradition has it on the calendar, and it continues to be observed by African American families throughout the country.

Africa

Jul

Blueberry Month, Ntl.: July

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Since 2003 the NABC and the US Department of Agriculture have recognized July as National Blueberry Month. The Canadian Government also recognizes its National Blueberry Month in August. Blueberries are grown in 36 of the 50 states in the US. They are a favorite summer fruit, high in antioxidants and other health benefits. This month's celebrations include family discounts at u-pick farms, recipe contests, promotions at supermarkets and farmers' markets, and blueberry festivals throughout the country. To locate a festival near you, or for a list of You Pick Blueberry Farms in the US, see: http://www.blueberry.org

Africa

Jul

Blueberry Muffin Day, Ntl.: July 11

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National Blueberry Muffin Day is an unofficial holiday to honor the blueberry muffin. Coffee shops and bakeries often have specials on blueberry muffins, and those choosing to celebrate share blueberry muffins with friends and family.

Africa