All - Leep Calendar

World Book Day is an annual event that began in the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to promote books and reading to children and help them experience how enjoyable reading can be. Additionally, the event seeks to supply poor children globally with books they can take home and keep. Millions of children worldwide do not have access to libraries and books, and in some cases, the books children receive on World Book Day are the first books they’ll ever own. Contact information below can put schools and press in touch with the organizers of World Book Day, whether you’re seeking to create a local event or donate books for distribution to the cause.

Africa

Mar

Bonza Bottler Day™, Intl: March 3

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When the number of the month matches the number of the day, that's Bonza Bottler Day. It is a play on numbers. There are twelve Bonza Bottler Days a year. This event began in 1985. Bonza is Australian for "Super." Bottler is slang for "something excellent."

Africa

Mar

Boganda Day (CF)(1959): March 29

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Boganda Day in the Central African Republic marks the anniversary of the death in an airplane crash of their first President, Barthelemy Boganda (April 4, 1910 - March 29, 1959), on March 29, 1959. Boganda Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Mar

Bock Beer Day: March 20

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While not a widely recognized holiday, Bock Beer Day would celebrate the rich, malty, and somewhat strong tradition of Bock beer, a type of lager originating from Germany. Bock beer has a long history, tracing back to the medieval German town of Einbeck in the 14th century. It was later adopted by Bavarian brewers in the 17th century, who pronounced "Einbeck" as "ein Bock," meaning "a billy goat," which explains why many Bock beers today feature a goat on their labels. Bock beer is distinguished from other beers by its significant malt profile, with a higher alcohol content ranging from 6% to 7.5% by volume. Traditional Bock is a dark, sweet, and clear lager with a robust malt character, although there are several variations, including Maibock (or Helles Bock), a paler, more hop-centric version brewed for spring; Doppelbock, a more robust and sweeter version; and Eisbock, an even stronger beer made by partially freezing the beer and removing the ice to concentrate the flavor and alcohol. The brewing process for Bock beer sets it apart from other beers. It involves a longer lagering period (cold storage) lasting several months. This process helps create a smooth, rich flavor without harshness despite the high alcohol content. A higher proportion of malted barley enhances the malt's prominence in the flavor profile, giving Bock its characteristic sweetness and full-bodied taste. Regarding food pairings, Bock beer's hearty malt flavor and sweet undertones make it an excellent companion to a wide range of dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted meats, such as pork, beef, and venison, complementing the caramelization of the meat. Its sweetness can balance the spiciness of dishes like barbecue or Mexican food. At the same time, its robust body makes it an excellent match for decadent, creamy desserts like cheesecake or crème brûlée. Cheese lovers will find that Bock beer pairs beautifully with aged cheeses, such as Gruyère or aged Cheddar, where the beer's sweetness contrasts nicely with the cheese's sharpness. Although Bock Beer Day is not an official holiday, beer enthusiasts may choose to celebrate this rich, flavorful beer by exploring its various styles and enjoying it with compatible dishes, thereby appreciating the centuries-old brewing traditions that continue to make Bock beer a beloved choice among beer connoisseurs around the world.

Africa

Mar

BMI Latin Awards: March 5 (est)

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The BMI Latin Awards or Billboard Latin Music Awards are a subset of the original Billboard Music Awards hosted by Billboard magazine. The awards program began in 1994 as a Latin Music Conference, capped by an awards ceremony. Beginning in 1999, The Billboard Latin Music Awards became a televised Telemundo event broadcast throughout the Americas, Puerto Rico, and Europe. Three special awards, unique to Billboard, are presented in addition to the general awards for best song, artist, album, etc. These are the Spirit of Hope, highlighting philanthropy, the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Latin Music Hall of Fame inductees. The Billboard Latin Music Awards usually occur in April.

Africa

Mar

Blueberry Popover Day: March 10

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Blueberry popovers look a little like muffins, but they’re taller and lighter, like a soufflé with a consistency similar to Yorkshire pudding. However, popovers are an American culinary invention, with the first recipe premiering in 1876 in MN Henderson’s book, “Practical Cooking.” Blueberry Popover Day is an unofficial holiday with no sponsor, but enjoy the sweet taste of the day.

Africa

Mar

Black Women in Jazz Month, Intl.: March

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Jazz is an American musical invention that gained favor in the early 20th century. From it, many greats have risen. This month honors the African American women who were trailblazers in the genre. These include Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, and Dinah Washington. Celebrate this month by taking some vinyl for a spin. It's the best way to hear jazz in its original form.

Africa

Mar

Black Swan Day (2020): March 13

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Black Swan Day marks the day the COVID-19 situation turned upside down in the United States over eight hours on March 13, 2020. An event is considered a "Black Swan Event" when it upends norms and changes how society behaves going forward. It is a sudden and disruptive event. March 13, 2020, certainly fits that description. On March 13, 2020, the United States declared a National Emergency over the novel Coronavirus. On that day, the US had 2,183 cases with 48 deaths. Globally, the world had recorded 145,417 cases and 5,427 deaths. What we were about to engage as a global community, nobody knew. Everyone has a story about that day, and this is mine. FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH At 7:30 AM, March 13, 2020, I arrived my office in Bala Cynwood (Bah-la Kin-wood), Pennsylvania, wary of the fact it was Friday the 13th, but looking forward to getting the day over so the weekend could start. I was doing direct marketing door-to-door, business-to-business for 100% commission. I hated it with a passion but needed income as I researched LEEP. Every morning we held a ninety-minute "sales meeting," remedial training for the never-ending stream of recruits, 90% of whom never made it to 30 days, let alone a whole week. This day I lucked out, and I didn't have to take a trainee into the field. SCHUYLKILL GHOSTS & BUBBLE GUM LIGHTS At around 9:30 AM, I headed to my car, swung onto City Avenue, and headed toward Center City on the Schuylkill (Skoo-kull), interstate highway 76. It was the first indication that this would not be a typical day. There wasn't a single car moving westbound on the I-76, not one. Usually, the infamous highway is bumper-to-bumper at this time of day, actually any time of day. Where were the cars? I exited onto the PA1 northbound. On this road, another major highway, no cars were going southbound either. Two miles in, and still no cars on the other side. Drivers traveling my way were looking around as puzzled as me. A woman in hijab passed, catching my eye; she nodded and shook her head, confused. I grinned back half-heartedly and shrugged. Suddenly, over the crest ahead, a flood of bubble gum lights and sirens spilled into all the southbound lanes, swelling from the emergency parking lane to the Jersey barrier dividing us. Dozens and dozens of police motorcycles rushed toward us, followed by police cars, fire engines, command cars, and ambulances. Each vehicle was fully animated, and all had sirens blaring. Confused, my car compatriots and I all eased over to the shoulder, trying to figure out what to do. The flood of rapidly moving vehicles was over a mile in length. Then I saw the hearse. It was a funeral procession for a first responder. It is hard to explain the fear this engendered. My first thought was terrorism. Why else would roads be closed and hundreds of emergency vehicles of every flavor be traveling quickly toward Center City, lights flashing and sirens blaring? Fortunately, it was a show of respect, not my worst fear. However, the day continued in its strangeness. SHADES OF 1918 My first stop in North Philadelphia was an Irish pub with two locations in the city. The person I needed to speak with wasn't in, but his father was. I asked about their plans for Saint Patrick's Day the following week. "I don't know," he confided. "My father lived through the 1918 pandemic, and we're not sure what this is yet." The Spanish Flu. Over 12,000 Philadelphians lost their lives within six weeks during the 1918 second wave. It tore through the city after a Labor Day parade attended by an estimated 200,000 people. THE SIGN Wishing him luck for Saint Patrick's Day, I left and headed into the territory I planned to work that day, an area of light and heavy industrial manufacturing peppered with strip malls and various fast food joints. After about thirty minutes, I got my first contract, a multi-location retailer with a warehouse. Fabulous. After about forty minutes with them, I headed to a Starbucks. Parking, I exited the car, looking forward to sitting down. Instead, a sign at the door read: "Takeout only until further notice due to COVID-19." What? Gingerly, I scanned the other storefronts in the strip mall. Most were closed, except for a Redwing shoe store and a Duncan Donuts. The closed locations all had similar signs. Several strip malls later with closed signs, and I began to panic as I needed a restroom. The Taco Bell, cheesesteak place, and sub shop all refused customers inside. Nearly every location I could enter was empty, and the proprietors were worried and not friendly, which was highly unusual. Typically only nail salons and pawn shops were mean to me. Everyone was on edge. By 3 PM, I called it a day. Until I entered my car, without access to a radio during the day I didn't know that all hell had broken loose. The White House had officially declared a National Emergency over the Coronavirus. Several outbreaks in the US were reported, and suddenly people were discussing shutting everything down. "They can't shut everything down," I thought, "can they?" MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2020 That weekend, there was a stayed uneasiness. Monday morning's commute was better than Christmas week, with hardly any cars on the road. After our mind-numbing sales meeting, I headed to Philadelphia's Italian Market (my favorite place in the city) and checked in on existing clients until my 1:30 PM appointment with a culinary school in South Philly. As I left the school with a new contract, my phone started vibrating and screeching with an alarm I'd never heard. The text read, "The state of Pennsylvania will shut down at 5 PM today, March 16, 2020." What the?!? No! I'm supposed to get my hair cut tomorrow! Little did I know it would be seven more months of mop head before that would happen. Dumbfounded, I stood on the sunny street with budding trees staring at the message on my phone. It was 3 PM, exactly. Fortunately, I had made my commission for the week. Screw it! I didn't want to go home, and I didn't want to work. I wanted people, a communion of strangers, so I headed to a pub within stumbling distance of my house. About 15 of us sat in the small 1930s era bar, drinking cheap wine and bottled beer, tipping the bartender liberally, and discussing events with trepidation. The owner wandered in around 4 PM and informed us that the bar and most other businesses would indefinitely close at 5 PM. We watched the news on the tele and tried to make light of this new reality. At 4:55 PM, a final toast before one-by-one, we spilled out the door and made our way home. It was the end of an era and the beginning of what would become two and a half rather surreal years for everyone. ________________ As of today, January 19, 2023, 672,364,867 cases of COVID-19 have been reported globally. Six million, seven hundred thirty-seven thousand, four hundred seven people have died, and the US stands at 103,708,163 cases with 1,127,080 deaths, the highest in the world. I don't think I'm a fan of black swans anymore.

Africa

Mar

Black Press Day, Ntl.(1827): March 16

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On March 16, 1827, the first black-owned newspaper was published in the United States, the Freedom's Journal. It was founded by the Reverend John Wilk, John Russwurm, and Samuel Cornish in New York City as a weekly and remained active until March 28, 1829.

Africa

Mar

Black Marriage Day: March 22

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Black Marriage Day, observed annually on the fourth Sunday of March, was established in 2003 by Nisa Muhammad of the Wedded Bliss Foundation to celebrate and promote the value of marriage within the African American community. This day is important because it highlights Black love and marriage's strength, resilience, and beauty, countering negative stereotypes and providing positive examples of Black couples and families. It is a platform to encourage dialogue about the social, economic, and cultural benefits of solid marital bonds in the Black community. The significance of Black Marriage Day extends beyond mere celebration; it is a response to the challenges and disparities African American couples face. Historically, Black marriages experienced various systemic barriers, including economic inequality, racial discrimination, and the lingering effects of slavery and segregation. These challenges have contributed to lower marriage rates and higher divorce rates among African Americans compared to other racial groups in the United States. The impact of Black marriage on culture is profound. Strong marital relationships contribute to families' stability and economic well-being, providing a supportive environment for raising children. Married couples in the Black community often serve as role models, offering tangible examples of commitment and resilience in the face of adversity. Moreover, Black marriages contribute to the diversity and richness of the American family landscape, showcasing the varied expressions of love and partnership. Focusing on Black marriage is necessary for several reasons: Strengthening Communities: Stable marriages and families are foundational to the health and vitality of communities. By supporting Black marriages, there is a potential to foster stronger, more resilient communities that can better support their members socially and economically. Counteracting Negative Stereotypes: Celebrating Black Marriage Day helps to counteract and challenge the negative stereotypes and narratives often portrayed in media and popular culture about Black love and families. Promoting Positive Outcomes: Research has shown that children raised in two-parent households tend to have better academic outcomes, higher self-esteem, and lower rates of involvement in the criminal justice system. Highlighting and supporting Black marriages can contribute to positive outcomes for the next generation. Addressing Unique Challenges: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Black couples, including racial discrimination and economic disparities, Black Marriage Day emphasizes the need for targeted support and resources to help these couples thrive. Black Marriage Day promotes various events and activities, including marriage seminars, vow renewal ceremonies, community festivals, and educational workshops. These events celebrate Black love and provide couples with tools and resources to build and maintain healthy relationships. Black Marriage Day plays a crucial role in affirming the value of marriage within the African American community, promoting positive representations of Black love, and addressing the unique challenges faced by Black couples. It stands as a testament to Black families' resilience and enduring strength, contributing positively to the broader cultural and social fabric of society.

Africa

Mar

Black Hole Awareness Month: March

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National Black Hole Awareness Month is an unofficial holiday with no sponsor. Black holes are a theory. In January 2013, astronomers released the first pictures of what they think a black hole will look like - but admit they don't yet have the technology to check their theory. Black holes are invisible, as light cannot escape their gravitational pull. See the whole article in the UK's Daily Mail at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2266573/First-picture-astronomers-think-black-hole-looks-like-youll-wait-build-telescope-theyre-right.html.

Africa

Mar

Black Forest Cake Day, Ntl.: March 28

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German Black Forest Cake or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is a layered sponge cake soaked in cherry schnapps, stuffed with whipped cream and whole cherries, and topped with frosting and dark chocolate shavings. It is named black forest for one of its main ingredients, the Morello cherry, which grows in this southwest region. Pastry chef Josef Keller (1887-1981) invented the Black Forest cherry cake in 1915 for his Café Ahrend.

Africa

Mar

Birth Defects Day, World: March 3

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World Birth Defects Day raises awareness of congenital disabilities surveillance, prevention, and care while funding research. Currently, three to six percent of all babies born have severe birth defects, many of which are preventable, and it is one of the leading causes of death in infants and small children.

Africa

Mar

Birkebeinerrennet (NO): March 14

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Love skiing? Then you’ll love Norway’s annual Birkebeinerrennet! This cross-country race starts in Rena and finishes in Lillehammer. Fifty-four kilometers in length, it showcases the beauty of this northern European country's people and culture.

Africa

Mar

Biodiesel Day, Ntl. (1858): March 18

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March 18, 1858, Rudolph Diesel, the inventor responsible for the diesel internal combustion engine, created in 1897, was born.

Africa