All - Leep Calendar

Microtia Awareness Day, observed annually on November 9th, is a significant day initiated by the Ear Community Organization to raise awareness about microtia. With this congenital deformity, the external ear is underdeveloped. The Ear Community Organization, a nonprofit that supports individuals with microtia and atresia, their families, and healthcare providers, established Microtia Awareness Day in 2016. The organization's founder, Melissa Tumblin, who has a daughter with microtia and atresia, spearheaded this initiative. The goal was to provide a platform for education, support, and advocacy, promoting greater understanding and acceptance of this condition. Microtia, which means "small ear," occurs in various forms, ranging from a slightly small ear to the complete absence of the ear. It can affect hearing and lead to challenges in speech development. The day emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and interventions, including hearing aids, reconstructive surgery, and other treatment options to improve the quality of life for those affected. On Microtia Awareness Day, families, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups participate in events and social media campaigns to spread information about microtia. Personal stories are shared to highlight the experiences of individuals with microtia, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. The observance also seeks to promote research into the causes and treatments of microtia and atresia. Despite being a relatively common congenital condition, occurring in about 1 in every 9,000 births, microtia is not widely known. Increasing awareness can lead to better resources and support for research and development in this field. In addition to education and advocacy, Microtia Awareness Day is a call to action for better access to healthcare and support services. It highlights the need for insurance coverage for hearing aids, surgeries, and other treatments related to microtia and atresia.

Africa

Nov

Military Families Month: November

06:20 AM | -

Military Families Month honors the sacrifice and commitments of military personnel and their families. Throughout November, military families serving around the world are honored. Efforts to recognize the sacrifices of the military family by Active, Guard, and Reserve leaders are being joined and supported by DoD organizations, including the Army Air Force Exchange Service, Defense Commissary Agency, and others.

Africa

Nov

Millet and Teff Month: November

06:20 AM | -

November is Millet and Teff Month. Millet and teff, two ancient grains from different parts of the world, hold a unique place in global agriculture and culinary traditions. While both are small-seeded and highly nutritious, their histories uses, and characteristics set them apart. Millet, a term used for several small-seeded grasses, is believed to have originated in Africa and Asia. One of the earliest cultivated crops, millet has been grown in East Asia for over 10,000 years and West Africa for thousands of years. Its ability to grow in arid and semi-arid regions, where other crops fail, made it crucial for ancient civilizations. Millet includes pearl, foxtail, and finger millet, each with unique properties and culinary uses. Millet is vital. In Asia, particularly in India, it is used in dishes like roti (a flatbread) and porridge and as a rice substitute. In Africa, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel region, millet is a primary ingredient in traditional dishes like couscous and porridge. Millet's mild, nutty flavor and gluten-free properties make it popular in health food markets and used in cereals, snacks, and flour alternatives. On the other hand, teff originated in Ethiopia and Eritrea, where it has been a staple for thousands of years. It is the smallest grain in the world and grows in various colors, from white and red to brown. Teff's resilience in diverse climates, including water-logged soils and drought conditions, has been vital to its cultivation in the Horn of Africa. Teff is most famously used to make injera, a sourdough-risen flatbread with a slightly spongy texture, central to Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisines. Porridge, baked teffs, and even alcoholic beverages also use teff. Like millet, teff is gluten-free and rich in calcite iron, protein, and fiber, making it a valuable grain for nutritional health. The histories of millet and teff are intertwined with the agricultural and cultural practices of their regions of origin. Millet's spread across Asia and Africa speaks to its adaptability and importance as a food source in arid regions. Teff's significance in Ethiopia and Eritrea showcases its cultural importance and the agricultural ingenuity of these societies in cultivating such a small grain. While both grains are essential in their native regions, their global popularity has grown, particularly among health-conscious consumers and those with gluten intolerances. Millet and teff's unique qualities and nutrition have made them celebrated additions to the diverse world of grains, each telling a story of human adaptation, survival, and culinary tradition.

Africa

Nov

Mischief Night (UK)(1790): November 4

06:20 AM | -

Mischief Night in the United Kingdom is the day when children are allowed to prank and do minor vandalism. Initially, this custom was part of May Day celebrations; today, it is celebrated before Guy Fawkes Day.

Africa

Nov

Moon-—Full: November 5

06:20 AM | -

A full moon occurs when the moon is illuminated by the sun and on the opposite side of the earth. Its ecliptic longitude is 180 degrees. For centuries, people have applied names to full moons to track the seasons and as a point of reference. The names listed below come from Native American and Colonial American traditions passed down through generations. Here are the common names for full moons in each month in the Northern Hemisphere (the Southern Hemisphere doesn't do this tradition): January: Wolf Moon—Named after the howling of wolves during the cold winter nights. February: Snow Moon—Named for the typically heavy snowfall. March: Worm Moon—As the ground thaws, earthworms emerge, attracting birds. April: Seed Moon—Time to plant for the fall harvest. May: Flower Moon—Named for the abundance of flowers in May. June: Strawberry Moon— due to the short harvesting season for strawberries in the northeastern United States. July: Buck Moon—when new antlers grow on male deer (bucks). August: Sturgeon Moon—when sturgeon fish are abundant in North America's Great Lakes. September: Harvest Moon—time to harvest crops. October: Hunter's Moon—game is at its fattest, allowing hunters to stock up for the winter months. November: Beaver Moon—when beavers build their winter dams. December: Cold Moon—long, dark, and cold nights. Full moon names vary between cultures, regions, and traditions; several full moons have alternative names. The above are the most common. A blue moon occurs when two full moons are in a single month, and February is the only month in the year that occasionally does not have a full moon. A blood moon describes a total lunar eclipse.

Africa

Nov

Moon—First Quarter: November 28

06:20 AM | -

The first quarter moon occurs when the moon is one-half illuminated by the sun. Each day forward increases the amount of the moon you can see. The 1st quarter typically occurs seven days after the New Moon.

Africa

Nov

Moon—New: November 20

06:20 AM | -

The New Moon occurs when the moon and the sun have the exact elliptical longitude. The moon is at its closest point to the sun in its orbit. From earth, we usually cannot see it. The New Moon is considered the first phase.

Africa

Nov

Moon—Third Quarter: November 12

06:20 AM | -

Today is the third quarter of the moon, meaning it is halfway between the full moon and the new moon.

Africa

Nov

Mousse Day: November 30

06:20 AM | -

Mousse Day celebrates the French culinary invention. Mousse, a light and airy dish known for its creamy texture and versatility has a rich culinary history that dates back to the 18th century. The term "mousse" in French means "foam," aptly describing this delicacy's light and fluffy nature. Mousse can be sweet or savory, with chocolate mousse being particularly renowned. Mousse originated in France, where it began as a savory dish made with meat or fish. Early versions of mousse were more akin to a pâté, involving a blend of seasoned pureed ingredients, set into a mold, and served cold. The aristocracy favors this mousse form. The transformation of mousse into a dessert occurred in the mid-19th century. French chefs began experimenting with sweet versions of mousse, incorporating whipped cream and egg whites to create a light and airy texture. Chocolate, with its rich flavor and popularity, quickly became a favored ingredient in sweet mousse recipes. The first recorded recipe for chocolate mousse in the United States appeared in the 1890s. However, in the 20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, chocolate mousse gained widespread popularity as a dessert in Europe and America. The film "Rosemary's Baby" might have had a hand in that. Mousse's simplicity and the elegance it brought to the dining table made it a staple in home cooking and restaurant menus. Modern interpretations of mousse have expanded far beyond the traditional chocolate flavor. Today, mousse can be found in a myriad of flavors, from fruits like raspberry and mango to more exotic varieties incorporating herbs and spices. Though less common than their sweet counterparts, savory mousses are served as appetizers or side dishes. Mousse preparation typically involves whipping cream or egg whites to incorporate air, creating its signature foam-like texture. When making sweet mousse, ingredients like chocolate, fruit purees, or flavorings are gently folded into the whipped base to retain the lightness. Mousse is a testament to culinary evolution, originating as a savory French dish and transforming into a beloved dessert worldwide. Its evolution from a meat-based preparation to a sweet, airy delicacy reflects changes in culinary tastes and techniques, solidifying its place in the annals of classic desserts.

Africa

Nov

Mouth Cancer Action Month (UK): November

06:20 AM | -

Mouth Cancer Awareness Month raises awareness of mouth cancer, its causes, and its prevention. Mouth cancer causes more deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer, or melanomas. Tobacco use is still considered the leading cause of mouth cancer. According to the World Health Organization, up to half of the current smokers will die of a tobacco-related illness, including mouth cancer. Drinking to excess can increase the risk of mouth cancer by four times. Those who smoke and drink are up to 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer. Mouth cancer is twice more common in men than in women, though an increasing number of women are being diagnosed with the disease. Age is another factor, with people over 40 more likely to be diagnosed, though more young people are now being affected than previously. Poor diet is linked to a third of all cancer cases.

Africa

Nov

Movember: November

06:20 AM | -

Movember, also known as No Shave November, is a campaign challenging men to grow a mustache and beard during the month to raise awareness of men’s health issues. Sponsored by the Movember Foundation, health issues highlighted include early detection of certain kinds of cancer and depression. First held in 2004, today, it is supported by thousands of organizations worldwide, and the cause is considered one of the top 100 NGOs in the world.

Africa

Nov

MTV Europe Music Awards: November 9 (est)

06:20 AM | -

The MTV Europe Music Awards honors musicians and performers in Europe. Presented by MTV Networks Europe and established in 1994, it was conceptualized as an alternative to MTV Video Music Awards. Beginning in 2007, the viewers, rather than industry experts, choose winners by voting on the EMA’s website.

Africa

Nov

Nachos Day: November 6

06:20 AM | -

Nacho Day celebrates nachos, a beloved snack enjoyed worldwide, originated in Piedras Negras, Mexico's small border town, in 1943. The creation of nachos is credited to Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, a maître d' at the Victory Club restaurant in Piedras Negras. The story goes that one day, a group of military wives from Eagle Pass, Texas, crossed the border to shop in Piedras Negras. They stopped at the Victory Club for a bite, but the chef was nowhere to be found. Not wanting to turn away hungry customers, Anaya quickly improvised a dish with what he had available in the kitchen. He cut corn tortillas into triangles, fried them, topped them with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeños, and heated the dish until the cheese melted. When asked the dish's name, Anaya reportedly said, "Nacho's especiales," using the common practice of adding 's' to form a possessive. The snack was an instant hit. The dish's name was shortened to simply "nachos." Its original recipe consisted of fried corn tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, and jalapeño peppers. However, nachos have evolved over the years. Toppings now often include ground beef, chicken, beans, guacamole, sour cream, and various other ingredients, making them a versatile dish that can be a snack, appetizer, or even a full meal. Nachos crossed into the United States and gained popularity, particularly in Texas and other southwestern states. At a Texas Rangers baseball game, the dish's popularity soared in 1976 when Frank Liberto introduced a modified version of nachos, using melted cheese sauce instead of shredded cheese. This version of nachos became a staple at sporting events and movie theaters across the United States. Today, nachos are enjoyed worldwide for their simplicity, versatility, and, most importantly, their deliciousness. From their humble beginnings in a small Mexican town to their status as an international culinary sensation, nachos have secured their place in the pantheon of beloved comfort foods.

Africa

Nov

Name Your PC Day: November 20

06:20 AM | -

Today is Name Your PC Day. Created by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat.com, this celebration is a naming celebration for one’s personal computer. On this day, people give a name to their PCs and Laptops.

Africa

Nov

National Day (FM)(1978): November 3

06:20 AM | -

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) celebrates its National Day, also known as Constitution Day or Micronesia Day, on November 3rd each year. This public holiday commemorates the signing of the Micronesian constitution on November 3, 1978, which established the FSM as a sovereign federated nation in free association with the United States. The FSM comprises four main states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. Previously, these states were part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, a United Nations trusteeship administered by the United States after World War II. The Micronesian constitution created a federal government that united the four states while still allowing for a significant degree of local autonomy. The Compact of Free Association with the United States, signed in 1982 and implemented in 1986, granted the FSM full independence, while the United States agreed to provide defense and financial assistance. National Day is an important event in the FSM, marked by various festivities and activities throughout the country. Celebrations include parades, traditional dance performances, sports competitions, cultural events, and speeches by political leaders. The day is an opportunity for the people of Micronesia to express their national pride and unity, as well as to honor their history and achievements since gaining self-government and independence.

Africa