tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71209790424875878342024-03-16T13:52:42.696-05:00The Holiday WhizEverything you need to know about holidays, celebrations, moon phases, and more.Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.comBlogger1330125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-73946878521803758582014-04-15T00:30:00.000-05:002014-04-15T00:30:03.221-05:00An announcement suitable for That Sucks DayI'd like to thank you, loyal readers, for stopping by every day for current holiday news. Creating and maintaining the <i>Holiday Whiz</i> has been both fun and educational.<br />
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Now, let's move on to my purpose for writing this post, appropriate for publication on <i>That Sucks Day:</i> <br />
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All of us, as responsible adults, should pause now and then to take stock of our lives. So I have to ask, "Does maintaining this blog help me in the pursuit my life goals?" Sadly, the answer is, "Not really." I've worked hard to streamline the processes of discovering new holidays, tracking movable holidays, etc., but when I get right down to it, the <i>Holiday Whiz</i> takes up time that I could put to better use. I need to focus on projects that will better benefit my husband, my daughter, my blog dog, and my own self. In the words of the productivity guru, <a href="http://www.druckerinstitute.com/link/about-peter-drucker/" target="_blank">Peter Drucker</a>, "Nothing is less productive than to make more efficient what should not be done at all."<br />
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Perhaps I'll revive the <i>Holiday Whiz</i> again in the future, perhaps not. Feel free to search the <i>Holiday Whiz</i> archives for general holiday information from years past - but be aware that some holidays change dates from year to year. Please check my sidebar on the right for a list of other holiday sites.<br />
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Thank you, once again, for sharing so many celebrations with me over the past few years.<br />
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All my best,<br />
<br />
Carolyn Brooks Fleming<br />
The Holiday WhizCarolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com130tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-49660620820078398122014-04-15T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-15T00:00:11.313-05:00Tax Day, That Sucks Day, Titanic Remembrance Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 15th, 2014, is <i>Tax Day, Take a Wild Guess Day, National That Sucks Day, Rubber Eraser Day, Palindrome Day, National Library Workers Day, McDonald's Day, Jackie Robinson Day, Titanic Remembrance Day, </i>and <i>National Glazed Ham Day.</i><br />
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If you are a U.S. citizen, you have until midnight tonight
to get that envelope postmarked. Be aware, however, that <a href="https://www.usps.com/taxes/welcome.htm" target="_blank">only some post offices will be open late</a>. Have a happy <a href="http://www.irs.gov/" target="_blank"><i>Tax Day</i></a>!<br />
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Today is <a href="http://quirkymarketingcalendar.com/2010/04/15/april-15th-is-take-a-wild-guess-day/" target="_blank"><i>Take a Wild Guess Day</i></a>, although I wouldn't recommend taking a guess when filling out your income tax return.<br />
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<a href="http://ironicmom.com/2010/04/14/national-that-sucks-day/" target="_blank"><i>National That Sucks Day</i></a> is so named because, as mentioned above, U.S. income taxes are due on this date. Also, today marks the anniversary of <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/abrahamlincoln" target="_blank">Abraham Lincoln</a>'s assassination and the sinking of the <a href="http://www.history.com/topics/titanic" target="_blank">Titanic</a>. Bad karma, to say the least.<br />
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On this date in 1770, the rubber eraser was invented. Clean up your <strike>errors</strike> mistakes on <a href="http://holidayinsights.com/other/rubbereraserday.htm" target="_blank"><i>Rubber Eraser Day</i></a>!<br />
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If you're a regular reader, you won't be surprised to learn that today, 4-15-14, is another <i><a href="http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/02/8598837-happy-palindrome-day-again" target="_blank">Palindrome Day</a>.</i><br />
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<a href="http://ala-apa.org/nlwd/" target="_blank"><i>National Library Workers Day</i></a>
is your opportunity to thank the hard-working people at your favorite
library. Consider, for a moment, how lucky we are to have public
libraries, bursting with great literature, how-to books, computers, and
more. Priceless.<br />
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<a href="http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/our_company/mcdonalds_history_timeline/museums.html" target="_blank"><i>McDonald's Day</i></a> commemorates the day when the first franchised <a href="http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/home.html" target="_blank">McDonald's</a> opened in Des Plaines, llinois. Now they're <a href="http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/country/map.html" target="_blank">everywhere</a>. As an exchange student in 1980, I was surprised to discover that the <a href="http://www.mcdonalds.de/" target="_blank">German McDonald's</a> offered tartar sauce instead of ketchup and they also served beer.<br />
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<a href="http://www2.tbo.com/news/opinion/2012/apr/15/spsporto1-a-day-to-salute-baseballs-greatest-pione-ar-392624/" target="_blank"><i>Jackie Robinson Day</i></a> honors the man who broke baseball's color barrier.<br />
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On this date in 1912 the Titanic sank, after striking an iceberg. <i><a href="http://www.titanic-facts.com/" target="_blank">Titanic Remembrance Day</a></i> honors the lives that were lost. A <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2127768/Titanic-memorial-cruise-forced-turn-round-just-hours-leaving-dock.html" target="_blank">memorial voyage</a> set off on April 10th, 2012, exactly one hundred years after the original ill-fated voyage.<br />
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On <a href="http://foodimentary.com/2012/04/15/april-15-national-glazed-ham-day/" target="_blank"><i>National Glazed Ham Day</i></a>, enjoy a lovely ham dinner with all the fixin's. Believe it or not, Coca-Cola (or Dr. Pepper) makes an <a href="http://www.frankopinion.com/pages/ham.htm" target="_blank">incredible ham glaze</a>. I learned this from <a href="http://www.ktrs.com/shows/weekdays/large-morning-show-in-the-afternoon" target="_blank">Frank O. Pinion</a>, a well-known radio personality in St. Louis, Missouri.<br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-444939459052246212014-04-14T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-14T00:00:08.394-05:00Palindrome Day, Passover, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 14th, 2014, is <i>Palindrome Day, Passover, Reach As High As You Can Day, National Look Up at the Sky Day, International Moment of Laughter Day, Ex-Spouse's Day, Pan American Day, Children with Alopecia Day, </i>and <i>National Pecan Day.</i><br />
<br />
4-14-14 is yet another <a href="http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/02/8598837-happy-palindrome-day-again" target="_blank"><i>Palindrome Day</i></a>, when the date is the same forward or backward.<i> </i><br />
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The Jewish Holiday <i><a href="http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/default_cdo/jewish/Passover.htm" target="_blank">Passover</a></i>, or <i>Pesach, </i>begins at sunset today and continues through nightfall of April 22nd. Passover commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fHASwMw7lCNpWAnZLHpf1q0Q7o5E6zbt0oXLncUSh_LCq1TByJ2tMxPOEQPkTBHaTKTmWLA-9HplXLr_vK6f9rX2TIHXj6HdPzfqNCyTj9gELQHTP2krQ_d0foeLpshU2KSxXPs26eyD/s1600/telescope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fHASwMw7lCNpWAnZLHpf1q0Q7o5E6zbt0oXLncUSh_LCq1TByJ2tMxPOEQPkTBHaTKTmWLA-9HplXLr_vK6f9rX2TIHXj6HdPzfqNCyTj9gELQHTP2krQ_d0foeLpshU2KSxXPs26eyD/s320/telescope.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Telescope. Image: <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=809" target="_blank">Idea go; FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Dream big - today is <i><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/reachhighday.htm" target="_blank">Reach As High As You Can Day</a>. </i>Literally, stretch as far as you can. Figuratively, stretch your creativity. Feels great both ways, right?<br />
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On <a href="http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/look_up_at_the_sky_day.html" target="_blank"><i>National Look Up at the Sky Day</i></a>, take time to appreciate the wonders of the heavens. This year, the holiday coincides with a full moon and lunar eclipse! See my separate post.<br />
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I've advised my daughter to marry someone who can make her laugh, because laughter makes the tough times easier. Find many, many moments to laugh today, in honor of <i><a href="http://www.izzyg.com/content/International_Moment_of_Laughter_April_14th/1002" target="_blank">International Moment of Laughter Day</a>.</i><br />
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I'm so happy to be exempt from celebrating this holiday, <i><a href="http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/ex_spouse_day.html" target="_blank">Ex-Spouse's Day</a>. </i>If the day has meaning for you, please try to find some peace and common ground, especially if you have children with your ex.<br />
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<a href="http://www.oas.org/columbus/PanAmericanDay.asp" target="_blank"><i>Pan American Day</i></a> commemorates the date in 1890 when twenty-four American nations agreed to unite in one continental community.<br />
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Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss on the head and body. Learn how you can help on<i> <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/children-with-alopecia-day" target="_blank">Children with Alopecia Day</a>.</i><br />
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On <i><a href="http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/March/pecanday.htm" target="_blank">National Pecan Day</a>, </i>have some pecans. The healthiest way, of course, is to eat your pecans as Mother Nature made them. The decadent way, which I love, is to eat your pecans in the fabulous dessert known as pecan pie.<br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-26548521590444175372014-04-13T23:30:00.000-05:002014-04-13T23:30:00.427-05:00April 2014 full moon and total lunar eclipse<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHNWzu2EtYiwQVhWMSQAA3EYdhRag005s51xgl15yYukvfOLmRlyaRHSXSlJmwZ-QMxo-dcbG1LLwyfrPHJ5t3ojem433b6BihPZP8h5ZuTbXgwmkfqnMVl-3p2eAJKocQrFLB81bWTuz/s1600/full+moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHNWzu2EtYiwQVhWMSQAA3EYdhRag005s51xgl15yYukvfOLmRlyaRHSXSlJmwZ-QMxo-dcbG1LLwyfrPHJ5t3ojem433b6BihPZP8h5ZuTbXgwmkfqnMVl-3p2eAJKocQrFLB81bWTuz/s320/full+moon.jpg" height="320" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full moon. Image: <a href="http://www.morguefile.com/" target="_blank">morgueFile</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The full moon for April 2014 takes place on April 14th or 15th, depending on <a href="http://www.fullmoon.info/en/fullmoon-calendar.html" target="_blank">your location</a>. In addition, this full moon features a <a href="http://www.space.com/25409-four-blood-moons-tetrad-lunar-eclipse.html" target="_blank">total lunar eclipse</a>.<br />
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Following is a list of full moon names for April, ranging from common to surprising. Which names speak to you?<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Sugar Maker Moon - Abenaki<br />
Egg Moon - Algonquin<br />
Full Fish Moon = Algonquin <br />
Full Pink Moon - Algonquin <br />
Full Sprouting Grass Moon - Algonquin<br />
Indian Corn Moon - Algonquin<br />
When They Set Indian Corn - Algonquin<br />
Broken Snowshoe Moon - Anishnaabe<br />
Big Leaves Moon - Apache <br />
Moon of the Big Leaves - Apache<br />
Ice Breaking in the River - Arapaho<br />
Frog Moon - Assiniboine<br />
Growing Moon - Celtic<br />
Egg Moon - Cherokee <br />
Flower Moon - Cherokee<br />
Moon When the Geese Lay Eggs - Cheyenne<br />
Peony Moon - Chinese<br />
Wildcat Moon - Choctaw<br />
Planter's Moon - Colonial American<br />
New Spring Moon - Comanche <br />
Gray Goose Month - Cree<br />
Leaves Appear Moon - Cree<br />
Big Spring Moon - Creek<br />
Moon When Geese Return in Scattered Formation - Dakotah Sioux<br />
Rain Moon - Deborean <br />
Seed Moon - English Medieval<br />
Migratory Geese Moon - Haida<br />
Chaitra Purnima - Hindu<br />
Hanuman Jayanti - Hindu <br />
Month of Windbreak - Hopi<br />
Kriblalikvik - Inuit<br />
Time for Pounding Camas - Kalapuya<br />
Bashch'atsishe daawaatra - Keresan<br />
Leaf Moon - Kiowa<br />
"Ipos" Gathering - Klamath <br />
Ring Finger (counting on fingers, beginning with thumb in August) - Klamath<br />
Halanyimcep - Kumeyaay<br />
Black Oaks Tassel - Maidu <br />
Grass Moon - Maidu<br />
Moon of the Breaking Up of the Ice - Mandan-Hidatsa <br />
Budding Time - Mohawk<br />
Big Spring Month - Muscokee<br />
Strawberry Moon - Natchez<br />
Egg Moon - Native American<br />
Full Fish Moon - Native American<br />
Full Pink Moon - Native American<br />
Full Sprouting Grass Moon - Native American<br />
Big Plant Moon - Navajo <br />
Awakening Moon - Neo Pagan<br />
Spring Moon - Passamaquoddy<br />
The Strong Month (When the Trees Begin to Bloom) - Pima<br />
The Yellow Month - Pima<br />
Flowers Moon - Pomo <br />
Leaf Split Moon - San Juan<br />
Half Moon - Shawnee<br />
Melting Moon - Shoshoni<br />
Bak - Sinhala <br />
Moon of Greening Grass - Sioux<br />
Moon of Red Grass Appearing - Sioux<br />
Ashes Moon - Taos <br />
Budding Moon of Plants and Shrubs - Tlingit<br />
Wattsuwim Muattsi - Tumpisa<br />
Hare Moon - UnknownSeed Moon - Unknown Wind Moon - Wiccan <br />
Planting Corn Moon - Winnebago<br />
The 8th Moon - Wishram<br />
Sewa Meecha - Yaqui<br />
Big Summer Moon - Yuchi<br />
Great Sand Storm Moon - Zuni</blockquote>
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Sources for full moon names:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-names/" target="_blank">Farmers' Almanac - Full Moon Names and Their Meanings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://home.hiwaay.net/%7Ekrcool/Astro/moon/moonnames.htm" target="_blank">Moon Names</a></li>
<li><a href="http://americanindian.net/moons.html" target="_blank">Indian Moons, Days and Other Calendar Stuff</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.hindu-blog.com/2008/12/purnima-days-in-2009-poornima-full-moon.html" target="_blank">Hindu Blog - Purnima 2014 - 2015 dates and time</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.paganspath.com/magik/moonnames.htm" target="_blank">Spring Wolf's Pagan's Path - Full Moon Names</a></li>
<li><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/fullmooncorrespondences/a/MoonSouthernHem.htm" target="_blank">About.com: Paganism/Wicca - Moon Phase Names in the Southern Hemisphere</a></li>
<li><a href="http://everythingunderthemoon.net/forum/moon-names-for-full-year-t7789.html" target="_blank">Moon Names for a Full Year</a></li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_moon#Full_moon_names" target="_blank">Wikipedia - Full Moon</a></li>
</ul>
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More about the moon:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.fullmoon.info/en/fullmoon-calendar.html" target="_blank">The full moon calendar 2014</a></li>
<li><a href="http://home.hiwaay.net/%7Ekrcool/Astro/moon/" target="_blank">Keith's Moon Page</a></li>
<li><a href="http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/" target="_blank">USNO Data Services</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.google.com/moon/" target="_blank">Google Moon</a></li>
<li><a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/07/0714_040714_moonfacts.html" target="_blank">National Geographic - Moon Facts</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.webexhibits.org/calendars/moon-month.html" target="_blank">Calendars through the Ages - A month of moons</a> </li>
</ul>
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-43416554950867794092014-04-13T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-13T00:00:01.865-05:00Palindrome Day, Scrabble Day, Beauty Peace Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 13th, 2014, is <i>Palindrome Day, Palm Sunday, Orthodox Palm Sunday, International Plant Appreciation Day, National Scrabble Day, Baisakhi, Beauty Peace Day, National Ask an Atheist Day, Thomas Jefferson Day, </i>and <i>National Peach Cobbler Day.</i> <br />
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Today is yet another <a href="http://cosmiclog.nbcnews.com/_news/2011/11/02/8598837-happy-palindrome-day-again" target="_blank"><i>Palindrome Day</i></a> in our series - 4-13-14.<br />
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On <i><a href="http://www.crivoice.org/cyholyweek.html#Palm" target="_blank">Palm Sunday</a>, </i>worshippers wave palm branches to commemorate the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. <i>Palm Sunday</i> is the Sunday before <i>Easter.</i><br />
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<i>The Orthodox Church celebrates <i><a href="http://oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-church-year/lazarus-saturday-and-palm-sunday" target="_blank">Palm Sunday</a> </i>one week before <i>Orthodox Easter.</i> </i><br />
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Do you talk to your plants? On <a href="http://www.plantea.com/international-plant-appreciation.htm" target="_blank"><i>International Plant Appreciation Day</i></a>, celebrate by admiring plants, eating plants, or growing plants. Oh, and just breathe the air, oxygenated by plants.<br />
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Today is <i><a href="http://mystery.weborglodge.com/national-scrabble-day/" target="_blank">National Scrabble Day</a>.</i> Do you play small words strategically or aim for the eight-letter blitz?<br />
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<a href="http://www.baisakhifestival.com/when-is-baisakhi.html" target="_blank"><i>Baisakhi</i></a> is celebrated on the first day of Vaisakh in the Indian solar calendar.<br />
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On <a href="http://www.seventeen.com/health/tips/beauty-peace-video?click=main_sr" target="_blank"><i>Beauty Peace Day</i></a>, ladies, go out and about without makeup. Show off your inner glow!<br />
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<a href="http://friendlyatheist.com/2011/03/19/national-ask-an-atheist-day/" target="_blank"><i>National Ask an Atheist Day</i></a> is meant to promote friendly dialogue between atheists and people of faith about atheism and secular matters.<br />
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On this date we celebrate <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/thomas-jefferson-day" target="_blank"><i>Thomas Jefferson Day</i></a>, honoring the third President of the United States.<br />
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Run, don't walk, to your local farmer's market or fresh produce store and stock up on sweet, juicy peaches. Today is <i><a href="http://foodimentary.com/2012/04/13/april-13-national-peach-cobbler-day-3/" target="_blank">National Peach Cobbler Day</a>.</i><br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-66056331908192053792014-04-12T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-12T00:00:03.450-05:00Walk On Your Wild Side Day, D.E.A.R. Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 12th, 2014, is <i>Palindrome Day, Lazarus Saturday, Walk On Your Wild Side Day, Russian Cosmonaut Day, International Day of Human Space Flight, D.E.A.R. Day, Drop Everything and Read Day, Big Wind Day, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, </i>and <i>Licorice Day.</i> <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
4-12-14 is yet another <i><a href="http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/02/8598837-happy-palindrome-day-again" target="_blank">Palindrome Day</a></i>.</div>
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<a href="http://lent.goarch.org/saturday_of_lazarus/learn/" target="_blank"><i>Lazarus Saturday</i></a> is observed by the Greek Orthodox Church on the Saturday before <i>Holy Week</i>.<i> </i><br />
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Be just a little bit daring today, in honor of <i><a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/walk-on-your-wild-side-day/" target="_blank">Walk On Your Wild Side Day</a>. </i>Then report back if you dare!<br />
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<a href="http://english.pravda.ru/history/12-04-2004/5273-space-0/" target="_blank"><i>Russian Cosmonaut Day</i></a> honors Yuri Gargarin, the first man to experience space travel. His flight took place in 1961.The holiday is known around the world as <i><a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/space-flight-day" target="_blank">International Day of Human Space Flight</a>.</i></div>
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<a href="http://dropeverythingandread.com/" target="_blank"><i>D.E.A.R. Day</i></a> is also known as <i>Drop Everything And Read Day</i>. Please don't celebrate literally, but make time to include the joy of reading in your day.</div>
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<a href="http://www.imgag.com/product/full/ap/3032647/" target="_blank"><i>Big Wind Day</i></a> commemorates this date, back in 1934, when weather surveyors at Mount Washington in New Hampshire, USA, recorded the highest wind velocity ever measured on Earth. The wind measured 231 miles per hour.<br />
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<a href="http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-grilled-cheese-day" target="_blank"><i>National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day</i></a> is a great opportunity to enjoy a childhood favorite. Add a gourmet touch with a sophisticated cheese and whole-grain bread. Or just go retro and enjoy processed cheese slices on squishy white bread.<br />
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You either like licorice or you don't. If you do, celebrate <a href="http://www.licoriceinternational.com/licorice/pc/National-Licorice-Day-is-April-12th-d7.htm" target="_blank"><i>Licorice Day</i></a>! BONUS TIP: Fennel seed, which has a hint of licorice flavor, helps to make ground turkey taste like Italian sausage.<br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-53623691751042186642014-04-11T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-11T00:00:08.926-05:00Teach Your Children to Save Day, Cheese Fondue Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 11th, 2014, is <i>Palindrome Day, Teach Your Children to Save Day, Day of Silence, Global Youth Service Day, Eight Track Tape Day, International Louie Louie Day, National Pet Day, Barbershop Quartet Day, World Parkinson's Disease Day, </i>and <i>National Cheese Fondue Day. </i> <br />
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Today brings the second <a href="http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/02/8598837-happy-palindrome-day-again" target="_blank"><i>Palindrome Day</i></a> in our consecutive series, which runs from 4-10-14 through 4-19-14. Celebrate how you will, number geeks!<br />
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There's no better hedge against bad luck or a tough economy than having a nest egg. <a href="https://www.aba.com/Engagement/Pages/teachchildrentosave.aspx" target="_blank"><i>Teach Your Children to Save Day</i></a> is the perfect time to explain that to your kids. Lead them by example!<br />
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The <a href="http://www.dayofsilence.org/" target="_blank"><i>Day of Silence</i></a>, founded in 1996, is a day when students join together, taking a vow of silence to draw attention to "<a href="http://www.dayofsilence.org/resources/" target="_blank">the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools</a>."<br />
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<a href="http://gysd.org/" target="_blank"><i>Global Youth Service Day</i></a>
is actually a three-day event, running from April 11th to April 13th this year. Young people
from the ages of five to twenty-five the world over participate. Check <a href="http://gysd.org/" target="_blank">here</a> to see the participation ranking of your state or country.<br />
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Were you listening to music in 1964? If so, you're old enough to celebrate <a href="http://www.beatlesnews.com/blog/the-beatles/200804111512/happy-national-eight-track-tape-day.html" target="_blank"><i>Eight Track Tape Day</i></a>. Although, come to think of it, is there much to celebrate? Eight track tapes broke songs up in the middle and the players clunked every time they changed tracks. Memories!<br />
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Are you a member of the LLAMAS? Do you know what comes after "<a href="http://www.lyricsondemand.com/onehitwonders/louielouielyrics.html" target="_blank">Three nights and days I sail the sea</a>?" Are you a <a href="http://www.louielouie.net/blog/" target="_blank">Louie fanatic</a>? If so, raise a glass for <a href="http://www.louieday.org/default.htm" target="_blank"><i>International Louie Louie Day</i></a>!<br />
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On <a href="http://www.petdayusa.com/" target="_blank"><i>National Pet Day</i></a>, remember - "Adopt! Don't Shop!" We followed that motto when we adopted our Lhasa Apso, Shimmer. She's the Official Blog Dog of<i> The Holiday Whiz.</i><br />
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Hey, Sweet Adeline, today is <a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/barbershop-quartet-day/" target="_blank"><i>Barbershop Quartet Day</i></a>! These days, barbershop has evolved into such things as techno acapella. Check out the incredible <a href="http://www.ptxofficial.com/" target="_blank">Pentatonix</a> (which consists of five people, but who's counting):<br />
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Wear a red rose today in support of <i><a href="http://www.ucb.com/patients/conditions/cns/parkinsons/world-parkinson-s-disease-day" target="_blank">World Parkinson's Disease Day</a>.</i> Take time to learn more about this neurological disorder and support those who are afflicted.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nationalcheesefondueday.com/" target="_blank"><i>National Cheese Fondue Day</i></a> is the day to head to the Melting Pot restaurant nearest you for a cheesy gift. <br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-63102064743780522532014-04-10T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-10T00:00:02.034-05:00Palindrome Day, Encourage a Young Writer Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 10th, 2014, is <i>Palindrome Day, National Alcohol Screening Day, Encourage a Young Writer Day, Siblings Day, Salvation Army Founder's Day, Golfer's Day, ASPCA Day, National Farm Animals Day, </i>and <i>National Cinnamon Crescent Roll Day.</i><br />
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<i><a href="http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/02/8598837-happy-palindrome-day-again" target="_blank">Palindrome Day</a> </i>is here again! A <a href="http://www.fun-with-words.com/palindromes.html" target="_blank">palindrome</a>
is a word, phrase, or sentence that's spelled the same way forward or
backward - "Do geese see God?" for example. Today's date is a numerical
palindrome - 4-10-2014. This is your special day, wordsmiths and math
geeks!<br />
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On <a href="http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/programs/colleges/nasd.aspx" target="_blank"><i>National Alcohol Screening Day</i></a>, college students are invited to learn more about unhealthy drinking habits and receive confidential alcohol screenings.<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.stepbystep.com/guide-about-encourage-a-young-writer-day-6352/" target="_blank">Encourage a Young Writer Day</a> </i>is a fine time to plant a seed for the future. Have a real conversation with the talented little ones in your life. Ask about their short stories, poems, journals, and blogs.<br />
I'm an only child and so is my daughter, but if you have brothers or sisters, please do something nice for them on <i><a href="http://www.siblingsday.org/" target="_blank">Siblings Day</a>.</i><br />
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During the cold holiday season I admire the bell-ringers, wishing everyone a good day, asking passers-by to drop some coins in their red kettles. Thank you, <a href="http://www.salvationarmy.org/" target="_blank">Salvation Army</a>, for everything you do. <i><a href="http://rohrbachlibrary.wordpress.com/2009/04/10/salvation-army-founders-day/" target="_blank">Salvation Army Founder's Day</a> </i>is always observed on April 10th, to honor founder <a href="http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/REbooth.htm" target="_blank">William Booth</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.lasplash.com/publish/Los_Angeles_Charities_188/ASPCA_Day-April-10.php" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.lasplash.com/uploads//1/aspca_day_festival-4.jpg" height="120" width="320" /></a>Enjoy <i><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/golfersday.htm" target="_blank">Golfer's Day</a> </i>on the green or on the <a href="http://www.thegolfchannel.com/" target="_blank">Golf Channel</a>.<br />
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On <i><a href="http://www.lasplash.com/publish/Los_Angeles_Charities_188/ASPCA_Day-April-10.php" target="_blank">ASPCA Day</a></i>, "go orange for animals!"<br />
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On <i><a href="http://www.farmanimalsday.com/" target="_blank">National Farm Animals Day</a>, </i>take a moment to learn more about the plight of slaughter animals. Consider a veggie sandwich rather than ham.<br />
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Just thinking about cinnamon rolls, can't you smell that special aroma? Enjoy <i><a href="http://365foods.wordpress.com/2010/04/10/national-cinnamon-crescent-roll-day/" target="_blank">National Cinnamon Crescent Roll Day</a>.</i><br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-53202100611715363682014-04-09T00:30:00.000-05:002014-04-09T14:12:46.410-05:00Name Yourself Day, Cherish an Antique Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 9th, 2014, is <i>Youth Homelessness Matters Day, Name Yourself Day, National Cherish an Antique Day, Jenkins' Ear Day, Winston Churchill Day, Bataan Day, Baghdad Liberation Day, National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day, Appomattox Day, </i>and <i>National <strike>Cheese</strike> Chinese Almond Cookie Day.</i> <br />
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To raise awareness on <i><a href="http://www.youthhomelessnessmatters.net/" target="_blank">Youth Homelessness Matters Day</a>, </i>Australians
are asked to "Go without your bed for the 26,000 young people who don't
have one." This is an excellent message for the world<i>, </i>to find a way to help homeless youth.<br />
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<a href="http://hellogiggles.com/name-yourself-day" target="_blank"><i>Name Yourself Day</i></a> is your opportunity to express yourself. Try on a pseudonym and don't answer to your usual name. If someone feels snubbed, you can explain tomorrow.<br />
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On <a href="http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-cherish-an-antique-day" target="_blank"><i>National Cherish an Antique Day</i></a>, display your heirloom furniture, family jewelry, or yellowing books. Alternatively, call a friend who's older than you and razz them about their age.<br />
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On this date in 1743 a Spanish crew attacked a British ship, cutting off the ear of master mariner Robert Jenkins. Years later Jenkins told his story and presented his detached ear to the House of Commons, inspiring a declaration of war against Spain. Thus, today is <i><a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/jenkins-s-ear-day" target="_blank">Jenkins' Ear Day</a>.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.examiner.com/holidays-in-national/today-is-winston-churchill-day" target="_blank"><i>Winston Churchill Day</i></a> commemorates the day in 1963 when British Prime Minister <a href="http://www.winstonchurchill.org/" target="_blank">Winston Churchill</a> became an honorary citizen of the United States.<br />
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The Philippines observes <a href="http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Cynthia/festivals/bataan_day.htm" target="_blank"><i>Bataan Day</i></a>, remembering the surrender of American and Filipino soldiers to the Japanese in 1942. Citizens retrace parts of the death march the prisoners endured.<br />
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Iraq observes <i><a href="http://www.worldtravelguide.net/iraq/public-holidays" target="_blank">Baghdad Liberation Day</a> </i>on April 9th.<br />
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April 9th is <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-national-former-prisoner-war-recognition-day" target="_blank"><i>National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day</i></a>. In 2010, <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/president-obama" target="_blank">President Barack Obama</a> wrote: "America's former prisoners of war gave their freedom so that we can enjoy our own. We may never know the full extent of injuries received nor burdens borne by these heroes and their families, but neither shall we forget their selfless sacrifice and unshakeable resolve."<br />
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<a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/appomattox-day" target="_blank"><i>Appomattox Day</i></a> commemorates the day in 1865 when Lieutenant General <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/ulyssessgrant" target="_blank">Ulysses S. Grant</a> and the Union Army accepted the surrender of General <a href="http://www.civilwarhome.com/leebio.htm" target="_blank">Robert E. Lee</a> and the Confederates.<br />
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Today is <i><a href="http://www.food.com/food-holidays/chinese-almond-cookie-day-0409" target="_blank">National Chinese Almond Cookie Day</a>. </i>If you're always hungry an hour after eating Chinese food, add a few of these cookies to your meal.<br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-21161366086347521202014-04-08T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-08T00:00:04.659-05:00Equal Pay Day, Draw a Picture of a Bird Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 8th, 2014, is <i>Equal Pay Day, Free Cone Day, Be Kind to Lawyers Day, Draw a Picture of a Bird Day, All Is Ours Day, Hanamatsuri Flower Festival, </i>and <i>National Empanada Day. </i> <br />
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Wear red on <a href="http://www.pay-equity.org/day.html" target="_blank"><i>Equal Pay Day</i></a>, to promote equal pay for equal work.<br />
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Today only, from noon until 8:00 in the evening, visit your local Ben and
Jerry's for free ice cream or Greek Frozen Yogurt! Celebrate <a href="http://www.benjerry.com/" target="_blank"><i>Free Cone Day</i></a>!<br />
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You either like lawyers or you don't. Today is <a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/be-kind-to-lawyers-day/" target="_blank"><i>Be Kind to Lawyers Day</i></a>. How will you celebrate?<br />
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Gather your art supplies - today is <i><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2010/04/get-out-your-crayons-its-draw-a-picture-of-a-bird-day.html" target="_blank">Draw a Picture of a Bird Day</a>.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/allisoursday.htm" target="_blank"><i>All Is Ours Day</i></a> may take on a spiritual tone for some people today, but really, if all is ours, where will we keep it? Consider this great line by comedian <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/s/steven_wright_2.html" target="_blank">Steven Wright</a>: "I have the world's largest collection of seashells. I keep it on all the beaches of the world... perhaps you've seen it."<br />
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Japan celebrates the <a href="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/fha/hanamatsuri.html" target="_blank"><i>Hanamatsuri Flower Festival</i></a> to honor Sakyamuni Buddha on his birthday.<br />
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Visit your favorite Mexican restaurant or concoct your own filled pastries on <i><a href="http://bites.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/04/08/6432036-delicioso-its-national-empanada-day" target="_blank">National Empanada Day</a>. </i>Lavesta at <a href="http://monthsofediblecelebrations.blogspot.com/2008/04/national-empanada-day.html" target="_blank"><i>Months of Edible Celebrations</i></a> recommends filling them with leftovers - brilliant! <br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-16455665854549129192014-04-07T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-07T00:00:02.080-05:00Snailpapers Day, No Housework Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 7th, 2014, is <i>International Snailpapers Day, International Beaver Day, Metric System Day, National No Housework Day, Beer Is Back Day, Legal Beer Day, 3.2 Day, Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide, </i><i>World Health Day, </i>and <i>National Coffee Cake Day.</i> <br />
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<a href="http://plogspot101.blogspot.com/2010/11/international-snailpapers-day-april-7.html" target="_blank"><i>International Snailpapers Day</i></a> celebrates the survival (so far) of print newspapers. If you're reading this blog, though, you're part of the getting-your-news-online problem. Thanks, I think! Just for old time's sake, consider picking up an actual newspaper from a newsstand. <br />
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I almost forgot that today is <i><a href="http://www.beaversww.org/about-us/international-beaver-day/" target="_blank">International Beaver Day</a>.</i> Dam!<br />
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<a href="http://fairiemom78.blogspot.com/2009/04/metric-system-day.html" target="_blank"><i>Metric System Day</i></a> promotes a system of measurement that's much more logical than the <a href="http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/AvoirdupoisSystemofUnits.html" target="_blank">avoirdupois system</a> and other <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_customary_units#Other_names_for_U.S._customary_units" target="_blank">customary units</a> we use in the United States. When I'm president, we'll change that!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2145812_celebrate-no-housework-day.html" target="_blank"><i>National No Housework Day</i></a> is self-explanatory. Just don't do any housework. <br />
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While you're busy not doing any housework, have a beer! <a href="http://www.thebrewsite.com/beer-is-back/#5374" target="_blank"><i>Beer Is Back Day</i></a> commemorates the end of <a href="http://prohibition.osu.edu/" target="_blank">Prohibition</a> in the United States, for 3.2 beer anyway. The holiday is also known as <i>Legal Beer Day </i>or<i> 3.2 Day.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/remember-victims-rwanda-day" target="_blank"><i>Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide</i></a> reminds us all of a terrible time in the history of Rwanda, 1994, when <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1288230.stm" target="_blank">800,000 people were murdered</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.who.int/world-health-day/en/" target="_blank"><i>World Health Day</i></a> commemorates the founding of the <a href="http://www.who.int/en/" target="_blank">World Health Organization</a> in 1948. The theme for 2014 is "small bite, big threat."<br />
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What's for breakfast (or dessert)? Well, today is <a href="http://laist.com/2010/04/07/bite_this_its_national_coffee_cake.php" target="_blank"><i>National Coffee Cake Day</i></a><i>, </i>so enjoy your favorite coffee cake, whether crumbly, fruit-filled, or topped with nuts. Delicious with a cup of coffee, as the name implies.
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-90449367760560124272014-04-06T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-06T00:00:03.122-05:00New Beer's Day, Plan Your Epitaph Day, Tartan Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 6th, 2014, is<i> INew Beer's Eve, Plan Your Epitaph Day, Drowsy Driver Awareness Day, Tartan Day, National Student Athlete Day, Army Day, </i>and <i>National Caramel Popcorn Day. </i> <br />
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<a href="http://www.thebrewsite.com/new-beers-eve/" target="_blank"><i>New Beer's Eve</i></a> commemorates the feeling of excitement many experienced on the last day of <a href="http://www.1920-30.com/prohibition/" target="_blank">Prohibition</a> in 1930, the eve of the day when the beer trucks would start rolling.<br />
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For those whose tastes lean toward the darker side, <a href="http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/planyourepitaphday.htm" target="_blank"><i>Plan Your Epitaph Day</i></a> is a welcome change from holidays of cheer and encouragement. Here are some <a href="http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/epitaphs.html" target="_blank">famous epitaphs</a> and <a href="http://www.digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/quotes/epitaphs.html" target="_blank">amusing epitaphs</a> for your inspiration.<br />
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California observes <a href="http://drowsydriverawarenessday.com/" target="_blank"><i>Drowsy Driver Awareness Day</i></a> every year on March 6th. The rest of us should follow their example. Drowsy drivers are a public danger, comparable with drunk drivers.<br />
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<a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/national-tartan-day" target="_blank"><i>National Tartan Day</i></a> honors the contributions people of Scottish descent have made, throughout the history of the United States.<br />
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2014 marks the 27th annual <a href="http://ncasports.org/programs/national-student-athlete-day/" target="_blank"><i>National Student Athlete Day</i></a>. Show some appreciation for the athletes in your life, and encourage young people to be physically active.<br />
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April 6th is <a href="http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=16240#axzz1rEHcMU9T" target="_blank"><i>Army Day</i></a> in the United States, as proclaimed by <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/franklindroosevelt" target="_blank">President Franklin D. Roosevelt</a> in 1942.<br />
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Sweet and salty snacks are so satisfying. Enjoy a much beloved flavor combo on <a href="http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/articles/view/553/1/National-Caramel-Popcorn-Day.html" target="_blank"><i>National Caramel Popcorn Day</i></a>.<br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-13553395403960736982014-04-05T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-05T00:00:02.117-05:00Pillow Fight Day, Deep Dish Pizza Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 5th, 2014, is <i>International Pillow Fight Day, Tangible Karma Day, National Love Our Children Day, National Read a Road Map Day, Go for Broke Day, National Deep Dish Pizza Day, National Raisin and Spice Bar Day, </i>and <i>National Caramel Day.</i> <br />
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In 2008, the first <i>Worldwide Pillow Fight Day </i>included the <a href="http://thetrendpolice.blogspot.com/2011/03/flash-mob.html" target="_blank">first international flash mob</a>. The event, now known as <a href="http://www.pillowfightday.com/" target="_blank"><i>International Pillow Fight Day</i></a>, features pillow fights all across the globe. Feathers will fly!<br />
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The first Saturday in April is <a href="http://tangiblekarma.com/organize.php" target="_blank"><i>Tangible Karma Day</i></a>. What kind of karma will pillow fighting get you, do you suppose? The founders of <i>Tangible Karma Day</i> ask everyone - groups and individuals - to set aside an hour today to "purposefully become aware of the needs of those they are in contact with and actively do something to help fulfill those needs." Who could argue with such a sentiment?<br />
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The first Saturday in April is <a href="http://loveourchildrenusa.org/events_locday10_post.php" target="_blank"><i>National Love Our Children Day</i></a>, sponsored by <a href="http://loveourchildrenusa.org/index.php" target="_blank">Love Our Children USA</a> as a part of <i>National Child Abuse Prevention Month.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.examiner.com/road-trip-travel-in-san-francisco/road-tripping-tip-national-read-a-road-map-day" target="_blank"><i>National Read a Road Map Day</i></a> takes me back to childhood, when phones were attached to the walls and music came on vinyl records. There is a certain charm to planning your route on paper, tracking it with a highlighter. Try it sometime, instead of using your GPS. [Insert obligatory joke about map-folding here.]<br />
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On <a href="http://www.fantasysharks.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=75545&view=next" target="_blank"><i>Go for Broke Day</i></a>, take a risk, put some money on the line, but not more than you can afford.<br />
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<a href="http://www.chicagobites.com/2011/04/national-deep-dish-pizza-day.htm" target="_blank"><i>National Deep Dish Pizza Day</i></a> makes me think of Chicago, home of deep dish pizza. Have some, if you love it - I'm a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis-style_pizza" target="_blank">St. Louis thin-crust pizza</a> kinda gal.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/articles/view/552/1/National-Raisin-and-Spice-Bar-Day.html" target="_blank"><i>National Raisin and Spice Bar Day</i></a> is a very specific food holiday. Somehow, raisin and spice seems more appropriate for fall than spring, but to each his own!<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-caramel-day" target="_blank">National Caramel Day</a> </i>celebrates a delicious guilty pleasure, fairly easy to make at home. <br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-38665885739849392362014-04-04T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-04T00:00:03.102-05:00Walk to Work Day, Walk Around Things Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 4th, 2014, is <i>Walk to Work Day, Walk Around Things Day, Tell a Lie Day, </i><i>Hug a Newsman Day, </i><i>Hug an Anchor Day, World Rat Day, Bonza Bottler Day, International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, Victims of Violence Wholly Day, School Librarian Day, Independence Day (Senegal), National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day,</i> and <i>Chocolate Milk Powder Day. </i> <br />
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The first Friday in April is <a href="http://holidayinsights.com/other/walk.htm" target="_blank"><i>National Walk to Work Day</i></a>, which coincides this year with <i>Walk Around Things Day.</i> Happy navigating!<br />
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<a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/walkaroundthings.htm" target="_blank"><i>Walk Around Things Day</i></a> is a good time to avoid tricky situations, unwelcome conversations, and holes in the floor. Walk tall, walk proud!<br />
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If there's a difficult person you can't walk around today, keep in mind it's <a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/national-tell-lie-day-best-lies-told-us-presidential-candidates-republican-democrat-213956" target="_blank"><i>Tell a Lie Day</i></a>. Take advantage of this "permission" to be less than forthcoming.<br />
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On <a href="http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/huganewsmanday.htm" target="_blank"><i>Hug a Newsman Day</i></a>, also known as <a href="https://www.mediabistro.com/tvspy/happy-national-hug-an-anchor-day_b44328" target="_blank"><i>Hug an Anchor Day</i></a>, don't violate your favorite journalist's space! A simple letter of admiration or a kind word will suffice!<br />
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Are you looking for a pet the neighbors won't like? They'll probably stay away if they know you're harboring rats. Do what you must on <i><a href="http://www.worldratday.com/" target="_blank">World Rat Day</a>.</i> <br />
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<a href="http://www.bonzabottlerday.com/" target="_blank"><i>Bonza Bottler Day</i></a> comes once a month, when the month and date are represented by the same number. Celebrate on 4/4!<br />
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On the <a href="http://www.un.org/en/events/mineawarenessday/" target="_blank"><i>International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action</i></a>, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes, "The United Nations has a proud record of helping millions of people in
mine-affected countries. On this International Day, let us resolve to
mobilize the resources, partners and resolve we need to further advance
our vision of a planet free from mines."<br />
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<a href="http://www.megatechnews.com/victims-of-violence-wholly-day/" target="_blank"><i>Victims of Violence Wholly Day</i></a> is one of three Days of Respect which honor <a href="http://www.thekingcenter.org/" target="_blank">Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.</a>, along with <i>Humanitarian Day</i> and <i>Dream Day Quest and Jubilee.</i> Dr. King was <a href="http://history1900s.about.com/cs/martinlutherking/a/mlkassass.htm" target="_blank">assassinated</a> on this date in 1968.<br />
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Show some appreciation for the professional who helps you find the coolest books in school on <i><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/schoollibrarian.htm" target="_blank">School Librarian Day</a>.</i><br />
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Senegal observes <i><a href="http://aprilinsenegal.blogspot.com/2011/04/senegalese-independence-day.html" target="_blank">Independence Day</a> </i>on this date.<br />
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Are you in the mood for something decadent, cheesy, and French? Ooh la la - today is <i><a href="http://365foods.wordpress.com/2010/04/04/national-chicken-cordon-bleu-day/" target="_blank">National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day</a>.</i><br />
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Chocolate milk probably isn't compatible with chicken cordon bleu, but please enjoy a chocolaty beverage or pudding at some point on <i><a href="http://monthsofediblecelebrations.blogspot.com/2008/04/chocolate-milk-powder-day.html" target="_blank">Chocolate Milk Powder Day</a>.</i> <br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-77649821406028807472014-04-03T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-03T00:00:00.509-05:00World Party Day, Find a Rainbow Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 3rd, 2014, is <i>Don't Go to Work Unless It's Fun Day, World Party Day, Find a Rainbow Day, Tweed Day, Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, National Day of Hope, </i>and <i>Chocolate Mousse Day.</i> <br />
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Today is <a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/dontworkfunday.htm" target="_blank"><i>Don't Go to Work Unless It's Fun Day</i></a>. Consider carefully before observing this holiday! Even if your job isn't the most enjoyable, keep in mind that getting a paycheck is lotsa fun.<br />
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Wooooo Hooooo.....what a geat day to skip work! Today is <a href="http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/world-party-day" target="_blank"><i>World Party Day</i></a>! And yet, this holiday has a deeper, noble purpose - promoting world peace. Who am I to argue with that?<br />
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Groooovy...... see the rainbows floating all around? Today happens to be <i><a href="http://homeschooling.about.com/od/unitssubjhol/qt/apr3b.htm" target="_blank">Find a Rainbow Day</a>.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/tweed-day" target="_blank"><i>Tweed Day</i></a> isn't about fashion. It's the birth date of <a href="http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/boss-tweed-delivered-to-authorities" target="_blank">Boss Tweed</a>, a man renowned for political corruption. Not sure how - or if - this day should be celebrated. <br />
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After a day of partying, skipping work, enjoying free ice cream, and chasing rainbows, relax with a sweet dessert in honor of <a href="http://foodimentary.com/2013/05/02/national-chocolate-mousse-day-2/" target="_blank"><i>Chocolate Mousse Day</i></a>. Let the sugar rush continue!<br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-59767480938237234292014-04-02T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-02T00:00:02.324-05:00Great Lovers Day, Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 2nd, 2014, is <i>Great Lovers Day, Reconciliation Day, Tater Day, International Children's Book Day, National Ferret Day, World Autism Awareness Day, Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, National Day of Hope, </i>and <i>National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day.</i> <br />
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On <a href="http://www.123greetings.com/events/great_lovers_day/" target="_blank"><i>Great Lovers Day</i></a>, enjoy my <a href="http://thetrendpolice.blogspot.com/2011/02/top-10-romantic-movie-quotes.html" target="_blank">Top Ten Romantic Movie Quotes</a>! Once inspired, get romantic with the one you love.<br />
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<a href="http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/reconciliationday.htm" target="_blank"><i>Reconciliation Day</i></a> is a golden opportunity to reach out to someone you love - that someone who causes you to feel a pang of regret whenever you hear their name. Let bygones be bygones! You'll both be happier; your lives will be enriched.<br />
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<a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/waad" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3b-kZZoNHLhBQg7b7z3ecmy4ZIwVQACr5FrEgWcvv9xOHe4yOxsLDmgzyGrMMizfWYEXoGQeewMN7PKSmXOs5XGt3h2pFR-jZc_SouIhu3rh5T_k0DMfxZHJdsOcoNb1P8Yo-R3UPUwXS/s1600/autism.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.ibby.org/index.php?id=269" target="_blank"><i>International Children's Book Day</i></a> is meant to foster a love of books in young people. Help your children explore new worlds and develop a rewarding life-long habit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/critter-news/2009/04/02/national-ferret-day.aspx" target="_blank"><i>National Ferret Day</i></a> celebrates all things <a href="http://www.ferret.org/" target="_blank">ferret</a>. That's great - just not in my house! <br />
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<a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/waad" target="_blank"><i>World Autism Awareness Day</i></a> is designed to rasie both funds and awareness about <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism" target="_blank">autism</a>, a condition that affects approximately 1 in 88 American children.<br />
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The first Wednesday in April is <a href="http://independentspeech.wordpress.com/2010/04/07/national-paraprofessional-appreciation-day/" target="_blank"><i>Paraprofessional Appreciation Day</i></a>. Paraprofessionals assist in schools by tutoring, translating, and providing other important services.<br />
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The first Wednesday in April is also the <a href="http://www.childhelp.org/pages/1156/" target="_blank"><i>National Day of Hope</i></a>. Do your part to bring hope to the lives of abused children.<br />
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Have a classic brown-bag-lunch staple on <i><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2320076_celebrate-national-peanut-butter-jelly.html" target="_blank">National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day</a>. </i>Your personality can shine through in your choice of jelly!<br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-81495001785714321332014-04-01T00:00:00.000-05:002014-04-01T00:00:02.102-05:00April Fool's Day, Palindrome Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
April 1st, 2014, is <i>April Fool's Day, Palindrome Day, International Edible Book Festival, </i><i>Sorry Charlie Day, Reading Is Funny Day, Saint Stupid's Day, Poetry and the Creative Mind Day, Fun at Work Day, Tatting Day, Athiest Day, Independence Day (Iran), National Lupus Alert Day, </i>and <i>National Sourdough Bread Day. </i> <br />
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Look out - whoopie cushions might be in your future today. Someone might tell you your zipper is down, or that you missed an important meeting. Grin and bear it, or plot your revenge, because today is <i><a href="http://aprilfoolzone.com/" target="_blank">April Fool's Day</a>.</i><br />
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<i><a href="http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/02/8598837-happy-palindrome-day-again" target="_blank">Palindrome Day</a> </i>is here again! A <a href="http://www.fun-with-words.com/palindromes.html" target="_blank">palindrome</a> is a word, phrase, or sentence that's spelled the same way forward or backward - "Do geese see God?" for example. Today's date is a numerical palindrome - 4-1-14. This is your special day, wordsmiths and math geeks!<br />
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April 1st is the birth date of Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. He wrote <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22741" target="_blank"><i>Physiologie du gout</i></a>, a celebrated book about food. Combine <i>April Fool's Day</i> with a love of food and books, and the result is the <i><a href="http://www.books2eat.com/" target="_blank">International Edible Book Festival</a>.</i> Impress your loved ones by concocting an edible tome!<br />
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<a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/sorry-charlie-day" target="_blank"><i>Sorry Charlie Day</i></a> honors the one and only <a href="http://www.starkist.com/charlie" target="_blank">Charlie the Tuna</a>, of StarKist fame. Why he's so eager to be eaten, I can't imagine. That would be a matter for a fish therapist.<br />
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Teach your children that reading is not only fun, but sometimes even funny! Visit your library for a great selection of riddle and joke books on <i><a href="http://www.ala.org/offices/publishing/editions/webextras/anderson09577/anderson09577" target="_blank">Reading Is Funny Day</a>.</i><br />
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2014 brings the 36th Annual Saint Stupid's Day Parade in San Francisco. If you're in the area and not too stupid to find your way, have a happy <i><a href="http://www.saintstupid.com/event.html" target="_blank">Saint Stupid's Day</a>.</i><br />
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Let your imagination soar on <a href="http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3071357" target="_blank"><i>Poetry and the Creative Mind Day</i></a>. Feel free to share your work in the Comments section below!<br />
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Some say April 1st is <i><a href="http://funatworkday.com/" target="_blank">Fun at Work Day</a>; </i>others say the holiday occurs on January 25th, January 28th, or January 29th. So have some fun today - but not too much fun.<br />
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Try your hand at a retro craft - lacemaking - on <i><a href="http://www.webring.org/hub/etatters" target="_blank">International Tatting Day</a>.</i><br />
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Ironically or intentionally, <i>April Fool's Day</i> is also <a href="http://www.chattanoogan.com/2010/4/1/172445/April-Fools-Day-Is-National-Atheist.aspx" target="_blank"><i>Athiest Day</i></a>. (Insert your own joke or snide comment here, if you must.) No matter what deity, if any, each of us may embrace, we share the same small blue planet. Our creator, if any, would most likely be pleased if we somehow learn to live in peace.<br />
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Iran observes <a href="http://www.123independenceday.com/iran/" target="_blank"><i>Independence Day</i></a> on this date.<br />
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On <a href="http://www.eworldwire.com/pressreleases/11603" target="_blank"><i>National Lupus Alert Day</i></a>, everyone is encouraged to take the <a href="http://www.couldihavelupus.gov/lupus-101-quiz.cfm" target="_blank">Lupus Quiz</a>. Lupus, which is difficult to diagnose, causes the immune system to attack healthy body tissue.<br />
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If you're not feeling too foolish to get near an oven, bake up a loaf of goodness on <i><a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/sourdough-bread-day/" target="_blank">National Sourdough Bread Day</a>.</i> <br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-35996997345973769582014-03-31T00:00:00.000-05:002014-03-31T00:00:04.614-05:00Take Your Parents to the Playground Day, moreMarch 31st, 2014, is <i>Bunsen Burner Day, National "She's Funny That Way" Day, Take Your Parents to the Playground Day, Coloring Crayola Day, Terri's Day, Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Transfer Day, Cesar Chavez Day, National Clams on the Half Shell Day,</i> and <i>Oranges and Lemons Day.</i> <br />
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Remember that thingamabob with the flame that we all used in science class, back in the day? Today we celebrate the birth date of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/blog/2011/mar/31/robert-bunsen-burner-inventor-chemist" target="_blank">Robert Wilhelm Eberhard von Bunsen</a>, the inventor of that thingamabob. Celebrate <i><a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-bunsen-burner-day.htm" target="_blank">Bunsen Burner Day</a>.</i><br />
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<a href="http://hypnoray.blogspot.com/2006/03/national-shes-funny-that-way-day.html" target="_blank"><i>National "She's Funny That Way" Day</i></a> means whatever you want it to mean. I refuse to offer any guidance, because sometimes I'm funny that way.<br />
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<a href="http://blog.holidays.net/index.php/2008/03/31/march-31-today-were-celebrating-take-your-parents-to-the-playground-day/" target="_blank"><i>Take Your Parents to the Playground Day</i></a> is the perfect opportunity to have some retro fun. With your parents, your kids, or a loved one, go to the nearest playground. Swing on the swings, play in the sandbox, hang from the monkey bars, all that good stuff. Wheeee!<br />
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If your parents absolutely refuse to go to the playground with you, ask them to join you in observing <a href="http://theyearoflivingunofficially.com/03/31/coloring-crayola-day/" target="_blank"><i>Coloring Crayola Day</i></a>. It's the least they could do. If your parents aren't around, get in touch with your inner child anyway, or spend time coloring with your own kids.<br />
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<a href="http://www.terrisfight.org/terri-s-day-201" target="_blank"><i>Terri's Day</i></a> is observed on this date each year, in the memory of Terri Schiavo. Following her collapse in February 1990, she fell into a vegetative state. She was at the center of a legal battle and national debate, involving those who wanted her to remain on prolonged life support vs. those who believed in her right to die. Terri Schiavo passed away on March 31st, 2005, about fourteen days after her feeding tube was removed.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hindujagruti.org/hinduism/festivals/gudhipadwa/" target="_blank"><i>Gudi Padwa</i></a> and<i> <a href="http://festivals.tajonline.com/ugadi.php" target="_blank">Ugadi</a></i> celebrate the day that <a href="http://www.eaglespace.com/spirit/brahma.php" target="_blank">Lord Brahma</a> created the universe. Lord Brahma is part of the HIndu trinity, which also includes Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.<br />
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The U.S. Virgin Islands celebrates <a href="http://www.dkconsulateusvi.com/transfer/transfer.html" target="_blank"><i>Transfer Day</i></a>, the anniversary of the date when Denmark ceded the islands to the United States. <br />
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<a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/cesar-chavez-day" target="_blank"><i>Cesar Chavez Day</i></a> celebrates the life of a prominent social activist who fought against discrimination. The work of Cesar Chavez is continued today by the <a href="http://www.chavezfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Cesar Chavez Foundation</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/articles/view/535/1/National-Clams-on-the-Half-Shell-Day.html" target="_blank"><i>National Clams on the Half Shell Day</i></a> isn't for everyone, but try to expand your culinary horizons! You might discover a new favorite food.<br />
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Citrus is a wonderful accent for seafood. Luckily, today is <a href="http://avalonyearning.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-31-oranges-and-lemons-day.html" target="_blank"><i>Oranges and Lemons Day</i></a>.<br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-40101936898030268662014-03-30T00:00:00.000-05:002014-03-30T00:00:01.865-05:00Pencil Day, I Am In Control Day, moreMarch 30th, 2014, is <i>National Pencil Day, I Am in Control Day, The Grass Is Always Browner on the Other Side of the Fence Day, Take a Walk in the Park Day, Mothering Sunday, Refreshment Sunday, Laetare Sunday, Rose Sunday, National Doctors' Day,</i> and <i>Turkey Neck Soup Day. </i> <br />
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Do pencils make you think of SAT Tests and elementary-school penmanship lessons? Well, pencils are good for more than that. Pencils come in an array of lead types - soft to hard, across the color spectrum - to help you unleash your artistic talent. Some pencils actually contain <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Watercolor-Pencils" target="_blank">watercolor paint</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thet0e2c-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000F56QDA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />! Browse your local art supply store on <a href="http://tootsiegrace.blogspot.com/2009/03/happy-national-pencil-day.html" target="_blank"><i>National Pencil Day</i></a> and get inspired.<br />
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<a href="http://giftedkids.about.com/b/2012/03/29/i-am-in-control-day.htm" target="_blank"><i>I Am in Control Day</i></a> is in remembrance of <a href="http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/JFKhaig.htm" target="_blank">Alexander Haig</a>, U.S. Secretary of State back in 1981, who promised the country he was in control following an assassination attempt on President <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/ronaldreagan" target="_blank">Ronald Reagan</a>. Haig was eventually forced to resign. The lesson here: maintain quiet control, under the radar, so people aren't tempted to thwart your schemes!<br />
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The key to happiness is learning to appreciate what you have, rather than comparing your life with others'. After all, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Adopt a new philosophy on <i><a href="http://therealsharon.com/2011/04/03/the-grass-is-always-browner-on-the-other-side/" target="_blank">The Grass Is Always Browner on the Other Side of the Fence Day</a>.</i><br />
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Go where the grass is always greener - your local park. Weather permitting, celebrate <i><a href="http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/take-a-walk-in-the-park-day/" target="_blank">Take a Walk in the Park Day</a>.</i><br />
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<a href="http://projectbritain.com/easter/mothers.htm" target="_blank"><i>Mothering Sunday</i></a> is the British version of <i>Mother's Day, </i>always celebrated on the fourth Sunday of <i>Lent.</i> Other names for this holiday include <i><a href="http://www.mothersdaycelebration.com/mothering-sunday.html" target="_blank">Refreshment Sunday</a>, <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08737c.htm" target="_blank">Laetare Sunday</a>, </i>and <a href="http://fisheaters.com/customslent7.html" target="_blank"><i>Rose Sunday</i></a>.<br />
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<a href="http://corporate.hallmark.com/Holiday/National-Doctors-Day" target="_blank"><i>National Doctors' Day</i></a> is your opportunity to take stock. Are you satisfied with the service your physician provides? Would you recommend him or her to a friend? If so, make a pledge to thank your doctor the next time you visit. If not, ask friends and family for a referral.<br />
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Nothing - with the possible exception of bread baking - makes a house smell more like a home than a pot of homemade soup simmering on the stove. Concoct a soup that's nutritious, delicious, and inexpensive on <i><a href="http://bites.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/03/30/6374125-gobble-gobble-its-national-turkey-neck-soup-day" target="_blank">Turkey Neck Soup Day</a>.</i> <br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-60491276521433386182014-03-29T00:00:00.000-05:002014-03-29T00:00:01.513-05:00Earth Hour, Lemon Chiffon Cake or Pie Day, moreMarch 29th, 2014, is <i>Earth Hour, Brother and Sister Day, Smoke and Mirrors Day, National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, Knights of Columbus Founders Day, Lemon Chiffon Cake Day, </i>and <i>Lemon Chiffon Pie Day.</i> <br />
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At 8:30 p.m., your local time, participate in <a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/sites/earthhour/" target="_blank"><i>Earth Hour</i></a>
by turning off lights you don't need and unplugging devices you aren't
using. If everyone participates, all around the world, think what this
will look like from a great distance - every hour, different sections of
our planet going dark(er). Also, consider the energy saved!<br />
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<a href="http://www.brotherandsisterday.com/" target="_blank"><i>Brother and Sister Day</i></a> is a time to do something special for your siblings, if you have them. As an only child, I'll cheer from the sidelines.<br />
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Today is <i><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/March/smokemirrorsday.htm" target="_blank">Smoke and Mirrors Day</a>.</i> Or <i>is</i> it? Even the origins of this murky holiday are vague. Feel free to be evasive in your conversations today - unless you're doing something important, such as testifying under oath.<br />
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Just for today, try buying your veggies, your hardware, your shoes, or your thingamabobs from a small local business, rather than from a chain store. If you like the price and service, consider a permanent change in your shopping habits. Help your neighbors by embracing <i><a href="http://www.rentalpulse.com/Article/tabid/95/smid/426/ArticleID/7767/reftab/94/Default.aspx" target="_blank">National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day</a>.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.kofc.org/un/en/service/council/founders_day/index.html" target="_blank"><i>Knights of Columbus Founders Day</i></a> commemorates the 1882 founding and subsequent history of the Knights of Columbus. Their good works are structured within <a href="http://www.kofc.org/un/en/about/principles/index.html" target="_blank">four core principles</a>: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.<br />
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Take your choice today, when planning dessert. Some say it's <a href="http://365foods.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/national-lemon-chiffon-cake-day/" target="_blank"><i>Lemon Chiffon Cake Day</i></a>; others say it's <a href="http://monthsofediblecelebrations.blogspot.com/2011_03_01_archive.html" target="_blank"><i>Lemon Chiffon Pie Day</i></a>.<i> </i>Either way, you'll have a sweet, lemony delight.<br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-63428387508149748482014-03-28T00:00:00.000-05:002014-03-28T00:00:01.199-05:00Weed Appreciation Day, Hot Tub Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
March 28th, 2014, is<i> Eggsibit Day, Hot Tub Day, Gone-ta-Pott Day, Teachers' Day (Czech Republic), Something on a Stick Day, </i>and <i>National Black Forest Cake Day</i><i>.</i> <br />
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<i><a href="http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/eggsibit-day" target="_blank">Eggsibit Day</a></i> features a pun - eggsibit - that explains all: an exhibit of eggs. Try your hand at egg decoration or view <a href="http://www.eggartguild.org/" target="_blank">fine examples</a> online.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcByC-xrb_HZAHPrKemL1fksFBnLVsYOecl6aPM8Kv1J_esEu75GuIuKdVpoehbZQGPrZNTe5ViG6N6tnTgYbTpwE_sGKgETJuP2VUUPhKm8bTnwe-sUgLj0hkpbBJxcyiPujXnQcg2PNa/s1600/dandelion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcByC-xrb_HZAHPrKemL1fksFBnLVsYOecl6aPM8Kv1J_esEu75GuIuKdVpoehbZQGPrZNTe5ViG6N6tnTgYbTpwE_sGKgETJuP2VUUPhKm8bTnwe-sUgLj0hkpbBJxcyiPujXnQcg2PNa/s1600/dandelion.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dandelion. Image: <a href="http://www.morguefile.com/" target="_blank">morgueFile</a>.</td></tr>
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If you have enough self-restraint, grant your weeds a reprieve on <i><a href="http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2125/" target="_blank">Weed Appreciation Day</a>. </i>Tomorrow is another day! Besides, some weeds are actually attractive. Try to relax, let go of your <a href="http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/obsessive-compulsive-disorder" target="_blank">OCD</a>, and relax with a glass of iced tea.<br />
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If you have a hot tub, you're all set to celebrate <a href="http://www.partyexcuses.com/index.php/holiday/nationalhottubday#.UzGuBIVN8go" target="_blank"><i>Hot Tub Day</i></a>. If you don't, treat yourself to a spa visit or just enjoy a long and decadent bubble bath with candles (and perhaps chocolate).<br />
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Today is <a href="http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/national_gone-ta-pott_day.html" target="_blank"><i>Gone-ta-Pott Day</i></a>, as proclaimed by the cheerful people who run the <a href="http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/" target="_blank">Gone-ta-Pott website</a>. Celebrate this holiday as you see fit, on the 28th of every month.<br />
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The Czech Republic observes <i><a href="http://www.teacher-appreciation.info/Teachers_Day/Czech-Republic.asp" target="_blank">Teachers' Day</a> </i>today. Children make cards for their favorite teachers; some teachers organize demonstrations to demand higher wages.<br />
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Even though you may not visit a carnival today, feel free to enjoy something on a stick. Options include corn dogs, cotton candy, kebabs, satay, fondue dippers, and so much more. Use your imagination! Have an adventurous and fabulous <a href="http://www.delish.com/food-fun/weird-food-holidays-something-on-a-stick-day#slide-2" target="_blank"><i>Something on a Stick Day.</i></a> <br />
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What's for dessert tonight? Why not enjoy a <i>Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte</i> in honor of <a href="http://theyearoflivingunofficially.com/03/28/national-black-forest-cake-day/" target="_blank"><i>National Black Forest Cake Day</i></a>? You will love the combination of chocolate cake, cherries, whipped cream, and possibly cherry liqueur. <a href="http://www.dict.cc/english-german/delicious.html" target="_blank"><i>Kostlicher Kuchen</i></a>! Delicious cake!<br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-6463861263499483482014-03-27T00:00:00.000-05:002014-03-27T00:00:01.680-05:00Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
March 27th, 2014, is <i>Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day, National "Joe" Day, </i>and <i>National Spanish Paella Day.</i> <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQE_Pnn9n14KxAwVGwvUI4qmvKSvTa8IVeG0eRdveYOZf6JZxI5HxTz3POcYUJJviC5ukGuBhwzjVmnwoVKnOqct5ruKxP7KzmCBpgJxMu549B61P88DacV_D68_1EJ4mNRH_cGaykTCK/s1600/music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQE_Pnn9n14KxAwVGwvUI4qmvKSvTa8IVeG0eRdveYOZf6JZxI5HxTz3POcYUJJviC5ukGuBhwzjVmnwoVKnOqct5ruKxP7KzmCBpgJxMu549B61P88DacV_D68_1EJ4mNRH_cGaykTCK/s200/music.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Music. Image: <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2280" target="_blank">FreeDigitalPhotos, digitalart</a>.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://eleventhstack.wordpress.com/2009/03/27/say-what-quirky-country-music-song-titles-day/" target="_blank"><i>Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day</i></a> is your opportunity to get creative. What's your dream country music song title? How about "My Hound Dog Ran Off with my Gal and my Truck?"<br />
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Today is a great day for me, since I have trouble remembering people's names. Today - and today only - it's acceptable to call anyone you meet, "Joe." Embrace the convenience of <a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/March/joeday.htm" target="_blank"><i>National "Joe" Day</i></a>!<br />
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<a href="http://365foods.wordpress.com/2010/03/27/national-spanish-paella-day/" target="_blank"><i>National Spanish Paella Day</i></a> honors a delicious one-pot meal. Ingredients vary, so look at a few recipes and concoct a paella your family will love.<br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-91874611949243029772014-03-26T00:00:00.000-05:002014-03-26T00:00:00.830-05:00Make Up Your Own Holiday Day, Spinach Day, more<div style="text-align: left;">
March 26th, 2014, is <i>Make Up Your Own Holiday Day, Purple Day, Independence Day (Bangladesh), National Spinach Day,</i> and <i>National Nougat Day.</i> <br />
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Is today <i>Plaid Sofa Day </i>or <i>Eat More Onion Sandwiches Day</i>? Yes, if you want it to be, because today is <a href="http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/make-up-your-own-holiday-day" target="_blank"><i>Make Up Your Own Holiday Day</i></a>. Post your suggestions in the Comments section below!<br />
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<a href="http://www.purpleday.org/" target="_blank"><i>Purple Day</i></a> is the Global Day of Epilepsy Awareness. Show your support and learn more about this chronic disorder that affects approximately 1 in 100 people.<br />
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Bangladesh observes <a href="http://www.virtualbangladesh.com/history/independence.html" target="_blank"><i>Independence Day</i></a> on March 26, celebrating independence from Pakistan since 1971.<br />
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Whether you prefer your spinach raw or cooked, have a serving of this leafy green on <a href="http://holidays.theonlinerecipebox.com/march-26th-national-spinach-day/" target="_blank"><i>National Spinach Day</i></a>. I promise you will not develop bulging forearms like <a href="http://popeye.com/" target="_blank">Popeye</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/articles/view/527/1/National-Nougat-Day.html" target="_blank"><i>National Nougat Day</i></a> honors a <a href="http://blog.fabulousfoodie.com/national-nougat-day/" target="_blank">mysterious candy bar filling</a>. No matter what it's made from, it is delicious. Just for today ignore the nutrition label, close your eyes, and enjoy. <br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-48768779014924862562014-03-25T00:00:00.000-05:002014-03-25T00:00:04.290-05:00Agriculture Day, Pecan Day, moreMarch 25th, 2014, is <i>National Agriculture Day, American Diabetes Association Alert Day, Tolkien Reading Day, Old New Year's Day, </i><i>International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, Annunciation, Pecan Day, Lobster Newberg Day, </i>and <i>International Waffle Day.</i> <br />
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Take time on <i><a href="http://www.agday.org/" target="_blank">National Agriculture Day</a> </i>to consider and appreciate the hardworking farmers, packagers, and suppliers who make possible the array of foods we enjoy.<br />
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On <a href="http://www.diabetes.org/in-my-community/programs/alert-day/" target="_blank"><i>American Diabetes Association Alert Day</i></a> everyone is encouraged to take the Diabetes Risk Test, to determine their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.<br />
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On <a href="http://geekdays.com/03/25/tolkien-reading-day/" target="_blank"><i>Tolkien Reading Day</i></a> we honor J.R.R. Tolkien, author of "The Hobbit" and many other classic tales.<br />
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<a href="http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/old-new-years-day" target="_blank"><i>Old New Year's Day</i></a> is celebrated primarily in Russia. Most countries abandoned the Julian calendar in favor of the Gregorian calendar in the 1500s, but Russia didn't adopt it until 1918. The Russian Orthodox Church, however, still uses the Julian calendar, so many Russians celebrate New Year's twice.<br />
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Today is the <a href="http://www.un.org/en/events/slaveryremembranceday/" target="_blank"><i>International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade</i></a>
- a long title for an important commemoration. The theme for 2014 is "Victory over Slavery: Haiti and Beyond."<br />
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The United Nations observes <a href="http://www.un.org/en/events/detainedstaffday/" target="_blank"><i>International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members</i></a>. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes: "On this and every day, let us honour the courage and dedication of all United Nations colleagues who risk so much to help those less fortunate. They should never be asked to sacrifice their liberty or lives for these noble ends."<br />
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Greeks celebrate the <a href="http://usa.greekreporter.com/2013/03/22/president-obama-releases-proclamation-for-2013-greek-independence-day/" target="_blank"><i>Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy</i></a>, otherwise known as <i>Independence Day.</i><br />
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<a href="http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/p/Annunciation.htm" target="_blank"><i>Annunciation</i></a>, usually observed on March 25th, celebrates the Virgin Mary's vision of the angel Gabriel, when he tells her that she is destined to be the Mother of the Lord.<i> </i><br />
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Pecan pie, anyone? Today is <i><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/March/pecanday.htm" target="_blank">Pecan Day</a>.</i><br />
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<a href="http://monthsofediblecelebrations.blogspot.com/2012/03/its-lobster-newburg-day.html" target="_blank"><i>Lobster Newberg Day</i></a> honors a dish made famous at Delmonico's in New York.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mrbreakfast.com/article.asp?articleid=19" target="_blank"><i>International Waffle Day</i></a> began in Sweden - celebrated exactly nine months before Christmas. Yikes!<br />
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Carolyn Brooks Fleminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07862182563972704621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7120979042487587834.post-70630373142187731262014-03-24T00:00:00.000-05:002014-03-24T00:00:01.655-05:00Houdini Day, Chocolate Covered Raisins Day, moreMarch 24th, 2014, is <i>Houdini Day, World Tuberculosis Day, </i>and <i>National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day.</i> <br />
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<a href="http://whoudini.blogspot.com/2011/03/happy-houdini-day.html" target="_blank"><i>Houdini Day</i></a> commemorates the birth date of <a href="http://www.houdinitribute.com/" target="_blank">Harry Houdini</a>, considered by many to be the best escape artist of all time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.stoptb.org/events/world_tb_day/" target="_blank"><i>World Tuberculosis Day</i></a> is the anniversary of the day in 1882 when <a href="http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/1905/koch-bio.html" target="_blank">Dr. Robert Koch</a> announced that he had determined the cause of tuberculosis. TB is still an epidemic in parts of the world.<br />
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Add some nutrition to your chocolate binge<i> - </i>in the form of raisins - on <a href="http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-chocolate-covered-raisin-day" target="_blank"><i>National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day</i></a>.<br />
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