Social Media Day, Leap Second Adjustment Time, Meteor Watch Day, more

June 30th, 2011 is Social Media Day, Leap Second Adjustment Time, Meteor Watch Day, National Handshake Day, Independence Day (Congo), Army Day (Guatemala), and National Bomb Pop Day.

Mashable celebrates the second annual Social Media Day on June 30th. Meetups are scheduled around the world - maybe even in your neck of the woods. Mashable says: "We’re thrilled to announce our second annual Social Media Day. The global event is a celebration of the technological advancements that enable everyone to connect with real-time information, communicate from miles apart and have their voices be heard. We invite you to celebrate by socializing with your online community offline!"

On the last day of June, Leap Second Adjustment Time, the International Earth Rotation and Reference System Service determines if it's necessary to add or subtract a second from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to align with astronomical time. In June 2011 no change will be made. Leap Second Adjustment Time also occurs on the last day of December.

June 30th is Meteor Watch Day. This day isn't expected to be meteor-rich, but you just never know. Look up now and then!

National Handshake Day is the perfect time to perfect an important social art. Shake hands with someone you trust, then ask them to evaluate your handshake. Too tight or too noodly can leave a negative impression!

The Congo observes Independence Day on June 30th, celebrating independence since 1960.

Guatemala observes Army Day or Dia del Ejercito on this date, honoring the soldiers who fought to liberate the Guatemalan people.

Find relief from summer's heat with aerodynamic red, white, and blue popsicles. The last Thursday in July is National Bomb Pop Day!

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Camera Day, Hug Holiday, Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul, Isra and Mi'Raj, more

June 29th, 2011 is Camera Day, Hug Holiday, Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul, Waffle Iron Day, Isra and Mi'Raj, and National Almond Butter Crunch Day.

Cameras are everywhere these days, from traditional cameras to cell phones to security cameras. On Camera Day take time to discuss camera safety and wisdom with your kids, to help them avoid sexting and a world of trouble. After that, have fun - go shoot some pics!

June 29th is Hug Holiday - you know what to do!

The Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul commemorates the martyrdom of the two great Apostles. Saint Peter was crucified, Saint Paul was executed by sword.

Isra and Mi'Raj takes place on the 27th day of Rajab in the Islamic calendar. Isra and Mi'Raj honors the Prophet Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascent into heaven.

June 29th is Waffle Iron Day. This foodie holiday is unusual because it honors a device rather than an actual food.

In the mood for something sweet and crunchy? Today is National Almond Butter Crunch Day.

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CAPS LOCK DAY, Gone-ta-Pott Day, Tapioca Day, more

June 28th, 2011 is INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY, Gone-ta-Pott Day, Insurance Awareness Day, Ukraine Constitution Day, and National Tapioca Day.

INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY IS A STRANGE HOLIDAY WITH AN EVEN STRANGER WEBSITE.

The 28th day of every month is Gone-ta-Pott Day, a self-congratulatory holiday for the Gone-ta-Pott website. I owe them a lot for providing me with holiday info.

Insurance is one of those things we curse when bills come, but rely on when things go wrong. Many friends in Missouri, suffering after tornadoes and floods, are making good use of their insurance. Double-check your coverage today. June 28th is Insurance Awareness Day.

Constitution Day commemorates the adoption of Ukraine's constitution on June 28th, 1996.

Today is National Tapioca Day. I loved tapioca pudding when I was a kid, but somehow I never think to make it these days. Another use for tapioca is bubble tea, which my eleven-year-old recently sampled for the first time. Strange feeling when a tapioca bubble travels up the straw and into your mouth.

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Decide To Be Married Day, Sunglasses Day, "Happy Birthday To You" Day, more

June 27th, 2011 is Decide To Be Married Day, Sunglasses Day, "Happy Birthday To You" Day, National Orange Blossom Day, Please Take My Children To Work Day, Paul Bunyan Day, National HIV Testing Day, Independence Day (Djibouti), and Canadian Multiculturalism Day.

Today is Decide To Be Married Day. Who knew this was an option? Nobody told me, back in the day when I turned 35 and the news anchors said women over 35 had a greater chance of being struck by lightning than getting married. Oh, well. For me, at least, love arrived before the lightning.

Look like a celebrity and protect your eyes by celebrating Sunglasses Day. If you read this late in the day, emulate Corey Hart by wearing sunglasses at night.

Double congrats if today is your birthday, because June 27th is "Happy Birthday To You" Day.  Mildred J. Hill wrote the melody on this date and her sister, Patty Smith Hill, a teacher, wrote the lyrics to what was then titled "Good Morning to All." The classroom hit later evolved into "Happy Birthday to You." The Hill sisters didn't earn much money for the song, but later copyright owners sure did.

Googling for information about National Orange Blossom Day, I expected to find something botanical, or at least gardenish. All I found, however, is a foodie tribute. Who knew orange blossoms aren't just for beauty anymore?

Parents need time off too! Please Take My Children To Work Day is a time for parents to foist their children off on other people - either at their own workplaces or at the workplaces of their childless friends. Of course, some places are better than others. Candy factory - awesome! Firehouse - good, as long as at least one adult stays behind when the alarms go off. Sewage treatment plant - nah.

June 27th honors a mythical 30-foot-tall man who wields an axe and hangs around with a blue ox named Babe. Happy Paul Bunyan Day.

National HIV Testing Day is meant to encourage everyone to "Take the Test, Take Control." Early detection is critical, to help stop the spread of AIDS.

Djibouti celebrates its independence from France on June 27th, Independence Day.

Canadian Multiculturalism Day was established in 2002, "to recognise the economic, social and cultural benefits of multiculturalism, and to assist in the integration of immigrant people into the wider community, emphasising democracy, equality and mutual respect in all areas of life."

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Forgiveness Day, America's Kids Day, Beautician's Day, Descendants Day, more

June 26th, 2011 is National Forgiveness Day, America's Kids Day, Beautician's Day, Descendants Day, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Corpus Christi, Independence Day (Somalia), Independence Day (Madagascar), National Bomb Pop Day, and National Chocolate Pudding Day.

Forgive someone today, or offer an apology if you're the one in need of forgiveness. Life is too short to harbor ill will against someone you used to be close to. Do it now, in the spirit of National Forgiveness Day.

America's Kids Day, always the fourth Sunday in June, is a time to help your kids learn more about America. Tell them a story about a historical figure, help them find the fifty states on a map, or teach them about flag etiquette.

Beautician's Day is a great opportunity to say thanks to the one who knows just how much gray hair you have or how many extensions you wear. Show your appreciation!

Descendants Day is always observed on the last Sunday in June. Take time to write or record some family history, especially that of older relatives, so their stories will live on.

In 1987 the United Nations declared June 26th as International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated, "Illicit drugs destroy innumerable individual lives and undermine our societies. Confronting the illicit trade on drugs and its effects remains a major challenge for the international community."

In 1997 the United Nations declared June 2th as International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon states, “At a time when the legitimate aspirations of people in many regions of the world for greater freedom, dignity and a better life are too often met with violence and repression, I urge States to respect the fundamental rights of all people. Torture and other forms of cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment and punishment, wherever they occur and whatever the circumstances, can never be justified.”

The Feast of Corpus Christi, primarily celebrated by Catholics, is also known as Feast of the Most Holy Body of Christ or Day of Wreaths. The event is celebrated by some on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, by others on the Sunday after. The Feast of Corpus Christi commemorates the Last Supper on the day before the crucifixion of Jesus.

On June 26th, Somalia celebrates Independence Day, marking their independence from Britain.

Madagascar observes Independence Day on June 26th. Some call this country the "Eighth Continent" because it hosts animals and plants that exist nowhere else, due to its isolation. (Unfortunately, we have another candidate for the "Eighth Continent" label - the giant garbage patch.)

If you've properly celebrated America's Kids Day, reward yourself and the young one with red, white, and blue bomb pops. Enjoy your bomb pops in a porch swing, if you have one. Happy National Bomb Pop Day! Oops - National Bomb Pop Day is celebrated on the last Thursday in July - that's July 30th in 2011.

Yumalicious! Today is National Chocolate Pudding Day. 'Nuff said.

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LEON Day, Great American Wicnic, Log Cabin Day, Catfish Day, more

June 25th, 2011 is  LEON Day, Great American Wicnic, Log Cabin Day, Great American Backyard Campout, National Canoe Day, American Radio Relay League Field Day, Independence Day (Mozambique), National Day (Slovenia), National Day (Croatia), National Catfish Day, and National Strawberry Parfait Day.

LEON Day is always celebrated on June 25th, exactly six months before (or after) Christmas. Get it? LEON is NOEL backwards! Funny thing is, when I first Googled for info about LEON Day I found Leon Day (1916-1995), a pitcher in baseball's Negro League. He played for the Baltimore Black Sox, Brooklyn Eagles, Newark Eagles, Winnipeg Buffaloes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Cuba, Mexico, and Venezuela. Happy LEON Day to you, Leon Day!

The Great American Wicnic takes place today in many U.S. cities - tomorrow in the event of rain. Wikipedia is the organizer of this techy event, featuring blankets and picnic fare. Wikipedia describes the event as "the picnic anyone can edit!"

Log Cabin Day was founded in 1986 by the Log Cabin Society and the Bad Axe Historical Society. Set aside your tablets, phones, and laptops, and imagine what life would be like in a log cabin, by candlelight, at a slower, less interactive pace.

The annual Great American Backyard Campout, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, takes place on June 25th. Register your team or donate to raise funds, benefiting NWF programs that "get American kids outside."

National Canoe Day, La Journee nationale du canot, is celebrated each year on this date in Canada.

American Radio Relay League Field Day, "the largest on-air Amatuer Radio activity under the sun," takes place today. The objectives are to operate as many stations as possible on eligible bands and to learn to operate in abnormal, less than optimal conditions.

Mozambique celebrates Independence Day on June 25th with a presidential speech, concerts, and traditional dance.

Slovenia celebrates National Day or Statehood Day, after being controlled by an amazing number of empires and countries: the Roman Empire, Republic of Venice, Carantania, the Hapsburg Monarchy, the Austrian Empire, the state of Slovenes, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, Germany, Hungary, and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (according to A Global World). Whew! Congratulations, Slovenia.

Croatia observes National Day or Statehood Day on June 25th, the date of its independence from Yugoslavia.

National Catfish Day is a time to go fishing, or at least bring home a mess o' catfish from your local fishmonger. Sure is delicious fried, with tartar sauce on the side.

After enjoying your catfish dinner, why not finish things off with a lovely dessert? Today is National Strawberry Parfait Day.

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Take Your Dog to Work Day, Ugliest Dog Day, Museum Comes to Life Day, more

June 24th, 2011 is Take Your Dog to Work Day, Ugliest Dog Day, Swim a Lap Day, Museum Comes to Life Day, Inti Raymi, Midsummer's Day, International Fairy Day, Celebration of the Senses Day, St. John the Baptist's Day, and National Creamy Pralines Day.

Take Your Dog to Work Day is a fun concept, intended to raise awareness of pet adoption. Check with your boss first, please!

If your dog is reeallly ugly, will you still take him or her to work? Today is the Ugliest Dog Day, featuring the World's Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma, California, USA. How is it that dogs can be so ugly they're cute, but ugly people don't have that talent?

Do you swim? Everyone should learn how, for personal safety as well as for the great fun of it. Celebrate Swim a Lap Day - multiple times, if you're in good shape.

June 24th is Museum Comes to Life Day. Yikes! The idea is cool, for a movie, but would be creepy and downright dangerous if it happened in real life. Just in case, maybe I'll wait until the 25th to visit the wax museum in my home town.

Inti Raymi, also called Indians Day or Peasants Day, is celebrated in Peru on June 24th in recognition of Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. Ancient Incans gathered to honor the Sun God, asking him to return. A white llama used to be sacrificed, replaced today by a realistic stage act.

Midsummer's Day is the traditional celebration of summer, associated with witches and magic. People burn bonfires to ward off evil spirits. Midsummer's Day falls on June 24th, not the actual Summer Solstice, due to conflicts between the Julian and Gregorian calendars.

Today is International Fairy Day, "the official holiday for fairy collectors, believers, artisans and the young at heart."

June 24th is Celebration of the Senses Day. See the words on the screen. Hear the information as you read it aloud. Taste the.... Never mind.

St. John the Baptist's Day or Feast of John the Baptist  is one of four Christian quarter days, each marking the beginning of a new season. The other three quarter days are Christmas, Lady Day (Anunciation), and Michaelmas.

Pralines are a southern delicacy made from sugar syrup and nuts. Whip up a batch in honor of National Creamy Pralines Day.

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Pink Day, Let It Go Day, Voidupuha, Pecan Sandies Day, more

June 23rd, 2011 is National Pink Day, National Let It Go Day, Public Service Day, Voidupuha, National Day (Luxembourg), St. John's Eve, Feast of Corpus Christi Day, and National Pecan Sandies Day.

On National Pink Day, dress from head to toe in pink or just wear an accent piece. The origin of this day is unclear, but some groups are choosing to highlight the campaign to fight breast cancer.

National Let It Go Day is a time to stop beating yourself up for past mistakes. Don't forget about them, don't repeat them, but do let them go. Oh, and vow to do better in the future.

Public Service Day, created by the United Nations, is observed on June 23rd each year to recognize the value and virtue of public service. This year's forum takes place in Tanzania, with the theme "Transformative Leadership in Public Administration and Innovation in Governance: Creating a Better Life for All."

Estonians observe Voidupuha or Victory Day on June 23rd, celebrating their independence since 1992.

National Day in Luxembourg honors the Grand Duke's Official Birthday, even though June 23rd is not the birth date of any actual ruler of Luxembourg. On the eve of this holiday, citizens take part in a torchlight procession.

St. John's Eve takes place on the day before the traditional Midsummer's Day. No matter that the date doesn't line up with the actual Summer Solstice, June 21st in 2011. Bonfires are lit on St. John'e Eve to ward off evil spirits. This year's festivities have been scaled back in San Juan, out of respect to those who suffered loss in recent forest fires.

The Feast of Corpus Christi, primarily celebrated by Catholics, is also known as Feast of the Most Holy Body of Christ or Day of Wreaths. The event is celebrated by some on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, by others on the Sunday after. The Feast of Corpus Christi commemorates the Last Supper on the day before the crucifixion of Jesus.

National Pecan Sandies Day honors a simple sugar cookie, upgraded with chopped pecans. Delicious!

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Stupid Guy Thing Day, Winter Solstice, Chocolate Eclair Day, more

June 22nd, 2011 is Stupid Guy Thing Day, Winter Solstice, Anti-Fascist Resistance Day, and National Chocolate Eclair Day.

If you're a guy, what's the stupidest thing you've ever done? Ladies, how about that guy of yours? Be careful out there - today is Stupid Guy Thing Day.

The Northern Hemisphere observed Summer Solstice on June 21st; the Southern Hemisphere observes Winter Solstice on June 22nd. Brrrr!

During World War II, Croatia fought against the Axis powers, mostly fascist states. Croatia remembers that struggle by celebrating Anti-Fascist Resistance Day on June 22nd each year.

Enjoy a French treat featuring pastry that is baked, hollowed out, filled with custard, and topped with chocolate! Mon dieu! Celebrate National Chocolate Eclair Day.

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Cancer, June 21 to July 22

Cancer. Image: Salvatore Vuono, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Everyone born between June 21st and July 22nd is a Cancer, the sign of the Crab.

For more information about Cancer:

• Cancer Daily Horoscope
• What's-Your-Sign for Cancer
• Astrology.com: Cancer Sun Sign
• Farmers' Almanac: Zodiac Signs, Astrology and Astronomy Explained

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Summer Solstice, Anne and Samantha Day, Daylight Appreciation Day, more

June 21st, 2011 is Summer Solstice, Anne and Samantha Day, World Peace and Prayer Day, National Daylight Appreciation Day, Take a Kid Fishing Event, Go Skateboarding Day, Baby Boomers Recognition Day, World Handshake Day, National Aboriginal Day, St. Leufredus' Day, National Day (Greenland), Martyrs' Day (Togo), Atheist Solidarity Day, World Humanist Day, National Lambrusco Day, and National Peaches and Cream Day.

Our sun. Image: Graur Codrin, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Summer Solstice takes place on June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere; it occurs in December in the Southern Hemisphere. Summer Solstice brings the longest day of the year and the official start of summer, when the sun is furthest from the equator. The word "solstice" is derived from Latin words meaning "sun" and "to stand still," because the sun seems to stand still in the sky near noon. Determine the exact moment Summer Solstice will occur in your area. Check Google for a sweet first-day-of-summer logo today or after the fact.

Anne and Samantha Day is observed twice a year - on Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice. Supporters of Anne and Samantha Day campaign for postage stamps honoring Anne Frank and Samantha Smith, two idealistic, caring teenagers whose lives ended too soon.

World Peace and Prayer Day, always celebrated on Summer Solstice, was created after the birth of a white buffalo in 1994. The Lakota Tribe believes that "the birth of Miracle, a female white buffalo, signaled a time of earth changes and the coming of the mending of the Hoop of All Nations." Miracle lived from August 20th, 1994 to September 19th, 2004.

National Daylight Appreciation Day was created by Solatube International, but celebrated by all as the longest day of the year.

Take a Kid Fishing Event is celebrated in Eastern North Carolina as a day to take disadvantaged youth on a day-long coastal fishing adventure. But why not honor the event in some small way, wherever you are?

On Go Skateboarding Day, you're encouraged to let everything else slide and just go skateboarding. Even zombies, according to this year's poster. I'll just stay in and research upcoming holidays for you, okay?

Baby Boomers have always been a self-centered bunch, with so much marketing aimed at them, that they even need a special day. Voila - Baby Boomers Recognition Day. Baby Boomers are usually categorized as everyone born between 1946 and 1964. (All right, I'll admit I'm one of that group, at the younger end.) Did you know we're called "Boomies" in Canada and "The Bulge" in the UK?

World Handshake Day is a lovely notion, created by Ivan Zupa. Join hands and celebrate Welthändedruck in Austria, Welthändeschütteln in Germany, Heimshandtak in Iceland, Wereld Handskud in Africa, Világ kézfogás in Hungary, or Saludando al mundo in Spanish-speaking nations. Learn more ways to say World Handshake Day, then celebrate.

Canadians celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21st, to honor their native population. First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people share their culture and contributions to Canada on this day.

St. Leufredus' Day is the most important day in Fight the Filthy Fly Month. St. Leufredus is the patron saint against flies, supposedly because he could shoo flies away through prayer.

The National Day of Greenland takes place on the longest day of the year, to pack in as much celebrating as possible. Citizens enjoy music, folk dancing, kayaking, dressing in traditional garb, and more.

Togo celebrates Martyrs' Day on June 21st every year, honoring those who lost their lives for the sake of freedom and independence.

Atheist Solidarity Day is a grassroots phenomenon with no formal organization. Celebrate how and if you so choose.

World Humanist Day is yet another holiday always celebrated on Summer Solstice. According to the International Humanist and Ethical Union, humanism is "a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities."

Today is National Lambrusco Day. Lambrusco, an Italian wine, is available in red, white, and rose. According to those who know, Americans were cheated out of the real thing until about fifteen years ago, because only "cloyingly sweet, overly fizzy commercial versions" were imported.Take this opportunity to try a quality lambrusco.

Doesn't summer bring peaches to mind? Celebrate the first day of summer, also known as National Peaches and Cream Day, with a bowl of summer goodness.

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Midsummer Eve, Festival of Sant Joan, Ride to Work Day, American Eagle Day, more

June 20th, 2011 is Midsummer Eve, Festival of Sant Joan, Ride to Work Day, American Eagle Day, Martyrs Day, Flag Day (Argentina), Toad Hollow Day of Thank You, UN World Refugee Day, National Vanilla Milkshake Day, and Ice Cream Soda Day.

Midsummer Eve is the second-largest celebration in Scandinavia, topped only by Christmas. Midsummer Eve is the night before Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. Some other parts of the world celebrate Midsummer on June 24th.

The Festival of Sant Joan begins on June 20th and continues through June 24th in Spain, with bonfires, fireworks, music, and dancing.

On the third Monday in June, Ride to Work Day, commuters are urged to consider using a motorcycle or scooter instead of a car. June is definitely the right time of year, barring storms.

June 20th is American Eagle Day. Even though Ben Franklin wanted the turkey to be our national bird, we have the majestic bald eagle. Learn how you can help protect eagles for generations to come.

Eritrea commemorates Martyrs Day on June 20th each year, in memory of those who gave their lives during the Great Thirty-Year War. Eritrea has been independent since 1991.

Argentina celebrates Flag Day on June 20th, the anniversary of the death of Manuel Belgrano, the designer of the flag. Belgrano was also instrumental in Argentina's independence in 1816.

Toad Hollow Day of Thank You is one of those odd holidays that won't be pinned down. I often skip days with shady origins, but this one sounds so unique I can't part with it. Imagine for yourself who you're supposed to thank, why today in particular, and what Toad Hollow has to do with your gratitude.

Since 2001 the world has honored UN World Refugee Day. The current campaign carries the theme, "One Refugee Without Hope Is Too Many."

A milkshake is a wonderful retro treat on a hot day, so embrace National Vanilla Milkshake Day. Don't know what to tell you if you'd prefer strawberry or chocolate.

If milkshakes aren't your thing, consider Ice Cream Soda Day. What's better than a couple scoops of your favorite ice cream swimming in a tumbler of fizzy soda?

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Father's Day, Sauntering Day, Juneteenth, Butterfly Day, more

June 19th, 2011 is Father's Day, World Sauntering Day, Juneteenth, Red Soda Celebration, Butterfly Day, Garfield the Cat Day, Husband Caregiver Day, Family Awareness Day, Trinity Sunday, World Sickle Cell Day, Labor Day (Trinidad and Tobago), and Eat an Oreo Day.  

My Dad, Thomas Brooks, 1911-1995.

The first Father's Day was celebrated in June of 1920. Sonora Smart Dodd created the holiday to honor her father, who raised six children after his wife died in childbirth. Do something special for your Dad if he's still around. My Dad passed away in 1995 and I miss him every day. I've blogged about the world as it was in the year of his birth, 1911. Happy Father's Day, Dad!

World Sauntering Day was created in the 1970s by W.T. Rabe of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA. Rabe considered sauntering to be the antithesis of jogging, being pointless on purpose. Go ahead - show us your best saunter.

Juneteenth is a simple, catchy name for African American Emancipation Day, beginning in Galveston, Texas back in 1865. Juneteenth.com "promotes unity, freedom, achievement and self-esteem through the celebration of Juneteenth across the nation and beyond.

Along with Juneteenth, today is the Red Soda Celebration. Texas slaves were the last to be freed, on June 19th, 1865, when word of the Emancipation Proclamation reached the state. Former slaves gained many freedoms, including the ability to purchase expensive red soda water.

June 19th is Butterfly Day, a day to capture images of butterflies, not the creatures themselves. Our butterfly bushes aren't blooming yet, but when they are - butterflies galore!

Celebrate Garfield the Cat Day on the anniversary of his creation back in 1978. Eating lasagna and torturing Odie seem to keep Garfield young.

Husband Caregiver Day is always celebrated on Father's Day. This day honors husbands who provide medical care to their wives or children. If you know of such a man, offer him some help and relief today.

Family Awareness Day is another tie-in with Father's Day. Recognize the important role fathers have to play in their children's lives, especially in light of the latest statistics that show too many children growing up without a consistent fatherly influence. Did your father help you to become the person you are today?

Trinity Sunday, the first Sunday after Pentecost, celebrates the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in Christianity.

World Sickle Cell Day is meant to raise awareness of Sickle Cell as a world health problem. "A candle loses none of its light by lighting another candle!"

Labor Day is celebrated today in Trinidad and Tobago, marking the beginning of modern trade unions and fair working conditions in that country.

Finally - a legitimate reason to link to Attack of the Show for my husband! Their blog mentions Eat an Oreo Day. Happy Father's Day, Joe, because you're a great Dad, and happy Eat an Oreo Day, everybody!

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Badger Day, Hollerin' Contest Day, Go Fishing Day, Splurge Day, more

June 18th, 2011 is Badger Day, National Hollerin' Contest Day, Go Fishing Day, International Picnic Day, National Splurge Day, World Jugglers Day, Queen's Birthday (Cambodia), Eid el-Galaa, National Day (Seychelles), National Martini Day, and International Sushi Day.

Badger Day is always celebrated on the third Saturday in June. The NFBG (National Federation of Badger Groups) raises money to help save badgers.

Also on the third Saturday in June, Spivey's Corner, North Carolina hosts the National Hollerin' Contest. Yaaaaahhh!

After everyone stops hollerin', it's time to catch a big mess of fish. Gotta stay quiet. Now keep your eye on that bobber. Today is Go Fishing Day.

How's the weather where you are? How's the family? Gather your loved ones, some yummy food, and a blanket, then celebrate International Picnic Day indoors or out.

Today is National Splurge Day. Maybe in our current economy we should put this holiday on hiatus. Or we could splurge on something non-monetary, like an extra scoop of ice cream or an extra hour of gaming. Be creative!

The IJA (International Jugglers' Association) presents World Jugglers Day, "to help spread the fun of juggling and to bring jugglers together all over the world." We have three bowling balls, but, sadly, only one chain saw.

On June 18th Cambodians celebrate Queen's Birthday, honoring the birth of Her Royal Highness (HRH) Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.

Eid el-Galaa or Evacuation Day is an annual celebration in Egypt, remembering the day in 1954 when foreign troops evacuated the country.

National Day is celebrated on June 18th in the Seychelles, commemorating the formation of their constitutional democracy in 1993.

"Shaken, not stirred." Oh, and with an extra olive. Cheers - happy National Martini Day.

Today is the time to honor a food that is half work of art, half tasty bite. You eat first with your eyes, you know. Enjoy International Sushi Day.

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Work at Home Father's Day, Flip Flop Day, Watergate Day, more

June 17th, 2011 is  Work at Home Father's Day, National Flip Flop Day, Fresh Veggies Day, Eat Your Vegetables Day, Watergate Day, UN World Day to Combat Desertification, Bunker Hill Day, Independence Day (Iceland), National Apple Struedel Day, and National Cherry Tart Day.

On the Friday before Father's Day, celebrate Work at Home Father's Day. Not a bad idea, but even better might be Play at Home Father's Day! In any event, enjoy your day, dads of the world.

National Flip Flop Day is sponsored by Tropical Smoothie Cafe. They not only give free smoothies to customers wearing flip flops, but also raise funds and awareness for Camp Sunshine. Awesome. (Funny thing is, when I was a kid those plastic or rubber shoes with the bit that goes between your toes were called "thongs." Today a "thong" is something completely different!)

Celebrate Fresh Veggies Day by munching on carrots, celery, cauliflower, cucumber, lettuce, and more. Hmmm... I'm in the mood for a chopped salad now.

Similar to Fresh Veggies Day, today's calendar includes Eat Your Vegetables Day. A subtle but important difference, though, is the leeway to eat vegetables that aren't fresh. Canned aren't especially healthy, but frozen veggies are sometimes more nutritious than fresh.

June 17th marks the anniversary of the Watergate break-in in 1972, an event immortalized by journalists Woodward and Bernstein. Their investigation led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. How will you observe Watergate Day?

UN World Day to Combat Desertification, observed since 1995, is meant to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining and improving soil condition. Soil quality affects food quality and surrounding ecosystems.

Bunker Hill Day commemorates an important Boston battle of the American Revolutionary War. Charlestown, Massachusetts holds a celebratory parade on June 17th or the Sunday prior.

Today Iceland celebrates Independence Day. On June 17th, 1944, Iceland gained full independence from Denmark.

On National Apple Strudel Day, enjoy a classic treat made with apples and flaky pastry. Your choice - breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

If apples aren't your thing, you have an option. Today is also National Cherry Tart Day.

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Bloomsday, Recess at Work Day, Dump the Pump Day, more

June 16th, 2011 is Bloomsday, Recess at Work Day, National Dump the Pump Day, Youth Day, Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, National Career Nursing Assistants Day, and National Fudge Day.

Bloomsday celebrates Leopold Bloom, the main character in James Joyce's classic novel, Ulysses. Most of the action in the novel takes place on June 16th, 1904.

Celebrate Recess at Work Day if you're secure in your job, if your boss is cool with it, and especially if your office has a tetherball court and a slide. Lose that stress and have fun!

APTA (American Public Transportation Association) hosts the 6th annual National Dump the Pump Day. Commuters are encouraged to leave their cars at home and give public transportation a try. Tempting, since the price of gas is so high this year. The latest APTA Transit Savings Report states that "a two person household that downsizes to one car can save - on the average - more than $10,000 a year." Now that's impressive.

South Africa observes Youth Day on June 16th to honor those who were killed during a series of clashes in Soweto in 1976. Many feel the government under-reported the number of casualties.

On June 16th Sikhs recognize the Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, their first martyr and fifth Guru. Guru Arjan was tortured to death in 1606 at the order of Emperor Jahangir.

National Career Nursing Assistants Day honors those who have worked for five to fifty-eight years in the industry. National Career Nursing Assistants Day kicks off National Nursing Assistants Week.

Last but definitely not least, today is National Fudge Day. I'm not an especially desserty person, but I'm always up for a hunk of fudge.

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Sneak a Kiss Day, Smile Power Day, National Man Day, more

June 15th, 2011 is Sneak a Kiss Day, Smile Power Day, National Man Day, Nature Photography Day, Global Wind Day, Fly a Kite Day, National Lobster Day, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Saga Dawa Duchen, National Salvation Day, Valdemar's Day, and Magna Carta Day.

Today is Sneak a Kiss Day. Be playful with your honey. Sneak up on your kids! Plant one on your pet if you're so inclined. If you have no one to kiss, grab a bag of candy kisses and watch a romantic movie.

Have you been using your teeth whitener? Today is Smile Power Day. Show those pearly whites, then ask for a raise, a date, a discount, or a loan. Wield your power wisely!

Two brothers from Indiana apparently declared June 15th National Man Day without realizing the day is also Sneak a Kiss Day and Smile Power Day. Oh well. Slap on some Old Spice, crank up ESPN, have some hot wings, shoot some hoops, hunt some big game. Enjoy your day, guys!

NANPA (North American Nature Photography Association) celebrates its sixth annual Nature Photography Day on June 15th, 2011. Camera buffs are invited to take photos in nature, then upload one best shot to a Facebook page which NANPA will create on June 15th. Uploads will be accepted through June 21st, but every image must be created on June 15th.

Global Wind Day was first celebrated in Europe in 2007, then recognized globally in 2009. It is a day for "discovering wind, its power and the possibilities it holds to change our world."

June 15th is not only Global Wind Day, it's also the anniversary of Ben Franklin's legendary (and fool-hardy) kite-flying experiment. As such, we celebrate Fly a Kite Day! May the wind always be at your back --Irish Prayer.

June 15th is always National Lobster Day. If you're not allergic to shellfish, enjoy this succulent delicacy with a touch of drawn butter. Nothing better.

The AoA (Administration on Aging) asks everyone to be more aware of abuse and neglect endured by the world's elderly on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Saga Dawa is the holiest month in the Tibetan year; the seventh day, Saga Dawa Duchen, is the holiest day. Saga Dawa Duchen commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.

National Salvation Day comemorates the 1993 return of former President Haydar Aliyev to power in Azerbaijan.

Valdemar's Day is celebrated in Denmark, based on a legend. A Danish flag, Dannebrog, supposedly fell from the sky on this date in 1219 where King Valdemar II was crusading.

Magna Carta Day commemorates a famous document signed in 1215 by King John of England, placing limits on the power of a monarch. The Magna Carta continues to influence our understanding of  individual rights, freedom, and democracy to this day.

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Full Strawberry Moon and total lunar eclipse tonight, June 15th, 2011

Full moon. Image: morgueFile.

June's full moon is known as the Full Strawberry Moon. Time to pick those berries!

This month's full moon is also sometimes called the Rose Moon in Europe, where strawberries aren't native.

Make time to see the full moon tonight. There's something magical about that orb in the sky, watching over us, lighting our way along with the stars.

Along with the full moon, a total lunar eclipse will be visible in Africa, Southern Asia, and Australia.

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Flag Day, Pause for the Pledge Day, Family History Day, Pig Callers Day, more

June 14th, 2011 is  Flag Day, National Pause for the Pledge Day, Family History Day, Pig Callers Day, Pop Goes the Weasel Day, World Blood Donor Day, Blood Type Awareness Day, and National Strawberry Shortcake Day.

Flag Day is always celebrated on June 14th, in honor of the date in 1777 when Congress adopted the original  Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.

Flag map. Image: digitalart; FreeDigitalPhotos.net

At 7:00 p.m. EDT today, Americans are asked to pause and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. On Flag Day 2011, please honor National Pause for the Pledge Day.

On Family History Day, take time to write down what you know about your family tree and contact relatives to help fill in the gaps. Ask older family members to record stories of family lore for future generations to enjoy.

Celebrate Pig Callers Day to the fullest, if you so desire. Maybe I'll have a bacon sandwich.

Pop Goes the Weasel Day is here!. Sing the song or find an old-school jack-in-the box. Do kids even know about such toys these days?

The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2011 is: "More blood. More life." The WHO (World Health Organization) encourages communities to "paint the world red" by covering, painting, or lighting monuments, or by staging other red-themed events.

Dovetailing nicely with World Blood Donor Day, Blood Type Awareness Day is celebrated on June 14th. Will you celebrate universally or will you B negative?

National Strawberry Shortcake Day honors an all-American dessert that features a sweet, crumbly cake topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Even yummier if you have home-grown berries!

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Kitchen Klutzes of America Day, Sewing Machine Day, Weed Your Garden Day, more

June 13th, 2011 is National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day, Sewing Machine Day, Weed Your Garden Day, Pentecost Monday, and Whit Monday.

If you spill something n the kitchen today, relax. Say you did it on purpose in the spirit of National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day.

The first sewing machines were produced in France in the 1830s. On Sewing Machine Day, pause to consider the importance of sewing machines in your life, whether or not you sew your own clothes. Fashion would be much different if everything had to be pieced together by hand.

Today is Weed Your Garden Day. Sure wish it were Someone Else Will Weed Your Garden Day!

Pentecost Monday or Whit Monday follows Pentecost or Whitsunday. Some churches hold prayer rallies.

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Magic Day, Crowded Nest Awareness Day, Loving Day, Red Rose Day, more

June 12th, 2011 is a busy day for celebrations: Magic Day, Crowded Nest Awareness Day, Loving Day, Red Rose Day, International Cachaca Day, Multicultural American Child Awareness Day, World Day Against Child Labour, Abused Women and Children's Awareness Day, Pentecost, Whitsunday, National Children's Day, Independence Day (Philippines), Independence Day (Russia), Chaco Armistice Day, and National Peanut Butter Cookie Day.

June 12th is Magic Day. Celebrate the wonder of magic - literal tricks and elusive magical moments.

Crowded Nest Awareness Day is a sign of the times. More adult children are either returning home after time away, or never leaving in the first place. Not to mention the children of those children. Maybe Murphy beds will come back in vogue.

Do something special with the ones you love - it's Loving Day!

Conveniently, Loving Day coincides with Red Rose Day. Is that inspiration enough for you?

International Cachaca Day honors a Brazilian spirit - the third most-consumed spirit in the world - made from fermented sugar cane. Cachaca is used to create Brazil's national drink, the Caipirinha.

Multicultural American Child Awareness Day is a time to recognize and appreciate the diversity of children in the United States. We are, after all, the melting pot of the world.

World Day Against Child Labour was first launched in 2002 by the International Labor Organization, to increase awareness of the plight of children forced into child labor.

On Abused Women and Children's Awareness Day people come together in prayer and in action to end violence against women and children.

Pentecost is always celebrated seven weeks after Easter. "Pentecost" means "fiftieth day" in Ancient Greek. It is one of the three most important days on the Christian calendar - honoring the Holy Spirit, one-third of the Trinity. The day is also known as Whitsunday in the UK, because of the white robes worn by newly-baptized church members.

National Children's Day, always celebrated on the second Sunday in June, is a time to offer "faith, hope, love, and commitment" to our children.

Filipinos celebrate Independence Day on June 12th each year. The Philippines gained independence from Spain in 1898.

Russians celebrate Independence Day on June 12th each year, remembering many struggles of generations past.

Paraguay celebrates Chaco Armistice Day, commemorating their victory over Bolivia in the 1930s. Paraguay won control over much of the Chaco Boreal.

Celebrate National Peanut Butter Cookie Day by whipping up a batch. If it's too hot for baking where you are, just grab some plain cookies, a jar of peanut butter, and a knife. Voila - instant peanut butter cookie sandwiches!

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King Kamehameha Day, Wicket World of Croquet, Belmont Stakes, more

June 11th, 2011 is King Kamehameha Day, Wicket World of Croquet, Belmont Stakes, Evacuation Day, and National German Chocolate Cake Day.

King Kamehameha Day in Hawaii, USA, features a parade with Pa'u horse riders bedecked in flowers. The day honors Kamehameha I, the chief who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1795.

The 17th Annual Wicket World of Croquet takes place on Saturday, June 11th, 2011 at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Forty teams join the Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, March Hare, and Alice in a croquet tournament to benefit Indianapolis public schools.

The 143rd running of the Belmont Stakes takes place today in New York, USA. Some top contenders include Animal Kingdom, Brilliant Speed, Nehro, Master of Hounds, Mucho Macho Man, Shackleford, and Stay Thirsty. Horses sure have unique names.

Evacuation Day in Libya commemorates the date in 1970 when the United States evacuated Wheelus Air Base and left Libya.

Sorry, European friends, but German chocolate cake has nothing to do with Germany. Who knew? It's actually named for Samuel German, who created a sweet baking chocolate in 1852 while working for Baker's Chocolate Company. Anyway, have yourself a slice of gooey caramel-pecan-coconut-chocolate decadence on National German Chocolate Cake Day.

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Mourn for your Money Day, Ballpoint Pen Day, Black Cow Day, Iced Tea Day

June 10th, 2011 is Mourn for your Money Day, Ballpoint Pen Day, National Black Cow Day, and Iced Tea Day.

Today is the day to let off steam about the money withheld from your paychecks for taxes. Commemorate Mourn for your Money Day by asking for a raise or by sending an e-card. Hope you get a tax refund next year, at least.

On June 10th, 1943, the Biro brothers filed for a patent on their ballpoint pen design. Take your hand off that mouse, drop the iPad (carefully), turn away from the keyboard. Just for today, experience the simplicity of pen and paper in honor of Ballpoint Pen Day.

Ever heard of a (non-bovine) black cow? Me neither. Turns out, it's simply an ice cream float made with vanilla ice cream and dark soda - cola or root beer. In honor of National Black Cow Day, guess I'll have to make one. It's research, right?

Iced Tea Month is one month-long celebration in June. In addition, June 10th is National Iced Tea Day. With or without lemon? Sweet tea or green? Maybe each flavor should have its own day in June.

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Profess Your Love Day, Donald Duck Day, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day

June 9th, 2011 is Profess Your Love Day, Donald Duck Day, and National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day.

Feeling romantic? Feeling Shy? Try sending an e-card to the one you love on Profess Your Love Day.

Donald Duck made his cartoonic debut on this date in 1934. Celebrate Donald Duck Day by enjoying some vintage duck!

If you're into really specific pie flavors, June 9th is the day for you. Enjoy your fill on National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day.

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Best Friends Day, Name Your Poison Day, Upsy Daisy Day, more

June 8th, 2011 is Best Friends Day, National Name Your Poison Day, Upsy Daisy Day, World Oceans Day, and Clean Air Day. 

Whether you have one special friend or a group of BFFs, do something special in honor of Best Friends Day. Start by sending an e-card to give them the warm fuzzies.

On National Name Your Poison Day, what would you like to drink? I could go for an Amaretto Sour. Cheers!

As a Mom, I would schedule Upsy Daisy Day during the school year to coax my tween daughter out of bed. Oh well. Here's wishing everyone a cheerful, upsy-daisy day.

Sure wish I could be in New York City today. In honor of World Oceans Day the Empire State Building will be lit in white, blue, and purple. Lovely! This UN-created event has been celebrated since 2009. The theme for World Oceans Day 2011 is "Our oceans: greening our future."

Today Canadians observe Clean Air Day, "a celebration of environmentally-friendly activities that promote clean air and good health across Canada." Shouldn't the rest of us follow suit?

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Shavuot, Boone Day, Chocolate Ice Cream Day

June 7th, 2011 is the first day of Shavuot, Boone Day, and National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. As days go here at The Holiday Whiz, not a lot of celebrating going on!

In 2011 Shavuot, the Feast of the Weeks, begins June 7th at sundown and ends June 9th at sundown. Shavuot  means "weeks," as in the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot. During this time God re-gives the Torah and Jews renew their acceptance of God's gift.

Boone Day is celebrated in Kentucky each year on this date, as the anniversary of Daniel Boone's first sighting of present-day Kentucky, USA.

Does anyone need advice about how to celebrate National Chocolate Ice Cream Day? Just grab a scoop and get to it!

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Drive-In Movie Day, Gardening Exercise Day, Yo-Yo Day, D-Day Anniversary, more

June 6th, 2011 is Drive-In Movie Day, National Gardening Exercise Day, National Yo-Yo Day, Bonza Bottler Day, Barefoot Monday, D-Day Anniversary, National Day (Sweden), and National Applesauce Cake Day,.

Are you old enough to remember drive-ins? Sneaking extra people in under blankets, playing frisbee until sundown, balancing the speaker on your rolled-down car window? If so, celebrate Drive-In Movie Day. The first drive-in opened on this date in Camden, New Jersey, USA.

Anyone who has ever pulled weeds knows that gardening is hard work. But think of it as exercise, and voila - you're killing two birds with one stone - beautifying the world and working out! Today is National Gardening Exercise Day.

National Yo-Yo Day is celebrated on June 6th, the best guess as the birth date of Donald Duncan, founder of Duncan Yo-Yo. Have you walked the dog lately?

If you're a regular reader of The Holiday Whiz you know why today is Bonza Bottler Day. It occurs every month when the month's number and the day's number are the same, as in 6/6.

As Barefoot Week continues, Souls4Soles distributes shoes to the needy in Los Angeles on Barefoot Monday.

"Operation Overlord" was the code name for the Battle of Normandy during World War II, significant in the downfall of Hitler. The operation began on June 6th, 1944, known as D-Day. The mission was the Allied Forces' invasion of German-occupied Western Europe. 2011 marks the 10th Anniversary of the D-Day Memorial. Take a moment to remember the bravery of soldiers and their ultimate victory on this D-Day Anniversary.

June 6th is National Day in Sweden, commemorating the crowning of Gustav Vasa as King in 1523 and the adoption of a new constitution in 1809. Swedes hold ceremonies welcoming new citizens on this day.

Enjoy a flavorful alternative to apple pie on National Applesauce Cake Day.

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