Cities for Life Day, Computer Security Day, Mousse Day, more

November 30th, 2011, is Cities for Life Day, Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, Stay Home Because You're Well Day, Computer Security Day, National Methamphetamine Awareness Day, Feast Day of Saint Andrew, St. Andrews Day (Scotland), Independence Day (Barbados), Bonificio Day (Philippines), and National Mousse Day. 

Today marks the ninth annual Cities for Life Day. Last year, over 60 capitals and about 1,300 cities participated, each creating a "live logo" by lighting a monument in a unique way. The day's message, "No Justice Without Life," is a plea to abolish the death penalty.

The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting takes place today at 7:00 p.m., New York City time. The 2011 Norway Spruce features 30,000 LED lights and a Swarovski crystal star.

November 30th is Stay Home Because You're Well Day. Now, it's up to you what to say to your boss, but if you stay home your alibi should remain unquestioned. Don't show up at Rockefeller Center, which will be loaded with media.

Got firewalls? On Computer Security Day, stop to consider the security of your electronic information. Do you use antivirus software? Are your passwords creative? Think about all of your devices that contain electronic data, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

National Methamphetamine Awareness Day is meant to highlight the dangers of meth, not to mention meth labs.

The Feast Day of Saint Andrew honors the patron saint of  Scotland, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, and Romania. Scotland, in fact, celebrates St. Andrews Day as a festive holiday.

Barbados observes Independence Day, celebrating freedom from British Rule since 1966.

Bonificio Day is a public holiday in the Philippines, honoring Andres Bonificio, a key player in the revolutionary forces against Spanish Colonial Rule in the 1800s.

National Mousse Day honors a delectable French dessert, mousse, not to be confused with the largest extant member of the deer family, the moose. Enjoy!

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Square Dance Day, Throw Out Your Leftovers Day, more

November 29th, 2011, is Square Dance Day, Electronic Greetings Day, International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Constitution Day (Vanuatu), and Throw Out Your Leftovers Day.

Swing your partner! Do-si-do! Turn up the music and celebrate Square Dance Day. Now promenade!

Save some stamps this holiday season, if you're not too much of a traditionalist. Send ecards instead of paper in honor of Electronic Greetings Day.

The United Nations sponsors International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on November 29th. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes, "Let us, on this International Day, reaffirm our commitment to translating solidarity into positive action. The international community must help steer the situation towards a historic peace agreement."

The island nation of Vanuatu observes Constitution Day on November 29th.

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is Throw Out Your Leftovers Day. If you didn't freeze your turkey and dressing, it's time to say goodbye.

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Cyber Monday, Make Your Own Head Day, Red Planet Day, more

November 28th, 2011, is Cyber Monday, Make Your Own Head Day, Red Planet Day, Gone-ta-Pott Day, Ascension of Abdu'l-Baha, Independence Day (Albania), Independence Day (Mauritania), Independence Day (Panama), and National French Toast Day.

If you didn't find all of your goodies on sale on Black Friday, or if you simply chose to avoid the crowds, take advantage of Cyber Monday. Many great deals can be found online, some with free shipping, and you don't even have to get out of your jammies to participate. Cyber Monday has been celebrated since 2005.

Tired of what you see in the mirror? Feeling crafty? Then gather your supplies and celebrate Make Your Own Head Day. Go realistic or abstract. Use clay, beads, paper mache, pipe cleaners, yarn, glitter, cardboard, water bottles, computer parts, old socks, butter, whatever. Show the world the real you.

Red Planet Day honors the planet Mars, our neighbor in the solar system. On this date in 1964, Mariner 4 departed earth to cruise by Mars almost a year later. Interestingly, another man-made device is on its way to Mars as this post goes to cyberspace - the Mars Rover Curiosity launched on Novmber 26th, 2011, to search for signs of life on Mars upon arrival in August 2012. Follow @MarsCuriosity on Twitter, if you're curious.

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know that the 28th of every month is Gone-ta-Pott Day.

Followers of the Baha'i faith observe the Ascension of Abdu'l-Baha, remembering the death of the son of Baha'u'llah.

The countries of Albania, Mauritania, and Panama celebrate Independence Day on November 28th.

National French Toast Day honors a delicious breakfast food that is neither French nor toasted. Life is funny sometimes.

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Pins and Needles Day, Advent, Bavarian Cream Pie Day

November 27th, 2011, is Pins and Needles Day, the first day of Advent, and National Bavarian Cream Pie Day.

Pins and Needles Day sounds like just another novelty holiday, celebrating either anticipation or that feeling you get when your circulation has been cut off. Actually, the holiday commemorates the anniversary of the opening performance of the only union-produced musical, called Pins and Needles.

Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. In 2011, Advent occurs from November 27th through December 24th. Christians anticipate the celebration of Jesus' birth (even though most scholars agree Jesus was not technically born on December 25th).

If you've had enough pumpkin pie for a while, or if you've simply run out, try something different today in honor of National Bavarian Cream Pie Day.

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Small Business Saturday, Chitlin Strut, Cake Day, more

November 26th, 2011, is Small Business Saturday, Buy Nothing Day, International Aura Awareness Day, Chitlin Strut, Islamic New Year, Day of the Covenant, and National Cake Day.

In the aftermath of Black Friday, give small business a chance on Small Business Saturday. You'll find unique items, great prices, and personal service.

While some in the U.S. observed Buy Nothing Day yesterday, in the UK Buy Nothing Day is today. Follow the action on Twitter via @buynothingday.

Today marks the 10th annual International Aura Awareness Day. It is possible, according to realityshifters.com, to energize your aura through visualization and meditation.

Salley, South Carolina hosts the 46th annual Chitlin Strut, featuring a Chitlin Queen, Hawg Calling, and the Chitlin Strut Idol Contest. Chitlins, or chitterlings, are pig intestines, usually boiled or fried.

November 26th begins the Islamic New Year  in 2011. The date, the first day of Muharram, varies each year on the Gregorian calendar. Muslims gather in mosques and offer prayers.

Followers of the Bahai'i faith celebrate the Day of the Covenant, honoring 'Abdu'l-Baha. He did not wish to be honored on his birthday, May 23rd, as that day already belonged to the Bab. But on November 26th, 'Abdu'l-Baha made a promise - the Covenant - that "in exchange for his followers' obedience He would ensure their unity and through them establish the Kingdom of God on Earth."

The holiday calendar features a bewildering array of specific cake celebrations, but today the choice is yours. Celebrate National Cake Day with your favorite flavor.

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Black Friday, Sinkie Day, Santa Claus World Championship, more

November 25th, 2011, is Black Friday, Shopping Reminder Day, Buy Nothing Day, You're Welcomegiving Day, Sinkie Day, Flossing Day, ClauWau, Santa Claus World Championship, National Day of Listening, Native American Heritage Day, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Feast Day of Saint Catherine, Independence Day (Suriname), Maize Day, and National Parfait Day.  

The day after Thanksgiving brings holidays related to the shopping season, notably the infamous Black Friday. Kudos to you if you camped out for days to get the best deal on a new flat-screen TV. No kudos to you if you elbowed people aside, used pepper spray (really, someone did!), or worse. Never forget the true meaning of the holiday season.

As if anyone needs this holiday, November 25th is Shopping Reminder Day, to remind us that Christmas is exactly one month away. How convenient in the years when November 25th is also Black Friday.

At the opposing end of the philosophical spectrum is Buy Nothing Day. Just relax, reflect on yesterday's celebration, retain your healthy bank balance, and stay away from the mob scene.

You're Welcomegiving (or simply You're Welcome Day) logically follows Thanksgiving, if you think about it.

The day after Thanksgiving also brings a food-related holiday. Brought to you by the International Association of People Who Dine over the Kitchen Sink, today is Sinkie Day! Enjoy those no-muss, no-fuss holiday leftovers.

Yet another post-Thanksgiving holiday is Flossing Day. The National Flossing Council asks everyone to "Help Spread Peace of Mouth."

Today and tomorrow Samnaun, Switzerland, hosts ClauWau, the Santa Claus World Championship. Events include Santa's Zipfybob Race, Creative Santa Snow Sculpture and Gingerbread Hearts, Santa's Sleigh Race (an obstacle course involving a horse-drawn sleigh in which gifts are delivered), and Santa's Chimney Climbing. Ho Ho Ho!

National Day of Listening is the time to thank a special teacher by recording your experiences online. A U.S. map features states that turn brighter orange as more citizens participate.

Native American Heritage Day is always observed on the day after Thanksgiving, just as the National Day of Mourning is always observed on Thanksgiving.

The United Nations sponsors the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25th. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes, "Violence against women and girls takes many forms and is widespread throughout the globe.... On this International Day, I urge governments and partners around the world to harness the energy, ideas and leadership of young people to help us to end this pandemic of violence. Only then will we have a more just, peaceful and equitable world."

Today is the Feast Day of Saint Catherine, patron saint of unmarried women, students, philosophers, craftsmen who use wheels, lacemakers, and milliners. French milliners parade their wares today, in honor of the single "Catherinettes" who wore special hats and made pilgrimage to Saint Catherine. According to fisheaters.com, women under 25 prayed, "Lord, give me a well-situated husband. Let him be gentle, rich, generous, and pleasant!" Women between 25 and 30 prayed, "Lord, one who's bearable, or who can at least pass as bearable in the world!" And those over 30 prayed, "Send whatever you want, lord; I'll take it!"

Suriname observes Independence Day on November 25th.

The fourth Friday in November is Maize Day, honoring the importance of corn in indigenous cultures.

If you've had enough pumpkin pie and such, enjoy an ice cream and fruit concoction on National Parfait Day. Don't forget nuts and whipped cream!

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Partial solar eclipse November 25th for parts of the Southern Hemisphere

Solar eclipse. Image: pixbox77; FreeDigitalPhotos.

November 25th, 2011, brings the fourth and final solar eclipse for the year - a partial solar eclipse. Look to the skies if you happen to be in southern South Africa, Antarctica, Tasmania, or parts of New Zealand.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun. During a total solar eclipse, the moon blocks the entire sun from view; during a partial solar eclipse, the moon obscures only a portion of the sun.

For more information about the November 2011 partial solar eclipse and eclipses in general, check out these useful sites:

• timeanddate.com: Solar and Lunar Eclipses
• msnbc.com: Solar eclipse this Friday could wow small audience
• NASA: Eclipse Web Site
• StarDate: 2011 Lunar and Solar Eclipses
• The Old Farmer's Almanac: Eclipse Dates for 2011
  
• MrEclipse.com: Solar Eclipses for Beginners
• EarthSky: Why aren't there eclipses at every full and new moon?

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Thanksgiving, Day of Mourning, D.B. Cooper Day, more

November 24th, 2011, is Thanksgiving, National Day of Mourning, Turkey-Free Thanksgiving, Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day, D.B. Cooper Day, and Evolution Day.

Thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, is about more than turkey, dressing, and pumpkin pie. It's about sharing your bounty with others and showing gratitude for your good fortune. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated by Pilgrims and Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

As many Americans celebrated Thanksgiving over the years, some Native Americans lamented their loss of land and culture. In 1970, a large group of protestors walked out of a Thanksgiving feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, thus founding the National Day of Mourning.

Some choose to celebrate Turkey-Free Thanksgiving, but most Americans want to see a turkey or ham at the holiday table.

November 24th is Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day. Lucky you, today, if your unique talent involves food prep. Otherwise, consider incorporating a talent show into your family Thanksgiving tradition.

Today marks the 40th anniversary of skyjacker D.B. Cooper's famous leap from a 747, wearing a business suit and a parachute, plummeting toward earth with $200,000 in cash. He has never been found, alive or dead. Today is D.B. Cooper Day.

Evolution Day commemorates the anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin's Origin of Species (On The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or The Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life) in 1859.

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Tie One On Day, Doctor Who Day, Fibonacci Day, more

November 23rd, 2011, is Tie One On Day, Doctor Who Day (proposed), TARDIS Day (proposed), Fibonacci Day, National Espresso Day, and Eat a Cranberry Day.

Tie One On Day is always celebrated on the day before Thanksgiving. EllynAnne Geisel, the holiday's creator, writes, "On the day before Thanksgiving...pause in the preparation of your own meal, wrap a loaf of bread or other baked good in an apron, tuck a prayer or note of encouragement in the pocket, and tie one on...an apron, of course! and deliver the wrapped bundle to someone without your bounty... a neighbor, friend or family member in need of physical or spiritual sustenance, a bit of recognition or just a kind word." What a lovely sentiment, invoking the true spirit of the season!

Two similar holidays have been proposed for November 23rd - Doctor Who Day and TARDIS Day - commemorating the date in 1963 when the BBC aired the first episode of "Doctor Who." Clever clever writers, creating a character who regenerates, enabling the show to go on and on and on....

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21,... Today is the day to celebrate this odd sequence, known as Fibonacci numbers. Have you figured out the formula? Each number is the sum of the previous two. Happy spirals to you on Fibonacci Day.

Espresso yourself! Today is National Espresso Day.

Eat a Cranberry Day always falls on November 23rd, but the day before Thanksgiving seems an especially appropriate time. I don't think many people eat just one cranberry, however, although I did that once. When I was maybe eight years old, one of my friends swore that fresh cranberries were the yummiest thing ever. Yeah, she laughed while I puckered.

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Sagittarius the Archer, November 22 to December 21

Sagittarius. Image: Salvatore Vuono, FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Everyone born between November 22nd and December 21st is a Sagittarius, the sign of the Archer.

For more information about Sagittarius:

• Sagittarius Daily Horoscope
• What's-Your-Sign for Sagittarius
• Astrology.com: Sagittarius Sun Sign
• StarDate: Sagittarius, the Archer
• Astrology on the Web: Sagittarius the Archer
• Farmers' Almanac: Zodiac Signs, Astrology and Astronomy Explained

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Start Your Own Country Day, Cashew Day, more

November 22nd, 2011, is Start Your Own Country Day, Go for a Ride Day, Feast Day of Saint Cecilia, Independence Day (Lebanon), and Cashew Day.

Start Your Own Country Day sounds like fun, but also sounds like a lot of hard work. As leader, you'll have to name your country, keep a tight reign on your minions, monitor production, and create some new traditions.

On Go for a Ride Day, take a ride around your new country. If it's really small, that won't take long.

November 22nd is the Feast Day of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of musicians.

Lebanon observes Independence Day on November 22nd.

Go nuts today - it's Cashew Day! Cashews, grown in the tropics, contain mono-unsaturated fats, magnesium, and copper. They're also great with chicken.

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Hello Day, Television Day, Gingerbread Day, more

November 21st, 2011, is World Hello Day, UN World Television Day, National Day of the Bible, Gingerbread Day, and Pumpkin Pie Day.

World Hello Day began in response to the conflict between Israel and Egypt in late 1973. To participate, simply greet ten people today.

The United Nations promotes UN World Television Day in recognition of television's impact on society, notably "alerting world attention to conflicts and threats to peace and security and its potential role in sharpening the focus on other major issues, including economic and social issues."

National Day of the Bible is observed on the Monday before Thanksgiving. One recommendation of the National Bible Association is to meet in a public place at noon on this date for scriptural readings.

Ah, gingerbread. A quintessential holiday scent. Ushering in the holiday season is Gingerbread Day.

Pumpkin Pie Day is observed both today and Christmas Day, December 25th. Why not have pumpkin pie twice?

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Name Your PC Day, Vertical Marathon, Stir-Up Sunday, more

November 20th, 2011 is Name Your PC Day, Vertical Marathon, Absurdity Day, False Confession Day, Alascattalo Day, Globally Organized Hug a Runner Day (GOHARD), Universal Children's Day, World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, Transgender Day of Remembrance, African Industrialization Day, National Peanut Butter Fudge Day, Mallomar Day, Stir-Up Sunday, and Christmas Pudding Day.

Today is Name Your PC Day. I never thought about naming my computer before. Hmmm. Actually, we have several PCs at our house, including desktops, laptops, even a tablet and smartphones. So many names to determine! For inspiration, check out this list of "Unique, Wacky, Beautiful Celebrity Baby Names." Some might translate to the PC.

Today's Vertical Marathon requires participants to scale 73 stories of the Swissotel the Stamford in Singapore. Whew! I'm exhausted just blogging about it.

Embrace the absurd today, Absurdity Day. For me, attempting to compete in the Vertical Marathon would be absurd.

I'm not sure why anyone would want to take the fall for a crime they didn't commit, but if you're of a mind, today is False Confession Day.

Alascattalo Day, founded by Steven C. Levi, is a time to appreciate humor - especially Alaskan humor. (That probably doesn't include jokes about Sarah Palin.) Apparently the date varies, but Alascattalo Day always occurs in November. The alascattalo is, believe it or not, a cross between a moose and a walrus. Who knew?

November 20th, 2011, is the first Globally Organized Hug a Runner Day, also known as GOHARD. Just don't try to hug the runners while they're racing in the Vertical Marathon in Singapore.

The United Nations promotes Universal Children's Day, a time to foster the well-being of children around the globe.

The World Health Organization supports World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Stay safe out there, readers of mine, and never text while driving.

Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes individuals who lost their lives in the past year, due to the intolerance of others.

November 20th is African Industrialization Day. Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General, writes: "Approximately 600 million people in Africa still live without access to affordable and sustainable modern energy, and rely mainly on traditional biomass for cooking and heating....As we mark Africa Industrialization Day, let us work together to achieve 'Sustainable Energy for All' and advance economic development and productivity throughout Africa."

If your sweet tooth is yearning for a special treat and peanut allergies are not a concern, celebrate National Peanut Butter Fudge Day.

If your sweet tooth is still calling out for fulfillment, celebrate Mallomar Day. Nabisco first introduced these marshmallowy, chocolatey cookie confections back in 1913.

The Sunday before Advent is known as Stir-Up Sunday in the UK, because it's the traditional time to stir up a batch of Christmas Pudding. Christmas Pudding Day, as the event is also known, is losing popularity due to changing tastes and busy lives. Celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Raymond Blanc are trying to reestablish the popularity of the traditional dish. Here's Jamie Oliver's Christmas Pudding recipe.Seems to be a British equivalent to our much-maligned fruitcake.

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World Toilet Day, Surin Elephant Round-Up Day, more

November 19th, 2011, is World Toilet Day, Have a Bad Day Day, Surin Elephant Round-Up, Family Volunteer Day, National Survivors of Suicide Day, National Adoption Day, International Men's Day, Equal Opportunity Day, Gettysburg Address Day, Dedication Day, and National Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day.

Today is World Toilet Day. You're bound to use yours today, multiple times even, so take a moment to appreciate your easy access to sanitation.

Have a Bad Day Day is apparently the time to wish people a bad day instead of a good day. Celebrate at your own risk.

Thailand hosts the Surin Elephant Round-Up on November 19th, featuring the world's largest elephant feeding, known as the elephant breakfast, along with a parade, elephant tug-of-war, and elephant football.

The Saturday before Thanksgiving is Family Volunteer Day, encouraging families to do good works as a unit, spreading good will and fostering family unity.

The Saturday before Thanksgiving is also National Survivors of Suicide Day, a "day of healing for bereavement after suicide in English, Spanish & French."

National Adoption Day, again always the Saturday before Thanksgiving, is a time to celebrate and support adoptive families.

The theme of International Men's Day 2011 is "Giving Boys The Best Possible Start In Life."

U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared November 19th, the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, to be known as Equal Opportunity Day. The day is also celebrated as Gettysburg Address Day and Dedication Day.

Many of us need no special encouragement to consume cola beverages and such, but just in case, be aware that today is National Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day.

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Mickey Mouse Day, Occult Day, Vichyssoise Day, more

November 18th, 2011, is Mickey Mouse Day, Married to a Scorpio Support Day, Push-Button Phone Day, Occult Day, William Tell Day, and National Vichyssoise Day.

Mickey Mouse Day commemorates the 1928 birth date of Disney's favorite mouse.

November 18th is a day of moral support. It's Married to a Scorpio Support Day! Answers.com recommends you spouses should "hide their household flowcharts." Nice idea, but they probably have extra hard copies or the original file on a flash drive.

Push-Button Phone Day is a time to remember when dial phones were the norm and push-button phones were a newfangled novelty - back in 1963.

On Occult Day we celebrate the weird, the supernatural, the magical. Feel that chill in the air? Shall we have a seance?

On this date in 1307, William Tell supposedly shot an apple off of his son's head. Today is William Tell Day. Eat an apple or practice archery, but please don't aim near anyone's head.

Here's a holiday I wasn't sure how to spell - National Vichyssoise Day. This famous French soup is made with leeks, potatoes, and (of course) plenty of butter. Ooh la la!

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Leonid Meteor Shower 2011

The 2011 Leonid Meteor Shower, potentially visible from November 10th through November 21st, will be at its peak on the night of November 17th through early November 18th. The Leonid is one of the most famous annual meteor showers. Every 33 years it puts on its showiest spectacle. The next peak will be in 2023, but this year's shower should produce 15 to 20 meteors per hour. The Leonid is visible in both hemispheres.

City lights, called light pollution, can interfere with viewing. So can reflected moonlight. The waning crescent moon will obscure the fainter meteors of this year's Leonid Meteor Shower.

Meteor showers are named for the constellation they appear to be near. The Leonid Meteor Shower appears near the constellation Leo the Lion.

Stargazing bench. Image: suphakit73; FreeDigitalPhotos.

Check out these sites for more information about the Leonid Meteor Shower, including recommended viewing times for your corner of the globe:

• Spacedex
• EarthSky's meteor shower guide for 2011
• StarDate 2011 Meteor Showers
• American Meteor Society
• StarrySkies: Leo
• The Holiday Whiz: Leo the Lion, July 23 to August 22

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Guinness World Records Day, Unfriend Day, more

November 17th, 2011, is Guinness World Records Day, World's Biggest Liar Competition, National Black Cat Day (Italy), Great American Smokeout, Electronic Greeting Card Day, National Unfriend Day, Take a Hike Day, International Day of Students, World Prematurity Day, World Peace Day, Lhabab Duchen, National Baklava Day, and Homemade Bread Day.

On Guinness World Records Day, people across the globe attempt to set new world records. This year, planned attempts include the largest gathering of leprechauns in Dublin, the most people in a single pair of pants in London, the largest photo mosaic in Japan, the largest gathering of ABBA impersonators in Australia, and the largest Macarena dance in the Netherlands. Follow the action on Twitter via #gwrday.

Today is the World's Biggest Liar Competition, sponsored by the Jennings Brewery at the Bridge Inn, Santon Bridge, Holmrook, Cumbria, England. Or is it?

The Italian Association for the Protection of Animals and the Environment promotes National Black Cat Day, to stop the inhumane killing of black cats in Italy. Many believe black cats bring bad luck or are associated with witchcraft. National Black Cat Day is held on the 17th because many Italians believe the number 17 is also unlucky.

The Great American Smokeout, always the third Thursday in November, is a day to stop smoking. Stopping for even one day can lead to bigger steps, working toward a healthier life. The event is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, "The Official Sponsor of Birthdays."

November 17th is Electronic Greeting Card Day. Here are several great sites to get you started: 123Greetings; Blue Mountain; Rattlebox; Someecards; and WrongCards.

Jimmy Kimmel, of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on ABC, is promoting his second annual National Unfriend Day. Use the opportunity to prune your friend list on Facebook if you want, but nobody actually equates online friending with real face-to-face, I'll-be-there-if-you're-in-trouble friendship anymore, do they? The holiday even has its own Peanuts special, sort of! WARNING: The following video isn't suitable for young children to watch.

Now that the weather is cooling (on my half of the planet, at least), some of us are becoming couch potatoes. If you're in that category, take a cue from today's holiday, Take a Hike Day. Conquer a mountain or walk your dog around the block. It's all good.

International Day of Students is a commemoration of student activism. In 1939 on this date, Nazis stormed the University of Prague.

To commemorate World Prematurity Day, the Global Alliance asks Facebook users to post the following as their status: "I honor the million babies born too soon worldwide who died this year and 12 million more struggling to survive. Join me on World Prematurity Day at http://on.fb.me/nartrr."

Don Morris, who goes by the moniker "Peaceguy," encourages everyone to spread the word about his cause on World Peace Day.

Lhabab Duchen is the time to celebrate the descent of the Buddha to Indra's Heaven. Buddhists believe that on this day the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied ten million times!

National Baklava Day honors one of my favorite sweet treats. Triangular layers of flaky pastry are laced with honey and nuts. Travel to the Mediterranean via its cuisine.

Nothing makes a house homier than the smell of bread baking in the oven. Celebrate Homemade Bread Day!

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Button Day, Have a Party with your Bear Day, more

November 16th, 2011, is Button Day, Have a Party with your Bear Day, International Day for Tolerance, Educational Support Professionals Day, World COPD Day, GIS Day, Day of Declaration of Sovereignty (Estonia), and National Fast Food Day.

Today is Button Day. If the day is meant to celebrate the sort of buttons that fasten shirts and such, I'm good to go. I have a large collection of buttons, new to antique, to sort through and appreciate. If, on the other hand, Button Day  is meant to celebrate campaign buttons and other graphic messages that are pinned on, my collection is rather sparse. Then again, there are buttons on phones, buttons on elevators, belly buttons, and the "Easy Button" at Staples. Honor the button of your choice!

Gather your favorite teddy bear and your best tea party supplies. Today is Have a Party with your Bear Day! Stay home from work, if necessary.

The United Nations promotes the International Day for Tolerance on November 16th. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes: "At times of change, we must stay true to the ideals and principles that are at the heart of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Among those core values is tolerance. Our practice of tolerance must mean more than peaceful coexistence, crucial as that is. It must be an active understanding fostered through dialogue and positive engagement with others."

The National Education Association honors all secretaries, classroom aides, maintenance people, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and others who serve our schools and students on Educational Support Professionals Day.

World COPD Day is meant to increase awareness and understanding of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. According to the World Health Organiazation, key risk factors are tobacco smoking, air pollution, and occupational dusts and chemicals.

On GIS Day, celebrate all aspects of geographic information systems.

Estonia observes the Day of Declaration of Sovereignty on November 16th, commemorating their break with the Soviet Union.

For better or for worse, today is National Fast Food Day. Depending on your point of view, pro or con, have a triple burger or look up some healthy recipes to prepare at home. 

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George Spelvin Day, I Love to Write Day, more

November 15th, 2011, is George Spelvin Day, I Love to Write Day, National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day, America Recycles Day, National Philanthropy Day, National Raisin Bran Cereal Day, National Bundt Pan Day, and National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day.

George Spelvin Day celebrates an actor credited with many roles, spanning over a century. And furthermore, the actor in question doesn't exist! George Spelvin (or feminine variations) is a name used on theatrical programs to conceal the fact that one actor is playing more than one part. George Spelvin has dramatic relatives, including Walter Plinge and Alan Smithee.

2011 marks the 10th annual I Love to Write Day. John Riddle, author and ghostwriter, founded this inspirational event. I'd say more, but suddenly I'm experiencing writer's block....

If I can't write, maybe I'll clean out my fridge. What's that green stuff, anyway? Guacamole? Soup?  Today is National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day.

Now that the fridge is cleaned out, what to do with the empty plastic containers? Conveniently, today is America Recycles Day.

National Philanthropy Day is the perfect time to say thank you to the philanthropists around you, or, better yet, it's the perfect time to be philanthropic.

Time for breakfast. Enjoy a healthy and delicious dose of iron, fiber, and calcium in a bowl on National Raisin Bran Cereal Day.

Now shift focus to a holiday featuring a hole, either in a cake or in a pan. Depending on your mood, celebrate either National Bundt Day or National Bundt Pan Day.

National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day celebrates a sweet and spicy cookie. If you bake these, you won't be alone for long, so who knows why they're called hermits?

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Teddy Bear Day, Girls Day, Pickle Day, more

November 14th, 2011, is Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day, National American Teddy Bear Day, International Girls Day, Operating Room Nurse Day, Children's Day (India), World Orphans Day, Spriit of NSA Day, World Diabetes Day, National Pickle Day, and National Spicy Guacamole Day.

Here's the perfect holiday for a Monday - Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day. Take it to heart!

Even today, with fancy electronic gadgets and toys to promote every new family movie, we leave space on the shelf for a true classic. Celebrate National American Teddy Bear Day.

International Girls Day honors the potential within all girls. Encourage a special girl in your life. Share a skill. Read a book together. Maybe even give her a sweet teddy bear to cuddle.

If you've ever had surgery, you know the importance of a well-trained, caring, conscientious staff supporting the surgeon. November 14th is Operating Room Nurse Day.

While many countries observe Universal Children's Day on November 20th, India celebrates Children's Day on November 14th, the birth date of India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharial Nehru, because of his love for children.

According to worldorphansday.com, every 2 seconds another child is orphaned. The second Monday in November is World Orphans Day.

Spirit of NSA Day pays tribute to the National Speakers Association.

World Diabetes Day is sponsored by the International Diabetes Federation. Stay informed via Twitter, #wdd.

Who among us is unwilling to celebrate National Pickle Day? Pickles add a special zing to sandwiches, or they're great eaten right out of the jar. Besides, the founders of the unofficial National Pickle Day threaten we'll be, um, haunted by Queen Oniony if we don't spread the word.

Today isn't plain old National Guacamole Day. That was way back in September. Today, my friends, is National Spicy Guacamole Day. Be generous with the hot sauce and chiles.

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Tongue Twister Contest, Kindness Day, Indian Pudding Day

November 13th, 2011, is International Tongue Twister Contest, World Kindness Day, and National Indian Pudding Day.

The 13th annual  International Tongue Twister Contest takes place today in Burlington, Wisconsin, at the Logic Puzzle Museum.

November 13th is World Kindness Day. According to the World Kindness Movement, World Kindness Day is a time to "look beyond ourselves, beyond the boundaries of our country, beyond our culture, our race, our religion; and realise we are citizens of the world."

National Indian Pudding Day celebrates a custard featuring corn meal, molasses, and sometimes apples. Oddly enough, Indian pudding seems to be an invention of the Pilgrims, not the Native Americans.

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Chicken Soup for the Soul Day, Gaming Day, more

November 12th, 2011, is Chicken Soup for the Soul Day, National Gaming Day, Elizabeth Cady Stanton Day, National Donor Sabbath, Birth of Bahu'u'llah, and National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Day celebrates the mega-successful Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, but feel free to indulge in a soul-satisfying bowl of actual chicken soup.

National Gaming Day will celebrate its global reach next year, becoming International Gaming Day. The event, always the second Saturday in November, is hosted by participating libraries.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton Day commemorates the birth date of a pioneer in women's rights. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony founded the National Woman Suffrage Association.

National Donor Sabbath, always held two weekends before Thanksgiving in the United States, encourages faith groups to embrace organ donation.

Members of the Baha'i faith celebrate the Birth of Bahu'u'llah today. Bahu'u'llah is the founder of the Baha'i faith.

Here's a fun holiday - National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day. The anchovies will live to see another day! Meanwhile, your pizza could include pepperoni, sausage, pineapple, pickles, herring, chocolate chips, whatever. Enjoy!

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North Taurids Meteor Shower 2011

The 2011 North Taurids Meteor Shower occurs from October 12th to December 2nd, but is expected to be at its peak on November 11th and 12th. (This meteor shower overlaps with the South Taurids Meteor Shower, which peaked on November 5th and 6th.)

City lights, called light pollution, can interfere with viewing. So can reflected moonlight. The waning gibbous moon, just past full, will make viewing difficult for this year's North Taurids. The peak number of meteors is expected to be about 7 per hour.

Meteor showers are named for the constellation they appear to be near. The North Taurids Meteor Shower appears near the constellation Taurus the Bull.

Stargazing bench. Image: suphakit73, FreeDigitalPhotos.

Check out these sites for more information about the North Taurids Meteor Shower, including recommended viewing times for your corner of the globe.

• EarthSky's meteor shower guide for 2011
• American Meteor Society
• Eclipse Geeks
• Meteor Showers Online - Taurids
• Chandra X-Ray Observatory - Taurus (The Bull)
• The Holiday Whiz: Taurus, April 20 to May 20

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11/11/11, Veterans Day, Sundae Day, more

November 11th, 2011, is 11/11/11, Veterans Day, Death/Duty Day, Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, Bonza Bottler Day, Martinmas, Independence Day (Angola), Independence Day (Rhodesia), and National Sundae Day.

11/11/11 only comes once every hundred years, so take note, especially when the clocks strike 11:11.

On November 11th the United States observes Veterans Day to honor all veterans, thanking them for their service and sacrifice.

Death/Duty Day honors soldiers who died on November 11th, 1918, the end of World War I. The day is also known as Armistice Day.

Canada and other countries observe Remembrance Day on November 11th, honoring their soldiers present and past.

Bonza Bottler Day occurs once a month, when the month's number coincides with the date.

Martinmas honors Saint Martin of Tours. Many eat goose on this date, because a honking goose revealed the hiding spot of Saint Martin when he was hiding from clergy who wanted to make him Bishop. Old folklore holds that one can stand in the back of a church on Martinmas and see auras around the heads of congregants who will not be living by the next Martinmas.

Angola observes Independence Day on November 11th.

Rhodesia celebrates Independence Day today.

November 11th is National Sundae Day. Many other sundae holidays are on the calendar, including National Strawberry Sundae Day on July 7th and National Hot Fudge Sundae Day on July 25th, but today's sundae day is non-specific. Go crazy!

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Full moon names for November 10th, 2011

Full moon. Image: morgueFile.

The full moon for November 2011 takes place tonight, November 10th. Following is a list of full moon names for November, ranging from common to surprising.

Freezing River Maker Moon - Abenaki
Full Beaver Moon - Algonquin
Freezing Moon - Anishnaabe
When the Rivers Start to Freeze - Arapaho
Frost Moon - Assiniboine
Il Poya - Buddhist
Dark Moon - Celtic
Trading Moon - Cherokee
Deer Rutting Moon - Cheyenne
White Moon - Chinese
Sassafras Moon - Choctaw
Beaver Moon - Colonial American
Heading to Winter Moon - Comanche
Thanking Moon - Comanche
The Moon the Rivers Begin to Freeze - Cree
Iholi-Frost - Creek
Moon When the Water Is Black with Leaves - Creek
Moon When Horns Are Broken Off - Dakotah Sioux
Hunter's Moon - Deborean
Snow Moon - English Medieval
Snow Moon - Haida
Dev Diwali - Hindu
Kartik Poornima - Hindu
Tripurai Purnima - Hindu
Fledgling Raptor Moon - Hopi
Month of Fledgling Hawk - Hopi
Itartoryuk Moon - Inuit
Dark Moon - Janic
Dead Moon - Janic
Mourning Moon - Janic
Moving Inside for Winter - Kalapuya
Geese-Going Moon - Kiowa
Ring-Finger Moon  (counting on fingers, beginning in August) - Klamath
Snow Moon - Klamath
Halatai - Kumeyaay
Moon When the River Freezes - Mandan-Hidatsa
Time of Much Poverty - Mohawk
Large Tree Freeze - Mountain Maidu
Frosty Moon - Native American
Big Wind - Navajo
Tree Moon - Neo Pagan
Snow Moon - Pagan
Freezing Moon - Passamaquoddy
Cold Begins - Pomo
Month of the Turkey and Feast - Potawatomi
All Gathered Moon - San Juan Native American
Long Moon - Shawnee
Cold Moon - Shoshoni
Moon of the Falling Leaves - Sioux
Corn Harvest Moon - Taos
Moon When All Is Gathered In - Tewa Pueblo
Scraping Moon - Tlingit
Fog Moon - Unknown
Mad Moon - Unknown
Moon When Deer Shed Antlers - Unknown
Oak Moon - Unknown
Storm Moon - Unknown
Winter Divided - Valley Maidu
Mourning Moon - Wiccan
Little Bear's Moon - Winnebago
Snowy Mountains in the Morning Moon - Wishram
Animam Meecha - Yaqui
Cold Time - Yurok
Yachun kwa'shi'amme - Zuni

Sources for full moon names:

• Farmers' Almanac - Full Moon Names and Their Meanings
• Moon Names
• Indian Moons, Days & Other Calendar Stuff
• Hindu Blog - Purnima 2011-2012
• Spring Wolf's Pagan's Path - Full Moon Names
• About.com: Paganism/Wicca - Moon Phase Names in the Southern Hemisphere
• Willow Grove - Esbats & Full Moon Names
• Moon Names for a Full Year
• Wikipedia - Full Moon

More about the moon:

• Keith's Moon Page
• USNO Data Services
• Google Moon
• National Geographic - Moon Facts
• Calendars through the Ages - A month of moons

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Forget Me Not Day, McHappy Day, USMC Day, more

November 10th, 2011, is Forget Me Not Day, Area Code Day, Sesame Street Day, McHappy Day, USMC Day, World Science Day for Peace and Development, Uprising in the Villa de Los Santos, Martinmas Eve, and National Vanilla Cupcake Day.

Forget Me Not Day is a time to reconnect with someone special. Make the day extra special with a bouquet of forget-me-nots.

To celebrate Area Code Day, make some phone calls. Here's a nice area code map, in case you're really into this holiday.

Sesame Street Day celebrates the anniversary of the famous show's debut on November 10th, 1969.

McHappy Day is an annual fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

USMC Day commemorates the founding of the United States Marine Corps in 1775, then known as the Continental Marines. Semper Fidelis!

The United Nations promotes World Science Day for Peace and Development on November 10th, as part of the International Week of Science and Peace.

Panama observes Uprising in the Villa de Los Santos, celebrating independence from Spain. Panama is the subject of a famous palindrome: A MAN, A PLAN, A CANAL - PANAMA.

November 10th is Martinmas Eve, leading up to the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours on November 11th.

On National Vanilla Cupcake Day, not just any old cupcake will do. Be sure it's vanilla!

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Chaos Never Dies Day, Kristallnacht, more

November 9th, 2011, is Chaos Never Dies Day, World Freedom Day, Kristallnacht, Virgen de la Almudena, Independence Day (Cambodia), and National Scrapple Day.

You overslept, your cell phone is ringing, your project's overdue, your favorite jeans are in the laundry, and all you can find to eat for breakfast is loopy cereal with orange juice. Don't worry - you're right on track to celebrate Chaos Never Dies Day!

World Freedom Day commemorates the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The organizers state: "Our aim is to have organisations around the world celebrate World Freedom Day by releasing white balloons, and to commemorate the historical importance of this day by holding conferences or colloquia, or private discussions."

Kristallnacht, the "Night of Broken Glass," is a remembrance of horrific anti-Jewish events that took place on November 9th and 10th, 1938, in Germany, Austria, and parts of Czechoslovakia. Streets were lined with shards of glass from shattered windows of synagogues, Jewish-owned businesses, and family homes.

The patron saint of Madrid, Spain, is honored on Virgen de la Almudena.

Cambodia observes Independence Day on November 9th.

Today is National Scrapple Day. For the uninitiated, scrapple is a combination of pork heart, ribs, liver, seasoning, broth, and cornmeal, baked in loaves, then sliced and fried in butter. The Pennsylvania Dutch aren't famous for low-cal dishes, after all.

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Ample Time Day, Dunce Day, Cappucino Day, more

November 8th, 2011, is National Ample Time Day, National Dunce Day, Abet and Aid Punsters Day, Beltaine, National Parents as Teachers Day, U.S. Election Day, Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day, National Harvey Wallbanger Day, and National Cappuccino Day.

On National Ample Time Day, take time to relax, slow down, and "smell the coffee," so to speak. As Craig Ferguson sings in his nightly theme song, "Tomorrow's just your future yesterday."

National Dunce Day honors a philosopher named John Duns Scotus, who believed that cone-shaped hats increased learning potential! Later the Duns/dunce cap came to symbolize the student who couldn't (or wouldn't) learn. Who knew?

Today is Abet and Aid Punsters Day, so if you hear any puns, act as if you think they're punny.

Beltaine begins on October 8th in the Southern Hemisphere this year. Beltaine signals the beginning of spring - the light half of the year - on the Celtic calendar.

National Parents as Teachers Day raises awareness of a nationwide program, based in St. Louis, Missouri, that enables parents to help their children reach their full academic potential.

U.S. Election Day falls on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. In other words, November 1st can't be Election Day. Every four years on this day the United States voters voice their choice for President, although the Electoral College can muck up the results.

Today is Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day. Now, what's bold and pungent to one person might be just another Tuesday's dinner to someone else, so follow your own instincts. Hot sauce, durian, Limburger cheese, anchovies, crickets, Bertie Bott's Jelly Beans, scrapple - so many options!

National Harvey Wallbanger Day celebrates a drink made with vodka, orange juice, and Galliano liqueur. Some say a surfer named Harvey drank too many Galliano drinks and banged into too many walls.

After you've sampled your pungent food and sipped your Harvey Wallbanger, it's the perfect time for a lovely cappuccino. Luckily, today is National Cappuccino Day.

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Hug a Bear Day, Job Action Day, Samhain, more

November 7th, 2011, is Hug a Bear Day, Job Action Day, Notary Public Day, Samhain, and National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day.

Today is Hug a Bear Day. Hug your favorite teddy bear, or, if you want to admire a real bear from a distance, send an e-card.

The theme for Job Action Day 2011 is "Skill Up, Start Up, Speak Up."

Thank your local notary public for certifying your important legal documents. Today is Notary Public Day.

Although many observe the Celtic holiday, Samhain, on November 1st, the true date of Samhain 2011 is November 7th in the Southern Hemisphere.

Believe it or not, today is National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day. Very specific, right? Don't try to squeak by, enjoying milk chocolate with pecans.

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