Hairstyle Appreciation Day, Spank Out Day, Beltane, more

April 30th, 2012, is Hairstyle Appreciation Day, Honesty Day, Jazz Day, Spank Out Day, Beltane, Walpurgis Night, and Oatmeal Cookie Day.

Hairstyle Appreciation Day reminds me of my old Barbie Beauty Center, which featured a life-sized Barbie head attached to a tray, with compartments for makeup and hair accessories. A piece of Barbie's hair could be pulled out to be extra long, or sucked back into her scalp for a shorter 'do. If only we could do that.

It's important to be honest, but also wise to know when a harmless "white lie" is called for. Celebrate the spirit of Honesty Day.

Depending on who you ask, Jazz Day is April 13th or April 30th. Either way, enjoy some great music.

Spank Out Day spreads a message of "Raising responsible (good) kids without hitting."

Today is Beltane, a spring fertility festival for Wiccans. Enjoy these selected songs for the occasion.

Walpurgis Night in Sweden features bonfires, spring songs, night life, and birthday wishes for King Karl XVI Gustaf.

Today is National Oatmeal Cookie Day, not to be confused with National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day, celebrated in March. But have whichever kind you like. I won't tell!

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Pinhole Photography Day, Mother Father Deaf Day, more

April 29th, 2012, is Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, Mother Father Deaf Day, Day to Remember Chemical Warfare Victims, Showa no Hi, and National Shrimp Scampi Day. 

On Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, everyone is invited to experiment with a fascinating technique known as pinhole photography. Share your best image with the world! Mark your calendar for next year - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day is always observed on the last Sunday in April.

Mother Father Deaf Day is a day set aside to honor deaf parents. Parenting is tough - no question about it - but good parents overcome all obstacles to protect and raise their children. This holiday takes place on the last Sunday in April.

The United Nations promotes Day to Remember Chemical Warfare Victims on this date.

Showa no Hi is the birthday of the Japanese Emperor, marking the beginning of Golden Week.

Barring food allergies, it's hard to go wrong with shrimp, garlic, butter, and pasta. Happy National Shrimp Scampi Day.

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Kiss Your Mate Day, World Healing Day, more

April 28th, 2012, is Eeyore's Birthday Party, Sense of Smell Day, Doo Dah Parade Day, KIss Your Mate Day, Great Poetry Reading Day, Gone-ta-Pott Day, World Day for Safety and Health at Work, World Veterinary Day, National Day of Mourning, Workers Memorial Day, World Tai Chi and Qigong Day, World Healing Day, World Aboriginal and Native Sacred Ceremony and Dance Day, World Yoga Day, World Meditation Day, World Prayer Day, World Reiki Day, and National Blueberry Pie Day.

On the last Saturday in April, the people of Austin, Texas, celebrate Eeyore's Birthday Party. Just for once, maybe that sad mule of Winnie the Pooh fame will crack a smile.

Do you smell something? If so, may it be something pleasant. Spritz some cologne, gather some fresh flowers, bake a loaf of bread. Today is Sense of Smell Day.

Doo Dah Parade Day is Pasadena, California's laid-back parade. Apparently, last-minute registrations are welcome.

You shouldn't need instructions to celebrate Kiss Your Mate Day. Just pucker up!

Great Poetry Reading Day is a time to celebrate your favorite poet - Walt Whitman, Shakespeare, Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson, or even yourself!

The people at the Gone-ta-Pott site have declared the 28th of every month to be Gone-ta-Pott Day. No matter how badly your day or month is going, take a moment to relax and have a laugh.

The theme of World Day for Safety and Health at Work in 2012 is, "Promoting health in a green economy."

The theme of World Veterinary Day in 2012 is, "The veterinary profession tackles Antimicrobial Resistance."

National Day of Mourning originated in Canada and has since spread to over eighty countries, honoring workers who lost their lives or were injured in the workplace. In the United States, the day is known as Workers Memorial Day.

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is celebrated in cities all over the globe. At 10:00 a.m., your local time, come together and breathe together "to provide the world a healing image of our planet and our people." The event is known by many names, including  World Healing Day, World Aboriginal and Native Sacred Ceremony and Dance Day, World Yoga Day, World Meditation Day, World Prayer Day, and World Reiki Day.

Celebrate National Blueberry Pie Day because blueberries are good for you and just plain good.

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Hairball Awareness Day, Arbor Day, Prime Rib Day, more

April 27th, 2012, is Hairball Awareness Day, Write an Old Friend Day, National Tell a Story Day, Arbor Day, Mantanzas Mule Day, Morse Code Day, Babe Ruth Day, Independence Day (Sierra Leone), Independence Day (Togo), and Prime Rib Day. 

The last Friday in April is Hairball Awareness Day. If you have a strong sense of style and a strong stomach, check out this hairball jewelry.

Dear Reader,
Even though we have never met, we are connected by our love of holidays, both serious and strange. Thank you for taking a few moments each day to visit this blog.
All my best,  
The Holiday Whiz.  

There! I've just celebrated Write an Old Friend Day!

National Tell a Story Day is a chance to let loose with your best tale, whether true or fantastic.

Do something nice for Mother Nature today, in honor of Arbor Day.

During the Spanish-American War, the only casualty of one battle in the village of Mantanzas was a mule. The mule was buried with pomp and circumstance, and thus we have Mantanzas Mule Day.

Morse Code Day honors the birth date of Samuel Morse, creator of Morse Code.

Babe Ruth Day honors one of the greatest baseball players ever, the Great Bambino, whose batting stats are legendary.

Togo and Sierra Leone celebrate Independence Day on April 27th.

Wouldn't you enjoy a nice thick hunk of beef with a side of horseradish sauce? Of course! Celebrate  Prime Rib Day.

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Take Your Daughter to Work Day, Shuffleboard Day, more

April 26th, 2012, is Take Your Daughter to Work Day, National Kids and Pets Day, Poem in Your Pocket Day, Hug a Friend Day, Shuffleboard Day, Richter Scale Day, World Intellectual Property Day, and Pretzel Day.

Take Your Daughter to Work Day is observed on the fourth Thursday in April. Since I work from home, it's not much of a field trip for my twelve-year-old!

Shimmer the Blog Dog.

National Kids and Pets Day - because the two naturally go together! Since my daughter is at work with me today and Shimmer the Blog Dog is always here, they're all set.

Show your intellectual, sensitive, romantic self on Poem in Your Pocket Day. Take note, guys - ladies love the sensitive type!

Who could argue with a concept so friendly as Hug a Friend Day?

Even if you're not on a cruise ship or at a resort, take a mini vacation by playing shuffleboard. Wear flip-flops and drink lemonade to enhance the mood. Today is Shuffleboard Day.

Richter Scale Day honors the birth date of Charles Richter, inventor of the scale that measures the intensity of earthquakes.

World Intellectual Property Day is meant to raise awareness about the ins and outs of intellectual property, including copyright protection and fair use.

Nab a free pretzel today if you happen to be in a mall with a participating store, in honor of National Pretzel Day.

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ANZAC Day, Penguin Day, more

April 25th, 2012, is ANZAC Day, Hug an Australian Day, Administrative Professionals Day, World Penguin Day, St. Mark's Day, East Meets West Day, Parental Alienation Awareness Day, Sinai Liberation Day, Independence Day (Israel), Malaria Awareness Day, and Red Hat Society Day.

ANZAC Day is an important Australian holiday, commemorating the first action of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I. Oh, and don't forget the companion holiday, Hug an Australian Day. (Hug a New Zealander as well, if the opportunity arises.)

The theme for Administrative Professionals Day in 2012 is "Admins, the pulse of the office." Show them some appreciation.

World Penguin Day is a time to show your affection for those lovable birds who always look ready for a formal party. Newt Gingrich, you deserve a pass on this holiday if you so choose.

St. Mark's Day honors the patron saint of Venice, Italy. During la Festa del Boccolo - the Festival of the Blooming Rose - men give women long-stemmed roses.

East Meets West Day isn't the global holiday you might imagine. It's a time to hold sporting events between rival East and West teams, often for charity or fundraising.

Parental Alienation Awareness Day  is a time to improve relationships between parents and children. "With awareness comes education and the power to stop the abuse of the innocent children." For a more lighthearted approach to bridging the gap, visit "Top 10 quotes about parenting teens" and "Top 15 quotes about teen angst."

Egypt celebrates Sinai Liberation Day on April 25th.

Israel celebrates Independence Day on this date.

Malaria Awareness Day is meant to raise awareness about a devastating but preventable disease.

Red Hat Society Day - celebrate the 13th anniversary of the Red Hat Society, a global society of women who promote fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment, and freedom.

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Teach Your Children to Save Day, Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day, more

April 24th, 2012, is Teach Your Children to Save Day, World Meningitis Day, and National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day.

There's no better hedge against bad luck or a tough economy than having a nest egg. Teach Your Children to Save Day is the perfect time to explain that to your kids. Lead them by example!

World Meningitis Day is meant to heighten awareness of "the silent killer," a deadly disease that often strikes children and teens.

The recipe varies around the world, but everybody loves pigs-in-a-blanket. Have some today, in honor of National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day.

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Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day, Picnic Day, more

April 23rd, 2012, is Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day, Talk Like Shakespeare Day, Lover's Day, International Nose-Picking Day, Take a Chance Day, World Book and Copyright Day, World Laboratory Day, Confederate Memorial Day, St. George's Day, Conch Republic Independence Celebration, National Picnic Day, Zucchini Bread Day, and Cherry Cheesecake Day. 

Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day is a celebration, of sorts,of the written word. Fiction writers, especially those who specialize in sci-fi and fantasy, are encouraged to post professional-quality fiction online, free of charge.

Prithee, take note! 'Tis the birth date of The Bard; 'tis  also Talk Like Shakespeare Day. Alas, poor Sir Francis Bacon - we honor ye not so well.

Do the sonnets of Shakespeare put you in the mood for love? Today is Lover's Day, the perfect time to profess your love for that special someone.

I'm not sure why International Nose Picking Day should be a holiday, but someone thought it was a good idea. I'd recommend you don't celebrate the holiday literally. Try playing "Wario Smooth Moves" on the Wii - one of the mini games involves aiming fingers at nostrils!

Do something crazy or risky on Take a Chance Day. What could possibly go wrong?

UNESCO established World Book and Copyright Day to encourage reading, publishing, and the protection of copyright and intellectual property. Feel free to pass this post along, but with proper author credit!

Without laboratories, we wouldn't have modern medicines, cake mixes, or light bulbs. Celebrate World Laboratory Day.

Some U.S. states observe Confederate Memorial Day, honoring the memory of Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War.

There's a campaign afoot in England to make St. George's Day a national bank holiday. Support the cause if you're there!

Conch Republic Independence Celebration is a quirky holiday about a border dispute between the Florida Keys and the U.S. mainland. The Border Patrol stopped Keys residents at the mainland, forcing them to prove citizenship, and hard feelings led Keys residents to secede from the Union in 1982. Everything has long since been resolved, but the celebration remains.

Weather permitting, pack a basket with yummy food, grab a blanket, and head to a scenic spot in the great outdoors. Today is National Picnic Day! If it's raining where you are, pull up a piece of living-room carpet and have fun anyway.

Celebrate Zucchini Bread Day today if your kitchen isn't too hot for baking.

Craving a sweet treat for dessert? Today is Cherry Cheesecake Day - you know what to do!

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Earth Day, Girl Scout Leader Day, Jelly Bean Day, more

April 22nd, 2012, is Earth Day, International Mother Earth Day, Chemists Celebrate Earth Day, Girl Scout Leader Day, Oklahoma Day, and National Jelly Bean Day.

Pledge an act of green on Earth Day, also known as International Mother Earth Day, to protect and improve our one and only home planet.

Chemists Celebrate Earth Day is always celebrated in conjunction with Earth Day. Their theme for 2012 is "Rethinking Recycling - It's Easy to Be Green."

Show your gratitude to the tireless volunteers who help mold our girls into responsible, well-rounded women on Girl Scout Leader Day.

Oklahoma Day commemorates the day in 1889 when land in Oklahoma was made available to European settlers, so they could establish farmland. The land had previously belonged to Native Americans.

National Jelly Bean Day is a good chance to stock up and sample new flavors. Just watch out for those crazy novelty beans!

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Husband Appreciation Day, Kindergarten Day, more

April 21st, 2012, is Husband Appreciation Day, Record Store Day, International Marconi Day, Teach Your Daughter to Volunteer Day, Kindergarten Day, San Jacinto Day, and National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day.

The third Saturday in April is Husband Appreciation Day. Surprise him in some special way, perhaps with a vintage record album or some chocolate-covered cashews (see holidays below).

These days record stores don't actually sell many records. Nevertheless, today is Record Store Day.

The third Saturday in April is observed as International Marconi Day. 2012 is the 25th annual celebration, bringing radio enthusiasts together.

The third Saturday in April is also Teach Your Daughter to Volunteer Day. Helping others is its own reward, bringing good karma and a warm, fuzzy feeling deep inside.

Kindergarten Day is celebrated on the birth date of Friedrich Froebel, the man who started the first kindergarten in Germany in 1837. "Kindergarten" translates literally from German as "children's garden."

San Jacinto Day commemorates a battle in 1836 between Texas and Mexico, in Texas' fight for independence from Mexico.

Nothing beats a perfect blend of sweet and savory. Celebrate National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day!

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Taurus, Sign of the Bull, April 20 to May 20

Taurus. Image: Salvatore Vuono, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Everyone born between April 20th and May 20th is a Taurus, the sign of the Bull.

For more information about Taurus:

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

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Day of Silence, Youth Service Day, DNA Day, more

April 20th, 2012, is Look Alike Day, National Pot Smokers Day, Day of Silence, Global Youth Service Day, Volunteer Recognition Day, National DNA Day, LIma Bean Respect Day, and National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day.

Do you resemble someone famous, or do you aspire to? If so, celebrate Look Alike Day!

4/20 is National Pot Smokers Day, a nod to the idea that people get ready to, uh, relax with a smoke, at around 4:20 in the afternoon. No comment - I'm just the messenger here.

The Day of Silence, founded in 1996, is a day when students join together, taking a vow of silence to draw attention to "the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools."

For the second year in a row, First Lady Michelle Obama is the Honorary Chair of Global Youth Service Day. The event actually runs from April 20th to April 22nd. Young people from the ages of five to twenty-five the world over participate. Check here to see the participation ranking of your state or country.

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond, always ready to lend a hand to those in need? Let them know you've noticed! Thank them for their efforts on Volunteer Recognition Day.

National DNA Day commemorates the discovery of the DNA double helix and the completion of the Human Genome Project.

Do you like lima beans? Sorry to say, I do not. They're okay in something like fifteen-bean soup, where their flavor is overpowered by others. Anyway, today is Lima Bean Respect Day, which only proves that a lot of people don't care much for them. Just consider - there's no need to create a Pizza Respect Day or Ice Cream Respect Day, am I right?

National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day celebrates a fun and delicious dessert. Nothing quite compares to the wonder of flipping the pan over to reveal an edible mosaic of pineapples and cherries.

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Hanging Out Day, High-Five Day, Holocaust Remembrance Day, more

April 19th, 2012, is National Hanging Out Day, Bicycle Day, National High-Five Day, Humorous Day, Get to Know Your Customers Day, First Day of Summer (Iceland), Holocaust Remembrance Day, Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day, National Amaretto Day, and Garlic Day.

National Hanging Out Day isn't what you might think. Project Laundry List asks us to consider line drying our clothes, to save money and energy.

Bicycle Day isn't what you might think, either. Bicycle Day marks the date in 1943 when Dr. Albert Hoffman took LSD on purpose for the first time, causing him to bicycle home from his lab. This political activist is better known as Abbie Hoffman.

National High-Five Day is a fundraiser for cancer research. Participants register to give fifty-five high-fives in exchange for donations to four cutting-edge cancer research centers.

On Humorous Day, remember that a little laughter is a great coping mechanism.

The third Thursday of each quarter is Get to Know Your Customers Day. Only by knowing your customers can you truly meet their needs.

Icelanders celebrate the First Day of Summer, based on the old Icelandic calendar.

Holocaust Remembrance Day is a time to remember the atrocities that took place under the Nazi regime in the middle of the twentieth century. An excellent place to start is by reading (or rereading) Anne Frank's Diary of a Young Girl.

On this date in 1995, the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA was bombed, killing 168. Remember them on Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day.

Enjoy some amaretto cookies or an amaretto sour today, National Amaretto Day, in honor of a delicious Italian almond liqueur.

Enjoy a garlicky meal on Garlic Day - vampires excluded.

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Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day, Pet Owners' Day, more

April 18th, 2012, is National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day, Pet Owners' Independence Day, International Jugglers Day, National Columnists' Day, World Amateur Radio Day, Youth Homelessness Matters Day, Independence Day (Zimbabwe), and National Animal Crackers Day.

Every year in the United States, the weekday after taxes are due is National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day. Celebrate this one at your own risk, measuring the tolerance of your boss, co-workers, and/or clients. Since you work from home, I'll jump all over this holiday.

Honor yourself and your pets on Pet Owners' Day. Do something fun and crazy together.

Do you juggle? Show off your skill (or lack thereof) on International Jugglers Day.

The death anniversary of Ernie Pyle, renowned World War II columnist and journalist, is commemorated as National Columnists' Day.

Today is World Amateur Radio Day. Everybody say: Charlie, Echo, Lima, Echo, Bravo, Romeo, Alpha, Tango, Echo.

The theme for Youth Homelessness Matters Day in 2012 is, "be part of the solution." The rest of the world should emulate this Australian event.

Zimbabwe observes Independence Day on April 18th.

Today is National Animal Crackers Day. Can you hear Shirley Temple singing, "animal crackers in my soup...."

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Tax Freedom Day, Equal Pay Day, Blah Blah Blah Day, more

April 17th, 2012, is Tax Day, Tax Freedom Day, Equal Pay Day, National Blah Blah Blah Day, Nothing like a Dame Day, World Hemophilia Day, Independence Day (Syria), Ellis Island Family History Day, and National Cheeseball Day.  

If April 15th came and went, and you forgot to file your U.S. taxes, breathe a sigh of relief. In 2012, you have until midnight on April 17th to get that envelope postmarked. Have a happy Tax Day!

Tax Freedom Day is calculated each year, to determine how far into the year Americans must work just to pay federal, state, and local taxes. Just think - tomorrow the money you earn will be yours to keep.

Wear red today, in support of Equal Pay Day. The date is calculated each year, symbolizing how far into the new year women must work to equal what men earned in the previous year.

National Blah Blah Blah Day is a day to actually listen to - and follow through on - the stuff people say that usually goes in one ear and out the other. Just don't talk on and on about it.

Nothing like a Dame Day celebrates women. "Dame" is an old-fashioned term, but it implies a certain boldness and confidence.

World Hemophilia Day is a time to learn more about this bleeding disorder and how you can help.

Syria observes Independence Day on this date.

Did your ancestors pass through Ellis Island in search of a new life? April 17th marks the date, in 1907, when a record number of people entered the U.S. via Ellis Island. Today is Ellis Island Family History Day.

Have you ever made and/or served a cheese ball when you were not having a party? Live on the edge and do it today, in honor of National Cheeseball Day.

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Boston Marathon, Stress Awareness Day, Day of the Mushroom, more

April 16th, 2012, is The Boston Marathon, National Librarian Day, National Stress Awareness Day, Emancipation Day, Sechselauten, Orthodox Easter Monday, Day of the Mushroom, and National Eggs Benedict Day.

The 116th Boston Marathon takes place today. $806,000 will be distributed among top finishers, along with up to $220,000 in bonuses if records are broken.

National Librarian Day is a time to appreciate the professionals who always know how to find books about kangaroos, the history of Italy, or knitting.

Taxes got you stressed? Stress Awareness Day is celebrated both today and November 2nd, in case you're super-stressed.

Emancipation Day commemorates the date in 1862 when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act.

They're blowing up the Boogg! Switzerland celebrates Sechselauten, in which the Boogg - a snowman - is blown up to welcome spring.

Orthodox Easter Monday takes place on the Monday following Orthodox Easter.

Serve up some delicious mushrooms in honor of Day of the Mushroom. Just be sure you know what you're doing if you hunt mushrooms in the wild, because some bite back.

On National Eggs Benedict Day, enjoy this classic dish featuring an English muffin topped with ham, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce.

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Lyrid Meteor Shower 2012

The 2012 Lyrid Meteor Shower is expected to be at its peak April 21st through early April 22nd. The new moon will hang in a dark sky, perfect for meteor-watching, especially in the darkest hour just before dawn. It's possible to see up to 20 meteors per hour.

Meteor showers are named for the constellation they appear to be near. The Lyrid Meteor Shower appears near the star Vega, part of the constellation Lyra the Lyre.

Stargazing bench. Image: suphakit73; FreeDigitalPhotos

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

• Spacedex Presents Lyrid Meteor Shower
• Vega: Blue-white Harp Star
• Know Your Constellations: Lyra the Lyre
• EarthSky's meteor shower guide for 2012
• StarDate 2012 Meteor Showers
• American Meteor Society

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Orthodox Easter, Holy Humor Sunday, Titanic Remembrance Day, more

April 15th, 2012, is Orthodox Easter, Sham al Naseem, Holy Humor Sunday, Bright Sunday, Take a Wild Guess Day, National That Sucks Day, Rubber Eraser Day, McDonald's Day, Jackie Robinson Day, Titanic Remembrance Day, and National Glazed Ham Day.

Orthodox Easter, also known as Pascha or Sham al Naseem, is observed today by Orthodox Christians, mainly in Eastern Europe.

The Fellowship of Merry Christians encourages churches to worship with a dose of good humor on the Sunday after Easter. They dub the day Holy Humor Sunday or Bright Sunday,

Today is Take a Wild Guess Day, although I wouldn't recommend taking a guess when filling out your income tax return, which would usually be due on this date. (In 2012, U.S. tax returns are due April 17th.)

National That Sucks Day is so named because, as mentioned above, U.S. income taxes are usually due on this date. Feel free this year to celebrate National That Sucks Day on April 17th.

On this date in 1770, the rubber eraser was invented. Clean up your errors mistakes on Rubber Eraser Day!

McDonald's Day commemorates the day when the first franchised McDonald's opened in Des Plaines, llinois. Now they're everywhere. As an exchange student in 1980, I was surprised to discover that the German McDonald's offered tartar sauce instead of ketchup and they also served beer.

Jackie Robinson Day honors the man who broke baseball's color barrier. Today players will wear number 42 in his honor.

On this date in 1912 the Titanic sank, after striking an iceberg. Titanic Remembrance Day honors the lives that were lost. A memorial voyage set off on April 10th, 2012, exactly one hundred years after the original ill-fated voyage.

On National Glazed Ham Day, enjoy a lovely ham dinner with all the fixin's. Believe it or not, Coca-Cola (or Dr. Pepper) makes an incredible ham glaze. I learned this from Frank O. Pinion, a well-known radio personality in St. Louis, Missouri.

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Look Up at the Sky Day, Moment of Laughter Day, more

April 14th, 2012, is Reach As High As You Can Day, National Look Up at the Sky Day, International Moment of Laughter Day, Ex-Spouse's Day, Orthodox Holy Saturday, Pan American Day, Children with Alopecia Day, and National Pecan Day.

Telescope. Image: Idea go; FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Dream big - today is Reach As High As You Can Day. Literally, stretch as far as you can. Figuratively, stretch your creativity. Feels great both ways, right?

On National Look Up at the Sky Day, take time to appreciate the wonders of the heavens. Which do you find more awe-inspiring - clouds, sunsets, or stars?

I've advised my daughter to marry someone who can make her laugh, because laughter makes the tough times easier. Find many, many moments to laugh today, in honor of International Moment of Laughter Day.

I'm so happy to be exempt from celebrating this holiday, Ex-Spouse's Day. If the day has meaning for you, please try to find some peace and common ground, especially if you have children with your ex.

Orthodox Holy Saturday is observed on the day before Orthodox Easter.

Pan American Day commemorates the date in 1890 when twenty-four American nations agreed to unite in one continental community.

Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss on the head and body. Learn how you can help on Children with Alopecia Day.

On National Pecan Day, have some pecans. The healthiest way, of course, is to eat your pecans as Mother Nature made them. The decadent way, which I love, is to eat your pecans in the fabulous dessert known as pecan pie.

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Friday the 13th, Plant Appreciation Day, Orthodox Friday, more

April 13th, 2012, is Friday the 13th, International Plant Appreciation Day, National Scrabble Day, Orthodox Good Friday, Baisakhi, Beauty Peace Day, National Ask an Atheist Day, Thomas Jefferson Day, and National Peach Cobbler Day.

Paraskevidekatriaphobics, beware! Today is Friday the 13th. Stay off of the the thirteenth floor, avoid breaking mirrors, stay away from black cats. Pull the blankets over your head and spend the day in bed, if you feel totally unlucky and vulnerable.

Do you talk to your plants? On International Plant Appreciation Day, celebrate by admiring plants, eating plants, or growing plants. Oh, and just breathe the air, oxygenated by plants.

Today is National Scrabble Day. Do you play small words strategically or aim for the eight-letter blitz?

Orthodox Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Orthodox Easter.

Baisakhi is celebrated on the first day of Vaisakh in the Indian solar calendar.

On Beauty Peace Day, ladies, go out and about without makeup. Show off your inner glow!

National Ask An Atheist Day is meant to promote friendly dialogue between atheists and people of faith about atheism and secular matters.

On this date we celebrate Thomas Jefferson Day, honoring the third President of the United States.

Run, don't walk, to your local farmer's market or fresh produce store and stock up on sweet, juicy peaches. Today is National Peach Cobbler Day.

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Walk on your Wild Side Day, Russian Cosmonaut Day, D.E.A.R. Day, more

April 12th, 2012, is Walk on your Wild Side Day, Russian Cosmonaut Day, International Day of Human Space Flight, D.E.A.R. Day, Support Teen Literature Day, Big Wind Day, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, and Licorice Day.

Be just a little bit daring today, in honor of Walk On Your Wild Side Day. Then report back if you dare!

Russian Cosmonaut Day honors Yuri Gargarin, the first man to experience space travel. His flight took place in 1961.The holiday is known around the world as International Day of Human Space Flight.

D.E.A.R. Day is also known as Drop Everything And Read Day. Please don't celebrate literally, but make time to include the joy of reading in your day.

Thursday of National Library Week is Support Teen Literature Day. This year, the Hunger Games series is a great place to start!

Big Wind Day commemorates this date, back in 1934, when weather surveyors at Mount Washington in New Hampshire, USA, recorded the highest wind velocity ever measured on Earth. The wind measured 231 miles per hour.

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day is a great opportunity to enjoy a childhood favorite. Add a gourmet touch with a sophisticated cheese and whole-grain bread. Or just go retro and enjoy processed cheese slices on squishy white bread.

You either like licorice or you don't. If you do, celebrate Licorice Day! BONUS TIP: Fennel seed, which has a hint of licorice flavor, helps to make ground turkey taste like Italian sausage.

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Eight Track Tape Day, Barbershop Quartet Day, Cheese Fondue Day, more

April 11th, 2012, is Eight Track Tape Day, International Louie Louie Day, National Bookmobile Day, National Pet Day, Barbershop Quartet Day, World Parkinson's Disease Day, and National Cheese Fondue Day.  

Were you listening to music in 1964? If so, you're old enough to celebrate Eight Track Tape Day. Although, come to think of it, is there much to celebrate? Eight track tapes broke songs up in the middle and the players clunked every time they changed tracks. Memories!

Are you a member of the LLAMAS? Do you know what comes after "Three nights and days I sail the sea?" Are you a Louie fanatic? If so, raise a glass for International Louie Louie Day!

Wednesday of National Library Week is celebrated as National Bookmobile Day.

On National Pet Day, remember - "Adopt! Don't Shop!" We followed that motto when we adopted our Lhasa Apso, Shimmer. She's now the Official Dog of The Holiday Whiz.

Hey, Sweet Adeline, today is Barbershop Quartet Day! These days, barbershop has evolved into such things as techno acapella. Check out the incredible Pentatonix (which consists of five people, but who's counting):

Wear a red rose today in support of World Parkinson's Disease Day. Take time to learn more about this neurological disorder and support those who are afflicted.

National Cheese Fondue Day is the day to head to the Melting Pot restaurant nearest you for a cheesy gift.

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Encourage a Young Writer Day, One Day Without Shoes, more

April 10th, 2012, is Encourage a Young Writer Day, Siblings Day, One Day Without Shoes, Salvation Army Founders Day, National Library Workers Day, Golfer's Day, ASPCA Day, National Farm Animals Day, Equal Pay Day,  and National Cinnamon Crescent Roll Day.

Encourage a Young Writer Day is a fine time to plant a seed for the future. Have a real conversation with the talented little ones in your life. Ask about their short stories, poems, journals, and blogs.

I'm an only child and so is my daughter, but if you have brothers or sisters, please do something nice for them on Siblings Day.

One Day Without Shoes is meant to raise awareness about the importance of shoes. Children in poverty "live without proper footwear, exposing them to injury and disease every day." Could you make it through the day without shoes?

During the cold holiday season I admire the bell-ringers, wishing everyone a good day, asking passers-by to drop some coins in their red kettles. Thank you, Salvation Army, for everything you do. Happy Salvation Army Founders Day.

National Library Workers Day is your opportunity to thank the hard-working people at your favorite library. Consider, for a moment, how lucky we are to have public libraries, bursting with great literature, how-to books, computers, and more. Priceless.

Enjoy Golfer's Day on the green or on the Golf Channel.

On ASPCA Day, "go orange for animals!"

On National Farm Animals Day, take a moment to learn more about the plight of slaughter animals. Consider a veggie sandwich rather than ham.

Wear red on Equal Pay Day to promote equal pay for equal work.

Just thinking about cinnamon rolls, can't you smell that special aroma? Enjoy National Cinnamon Crescent Roll Day.

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Dyngus Day, CSS Naked Day, Jenkins' Ear Day, more

April 9th, 2012, is Dyngus Day, Easter Monday, Name Yourself Day, CSS Naked Day, National Cherish an Antique Day, Jenkins' Ear Day, Winston Churchill Day, Bataan Day, Baghdad Liberation Day, National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day, Appomattox Day, and National Cheese Almond  Cookie Day.

Dyngus Day, always the Monday after Easter, is celebrated in Poland and Polish communities in the United States. Men traditionally squirt ladies with water. Ladies retaliate today with water or tomorrow by throwing crockery. Yikes! Another name for this holiday is Wet Easter Monday.

Easter Monday features egg rolling races, including one at the the White House. It's also a great day to eat hard-boiled eggs and chocolate.

Name Yourself Day is your opportunity to express yourself. Try on a pseudonym and don't answer to your usual name. If someone feels snubbed, you can explain tomorrow.

On CSS Naked Day some webmasters disable CSS to promote high web standards. If your favorite site looks wonky today, that's probably the reason why.

On National Cherish an Antique Day, display your heirloom furniture, family jewelry, or yellowing books. Alternatively, call a friend who's older than you and razz them about their age.

On this date in 1743 a Spanish crew attacked a British ship, cutting off the ear of  master mariner Robert Jenkins. Years later Jenkins told his story and presented his detached ear to the House of Commons, inspiring a declaration of war against Spain. Thus, today is Jenkins' Ear Day.

Winston Churchill Day commemorates the day in 1963 when British Prime Minister Winston Churchill became an honorary citizen of the United States.

The Philippines observes Bataan Day, remembering the surrender of American and Filipino soldiers to the Japanese in 1942. Citizens retrace parts of the death march the prisoners endured.

Iraq observes Baghdad Liberation Day on April 9th.

April 9th is National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day. In 2010, President Barack Obama wrote: "America's former prisoners of war gave their freedom so that we can enjoy our own. We may never know the full extent of injuries received nor burdens borne by these heroes and their families, but neither shall we forget their selfless sacrifice and unshakeable resolve."

Appomattox Day commemorates the day in 1865 when Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant and the Union Army  accepted the surrender of General Robert E. Lee and the Confederates.

Today is National Chinese Almond Cookie Day. If you're always hungry an hour after eating Chinese food, add a few of these cookies to your meal.

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Easter, Draw a Picture of a Bird Day, Empanada Day, more

April 8th, 2012, is Easter, Draw a Picture of a Bird Day, All Is Ours Day, Hanamatsuri Flower Festival, and National Empanada Day. 

Easter is the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. The date changes every year, based on a formula not many people understand. Western Christians observe the date on the first Sunday that follows the full moon after the March Equinox on March 21st. Orthodox Christians follow the Julian Calendar, with Easter usually celebrated one or two weeks later than in Western churches - April 15th in 2012.

After you've celebrated Easter, bitten the ears off of the chocolate bunny, and performed other necessary activities, gather your art supplies. Today is Draw a Picture of a Bird Day.

All Is Ours Day may take on a spiritual tone for some people today, but really, if all is ours, where will we keep it? Consider this great line by comedian Steven Wright: "I have the world's largest collection of seashells. I keep it on all the beaches of the world...perhaps you've seen it."

Japan celebrates the Hanamatsuri Flower Festival to honor Sakyamuni Buddha on his birthday.

Visit your favorite Mexican restaurant or concoct your own filled pastries on National Empanada Day. Lavesta at Months of Edible Celebrations recommends filling them with leftovers - brilliant!

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Pillow Fight Day, Tangible Karma Day, Beer Is Back Day, more

April 7th, 2012, is International Pillow Fight Day, Tangible Karma Day, International Snailpapers Day, National Love Our Children Day, International Beaver Day, Metric System Day, National No Housework Day, Beer Is Back Day, Legal Beer Day, 3.2 Day, Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide, Holy Saturday, Easter Even, Lazarus Saturday, World Health Day, and National Coffee Cake Day.

In 2008, the first Worldwide Pillow Fight Day included the first international flash mob. The event, now known as International Pillow Fight Day, features pillow fights all across the globe. Feathers will fly!

The first Saturday in April is Tangible Karma Day. What kind of karma will pillow fighting get you, do you suppose? The founders of Tangible Karma Day ask everyone - groups and individuals - to set aside an hour today to "purposefully become aware of the needs of those they are in contact with and actively do something to help fulfill those needs." Who could argue with such a sentiment?

International Snailpapers Day celebrates the survival (so far) of print newspapers. If you're reading this blog, though, you're part of the getting-your-news-online problem. Thanks, I think! Just for old time's sake, consider picking up an actual newspaper from a newsstand.

The first Saturday in April is National Love Our Children Day, sponsored by Love Our Children USA as a part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

I almost forgot that today is International Beaver Day. Dam!

Metric System Day promotes a system of measurement that's much more logical than the avoirdupois system and other customary units we use in the United States. When I'm president, we'll change that!

National No Housework Day is self-explanatory. Just don't do any housework. Of course, you might want to clean up the feathers after your pillow fight....nah.

While you're busy not doing any housework, have a beer! Beer Is Back Day commemorates the end of Prohibition in the United States, for 3.2 beer anyway. The holiday is also known as  Legal Beer Day or 3.2 Day.

Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide reminds us all of a terrible time in the history of Rwanda, 1994, when 800,000 people were murdered.

Holy Saturday, also known as  Easter Even, is the day before Easter. On this day, Jesus rested in the tomb.

The Orthodox Church observes Lazarus Saturday today.

World Health Day commemorates the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. The theme for 2012 is Aging and Health.

What's for breakfast (or dessert)? Well, today is National Coffee Cake Day, so enjoy your favorite coffee cake, whether crumbly, fruit-filled, or topped with nuts. Delicious with a cup of coffee, as the name implies.

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Good Friday, Plan Your Epitaph Day, Caramel Popcorn Day, more

April 6th, 2012, is Good Friday, first day of Passover, New Beer's Eve, Plan Your Epitaph Day, Drowsy Driver Awareness Day, National Walk to Work Day, Tartan Day, National Student Athlete Day, Army Day, and National Caramel Popcorn Day. 

The Friday before Easter is observed as Good Friday. The day commemorates the arrest of Jesus, his trial, his crucifixion, his death, and his burial.

In 2012, Passover begins on April 6th at sunset. The observance continues through sunset on April 14th.

New Beer's Eve commemorates the feeling of excitement many experienced on the last day of Prohibition in 193, the eve of the day when the beer trucks would start rolling.

For those whose tastes lean toward the darker side, Plan Your Epitaph Day is a welcome change from holidays of cheer and encouragement. Here are some famous epitaphs and  amusing epitaphs for your inspiration.

California observes Drowsy Driver Awareness Day every year on March 6th. The rest of us should follow their example. Drowsy drivers are a public danger, comparable with drunk drivers.

The first Friday in April is National Walk to Work Day, which coincides this year with Drowsy Driver Awareness Day. Better to walk drowsy than drive drowsy!

National Tartan Day honors the contributions people of Scottish descent have made, throughout the history of the United States.

2012 marks the 25th annual National Student Athlete Day. Show some appreciation for the athletes in your life, and encourage young people to be physically active.

April 6th is Army Day in the United States, as proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942.

Sweet and salty snacks are so satisfying. Enjoy a much beloved flavor combo on National Caramel Popcorn Day.

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Read a Road Map Day, Fun at Work Day, Caramel Day, more

April 5th, 2012, is National Read a Road Map Day, International Fun at Work Day, Go for Broke Day, Poetry and the Creative Mind Day, Maundy Thursday, Holy Thursday, National D.A.R.E. Day, National Deep Dish Pizza Day, National Raisin and Spice Bar Day, and National Caramel Day.

National Read a Road Map Day takes me back to childhood, when phones were attached to the walls and music came on vinyl records. There is a certain charm to planning your route on paper, tracking it with a highlighter. Try it sometime, instead of using your GPS. [Insert obligatory joke about map-folding here.]

Shimmer, the Official Blog Dog of The Holiday Whiz.

The theme for this year's International Fun at Work Day is "Work Like Your Dog." Hmmmm. Right now, Shimmer the Blog Dog is taking a nap. Earlier, when she was awake, she ate some food and romped around the house. Most of us would be fired for such a work ethic, am I right? By the way, International Fun at Work Day is usually observed on April 1st, but it moves to the following Thursday when April 1st falls on the weekend.

On Go for Broke Day, take a risk, put some money on the line, but not more than you can afford. If you won the recent record-breaking Mega Millions pot, you're exempt from celebrating this holiday.

As part of National Poetry Month, today is Poetry and the Creative Mind Day. Try your hand at some creative rhymes.

Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is observed on the Thursday before Easter. This day represents the last day before Jesus was arrested, the day of the Last Supper.

National D.A.R.E. Day brings attention to the campaign for Drug Abuse Resistance Education.

National Deep Dish Pizza Day makes me think of Chicago, home of deep dish pizza. Have some, if you love it - I'm a St. Louis thin-crust pizza kinda gal.

National Raisin and Spice Bar Day is a very specific food holiday. Somehow, raisin and spice seems more appropriate for fall than spring, but to each his own!

National Caramel Day celebrates a delicious guilty pleasure, fairly easy to make at home.

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Full moon names for April 2012

Full moon. Image: morgueFile.

The full moon for April 2012 takes place on April 6th or 7th, depending on your location. Following is a list of full moon names for April, ranging from common to surprising. Which names speak to you?

Sugar Maker Moon - Abenaki
Egg Moon - Algonquin
Full Fish Moon = Algonquin
Full Pink Moon - Algonquin
Full Sprouting Grass Moon - Algonquin
Indian Corn Moon - Algonquin
When They Set Indian Corn - Algonquin
Broken Snowshoe Moon - Anishnaabe
Big Leaves Moon - Apache
Moon of the Big Leaves - Apache
Ice Breaking in the River - Arapaho
Frog Moon - Assiniboine
Growing Moon - Celtic
Egg Moon - Cherokee
Flower Moon - Cherokee
Moon When the Geese Lay Eggs - Cheyenne
Peony Moon - Chinese
Wildcat Moon - Choctaw
Planter's Moon - Colonial American
New Spring Moon - Comanche
Gray Goose Month - Cree
Leaves Appear Moon - Cree
Big Spring Moon - Creek
Moon When Geese Return in Scattered Formation - Dakotah Sioux
Rain Moon - Deborean
Seed Moon - English Medieval
Migratory Geese Moon - Haida
Chaitra Purnima - Hindu
Hanuman Jayanti - Hindu
Month of Windbreak - Hopi
Kriblalikvik - Inuit
Time for Pounding Camas - Kalapuya
Bashch'atsishe daawaatra - Keresan
Leaf Moon - Kiowa
"Ipos" Gathering - Klamath
Ring Finger (counting on fingers, beginning with thumb in August) - Klamath
Halanyimcep - Kumeyaay
Black Oaks Tassel - Maidu
Grass Moon - Maidu
Moon of the Breaking Up of the Ice - Mandan-Hidatsa
Budding Time - Mohawk
Big Spring Month - Muscokee
Strawberry Moon - Natchez
Egg Moon - Native American
Full Fish Moon - Native American
Full Pink Moon - Native American
Full Sprouting Grass Moon - Native American
Big Plant Moon - Navajo
Awakening Moon - Neo Pagan
Spring Moon - Passamaquoddy
The Strong Month (When the Trees Begin to Bloom) -  Pima
The Yellow Month - Pima
Flowers Moon - Pomo
Leaf Split Moon - San Juan
Half Moon - Shawnee
Melting Moon - Shoshoni
Bak - Sinhala
Moon of Greening Grass - Sioux
Moon of Red Grass Appearing - Sioux
Ashes Moon - Taos
Budding Moon of Plants and Shrubs - Tlingit
Wattsuwim Muattsi - Tumpisa
Hare Moon - UnknownSeed Moon - Unknown Wind Moon - Wiccan
Planting Corn Moon - Winnebago
The 8th Moon - Wishram
Sewa Meecha - Yaqui
Big Summer Moon - Yuchi
Great Sand Storm Moon - Zuni

Sources for full moon names:

• Farmers' Almanac - Full Moon Names and Their Meanings
• Moon Names
• Indian Moons, Days and Other Calendar Stuff
• Hindu Blog - Purnima 2012 dates and time
• 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:

• Full moon calendar 2012 (for different time zones)
• 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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