Leap Second Adjustment Time, Social Media Day, more

June 30th, 2012, is Leap Second Adjustment Time, Meteor Watch Day, Independence Day (Congo), Dia del Ejercito, and Social Media Day.

On the last day of June, Leap Second Adjustment Time, the International Earth Rotation and Reference System Service determines if it's necessary to add or subtract a second from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to align with astronomical time. In June 2012 one second will be added. I hope this doesn't throw your schedule off! Leap Second Adjustment Time also occurs on the last day of December.

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

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

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

Mashable celebrates the third annual Social Media Day on June 30th. Meetups are scheduled around the world - maybe even in your neck of the woods.

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Mud Day, Camera Day, Waffle Iron Day, more

June 29th, 2012, is International Mud Day, Camera Day, Hug Day, Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul, Waffle Iron Day, and National Almond Butter Crunch Day.

International Mud Day, put forward by the World Forum Foundation, is a day when kids are invited to wallow in the mud and make a mess! Sounds like great fun, but please, kids, hose off so you don't track mud through the house, okay?

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

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

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

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

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

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CAPS LOCK DAY, Tapioca Day, Bomb Pop Day, more

June 28th, 2012, is INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY, Gone-ta-Pott Day, Insurance Awareness Day, Constitution Day (Ukraine), National Tapioca Day, and National Bomb Pop Day.

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

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

Insurance is one of those things we curse when bills come, but rely on when things go wrong. Double-check your coverage today. June 28th is Insurance Awareness Day.

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

Today is National Tapioca Day. I loved tapioca pudding when I was a kid, but somehow I never think to make it these days. Another use for tapioca is bubble tea. Strange feeling when a tapioca bubble travels up the straw and into your mouth.

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

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Sunglasses Day, Orange Blossom Day, more

June 27th, 2012, is Sunglasses Day, Decide to Be Married Day, "Happy Birthday to You" Day, National Orange Blossom Day, Paul Bunyan Day, National HIV Testing Day, Independence Day (Djibouti), and Canadian Multiculturalism Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Canoe Day, Forgiveness Day, Chocolate Pudding Day, more

June 26th, 2012, is National Canoe Day, Beautician's Day, National Forgiveness Day, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Independence Day (Somalia), Independence Day (Madagascar), and National Chocolate Pudding Day.

Canadians celebrate National Canoe Day today. Where are our oars? (Say that last bit three times, fast!)

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

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

The United Nations observes June 26th as International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes: "Our efforts to promote development and fight drugs and crime will be more effective if they are rooted in partnerships with the young, civil society, governments and the international community. Working together, we can alleviate the suffering of millions and break the hold of drugs and crime on countries, communities and families." The theme for 2012 is "Global Action for Healthy Communities without Drugs."

In 1997 the United Nations declared June 2th as International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes: “Every day, women, men and children are tortured or ill-treated with the intention of destroying their sense of dignity and human worth.... By concretely supporting victims of torture, the international community will prove its unequivocal determination and commitment to fight torture and impunity.”

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

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

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

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LEON Day, Please Take My Children to Work Day, more

June 25th, 2012, is LEON Day, Please Take My Children to Work Day, Independence Day (Mozambique), National Day (Slovenia), National Day (Croatia), National Catfish Day, and National Strawberry Parfait Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Museum Comes to Life Day, Celebration of the Senses Day, more

June 24th, 2012, is Museum Comes to Life Day, Celebration of the Senses Day, International Fairy Day, Swim a Lap Day, Descendants Day, America's Kids Day, Inti Raymi, Midsummer's Day, St. John the Baptist's Day, and National Creamy Pralines Day.

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

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

Today is International Fairy Day, the official holiday for fairy collectors and believers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Great American Backyard Campout, Columnists' Day, Pecan Sandies Day, more

June 23rd, 2012, is Great American Backyard Campout, Midsummer Eve, National Let It Go Day, National Columnists' Day, Public Service Day, National Pink Day, Voidupuha, St. John's Eve, and Pecan Sandies Day.

The annual Great American Backyard Campout, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, takes place on June 23rd. Register your team or donate to raise funds, benefiting NWF programs that "get American kids outside."

Scandinavia celebrates the longest day of the year on the Saturday between June 20th and June 26th. Traditional Midsummer Eve festivals feature rituals related to fertility and the harvest.

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

Celebrate your favorite columnists on National Columnists' Day. Some of my favorites from the past include Erma Bombeck, Ann Landers, Mike Royko, Elaine Viets, and Bob Greene.

Public Service Day, created by the United Nations, is observed on June 23rd each year to recognize the value and virtue of public service.

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

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

St. John's Eve takes place on the day before the traditional Midsummer's Day. No matter that the date doesn't line up with the actual Summer Solstice, June 20th in 2012. Bonfires are lit on St. John'e Eve to ward off evil spirits.

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

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Take Your Dog to Work Day, Stupid Guy Thing, Chocolate Eclair Day, more

June 22nd, 2012, is Take Your Dog to Work Day, Stupid Guy Thing Day, Anti-Fascist Resistance Day, and National Chocolate Eclair Day.

Take Your Dog to Work Day is a fun concept, intended to raise awareness of pet adoption. Check with your boss first, please! Since I work at home, my blog dog is always welcome to hang around.

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

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

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

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Winter Solstice, Baby Boomers Recognition Day, Peaches and Cream Day, more

June 21st, 2012, is Winter Solstice, National Dump the Pump Day, Recess at Work Day, World Handshake Day, Go Skateboarding Day, Baby Boomers Recognition Day, National Aboriginal Day, St. Leufredus' Day, Atheist Solidarity Day, Martyrs' Day (Togo), and National Peaches and Cream Day.

The Northern Hemisphere observed Summer Solstice on June 20th; the Southern Hemisphere observes Winter Solstice on June 21st. Brrrr!

APTA (American Public Transportation Association) hosts the 7th annual National Dump the Pump Day. Commuters are encouraged to leave their cars at home and give public transportation a try. Tempting, since the price of gas is so high.

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

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

On Go Skateboarding Day, you're encouraged to let everything else slide in favor of a little recreation on wheels. You're even asked to ignore the poster for this event, and just go skateboarding.

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

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

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

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

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

Doesn't early summer bring peaches to mind? Celebrate National Peaches and Cream Day with a bowl of summer goodness.

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Cancer, Sign of the Crab, June 21 to July 22

Cancer. Image: Salvatore Vuono, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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

For more information about Cancer:

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

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Solstice, Anne and Samantha Day, Lambrusco Day, more

June 20th, 2012, is Summer Solstice, Anne and Samantha Day, Toad Hollow Day of Thank You, American Eagle Day, World Refugee Day, Festival of Saint Joan, Martyrs Day (Eritrea), Flag Day (Argentina), National Lambrusco Day, National Vanilla Milkshake Day, and Ice Cream Soda Day.

Our sun. Image: Graur Codrin, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Summer Solstice takes place on June 20th in the Northern Hemisphere; it occurs in December in the Southern Hemisphere. Summer Solstice brings the longest day of the year and the official start of summer, when the sun is furthest from the equator. The word "solstice" is derived from Latin words meaning "sun" and "to stand still," because the sun seems to stand still in the sky near noon. Determine the exact moment Summer Solstice will occur in your area. (Winter Solstice will take place on June 21st this year in the Southern Hemisphere.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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Sauntering Day, Butterfly Day, Juneteenth, more

June 19th, 2012, is Take a Kid Fishing Event, World Sauntering Day, Butterfly Day, Garfield the Cat Day, World Sickle Cell Day, Juneteenth, Red Soda Celebration, Labor Day (Trinidad and Tobago), and Eat an Oreo Day.

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

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

June 19th is Butterfly Day, a day to capture images of butterflies, not the creatures themselves. If you have butterfly bushes, aim your camera thataway - butterflies galore!

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

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

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

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

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

Finally - a legitimate reason to link to Attack of the Show for my husband! Their blog mentions Eat an Oreo Day. Soooo..... do you eat the whole cookie at once or unscrew it?

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Ride to Work Day, Spurge Day, Sushi Day, more

June 18th, 2012, is Ride to Work Day, International Picnic Day, Go Fishing Day, National Splurge Day, Queen's Birthday (Cambodia), Evacuation Day (Egypt), National Day (Seychelles), National Martini Day, and International Sushi Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Father's Day, Family Awareness Day, Cherry Tart Day, more

June 17th, 2012, is Father's Day, Husband Caregiver Day, Family Awareness Day, Fresh Veggies Day, Eat Your Vegetables Day, World Day to Combat Desertification, Bunker Hill Day, Watergate Day, Independence Day (Iceland), National Apple Strudel Day, and National Cherry Tart Day.

My Dad, Thomas Brooks, 1911-1995.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hollerin' Contest Day, Bloomsday, Fudge Day, more

June 16th, 2012, is National Hollerin' Contest Day, Bloomsday, World Jugglers Day, Wicket World of Croquet, Badger Day, Youth Day (South Africa), Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, and National Fudge Day.

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

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

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

The Wicket World of Croquet takes place today at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Forty teams join the Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, March Hare, and Alice in a croquet tournaent to benefit Indianapolis public schools.

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

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

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

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

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Work at Home Father's Day, Sneak a Kiss Day, Magna Carta Day, more

June 15th, 2012, is Work at Home Father's Day, National Man Day, Sneak a Kiss Day, Smile Power Day, Nature Photography Day, Global Wind Day, Fly a Kite Day, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Magna Carta Day, Valdemar's Day, National Salvation Day, and National Lobster Day.

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

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

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

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

NANPA (North American Nature Photography Association) celebrates its seventh annual Nature Photography Day on June 15th, 2012. Camera buffs are invited to take photos in nature, then upload one best shot to a Facebook page which NANPA will create on June 15th. Uploads will be accepted through June 21st, but every image must be created on June 15th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Flag Day, Pig Callers Day, Strawberry Shortcake Day, more

June 14th, 2012, is Flag Day (USA), National Pause for the Pledge Day, Pop Goes the Weasel Day, Pig Callers Day, World Blood Donor Day, Blood Type Awareness Day, National Career Nursing Assistants Day, Day of Mourning and Commemoration, and National Strawberry Shortcake Day.

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

Flag map. Image: digitalart; FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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

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

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

The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2012 is: "Every blood donor is a hero."

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

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

Day of Mourning and Commemoration marks the anniversary of the first mass deportation of Estonians to Siberia, in 1941.

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

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Kitchen Klutzes of America Day, Sewing Machine Day, more

June 13th, 2012, is National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day, Sewing Machine Day, and Weed Your Garden Day.

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

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

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

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Crowded Nest Awareness Day, Red Rose Day, more

June 12th, 2012, is Crowded Nest Awareness Day, Loving Day, Red Rose Day, International Cachaca Day, World Day Against Child Labour, Independence Day (Philippines), Chaco Armistice Day, and National Peanut Butter Cookie Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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King Kamehameha Day, German Chocolate Cake Day, more

June 11th, 2012, is King Kamehameha Day, Evacuation Day (Libya), and National German Chocolate Cake Day. 

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

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

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

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Mourn for Your Money Day, Black Cow Day, more

June 10th, 2012, is Mourn for Your Money Day, Ballpoint Pen Day, National Children's Day, Multicultural American Child Awareness Day, Abused Women and Children's Awareness Day, National Iced Tea Day, and National Black Cow Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Profess Your Love Day, Belmont Stakes, more

June 9th, 2012, is Profess Your Love Day, Belmont Stakes, Donald Duck Day, and National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day.

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

The 143rd running of the Belmont Stakes takes place today in New York, USA. While many people are disappointed that I'll Have Another has been scratched from the race, meaning a Triple Crown champion will not be seen this year, the race promises to be exciting. Contenders include Street Life, Unstoppable U, Union Rags, Guyana Star Dweej, Optimizer, and My Adonis. Horses sure have unique names.

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

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

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Upsy Daisy Day, World Oceans Day, Name Your Poison Day, more

June 8th, 2012, is  Upsy Daisy Day, Best Friends Day, Clean Air Day, World Oceans Day, and National Name Your Poison Day.

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

Whether you have one special friend or a group of BFFs, do something special in honor of Best Friends Day. Start by sending an e-card to give them the warm fuzzies.
 
Sure wish I could be in New York City today. In honor of World Oceans Day the Empire State Building will be lit in white, blue, and purple. Lovely! This UN-created event has been celebrated since 2009. The theme for World Oceans Day 2012 is "UNLOS at 30," to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

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

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Boone Day, Day of Wreaths, Chocolate Ice Cream Day, more

June 7th, 2012, is Boone Day, Feast of Corpus Christi, Feast of the Most Holy Body of Christ, Day of Wreaths, and National Chocolate Ice Cream Day.

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

The Feast of Corpus Christi takes place on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, or the second Thursday after Pentecost Sunday. In the United States, many celebrate on the Sunday after. The celebration is also known as the Feast of the Most Holy Body of Christ or the Day of Wreaths.

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

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Drive-In Movie Day, D-Day Anniversary, Applesauce Cake Day, more

June 6th, 2012, is Drive-In Movie Day, National Gardening Exercise Day, National Yo-Yo Day, Bonza Bottler Day, National Running Day, National Tailors Day, D-Day Anniversary, National Day (Sweden), and National Applesauce Cake Day.

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

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

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

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

National Running Day is celebrated on the first Wednesday in June. Remember to take breaks from running, to stay hydrated and to enjoy today's other holidays.

National Tailors Day is also observed on the first Wednesday in June. If your pants and sleeves are the proper length, thank a tailor!

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

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

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

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World Environment Day, Gingerbread Day, more

June 5th, 2012, is World Environment Day, Constitution Day and Father's Day (Denmark), and National Gingerbread Day.

The theme of World Environment Day 2012 is, "Green Economy: Does it include you?" This year's host country is Brazil.

Constitution Day and Father's Day are both celebrated today in Denmark. Their constitution took effect in 1849.

Gingerbread puts me in the mood for Christmas, but for some reason June 5th is National Gingerbread Day. Ho ho ho - merry Gingerbread Day!

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Transit of Venus on June 5th and 6th, 2012

Transit of Venus. Animation: Wikimedia Commons; Marc van der Sluys.

June 5th and 6th, 2012, bring a rare event - the transit of Venus. Venus will appear as a small dark circle moving across the sun, over a period of hours. This spectacle will happen in the afternoon on June 5th in much of the Western Hemisphere; at sunrise and in the morning on June 6th in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Do not look at the sun directly during the transit of Venus. Use a safe viewing method - visit a science center or other public viewing, construct a pinhole camera, or view webcams.

Take time to witness this alignment of sun and planets, because the next transit of Venus won't take place until December 11th, 2117. Few of us will be around by then, and probably none of us will care.

Links of interest:

• NASA: Live Webcast - 2012 Transit of Venus
• NASA: The 2012 Transit of Venus
• Everything you need to know: Venus transit on June 5-6
• What's the best way to view the June 5-6 transit of Venus safely?
• Transit of Venus: Local transit times
• Transit of Venus offers rare opportunity to mock astronomers
• Transit of Venus.org
• 2004 Transit of Venus Images
• Transit of Venus will help search for aliens says Astronomer Royal

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Audacity to Hope Day, Hug Your Cat Day, more

June 4th, 2012, is Audacity to Hope Day, Do-Dah Day, Hug Your Cat Day, Old Maid's Day, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, Saga Dawa Duchen, and National Frozen Yogurt Day.

June 4th, 2012, also brings a partial lunar eclipse and full moon.

On Audacity to Hope Day, dare to dream. Maybe your dreams will come true. Have the audacity to hope for no more earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, or hurricanes.

Your Holiday Whiz can't find any definitive info about Do-Dah Day, but it's fun to say and it's apparently a salute to silliness. Just do-dah whatever you want.

Put on a long-sleeved shirt if your cat is a loner, then do your best to celebrate Hug Your Cat Day. I'll just snuggle with my blog dog.

Old Maids Day shouldn't have the negative connotation the name implies. It's actually a tradition born in 1946, after World War II. Dances and socials were held to help single ladies whose relationships had ended due to war casualty or separation.

The United Nations sponsors the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. In 1983, UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar wrote: "On this solemn occasion, we need to recall the sacred duty, enshrined in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child, to ensure that all children, without any exception whatsoever, enjoy special protection."

Saga Dawa Duchen is a movable holiday, celebrated on the 15th day of Saga Dawa. The holiday commemorates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, death, and entry into Nirvana.

Add some "fro-yo" to your day today, National Frozen Yogurt Day.

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