Showing posts with label March. Show all posts
Showing posts with label March. Show all posts

Monday, March 31, 2014

Take Your Parents to the Playground Day, more

March 31st, 2014, is Bunsen Burner Day, National "She's Funny That Way" Day, Take Your Parents to the Playground Day, Coloring Crayola Day, Terri's Day, Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Transfer Day, Cesar Chavez Day, National Clams on the Half Shell Day, and Oranges and Lemons Day.

Remember that thingamabob with the flame that we all used in science class, back in the day? Today we celebrate the birth date of Robert Wilhelm Eberhard von Bunsen, the inventor of that thingamabob. Celebrate Bunsen Burner Day.

National "She's Funny That Way" Day means whatever you want it to mean. I refuse to offer any guidance, because sometimes I'm funny that way.

Take Your Parents to the Playground Day is the perfect opportunity to have some retro fun. With your parents, your kids, or a loved one, go to the nearest playground. Swing on the swings, play in the sandbox, hang from the monkey bars, all that good stuff. Wheeee!

If your parents absolutely refuse to go to the playground with you, ask them to join you in observing Coloring Crayola Day. It's the least they could do. If your parents aren't around, get in touch with your inner child anyway, or spend time coloring with your own kids.

Terri's Day is observed on this date each year, in the memory of Terri Schiavo. Following her collapse in February 1990, she fell into a vegetative state. She was at the center of a legal battle and national debate, involving those who wanted her to remain on prolonged life support vs. those who believed in her right to die. Terri Schiavo passed away on March 31st, 2005, about fourteen days after her feeding tube was removed.

Gudi Padwa and Ugadi celebrate the day that Lord Brahma created the universe. Lord Brahma is part of the HIndu trinity, which also includes Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

The U.S. Virgin Islands celebrates Transfer Day, the anniversary of the date when Denmark ceded the islands to the United States.

Cesar Chavez Day celebrates the life of a prominent social activist who fought against discrimination. The work of Cesar Chavez is continued today by the Cesar Chavez Foundation.

National Clams on the Half Shell Day isn't for everyone, but try to expand your culinary horizons! You might discover a new favorite food.

Citrus is a wonderful accent for seafood. Luckily, today is Oranges and Lemons Day.


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Sunday, March 30, 2014

Pencil Day, I Am In Control Day, more

March 30th, 2014, is National Pencil Day, I Am in Control Day, The Grass Is Always Browner on the Other Side of the Fence Day, Take a Walk in the Park Day, Mothering Sunday, Refreshment Sunday, Laetare Sunday, Rose Sunday, National Doctors' Day, and Turkey Neck Soup Day. 

Do pencils make you think of SAT Tests and elementary-school penmanship lessons? Well, pencils are good for more than that. Pencils come in an array of lead types - soft to hard, across the color spectrum - to help you unleash your artistic talent. Some pencils actually contain watercolor paint! Browse your local art supply store on National Pencil Day and get inspired.

I Am in Control Day is in remembrance of Alexander Haig, U.S. Secretary of State back in 1981, who promised the country he was in control following an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. Haig was eventually forced to resign. The lesson here: maintain quiet control, under the radar, so people aren't tempted to thwart your schemes!

The key to happiness is learning to appreciate what you have, rather than comparing your life with others'. After all, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Adopt a new philosophy on The Grass Is Always Browner on the Other Side of the Fence Day.

Go where the grass is always greener - your local park. Weather permitting, celebrate Take a Walk in the Park Day.

Mothering Sunday is the British version of Mother's Day, always celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Other names for this holiday include  Refreshment Sunday, Laetare Sunday, and Rose Sunday.

National Doctors' Day is your opportunity to take stock. Are you satisfied with the service your physician provides? Would you recommend him or her to a friend? If so, make a pledge to thank your doctor the next time you visit. If not, ask friends and family for a referral.

Nothing - with the possible exception of bread baking - makes a house smell more like a home than a pot of homemade soup simmering on the stove. Concoct a soup that's nutritious, delicious, and inexpensive on Turkey Neck Soup Day.

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Saturday, March 29, 2014

Earth Hour, Lemon Chiffon Cake or Pie Day, more

March 29th, 2014, is Earth Hour, Brother and Sister Day, Smoke and Mirrors Day, National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, Knights of Columbus Founders Day, Lemon Chiffon Cake Day, and Lemon Chiffon Pie Day.

At 8:30 p.m., your local time, participate in Earth Hour by turning off lights you don't need and unplugging devices you aren't using. If everyone participates, all around the world, think what this will look like from a great distance - every hour, different sections of our planet going dark(er). Also, consider the energy saved!

Brother and Sister Day is a time to do something special for your siblings, if you have them. As an only child, I'll cheer from the sidelines.

Today is Smoke and Mirrors Day. Or is it? Even the origins of this murky holiday are vague. Feel free to be evasive in your conversations today - unless you're doing something important, such as testifying under oath.

Just for today, try buying your veggies, your hardware, your shoes, or your thingamabobs from a small local business, rather than from a chain store. If you like the price and service, consider a permanent change in your shopping habits. Help your neighbors by embracing National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day.

Knights of Columbus Founders Day commemorates the 1882 founding and subsequent history of the Knights of Columbus. Their good works are structured within four core principles: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

Take your choice today, when planning dessert. Some say it's Lemon Chiffon Cake Day; others say it's Lemon Chiffon Pie Day. Either way, you'll have a sweet, lemony delight.

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Friday, March 28, 2014

Weed Appreciation Day, Hot Tub Day, more

March 28th, 2014, is Eggsibit Day, Hot Tub Day, Gone-ta-Pott Day, Teachers' Day (Czech Republic), Something on a Stick Day, and National Black Forest Cake Day.

Eggsibit Day features a pun - eggsibit - that explains all: an exhibit of eggs. Try your hand at egg decoration or view fine examples online.

Dandelion. Image: morgueFile.
If you have enough self-restraint, grant your weeds a reprieve on Weed Appreciation Day. Tomorrow is another day! Besides, some weeds are actually attractive. Try to relax, let go of your OCD, and relax with a glass of iced tea.

If you have a hot tub, you're all set to celebrate Hot Tub Day. If you don't, treat yourself to a spa visit or just enjoy a long and decadent bubble bath with candles (and perhaps chocolate).

Today is Gone-ta-Pott Day, as proclaimed by the cheerful people who run the Gone-ta-Pott website. Celebrate this holiday as you see fit, on the 28th of every month.

The Czech Republic observes Teachers' Day today. Children make cards for their favorite teachers; some teachers organize demonstrations to demand higher wages.

Even though you may not visit a carnival today, feel free to enjoy something on a stick. Options include corn dogs, cotton candy, kebabs, satay, fondue dippers, and so much more. Use your imagination! Have an adventurous and fabulous Something on a Stick Day.

What's for dessert tonight? Why not enjoy a Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte in honor of National Black Forest Cake Day? You will love the combination of chocolate cake, cherries, whipped cream, and possibly cherry liqueur. Kostlicher Kuchen! Delicious cake!

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Thursday, March 27, 2014

Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day, more

March 27th, 2014, is Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day, National "Joe" Day, and National Spanish Paella Day.

Music. Image: FreeDigitalPhotos, digitalart.
Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day is your opportunity to get creative. What's your dream country music song title? How about "My Hound Dog Ran Off with my Gal and my Truck?"

Today is a great day for me, since I have trouble remembering people's names. Today - and today only - it's acceptable to call anyone you meet, "Joe." Embrace the convenience of National "Joe" Day!

National Spanish Paella Day honors a delicious one-pot meal. Ingredients vary, so look at a few recipes and concoct a paella your family will love.

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Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Make Up Your Own Holiday Day, Spinach Day, more

March 26th, 2014, is Make Up Your Own Holiday Day, Purple Day, Independence Day (Bangladesh), National Spinach Day, and National Nougat Day.

Is today Plaid Sofa Day or Eat More Onion Sandwiches Day? Yes, if you want it to be, because today is Make Up Your Own Holiday Day. Post your suggestions in the Comments section below!

Purple Day is the Global Day of Epilepsy Awareness. Show your support and learn more about this chronic disorder that affects approximately 1 in 100 people.

Bangladesh observes Independence Day on March 26, celebrating independence from Pakistan since 1971.

Whether you prefer your spinach raw or cooked, have a serving of this leafy green on National Spinach Day. I promise you will not develop bulging forearms like Popeye.

National Nougat Day honors a mysterious candy bar filling. No matter what it's made from, it is delicious. Just for today ignore the nutrition label, close your eyes, and enjoy.

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Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Agriculture Day, Pecan Day, more

March 25th, 2014, is National Agriculture Day, American Diabetes Association Alert Day, Tolkien Reading Day, Old New Year's Day, International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, Annunciation, Pecan Day, Lobster Newberg Day, and International Waffle Day.

Take time on National Agriculture Day to consider and appreciate the hardworking farmers, packagers, and suppliers who make possible the array of foods we enjoy.

On American Diabetes Association Alert Day everyone is encouraged to take the Diabetes Risk Test, to determine their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

On Tolkien Reading Day we honor J.R.R. Tolkien, author of "The Hobbit" and many other classic tales.

Old New Year's Day is celebrated primarily in Russia. Most countries abandoned the Julian calendar in favor of the Gregorian calendar in the 1500s, but Russia didn't adopt it until 1918. The Russian Orthodox Church, however, still uses the Julian calendar, so many Russians celebrate New Year's twice.

Today is the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade - a long title for an important commemoration. The theme for 2014 is "Victory over Slavery: Haiti and Beyond."

The United Nations observes International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes: "On this and every day, let us honour the courage and dedication of all United Nations colleagues who risk so much to help those less fortunate. They should never be asked to sacrifice their liberty or lives for these noble ends."

Greeks celebrate the Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, otherwise known as Independence Day.

Annunciation, usually observed on March 25th, celebrates the Virgin Mary's vision of the angel Gabriel, when he tells her that she is destined to be the Mother of the Lord.

Pecan pie, anyone? Today is Pecan Day.

Lobster Newberg Day honors a dish made famous at Delmonico's in New York.

International Waffle Day began in Sweden - celebrated exactly nine months before Christmas. Yikes!

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Monday, March 24, 2014

Houdini Day, Chocolate Covered Raisins Day, more

March 24th, 2014, is Houdini Day, World Tuberculosis Day, and National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day.

Houdini Day commemorates the birth date of Harry Houdini, considered by many to be the best escape artist of all time.

World Tuberculosis Day is the anniversary of the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had determined the cause of tuberculosis. TB is still an epidemic in parts of the world.

Add some nutrition to your chocolate binge - in the form of raisins - on National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day.
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Sunday, March 23, 2014

Puppy Day, Cuddly Kitten Day, OK Day, more

March 23rd, 2014, is National Puppy Day, Cuddly Kitten Day, Near Miss Day, World Meteorological Day, OK Day, Pakistan Day, National Chip and Dip Day, and Melba Toast Day. 

Need a dose of cute? Celebrate National Puppy Day.

Need more cute? Celebrate Cuddly Kitten Day as well.

Near Miss Day commemorates the day in 1989 when our planet experienced a... near miss. An asteroid passed within 500,000 miles, which is next to nothing in space terms. The asteroid could have left a crater the size of Washington, D.C., USA, if it had made contact. Whew!

The theme of World Meteorological Day 2014 is, "Weather and climate: engaging youth."

OK Day celebrates a common word, or expression, that we use without thinking much about: OK or okay. You can thank Old Kinderhook for his role in helping the invented word to catch on. His campaign slogan was, "OK is OK."

Pakistan Day is observed today, in memory of the Lahore Resolution, passed in 1940.

Celebrate National Chip and Dip Day with whatever chip and dip combo suits your fancy. Go with the old standby, potato chips with onion dip, or the spicier tortilla chips with salsa, or something exotic of your own invention.

If you're fond of all foods thin and crispy, you're in luck. Melba Toast Day honors a treat created  by accident, by a chef at the Savoy Hotel. Dame Melba sampled the too-thin, over-toasted bread, and at that moment Melba Toast was born.

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Saturday, March 22, 2014

Goof Off Day, Sun-Earth Day, Water Day, more

March 22nd, 2014, is National Goof Off Day, Sun-Earth Day, International Day of the Seal, As Young As You Feel Day, World Water Day Corndog Day, and National Bavarian Crepes Day.

Today is National Goof Off Day. What does goofing off mean to you? Tacking an extra ten minutes onto your lunch hour? Playing "Angry Birds" on your work computer? Calling in sick? Letting the laundry and dishes go for the day? Jetting off to Barbados? Whatever you do, enjoy yourself.

NASA celebrates Sun-Earth Day near the Spring Equinox.

International Day of the Seal has been observed since 1982, to draw attention to the plight of this lovable animal. Seals endure cruelty from hunters and they also face extinction.

How old are you? How old do you feel? Consider these questions on As Young As You Feel Day. Attitude is everything, or so I tell myself as I approach half a century on Planet Earth.

More than seven billion people live on our planet, and all of them need water. Learn what you can do to help maintain a clean water supply for the world on World Water Day. Play the World Water Day Game and take the Blue Lunchbox Challenge!

If you're not into chips and dip, embrace Corndog Day instead. This holiday is observed on the fourth Saturday in March.

Crepes are French and Bavarian is, well, Bavarian, but somehow the two come together to make one sweet treat on National Bavarian Crepes Day.

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Friday, March 21, 2014

Teenager Day, Common Courtesy Day, more

March 21st, 2014, is Twitter Day, National Teenager Day, Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, Companies That Care Day, National Flower Day, World Forestry Day, National Single Parents Day, Memory Day, Children's Poetry Day, National Common Courtesy Day, Fragrance Day, World Down Syndrome Day, Egyptian Mother's Day, International Day of Nowruz, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, National French Bread Day, and California Strawberry Day.

Twitter Day commemorates the anniversary of the first tweet on Twitter, sent on this date in 2006. What was the first tweet written by a human? That would be co-founder Jack Dorsey's words, "just setting up my twttr."

Today is National Teenager Day. If you have one or more of these volatile creatures living in your home, do not - under any circumstances - let them know that today is their day!

Just in time for spring, March 21st brings National Flower Day. Brighten up your home with a fresh bouquet.

On World Forestry Day, celebrate the majesty of trees and the important role they play in our environment.

National Single Parents Day acknowledges the difficult task faced by single parents, raising their children alone.

Don't forget to celebrate Memory Day. Get in the spirit by checking out some mnemonic devices.

Share some fun rhymes and your love of words with your kids today, Children's Poetry Day,

Pardon me, please. I just wanted to mention that today is National Common Courtesy Day.

Do you have a signature scent? Do you normally use cologne or perfume at all? Step out of your comfort zone today - try a new scent and see how people react on Fragrance Day.

World Down Syndrome Day brings attention to a life-altering genetic condition. The theme for 2014 is "Health and Wellbeing - Access and Equality for All."

Egypt celebrates Mother's Day on March 21st. Coincides nicely with National Flower Day. A lotus flower themed item might make a lovely gift.

On the International Day of Nowruz, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes, "On this International Day of Nowruz, I offer my best wishes to those who celebrate, and express hope that all people can use the occasion to reflect on the beauty of nature, the promise of Spring and the power of culture to build peace."

The theme for International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2014 is "The Role of Leaders in Combatting Racism and Racial Discrimination."

What's better than a crusty baguette? Today is National French Bread Day.

Few fruits are more decadent than strawberries. Dip them in chocolate and.... wow. Celebrate California Strawberry Day.

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

Aries, Sign of the Ram, March 21 to April 19

Aries. Image: Salvatore Vuono, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Everyone born between March 21st and April 19th is an Aries, the sign of the Ram.

For more information about Aries:


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March Equinox, Snowman Burning Day, Ravioli Day, more

March 20th, 2014, is March Equinox, Spring Equinox, Vernal Equinox, Autumnal Equinox, International Astrology Day, Extraterrestrial Abductions Day, Mabon, Snowman Burning Day, National Proposal Day, Kiss Your Fiance Day, Won't You Be My Neighbor? Day, International Earth Day, Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, Companies that Care Day, Independence Day (Tunisia), Meatout, National Ravioli Day, and Macaron Day NYC. 

During the two equinoxes of the year, day and night are approximately the same length. This year the March Equinox happens at 16:57 UTC. The March Equinox is known as the Spring Equinox or Vernal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the Autumnal Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. Today is also celebrated as International Astrology Day. If you think today is your special opportunity to stand an egg on its end, read this!

Aliens. Image: FreeDigitalPhotos, Simon Howden.
Perhaps aliens are attracted by the day-and-night symmetry of the Equinox. Perhaps March 20th holds some other mystical power we can't understand. In any case, consider yourself warned that today is Extraterrestrial Abductions Day.

Mabon is the Witches' Thanksgiving, when the Goddess descends into the underworld. Mabon is celebrated at the Autumnal Equinox.

The first day of spring brings National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Today is Snowman Burning Day. Impossible, you say? Not so fast. The tradition began in Germany, where children who have been good burn straw "snowmen" to welcome the spring season.

If you can dodge the aliens and the burning snowmen, find your sweetie and pop the question! Today is National Proposal Day.

Conveniently, National Proposal Day is also Kiss Your Fiance Day. Celebrate two holidays in one!

Won't You Be My Neighbor? Day honors Fred Rogers, beloved by generations of children who knew him as Mr. Rogers. He was born on this date. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

The United Nations observes Earth Day on the March Equinox. However, many countries choose to observe Earth Day on other dates.

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day is sponsored by Camp Fire USA. Adults are encouraged to write letters to kids, showing "support, love and encouragement." Nice!

The third Thursday in March is Companies that Care Day. The philosophy behind the event is: "If we all do a little, we can truly accomplish a lot." Organizers promote the 10 Characteristics of Socially Responsible Employers.

Tunisia observes Independence Day on March 20th.

Meatout, once known as the Great American Meatout, now has a global focus. Consider avoiding salami, wings, burgers, and bacon for just one day.

Celebrate National Ravioli Day with some yummy beef ravioli smothered in marinara sauce. Go with cheese ravioli if you're participating in Meatout. If you're looking for a third option, come to St. Louis, Missouri, USA, for some hot and crispy toasted ravioli.

Macaron Day NYC  celebrates a treat some call "the new cupcake." A macaron is a French sandwich cookie.The cookies are made with almond flour, sugar, and egg. The filling is ganache. Apparently macarons are available in a rainbow of colors and flavors. They put me in the mind of spring and Easter eggs!

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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Kick Butts Day, Swallows Return to Capistrano, more

March 19th, 2014, is Kick Butts Day, Let's Laugh Day, Tara Puja, St. Joseph's Day, Swallows Return to San Juan Capistrano Day, National Poultry Day, and National Chocolate Caramel Day.

Kick Butts Day isn't what you might think. It's about teaching kids not to smoke.

Let's Laugh Day is observed today, but please feel free to practice during the other 364 days of the year.

Buddhists observe Tara Puja, honoring Bodhisattva Goddess Tara.
St. Joseph's Day is a time to wear red, orange, or purple. The traditional feast includes meatless traditional Italian dishes.

Swallows Return to San Juan Capistrano Day is observed on St. Joseph's Day, but this year's parade will take place on March 22nd.

To celebrate National Poultry Day, cook up your favorite bird! The most decadent poultry dish I've ever had is turducken, which is a boneless chicken wrapped in a boneless duck, then wrapped in a turkey which is boneless except for the wings and drumsticks. There's stuffing between each layer, as well. Turducken is a Cajun poultry delight!

Good news to you lovers of sweets - today is National Chocolate Caramel Day. This flavor combination is all but irresistible!

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Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Forgive Mom and Dad Day, Supreme Sacrifice Day, more

March 18th, 2014, is Awkward Moments Day, National Forgive Mom and Dad Day, National Biodiesel Day, Goddess of Fertility Day, Supreme Sacrifice Day, and National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day.

Um, I'm not sure how to say this, exactly, but today is Awkward Moments Day. Sorry. Didn't mean to bump into you. Let me help you clean that up.

National Forgive Mom and Dad Day is the perfect opportunity to free yourself - and your parents - from burdens of the past. Unless your parents were truly abusive, please try to forgive them for their flaws. Forgiveness will make you feel lighter. Your kids may feel you have much to answer for some day, after all.

National Biodiesel Day is celebrated on March 18th, the birth date of Rudolf Diesel. He invented the pressure-ignited heat engine, known as the diesel engine.

On Goddess of Fertility Day, learn about fertility treatment options or simply read some words of encouragement if you are trying to conceive. Learning to relax is also important, cliche as that may sound.

Supreme Sacrifice Day honors everyone - throughout history - who laid down their lives for the sake of others. Take a few moments from your busy day to reflect on their bravery. Would you make the same sacrifice, if called upon?

Today is National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day, not to be confused with regular ol' Oatmeal Cookie Day. Lacy oatmeal cookies are thin and, well, lacy.

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Monday, March 17, 2014

Saint Patrick's Day, Holi, Irish Coffee Day, more

Saint Patrick's Day. Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.
 March 17th, 2014, is Saint Patrick's Day, Holi, Dolyatra, Submarine Day, Irish Coffee Day, and Corned Beef and Cabbage Day.

Saint Patrick's Day is the time to wear green in honor of the patron saint of Ireland. View a parade, enjoy some corned beef, drink some green beer, and generally have fun!

Holi and Dolyatra are festivals celebrated in India in conjunction with the March full moon.

On Submarine Day, celebrate sandwiches or underwater ships. You could eat a hoagie while listening to the Beatles' "Yellow Submarine."

Today and January 25th are celebrated as Irish Coffee Day. Cheers! Does coffee come in green?

If you are into the whole Irish food scene, go for the gusto on Corned Beef and Cabbage Day. Erin go bragh!

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Sunday, March 16, 2014

World Eagle Day, Buzzard Sunday, Artichoke Heart Day, more

March 16th, 2014, is World Eagle Day, Buzzard Sunday, Lips Appreciation Day, Everything You Do Is Right Day, Curlew Day, National Goddard Day, St. Urho's Day, and Artichoke Heart Day.

The World Bird Sanctuary in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, celebrates World Eagle Day. Learn about eagles from around the world.

The Sunday following March 15th is always observed as Buzzard Sunday in Hinckley, Ohio, USA.

Pucker up - today is Lips Appreciation Day. If you're feeling brave, draw attention to your beautiful lips with some awesome lip decals!

Show your confident self to the world today, because we're celebrating Everything You Do Is Right Day. Much better than yesterday's rather negative holiday, Everything You Think Is Wrong Day, don't you think?

Curlew Day is observed annually at the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, USA, celebrating the return of the long-billed curlew to the area. The long-billed curlew is the largest North American shorebird.

National Goddard Day commemorates the 1926 flight of the first liquid-fuel-powered rocket. It was launched by Robert Hutchings Goddard in Auburn, Massachusetts, USA.

Finland observes St. Urho's Day, celebrating the day when the mythical St. Urho drove the grasshoppers out of Finland. Participants wear green and wave pitchforks to drive away the grasshoppers, then later change to purple. Some Finns may merely want to get an early start on drinking green beer; some drink purple beer instead. Still others say the fictional character of St. Urho was created in Minnesota, USA.

Whole artichokes may intimidate the home cook, but artichoke hearts are easy to extract. Just open the jar! Have a wonderful Artichoke Heart Day.

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Saturday, March 15, 2014

Full moon names for March 2014

Full moon. Image: morgueFile.

The full moon for March 2014 takes place on March 16th or 17th, depending on your location. Following is a list of full moon names for March, ranging from common to surprising. Which names speak to you?

Moose Hunter Moon - Abenaki
Spring Season Maker Moon - Abenaki
Catching Fish Moon - Algonquin
Crow Moon - Algonquin
Full Worm Moon - Algonquin
Sap Moon - Algonquin
Sugar Moon - Algonquin
Snow Crust Moon - Anishnaabe
Buffalo Dropping Their Calves - Arapaho
Sore Eye Moon - Assiniboine
Moon of Winds - Celtic
Strawberry Moon - Cherokee
Windy Moon - Cherokee
Sleepy Moon - Chinese
Big Famine Moon - Choctaw
Fish Moon - Colonial American
Lenten Moon - Colonial American
Cottonball Moon - Comanche
Hot and Cold Moon - Comanche
Eagle Moon - Cree
Goose Moon - Cree
Little Spring Moon - Creek
Moon When Eyes Are Sore from Bright Snow - Dakotah Sioux
Worm Moon - Deborean
Rain Moon - Diegueno
Chaste Moon - English Medieval
Noisy Goose Moon - Haida
Falgun Purnima - Hindu
Phalgun Purnima - HinduPurnima Vrat - Hindu
Whispering Wind Moon - Hopi
Amaolikkervik - Inuit
Plow Moon - Janic
Seed Moon - Janic
Spring Moon - Kalapuya
Women Dig Camas - Kalapuya
Shch'ami daawaatra - Keresan
Bud Moon - Kiowa
Middle-Finger (counting on fingers, beginning with thumb in August) - Klamath
Sucker Fishing Moon - Klamath
Halakwol - Kumeyaay
Flowers Moon - Maidu
Trail Sit Along Moon - Maidu
Chaste Moon - Medieval English
Much Lateness Moon - Mohawk
Little Spring Month - Muscokee
Deer Moon - Natchez
Full Crow Moon - Native American
Full Crust Moon - Native American
Full Sap Moon - Native American
Full Worm Moon - Native American
Small Plant Moon - Navajo
Death Moon - Neo Pagan
Little Frog Moon - Omaha
Spring Moon - Passamaquoddy
Green Moon - Pima
Growth Begins - Pomo
Water Stands in the Ponds Month - Ponca
Crane Moon - Potawatomi
Lizard Moon - San Juan
Sap Moon - Shawnee
Warming Moon - Shoshoni
Moon of the Snowblind - Sioux
Moon When Buffalo Cows Drop Their Calves - Sioux
Sore Eye Moon - Sioux
Wind Strong Moon - Taos
Moon When the Leaves Break Forth - Tewa Pueblo
Underwater Plants Sprout - Tlingit
Pahim Muattsi - Tumpisa
Moon of Winds - Unknown
Plow Moon - Unknown
Seed Moon - Unknown
Storm Moon - Wiccan
Long Days Moon - Wishram
Waehma Meecha - Yaqui
Little Summer Moon - Yuchi
Little Sand Storm Moon - Zuni

Sources for full moon names:

More about the moon:

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Ides of March, Dumbstruck Day, Pears Helene Day, more

March 15th, 2014, is National Quilting Day, Everything You Think Is Wrong Day, True Confessions Day, Purim, Ides of March, Brutus Day, Dumbstruck Day, Buzzards Day, World Consumer Rights Day, National Peanut Lovers' Day, and National Pears Helene Day. 

The third Saturday in March is National Quilting Day. Happy quilting!

If you think today is Everything You Think Is Wrong Day, you're wrong. No, wait - now I'm confused.

All right, I confess. Today is Everything You Think Is Wrong Day. Today is also True Confessions Day. And that's all I'm gonna say about that.

Purim, the most festive of Jewish traditions, begins on the evening of March 15th and ends on the evening of March 16th. Celebrants exchange gifts, drink wine, and wear masks and costumes.

Beware the Ides of March, also known as Brutus Day. The Ides of March is the Roman way of saying March 15th, and on this date Julius Caesar realized that Brutus had betrayed him. "Et tu, Brute?"

Perhaps you're shocked that everything you think is wrong, or perhaps you're stunned by someone's true confessions, or perhaps you're dismayed that Brutus betrayed Caesar. That's perfect, because today is Dumbstruck Day.

Hinckley, Ohio, USA, observes Buzzards Day each year on this date, celebrating the birds' springtime arrival.

The theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2014 is: "Fix Our Phone Rights." Hear, hear!

Ballgame or no ballgame, enjoy some peanuts today in honor of National Peanut Lovers' Day.

Try a truly elegant French dessert tonight - pears dressed to impress! Poach some pears, then serve with ice cream and chocolate sauce. National Pears Helene Day - ooh la la!

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Friday, March 14, 2014

Learn About Butterflies Day, Pi Day, more

March 14th, 2014, is Learn About Butterflies Day, Save a Spider Day, World Sleep Day, National Children's Craft Day, National Pi Day, International Ask a Question Day, and National Potato Chip Day. 

Butterflies.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos, Victor Habbick.
Learn About Butterflies Day is the time to, um, learn about butterflies. If it's too soon to find them in nature where you live, visit a butterfly house.

While you're learning about butterflies, don't neglect the spiders. Today is Save a Spider Day. If you find a spider where a spider is not welcome, move him outdoors with a glass and a postcard.

World Sleep Day is meant to raise awareness about sleep disorders and other issues related to sleep. On a lighter note, it's also an opportunity to catch up on that lost hour of sleep from Daylight Savings Time last weekend.

On National Children's Craft Day, perhaps the kidlets could make cool sculptures or collages featuring butterflies and spiders.

3/14 is National Pi Day, since the first digits of pi are 3.14. Create some circles to celebrate. Make some circles out of flaky pastry and use them to make a pie, if you're so inclined.

International Ask a Question Day might inspire you to inquire, "what is pi?" or "why are butterfly wings so colorful?" What a great tie-in with holidays mentioned above.

Today is National Potato Chip Day. This brings to mind a question, based on the Lay's marketing slogan: Can you eat just one?

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