Forgiveness Day, Chocolate Pudding Day, more

June 26th, 2013, 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: "On this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, I call on governments, the media and civil society to do everything possible to raise awareness of the harm caused by illicit drugs and to help prevent people profiting from their use."

In 1997 the United Nations declared June 26th as International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes: “I urge all Member States to accede to and fully implement the Convention against Torture and support the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture.  Let us work together to end torture throughout the world and ensure that countries provide reparation for victims.”

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, Strawberry Parfait Day, more

June 25th, 2013, is LEON Day, 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!
 

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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Please Take My Children to Work Day, more

June 24th, 2013, is Please Take My Children to Work Day, Museum Comes to Life Day, Celebration of the Senses Day, International Fairy Day, Swim a Lap Day, Inti Raymi, Midsummer's Day, St. John the Baptist's Day, and National Creamy Pralines 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 - not so much.

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.

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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Let It Go Day, Pecan Sandies Day, more

June 23rd, 2013, is National Let It Go Day, National Columnists' Day, Public Service Day, National Pink Day, Voidupuha, St. John's Eve, and Pecan Sandies Day.

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 21st in 2013. 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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Supermoon full moon on June 23rd, 2013

Full moon. Image: morgueFile.

June 23rd, 2013, brings a supermoon - this year's most spectacular full moon. A supermoon, technically perigee-syzygy, occurs when the full moon and the moon's perigee come within twelve hours. Perigee is the point in the moon's orbit when it comes closest to our planet.

The actual moment of full moon takes place today, but the exact moment varies with your location. However, the best time to view the supermoon is when it's only partially visible, at the horizon, because an optical illusion makes the moon seem even bigger.

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

Following is a list of full moon names for June. Some are bound to catch your attention. I'm keeping my distance from the Lakota moon, okay?

Hoer Moon - Abenaki
Full Strawberry Moon - Algonquin
When They Hill Indian Corn - Algonquin
When the Hot Weather Begins - ArapahoFull Leaf Moon - Assiniboine
Strawberry Moon - Anishnaabe
Poson - Buddhist
Moon of Horses - Celtic
Flower Moon - Cherokee
Green Corn Moon - Cherokee
Lotus Moon - Chinese
Windy Moon - Choctaw
Rose Moon - Colonial American
Leaf Moon - Comanche
Egg Hatching or Laying Moon - Cree
The Month Leaves Come Out - Cree
Blackberry Moon - Creek
Moon When June Berries Are Ripe - Dakotah Sioux
Dyan Moon - English Medieval
Berries Ripen Moon - Haida
Jyeshta Purnima - Hindu
Purnima Vrat - Hindu
Vat Savitri Poornima - Hindu
Major Planting Moon - Hopi
Nuertorvik - Inuit
Mead Moon - Janic
Strawberry Moon - Janic
Camas Ripe - Kalapuya
Sauhua daawaatra - Keresan
Summer Moon - Kiowa
Harvest Moon - Klamath
Thumb (counting on fingers, beginning with thumb in August) - Klamath
Wokas Moon - Klamath
Halapisu - Kumeyaay
Making Fat Moon - Lakota
Big Mouth Moon - Maidu
Big Summer Moon - Maidu
Ripening Moon - Mohawk
Blackberry Month - Muscokee
Watermelon Moon - Natchez
Big Planting - Navajo
Planting Moon - Neo Pagan
Moon When the Buffalo Bulls Hunt the Cows - Omaha
Summer Moon - Passamaquoddy
Rules Nature Moon - Pomo
The Brodiaca Moon - Pomo
Hot Weather Begins Moon - Ponca
Turtle Moon - Potawatomi
Dark Green Leaves Moon - Pueblo
Leaf Dark Moon - San Juan
Raspberry Moon - Shawnee
Summer Moon - Shoshoni
Moon of Making Fat - Sioux
Moon When Green Grass Is Up - Sioux
Strawberry Moon - Sioux
Corn Tassel Moon - Taos
Moon When the Leaves Are Dark Green - Tewa Pueblo
Birth Moon - Tlingit
Naapaim Muattsi - Tumpisa
Hay Moon - Unknown
Honey Moon - Unknown
Lovers' Moon - Unknown
Strong Sun Moon - Unknown
Fish Spoils Easily Moon - Wishram
Taa'a Meecha - Yaqui
Blackberry Ripening - Yuchi
Turning 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 2013-2014 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 and Full Moon Names
• Moon Names for a Full Year
• Wikipedia - Full Moon

More about the moon:

• Full moon calendar 2013 (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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Great American Wicnic, Chocolate Eclair Day, more

June 22nd, 2013, is Great American Wicnic, Great American Backyard Campout, Midsummer Eve, American Radio Relay League Field Day, Take Your Dog to Work Day, Stupid Guy Thing Day, Anti-Fascist Resistance Day, and National Chocolate Eclair Day.

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

The annual Great American Backyard Campout, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, takes place on the fourth Saturday in June. 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.

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

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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Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice, Peaches and Cream Day, more

June 21st, 2013, is Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice, Anne and Samantha Day, World Peace and Prayer Day, National Daylight Appreciation Day, World Humanist Day, National Day of Greenland, 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.

Our sun. Image: Graur Codrin, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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

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

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

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

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

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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Dump the Pump Day, Recess at Work Day, more

June 20th, 2013, is National Dump the Pump Day, Recess at Work 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.

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!

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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Dine Out Day, Sauntering Day, Eat an Oreo Day, more

June 19th, 2013, is National Dine Out Day, 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.

Join foodies and other hungry people today, as they satisfy their appetites while supporting a great cause. On National Dine Out Day participating restaurants will donate a percentage of their sales to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund.

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 toG4's Attack of the Show (now cancelled) 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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Picnic Day, Go Fishing Day, Take a Kid Fishing Day, more

June 18th, 2013, is International Picnic Day, Go Fishing Day, Take a Kid Fishing Day, National Splurge Day, Queen's Birthday (Cambodia), Evacuation Day (Egypt), National Day (Seychelles), National Martini Day, and International Sushi Day.

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

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.

And in that same vein....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 - then have a picnic after?

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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Fresh Veggies Day, Eat Your Vegetables Day, Apple Strudel Day, more

June 17th, 2013, is 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.

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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Father's Day, Husband Caregiver Day, Fudge Day, more

June 16th, 2013, is Father's Day, Husband Caregiver Day, Family Awareness Day, Bloomsday, Youth Day (South Africa), Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, and National Fudge 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?

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.

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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Hollerin' Contest, Fly a Kite Day, Lobster Day, more

June 15th, 2013, is National Hollerin' Contest, World Jugglers 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 third Saturday in June, Spivey's Corner, North Carolina hosts the National Hollerin' Contest. Yaaaaahhh!

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.

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 eighth annual Nature Photography Day on June 15th, 2013. 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 commemorates 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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Work at Home Father's Day, Flag Day, Strawberry Shortcake Day, more

June 14th, 2013, is Work at Home Father's Day, 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, Day of Mourning and Commemoration, and National Strawberry Shortcake 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.

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 2013 is "Give the gift of life: donate blood."

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?

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, 2013, is National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day, Sewing Machine Day, National Career Nursing Assistants 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.

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.

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, 2013, 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, 2013, 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, Ballpoint Pen Day, more

June 10th, 2013, is Mourn for Your Money Day, Ballpoint Pen 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.

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, Multicultural American Child Awareness Day, more

June 9th, 2013, is Profess Your Love Day, Donald Duck Day, National Children's Day, Multicultural American Child Awareness Day, Abused Women and Children's Awareness Day, and National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day.

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

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

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.

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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Belmont Stakes, Upsy Daisy Day, Name Your Poison Day, more

June 8th, 2013, is  Belmont Stakes, Upsy Daisy Day, Best Friends Day, Clean Air Day, World Oceans Day, and National Name Your Poison Day.

Today brings the Belmont Stakes. Orb is the favorite to win, at 3:1 odds.

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 2013 is "Oceans and People."

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

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Donut Day, Chocolate Ice Cream Day, more

June 7th, 2013, is National Donut Day, Boone Day, and National Chocolate Ice Cream Day.

Visit your local Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts today for a free donut, or check to see if your favorite bakery is celebrating National Donut Day. This sweet holiday is celebrated on the first Friday in June, originally as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army.

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

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

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Drive-In Movie Day, Gardening Exercise Day, more

June 6th, 2013, is Drive-In Movie Day, National Gardening Exercise Day, National Yo-Yo Day, Bonza Bottler 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.

"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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Running Day, Gingerbread Day, more

June 5th, 2013, is National Running Day, National Tailor's Day, Clean Air Day, World Environment Day, Constitution Day and Father's Day (Denmark), and National Gingerbread Day.

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

Clean Air Day is observed on Wednesday of Environment Week.

The theme of World Environment Day 2013 is, "Think. Eat. Save."

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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Hug Your Cat Day, Frozen Yogurt Day, more

June 4th, 2013, is Audacity to Hope Day, Do-Dah Day, Hug Your Cat Day, Old Maid's Day, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, and National Frozen Yogurt Day.

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."

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

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Repeat Day, Repeat Day, Repeat Day, more

June 3rd, 2013, is Repeat Day, Love Conquers All Day, Casey at the Bat Day, Chimborazo Day, Jefferson Davis Day, National Rocky Road Day, and National Chocolate Macaroon Day.

June 3rd is Repeat Day, a great day for compulsive types. You could celebrate with your favorite snack - eat, relax, repeat. Or you could watch Groundhog Day, the ultimate movie tribute to repetition.

June 3rd is Repeat Day, a great day for.... Ooops.

Leave the Office Early Day sounds great in theory, but don't put your job in jeopardy.

If you and your sweetie have survived life's ups and downs, show your appreciation on Love Conquers All Day.

Casey at the Bat Day honors an iconic American poem about baseball, written by Ernest L. Thayer. The poem was first published on this date in 1888.

Chimborazo Day celebrates the volcano, Chimborazo, that's the furthest point from the Earth's equator and the Earth's closest point to the moon. (Mount Everest is the tallest point when measured from sea level, but not when measured from the Earth's core. The Earth isn't a perfect sphere - Chimborazo sits on the equatorial bulge in Ecuador.) Dazzle your friends with this Chimborazo trivia today.

Some in the southern United States celebrate Jefferson Davis Day on June 3rd or the first Monday in June. Jefferson Davis was a leading Confederate during the Civil War, and he even became President of the Confederate States of America.

Today is National Rocky Road Day, not Rocky Road Ice Cream Day. This day honors the combo that makes up rocky road - chocolate, marshmallow, and nuts. There's a culinary trinity for you, every bit as good as the French trinity of onion, celery, and carrot.

Now that you're full of rocky road, be aware that today is also National Chocolate Macaroon Day! Whatcha gonna do? Maybe you can diet tomorrow.

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Bubba Day, Yell "FUDGE" at the Cobras in North America Day, more

June 2nd, 2013, is National Bubba Day, International Whore's Day Red Umbrella March, National Trails Day, I Love My Dentist Day, Children's Awareness Memorial Day, American Indian Citizenship Day, Republic Day (Italy), National Cancer Survivors Day, and Yell "FUDGE" at the Cobras in North America Day.

National Bubba Day is a time to honor - or slap on the back - anyone named "Bubba." But if your name is Bubba, isn't every day a party?

Here's an eye-opening holiday for you: International Whore's Day! But the celebration doesn't go the way you might be thinking. International Whore's Day commemorates a protest in Lyon, France, in 1975. Sex workers and other sympathetic women walked with red umbrellas in objection to a police threat to take away the sex workers' children.

Dentistry has come a long way since the days of no anesthesia. These days going to the dentist can be downright relaxing. Thank your dentist on I Love My Dentist Day.

Children's Awareness Memorial Day is a time to remember American children who died violent deaths.

June 2nd is American Indian Citizenship Day, commemorating the date in 1924 when all Native Americans were granted U.S. citizenship. Prior to that, only Native American women who married U.S. citizens or Native Americans who fought in World War I had been considered citizens.

National Cancer Survivors Day is always celebrated on the first Sunday in June. If you're a survivor, you know every day is worth celebrating!

Republic Day in Italy is a national day of rest. Sounds great to me.

Yell "FUDGE" at the Cobras in North America Day is a wacky strategy to keep the cobras away. All North Anericans should step outside at noon local time and yell the sweet word that repels cobras. Apparently it's working - so is my elephant repellent.

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Go Barefoot Day, Hazelnut Cake Day, more

June 1st, 2013, is National Go Barefoot Day, Flip a Coin Day, Pen Pal Day, Say Something Nice Day, National Trails Day, Mindfulness Day, Dare Day, Heimlich Maneuver Day, Madaraka Day, Stand for Children Day, International Children's Day, and National Hazelnut Cake Day.

National Go Barefoot Day is a nice way to recognize the approach of summer weather. The event is sponsored by Soles4Souls, which collects donations and distributes shoes to those in need.

Heads for yes, tails for no - will you celebrate Flip a Coin Day?

Pen Pal Day honors a somewhat old-fashioned hobby. Are Facebook friends the modern version of pen pals? How about Twitter followers?

You know, you have beautiful eyes. And you're so loyal - visiting my blogs day after day! Share some compliments on Say Something Nice Day.

2013 brings the 21st annual National Trails Day. Take some time to enjoy nature's beauty.

Mindfulness Day is a Zen Buddhist holiday "for being mindful that you, and all that is, are in the process of transformation." 

Today is Dare Day, not D.A.R.E. Day. Dare to do something exciting - disconnect from technology and explore reality!

International Children's Day flag.

Do you know how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver? Learn the technique online or in a class, just in case someone you care about starts to choke. You could save a life! Happy Heimlich Maneuver Day.

On June 1st Kenya celebrates Madaraka Day, the anniversary of the country's independence in 1963.

Stand for Children Day is a time to think about children in the world who lack basic needs, including safety, medical care, and education.

International Children's Day originated in 1925 in Geneva. Today the date is celebrated with festivals in many countries.

Today's foodie celebration is National Hazelnut Cake Day. Bake or buy - the choice is yours - or just schmeer some Nutella on any old cake!

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