Earth at aphelion on July 4th, 2011

On July 4th, 2011, at 14:54 UT, our earth will be at aphelion. At that time the earth will be at its farthest point from the sun. More room in the sky for fireworks, right?

Earth and sun. Image: idea go; FreeDigitalPhotos

The earth travels around the sun on a slightly elliptical path. Every July the earth reaches aphelion, its farthest point from the sun. About six months later, in January, the earth reaches perihelion, its closest point to the sun. At aphelion the earth is 94.5 million miles from the sun.

Aphelion will occur at 14:54 UT this year. Convert UT to your local time here.

According to Merriam-Webster, the first syllables of aphelion can be pronounced as "a feel" or "app heel." Your choice. Either way, you're bound to impress your friends with your knowledge.

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Independence Day (USA), Indivisible Day, Independence from Meat Day, more

July 4th, 2011 is Independence Day (USA), Indivisible Day, Independence from Meat Day, National Barbecued Spareribs Day, Sidewalk Egg Frying Day, American Redneck Day, National Country Music Day, CARICOM Day, Heroes Day (Zambia), and National Caesar Salad Day.

July 4th is Independence Day in the United States, commemorating our independence from Britain and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Families traditionally eat barbecue, attend festivals, and enjoy fireworks. Happy Birthday, USA!

Indivisible Day is observed in Minnesota, USA, in recognition of the importance of separation of church and state. (Maybe it's just me, but shouldn't the day be called Divisible Day or Separation Day?)

In the USA, promoting Independence from Meat Day on July 4th is probably an exercise in futility, but perhaps that's the point. My sun hat is off to anyone who chooses to go vegetarian in the midst of grilled ribs, chicken, pork steak, brats, hotdogs, and more.

Many Americans celebrate National Barbecued Spareribs Day without even realizing it, just by enjoying summer and Independence Day. Delish!

July 4th is also Sidewalk Egg Frying Day, because in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere it is inded hot enough to cook eggs on the sidewalk this time of year. I still prefer a skillet, though.

On American Redneck Day, send an ecard to your redneck friends or listen to some classic Jeff Foxworthy routines.

National Country Music Day honors an American-made genre of music, including artists from Slim Whitman to Gene Autrey, from Johnny Cash to Elvis Presley, from Garth Brooks to Carrie Underwood. The mecca of country music is The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

CARICOM stands for the Caribbean Community, and the first Monday in July is CARICOM Day. The day commemorates the Treaty of Chaguaramas, signed in 1973 by the prime ministers of Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Heroes Day is celebrated in Zambia on the first Monday in July. The day commemorates Zambia's independence from Britain, enjoyed since 1964.

The birthday of the USA is also the birthday of the Caesar Salad. This popular restaurant salad features a bed of romaine and a dressing made from anchovy, mustard, egg yolk, garlic, parmesan, and lemon juice. Much yummier than it sounds! Shoot off some (legal) green fireworks in honor of National Caesar Salad Day. Stay safe out there, loyal readers!

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Air Conditioning Appreciation Day, Build a Scarecrow Day, Perfect Pac-Man Day, more

July 3rd, 2011, is Air Conditioning Appreciation Day, National Build a Scarecrow Day, Perfect Pac-Man Day, Stay out of the Sun Day, Compliment Your Mirror Day, Independence Day (Belarus), Eat Beans Day, and National Chocolate Wafer Day.

Much of the United States is under a Heat Advisory this weekend, so when better to observe Air Conditioning Appreciation Day? Thanks to everyone who works hard in highest heat, keeping our A/C units in working order!

Scarecrows come to mind during the fall harvest season, along with pumpkins, gourds, and Indian corn, but obviously scarecrows must be on duty in the summer to protect those crops we love. The first Sunday in July is National Build a Scarecrow Day.

Perfect Pac-Man Day commemorates the day back in 1999 when Billy Mitchell cleared all 256 levels, gobbling every dot. After 22 levels, according to those who play much better than I ever will, the ghosts don't even turn blue when Pac-Man eats a power pellet. Mitchell's final score was 3,333,360.

By now we've all heard the warnings to use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection, and avoid sunburn at all costs. Stay out of the Sun Day is just a friendly reminder.

July 3rd is Compliment Your Mirror Day. Gaze deeply - you should like what you see. Nobody else has the particular combination of genes, experience, and fashion sense that come together to form that face looking back at you.

Independence Day is observed on July 3rd in Belarus, but this year non-violent protests are planned against the economic policies of President Alexander Lukashenko. Similar protests take place every Wednesday in Minsk, when thousands gather and simply applaud.

July 3rd is National Eat Beans Day. Celebrate this weekend, when many people enjoy barbecue, by having some baked beans or chili on the side. Refried beans are another yummy option.

For dessert on this hot summer day, try a sweet treat that's already baked. Celebrate National Chocolate Wafer Day.

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Halfway Point of 2011, I Forgot Day, World UFO Day, more

July 2nd, 2011 is the Halfway Point of 2011, I Forgot Day, World UFO Day, International Cherry Pit-Spitting Championship, International Day of Cooperatives, and National Anisette Day.

Although Second Half of the New Year Day was observed yesterday, June 2nd is the true Halfway Point of 2011. At noon on July 2nd, we are 182.5 days into the year, exactly half of the total 365.

Don't forget to remember that thing you've been forgetting, in honor of I Forgot Day. The theme song for this day could be either the clean version of Cee Lo Greene's recent hit, "Forget You," or that other song.... You know the one..... um..... Oh, never mind. I forgot.

World UFO Day used to be celebrated on two different dates until the WUFODO (World UFO Day Organization) declared July 2nd to be definitive. World UFO Day is meant to raise awareness about the existence of UFOs and also encourage governments to declassify information they have about alien visitors.

The 38th annual International Cherry Pit-Spitting Championship takes place today in Claire, Michigan, USA. Event planners say the competition is "spit- tacular!"

The United Nations sponsors the International Day of Cooperatives on July 2nd. In the words of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: "I invite young people to explore the benefits of pursuing cooperative enterprise and other forms of social entrepreneurship. At the same time, I encourage the cooperative movement to engage with youth, in a spirit of dialogue and mutual understanding."

Anisette is a licorice-flavored liqueur, made with anise seed. Some popular drinks made with anisette include the Fuel Injection, Cafe de Paris, and the Italia. Celebrate National Anisette Day.

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July 2011 weeks to celebrate

Get out your calendar - record your favorite week-long observances and festivities for July 2011:

National Unassisted Homebirth Week - July 1st to July 7th
Take Charge of Change Week - first week of July
National Canned Luncheon Meat Week - first week of July
Be Nice to New Jersey Week - July 3rd to July 9th
Nude Recreation Week - July 4th to July 10th
Freedom Week - July 4th to July 10th
World Dog Show - July 7th to July 10th
National Therapeutic Recreation Week - July 10th to July 16th
National Farriers Week - July 10th to July 16th
Sports Cliche Week - July 10th to July 16th
National Ventriloquism Week - July 13th to July 16th
National Rabbit Week - July 15th to July 21st
National Independent Retailers Week - July 17th to July 23rd
National Zoo Keeper Week - July 17th to July 23rd

Captive Nations Week - July 17th to July 23rd
National Parenting Gifted Children Week - July 17th to July 23rd
Restless Leg Syndrome Education and Awareness Week - July 18th to July 25th
National Baby Food Festival - July 20th to July 23rd

World Eskimo-Indian Olympics - July 20th to 23rd
Comic-Con International - July 21st to July 24th

National Salad Week - July 25th to July 31st
Lumberjack World Championship - July 29th to July 31st
Gilroy Garlic Festival - July 29th to July 31st

Single Working Women's Week - July 31st to August 6th

If you know of more week-long celebrations in July, please comment below. Enjoy your summer, if you're in the Northern Hemisphere!

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July 2011 month-long celebrations

July brings the heat of summer, many outdoor celebrations, and a long list of offbeat observances. Events are listed alphabetically, with descriptive words such as "National" and "World" omitted.

Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
Air Conditioning Appreciation Days - July 3rd to August 15th
Anti-Boredom Month
Baked Bean Month
Bereaved Parents Awareness Month
Bioterrorism/Disaster Education and Awareness Month
Bison Month
Black Family Month
Blackberry Month
Blondie and Deborah Harry Month
Blueberry Month
California Salmon Month
CDC Fruit of the Month - Nectarines
CDC Vegetable of the Month - Garlic
Cell Phone Courtesy Month
Child-Centered Divorce Month
Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month

Cord Blood Awareness Month

Culinary Arts Month
Dog Days - July 3rd to August 11th
Doghouse Repairs Month
Family Golf Month
Family Reunion Month
Fireworks Safety Month
Freedom from Fear of Speaking Month
Grilling Month
Group B Strep Awareness Month
Hemochromatosis Screening and Awareness Month
Herbal/Prescription Awareness Month
Horseradish Month

Hot Dog Month
Ice Cream Month
Independent Retailer Month

July Belongs to Berries Month
Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
Make a Difference to Children Month
Mobility Month
Pickle Month
Picnic Month
Purposeful Parenting Month
Raspberry Month
Read an Almanac Month
Recreation and Parks Month
Sandwich Generation Month
Share a Sunset with your Lover Month
Smart Irrigation Month
Social Wellness Month
Tahiti Awareness Month
Take a Nakation Month
Tour de France Month - July 2nd to July 24th

UV Safety Month
Watermelon Month
Wheelchair Beautification Month
Women with Alopecia Month
Women's Motorcycle Month
Zine Month

If you know of other month-long celebrations that should be included in this list, please provide info in the Comments section below. Happy July!

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Partial solar eclipse June 1st for loyal readers in Antarctica

July 1st, 2011, marks the third of four partial solar eclipses that will occur in 2011. This one will only be visible on the coast of Antarctica, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans come together. Please take a moment to say hello if you're actually reading this in Antarctica!

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Second Half of the Year Day, Joke Day, Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day, more

July 1st, 2011 is Second Half of the New Year Day, International Joke Day, Zip Code Day, National Financial Freedom Day, Canada Day, Independence Day (Burundi), Republic Day (Ghana), Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day, and Gingersnap Day.

July 1st is celebrated as the Second Half of the New Year Day, even though technically the Halfway Point of 2011 takes place on July 2nd.

In honor of International Joke Day, tell your favorite joke to your friends and coworkers (if appropriate). Post it here, too, in the Comments!

Some sites claim July 1st is ZIP Code Day, but I can't seem to verify the fact. There's another type of ZIP Code Day, though, specific to each ZIP Code in the United States, that only comes around once per century. It's based on the digits of your personal ZIP Code. For example, Beverly Hills would have celebrated last year on 9/02/10.

National Financial Freedom Day is the perfect time to assess your financial situation. Do you spend more each month than you take in? Do you bounce checks? Do you carry too much revolving debt? Should you refinance your mortgage? Only you - perhaps with the help of a professional - can determine the right budget and financial strategy for you.

Canada celebrates Independence Day, known as Canada Day, on July 1st. The date commemorates the British North America Act of 1867, the founding of the Canadian federal government.

Burundi celebrates their independence from Belgium on Independence Day.

Ghana celebrates their somewhat unstable government on July 1st, Republic Day.

What ice cream flavor combo would you concoct, if given the chance? I'm thinking about pistachio amaretto. Any takers? Unleash your inner ice cream chef on Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day.

Somehow I associate ginger-flavored baked goodies with winter and Christmas, but in spite of me Gingersnap Day is July 1st. Enjoy!

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Social Media Day, Leap Second Adjustment Time, Meteor Watch Day, more

June 30th, 2011 is Social Media Day, Leap Second Adjustment Time, Meteor Watch Day, National Handshake Day, Independence Day (Congo), Army Day (Guatemala), and National Bomb Pop Day.

Mashable celebrates the second annual Social Media Day on June 30th. Meetups are scheduled around the world - maybe even in your neck of the woods. Mashable says: "We’re thrilled to announce our second annual Social Media Day. The global event is a celebration of the technological advancements that enable everyone to connect with real-time information, communicate from miles apart and have their voices be heard. We invite you to celebrate by socializing with your online community offline!"

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 2011 no change will be made. 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 just never know. Look up now and then!

National Handshake Day is the perfect time to perfect an important social art. Shake hands with someone you trust, then ask them to evaluate your handshake. Too tight or too noodly can leave a negative impression!

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.

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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Camera Day, Hug Holiday, Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul, Isra and Mi'Raj, more

June 29th, 2011 is Camera Day, Hug Holiday, Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul, Waffle Iron Day, Isra and Mi'Raj, and National Almond Butter Crunch Day.

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.

Isra and Mi'Raj takes place on the 27th day of Rajab in the Islamic calendar. Isra and Mi'Raj honors the Prophet Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascent into heaven.

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, Gone-ta-Pott Day, Tapioca Day, more

June 28th, 2011 is INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY, Gone-ta-Pott Day, Insurance Awareness Day, Ukraine Constitution Day, and National Tapioca 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. Many friends in Missouri, suffering after tornadoes and floods, are making good use of their insurance. 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, which my eleven-year-old recently sampled for the first time. Strange feeling when a tapioca bubble travels up the straw and into your mouth.

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Decide To Be Married Day, Sunglasses Day, "Happy Birthday To You" Day, more

June 27th, 2011 is Decide To Be Married Day, Sunglasses Day, "Happy Birthday To You" Day, National Orange Blossom Day, Please Take My Children To Work Day, Paul Bunyan Day, National HIV Testing Day, Independence Day (Djibouti), and Canadian Multiculturalism Day.

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 the news anchors said 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.

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.

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?

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.

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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Forgiveness Day, America's Kids Day, Beautician's Day, Descendants Day, more

June 26th, 2011 is National Forgiveness Day, America's Kids Day, Beautician's Day, Descendants Day, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Corpus Christi, Independence Day (Somalia), Independence Day (Madagascar), National Bomb Pop Day, and National Chocolate Pudding Day.

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.

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.

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!

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.

In 1987 the United Nations declared June 26th as International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated, "Illicit drugs destroy innumerable individual lives and undermine our societies. Confronting the illicit trade on drugs and its effects remains a major challenge for the international community."

In 1997 the United Nations declared June 2th as International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon states, “At a time when the legitimate aspirations of people in many regions of the world for greater freedom, dignity and a better life are too often met with violence and repression, I urge States to respect the fundamental rights of all people. Torture and other forms of cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment and punishment, wherever they occur and whatever the circumstances, can never be justified.”

The Feast of Corpus Christi, primarily celebrated by Catholics, is also known as Feast of the Most Holy Body of Christ or Day of Wreaths. The event is celebrated by some on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, by others on the Sunday after. The Feast of Corpus Christi commemorates the Last Supper on the day before the crucifixion of Jesus.

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. (Unfortunately, we have another candidate for the "Eighth Continent" label - the giant garbage patch.)

If you've properly celebrated America's Kids Day, reward yourself and the young one with red, white, and blue bomb pops. Enjoy your bomb pops in a porch swing, if you have one. Happy National Bomb Pop Day! Oops - National Bomb Pop Day is celebrated on the last Thursday in July - that's July 30th in 2011.

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

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LEON Day, Great American Wicnic, Log Cabin Day, Catfish Day, more

June 25th, 2011 is  LEON Day, Great American Wicnic, Log Cabin Day, Great American Backyard Campout, National Canoe Day, American Radio Relay League Field 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!

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!"

Log Cabin Day was founded in 1986 by the Log Cabin Society and the Bad Axe Historical Society. Set aside your tablets, phones, and laptops, and imagine what life would be like in a log cabin, by candlelight, at a slower, less interactive pace.

The annual Great American Backyard Campout, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, takes place on June 25th. Register your team or donate to raise funds, benefiting NWF programs that "get American kids outside."

National Canoe Day, La Journee nationale du canot, is celebrated each year on this date in Canada.

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.

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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Take Your Dog to Work Day, Ugliest Dog Day, Museum Comes to Life Day, more

June 24th, 2011 is Take Your Dog to Work Day, Ugliest Dog Day, Swim a Lap Day, Museum Comes to Life Day, Inti Raymi, Midsummer's Day, International Fairy Day, Celebration of the Senses Day, St. John the Baptist's Day, and National Creamy Pralines Day.

Take Your Dog to Work Day is a fun concept, intended to raise awareness of pet adoption. Check with your boss first, please!

If your dog is reeallly ugly, will you still take him or her to work? Today is the Ugliest Dog Day, featuring the World's Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma, California, USA. How is it that dogs can be so ugly they're cute, but ugly people don't have that talent?

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.

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.

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.

Today is International Fairy Day, "the official holiday for fairy collectors, believers, artisans and the young at heart."

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.

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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Pink Day, Let It Go Day, Voidupuha, Pecan Sandies Day, more

June 23rd, 2011 is National Pink Day, National Let It Go Day, Public Service Day, Voidupuha, National Day (Luxembourg), St. John's Eve, Feast of Corpus Christi Day, and National Pecan Sandies Day.

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.

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.

Public Service Day, created by the United Nations, is observed on June 23rd each year to recognize the value and virtue of public service. This year's forum takes place in Tanzania, with the theme "Transformative Leadership in Public Administration and Innovation in Governance: Creating a Better Life for All."

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

National Day in Luxembourg honors the Grand Duke's Official Birthday, even though June 23rd is not the birth date of any actual ruler of Luxembourg. On the eve of this holiday, citizens take part in a torchlight procession.

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 2011. Bonfires are lit on St. John'e Eve to ward off evil spirits. This year's festivities have been scaled back in San Juan, out of respect to those who suffered loss in recent forest fires.

The Feast of Corpus Christi, primarily celebrated by Catholics, is also known as Feast of the Most Holy Body of Christ or Day of Wreaths. The event is celebrated by some on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, by others on the Sunday after. The Feast of Corpus Christi commemorates the Last Supper on the day before the crucifixion of Jesus.

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

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Stupid Guy Thing Day, Winter Solstice, Chocolate Eclair Day, more

June 22nd, 2011 is Stupid Guy Thing Day, Winter Solstice, Anti-Fascist Resistance Day, and National Chocolate Eclair Day.

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.

The Northern Hemisphere observed Summer Solstice on June 21st; the Southern Hemisphere observes Winter Solstice on June 22nd. Brrrr!

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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Cancer, 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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Summer Solstice, Anne and Samantha Day, Daylight Appreciation Day, more

June 21st, 2011 is Summer Solstice, Anne and Samantha Day, World Peace and Prayer Day, National Daylight Appreciation Day, Take a Kid Fishing Event, Go Skateboarding Day, Baby Boomers Recognition Day, World Handshake Day, National Aboriginal Day, St. Leufredus' Day, National Day (Greenland), Martyrs' Day (Togo), Atheist Solidarity Day, World Humanist Day, National Lambrusco Day, and National Peaches and Cream Day.

Our sun. Image: Graur Codrin, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Summer Solstice takes place on June 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. Check Google for a sweet first-day-of-summer logo today or after the fact.

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.

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?

On Go Skateboarding Day, you're encouraged to let everything else slide and just go skateboarding. Even zombies, according to this year's poster. I'll just stay in and research upcoming holidays for you, okay?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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."

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.

Doesn't summer bring peaches to mind? Celebrate the first day of summer, also known as National Peaches and Cream Day, with a bowl of summer goodness.

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Midsummer Eve, Festival of Sant Joan, Ride to Work Day, American Eagle Day, more

June 20th, 2011 is Midsummer Eve, Festival of Sant Joan, Ride to Work Day, American Eagle Day, Martyrs Day, Flag Day (Argentina), Toad Hollow Day of Thank You, UN World Refugee Day, National Vanilla Milkshake Day, and Ice Cream Soda Day.

Midsummer Eve is the second-largest celebration in Scandinavia, topped only by Christmas. Midsummer Eve is the night before Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. Some other parts of the world celebrate Midsummer on June 24th.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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