Newspaper Carrier Day, Eat an Extra Dessert Day, more

September 4th, 2011, is Newspaper Carrier Day, Father's Day (Australia and New Zealand), National Wildlife Day, Eat an Extra Dessert Day, and National Macadamia Nut Day.

Newspaper Carrier Day celebrates the dedicated individuals who deliver newspapers on foot, by bicycle, or by truck. Sadly their days seem numbered, as more of us read our news online.

Australia and New Zealand celebrate Father's Day on the first Sunday in September.

Go to the zoo, donate to your favorite animal-related charity, or provide treats to the animals living in your own back yard. Celebrate National Wildlife Day.

WARNING - Don't read this paragraph if you're on a diet. I'm serious! Okay, if you're still reading, perhaps you'll be glad to know today is Eat an Extra Dessert Day.

If you've decided to participate in the holiday mentioned above, might as well go all the way and include high-fat macadamia nuts. Happy National Macadamia Nut Day.

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September 2011 weeks to celebrate

Get out your calendar - record your favorite week-long observances and festivities for September 2011.

Euro Dog Show Netherlands - September 1st to September 4th

National Sweet Corn Festival - September 1st to September 5th

Self-University Week - September 1st to September 7th

International Enthusiasm Week - September 1st to September 7th

Child Injury Prevention Week - September 1st to September 7th

National Waffle Week - first week of September
National Suicide Prevention Week - September 4th to September 10th
National Payroll Week - September 5th to September 9th
National Biscuit and Gravy Week - second week of September
National Assisted Living Week - September 11th to September 17th
International Housekeepers Week - September 11th to September 17th
National Constitution Center Constitution Week - September 11th to September 17th
National Health IT Week - September 12th to September 16th
National Line Dance Week - September 12th to September 17th
National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Month - September 12th to September 18th
National Guitar Flat-Picking Championships - September 14th to September 18th
National Championship Air Race - September 14th to September 18th

National Farm Animals Awareness Week - September 15th to September 21st
Constitution Week - September 16th to September 22nd
National Farm Animals Awareness Week - September 18th to September 24th
National Forest Week - September 18th to September 24th
Flower Week - September 18th to September 24th
National Farm Safety and Health Week - September 18th to September 24th

National Singles Week - September 18th to September 24th
Turnoff Week - September 18th to September 24th
National Rehabilitation Awareness Celebration - September 18th to September 24th

Balance Awareness Week - September 18th to September 24th
Prostate Cancer Awareness Week - September 18th to September 24th
Substitute Teacher Appreciation Week - September 18th to September 24th
Tolkien Week - September 18th to September 24th
National Child Passenger Safety Week - September 18th to September 24th
Deaf Dog Awareness Week - September 18th to September 24th
Deaf Awareness Week - September 18th to September 24th
Build a Better Image Week - September 18th to September 24th
International Clean Hands Week - September 18th to September 24th

National Love Your Files Week - September 19th to September 23rd
International Women's Ecommerce Day - September 19th to September 23rd
National Dog Week - September 19th to September 25th
National Unmarried and Single Americans Week - September 19th to September 25th
Pollution Prevention Week - September 19th to September 25th

Icarus Cup Free-Flying Festival - September 22nd to September 25th

Fall Hat Week - fourth week of September
National Dog Week - fourth week of September
Banned Books Week - September 24th to October 1st
National Adult Immunization Awareness Week - September 25th to October 1st
American Newspaper Week - week including September 25th
Keep Kids Creative Week - September 26th to October 2nd
Fall Astronomy Week - September 26th to October 2nd
Rosh Hashanah - September 28th to September 30th
Remember to Register to Vote Week - September 28th to October 4th
Great American Beer Festival - September 29th to October 1st

National Chimney Safety Week - September 30th to October 6th
National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week - 2011 dates unconfirmed

If you know of more week-long celebrations in September, please comment below.

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Lazy Moms Day, Skyscraper Day, Bacon Day, more

August 3rd, 2011, is National Lazy Moms Day, National Hummingbird Day, Skyscraper Day, National Welsh Rarebit Day, and International Bacon Day.

National Lazy Moms Day falls on a Saturday this year - nice! Be lazy in whatever form suits you, whether that means having the kids pick up your slack, vegging on the sofa with the remote, or playing tennis instead of doing the laundry. It's your call, moms!

The first Saturday of September is National Hummingbird Day. Do the hummingbirds know this? I'll watch for them today, flittering near our butterfly bushes and honeysuckle vines.

If you're in or near a large city, take time to admire the beauty and engineering miracle that is the modern skyscraper. Today is Skyscraper Day.

If you love cheese and beer, here's the holiday for you - National Welsh Rarebit Day. Some call it "Welsh Rabbit," but I prefer "Welsh Rarebit." Learn more about the etymology here.

The Saturday before the first Monday in September is International Bacon Day. With apologies to everyone not allowed to eat this porky delight, bacon is possibly nature's most delectable food. Check out this tribute to bacon from The Trend Police.

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Calendar Adjustment Day, Bison-Ten-Yell Day, Beheading Day, more

September 2nd, 2011, is Calendar Adjustment Day, Wear Teal Day, Bison-Ten-Yell Day, V-J Day, National Beheading Day, Spalding Baseball Day, and Blueberry Popsicle Day.

Calendar Adjustment Day commemorates the British Calendar Act of 1751, correcting the Gregorian calendar. The previously used Julian calendar was eleven days ahead of the earth's actual position, because it did not include leap years. The British Calendar Act decreed that the day after Wednesday, September 2nd, 1752 would be Thursday, September 14th. The act also decreed that the new year would begin on January 1st instead of March 25th.

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance invites everyone to participate in Wear Teal Day, to promote ovarian cancer awareness.

Bison-Ten-Yell Day honors the bicentennial birth date of a fictional person. Get it? Bison-Ten-Yell. Bicentennial. Supposedly, Bison-Ten-Yell invented a set of ten battle yells. Get it? Bison-Ten-Yell. Ten battle yells. The yells were based on a memory aid system.

On September 2nd, 1945, Japan formally surrendered to the Allies. V-J Day, also known as Victory over Japan Day, is remembered by some on August 14th or August 15th, when the surrender was originally announced in different time zones.

Dust off your guillotine - today is National Beheading Day. Nobody seems to know who, what, why, or when, but somehow this event has spread across the Internet. Remember that literal celebrations are illegal in most places!

Spalding Baseball Day commemorates the birth date of Albert Goodwill Spalding, the first man to publish the rules of baseball and the first to wear a glove to protect his hand during a game.

Blueberry Popsicle Day sounds like a yummy way to say goodbye to summer. Just don't wear a white shirt while enjoying your blueberry treat.

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Tourist Day, Chicken Boy Day, Orthodox New Year, more

September 1st, 2011. is Tourist Day, Chicken Boy Day, National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day, Toy Tips Executive Toy Test Day, Emma M. Nutt Day, Building and Code Staff Appreciation Day, Orthodox New Year, Ganesh Chaturthi, Independence Day (Uzbekistan), and National Cherry Popover Day.

Torremolinos, Spain celebrates Tourist Day, or Dia del Tourista, today. Along with parades, music, dancing, and costumes, the town offers tourists free sangria and fried fish. They also create a giant paella on the beach.

Chicken Boy Day is a time for Los Angeles residents to remember an icon of yesteryear. Chicken Boy once stood atop a restaurant bearing the same name.

Roses are red,
Violets are blue.
Some poems rhyme,
But this one doesn't.

Play around with non-rhyming words on National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day.

Toy Tips Executive Toy Test Day is an annual event in which executives test out new office toys and explore ways to increase creativity in the workplace.

"Is this the party to whom I am speaking?" Ah, memories of Lily Tomlin and Laugh-In. I'm reminiscing about old-time phone operators because today is Emma M. Nutt Day, honoring the first woman telephone operator.

Hold on to your hard hats - everyone is geared up to celebrate Building and Code Staff Appreciation Day!

September 1st brings the Orthodox New Year.

Ganesh Chaturthi, the 4th day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the Lord of Wisdom. Celebrants display beautifully decorated idols of Lord Ganesha.

Uzbekistan observes Independence Day on September 1st.

Hungry for something sweet and fun to eat? Celebrate National Cherry Popover Day.

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September 2011 month-long celebrations

September is a quiet month, with kids back in school and few major holidays. Spice up the month by choosing a cause or holiday from the following list of September celebrations. Events are listed alphabetically, with descriptive words such as "National" and "World" omitted.

AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days

Animal Remembrance Month
Arthritis Month
Atrial Fibrillation Month
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Month
Baby Safety Month

Backpack Safety America Month
Be Kind to Writers and Editors Month
Better Breakfast Month
Biscuit Month
Blueberry Popsicle Month
California Wine Month
Campus Safety Awareness Month
CDC Fruit of the Month - Figs
CDC Vegetable of the Month - Chili Peppers
Chicken Month

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Childhood Injury Prevention Month
Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Children's Good Manners Month
Cholesterol Education Month
Classical Music Month
Coastal Cleanup Month
College Savings Month
Coupon Month
Courtesy Month

Disaster Preparedness Month
DNA, Geonomics and Stem Cell Education Month
Emergency Preparedness Month
Ethnic Foods Month
Fall Hat Month
Food Allergy Awareness Month
Food Safety Education Month
Fruits and Veggies - More Matters Month
Go Wild During California Wild Rice Month
Grandparents Month

Great American Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fat Pizza Bake Month
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
Happy Cat Month
Head Lice Prevention Month
Healthy Aging Month

Hispanic Heritage Month - September 15th to October 15th
Home Furnishings Month
Honey Month
Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month - September 5th to October 5rh
ITP Awareness Month
KaBOOM! Play Day
Latino Nutrition Month - September 15th to October 15th
Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
Library Card Sign-Up Month
Literacy Month
Marriage Health Month
Million Minute Family Challenge - September 1st to December 31st
Mold Awareness Month
Mushroom Month
Newborn Screening Awareness Month
One-on-One Month
Organic Harvest Month
Osteopathic Medicine Month
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Papaya Month
Pediculosis Prevention Month
People Skills Month
Piano Month
Pink Flamingo Month
Pleasure Your Mate Month
Potato Month
Preparedness Month
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Read a New Book Month
Recovery Month
Rice Month
Save the Tiger Month
School Success Month
Sea Cadet Month
Self-Awareness Month
Self-Improvement Month
Senior Pet Health Care Month
Sewing Month

Shameless Promotion Month
Sickle Cell Month
Skin Care Awareness Month
Sports and Home Eye Health and Safety Month
Square Dancing Month
Strategic Thinking Month
Subliminal Communications Month
Update Your Resume Month
Volunteer for REALTOR Association Service Month
Whole Grains Month
Women of Achievement Month
Women's Friendship Month

Yoga Awareness 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 September!

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I Love Litigating Lawyers Day, Limbra Noastra, Hari Raya Puasa, more

August 31st, 2011, is I Love Litigating Lawyers Day, Limbra Noastra, Hari Raya Puasa, Independence Day (Malaysia), Independence Day (Kyrgzstan), and National Eat Outside Day.

You might have trouble drumming up enthusiasm for this holiday, unless you've won a big lawsuit or you're married to an attorney, but today is I Love Litigating Lawyers Day. They are a necessary component of the judicial system.

Moldova celebrates Limbra Noastra, honoring their national language, traditons, and freedoms. "Limbra Noastra" means "our tongue" or "our language."

Malaysia celebrates Hari Raya Puasa on August 31st this year, marking the end of Ramadan. "Hari Raya" means "day of celebration."

Malaysia also celebrates Independence Day, marking independence from Britain since 1957.

Kyrgyzstan observes Independence Day today, celebrating independence since 1991.

National Eat Outside Day is a great idea if it's not 100-plus degrees where you are. Enjoy!

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Frankenstein Day, Holistic Pet Day, Eid-ul-Fitr, more

August 30th, 2011, is National Frankenstein Day, National Holistic Pet Day, Victory Day (Turkey), Constitution Day (Kazakhstan), Santa Rosa of Lima, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Toasted Marshmallow Day.

National Frankenstein Day commemorates the birth date of Mary Shelly, who wrote Frankenstein at the tender age of eighteen.

National Holistic Pet Day is a time to think about the health of your pets from a prevention point of view. Pets, like people, benefit from proper diet and adequate exercise.

Turkey observes Victory Day on this date, remembering their victory over Greek invaders in 1922.

Kazakhstan celebrates Constitution Day on August 30th. Their current constitution was ratified in 1995.

Peru rmembers Santa Rosa of Lima today as a feast day. Some celebrants drop good will letters into a hollow where St. Rose tossed the key of her belt in penance.

Eid-ul-Fitr, the Feast of Fast-Breaking, marks the end of Ramadan. Eid-ul-Fitr comes on the 1st day of the 10th month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Toasted Marshmallow Day is here, encouraging us to spend time together, whether around a campfire or a kitchen stove. The only matter to debate is golden vs. blackened.

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According to Hoyle Day; National More Herbs, Less Salt Day; more

August 29th, 2011, is According to Hoyle Day; International Day Against Nuclear Tests; National More Herbs, Less Salt Day; and National Lemon Juice Day.

Wanna play cards? Edmund Hoyle invented the 52-card deck and wrote rules of play. Check your bookstore for rules according to Hoyle, then have a fun According to Hoyle Day.

August 29th is International Day Against Nuclear Tests, sponsored by the United Nations. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes: "Every day, more and more people are viewing both nuclear tests and nuclear weapons as dangerous relics of the Cold War, long overdue for permanent retirement."

National More Herbs, Less Salt Day is an inspirational holiday for all. Salt adds flavor, but too much salt has negative  health consequences. Herbs add flavor and offer health benefits. You do the math.

Along with herbs, citrus adds flavor, nutritional benefits, and an acidic zing to food Experiment with flavor on National Lemon Juice Day.

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Crackers over the Keyboard Day, Dream Day Quest and Jubilee, Mariamoba, more

August 28th, 2011, is Crackers over the Keyboard Day, Race Your Mouse around the Icons Day, Dream Day Quest and Jubilee, National Bow Tie Day, Gone-ta-Pott Day, Mariamoba, National Heroes' Day (Philippines), and National Cherry Turnover Day.

If you love your computer or simply want to keep your office job, you should skip this holiday. Otherwise, go crazy and celebrate Crackers over the Keyboard Day.

If you haven't ruined your computer by celebrating the holiday above, feel free to participate in Race Your Mouse around the Icons Day.

Dream Day Quest and Jubilee is one of three Emancipation Days of Respect, honoring the memory of  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. August 28th is the anniversary of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech.

If you're a fashion maverick or something of a geek, you'll be glad to know today is National Bow Tie Day.

The fun people at Gone-ta-Pott have declared the 28th of every month as Gone-ta-Pott Day.

The Democratic Republic of Georgia observes Mariamoba on August 28th. Pilgrims from all over the country climb a mountain to Sameba Church in Kasbegi. One tradition involves leading a lamb to the church, circling the church three times, then slaughtering, boiling, and eating the lamb.

The fourth Sunday in August is National Heroes' Day in the Philippines.

Enjoy a tasty treat, suitable for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, in honor of National Cherry Turnover Day.

Just Because Day, Motorist Consideration Day, Banana Lover's Day, more

August 27th, 2011, is Just Because Day, Motorist Consideration Day, The Duchess Who Wasn't Day, Feast of St. Monica, Independence Day (Moldova), Banana Lover's Day, and National Pots de Creme Day.

Just Because Day is a holiday to celebrate any way you choose, just because! Enjoy your freedom, just because.

Just for today, let someone merge into your lane rather than speeding up. Use your turn signals. Maintain a proper following distance. Keep your horn and your gestures to yourself. You've successfully followed the spirit of Motorist Consideration Day! Was that so hard? How about doing the same again tomorrow?

The Duchess Who Wasn't Day is a tribute to novelist Margaret Wolfe Hungerford, who sometimes wrote under the pseudonym "The Duchess." To celebrate, say aloud this famous quote from The Duchess' novel, Molly Bawn: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

The Feast of St. Monica celebrates the patron saint of abuse victims, alcoholics, alcoholism, difficult marriages, dissappointing children, homemakers, housewives, married women, mothers, victims of adultery, victims of unfaithfulness, victims of verbal abuse, widows, and wives.

Moldova observes Independence Day, celebrating independence from the Soviet Union, on August 27th.

Celebrate the banana, the world's most popular fruit, on Banana Lover's Day. You'll love the flavor; your body will love the fiber and potassium.

National Pots de Creme Day celebrates a fabulous French custard. Interestingly, pots de creme also refers to the lidded pots in which the custard is often served.

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Toilet Paper Day, Dog Day, Cherry Popsicle Day, more

August 26th, 2011, is Toilet Paper Day, National Dog Day, Women's Equality Day, Daffodil Day (Southern Hemisphere), Heroes Day (Namibia), and National Cherry Popsicle Day.

For some mysterious reason, today is Toilet Paper Day. Be grateful we've progressed beyond Corn Cob Day.

National Dog Day is the perfect time to show love for man's best friend, as the saying goes. Shimmer, the Official Blog Dog of the Trend Police, will have a nice chunk of burger at dinner time.

Women's Equality Day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote in the United States, in 1920. Representative Bella Abzug of New York inspired Congress to designate this holiday in 1971.

Daffodil Day is the premiere fundraising and awareness event sponsored by the Cancer Society, observed in the Southern Hemisphere in August while daffodils are in bloom. "The daffodil is one of the first flowers of spring, whose bright yellow blooms remind us of the joys the new season will bring. It represents the hope there is for the 1 in 3 New Zealanders affected by cancer."

Namibia observes Heroes Day on August 26th, remembering when the first bullet was fired in their fight for liberty in 1966.

Here in the Northern Hemisphere we're still enjoying the dog days of summer. Make the most of today with a cold treat in honor of National Cherry Popsicle Day.

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Kiss and Make Up Day, Second-Hand Wardrobe Day, more

August 25th, 2011, is Kiss and Make Up Day, Second-Hand Wardrobe Day, National Whiskey Sour Day, and National Banana Split Day.

If you sometimes lose patience with the ones you love, here's the holiday for you. Embrace the true spirit of Kiss and Make Up Day.

I try to teach my tween daughter the value of shopping for that million-dollar outfit on a bargain budget. It's a game, a challenge, a valuable skill. Hit the consignment shops, for today is Second-Hand Wardrobe Day.

The whiskey sour is a classic cocktail, around since the 1860s, but often overlooked these days. Did you know that a truly authentic whiskey sour includes egg white for frothiness? Cheers, for today is National Whiskey Sour Day.

If you're under twenty-one or simply prefer not to drink, National Banana Split Day is a great alternative. Banana splits feature enough fruit and nuts to seem sorta healthy, but they also include enough ice cream, chocolate, and whipped topping to satisfy every dessert fanatic.

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Strange Music Day, Vesuvius Day, Can Opener Day, more

August 24th, 2011, is International Strange Music Day, Vesuvius Day, Can Opener Day, National Knife Day, Flag Day (Liberia), Independence Day (Ukraine), National Waffle Day, and National Peach Pie Day.

What's your concept of strange music? I think of Richard Cheese, Frank Zappa, and some contemporary jazz. Happy International Strange Music Day!

Vesuvius Day commemorates the date in 79 A.D. when Mount Vesuvius erupted, killing many, preserving some in the midst of their daily activities in Pompeii, Italy.

Do you buy canned goods anymore? Some of us have cut back, preferring to reduce sodium intake and appreciate the goodness of fresh food. Nonetheless, sometimes it's irresistably convenient to zip open a can of veggies or soup. August 24th is Can Opener Day.

Let's focus on cooking, not stabbing, in honor of National Knife Day.

Liberia celebrates Flag Day on August 24th.

Ukraine celebrates Independence Day on August 24th.

Today, the anniversary of the first U.S. patent on a waffle iron, is National Waffle Day. My eleven-year-old recent made an amazingly maple-like syrup by boiling brown sugar and granulated sugar in water, then adding almond extract.

As summer winds down, enjoy a sweet, juicy summer fruit. Celebrate nature's bounty on National Peach Pie Day.

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Virgo the Virgin, August 23 to September 22

Virgo. Image: Salvatore Vuono, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Everyone born between August 23rd and September 22nd is a Virgo, the sign of the Virgin.

For more information about Virgo:

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

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Ride the Wind Day, Valentino Day, Black Ribbon Day, more

August 23rd, 2011, is Ride the Wind Day, Valentino Day, Hug Your Sweetheart Day, International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism, Black Ribbon Day, Buttered Corn Day, and National Sponge Cake Day.

Today is Ride the Wind Day, commemorating this date in 1977 when the Gossamer Condor was flown by Bryan Allen. This achievement marked the first human-powered flight, because Allen had to pedal the plane as if it were a bicycle!

Valentino Day is a time to remember silent film star Rudolph Valentino, born on this date in 1895 as Rudolfo Alfonzo Raffaello Pierre Filibert Guglielmi di Valentina d'Antonguolla.

If circumstance prevents you from actually hugging your sweetheart on Hug Your Sweetheart Day, at least send an e-card.

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, sponsored by the United Nations, is a day to "pay tribute to the tireless struggle of the slaves for their freedom."

In 2008 the European Parliament proclaimed August 23rd as European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism.

Canada observes Black Ribbon Day on this date, remembering the victims of Europe's totalitarian regimes.

As summer turns to fall, what better food to enjoy than buttered corn? Corn conjures up notions of summer BBQ and fall harvest decor. Happy Buttered Corn Day.

National Sponge Cake Day makes me think of my mother, who is no longer with us. Sponge cake is a delicious retro dessert, best served with fresh fruit and childhood memories.

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Be an Angel Day, Janmashtami, Punctuation Day, Hoodie Hoo Day, more

August 22nd, 2011, is Be an Angel Day, National Tooth Fairy Day, Janmashtami, Punctuation Day, Hoodie Hoo Day (Southern Hemisphere), National Pecan Torte Day, and Eat a Peach Day.

On Be an Angel Day, celebrated every year since 1993, everyone is asked to "do one small act of service for someone." What will you do?

Moving from angel to fairy, today is also National Tooth Fairy Day. She works hard every night!

Janmashtami is the Indian celebration of the birth of Krishna. It is a time for fasting, prayer, religious processions, and music. Traditional foods for the one meal allowed during the fast include Kalakand, Gopaklala, and Murukku.

Attention! Are...you...paying...attention? Are, you, sure??? Shall I continue; misusing -- these: punctuation marks? Of course not, because today is National Punctuation Day.

The Southern Hemisphere celebrates Hoodie Hoo Day on August 22nd. Step outside at noon, wave your arms in the air, then shout, "Hoodie-hoo!" If you're lucky, your efforts will help usher in spring.

National Pecan Torte Day celebrates a special layered concoction. A torte is a cake made from eggs, sugar, and ground nuts instead of flour.

If you crave something simpler, more natural than pecan torte, take heart. Today is also Eat a Peach Day. Nothing tastes better than a sweet, juicy peach.

Senior Citizens' Day and Spumoni Day

August 21st, 2011, is Senior Citizens' Day and National Spumoni Day.

In 1988 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 21st as Senior Citizens' Day. The proclamation states: "For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older - places in which older people can participate to the fullest and can find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue to lead lives of independence and dignity."

Spumoni is a fabulous Italian concoction featuring stripes of cherry, vanilla, and pistachio ice cream, laced with dried fruit and nuts. Today is National Spumoni Day. Buon appetito!

Lemonade Freedom Day, World Mosquito Day, Virtual Worlds Day, more

August 20th, 2011, is Lemonade Freedom Day, World Mosquito Day, Virtual Worlds Day, National Radio Day, International Homeless Animals Day, Constitution Day (Hungary), and National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day.

The message of Lemonade Freedom Day is simple - "Selling lemonade is not a crime!" To expand on that message, local officials should back off when our children want to earn a little money, learn a bit about responsibility and business, and simply have fun. Self-described Voluntaryist Robert Fernandes writes, "Please join us on August 20, 2011 and set up your own lemonade stand. We need to send a message to everyone who is listening. They cannot shut down the kids' lemonade stands. If you do not have kids or do not want to set up your own lemonade stand, please support a local kid's lemonade stand. Selling lemonade is not a crime!"

World Mosquito Day isn't a time to celebrate those pesky little critters who bite. It is a time to think about prevention. Use repellant, avoid being outdoors at dusk, and don't leave standing water on your property. Here's a great tip to help your little ones who want to scratch: Circle the bites with a blue ink pen! I can't say why, but the circles stop the itch.

What is your favorite virtual world? I'm partial to The Sims, especially The Sims 3, a most satisfying time-sucker. Happy Virtual Worlds Day!

On National Radio Day, take a moment to appreciate a medium that's free to all and reliable, offering news, music, and entertainment. Radio has survived in spite of television, the Internet, and so many other options.

The 3rd Saturday in August is International Homeless Animals Day. On the 20th annual event in 2011, candlelight vigils will be held around the world.

Hungary celebrates Constitution Day on August 20th, honoring the adoption of their constitution in 1949.

Pecan pie is one of the world's most perfect desserts. Adding a bit of chocolate couldn't hurt, I suppose. Enjoy National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day.

Sandcastle and Sculpture Day, World Photography Day, Potato Day, more

August 19th, 2011, is Noruz, National Sandcastle and Sculpture Day, World Photography Day, National Men's Grooming Day, National Hug Your Boss Day, World Humanitarian Day, National Aviation Day, Independence Day (Afghanistan), and National Potato Day, 

In 2011 Jamshedi Noruz, the Zoroastrian New Year's Day in the Shenshai calendar, takes place on August 19th.

If you're lucky enough to be near a beach, today is the holiday for you. Create a masterpiece in honor of National Sandcastle and Sculpture Day.

To celebrate World Photography Day, capture and submit a special image of your world.

National Men's Grooming Day, sponsored by American Crew, is observed on the 3rd Friday in August. Some salons and barber shops offer special deals.

National Hug Your Boss Day is celebrated in the U.K. Organizers at TipTopJob.com say, "If you can hug your boss, you love your job!!!!"

The United Nations supports World Humanitarian Day on August 19th. The theme for 2011 is "People Helping People." U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon states: “Let those we honour today inspire us to start our own journey to make the world a better place and bring our human family more closely together.”

August 19th, the birth date of Orville Wright, is celebrated as National Aviation Day.

Afghanistan observes Independence Day on August 19th.

In honor of National Potato Day, enjoy the tasty, nutritious potato in some form other than french fry or potato chip.