Men Make Dinner Day, Hug a Bear Day, more

November 7th, 2013, is National Men Make Dinner Day, Beltane, Hug a Bear Day, Notary Public Day, and National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day.

Attention, husbands, boyfriends, brothers, fathers, sons, etc. The first Thursday in November is National Men Make Dinner Day. Sure, steak au poivre and creme brulee would be lovely, but many of us would settle for some pasta and a salad. Surprise us!

Beltane begins on October 8th in the Southern Hemisphere this year. Beltane signals the beginning of spring - the light half of the year - on the Celtic calendar.

Today is Hug a Bear Day. Hug your favorite teddy bear, or, if you want to admire a real bear from a distance, send an e-card.

Thank your local notary public for certifying your important legal documents. Today is Notary Public Day.

Believe it or not, today is National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day. Very specific, right? Don't cheat - don't consume any milk chocolate with pecans.

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Samhain, Marooned Without a Compass Day, more

November 6th, 2013, is Samhain, Marooned Without a Compass Day, Saxophone Day, International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, and National Nachos Day.

Although many observe the Celtic holiday, Samhain, on November 1st, the true dates of Samhain 2013 are November  6th and 7th in the Northern Hemisphere.

Marooned Without a Compass Day doesn't come with much documentation. Perhaps it's similar to being "up the creek without a paddle." Celebrate how you see fit, but don't get lost.

Celebrate a lively, romantic woodwind instrument on Saxophone Day. The saxophone is named for its inventor, Adolphe Sax.

International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict is a long title for an important day, highlighting a rarely discussed issue. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General for the United Nations, writes: "On this International Day, we stress the critical importance of protecting the environment in times of armed conflict and restoring the good governance of natural resources during post-conflict reconstruction. We also recognize the important role that natural resources play in supporting the livelihoods and resilience of all members of society, especially women, and the implications of sustainable natural resource management for conflict prevention and peace."

Enjoy a zesty, easy-to-make snack today, National Nachos Day. According to Slashfood, nachos were first served in Piedras Negras, Mexico, by restaurant maitre d', Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya. I'll have mine topped with sour cream and cilantro, please. 

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Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night, Doughnut Appreciation Day, more

November 5th, 2013, is Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night, Gunpowder Day, Ottery St. Mary Tar Barrels, Colon Day, and Doughnut Appreciation Day.

Guy Fawkes Day, also known as Bonfire Night or Gunpowder Day, is a wild British celebration commemorating a foiled attempt to kill the king and blow up Parlaiment back in 1605. Guy Fawkes and some of his conspirators were convicted of treason, then hanged, drawn, and quartered. Hooray - let's shoot off some fireworks, burn some effigies, and have a great meal!

November 5th is the day of the Ottery St. Mary Tar Barrels. Every year residents of Ottery St. Mary, Devon, in the UK, carry burning tar barrels through the town and through the crowds. Historians disagree about the origin of this exciting festival. Follow this year's activities on Twitter at #tarbarrels.

On November 5th Panama observes Colon Day, which isn't what you might think. It's the Panamanian version of Columbus Day.

As if doughnuts (or donuts) need help in the appreciation department, someone dreamt up Doughnut Appreciation Day. I just might appreciate a glazed or chocolate donut sometime today.

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Mischief Night, King Tut Day, Candy Day, more

November 4th, 2013, is Mischief Night, Use Your Common Sense Day, Chicken Lady Day, King Tut Day, Traffic Professionals Day, Job Action Day, Victory Day (Italy), Flag Day (Panama), and National Candy Day.

Mischief Night in the United Kingdom is the night before Guy Fawkes Day or Bonfire Night. Beware the pranksters! (Mischief Night in the United States is October 30th, the night before Halloween.)

Use Your Common Sense Day honors the memory of humorist and social commentator Will Rogers, who once said, "Common sense ain't common."

Chicken Lady Day honors motivational speaker Dr. Marthenia "Tina" Dupree. She's known as "The Chicken Lady," according to her website, "because of her community involvement and dedication to high school and college students." I don't understand the poultry reference, but what matters is the devotion of her fans.

King Tut Day commemorates the date in 1922 when King Tutankhamun's tomb was rediscovered.

Traffic Professionals Day has nothing to do with road construction or the highway patrol. It's all about the people who direct advertising "traffic" at radio and television stations.

The theme for Job Action Day 2013 is "Empowering Job-Seekers!" This event always takes place on the first Monday in November.
 
Italy celebrates Victory Day, the end of World War I, on November 4th and/or the first Sunday in November.

Panama observes Flag Day on November 4th.

National Candy Day falls just four days after Halloween, so enjoy that leftover chocolate and candy corn!

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South Taurids Meteor Shower 2013

The 2013 South Taurids Meteor Shower occurs from September 25th to November 25th, 2012, but is expected to be at its peak on November 4th and 5th. (This meteor shower overlaps with the North Taurids Meteor Shower, which is expected to be at its peak on November 11th and 12th.)

City lights, called light pollution, can interfere with viewing. So can reflected moonlight. The waxing crescent moon shouldn't interfere much with the meteor show. Viewing for the South Taurids will be at its best in the early morning hours, after moonset, but the peak number of meteors is expected to be only about 7 per hour.

Meteor showers are named for the constellation they appear to be near. The South Taurids Meteor Shower appears near the constellation Taurus the Bull.

Stargazing bench. Image: suphakit73, FreeDigitalPhotos

Check out these sites for more information about the South Taurids Meteor Shower, including recommended viewing times for your corner of the globe:

• Spacedex 2013 Meteor Shower viewing guide
• StarDate 2013 Meteor Showers
• EarthSky's meteor shower guide for 2013 
• American Meteor Society
• Meteor Showers Online: Taurids
• Chandra X-Ray Observatory: Taurus the Bull
• The Holiday Whiz: Taurus, April 20 to May 20

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Daylight Saving Time, Zero-Tasking Day, Sandwich Day,more

November 3rd, 2013, is Daylight Saving Time (U.S.), Zero-Tasking Day, Islamic New Year, Housewife's Day, Cliche Day, Bunka no hi, Culture Day, Daimyo Gyoretsu, Separation Day (Panama), Independence Day (Dominica), Independence Day (Micronesia), and Sandwich Day.

Daylight Saving Time takes place on different dates around the world, with some areas and countries opting out. Much of the United States "falls back" on November 3rd this year, at 2:00 am.

Zero-Tasking Day takes place on different dates around the world, since it celebrates the extra hour gained due to Daylight Saving Time. Use your extra hour to relax, not to add more stress to your life!

November 3rd begins the Islamic New Year in 2013. The date, the first day of Muharram, varies each year on the Gregorian calendar. Muslims gather in mosques and offer prayers.

Housewife's Day falls on a Sunday this year. How convenient! Now the housewives can actually sit around eating bon-bons, whatever they are, while their hubbies or kids cook. No excuses.

What can I say about Cliche Day shat won't sound... chiche? Actions speak louder than words, so I'll just play it by ear and wait for the other shoe to drop. If you think these cliches are off the hook and the bee's knees, check out Cliche Finder.

Bunka no hi, or Culture Day, has been celebrated in Japan since 1948, highlighting the arts and academia. The day features exhibits, parades, and award ceremonies.

Daimyo Gyoretsu, or Feudal Lord's Procession, takes place today in Hakone, Japan. Parade participants dress as samurai and princesses.

Panama observes Separation Day on November 3rd. On this date in 1903, Panama formally separated from Colombia.

Dominica observes Independence Day today, commemorating independence from Great Britain since 1978.

Micronesia celebrates Independence Day on November 3rd.

Sandwich Day commemorates the birth date of John Montagu, the one-time Earl of Sandwich. As the story goes, he didn't want to take time away from gambling to eat. He requested some meat between two slices of bread so he could eat while betting. Ta da - the sandwich was born.

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Hybrid solar eclipse on November 3rd, 2013

Solar eclipse. Image: pixbox77; FreeDigitalPhotos.

November 3rd, 2013, brings the final solar eclipse for the year - a hybrid solar eclipse. Some will see an annular eclipse, meaning a ring of light will surround the moon; others will see a total eclipse, meaning the moon will totally block out the sun. Look to the skies if you happen to be iin the zone from Eastern North America to the Middle East. In Eastern North America, check the horizon at about 6:30 a.m.

Do NOT look directly at this eclipse - even with sunglasses. Use special viewing glasses or make a pinhole viewer.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun. During a total solar eclipse, the moon blocks the entire sun from view; during a partial solar eclipse, the moon obscures only a portion of the sun.

For more information about the November 2013 hybrid solar eclipse and eclipses in general, check out these useful sites:

• timeanddate.com: Solar and Lunar Eclipses
• Discovery: 'Hybrid' Solar Eclipse to Dazzle on Sunday
• NASA: Eclipse Web Site
• StarDate: 2013 Lunar and Solar Eclipses
• The Old Farmer's Almanac: Eclipse Dates for the Next Two Years
  
• MrEclipse.com: Solar Eclipses for Beginners
• EarthSky: Why aren't there eclipses at every full and new moon?

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Day of the Dead, Plan Your Epitaph Day, Deviled Egg Day, more

November 2nd, 2013, is Day of the Dead, All Souls' Day, Plan Your Epitaph Day, Look for Circles Day, Cookie Monster Day, and National Deviled Egg Day.

Day of the Dead began yesterday for some, with festivities continuing today. It is a time of rejoicing, not of mourning.

All Souls' Day is observed by Catholics, to remember friends and loved ones who have passed.

In Sweden, All Saints' Day is observed on the Saturday between October 31st and November 6th. Lighted candles are placed on the graves of loved ones.

Plan Your Epitaph Day is deliberately set to coincide with the Day of the Dead. Stop and consider - how do you want to be remembered? Should the grand sum of your life be reduced to a pair of dates and your name on a stone?

Today is Look for Circles Day. You can look for literal circles, such as the rim of your coffee cup or the pupil of your eye, or metaphorical circles, such as pretzel logic or workplace chaos.

You've probably got a stockpile of candy left over from Halloween, but do you have any cookies? The lovable blue monster from Sesame Street would love some, in honor of Cookie Monster Day. Oh - and Cookie Monster loves Look for Circles Day, because most cookies are round!

Seems an odd coincidence that the Day of the Dead is also National Deviled Egg Day. Hmmm.

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All Saints Day, Deep Fried Clams Day, more

November 1st, 2013, is All Saints Day, All Saints Day Kite Festival, Give Up Your Shoulds Day, National Cook for Your Pet Day, National Authors' Day, National Family Literacy Day, Revolution Day (Algeria), Independence Day (Antigua and Barbuda), Liberty Day (U.S. Virgin Islands), and National Deep Fried Clams Day.

Just as the name implies, All Saints Day honors all saints, known and unknown. The day used to be known as All Hallows Day, which inspired the names for October 31st - All Hallows Eve or Halloween.

Guatemala hosts the All Saints Day Kite Festival at Santiago Sacatepéquez's cemetery today. The kites, true works of art, are burnt at the end of the day's contests.

Give Up Your Shoulds Day is a great idea, in general. Stop worrying about what everyone else thinks you should do. Do, however, listen to the voice in your head that says, "I should keep my eyes on the road while I'm driving, instead of reading text messages."

National Cook for Your Pet Day sounds like a good idea, I suppose, unless your idea of cooking is nuking a package of microwavable brownies. Dogs and cats shouldn't eat chocolate.

In honor of National Authors' Day, compile your list of favorite authors and share it with the world (or your friends). I'm partial to Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, Ken Follett, and (at the moment) Amor Towles.

Celebrate National Family Literacy Day by reading with your family, aloud or separately, then discussing what you've read.

Algeria celebrates Revolution Day on November 1st.

Antigua and Barbuda observes Independence Day today.

The U.S. Virgin Islands celebrates Liberty Day, honoring David Hamilton Jackson and the establishment of a free press.

If you'd like to add more seafood to your diet, but you're worried that it might be too healthy, here's the holiday for you. Celebrate National Deep Fried Clams Day!

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Halloween, Knock-Knock Jokes Day, more

October 31st, 2013, is Halloween, Beggars' Night, National Knock-Knock Jokes Day, Carve a Pumpkin Day, Scare a Friend Day, Sneak Some of the Candy Before the Kids Start Knocking Day, National Magic Day, Books for Treats Day, Increase Your Psychic Powers Day, November Eve, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, Reformation Day, 7 Billion Day, and National Caramel Apple Day.

What better way is there to learn about Halloween than by visiting Halloween.com? The word "Halloween" comes from All Hallow's Eve, the day before All Saints Day. Some refer to Halloween as Beggars' Night.

National Knock-Knock Jokes Day is always celebrated on October 31st. How convenient! Knock-knock jokes are perfect "tricks" to perform, in exchange for receiving treats.

Carve a Pumpkin Day is here. Today is your last chance, after all, if your jack-o'-lantern is meant to be part of your Halloween festivities.

Some people celebrate Scare a Friend Day on Halloween. Booo!

HaLife says today is Sneak Some of the Candy Before the Kids Start Knocking Day. A lot of grown-ups celebrate this one.

National Magic Day honors famous magician Harry Houdini, who died on this date in 1926.

The slogan for Books for Treats Day is: "Give Brain Candy. Feed Kids' Minds, Not Their Cavities." Nice sentiment, perhaps, but be aware that retaliation is a potential consequence. Kids expect sweets.

October 31st is Increase Your Psychic Powers Day - but you knew I was going to say that, didn't you?

Today is November Eve, signaling not just the coming of a new month, but also Samhain, the Celtic dark season, which begins on November 1st.

Some people opt to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF today, rather than for personal gain.

Some countries, including Germany and Slovenia, observe Reformation Day on October 31st. Many churches observe the event on the last Sunday in October.

Want to read something really, really scary this Halloween? The world's population hit 7 billion on or about today's date in 2011, designated as 7 Billion Day. Our world population hit 6 billion not so long ago, in late 1999! Check out this current world population counter - uber scary.

By now everybody should know it's a bad idea to give or receive homemade treats door-to-door on Halloween. It's perfectly okay, however, to share caramel apples with family and close friends today, in honor of National Caramel Apple Day.

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Haunted Refrigerator Night, Create a Great Funeral Day, more

October 30th, 2013, is Haunted Refrigerator Night, Mischief Night, Devil's Night, Hell Night, Cabbage Night, Gate Night, Mizzy Night, Miggy Night, Goosing Night, Egg Night, Frankenstein's Monster Day, Sugar Addiction Awareness Day, Create a Great Funeral Day, Checklists Day, Pumpkin Day, and National Candy Corn Day.

Haunted Refrigerator Night is either a time to raid your fridge for snacks in the wee hours, or a time to clean out the leftovers that have passed their prime.

Mischief Night, Devil's Night, Hell Night, Cabbage Night, Gate Night, Mizzy Night, Miggy Night, Goosing Night, Egg Night - whatever you call it, this is the night before Halloween, when mischievous types in parts of the United States, Canada, and the UK enjoy playing pranks. Some in the UK celebrate on November 4th instead, the night before Bonfire Night.

Frankenstein's Monster Day, always celebrated on October 30th, is yet another holiday celebrating Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's literary creation.

Today is Sugar Addiction Awareness Day, or SAAD. meant to warn us about the dangers of candy overload. But Halloween comes just once a year.

Create a Great Funeral Day offers the opportunity to plan your own funeral, thus sparing your loved ones from guessing what you might want during a time of great stress.

Many of us use checklists every day. There are apps for that! The original concept was invented by a group of pilots, following a plane crash on this date in 1935. The crash happened because the pilot had forgotten to disengage a gust lock. Voila - Checklists Day.

If the harvest season, Halloween, and Thanksgiving don't totally satisfy your need for pumpkin, celebrate Pumpkin Day every October 30th. Some celebrate this event on October 26th as well.

National Candy Corn Day honors the most traditional Halloween candy of them all. Don't worry, candy corn isn't a vegetable.

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Hermit Day, Cat Day, more

October 29th, 2013, is Hermit Day, National Cat Day, Internet Day, World Psoriasis Day, Feast Day of Saint Thomas Bellacci, Turkey Republic Day, and National Oatmeal Day.

Hermit Day celebrates the solitary lifestyle. I envision a bearded man, living alone in a cave on a remote mountainside, but I suppose a hermit could dwell in an apartment, ordering supplies online and never setting foot outside.

Today is National Cat Day. Do something special with the feline in your life, perhaps involving a ball of yarn  or a laser pointer.

Internet Day comemorates the anniversary of the first message sent via the Internet back in 1969, between Stanford and UCLA. The message was supposed to be "Login," but the system crashed while trying to send the "g."

World Psoriasis Day is dedicated to those suffering with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

October 29th is the Feast Day of Saint Thomas Bellacci, patron saint of butchers.

Turkey observes Republic Day on this date.

Enjoy a breakfast staple that warms you on the inside today, National Oatmeal Day.

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Plush Animal Lover's Day, Chocolate Day, more

October 28th, 2013, is International School Library Day, La Saoire i mi Dheireadh Fomhair, Labour Day (New Zealand), Plush Animal Lover's Day, Gone-ta-Pott Day, Feast Day of Saint Jude, Ochi Day, Independence Day (Czech Republic), Wild Foods Day, and National Chocolate Day.

The fourth Monday in October is International School Library Day. Return those overdue books, kidlets!

The last Monday in October is celebrated in Ireland as a bank holiday - La Saoire i mi Dheireadh Fomhair. Festivities include music, food, a marathon, and Halloween-themed events.

New Zealand celebrates Labour Day on the fourth Monday in October.

Children and kids at heart, gather your animal friends. No, not the real ones. Gather your beloved plush critters and celebrate Plush Animal Lover's Day.

The 28th of every month is Gone-ta-Pott Day, as declared on the holiday website bearing the same name.

Today is the Feast Day of Saint Jude, patron saint of desperate cases and namesake of the incredible St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Greece observes Ochi Day (or Oxi Day), remembering when Greece said "ochi" (or "no") to Italian forces which wanted to invade the country in 1940. Greece then joined the Allied Forces against Hitler.

The Czech Republic observes Independence Day on this date.

October 28th is Wild Foods Day. Harvest some if you know what you're doing; visit a reputable health food store if you don't. At the very least, incorporate some fresh produce into your diet.

As if the upcoming Halloween doesn't offer enough sweet temptation, today we are tempted to indulge because it's National Chocolate Day.

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Mother-in-Law Day, Cranky Co-Workers Day, American Beer Day, more

October 27, 2013, is Mother-in-Law Day, XTERRA World Championship, Reformation Day, Cranky Co-Workers Day, Independence Day (Turkmenistan), American Beer Day, and National Potato Day.

The fourth Sunday in October is Mother-in-Law Day. If you have a mother-in-law, surprise her with something special.

The 2012 XTERRA World Championship takes place in Maui, Hawaii, USA. It is the "world's premier off-road triathlon," featuring a 1.5-kilometer rough water swim, a 29.5-kilometer mountain bike race, and a 9.8-kilometer trail run. Follow the action on Twitter at #XTERRA and #XTERRAMaui.

Reformation Day commemorates Martin Luther's posting of his Ninety-five Theses on the door of Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany, on October 31st, 1517. Thus began the Reformation movement. Many Lutherans and other Christians celebrate the event on the last Sunday in October.

Today we celebrate Cranky Co-Workers Day. If you can't pinpoint the cranky co-worker in your office, maybe it's you! Uh oh.

Turkmenistan observes Independence Day today, followed by a similar holiday tomorrow, October 28th.

Cheers - time to celebrate American Beer Day. If you don't drink, I'm sure root beer qualifies.

Today is National Potato Day. Believe it or not, potatoes are yummy when prepared many ways, beyond the ubiquitous french fries!

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Make a Difference Day, Pumpkin Day, more

October 26th, 2013, is Make a Difference Day, Pit Bull Awareness Day, Planet-Wide Moon Howl, National Tell a Story Day, Mule Day, Cook Islands Gospel Day, National Day (Austria), National Pumpkin Day, and National Mincemeat Day.

The fourth Saturday in October is Make a Difference Day. Follow along on Twitter at #MDDAY13. What can you do to make an impact in your community, or even for your neighbor?

Bless the Bullys promotes Pit Bull Awareness Day, "to raise awareness to the plight of the All-American pit bull terrier AND to make a united stand against breed specific legislation."

In years past, October 26th has been celebrated as the Planet-Wide Moon Howl, but the holiday seems to have fizzled. Do your part to reignite the spark tonight, if you're so inclined. Here's a Warren Zevon tune to get you in the mood:

Once upon a time, storytellers in Scotland decided to establish National Tell a Story Day on this date. And they lived happily ever after.

Today is Mule Day, commemorating the date in 1985 when Spanish mules were first brought to the New World. Goatview Farm offers the best ever "recipe" for making a mule: "Mix one male donkey and one female horse. Put in a warm place for 11 months." If you try this recipe, let me know how things turn out.

Cook Islanders celebrate Gospel Day on the local level several times a year, but all come together on October 26th to celebrate National Gospel Day.

Austria observes National Day on October 26th, commemorating the formation of the Second Republic after World War II.

Today is National Pumpkin Day. Whether you prefer pies or jack-o'-lanterns, enjoy the season and eat your pepitas!

Holiday traditionalists and foodies need to know that today is National Mincemeat Day. Mincemeat is made from dried fruits, meat suet, and sometimes minced meat. Alton Brown's Mincemeat Pie recipe takes 45 minutes of active prep, 30 minutes of cooking time, and - this is not a typo - 72 hours of inactive prep. Good luck with that!

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Frankenstein Friday, World Pasta Day, more

October 25th, 2013, is Frankenstein Friday, National Tell a Story Day, Punk for a Day, Sourest Day, Say "Hey" Day, Feast Day of Saints Crispin and Crispinian, Republic Day (Kazakhstan), Thanksgiving (Grenada), Retrocession Day (Taiwan), National Greasy Foods Day, and World Pasta Day.

The days leading up to Halloween include several devoted to Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's iconic creation. The last Friday in October is Frankenstein Friday.

Once upon a time, storytellers in Scotland decided to establish National Tell a Story Day on this date. And they lived happily ever after.

If you're feeling punk in attitude or appearance (or just want to experiment), here's your chance - celebrate Punk for a Day. Just keep in mind that tomorrow is another day.

Tone down your sweetness today; embrace the sour. (That could tie in nicely with Punk for a Day, just sayin'.) Celebrate Sourest Day.

Hey - you know what? Today is Say "Hey" Day. So there. I said "hey."

October 25th is the Feast Day of Saints Crispin and Crispinian, brothers and patron saints of shoemakers, cobblers, and leatherworkers. Enjoy the St. Crispin's Day speech from Shakespeare's Henry V.

Kazakhstan observes Republic Day on October 25th, the anniversary of the 1990 adoption of their Declaration on State Sovereignty.

Grenada officially celebrates Thanksgiving today, although some feel it is an artificial holiday, imported from the United States.

Taiwan observes Retrocession Day, commemorating the end of Japanese rule in 1945.

If you love fast food or diner food, if grease runs through your veins, then today is your special day - National Greasy Foods Day. Roll up your sleeves and keep some napkins handy.

The UN.A.F.P.A. (Union des Associations de Fabricants de Pates Alimentaires de l'U.E. or Union of Organizations of Manufacturers of Pasta Products of the E.U.) sponsors World Pasta Day, along with the National Pasta Association (United States) and the Associations of Venezuela and Turkey. They wish to "draw the attention of the media and consumers to pasta." Pasta is a global food, consumed on all continents, meeting basic food requirements and satisfying "those of high-level gastronomy." Hard to argue with that! 

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Food Day, Good and Plenty Day, Bologna Day, more

October 24th, 2013, is Food Day, United Nations Day, World Development Information Day, Independence Day (Zambia), National Good and Plenty Day, and National Bologna Day.

Food Day promotes healthy eating habits, sustainable and organic farming, reducing world hunger, and other food-related issues.

United Nations Day commemorates the formation of the United Nations on this date in 1945.

The United Nations sponsors World Development Information Day on October 24th: "Information and communications technologies have the potential to provide new solutions to development challenges, particularly in the context of globalization, and can foster economic growth, competitiveness, access to information and knowledge, poverty eradication and social inclusion."

Zambia observes Independence Day on October 24th.

Just one week before Halloween the spotlight falls on one specific candy - Good and Plenty. Especially if you're fond of licorice, celebrate National Good and Plenty Day.

It's okay to be full of baloney/bologna today, National Bologna Day.

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Scorpio the Scorpion, October 23 to November 21

Scorpio. Image: Salvatore Vuono, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Everyone born between October 23rd and November 21st is a Scorpio, the sign of the Scorpion.

For more information about Scorpio:

• Scorpio Daily Horoscope
• What's-Your-Sign for Scorpio
• Astrology.com: Scorpio Sun Sign
• StarDate: Scorpius, the Scorpion
• Farmers' Almanac: Zodiac Signs, Astrology and Astronomy Explained

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TV Talk Show Host Day, Canned Food Day, more

October 23rd, 2013, is TV Talk Show Host Day, iPod Day, National Mole Day, Universal Children's Day (Australia), Medical Assistants Recognition Day, Chulalongkorn Day, National Canned Food Day, and National Boston Cream Pie Day.

TV Talk Show Host Day honors all TV talk show hosts, but the date commemorates the birth of legendary host Johnny Carson. Heeeeere's Johnny! (And here's a shout-out to my current favorite, Craig Ferguson. He is the sharpest knife in the drawer.)

The first iPod was unveiled on this date in 2001; the first iPod hit the market in November 2001. We've come a long way since then. Happy iPod Day, with a nod to Apple's co-founder, Steve Jobs.

National Mole Day isn't what you probably think it is. Celebrated from 6:02 am to 6:02 pm on 10/23, Mole Day celebrates Avogadro's Number, 6.02 x 10^23, and the mole, a unit of measure in chemistry.

Universal Children's Day is observed on the 4th Wednesday in October in Australia, while the United Nations observes the event in November. Everyone is encouraged to do their part so children can enjoy both a happy childhood and a quality education.

Medical Assistants Recognition Day is observed in the middle of Medical Assistants Recognition Week.

Chulalongkorn Day is observed in Thailand, in memory of King Rama V.

Did you know a French chef invented canning? Me neither - I was shocked. National Canned Food Day commemorates the birth date of chef Nicolas Appert, the "Father of Canning." Many health experts recommend switching to fresh or frozen, but the canned food aisles remain stocked and popular in grocery stores everywhere.

October 23rd honors the official dessert of Massachusetts, Boston Cream Pie. Good thing it's not the official pie, because it's really a cake. Have some without question or guilt on National Boston Cream Pie Day.

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Color Day, Nut Day, more

October 22nd, 2013, is National Color Day, INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY, International Stuttering Awareness Day, and National Nut Day.

October 22nd is National Color Day. My favorite color is purple - does that make me royal? Okay, I'm getting off topic, but I'm a huge fan of this cover version of "Royals" by Pentatonix:

October 22nd is INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY. The "international" part is tongue-in-cheek, apparently, because some languages don't even have upper- and lower-case letters. YELL IN TEXT if you choose or follow the Twitter action at #capslockday.

International Stuttering Awareness Day is a time to learn more about stuttering, a communication disorder involving repetitions, prolongations, or abnormal stoppages.

The United Kingdom observes the fourth annual National Nut Day in 2013 - presumably to celebrate edible treats, not crazy people. The United States has a longer tradition of observing this holiday.

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