April 30 - International Unleash Your Passion Day

As a grand finale to the International Days of April, let's all unleash our inner passions. What passion, I hear you ask? Your passion for life, for art, for music, for writing - the possibilities are endless. And if you happen to have a special someone in your life, unleash your wildest passion to them.

April 29 - International Burt & Loni Day

Burt Reynolds gave me a call and demanded this post. He said something about 'getting back together with Loni' and that this is the only thing he could think of that would woo her.

Under duress...here it is. Because Burt Reynolds said so, that's why.

And honestly, they just deserve it, so it's no trouble for me to do him this favor. Really.

April 28 - International Delurk Day

Let's admit it. We all like to lurk on certain blogs. It's the ultimate in blog voyeurism. So just for today, choose one blog and make yourself known to the blogger in a comment. It could be the start of a new friendblogship!

April 27 - International Unleash the Child in You Day

Remember when you were a child? Remember how grand it was to be a total bum and a total brat and still be called cute? Remember how you'd make everyone laugh out loud pooing on the floor? Remember when you were cleaned up, put to be and told a story to make you sleep though you've been a total devil/pirate/Ninja during the Day?

Life was so beautiful then! You now wonder why is it that things had to change.

I look at the number of comments scored on Hype's Ninja vs. Pirates Day and decide this is a very good idea. Let's Unleash the Child in us today.

I wouldn't expect you to do stuffs like looking up treasurers in your nose, drooling, talking in baby language, pulling aunty's hair or getting peanut butter all over your face. No, let's keep it sensible.

Your task is to reminisce and tell us a story which really marked you as a child - you wanna make up a story, you're welcome. You may also want to share a play you use to do when you were a kid etc... just keep it childrenly!

There's a french saying which says "heureux sont ceux qui grandissent en gardant leurs âmes d'enfant" (Blessed are those who grow up with their child-soul). Let's be blessed!

April 26 - International Pirates vs. Ninjas Day

Today friends, today is very special indeed. Today is the day to finally settle that age old argument once and for all: “Who is better? Pirates or Ninjas?”

Whether this means calling up a friend and making sure each of you dress as your respected choice and then fighting it out at work for dominion over everything totally sweet (or at least the last donut), or just simply arguing with anyone you can find today (thus setting back productivity, which after all, is what the pirates and ninjas would want), your job is to settle this matter.

May God have mercy on us all.

April 25 - International Eyebrow Grooming Awareness Day

Ok, I know that eyebrow grooming can be intimidating, and, for men, incomprehensible. But really people, well groomed eyebrows are a thing of beauty.

They draw attention to your eyes, and remove the chance that people may confuse you with a Neanderthal. And Men, as you grow older, the eyebrow thing has a tendency to go wrong for you.

Very, very wrong for you.




So, today , take a look at your eyebrows, and give them the attention they deserve.

And as to since when am I the Eyebrow Police? Patrolling eyebrows worldwide since 1986, Thank You Very Much.

April 24 - International Old School Day

Celebrate today old-school style.

This is how we do it, all hands are in the air And wave them from here to there Whatever it is, the party's underway So tip up your cup and throw your hands up And let me hear the party say I'm kinda buzzed and it's all because (This is how we do it) South Central does it like nobody does (This is how we do it) To all my neighbors you got much flavor (This is how we do it) Let's flip the track, bring the old school back (This is how we do it).

Word.

April 23 - International Share a Secret Day

Make somebody's day by sharing a wonderful secret you've always kept to yourself. Like telling the cute girl in your neighbourhood she has a great smile, or the gorgeous guy you see everyday that he's got a cute arse, or tell a blogger that you've always had a crush on them...

Go on... Nothing to lose, is there?

April 22 - Slap Your Computer Day

Fitèna asked me to post for her. The poor woman's computer is on the fritz, and she couldn't get this day up in time.

She asked that we call it International Slap Your Computer Day. In honor of all the times you've had technical issues, slap your computer for Fitèna, okay? C'mon! You'll feel better having done so.

April 21 - International Kiss a Redhead Day

We all know redheads. We’re all more or less scared of them. The fiery temper, the sensitive skin; these “Ginger Kids” can be a menace. But are they not human too? (Or at least close?) If you cut them, do they not bleed? If you accidentally make them mad, do they not yell at you for half an hour? You see friend, Redheads need love, just like puppies, and muppets.


Today, then, it is your honor, your privilege, dare I say your “sacred duty” to find a redhead and kiss her (or him, if you’re into that sort of thing). Don’t tell them they’re being singled out. Just tell them you wanted to show how much you care.

(If you need help finding one, I made a list of the top fifty redheads of all time.)

(she looks lonely. If Hyperion can find Nicki, he'll kiss her)

April 20 - International Pirate Day*

It has to be said: Everyone loves pirates.

Swashbuckling, singing, pillaging, booty; the pirate life is full of action, adventure, vainglory and scurvy.

It was the first time in history you got to go to interesting places, meet interesting people, most of whom you subsequently killed, on account of the pillaging, but still.

Foreign places! Foreign people! Fresh Air!

So let's hoist one high for the life of a pirate! AAARRRRGGGGHHHH!


*Eyepatches and peglegs, optional.

April 19 - International Covet thy Neighbor's Wife Day

Or husband. Or pool boy. Or daughter. Just keep it legal, kids.


Sometimes your neighbor just has it all, and it’s not fair you have to keep up with the Joneses. Your neighbor would totally understand that you have a shrine to his naked wife in your basement.


And if you’re really into it, start a website ‘honoring’ her.


It’s not stalker-ish, I promise.

April 18 - International Reflection Day

Have a mirror handy? Take a deep look into it and do some soul searching. How do you see yourself? How do you think others see yourself? Are you too hard on yourself?

Hopefully the answer to these questions are positive. I see too many people wrapped up in how others perceive themselves. Is that really important though? Sure it is to some degree, but what really counts is looking after yourself. Make sure to take care of number one, yourself. Look in that mirror and smile, laugh, grin, sing, or cry (out of happiness of course). I typically make faces because I'm sort of weird like that.

This post sure does sound like I'm on a soapbox preaching to the blogger masses reading this. My aim is for fellow bloggers to feel comfortable in their skin and cherish all the things they currently are. I know I take things for granted about myself and I highly doubt I'm the only person in the world that does this. Have fun today, be yourself. Act goofy when it seems least appropriate and enjoy!

April 17 - International Tell them Today Day

Life is so unpredictable. Who can forsee what will happen in the next second. We make plans, for the future and we have no idea we'll be around in this same future we're making plans for. Seize the day and live it like its your last One. You haven't been talking to your family, friends, aunts, uncles. You think you have nothing to talk to them about? You do. Pick that phone or take your car. Whatever, get hold of them and tell them you care. Tell them you love them. Tell them you're there for them. They'll be there for you. Do it. Do not procastinate. Do it today.

April 16: International Munchausen Day

Karl Freidrich von Munchausen was a real person who was famous for telling stories about his adventures and accomplishments, none of them completely true. Today is devoted to that great Munchausian pastime, the bald-faced lie.

I'm not talking about your basic, everyday, feeble white lie, no, sir.

I'm talking, huge, in your face, I can't believe the good Lord isn't striking you down right this minute, how can you say that with a straight face whopper of a lie made famous by Munchausen himself.

Today's task is to tell one HUGE lie, with a straight face if you have the technology. The important part is to show no shame. This is, after all, International Munchausen Day.

April 15 - International Ninja Giving Day

Everyone knows it's better to give than to receive, right? This is the day that's dedicated to that principle, but with ninjas, because ninjas are cool, sneaky and, above all, invisible.

Do one good deed today, but here are the rules:

A) It must be for a stranger.

and

B)You can't tell anyone about it.

Ninja giving is about the art of sneaking in, doing good, and sneaking out again, with as little fanfare as possible. It's harder than it seems, but the rewards are tremendous.

Are you up to the challenge?

April 14 - International Lift a 40 to your Homies Day

Unless you’ve led far greater than a semi-charmed kind of life, you have lost someone close to you. We all have. Let us take this day to remember them. Not in some macabre ritual or cloaked in sadness, but celebrating what made them special.

We all have a crazy story of an Uncle Bob, or some awful concoction a friend would cook for dinner parties (like how Gareth would make Duck a la banana). Take today and tell those stories. Talk to an old friend about a mutual buddy. Laugh about that time you got thrown out of Wal-Mart, or what happened that one time, at band camp.

If you have a parent who’s lost a spouse, call them up and reminisce. They’ll enjoy the phone call, and the memory.

And if you have led that life untouched by loss, I can think of at least one person who died on this day. If all else fails, talk about him.

April 13 - International Ego Stroking Day

Research has shown that men are not often the recipients of compliments which can have a devastating effect on the size of their ego. All it takes is a little but heartfelt compliment, to make a man feel like he’s on top of the world. And lets face it girls, some of us are used to receiving compliments but how often do we return them to the menfolk?

On this International Ego Stroking Day, make a man feel king for a day. Stroke his ego, tell him he looks terrific, tell him he rocks your world, tell him how much you appreciate him, but most of all, make sure you mean it. And if gives you a goofy smile, or talks himself down, it’s all part of the norm, because deep inside, know you’ve just made his day.

April 12 - International Push a Button Day

We all have our limits. Some of us advertise our pet peeves and some of us like to keep them buried. Use this day to learn someone well enough to figure out one their buttons. Learn to their trigger point and then let the fun begin. Don't be malicious about it and make sure to apologize if you get the subject too worked up.

Here are two buttons of mine. I absolutely love it* when someone responds to my blog comment via email. It pleases me very much when a blogger decides to email me back instead of answering me on their blog. Yes, for some reason this really annoys me so now you know. I expect many emails about this. My biggest button is a person with a homophobic mentality. I have absolutely zero patience for that sort of stuff.

So maybe you don't want to be annoying and pester someone. Perhaps you can share your button here. It will set you free. Share your weaknesses is as a good as sharing your strengths.

*sarcasm in use

April 11 - International Beef Jerky Day

Today we uphold, contemplate—dare I say worship?—the power, the glory, the majesty……of beef jerky.

Also known as “God’s Grub,” this manna from heaven could probably end war as we know it, if only we could spread the word.

I assume you’re familiar with beef jerky, but maybe you’ve taken it for granted. Allow yourself today to get back into the chew of things. Sample some delectable beef jerky, and be a missionary: give some to others, so that they too might know.

And for those poor souls out there who haven’t experienced it, now is the time. You know that pure joy you had as a child, eating a favorite treat? You can have that again. Go get yourself some beef jerky, and become whole.

April 10 - International Incident Day

Much has been said about the current state of politics around the globe. This post won't encourage you to punch out someone in hopes of starting a international incident. More than anything this post challenges you to learn more about other countries around the globe. This is an international blog right? Well let's take this opportunity to really get to learn more about other cultures/nations.

Post a comment here about questions or perceptions you might have about other countries. Maybe you want to share a travel story for your personal experiences. I know I enjoy reading other people's tales of life abroad. In order to avoid future international incidents, please share your personal accounts of world, or just ask a question.

I live two hours south of the American-Canadian border. It's a very interesting border, being the largest uncontrolled border in the world. I am very proud of this fact, but do fear this will change. You can drive perpendicular along the 49th parallel and in the middle of nowhere. It's amazing to me a little marker every 20 feet or so is all that separates the two countries. I love you Canada.

Can't we all just get along?

April 9 - International Boycott Lettuce Wedge Salad Day

It’s NOT a salad! It’s a quarter of a head of iceberg lettuce covered in crappy blue cheese dressing! That’s not worth $9.50!
Join us in boycotting ‘modern’ food by avoiding the lettuce wedge salad. Try a spinach salad, or for god’s sake – at least a chef salad if you must.

And remember our motto: “It’s just not salad unless it’s chopped.”

April 8 - International Flirt Day

We all know how to flirt, right? So, on International Flirt Day, choose someone you’ve always liked but have not had the courage to let them know. Indulge in a little harmless flirt with them, it may end up making their day, and yours!

Who knows where it may lead. And come back here to share your experience. I'm off to do that right now...

April 7 - International Take MacGyver to Work Day

Remember that old helium tank in the utility closet for birthdays? MacGyver can create a projectile bomb. What about the leftover cleaning supplies? A smokescreen in the elevator would sure be fun. He comes complete with swiss army knife and duct tape – you just supply the office and hilarity ensues! And really, what’s cooler than having him call you ‘Pete’ all day?

And if nothing else, he can put toner in the copy machine.

MacGyver says: ‘A paperclip can be a wondrous thing. More times than I can remember, one of these has gotten me out of a tight spot’
A mentally staggering quote from an American genius.

Disclaimer: there is only one real MacGyver. He’s busy. Your version may vary.

April 6 - International Positive Attitude Day

No matter what.

Your coffee spilling on you. Missing your bus. Your car breaking down. Finding out that the apple you just bought is rotten. The lift being out of order. Your boss shouting at you. And it isn't your fault.

No matter what.

Today, take a deep breath and just smile it off.

April 5 - International Quelque Chose Day

Quelque chose is a wonderful catchall word in French meaning something. You pronounce the word like "kell-kuh-shoze". This Thurday make it a mission today to go out of your way and perform quelque chose out of the ordinary for human good.

This could be as simple as helping someone cross a street. Maybe you could tutor a child today or donate some of your time at a local non-profit or charity organization. They are so many ways you can help out that don't involve money. Picking up trash along a shoreline or in a park are other fine examples.



Perhaps you already do quelque chose great for society everyday such as teach, work in hospitals, or maintain city parks. Take a moment for yourself to realize what a great contribution you provide. Then get yourself quelque chose to pay tribute to this day. Act as if it's your birthday! Buy a waffle cone with your ice cream, I'm sure you deserve it. And consider yourself lucky because now you've learned at least one French word which you can pass on to others. Be good to yourself and others or quelque chose like that!

April 4 - International Be Reliable Day

"Once upon a time, were four individuals called Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was a very important task to be carried out and Everybody was asked to handle it. Everybody was sure Somebody would take care of it. Anybody could have done it. But it was Nobody who did it. Somebody was furious because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could have done it. And Nobody had no doubt that Somebody would do it. Finally, Everybody blamed Anybody because Nobody did what Somebody could have done." (Psychologies, translated by me)

You wouldn't want story to repeat itself, would you? This is the day you make sure it doesn't!

April 3 - International Mug A Nun Day

On this day in 1981, Mother Teresa said at a press conference "I think it is very beautiful for the poor to accept their lot, to share with the passion of Christ. I think the world is being much helped by the suffering of the poor people." In the same spirit,this day has been dedicated to mugging every nun we could find, in the hope that they would accept their lot, share it with the passion of Christ and thereby help the world greatly with their suffering.

April 2 - International Swiggage Day

Swiggage (n) [ˈswih - gij] - A tasty refreshing non-alcoholic beverage of some kind.




"Swag" is traditional slang for "acquired loot," which eventually covered foodstuffs, especially Twinkies and other awesome confections. Adding the "age" was further slang, much in the way that "tuneage" represented available music and "boobage" for a particularly well-mammared young woman.


To "swig" is slang also, a verb meaning to drink, specifically the physical act of picking up a glass or bottle and pouring the liquid into one's mouth. Swiggage carries with it the hint that the liquid enters the mouth in a manly and heart way. (Close to but not quite "chugging.")


Combining all that we get SWIGGAGE, and so when we say it is International Swiggage Day, what we mean is - "Come get your (non-alcoholic) Drink on!"


Today, as you go about your tasks, remember that there is a Cola, Sweet Tea or Lemonade with your name on it.  Classics are great, but so are smaller regional drinks. Go nuts! Try your favorite, or try something brand new!


(Leave a comment about your favorite Swiggage and what you're going to try today.)

April 1 - International Obscure Phone Message Day

The idea is to call up a random stranger and leave a cryptic message on their voice mail or answering machine. You’re pretending to be calling someone else with VERY important information, and have accidentally gotten the wrong number.

You could pick something along the lines of, “Dude, I think my wife found out. I need to know what to do!” Or, “I don’t think I have any choice but to do it, unless you call and tell me differently.”

Of course, it doesn’t have to be sinister. You could leave a message like, “They are only 40 bucks! I can’t believe it. But we have to go today, or you know they’ll all get snatched up.” Or if you really want to pull out the stops, “I think Rocco and Timone are on to me! I’m going to put the money in the park by that big tree, you know our special spot, and you need to get it, but hurry!”

Then sit back and watch the fun. Of course, if you don’t cover your tracks, it’s possible Caller ID will catch you. In that case, just sound very cautious and worried. You’re not hurting anybody and you’ll give them a great story to tell at parties, while you laugh about it all the while.