Native American Day
On Sept. 28, 1915, Rev. Sherman Coolidge -- an Arapahoe and president of the American Indian Association -- issued a proclamation declaring the second Saturday in May to be American Indian Day. Today, many states celebrate "Native American Day" on the last Friday in September, which this year falls on Sept. 28, the 97th anniversary of that proclamation.
Here are some interesting Native American facts based on 2000 U.S. Census data:
* There are about 4.5 million Native Americans living in the U.S., with 2.4 million of those being racially pure.
* There are 565 federally-recognized tribes and nations.
* "Indians are the only U.S. minority group that must legally prove its minority status (race or ethnicity)."
Hug a Vegetarian Day
I'm not a vegetarian, but I sometimes feel guilty that I'm not. Today is "Hug a Vegetarian Day," so we get to show our appreciation to those who toe the non-animal product line, even if we don't.
Here are some interesting facts about vegetarians that you may not know:
* Research shows that not eating red meat improves the sexiness of male body odor.
* Strict vegetarians avoid all animal products, including honey, bread and sugar. (Because animals are either harmed in the process or their parts are used in an inconspicuous way.)
* Famous vegetarians include: Paul McCartney, Ozzy Osborne, Sinead O'Connor and Brad Pitt.
Love Note Day
Whether you've been married to your best friend for 50 years or just admiring your true love from afar, today's the day to show him or her exactly how you feel. It's "Love Note Day," and the perfect time to put pen to paper and compose the perfect prose of adoration.
If you need some inspiration to get you started, here are a couple of love notes written by people whose names you might recognize:
* From Jimi Hendrix to a girlfriend he referred to as "'Little Girl": "Happiness is within you….so unlock the chains from your heart and let yourself grow-like the sweet flower you are…..I know the answer-Just spread your wings and set yourself FREE."
* From Johnny Cash to his wife, June Carter: "The fire and excitement may be gone now that we don't go out there and sing them anymore, but the ring of fire still burns around you and I, keeping our love hotter than a pepper sprout."
Good Neighbor Day
When's the last time you helped out a neighbor or even spoke to one, for that matter? Do you know all your neighbors within five houses in all directions? If not, you're not alone. A recent study shows that 28 percent of Americans don't know any of their neighbors by name.
Today is "Good Neighbor Day" and provides the perfect opportunity to take that first step and reach out to a neighbor you don't know or to whom you haven't spoken in a while. Bake them some cookies, borrow a tool, or just drop by to say hello.
