July 12: Simplicity Day

Today is the 195th anniversary of the birth of Henry David Thoreau, and the back-to-basics, back-to-nature philosophy of Thoreau is at the core of today's observance, Simplicity Day.

Simplify your life today: When you head to the local after work, order your whiskey straight (over the rocks at most) -- eschew mixers, at least until tomorrow.

Which is not, by the way, Hangover Day -- even if it is Friday the 13th.