Calendar anomalies
Today is 1/11/11Some people keep an eye on their calendars for more than just Thanksgiving and Christmas. For them, dates are just as important for their numbers as for any event or commemoration.
For instance, math lovers can rejoice in the fact that there are unofficial holidays celebrating pi, square roots and even special nods to palindromes. And you don't have to be a mathematician to appreciate a nifty occurrence like this.
In honor of today (it's 1/11/11, in case you hadn't noticed), we look back at other dates that have caused figure frenzies.
Date 10/10/10This standout "perfect 10" date was a PR dream for organizers who wanted to draw attention to their main attractions on Oct. 10, 2010, including:
* A global environmental event
* An international humanitarian cause
* For techies (or fans of science fiction writer Douglas Adams, who had his own designated day), 10/10/10 held quirky significance.
Bonus: Check out a cool story about children turning 10 on 10/10/10.
Date 9/9/09Sept. 9, 2009, wasn't the doomsday some predicted, but it was memorable for a random array of reasons.
Here's what happened on 9/9/09:
* Tragedy struck in Turkey, leaving dozens dead.
* President Obama addressed Congress about major reform.
* A bizarre online pussycat protest (which meant no love for these guys)
* In China, the date was recognized with much rejoicing. It was reported that thousands of Chinese couples tied the knot on that date, driven by this linguistic coincidence. Check out crowded snapshots of the ninth's nuptials.
Date 8/8/08For observers of an ancient belief system, Aug. 8, 2008, was a great day to plan a wedding (why is it a sign of good fortune?). Members of the Chinese government clearly had the significance of the number eight in mind when they were filling out their social calendars: The Beijing Olympics launched at a specific time, down to the minute.
Just a decade earlier, on 8/8/88, a violent uprising left hundreds dead. Learn about the "8888 uprising" in Burma
Date 7/7/07Another popular wedding date, July 7, 2007, became the most popular wedding date ever, thanks to the lucky number seven superstition. How many couples outside Vegas got hitched? (Alas, the luck has since run out for one recently divorced celeb couple, who got married on 7/7/07).
Other 7/7/07 happenings:
* Those who really wanted to make the most of the day's significance would've indulged in some chocolate. Why?
* The date also brought the Seven Wonders into focus (see pictures).
Date 6/6/06June 6, 2006, gave some the creeps, due to its perceived beastly biblical ties. Hollywood took note of folks' fears and trotted out a devilish film remake. (Watch the trailer, if you dare.) Some expectant mothers took the date seriously (find out what they did), while it was a laughing matter for others.
Date 12/21/12Why does Dec. 21, 2012, have people shaking in their boots? Some believe that on that day, it's game over. The notion is attributed to an ancient civilization, and recent events seem to bolster their arguments. Read what top scientists have to say about the Chicken Little talk.
