When Father's Day was first proposed in the early 1900s, people laughed. Sure, Mother's Day was fine, but Father's Day? Ha! In a letter to the editor, one New York Times reader asked, "What's next, Household Pet Day?" Never mind the ridicule: Father's Day is now celebrated around the world, to the delight of retailers everywhere. In 2008, Americans spent $11 billion on Pop, $700 million of it on greeting cards. But you don't have to shell out to show Dad you love him. An awkward three-minute phone call will suffice. -- ZW

Sun, June 21
Appreciate
Father's Day

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