An Odd Day to Celebrate

Numbers lovers mark awe-inspiring date

Numbers have been in the news a lot lately, mostly because of bad press.

But alas, a day to celebrate numbers.

For the mathematically challenged, Thursday's date, 5/7/09, is one of only six this century that will feature three consecutive odd numbers. So, in its honor, a Redwood City, Calif. teacher established "Odd Day" as a way to pay tribute to the awe-inspiring date.

Numbers lovers say the rare occurrence is an excuse to celebrate.

"The previous stretch of six dates like this started with 1/3/1905 -- 13 months after the Wright Brothers' flight," Gordon said.

Gordon is an oddophile who enthusiastically promotes these numerical holidays, like Square Root Day on 3/3/09. He's even offering a prize of $579 to those who celebrate the date with the most zeal or who get the most people involved in an Odd Celebration. Gordon's daughter, a sophomore at UC Davis, is even inviting people to celebrate the oddness via a Facebook event.

So, write an ode to the odd, watch the Odd Couple and get some odds and ends done around the house on this notable date -- even if you're not a math-nerd.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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