The 10 Best Things About June

No. 9 - Summer Sales

With everybody outside enjoying the sunshine, there are people still indoors trying to sell you on crap you don't need right now, and they're getting desperate enough to offer some great deals so they can keep the lights on. Whether you're in the market for a new suit, gym membership or a house, expect pretty good summer deals on winter-dependent items. Now is the time to make a move if you know you're going to eventually, and with the way people compete this time of year, you could probably make some pretty odd requests on the side.

No. 8 - Flag Day (June 14)

There's nothing more patriotic than starting the day with a flag raising in your front yard. Well, actually, you could go overseas and fight for our country in a war, but since it was a struggle for you just to get pants on, this will have to do.

If you don't have a flag, get yourself one, as it's a great symbol of American freedom, pride and respect. If you happen to think our country is in the toilet, suck it up and make it better, starting with displaying the Stars and Stripes. It's a good habit to pick up, just like drinking a little red wine every day and putting the toilet seat down for the girls.

No. 7 - Music Festivals

The pandemonium of summer rock festivals is fully underway, and with everybody freaking out over new music from the likes of Daft Punk, How to Destroy Angels and Phoenix, it's about time you get down to your nearest music festival. If you're more of an oldies throwback kind of guy, expect lots of hot summer nights with local acts and tribute shows to come around. And if you're looking for a way to show your gal a good time with a little music, get yourself tickets to Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z. Chances are she wants to get frisky with at least one of them, and since she probably won't, you're the next best thing standing right there for her. If our estimations are right, your evening will end like the final morning scenes in "Dazed and Confused."

No. 6 - New Tech Products

Every summer, a new line of tech gear is likely to unfold before your gadget-crazed eyes. Whether it's the latest in photography, Steve Jobs memorabilia or some wacked-out device to improve your golf swing, just prepare yourself for an impulsive month of purchases your significant other will scream about until she's blue.

If, again, you struggle with self-control, first consider if the tech goodie you're interested in has a previous model that might be on sale with these new products on the way out. Then, consider whether or not it adds to your quality of life or destroys your bank account. If the answer to this inquiry is simply that you don't care, have a ball, but all we can tell you in advance is that there likely won't be an iPhone until the fall and nothing can help your golf swing.

No. 5 - Summer Solstice (June 21)

Unless you're a bloodsucking vampire who can't survive the summer sunshine, you'll enjoy this day much like every other normal person. Throw on a little SPF (probably 30, unless you're a pasty mistake unto this world) and enjoy the longest daylight session of the year.

Head to the pool, stare at some beach honeys for a little longer than usual and pick on the local redheaded lobsters who have to take extra shelter on this miraculous day. Next to daylight saving time, this is one of the best days to be a surf-loving drifter; so, soak up the sun, play in some water and be safe with your skin.

No. 4 - Bikini Season in Full Effect

It's not easy being a guy - super horny and filled with anxiety about what will happen if your level of horniness reaches the red. Bad news for you sick fellows, it's bikini season and your reasons for going home early just tripled. And we can't lie to you; it's not going to get any easier with all these new cleverly made swimsuits, leaving nothing to the imagination except what there could possibly be left to imagine.

So to the guys single and struggling with the ladies, get out and mingle with some smooth-looking bronze trophy wife wannabes, buy them a drink and try not to say anything too stupid. And for you fellas with no self-control, start wearing long shirts and carrying a towel with you every place you go, because it's about to get uncomfortable.

No. 3 - Summer Seasonal Beer

It's not summer without a few hundred frosty beverages in the cooler. With the sun beating down on your day off, it's essential to put away the usual bland beers and reach for something truly summertime refreshing, like a bright wheat beer or light IPA. Okay, it doesn't have to be your day off to get jiggy with some summer brew, especially with great flavors like orange, apricot and elderberry involved.

If you're not sure where to turn in such a predicament, we've got you covered with our 10 Summer Beers for More Fun in the Sun. If you can't get behind these tasty treats, it might be best to just hide under your bed until winter comes back around.

No. 2 - NBA Finals

The road to the championship has been long and paved with injury this year, but the NBA Finals are finally here for you basketball lovers. Although the playoffs could've originally been called "Who Wants to Get Mauled by Miami," the Indiana Pacers are thankfully giving them a decent run. If your attention has been waning, the Pacers and Heat are battling for the right to face the Spurs in the Finals. With Game 7 pending, most of us are hoping for the upset so David Stern has to deal with two smaller market teams being in it, and LeBron's flopping taking a nice vacation.