In the upset that did in fact occur by midsummer, U.S. mortgage debt was only the start.

FORBES: Mispriced

By midsummer, the U.S. economy saw a "soft patch" and faced sliding back into recession.

WSJ: World's Woes Leave Lasting Scars

Mr. Cuomo signed the measure late Friday, and the law will go into effect in 30 days, meaning that same-sex couples could begin marrying in New York by midsummer.

FORBES: New York Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Slices of juicy porchetta were, in midsummer, accompanied by a bright palette of grilled peaches, pickled red onions, and a fresh-herb salad.

NEWYORKER: Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria

Secklow Gate bridge in Milton Keynes, which crosses the town's market near Midsummer Arcade, was damaged by fire on 28 January 2010.

BBC: Milton Keynes' Secklow Gate bridge to reopen in July

For instance, one of the most delightful entries is Hollywood's beautiful 1935 version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" directed by Max Reinhardt, legendary director of the Deutsches Theater, and starring Dick Powell, Olivia de Havilland, James Cagney and Mickey Rooney.

WSJ: Hollywood's German Influence | The Weimar Touch | Museum of Modern Art | By A.J. Goldmann

Donna Murphy and Jessie Mueller, for instance, are terrific, and the "Midsummer Night's Dream"-style set, designed by John Lee Beatty in collaboration with Soutra Gilmour, makes imaginative use of the Delacorte Theater's natural surroundings.

WSJ: Into the Woods | Bring It On | Midsummer Night's Muddle | Theater Reviews by Terry Teachout