Author: Lisa Mungovan

Raking the leaves into a big pile and jumping into it, is loads of fun. But be sure to leave some patches of leaves for the bugs, too. Many insects like moths, butterflies, and fireflies, overwinter in leaves. Dead leaves also make good mulch for the lawn, so leave them alone. Enjoy the mess!

In Florida, you’re allowed to keep kangaroos as pets, but it’s not always easy. Last month, someone’s pet kangaroo escaped, after a bear came into its enclosure. The kangaroo was on the loose for 3 weeks, before it was spotted hopping around the neighborhood. It was safely captured and returned to its home.

Give your taste buds a treat today. Top some ice cream with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry, to celebrate Sundae Day! Add some Japanese biscuit sticks dipped in chocolate, known as Pocky, for Pocky Day. It’s also Origami Day, so try the Japanese art of paper folding. Don’t eat it by mistake!

At the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, 106 years ago, the armistice marking the end of World War One was declared. November 11th is Armistice Day, although the United States celebrates all armed forces members with Veterans Day, and the Commonwealth of Nations, France, and Belgium celebrate Remembrance Day.

A vast area of the Atlantic Ocean, has been designated a Marine Protected Area. 111,000 square miles off the coast of the Azores, the size of Virginia and Georgia combined, is now a safer haven for whales, sharks, deep-sea corals, and hydrothermal vent ecosystems. Marine life deserves space to exist without human interference.

Archaeologists in Saudi Arabia, are finding clues about a shift from nomadic to urban life that was happening, 4,000 years ago. The remains of an ancient town had been hidden by the walled oasis of Khaybar. Ceramic pottery, walls with large ramparts, and tombs containing weapons, suggest wandering nomads were beginning to settle down.

Today is Area Code Day. In the old days, a telephone operator had to connect your call, using the location, and a numerical address, like Murray Hill 5 9 9 7 5. With area codes, people could call directly, without the operator’s help. Now, there are so many phones, some areas have 2 codes!

Repeat after me. Rubber baby buggy bumpers. Now try, black background brown background. Ready for what’s considered the hardest tongue twister in the English language? Say, the sixth sick sheikh’s sixth sheep’s sick. It’s International Tongue Twister Day, so have fun tying your tongue in knots.

Cupcakes are so yummy, but it’s hard to choose a favorite flavor. Don’t worry about choosing today, because it’s Vanilla Cupcake Day! You can eat one while watching Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, and their friends, since it’s also Sesame Street Day. The children’s TV show was first broadcast in 1969.

Sometimes it takes a lot of energy, to build a special collection. YouTuber Joel Spears, known as CaffeineMan, doesn’t worry about that, because he collects energy drinks. He has the world’s largest collection of energy drink cans, with 1,019 different kinds accumulated over 6 years. His favorite flavor is Swedish Fish Ghost Energy Drink.