Author: Lisa Mungovan

Peter Karl Eastland received his Master’s degree in chemistry and forensic science, but his job depends on his nose. Peter’s keen sense of smell, qualified him to become the odor evaluation lead engineer, at Nissan. He’s responsible for making sure the vehicles have that “new car smell,” with no unpleasant odors.

Scientists have been working on a new source of lighting for buildings. They’re creating glow-in-the-dark plants! Plants like daisies, basil, watercress, tobacco, and elephant ear, are infused with nanoparticles, that turn stored energy into light. The glowing plants would not need power lines or batteries. Don’t forget to water the lights!

Children under 12, will soon be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Pfiizer’s trials showed that the vaccine is safe and effective for kids aged 5 to 11, at a lower dosage. This is great news for kids, who can finally be better protected at school, possibly as soon as October.

Get ready! Today is, Get Ready Day! Make sure your family is prepared for a crisis, by stocking first aid kits, testing flashlights, and drinking water. Plan fire escape routes, locate your water main cut-off, in case a pipe bursts, and find the safest spots to shelter during earthquakes, floods, or tornadoes. Be prepared.

It’s Miniature Golf Day. Many beach towns have mini golf courses with dinosaurs! After getting a hole-in-one, have a snack to celebrate Pecan Cookie Day, and Chai Day. Since it’s also World Gratitude Day, sharing spiced tea and pecan cookies is a great way, to thank whoever took you golfing.

Douglas Smith, of England, planted some tomato seeds back in March. This month, he harvested 839 tomatoes, form a single stem! Douglas crushed the old world record, of 448 tomatoes from one stem, or truss. If he collected 839 tomatoes from only one stem, I wonder how many he ended up with overall!

Deep in the ocean around New Zealand, scientists recently discovered 6 new species of glass sponges. Their spicules are made of silica, the same substance used to make glass. The sea creatures were found at a depth of nearly 16,000 feet, in near-darkness. Scientists were excited to find such a variety of life there.

Tonight will be the last full moon, of the Northern Hemisphere’s summer season, called the Harvest Moon. When it rises, not long after sunset, it could have an orange color, since you’re viewing it through the thicker atmosphere, closer to Earth. It’s like a big pumpkin in the sky, welcoming Autumn.

Today is the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. This year’s theme is, “Recovering Better for an Equitable and Sustainable World”. The U N encourages people to celebrate, by “spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic.” Start with peace in your own family, by not fighting with your siblings!

Today is Punch Day. No, you don’t get to punch somebody! It’s a sweet, fruity drink. Mix your own fruit punch! Make some fried rice to go with it, because it’s also Fried Rice Day. Take day-old rice, and fry it in a pan combined with diced vegetables, ginger, and soy sauce. It’s delicious!