Author: Lisa Mungovan

Did you know fireflies are decreasing in number? Also known as lightning bugs, the glowing beetles are a victim of light pollution. You can help them by turning off your outdoor lights. They need to see their own lights in order to communicate. Every species has its own pattern of flashing lights.

You’re never too old for a princess party. Just ask G-Ma, a 90-year-old in North Carolina. Her granddaughter organized a birthday photoshoot, where G-Ma dressed up in a pink tutu and crown. Perched on her throne, she bestowed huge smiles on everyone, who celebrated her milestone birthday with her.

Happy Hydration Day! The human body is about 60% water, and it’s easy to lose it in the hot summertime. Dehydration can make you tired, dizzy, confused, grumpy, or give you a headache. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty, to grab a drink. Humans can survive 3 weeks without food, but only 4 days without water!

Get out all your pink clothes, because it’s Pink Day! The color pink used to be the color for boys in the 19th century. The lighter shade of red, was considered masculine. These days, anyone can wear any color, even flamingos, especially on Pink Flamingo Day! They’re the best lawn ornaments ever.

Today is Typewriter Day. Typing on a computer, where you can delete mistakes, or move paragraphs around, is so easy. But what happens when the printer won’t work again? On a typewriter, you can enjoy rolling the paper in, listening to the clacks and dings, and watching keys strike the paper. It’s so satisfying!

Have you ever tried to do the 100 Push Up Challenge, where you build up your stamina to do 100 in a row? Nate Carroll tried his own challenge, by completing over 1.5 million push ups, in one year. The hardest part was finding the time. He had to squeeze in more than 4000 push ups per day!

A group of poor fishermen in Yemen, found a dead whale floating in the water. After dragging it ashore, they discovered a lump of ambergris in the belly. Sperm whales produce the rare substance, to protect their intestines from sharp squid beaks. The ambergris was worth $1,500,000, which the 35 men shared with the community.

Researchers were studying ancient cave art, created tens of thousands of years ago. They tested different kinds of light, that Paleolithic humans may have used. Torches were best for exploring, while grease lamps could light small spaces for a long time. Flickering firelight, made cave drawings look like they were moving!

Rainforests are home to countless species of plants, animals, and insects, as well as an important source of oxygen. The Amazon rainforest alone, supplies 20% of the world’s oxygen, and holds a fifth of the world’s freshwater. Unfortunately, acres of rainforest are cut down every minute. Educate yourself, in honor of World Rainforest Day.

Today is B Kinder Day, started in honor of 12-year-old Billie Kinder. It brings a message of hope, empathy, and change in the world. Think before you speak, and be more kind to everyone. It’s also Onion Rings Day, and Chocolate Eclair Day.  Loop giant onion rings onto your eclairs, for a delicious feast!