Author: Lisa Mungovan

Parts of the United States, are experiencing record heat temperatures. Palm Springs California reached 123° Fahrenheit, while Death Valley reached an incredible 128°. Many states had temperatures over 100°, up to 30° warmer than normal June temperatures. Unfortunately, the heat increases the risk of wildfires, and depletes water from reservoirs. And it’s not even summer yet!

Surfing at the beach is a cool way to spend a hot day, especially when it’s Surf Day. The highest wave ever surfed that was officially recorded, was a 78-foot wave in Nazare Portugal. Could a wristwatch, help you time the waves just right? It’s also Watch Day, but make sure it’s waterproof!

Can you juggle? Give it a try, for World Juggling Day! Watch Zaniac Alex Zerbe, who juggles with a goofy twist, or David Rush, who holds lots of juggling world records. Juggling is an ancient skill; a painting of people juggling, was found on a 4000 year-old Egyptian tomb!

When you’re out and about today, relax and walk leisurely. It’s World Sauntering Day, so just slow down and enjoy the stroll! It’s also Garfield The Cat Day. The lazy orange and black cat, created by Jim Davis, appeared in his first comic strip in 1978. Eat lasagna in his honor!

On June 19th 1865, the last enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free. That day in United States history, now known as Juneteenth, marked independence for all. Learning more about slavery helps us understand the importance of emancipation, and inspires us to treat all humans equally, and with respect.

A hidden camera at a Russian nature reserve, captured more than expected. The camera was disguised as a piece of bark, that unfortunately, looked a bit too real. A woodpecker hunting for insects, pecked at it until it broke. I guess the black woodpecker, nicknamed Zehlna, found a bug after all.

Today is Flip Flop Day. You can get the classic rubber sandals at a Dollar store, and flip flop inexpensively. Or you could spend more money, on luxury flip flops, since it’s also Splurge Day. The most entertaining shoes, are Coddies Fish Flops. Slide your feet into fish, and leave fish prints everywhere!

Don’t panic about what to have for dinner. It’s International Picnic Day, so you can literally go out to eat. Simply bring some sandwiches and water. Nature is the star of the meal! Actually, you can panic anyway, because it’s also International Panic Day. Just remember to calm down after your moment of stress!

Hmm. Something seems fishy today. It’s Go Fishing Day and International Sushi Day, so if you catch a fish, you can eat it raw. But a much nicer thing to celebrate, is Clean Your Aquarium Day! Instead of catching or eating our fishy friends, give adopted fish a nice clean tank!

June 19th, 1865 was a momentous day in United States history. Juneteenth, or Emancipation Day, marks the date the last enslaved people were freed in Texas. This week, a bill was signed, making the day a Federal US holiday. Since the holiday falls on a Saturday, employees will get Friday off instead.