Author: Lisa Mungovan

The pygmy hog is a tiny endangered pig, that lives in North India. Since 19 71, the Pygmy Hog Conservation Program has worked hard to bring the 10-inch-tall pigs, back from the brink of extinction. In the last 12 years, they’ve released 130 wild hogs into protected grassland areas, and around 400 little piggies are repopulating the ecosystem.

A McDonald’s in Minnesota, has the best drive-through ever. That’s because Daniel Marshall, sings to every customer. He greets you with a little tune, and sings your order back to you. Daniel is on the autism spectrum, and was happy to find an employer that not only doesn’t mind his singing, but welcomes it.

Today is Hole In My Bucket Day. Learn the classic song about Henry’s bucket, and Liza’s advice to fix it. Then sing it all day long, and drive everyone crazy! It’s also Water A Flower Day. Make sure all the plants are getting enough to drink. I hope your bucket holds water!

Quick! Send a telegraph; it’s Loomis Day! Mahlon Loomis was a dentist who introduced wireless telegraphy in 1868. He experimented by flying kites miles apart, then sending signals through the atmosphere. He also invented artificial teeth! Radios and walkie-talkies were some of the earliest devices to use wireless communication.

Map Reading Week begins today. Paper maps and atlases are fascinating, and it’s important to learn how to read them. Which direction is North? What’s that squiggly blue line? Can you find your country on a world map, or your street on a city map? Get a trail map, and take a hike!

Did you ever try to make your hair stand straight up, for Crazy Hair Day at school? Joe Grisamore could give you a few pointers. The Minnesota man captured the world record, for the tallest spike Mohawk. His hair stood tall, at 50.9 inches. He’d have to walk through doorways, on his knees!

Scientists discovered an interesting way, that monkeys try to blend in with their neighbors. They pick up their accents! White pied tamarins and red-handed tamarins speak the same language, like the British and Americans, but their calls have differing frequencies and durations. When the different species want to communicate, they adjust their calls.

Today is Mount Everest Day, celebrating the tallest mountain in the world. Reaching an elevation of 20,031 feet above sea level, it’s part of the Himalayas, on the border between China and Nepal. 68 years ago, Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary were the first people we know of, to climb to the top.

Today is Biscuit Day. You could eat a biscuit in Ireland that’s known as a cookie elsewhere, or eat fluffy biscuits with gravy in the United States. I’m going to eat both! Then, make a paper clip necklace to celebrate Paper Clip Day. A piece of bent wire can sure be useful!

Today is Put A Pillow On Your Fridge Day. No-no, don’t take a nap up there! It’s supposed to bring good luck and prosperity. Clean the top of your fridge while you’re up there! Then clean the inside, and put the leftovers in a compost pile, since it’s also Learn About Composting Day.