Author: Lisa Mungovan

Texas is along the migratory path, of nearly 2,000,000,000 birds. The Lights Out Texas program, has made spring and autumn migrations easier, just by asking communities to turn off the outdoor lights. Reducing the light reflections at night, keeps birds from getting confused and running into buildings, during the peak migration season.

10 years ago, a gym coach in California, found a way to motivate his cross-country team, over the summer break. He paired each student, with a dog from the animal shelter, to go on a daily run. Other schools started similar programs, and many dogs have ended up being adopted by their student partner.

Today is World Jackal Day. Would you recognize a jackal, if you saw one? They’re often mistaken for dogs, since they look like a cross between foxes and German shepherds. Different jackal species live in Africa, Europe, and Asia, with their packs. They are skilled hunters, but also clean up dead animals, preventing disease.

Did you know, it’s Go Fly A Kite Day? If you don’t have a kite already, you can make your own, with paper, straws, tape, and fishing line. Find directions on instructables.com. The world record for the highest kite ever flown is 16,009 feet, which is about 3 miles high!

Today is Bicycle Day. Give your bike a tune-up, and go for a ride. Don’t forget your helmet! It’s also Garlic Day. Eat a loaf of garlic bread and celebrate your pungent breath! Then get some fresh air, by hanging clothes to dry on a clothesline. It’s Hanging Out Day!

Today is World Circus Day. Many circuses have stopped using live animals in their acts, to take a stand against animal cruelty. Cirque du Soleil features theatrical humans, and Circus Roncalli uses holograms! 3D holographic elephants, horses, and even fish, are created with projectors, and are just as spectacular. They’re also cheaper to feed!

Sitting in one place all day, is bad for your body, but exercise can make up for it. After a full day of sitting, you’ll need at least 30-40 minutes of building up a sweat, to counteract it. Balance your video-game marathons with workouts. For Exercise Day, start with some jumping jacks, right now!

Today is Piñata Day. The colorful papier-mâché creations are usually filled with candy, that pours out when it’s hit with a stick. It’s also Jugglers Day, so you could practice with a few pieces of candy before eating them. Juggling balloons is an easy way to start, if you’re having trouble learning.

Today is Pet Owners Independence Day. On this wacky holiday, people are supposed to switch places with their pets. You can lay around and get fed, while your pet goes to work or school, and scoops up your poop. Also, eat animal crackers, for Animal Crackers Day. Maybe your pets should eat people crackers!

A sea lion in California, got too far from the beach, and was spotted wandering around San Francisco. Police took the sea lion, nicknamed Irving, to be evaluated by vets at the Marine Mammal Center. They’ll release him back in the ocean, after making sure he’s okay.