Author: Lisa Mungovan

Paleontologists have identified a new reptile species, from the Triassic period. The 247,000,000-year-old Mirasaura grauvogeli, had an enormous crest on its back, that was not made from skin, feathers, or hair. Before the crest was matched to other bones, the appendages had previously been identified as insect wings, fish fins, or even plant parts.

Today is World Mangrove Day. Mangrove trees, which grow in salty water, help preserve shorelines from erosion, and provide a habitat for many fish and animals. They’ve also been used to reforest landfills, and repair hurricane-ravaged coastal areas. Mangroves are so easy to plant, that one man in Sri Lanka has planted millions!

Today is Aunt And Uncle Day. You might be an aunt or uncle to someone older than you! An aunt or uncle is your mom or dad’s sister or brother, but the name can also be for anyone who is special to you. Send them a message about how great they are!

Some people can make cakes, that look like anything. But other people can make beans, that taste like anything! Soybeans are used to make tofu, which can be used in place of meat or eggs, or all on its own! It’s World Tofu Day, so go vegetarian for the day, and eat tofu instead.

Bagels for breakfast, lunch and dinner are on today’s menu, because it’s National Bagelfest Day! The chewy bread comes in many flavors, and you can top them with just about anything. It’s also Coffee Milkshake Day. You can have your coffee and bagels like the grown-ups, but your coffee will be cold and supersweet!

56,000 years ago, a 600,000,000-pound asteroid hit Earth, creating Meteor Crater in Arizona. The same nickel-iron asteroid, may have also formed a temporary lake, in the Grand Canyon. Researchers believe the impact caused an earthquake, triggering a rockslide that dammed the Colorado River. Driftwood accumulated in caves, before the water eventually dropped back down.

Swimming pools are fun, but they can also be a source of bacteria. Chlorine is used to kill germs in the water, creating the familiar odor when it reacts with sweat and urine. If a pool smells really strongly of chlorine, it probably has pee in it. Yuck! Don’t swallow any water.

Every 8-10 years, airlines are required to replace the life vests on their planes. The life jackets were never used, but they expire for safety reasons. United Airline’s Boeing 737 fleet alone, replaces 19,000 life vests-per-year. United teamed up with fashion company B2L, to upcycle the expired life jackets, into backpacks and travel-themed bags.

Today is Get Gnarly Day. Be like a surfer attacking a gnarly wave, and tackle something fun and exciting. How about talking in an elevator? Did you ever notice how quiet people are, in an elevator? Since today is Talk In An Elevator Day, say hi and smile, and make someone happy!

Are you ready to ride around in circles? It’s Carousel Day! Your merry-go-round might have horses, or it could have tigers and ostriches. Pick your favorite, listen to the calliope music, and wave to everyone! Afterwards, celebrate Hot Fudge Sundae Day. Ice cream tastes better topped with gooey chocolate, whipped cream, and a cherry!