Author: Lisa Mungovan

Selfies, when you take a photo of yourself, can be dangerous. Every year, people die in bizarre ways, trying to get the perfect shot. Be careful today on Selfie Day! You’ll probably be safe with a food selfie, so celebrate Peaches ‘N’ Cream Day, with a perfect picture of fruit, cream, and you!

Today is Ugliest Dog Day, but the World’s Ugliest Dog contest won’t take place until August 8th this year, in California. Last year’s winner was Wild Thang, a Pekingese pup with a perpetually dangling tongue, and constantly paddling leg. You can find the application online, to enter your own lovably ugly dog.

For American Eagle Day, let’s learn about the bald eagle. The North American birds get their distinctive white-feathered heads around age 5. They pair up for life, and work on the same nest every year. The largest nest was 20 feet deep and nearly 10 feet wide, leaving room for their massive 7-foot wingspan!

Today is World Refugee Day, organized by the United Nations. This year’s theme is, “Solidarity with refugees.” We celebrate the strength and courage, of those who have to flee their home country to escape violence or persecution. Everyone on the planet deserves respect, dignity, health care and a safe life.

You’ve been sitting in the dark too long. Back away from the computer and video games, and go for a walk outside. It’s Hike With A Geek Day! Afterwards, have a nice cold milkshake, or maybe a chocolate soda, since it’s Vanilla Milkshake Day, and Ice Cream Soda Day!

In the Northern Hemisphere, today is the longest day of the year, known as the summer solstice. At the North Pole, the sun will be shining for 24 hours! In Earth’s Southern Hemisphere, however, today is the winter solstice, with the fewest daylight hours. The South Pole won’t see the sun at all!

Today is World Albatross Day. The albatross has the largest wingspan of any bird, measuring 12 feet across! They can travel 500 miles a day, soaring 80 miles-per-hour without even flapping their wings. Albatrosses can go for years without touching land, and touching water only to get food. Scientists believe they sleep while flying.

Forget riding in the car. It’s Dump the Pump Day! Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association, many cities across the United States will be offering free fare on public transit. See if your city is participating; your ride on the bus or subway might cost you nothing and cause less pollution!

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!

Today is Eat An Oreo Day. There have been more than 85 flavors of the famous sandwich cookies, since their introduction in 1912, including new Selena Gomez ones. It’s also Watch Day. The first watches, in the 15th century, were carried in pockets. Smartwatches do a lot more, but old watches didn’t need batteries.