Author: Lisa Mungovan

Isaac Johnson has the biggest mouth not only in Minnesota, but in the whole world. He first set the world record at age 14, but someone broke his record. He reclaimed it at 16. Now, he’s broken his own record for largest mouth gape again, by opening his mouth 4.014 inches wide.

Last week, California highways were red, after accidents involving squashed tomatoes. This week, the roads were pink. A truck carrying clothing dye, spilled during a crash in Southern California. The road turned dark pink and bright purple, making it the prettiest traffic jam ever. At least the dye was organic.

Paleontologists discovered the oldest dinosaur fossil, ever found in Africa. Mbiresaurus raathi lived around 230,000,000 years ago, during the Late Triassic period. The 6-foot-long sauropod had a small head with triangular teeth good for eating plants or meat, and stood on 2 legs. It only weighed 20 to 65 pounds, perhaps less than you!

Did you know iguanas grow 7 feet long? In the wild, they usually live in tropical areas. That’s why frozen iguanas sometimes fall out of the trees, when it gets cold in Florida! If you’re thinking about getting a pet iguana, remember they need lots of space and special care. Happy Iguana Awareness Day.

Today is Star Trek Day! Watch your favorite Star Trek series, and work on your Vulcan salute. Live long and prosper. It’s also Date Nut Bread Day, which is a delicious way to eat fruits, nuts, and grains, in one bite. Finally, learn to write that squiggly symbol that means “and,” for Ampersand Day.

Shawn and Hilary Siegel-Redner’s house, is a must-see for cat lovers. They’ve turned their Wisconsin home, into a Rescued Cat Figurine Museum. By the way, that’s spelled M-e-w-s-e-u-m. They collect cat figurines from thrift stores and yard sales, and accept donated items. Visitors can see thousands of kitties, and admission costs help real-life rescue-cats.

A train line in Germany, is switching its engines from diesel, to hydrogen. Hydrogen-fueled transportation is much better for the environment. Hydrogen stored on the train’s roof, combines with oxygen inside fuel cells, to make power. After the hydrogen and oxygen combine, the only thing left is water. The trains are also much quieter.

Now that everyone’s back to school, do you remember how to stay safe from COVID? Wash your hands often with soap, and use hand sanitizer. It will protect you from colds and the flu as well. Wearing a mask indoors, also helps. Most importantly, get vaccinated, including your booster shot.

In the United States, everyone 12 and older, can get the latest vaccine to protect themselves against COVID-19. The booster is formulated to target the newer Omicron variant. Once people are vaccinated, they’re much safer from serious illness, and far less likely, to unknowingly infect others. Thanks scientists, for developing vaccines for us.

Did you grow any squash in your garden this summer? Today is Acorn Squash Day, so bake one for dinner. Don’t forget to save some seeds for next year. It’s also Superhuman Day, which celebrates all the people who have disabilities, and the challenges they face in daily life. They’re an inspiration for everyone!