Author: Lisa Mungovan

Mosquitoes are pesky at best, and deadly at worst. Their bites are itchy, but can also carry diseases like malaria in some parts of the world. Researchers have found that along with your breath, your sweat, and the temperature of your skin, mosquitoes are also attracted to red, orange, and black clothing.

An extreme drought in Iraq, produced an unexpected treasure. The level of the country’s largest water reservoir fell so low, that it exposed the ruins of an ancient city. Archaeologists say the Bronze Age settlement, complete with a palace and fort, is 3,400 years old. It was engulfed by the Tigris River long ago.

Throw a meatless patty on the grill. It’s Veggie Burger Day! You can try an Impossible Burger at a restaurant if you want something that tastes like meat. It’s also Hot Air Balloon Day. You can make your own hot air balloon, take a ride, or just watch them float through the sky!

Today is World Environment Day. Protecting the environment is everyone’s job. Recycle, leave natural habitats for animals,don’t litter, and don’t pollute the water. Then start writing the lawmakers of your country, and demand that they force corporations to do the same. No one should be allowed to pollute our beautiful planet!

Do you have a winter hat, with a little pom-pom on top? Imagine 45,000 pom-poms lined up. That’s what a group of knitters, called the Brandon Yarn Bombers, did to break a world record. They joined forces with other knitting groups in England, to create the longest-ever line, of 45,736 yarn pom-poms.

Did you know, not all black bears, are black? They can be shades of blue-grey, cinnamon, or even white! If you live near woods in North America, you might spot one raiding a bird feeder, rummaging through trash cans, or opening car doors to find a snack. Loud noises will usually scare them away.

Prairies are large open areas of grassland, with few trees. They make up a huge part of the North American landscape, and are home to animals like prairie dogs and buffalo. Read Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and learn more about the prairie ecosystem, for Prairie Day.

Today is Corgi Day. The little dog with the short legs, is Queen Elizabeth’s favorite. She’s had more than 30 corgis during her 96 years. Do you remember the Million Corg March? Hundreds of adorable short-legged corgis wandered around Washington DC dressed in costumes, from coffee cups to crowns. I hope they have another one.

Here kitty-kitty-kitty. Come get a hug! It’s Hug Your Cat Day, so hold your head close, and listen to your furball’s rumbling purr. It’s also Cheese Day. Be adventurous, and try some new varieties, like chocolate cheese! You could even look up a recipe, and try making your own cheese, like fresh mozzarella.

A zoo in Wisconsin, announced a new baby reticulated giraffe, born to mother, Marlee, and father, Bahatika. The calf weighed 164 pounds at her first check-up, and is doing well. Although the calf is not named yet, she’s strong and spunky. Giraffe calves are 6-feet tall at birth, and stand up within an hour.