Author: Lisa Mungovan

Today is World Refugee Day, organized by the United Nations. This year’s theme is, “Until Everyone Is Safe.” 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.

Can you juggle? Give it a try, for World Juggling Day! Watch a tutorial online, like Learn to Juggle 3 Balls by Taylor Tries, to get started, then watch a pro, like Zaniac Alex Zerbe. Juggling is an ancient skill; a painting of people juggling, was found on a 4000 year-old Egyptian tomb!

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.

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 B T S 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.

On June 19th 1865, the last enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free. That day in United States history, now known as Juneteenth, marked independence for all. Learning more about slavery helps us understand the importance of emancipation, and inspires us to treat all humans equally, and with respect.

Former President Barack Obama’s presidential library, will open to the public today. Located in Chicago Illinois, the Obama Presidential Center includes a vegetable garden, museum, basketball court, recording studio, sledding hill, replica of the White House’s Oval Office, and a branch of the Chicago Public Library. A star-studded opening ceremony happened yesterday.

Have you been watching the World Cup? The soccer tournament has been taking place in North America, with teams from 48 nations competing. 16 teams will be eliminated in the group stage. The knockout stage round of 32 will begin July 1st. Who do you hope will be in July 19th’s final?

Look at your fish tank. Is it full of algae, or cloudy water? Give it a thorough cleaning, for Clean Your Aquarium Day. You might feel like getting a new aquarium, which would also be appropriate since it’s Splurge Day. I suggest cleaning the aquarium, and splurging on a new decoration for your fish!

Hmm. Something seems fishy today. It’s Go Fishing Day and International Sushi Day, so if you catch a fish, you can eat it raw. You could also be nice to the fish, and release it. You don’t even need to catch a fish, to enjoy relaxing in nature. In fact, the fish prefer it!