Author: Lisa Mungovan

It would take a lot of insects, to weigh as much as a human. But researchers estimate, that the combined weight of all the arthropods in the world, is about equal to all the humans and farm animals. About 40%, comes from termites alone. Spiders, millipedes, woodlice, and other insects, are important to the ecosystem.

Think about all the things you use every day. Someone invented them all, from light bulbs and televisions, to socks and forks. Today is Inventors’ Day, so look up the origins of your favorite objects. When was it invented? Try to make your own invention, and someday someone might be looking up your object!

Did you dump your drink and make a big mess? Don’t worry. It’s Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day. Just calmly clean up the mess, and carry on with your day. It’s no big deal! It’s also Get Out Your Guitar Day, so play a few tunes today. Is your guitar electric or acoustic?

Today is Make A Friend Day. It’s fun to make new friends, but it can be hard to meet someone new when you’re shy. You’re in luck, because it’s also Peppermint Patty Day! Offering candy to someone is a great conversation starter, especially when it’s a chocolate covered mint!

No air traffic controller was necessary, for a gathering of aircraft in Texas. Richard DeFreece set a world record, for folding the most functional paper airplanes, in one hour. Averaging 4-per-minute, he folded 250 planes out of sheets of paper. All were tested for airworthiness in order to qualify for the record.

Today is Extraterrestrial Culture Day. Do you think there’s life on other planets? Read a book, like “The Alien Next Door,” or watch a movie, like “ET.” Then build a make-believe spaceship in your living room, or have everyone imagine a new planet, and draw their own alien species.

Do you have flannel sheets? Flannel is soft and warm, so snuggle into your bed for Flannel Day. You might also have flannel pjs, or a plaid flannel shirt. Don’t forget your teddy bear, because it’s also Teddy Day. End your day with a treat, to celebrate Cream Cheese Brownie Day.

Today we celebrate Umbrella Day. The umbrella, or bumbershoot, has been around for over 4000 years, but the Chinese were the first, to waterproof paper parasols. Folding umbrellas didn’t show up until 1969. There’s an umbrella shop in London, called James Smith and Sons, that opened in 1830. After 196 years, they must be umbrella experts!

The Winter Olympics kicked off this weekend, in Italy. More than 3,500 athletes from 95 countries will be competing for 195 medals. Some of the events include downhill skiing, snowboarding, speed skating, hockey, and figure skating. Ski mountaineering, or Skimo, is a new event, combining climbing up and skiing down mountains.

Have you ever read “Everyone Poops,” by Taro Gomi? It’s true. Celebrate Poop Day, by learning exciting facts about excrement. Wombats have cube-shaped poop, sloths only poop once a week, and the sand on some beaches, is actually parrotfish poop. Turkey vultures poop on their own legs to keep cool. Please don’t copy them.