Pecans
National Nut Day is today! Today celebrates the many tree nuts and other plant nuts that contribute to our health and to our economy. Idea: Children could list all the nuts they can think of and then learn how we use some of the nuts.
First Parachute
Parachute jump was made for the first time in 1797. André-Jacques Garnerin dropped from a hot air balloon 3,200 feet above the city of Paris. His parachute resembled an umbrella. On the ascent, the parachute was closed. At the designated height, he cut the balloon away, opened the parachute, and landed with the gondola.
New York Metropolitan Opera House in 1883 celebrated its opening with a production of Faust.
John Kennedy
Cuban Missile Crisis began when President Kennedy in 1962 demanded that missiles placed in Cuba by the Soviet Union be removed. The United States also placed an embargo around the island to prevent other arms entering Cuba. On October 28 the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics started to remove the weapons. Older children could learn more at: State Department.
The Boats on the River
Marjorie Flack (born Long Island, New York, 1897; died Pigeon Cove, Massachusetts, August 29, 1958) wrote and illustrated books for children. Her works include The Story about Ping and the Angus series. She received a 1947 Caldecott Honor Award for The Boats on the River. Children can learn more at: Marjorie Flack.
Franz Liszt (born Raiding, Hungary, 1811, died Bayre, Bavaria, July 31, 1886) was a pianist and a composer. Probably his most celebrated works are his twenty Hungarian rhapsodies.
Robert Rauschenberg (born Port Arthur, Texas, 1925; died Captiva, Florida, May 12, 2008) was an artist. He often used a variety of materials on one canvas. Children can learn more at: Robert Rauschenberg.
Wyeth’s illustration in King Arthur
N. C. Wyeth (born Needham, Massachusetts, 1882; died near Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, October, 1945) was an artist and illustrator. Children can view several of his works at: Wyeth Art. They could also learn more at: N. C. Wyeth.
Snow Leopard
International Snow Leopard Day is today! Snow leopards live in mountain ranges in South Asia and Central Asia. Fewer than 10,000 snow leopards exist today, and that number is estimated to decline in the coming years. Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, snow leopards have been killed by poaching. They have also seen their habitats declining. Smaller than other cats, snow leopards cannot roar. They are carnivores, preying on both wild and domesticated animals. They have adapted to mountainous, cold, and snowy conditions. They have thick fur; and their paws are large and covered with fur on the underside to traverse icy conditions. Interesting fact: their tails are unusally long and provide fat storage. The tail also has very long fur so that the tail can act as a blanket for the snow leopard’s face while the animal sleeps.
Amadeus Avogadro
National Mole Day marks the celebration of Avogadro’s number, 6.02 x 10^23. The celebration begins at 6:02 AM on 10/23. This year’s theme is “Sherlock Molmes.” The event started in the early 1980’s and is often incorporated into National Chemistry Week. Children could visit a website at: Mole Day.
Flag of Libya
Libya celebrates Liberation Day. Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt, and other north African countries, Libya is slightly larger than the state of Alaska. Over six million people live in Libya, and Tripoli is the capital and largest city. The country exports much of its oil and imports much of its food. Children could learn more at: Libya.
War of Jenkins’ Ear began in 1739. The war began when a Spanish soldier cut off the ear of English officer Robert Jenkins. American colonial officers and soldiers fought for the British. The war somewhat ended in 1742, but politics swept up further events.
Cliff Swallow Courtesy of Marlin Harms
Swallows leave Capistrano, California, for the winter. They fly to Argentina, but they will return March 19th.