Mars Surface
Red Planet Day is today! Mars, the red planet, is honored today because Mariner 4 was launched on November 28, 1964. It reached Mars on July 14, 1965, sending back to NASA 22 photos of the planet. Mars is a cold desert planet, the fourth from the sun. It is red because a great deal of iron is in the soil. It has two moons, Phobos and Deimos. Children can learn more at: Mars.
Flag of Albania
Albania celebrates Liberation Day. The Ottoman Empire gave up control of Albania in 1912. Located in southeastern Europe, the country is a bit smaller than the state of Maryland (according to the CIA World Factbook). Almost three million people live in this mountainous and hilly country. Tirana is the capital. Albania’s major industries are food processing and textiles.
Mauritania celebrates Independence Day. It gained its freedom from France in 1960. The country, located in northwestern Africa, is larger than the state of Texas. Over three million people live in Mauritania, and the capital is Nouakchott. Located in the Sahara Desert, the country derives most of its income from livestock, iron ore, and gypsum.
Duryea and His Motorized Wagon
First automobile race in the United States took place in 1895. This is an interesting story. Cars had been invented only two year earlier. The Chicago Times-Herald wanted to promote cars and boost newspaper circulation, so the newspaper sponsored the race. Approximately 83 cars were entered, but only six cars participated in the 54-mile race from Chicago to Evanston and back. The cars and drivers had to battle cold weather, snow, and local laws to finish. The winner, Charles Duryea in his motorized wagon, averaged seven miles per hour. He won $5000 (over $100,000 in today’s money). Children could learn more at: First Automobile Race.
Lady Astor became the first woman to be elected to the British Parliament. Born in the United States, Lady Astor was elected in 1919. She served until 1945. Children could find out if British Parliament elections differ from American elections by watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs-9B3FRXCA.
Jaguar
International Jaguar Day is today! While the jaguar is considered near threatened by the IUCN, it is seldom seen in the United States today. Its current range is from Mexico through Central America and into South America. An apex predator, it hunts mostly at sunset and during the night. The jaguar, compared to other wild cats, is fairly solitary. Even the females, unless they are caring for young, seldom seek other jaguars.