July 21st dedicates a giant menu of items to National Junk Food Day. Each year, the day permits us to chow down on the foods we usually don’t include in our daily diet. Junk foods, by definition, typically contain high fats, sugars, salt, and calories and very little nutritional value.
With the advent of packaged foods during the late 1800s, junk food made its way into American life. Still, home-cooked meals remained the standard for several more decades. Eventually, after World War II, the artery-clogging industry took off. Since the population ate out more, traveled more, the industry was primed to produce products at an increased rate.
From the frozen food aisle to fast food chains, a myriad of choices for consumers flooded the market. Potato chips, baked goods and so much more filled supermarket shelves, prepackaged and ready to go.
By the 1970s, junk foods earned a name and a bad one, too. Michael Jacobson, a microbiologist, is credited with coining the phrase. He also set out to curb our appetite for the high sugar, high salt, high preservative foods Americans consumed at an alarming rate.
While deep-fried, fat-laced foods increase our waistlines, cholesterol, and blood sugar numbers, an occasional indulgence shouldn’t impact a healthy, diverse diet and lifestyle. Also, producers make healthy versions of our favorite junk foods to entice us to enjoy a little.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalJunkFoodDay
Snack a little. Chow down on your favorite chip, dip or treat. In fact, treat the family or workplace to a beverage or take out. Post on social media using #NationalJunkFoodDay. You can also celebrate by taking a walk or doing some yard work to burn off those extra calories.
On June 28th, National Alaska Day recognizes the largest state to join the union and the Nation’s Last Frontier.
Not only is Alaska the largest state, but it is also home to the highest mountain peaks in the country, including Mt. Denali. In The Last Frontier, it’s possible to test the theories associated with the Bering Land Bridge. Check out the remote and intriguing location of North America’s history.
Populated by Inuit, Yupik, Tlingit, and others long before Russian and European explorers found their way to the Arctic land, Alaska supported the indigenous people with sufficient whale fat, beaver, and fish.
Alaska Official
State Capital – Juneau State Nickname – The Last Frontier State Motto – North to the Future State Bird – Willow Ptarmigon State Flower – Alpine Forget Me Not State Mammal – Moose State Fish – King Salmon State Fossil – Wolly Mammoth State Mountain – Denali State Tree – Spitka Spruce State Sport – Dog Mushing State Song – Alaska’s Flag State Gemstone – Jade
The Land of the Midnight Sun led to the next great gold rush. In the Yukon, many would venture into the rugged North expecting to find riches in the Klondike. Those who did, would find it difficult to get it back out again…alive.
The Iditarod takes place in Alaska and runs 1,150 miles from Anchorage to Nome in honor of Leonhard Seppala. In 1925, he along with several other mushers delivered much-needed anti-diphtheria serum to Nome.
The immense Denali National Park and Preserve is home to glaciers, fossil records, and a study in geology. All along the Alaska Range, the pristine wilderness provides hikers the most well-marked trails outstanding views and peaceful vistas.
Reindeer Dogs King Crab Halibut Smoked Salmon Wild Game Black Cod Fresh Berries Chocolate Bread Myktak Aqutak
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAlaskaDay
Join National Day Calendar as we celebrate National Alaska Day. Discover the wildest places and peaceful spaces. Go where the land meets the sky. Find adventure in The Land of the Midnight Sun and use #NationalAlaskaDay to share on social media.
National Go Fishing Day on June 18th each year encourages us to drop a line – in the nearest stream, pond, lake, or river. Taking a break from our daily routine to bait a hook and catch some fish can be a relaxing endeavor.
In addition to providing food, fishing is a recreational pastime for many. Recreational fishing includes conventions, rules, licensing restrictions, and laws that limit the way in which fish may be caught. A rod, reel, line, and hooks with any one of the different forms of bait or lures, are the most common form of recreational fishing.
The practice of catching (or attempting to catch) fish with a hook is known as angling. Catch and release (returning the fish to the water to continue its life) is often the expectation or requirement by law. For others, this is a preferred form of fishing.
Hobbyists with knowledge of habitat, foraging behavior, and migration hone their fishing techniques for a successful fishing adventure. Some fishermen continue to follow fishing folklore by claiming the sun and the moon influence fish feeding patterns.
The earliest known English essay on recreational fishing was published in 1496.
Here in Florida fishing is also a sport. If just relaxing with some friends while attempting to catch fish is not fulfilling enough, try any one of the anglers events, and contests including deep sea. Marlin and Mullet are big ones here. Where else can you attend a Mullet Toss?
Teach the family. My brother and his wife enjoy it so much they now have a spot on a lake. They are diligently teaching the grandkids how it’s done. Make it part of your Family Fun Month this August.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, recreational fishing began to gain popularity. In 1653, Izaak Walton published a book titled, The Compleat Angler or Contemplative Man’s Recreation. Walton’s book is the definitive work championing the position of the angler who loves fishing just for the sake of it.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGoFishingDay
Grab your rod and reel, some bait, and go fishing! Take a selfie while wearing this fishing t-shirt. Make sure to share it with your co-workers stuck back at the office.
Share your whopper using #NationalGoFishingDay on social media.
National Zoo and Aquarium Month is an excellent time to plan your trip and make a donation to favorite zoo or aquarium.
Launch into summer by visiting an aquarium or zoo near you. All around the country, parks are gearing up for visitors. They offer programs all year round regarding the wildlife they support that are educational and fun.
Visit your favorites
These are some favorites near me. Be sure to check with them for re-opening schedules.
There’s more than one way to explore your zoo or aquarium.
Many zoos offer passes that are good at other wildlife parks and aquariums across the country.
Learn about vanishing habitat and conservation while visiting the wildlife parks.
Check out their rehabilitation programs and learn how zoologist and veterinarians help injured animals return to the wild.
Sponsor one of your favorite creatures! Many programs offer a way to help support the wildlife we enjoy most, especially those that are endangered.
Speaking of endangered species, learn about reduced populations and find out which ones are making comebacks.
Which zoos have nurseries? Several wildlife programs pair up to create conservative breeding programs to help create a sustainable population. Ask if your zoo participates in Species Survival Plans.
Each year on the third Friday in May, National Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for everyone to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species, their habitats and the actions necessary to do so.
Every year you can participate along with thousands of others at events to celebrate National Endangered Species Day at wildlife refuges, zoos, parks, community centers, aquariums, botanical gardens, libraries and schools. This year you can tune in, take a virtual tour and explore. The 40th anniversary of the Federal Endangered Species Act was observed in 2013.
Designed to protect critically imperiled species from extinction as a “consequence of economic growth and development untempered by adequate concern and conservation.” The act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon on December 28, 1973.
