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International Talk Like a Pirate Day
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Ahoy, mateys! It be International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Today, landlubbers and seafarers alike put on their tricorn hats and hoist the Jolly Roger. The day started in 1995 as a joke between two friends, John Baur and Mark Summers, but it got a boost in 2002 after they shared the idea with humorist Dave Barry, who promoted it in his syndicated column. Since then, it"s become a day of fun—people don pirate costumes, engage in pirate-themed activities, like the kid on the ship in today"s image, and embrace mock pirate language. Whether ye be a seasoned buccaneer or a greenhorn, it"s time to batten down the hatches, shiver your timbers, and unleash your inner pirate. Arr!Desktop Version
Big Bend National Park anniversary
Big Bend National Park anniversary
Ready to channel your inner nature enthusiast? Let"s explore Big Bend National Park in West Texas, which is celebrating its 80th birthday today. This park is the largest protected area in the Chihuahuan Desert, covering over 1,250 square miles. The Big Bend State Park was established on June 12, 1944, when the state of Texas transferred this land to the federal government.Desktop Version
Happy Fat Tuesday!
Happy Fat Tuesday!
Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," is a vibrant tradition that marks the last day of indulgence before the Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Rooted in ancient Roman celebrations like Saturnalia, Mardi Gras evolved as Christianity spread, blending local customs—most notably Carnival festivities—with religious observances. The name itself originates from French, with the word gras meaning "fat," referring to rich, fatty foods like meat, eggs, and cheese that are traditionally enjoyed before the fasting season begins.Desktop Version
International Rock Day
International Rock Day
Are you ready to make some noise? Wait, not that sort of rock. Today, we"re all about granite, limestone, and slate. There are three types of rock: igneous rocks formed from magma and lava; sedimentary rocks made from a mixture of particles like sand and mud; and metamorphic rocks that are the result of heat and pressure on other kinds of rock.Desktop Version
Black History Month
Black History Month
Today, the United States begins an annual, monthlong celebration of African Americans and their contributions to the country"s history and culture. The forerunner of Black History Month was created in 1926 by historian Carter Woodson and minister Jesse Moorland to study and promote the legacy of Black Americans. The weeklong celebration was observed in the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and African American abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Its popularity grew over the next 50 years in large part because of the civil rights movement, and President Gerald Ford expanded it to a full month in 1976. Other countries honor their own Black histories, including Canada, which also celebrates Black History Month throughout February.Desktop Version
Superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California
Superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California
It"s not every day you see a desert burst into colors, but during a superbloom, arid land is covered with endless stretches of flowers. This rare phenomenon happens in California and Arizona when the rainy season awakens wildflower seeds that have been lying dormant in the soil. Superblooms in California typically occur once a decade, but prolonged droughts in the 21st century have made them increasingly less frequent. Drawing attention to California"s diverse flora and rural federal lands, this event offers a temporary boost to local economies.Desktop Version
Great wildebeest migration at Mara River, Kenya
Great wildebeest migration at Mara River, Kenya
They say the grass is always greener on the other side, and no one takes that more literally than the wildebeests of the Serengeti in Tanzania. Every July, roughly 2 million of these determined grazers, along with zebras and other herbivores, set off on a journey north to the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of lush pastures and fresh water. The great migration, considered one of the seven wonders of the natural world, is a safari spectacle where survival is the prize.Desktop Version
Rock formations at Sedona, Arizona
Rock formations at Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona, is a place where nature, history, and spirituality converge amidst stunning red rock formations. These fiery sandstone creations, part of the Schnebly Hill Formation, were shaped over millions of years during the Permian Period as sediment accumulated in an ancient sea. Over time, erosion has further sculpted Sedona"s landscapes, which now glow brilliantly at sunrise and sunset. Notable formations such as Wilson Mountain, Seven Sacred Pools, and Cathedral Rock offer iconic views.Desktop Version
Vineyards in the Mosel Valley, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Vineyards in the Mosel Valley, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Welcome to the Palatinate, a wine lover"s dream come true. This wine-growing region in western Germany has rolling hills, fertile soils, and a warm climate, allowing the cultivation of a diverse variety of grapes. While riesling reigns supreme, other notable varieties include chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot blanc, Müller-Thurgau, and Dornfelder. The Palatinate is the largest red wine-producing region in the country, with over 40% of the vineyards devoted to it.Desktop Version
Wildlife Conservation Day
Wildlife Conservation Day
It"s Wildlife Conservation Day—an important reminder to celebrate and defend our planet"s incredible biodiversity. Many species face extinction, including African forest elephants, Cross River gorillas, and Yangtze finless porpoises. Since its launch in 2012, this special day has highlighted illegal wildlife trade and other threats that animals face. It also draws attention to the need for stronger long-term solutions.Desktop Version
Fujian Tulou, China
Fujian Tulou, China
Let"s step into a world of giant earthen homes designed to house a village. These "tulou" structures, built between the 12th and 20th centuries, are the dwellings of the Hakka community in China"s mountainous southeastern Fujian region. The homes are constructed from clay, sandy soil, and gray tiles, with bamboo strips serving as the support. They were built to house a whole clan, up to 800 people each. From above, these round dwellings look like giant tires or reels lying on their sides, with light walls, dark roofs, and spacious interiors.Desktop Version
Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah
Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah
Wavy sandstone ridges stretch across the Caineville Badlands, Utah, resembling nature"s brushstrokes on stone. These formations are made of fine-grained sediment that settled in ancient river deltas and inland seas and later hardened into stone. Over time, erosion carved through the layers, exposing flowing, ripple-like patterns. The sedimentary layers tell a story of shifting climates and ancient landscapes. The barren land, seen in today"s image, may appear lifeless, but during early spring, rainfall blankets the terrain with tiny purple and yellow flowers. Light and shadow shift throughout the day, offering photographers and visitors various angles. While much of the terrain remains rugged, some areas offer easy access, allowing visitors to explore without strenuous hiking.Desktop Version
International Day for Biosphere Reserves
International Day for Biosphere Reserves
Today is the International Day for Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere reserves may sound like a mouthful, but they"re essentially nature"s sweet spots— biodiverse places that are home to a huge variety of life. These reserves, recognized by UNESCO, keep ecosystems healthy, protect endangered species, and help regulate climate through forests, wetlands, and other crucial habitats. There are 759 biosphere reserves across 136 countries. From the lush greenery of the Sundarbans in India to the vast expanses of the Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve in Australia, each reserve is unique.Desktop Version
International Womens Day
International Womens Day
Happy International Women"s Day! We celebrate IWD with London"s famous Tate Modern art gallery, lit up in purple. Why purple? The color associated with IWD symbolizes dignity, justice, and loyalty to the cause. This event celebrates women"s achievements in politics, culture, and society. Every year on March 8, educational and cultural activities, demonstrations, campaigns, and discussions highlight the importance of gender equality and women"s rights.Desktop Version
A black heron canopy feeding in Botswana
A black heron canopy feeding in Botswana
In the world of clever hunting, the black heron rules the roost. This bird thrives in shallow, open waters and at the edges of freshwater lakes and ponds. It"s also commonly spotted in marshes, rice fields, seasonally flooded grasslands, and along riverbanks. At first glance, this feathered genius seems like any other wading bird, with its long legs, slender neck, and pointed beak that aid in hunting. But when it hunts, this jet-black African species showcases an extraordinary skill—it takes the shape of an umbrella, as seen in today"s image.Desktop Version
The Great Blue Hole, Belize
The Great Blue Hole, Belize
The Great Blue Hole, found near the center of Lighthouse Reef off the coast of Belize, is one of nature"s most incredible creations. The massive marine sinkhole, 1,043 feet across and 407 feet deep, was formed during the last ice age when a limestone cave system collapsed and rising sea levels flooded the area, leaving behind a striking natural wonder.Desktop Version
Apple trees in spring, Germany
Apple trees in spring, Germany
In this picturesque orchard, spring heralds the blossoming of apple trees. As the chill in the air starts to fade, delicate apple blossoms unfurl, releasing a sweet fragrance that permeates the countryside. This marks the beginning of a process that culminates in the harvest of one of the world"s most beloved fruits. Known for their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor, apples belong to the Rosaceae family. These fruits come in a variety of colors, from vibrant reds to golden yellows and bright greens. Each type boasts its unique flavor profile, from the tangy Granny Smith to the sweetness of Fuji. These fruits are rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K, promoting overall health and well-being. Whether you like them fresh, baked in your favorite desserts, or pressed into cider, apples are a classic culinary delight.Desktop Version
Talampaya National Park, Argentina
Talampaya National Park, Argentina
As Argentina celebrates Independence Day, Talampaya National Park invites us to venture into the country"s ancient heart. Here, towering red rock formations reach skyward, and cliffs and caves feature petroglyphs created by the Ciénaga, Diaguita, and other Indigenous cultures more than 1,000 years ago. This 830-square-mile park in La Rioja province is also home to some of the oldest dinosaur remains ever found. Moreover, nature"s beauty is shown in the local flora, like xeric shrubs and cactus, and fauna. Guanacos, hares, and foxes roam free, while condors, white-throated cacholotes, and sandy gallitos grace the skies above this UNESCO World Heritage Site.Desktop Version
International Surfing Day
International Surfing Day
Today, everybody"s hitting the waves for International Surfing Day! This event is about celebrating surfing while also drawing attention to the importance of protecting ocean environments to keep their waters pristine for wildlife and surfers alike. Surfing has a long history; around 5,000 years ago in Peru, people used reed watercraft to surf the waves when they were out fishing. It was in pre-colonial Hawaii, however, that modern surfing was born. Here, people started to stand on their boards and to surf for fun. Historians believe that surfing made its way to the US in 1885, when three teenage Hawaiian princes surfed on redwood boards while on a break from boarding school in California.Desktop Version
National Find a Rainbow Day
National Find a Rainbow Day
Have you ever spotted a rainbow and felt a little lucky? National Find a Rainbow Day, celebrated today, is all about looking to the sky for that magical mix of sun and rain. Nature"s color wheel has long been linked to myths and legends, from Norse gods to the Irish leprechaun"s pot of gold. But beyond folklore, the science behind rainbows is just as compelling. The first real explanation came from Theodoric of Freiberg, a German physicist, in 1304. He discovered that rainbows form when sunlight enters a raindrop, bends, reflects inside, and then bends again as it exits. This process splits light into its colors, creating the spectrum we see. The classic "ROYGBIV" (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) doesn"t tell the whole story—rainbows contain millions of colors blended together.Desktop Version
International Archaeology Day
International Archaeology Day
Today, dig deep and unearth your inner Indiana Jones or Lara Croft on International Archaeology Day. The event celebrates archaeology"s benefits for society, and includes exhibits and hands-on excavations, some of which run throughout the month. Many US national and state parks, historic landmarks, and local museums also hold events.Desktop Version
Khao Sok National Park in Thailand
Khao Sok National Park in Thailand
Today we"re in a wildlife-packed wonderland with rainforests older than the Amazon—Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand. Established in 1980, the park is home to diverse wildlife, including the Malayan tapir, white-handed gibbon, gaur, and hornbill, making it an ideal destination for anyone ready to swap city noise for jungle sounds. There are trails to tackle, kayaks to paddle, and, if you"re fortunate, you might even catch a glimpse of the massive (and stinky) Rafflesia flower when it"s in bloom.Desktop Version
First day of National Park Week
First day of National Park Week
Get your hiking boots on—it"s National Park Week! This nine-day-long event encourages people to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of our national parks. It"s an excellent time to learn about these protected areas, participate in preservation efforts, and enjoy their scenic views. You can join in by visiting a national park, sharing information about these natural treasures, and appreciating the vital role they play in our country"s heritage.Desktop Version
World Art Day
World Art Day
"Art is the queen of all sciences communicating knowledge to all the generations of the world." Let’s ponder these inspirational words by Leonardo da Vinci on World Art Day, April 15, which was also the birthday of the renowned Renaissance artist. From his iconic painting of the Mona Lisa to his detailed sketches of flying machines, Leonardo pushed the boundaries of knowledge and talent in a wide range of fields. Today"s homepage shows the RedBall Project at Centraal Station in Antwerp, Belgium. Created by the American artist Kurt Perschke, this traveling public art installation is considered to be the world"s longest-running street artwork. Since 2001, the 15-foot inflated red ball has been wedged into dozens of landmarks in countries from Australia to England.Desktop Version
Thorrablot: The Icelandic midwinter festival
Thorrablot: The Icelandic midwinter festival
What could be better than warming up winter with a feast that"s a little wild and a lot of fun? Thorrablot, Iceland"s midwinter festival, invites you to dive headfirst into tradition. This celebration of survival, culture, and community, which dates to the Viking Age, was once a way for Icelanders to honor Thor, the Norse god of thunder. Today, people celebrate by gathering to feast on an array of local delicacies, including fermented shark, smoked lamb, rye bread, and shots of Brennivín—often called "black death" schnapps.Desktop Version