World Turtle Day
May 23
Turtles belong to one of the oldest reptile groups in the world – beating snakes, crocodiles and alligators! These creatures date back to the time of the dinosaurs, over 200 million years ago. A turtle cannot come out of its shell. The turtle’s shell grows with them, so it’s impossible for them to grow too big for it. In general, turtles can hold their breath underwater for 30 minutes, however, like any living creature without gills, turtles can drown. The leatherback turtle can swim at speeds up to 22 miles per hour! In comparison, Michael Phelps swimming speed has been capped at about 6 miles per hour. Sadly, many species of turtle are endangered! 129 of approximately 300 species of turtle and tortoise on Earth today are either vulnerable or critically endangered.
National Taffy Day
May 23
A trip to the state fair or to an amusement park along the coast isn’t complete without getting a bag of taffy. One of the most prevalent types of 19th-century parties was called the candy pull or taffy pull, which involved buttering one’s hands and pulling the molasses candy repeatedly. The parties were commonly held at colleges and at churches. The term “salt water taffy” was likely coined in Atlantic City, New Jersey; a popular seaside destination. When a candy shop owner along the boardwalk shop got flooded, he began to call his candy treat “salt water taffy.”
Today’s Birthdays of Note….
Jewel – Singer – 45 – born in Payson, Utah
Drew Carey – Comedian, Actor and TV Host – 61 – born in Cleveland, Ohio
