Stillpoint Meditation

04/27/2026

Happy Tapir Day! World Tapir Day takes place annually on April 27 to raise awareness about these critically endangered species and to advocate for their protection for future generations. A cross between a pig and an elephant, these creatures, however, are directly related to horses as well as rhinoceroses in terms of genetics. Neither the tapir nor this eclectic ancestry is new to the world; both are centuries old. Researchers believe that these animals have remained essentially the same for millions of years. Continue reading to learn more about this one-of-a-kind creature.

History of World Tapir Day

World Tapir Day was created to save this threatened species from extinction so that they will be around for our children’s children to enjoy. Because they live either in forest or jungle environments, they are extremely sensitive to deforestation, which is especially true for huge herbivores like them. Tapirs are endemic to Central and South America but are also found in South-East Asia. They have the overall build of a pig with hoofed toes, but they also have the long snout of an elephant. This magnificent animal is currently on the endangered species list due to over-hunting for meat and hides.

Nonetheless, the implications of its extinction go far beyond the extinction of another unique species; the extinction of the tapir could put the entire surviving forest ecosystem in jeopardy as a result. They also help to disseminate seeds across the forest as a result of natural activities, and they are among the most ancient species to be found in these parts of the world.

Many people are completely uninformed about the existence of the tapir as a species, which means they are losing touch with a unique portion of the planet without even realizing it. These animals are so unfamiliar to the general public that people who visit zoos regularly confuse them for members of some other species. This is a concern even in countries where they are naturally found, which is why World Tapir Day was formed to help raise global awareness of this endangered species.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash

04/24/2026

Did you know? Fiddler’s Frolics is a yearly celebration, in Texas, held every fourth weekend in April and this year will be marked from April 24 to 26. The main activity during Fiddler’s Frolic is the Texas State Championship Contest where the best Fiddlers from and outside Texas come to show their skills in a bid to win a grand prize. This competition started in 1971 and is always held in Hallettsville, Texas. The event attracts lots of music lovers: professionals, amateurs, or those looking for some good music and a good time.

History of Fiddler's Frolic

The fiddle was first used in the tenth century in Europe and was derived from the ‘Byzantine lira,’ a bowed string instrument used in the Byzantine Empire. The lira paved the way for most European bowed instruments. Persian geographer, Ibn Khurradadhbih, first referenced the bowed lira in his lexicographical discussion of instruments in the ninth century. He cited it as a musical instrument of the Byzantines and an equivalent to the rabāb played in the Islamic empires.

Lira soon became widely used and spread westward to Europe so much that in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, European writers used the terms fiddle and lira interchangeably when referring to bowed musical instruments. After spreading to Europe, the fiddle spread to other parts of the world, especially the U.S. By the mid-1600s, black fiddlers were playing for black and white dancers at street celebrations in the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam, New York City. This trend continued and by 1690 slave fiddlers were providing music at plantation balls in Virginia.

As lots of people took up fiddling over the years, it was only a matter of time before a celebration or competition was set up. In 1971, Fiddler’s Frolics was set up to celebrate and compete in fiddling. Texas has been the home of the competition since its inception with a lot of competitors and fans coming from all over the U.S. to join in on the celebration.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Matteo Candolo on Unsplash

04/22/2026

For the past 50 years, Earth Day has been celebrated by billions of people around the globe, annually every April 22, to join together in promoting awareness for the health of our environment. Why should we continue to celebrate this holiday? Some people may view it as just another holiday, or an excuse to wear green and a flower crown, similar to St. Patrick’s Day, but with serious concerns about our changing environment being studied and addressed today by prominent scientists, politicians, and young climate change activists alike, some people are adapting to more environmentally friendly ways of living — every day, not just on April 22 every year. Cue the composting, recycling, repurposing, carpooling, thrifting, and metal straws to save the turtles.

History of Earth Day

The idea for Earth Day was originally born in 1969, when a US Senator named Ga***rd Nelson, witnessed the effects of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, CA. He called to action all Americans to take a stand for the environment in 1970, and thousands of colleges and universities across the United States organized protests for a healthy, sustainable Earth. This included air pollution from factories and freeways, as well as the loss of habitats for animals and animal extinction. Because of these national rallies, the first Earth Day helped create the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts into law.

Today, we have similar concerns, and unfortunately they are even messier than that original oil spill. Increasing natural disasters, extreme weather, and rising global temperatures may seem impossible for one human, let alone millions or even billions of humans, to slow down, or stop. It has been reported that coral reefs are dying, we see pictures of animals on land and in the ocean with trash in their bellies or around their body, and corporate factories and large companies around the world continue to pollute our air and our living spaces. But a small action, like picking up litter on the sidewalk that may have otherwise ended up around the neck of an animal or in the ocean, still makes an impact — a step in the right direction, and an important change.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash

04/20/2026

Did you know? Volunteer Recognition Day is observed every year on April 20. As the name suggests, it is a day to honor, recognize and celebrate the selfless individuals who volunteer their time and energy to help others and promote good causes. Volunteers do all this without expecting compensation or appreciation for their efforts and this is what is so inspiring. Volunteers can be found in all sectors, community kitchens, hospitals, retirement homes, or war zones. Their selfless sacrifice deserves applause from the rest of the world.

History of Volunteer Recognition Day

As the name suggests, Volunteer Recognition Day is a day to recognize, honor, and celebrate people who selflessly volunteer their time, energy, and resources towards helping others without seeking any compensation for themselves. A volunteer has been defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as — “a person who does something, especially helping other people, willingly and without being forced or paid to do it.” The act of volunteering is perhaps as old as humanity itself — or close. People have been offering to help and assist others in times of need for eons.

However, the word ‘volunteering’ made its first appearance during the 1630s but only came into full use in 1755. Then, it was construed in a military sense, referring to people who volunteered to join the army. Indeed, the origin of organized volunteering can be traced directly to wartime. Women would volunteer to nurse wounded soldiers on the battlefield, while others would put all their efforts into making uniforms for them. One of the foremost volunteering organizations of all time, the Red Cross, was also founded in response to war. Henry Dunant, who had witnessed injured soldiers being left without adequate medical support in the Battle of Solferino, couldn’t help but take up the matter. He wrote down his ideas in a book called “A Souvenir of Solferino,” which advocated that every army should be made to care for wounded soldiers, regardless of what side they were fighting for.

Ever since, volunteering takes different shapes and forms and transcends various industries. People volunteer to visit old people, some work on weekends at community kitchens, while others travel to foreign lands to help the needy. Volunteering is a noble, worthy act that should be carried out by all of us.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash

04/19/2026

Did you know? Poetry And The Creative Mind Day takes place every year on April 19 to honor the bright minds of poetry and their craft. It is a day that shines a light on how poetry and other creative mediums have helped shape and color many lives throughout history. Whether it be songs, haikus, limericks, sonnets, elegies, or epics, poetry has the power to affect even the hardest hearts and is an example of how far human creativity and expression can stretch beyond its limits.

History of Poetry & The Creative Mind Day

Poetry as a term and medium originated centuries upon centuries ago, starting from folk songs and tales that would later be passed down and developed multiple times into the form that we know today. Through poetry and the arts, people can be open to ideas on what is possible and can shine a light on the state of society. It plays a major role in every culture because of its ability to deliver stories, ideas, viewpoints, and other valuable information in an impactful manner. Poems have been used as tools of revolution, dissidence, and love. Various regimes across history have been challenged and toppled as a result of public reawakening through poetry.

Many of us are exposed to poetry from a young age, whether it be from nursery rhymes, songs, and the poems and poets that we study in school. From the playful stories of Dr. Seuss and the visceral innocence of Shel Silverstein to William Shakespeare’s hefty sonnets and the emotional political prose of Pablo Neruda, poems come in all shapes and sizes. But every one of them can carve a place in our hearts long after we first read them.

However, one can say that every form of art is poetry. Song lyrics are considered poetry in itself as not only do they rhyme, but are an expression of one’s deepest emotions and thoughts. Painting and cinema are forms of visual poetry that convey meaning through their images, methods, and depth. Today, there exists an amalgam of poetic forms and structures, including haikus, sonnets, acrostics, concrete, limericks, songs, jokes, epics, and many others. Poetry And The Creative Mind Day celebrates the creative mind in general, honoring everyone who takes part in an art form, and the spirit of putting this mind into practice.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

04/16/2026

Join us every Thursday - Drop into Mindfulness!
http://www.StillpointMeditation.weebly.com/

An open meditation space with instruction, and guided and silent meditation, Thursdays 6:30–8:15 pm, Mountain Standard time.
These Zoom sessions are free and open to everyone. Feel free to come and go at any time - it isn't necessary to remain for the entire session. For meditation instruction, please arrive at 6:30; guided meditation at 7:00; and silent sitting from 7:25-8:15 (All times MST, GMT-7)
Beginners welcome. Instruction and meditation guidance is always available.
Mindfulness Meditation has its roots in early Buddhism. While some of our discussion draws from Buddhist teaching, the practice of mindfulness is found in some form in most world religions. We are not a religious group, and followers of any faith or of none are equally welcome.
If you wish to donate to support ongoing instruction, you may do so here with PayPal, or use Venmo to -Owen

04/16/2026

Thank you Librarians! National Librarian Day on April 16 is a chance to be thankful for all the knowledge that librarians possess. You may think of them as book-slingers who spend all day cataloging and reshelving, but librarians play a much more important role. From children’s storytime to literacy classes, libraries offer a wealth of free public resources.

Trained in Library Science, professional librarians work with complex cataloging systems to organize books, make purchasing decisions for their library, liaise with local schools and universities, organize events and programming, teach classes, and more. Their role is constantly evolving to adapt to new technology and social needs. Celebrate National Librarian Day with us and say thanks to the awesome librarians that are always on hand to help.

History of National Librarian Day

Stereotyped in pop culture as bespectacled older ladies who constantly shush their teen patrons, librarians are dedicated professionals who perform a variety of tasks to keep libraries running, organize programming, and update their collections.

The first large libraries in the U.S. were mostly privately owned and required entry fees or paid memberships to gain access. The concept of free public libraries took hold by the late 1800s. In the early 20th century, after Melvil Dewey standardized library cataloging with his Dewey Decimal System and other practices, public libraries rapidly expanded with thousands of new branches across the country. By 1900, the scope of libraries also expanded, with many offering reference departments and interlibrary loans. During the Great Depression, libraries served as a lifeline for struggling families seeking a cozy refuge and free entertainment.

Today, libraries function as so much more than repositories of knowledge. To keep up with changing technology, library offerings now include audiobooks, e-reader materials, free computer skills classes, and access to free online resources. Many public libraries offer language and citizenship classes, access to useful tools, technology like 3D printers and computers, and free workshops on a variety of hobbies and life skills. They provide a quiet shelter during hot or rainy days at no cost, and they serve as a safe, welcoming hangout for children and teens.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Iñaki del Olmo on Unsplash

March 17, 2026 - Today is St. Patrick's Day, Pack Rat Day, and Evacuation Day in Boston. At National Today, we help you celebrate the most fun, important, and off-beat holidays in the U.S. and around the world. Check out our special deals and contests every day!

04/14/2026

Happy Dolphin Day! National Dolphin Day is celebrated on April 14 every year. On this day, we celebrate dolphins — one of the most intelligent and friendly mammals in the world. Dolphins are cetacean mammals that belong to the same family as whales and porpoises. There have been many representations of dolphins in popular culture through books and films. Most of these popular representations are accurate. Dolphins are extremely social and friendly beings. They love company and have an acute sense of hearing. Yes, they can hear many more frequencies than adult humans. Dolphins can be found in many parts of the world although they prefer shallow waters.

History of National Dolphin Day

About 50 million years ago, certain four-legged land creatures started spending more and more time in the water, and they gradually started evolving. Their bodies became different and they eventually lost the ability to be mobile on land. These creatures are now known as dorudons and, like dolphins, they were aquatic mammals.

About 30 million years ago, squalodons lived in our waters. These toothed whales were not direct ancestors of dolphins as we know them today, but they did use echolocation. Echolocation is the tactic used by dolphins to navigate deep waters using sound waves. The use of echolocation is a key characteristic of both squalodons and dolphins.

About 20 million years ago, during the Miocene era, echolocation developed to be the way we know it today. Aquatic creatures which are now known to be connected to extinct dolphin-like creatures called Kentriodontids had active echolocators and even moved around in schools like dolphins do. Thus, over the years, these creatures have evolved to become the dolphins that we know and love today.

Dolphin numbers are at risk of endangerment due to poaching and hunting. Global warming and climate change are also causing many dolphins to die. In 2009, the American documentary film “Cove” directed by National Geographic Photographer Louie Psihoyos brought to light the many atrocities associated with dolphin hunting practices in Japan. The film won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2010, and helped spread awareness of dolphin hunting and how this affects their numbers.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Pagie Page on Unsplash

04/13/2026

History reminds us of not only what has passed, but it also narrates tales of sufferings and victories, and this is why we celebrate Yom HaShoah, which takes place on Nisan 27. If the 27th is adjacent to the Jewish Sabbath, the date shifts by a day. This year, it begins at sunset on April 13 and ends at sunset on April 14. Yom HaShoah is a Holocaust Remembrance Day when Jews from all over the world stop to reflect on the afflictions their ancestors faced. Many of these Jews are direct descendants of Holocaust victims and survivors. Approximately 11 million people died at the hands of Hi**er and his followers and out of these 11 million people, 6 million were just Jews. In order to not forget about this important part of history, in 1951, the Israeli parliament ruled that Yom HaShoah be held every year.

History of Yom HaShoah

Yom HaShoah translates to ‘Yom HaShoah Ve-Hagevurah’ in Hebrew, meaning ‘Day of the Remembrance of the Holocaust and Heroism.’ ‘HaShoah’ also translates to ‘whirlwind.’ The day was officially recognized on April 12, 1951, in the Israeli parliament. Falling on the 27th of the month of Nisan on the Jewish calendar, the day comes a week after the Passover holiday.

This Remembrance Day began to be commemorated due to the lack of sympathy Israeli youngsters had towards the Holocaust victims who, according to the youngsters, were taken for slaughter like sheep, without any form of resistance. Once authorities came to know about such views, they made it a point of illuminating the heroes who fought against Hi**er and his forces. Stories of bravery and determination began being taught in educational institutions.

From 1951 onwards, people have been honoring the occasion by lighting special wax candles that have the star of David in them. Recognized as a national holiday in Israel, Yom HaShoah also sees Jews visiting synagogues for their holy book recitations and to share stories, etc. On the day, at 10 am, sirens also ring through the streets for 2 minutes, and everyone is required to stop for the entirety of the sirens to remember the Holocaust atrocities. Any vehicles running on roads also stop. Every aspect of life on Yom HaShoah is geared towards the recognition of Jewish heroism and resolve during the hard times of the Holocaust from 1933 to 1945.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Julia Taubitz on Unsplash

04/10/2026

Did you know? Created in 1996 and taking place on April 10 this year, Day of Silence is a campaign that seeks to shed light on what many LGBTQ youth experience daily. Initially intended to focus on this problem within the school system, it has since expanded into workplaces, university campuses, and sporting events. Yearly, millions participate by staying silent for the duration of their day, representing the silencing of LGBTQ students.

History of Day of Silence

Day of Silence was created by a University of Virginia student named Maria Pulzetti. She felt that LGBTQ youth were consistently silenced and ignored by parents and administrators, and that their concerns and complaints were falling on deaf ears. Inspired by this, Maria created the Day of Silence as a one-time event held during the University’s LGBTQ pride week. She believed the day would promote awareness amongst those who might not have been tuned into these issues, by surrounding them with a silence they couldn’t help but notice.

In 1997, one year after the day’s creation, it went national, with over 100 institutions participating. In 2000, GLSEN, one of the largest LGBTQ education networks in the country, adopted the Day of Silence as one of their official projects. Today, students at all levels participate in the day. Many participants choose to wear tape over their mouths or Xs on their hands to further call attention to the movement.

At the end of day, the silence is typically broken with a rally or speaking event, allowing all participants to end their vow together. Although some school districts oppose the day, considering it disruptive, most support it, actively encouraging participation through the school’s LGBTQ alliance clubs. Today, there are over 10,000 institutions registered as participants in the day of silence. All 50 states are represented in this number, as well as a number of other countries, including Singapore and New Zealand. Day of Silence continues to grow, as more and more people become aware of the issues facing LGBTQ youth. You can participate in this year’s Day of Silence by registering on the GLSEN website.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Kristina Flour on Unsplash

04/08/2026

Did you know? International Feng Shui Awareness Day is celebrated on April 8 every year. This is a traditional ancient Chinese practice that uses energy to harmonize people with their environment. Many people in Asia and the West believe in feng shui, and consult specialists hoping to improve their wealth, life, happiness, and family. Some will even turn to feng shui when building a house or making an important purchase. But what is feng shui exactly, and how does it work? International Feng Shui Awareness Day exists to help people understand this better.

History of International Feng Shui Awareness Day

It’s hard to say when feng shui originated, and there’s a lot of debate about it. Before the Chinese invented the compass as a tool for divination, feng shui was used in astronomy to try to find correlations between humans and the rest of the universe. According to the Yangshao and Hongshan cultures, the earliest known evidence of the use of feng shui was in 4000 B.C., as the doors of the houses in Banpo were aligned with the asterism ‘Yingshi,’ after the winter solstice, which made it possible for the houses to absorb heat through solar gain. Also, a grave at Puyang from around the same age that contains mosaics of a Chinese star map is oriented along a north-south axis; plus, the presence of both square and round shapes in the grave and Hongshan sites seem to suggest that the gaitian cosmography existed here before appearing in the Zhoubi Suanjing text.

The oldest instruments used for feng shui were liuren astrolabes (also known as ‘shi’), two-sided boards with astronomical sightlines that were used to determine the position and altitude of the stars, and for divination. The earliest shi were found inside tombs that date between 278 B.C. and 209 B.C. The markings on them are nearly identical to those found in the first magnetic compasses.

The magnetic compass was first invented as early as the Han Dynasty and Tang Dynasty, around 206 B.C. The traditional feng shui compass still used to this day is known as the ‘luopan,’ though even a common modern compass can be used as long as you understand the differences. The needle points at the south magnetic pole, not the geographical one, and a practitioner uses it to determine the precise direction of a structure, place, or item, and it contains many formulas and information regarding its functions.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

04/06/2026

For cat lovers, April 6 is the ‘purrfect’ day. It’s National Siamese Cat Day. This is the day we celebrate these most elegant cats. Siamese cats, also known as “Meezers,” are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. We love these gorgeous creatures, and we know you do, too. The best way to celebrate? Give your cat an extra cuddle or two today!

National Siamese Cat Day Activities

Adopt, don’t shop
The day was created by a cat lover named Jace Shoemaker-Galloway. She was hoping to encourage people to adopt these beautiful cats from animal shelters. Unfortunately, over two million animals are euthanized at animal shelters each year.

Spread the love
If you have your own fur baby, buy him or her some new treats or a new toy! Don't have a kitty of your own? Buy a treat for neighbor's cat or drop off a care package at a local shelter.

Watch cat videos
What a great excuse to watch cat videos online! Everyone loves watching cute kittens doing crazy things, and today is the perfect excuse to do it. Pull up some old favorites or browse the web and find a new fav!

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Alex Meier on Unsplash