Upon one look, many may be terrified at muskrat. This is not a surprising reaction because they are really synonymous to rats. Most of the Muskrat facts available out there would definitely agree that this specie is from the genus Ondatra family. This also belongs to the tribe of Ondatrini. This is usually originated in North America. This rodent is just medium-sized. It is a semi-aquatic specie that may also be seen in Asia, South America and even Europe.

Muskrats are mammals that are related to lemmings and voles. As mentioned, they are commonly seen in North America. However, some of them are now in South America, Europe and Asia. They were brought there already. This migration transpired in the 20^th century. Basically, muskrats have the ability to inhabit marshes, wetlands and even ponds. The same is also true with rivers and lakes. There are parts of the world which they may be derived from.

As many surely knows, they are perceived as pests. They are given such reputation because they tend to damage river dams. They also eat the crops which is too dangerous for farmers. This might have been the reason why people hunt muskrats whenever they can. Aside from the fact that they can get rid of a pest this way, they also look for such because their meat and fur can be useful enough. Even if these factors have been reported, there are muskrats in the wild which can be stable and large enough. With this, they are not yet considered endangered species at all.

Basic Information

Muskrats may reach 18 to 25 inches, in length alone. This includes their tail though. As for their weight, they may be around 2 to 3 pounds. This is how light they are. These Muskrats have always been covered with thick brown fur. This is made up of two layers. Its outer part has always been waterproof. As for its front feet though, it is equipped with sharp and long claws. Its hind feet have been webbed ever since. Muskrats also have their broad head. Their ears are really small. As a matter of fact, they can be mistaken for animal dives.

The name was derived from musk-rats. The mentioned is given to them because they somehow resemble a rat. They can also produce this smelly substance which is usually in their anal gland. This is a kind of substance which is utilized for borders to be market. This is a way for them to name their territory.

Aside from the aforementioned, Muskrats have always been well-adapted to their semi-aquatic life. They can survive this way. This goes to show that they have the ability to be both in the water and in the ground whenever they want to. They can also swim at 3 miles per hour. They do this by having their paddle like feet in them. Their tails can also contribute to the process. As for their diving, they may reach almost 15 to 20 minutes. They can succeed in here without having to return to the surface for breathing.

Benjamin Franklin became popular for his contribution in drafting the Independence Declaration and Constitution of the United States. Benjamin is indeed inevitable to the history of the US. However, there are still other interesting facts about Benjamin Franklin that most people should be aware of. What are these?

Little do people know that Benjamin came from quite a large family. As a matter of fact, Josiah Franklin, his father, had two wives and this resulted with 17 children. Benjamin was from his father’s second wife. With that, he was the 8^th child. However, they were 15. This made it possible for him to work with his siblings. He got to collaborate with them in a print shop when he was only 12 years old.

Aside from his odd family, Ben was also an innate writer. His passion for the written words started when he was still young. However, he was only able to make this formal when he started working. There was only a time when his brother did not agree to have his work published. Good thing, his efforts were realized because he was able to bring his writing somewhere else. He was able to have it published that way. It was responsible for his writings’ fame today.

There was a time in the life of Ben when he volunteered as a fireman. This was still unlikely but it was the truth. He was also fascinated with giving back to his community. There was a department he decided to be a volunteer of. This is referred to as the Union Fire Community. However, there were times when this was called the Benjamin Franklin’s Bucket Brigade. He volunteered to work here for so many times. He even wrote articles regarding fire safety.

The glass harmonica was also invented by Ben. He was responsible in designing it. There were times when it was also termed as the armonica. This occurred in the year 1761. The instrument can create various musical tones. This utilized size glass bowls. This can be compared to an old-fashioned version of a crystal glass in which the finger may be rubbed.

Franklin was also flexible for he could speak various languages, five to be precise. He was well-verse in Spanish, Latin, French and Italian. Of course, he knew English very well. He was capable of such because he would always look for various ways in improving himself. He realized that if he was to be fluent in other languages, his future would be of great help.

Since he was born curious, there was a time when he was almost killed because of his experiments. This even occurred twice. He was only able to survive because he was not able to receive enough charge. If it did not turn out this way, he could have been paralyzed because of the apparent electric shock. There was a time when this transpired because he wants to have a turkey killed through electrical shock.

There are several challenges for parents of children with autism. Many children have severe sensory and anxiety issues that prevent them from being able to take part in typical activities. This will limit the possibility of many recreational activities such as going to the beach, out to dinner or playing mini-golf.

Parents of these children also have an additional challenge of being limited financially because of the enormous costs associated with autism between therapies, doctors and taking time off work. So what kind of activities can a family enjoy this summer?

Movies by AMC Entertainment for One Dollar

AMC is bringing one movie a week on Tuesday mornings at 10am for $1.00. Concession sales will benefit two charities – Variety the Children’s Charity, and the Will Rogers Institute. There will also be a combo meal available for $4.00 that will include popcorn, soda and candy.

The doors open at 9:30am and tickets are on sale. Two hundred and fourteen theaters are participating nationwide. For children who have been practicing being at the movies this is a no-brainer, and for those who have not tried yet, this is a low cost chance to practice.

Regal Entertainment Offers Free Family Movie Fest

Family movie fest 2017 begins in mid June and runs through mid August and offers free PG and G movies on Tuesday and Wednesdays at 10am at select theaters. Tickets are sold on a first come first served basis and with more popular films the theaters fill up to capacity quickly. Most theaters open their doors at 9am, so go early. Each theater will usually have 2 theaters open showing different films, a G option and a PG option.

Regal entertainment operates in 38 states, in 545 theaters across the country.

Families can check the Regal Website for a list in their areas – it varies from state to state.

Some titles that will be shown this summer are Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, The Tale of Despereaux, two different Rugrat movies, ET, two different Muppet movies, Paul Blart Mall Cop, Evan Almighty and many more depending on the theater

Sensory Activities for Children With Autism to Do at Home

Having enough sensory activities can make the difference between a stressful summer and a more pleasant one that allows for growth and learning. Some of these can be taken with parents to help keep their child regulated while out on an adventure, or even used before hand to help with regulation.

1. Bubbles
2. Playdough or putty
3. Foam soap or shaving cream
4. Toy light spinners
5. Something to jump, bounce and crash on like a trampoline, couch or bed
6. Access to water, the hose, the bathtub, a water-playground is best but not always available
7. A blanket to roll a child like a hotdog for deep pressure or to swing them
8. Weeds! Have the child do some weeding, pull grass
9. Lavender scented Lotion for massage-this is good for Mom also
10. Washable and dry erase markers

Water-playgrounds and amusement parks can be hit or miss depending on the child, as are the movies. Families should give themselves permission to at least attempt a new activity, or even one that ended poorly last summer. A child with autism may develop slower, but can develop new tolerances to things that bothered him in the past.