Curating a movie list is like opening a treasure chest filled with cinematic gems tailored to match the mood and occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a spooky thrill with Halloween classics or seeking the warmth of love in a romance film, these lists are designed to enhance your viewing experience. From family-friendly adventures that bring everyone together to the timeless allure of musicals and mysteries that keep you guessing, each list captures the essence of its genre or theme, ensuring there’s something for every type of movie lover.
Celebrations and special occasions also get their own spotlight with themed lists for Valentine’s Day, holidays, and patriotic events, among others. Whether you’re a fan of iconic franchises like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or James Bond, or you’re gearing up for a dedicated movie night, these lists offer a curated selection that pays homage to the best of cinema. Dive into the cinematic universe of Marvel heroes, enjoy the epic scores on National Filmscore Day, or explore global cinema for a taste of stories from around the world—these movie lists are your guide to unforgettable movie nights and beyond.
Once upon a time, a real group called the Secret Society of Happy People decided to dedicate a day to the pursuit of happiness. Members of the society wanted to let happy feelings linger inside them every day. In 2000, the Secret Society of Happy People expanded the celebration to Happiness Happens Month in August.
Happiness is a choice. Remembering happiness does not mean you are problem free. That kind of life doesn’t exist. As the Stoics of Ancient Greece observed, happiness is all about the quality of your thoughts. Happiness is not a destination, but rather a life-long pursuit. Joy can be anywhere at any time. Don’t limit yourself to searching for pleasure. Enjoy everything and anything that makes you happy. Oprah Winfrey said it wasn’t until she learned to be happy that good things started happening to her.
If you struggle with finding happiness, you can learn to be happy. There is plenty of helpful advice available to guide you in the right direction. Reading self-help material is an excellent place to start. Here are a few published works you might want to read to help you in your pursuit of happiness:
Most of the best “how to be happy” books and videos boil down to variations of the Ancient Greek philosophy of stoicism (not to be confused with the modern use of the word). The essence of stoicism is this: no matter what is wrong with the world in general, and your life in particular, you can choose to be happy if you learn how.
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any set of circumstances, to choose one’s way.” -Viktor Frankl
HISTORY The Secret Society of Happy People started celebrating happiness with “Admit You’re Happy Day,” on August 8, 1999.
HOW TO OBSERVE Notice more happy moments and share them with others. Use #HappinessHappensMonth on social media.
All during August, National Wellness Month focuses on self-care, managing stress and promoting healthy routines. Create wholesome habits in your lifestyle all month long and see how much better you feel!
Research has shown self-care helps manage stress and promotes happiness. Whether you challenge yourself to a new yoga pose or try a different spa treatment, make a small change and impact your health in positive ways.
There are numerous ways to make those small changes, too.
Increase your water intake.
Add more fruits and veggies to your meals.
Monitor your sleep and make adjustments for better sleep habits
Join a yoga, walking, or aerobics class.
Learn to meditate.
These small steps can lead to many more healthy habits in your lifestyle.
Live Love Spa founded National Wellness Month in 2018 to foster community, connection, and commerce in the Wellness industry. The initiative inspires consumers to focus on wellness and provides a platform for wellness companies to highlight their services and benefits.
Every August, let’s amplify the message of healthy living, celebrate those providing amazing self-care solutions, and inspire others to create new healthy habits.
Proclaim “I choose wellness” with a photo and post on social media.
Visit http://www.wellnessmonth.com for a calendar of daily challenges for small ways you can choose to be well each day. Because we believe that small, daily acts of self-care lead to a lifetime of wellness.
August is a month of transition, marked by a blend of summer’s lingering warmth and the impending arrival of fall. As families prepare for the back-to-school season, August provides a unique opportunity to celebrate a variety of national days that capture the essence of this transitional period. From quirky observances to meaningful commemorations, the month offers a diverse palette of events that encourage reflection, creativity, and enjoyment.
One of the standout features of August is its rich array of national days that highlight different aspects of life. For instance, National Watermelon Day on August 3 invites families to gather and enjoy this refreshing fruit, perfect for summer picnics. It serves as a reminder of the joys of summer, encouraging people to take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures. Similarly, National Relaxation Day on August 15 prompts individuals to take a break from their busy schedules, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental well-being.
As August unfolds, the month presents opportunities for community engagement and awareness. National Dog Day on August 26 celebrates our furry companions and raises awareness about the importance of adopting pets from shelters. This day not only honors the bond between humans and dogs but also encourages responsible pet ownership and the significance of animal welfare. Engaging in activities such as dog walks or adoption events can foster community spirit and compassion.
In addition to these celebrations, August is also a time for personal growth and creativity. National Craft Month encourages individuals to explore their artistic sides, whether through painting, knitting, or DIY projects. This observance highlights the therapeutic benefits of crafting, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. By dedicating time to creative pursuits, individuals can find joy in the process of making, which can be particularly fulfilling as summer draws to a close.
August’s traditional birth flowers are the gladiolus (symbolizing strength and sincerity) and the poppy (rest and imagination); the birthstone is peridot, a bright green gem associated with vitality and protection; zodiac signs for August are Leo (July 23–August 22), noted for confidence and warmth, and Virgo (August 23–September 22), known for practicality and attention to detail.
Famous birthdays in August: – August 4 — Barack Obama – August 4 — Meghan Markle – August 5 — Neil Armstrong – August 6 — Lucille Ball – August 7 — Charlize Theron – August 9 — Whitney Houston – August 11 — Chris Hemsworth – August 16 — Madonna – August 17 — Robert De Niro – August 23 — Kobe Bryant – August 29 — Michael Jackson
Ultimately, August’s alternating themes of celebration and reflection create a dynamic atmosphere for individuals and families alike. As the month progresses, it serves as a bridge between the carefree days of summer and the structured routine of fall. By participating in the various national days, people can not only enjoy the present but also prepare for the changes that lie ahead, making August a month of both fun and meaningful experiences.
On July 27th, National New Jersey Day recognizes the third state to join the Union. Find out what’s unique and captivating about the Garden State!
Early History
When Giovanni Da Verrazzano first explored the shores of the Atlantic coast, he explored lands that included New Jersey. Da Verrazzano discovered diverse communities of people who were later called the Delaware Indians.
In 1160, the Dutch founded New Jersey’s first European settlement, but in 1664 the British took control. At this time, the land was divided into half and named New Jersey after the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel.
Leading up the American Revolution, the colony as a whole was equally divided in its loyalties to the crown. Colonists who remained undecided were just as likely to support the rebel cause as they were to support the king. The same applied to colonists in New Jersey.
Due to New Jersey’s central location among the thirteen colonies, more battles during the Revolutionary War took place here than any other state.While the state was the third to enter the union, New Jersey signed the Bill of Rights before any other state.
Today New Jersey’s population density thrives at the highest of any state in the United States.While it may be an industrial powerhouse, its nickname the Garden State is precise. New Jersey supplies the world with cranberries, blueberries, and tomatoes.
New Jersey Flavor
While we thank New Jersey for a few delicious foods we can enjoy anywhere, the state produces a large number of dishes travel is a must.During the summer months, enjoy the fresh blueberries from New Jersey. At the turn of the 20th century, the intuitive Elizabeth White helped domesticate the wild blueberries found along the Eastern seaboard. Today, blueberry production in New Jersey is a global business.
Pork roll is to New Jersey as carrots are to Bugs Bunny. The cured, smoked pork product creates debates between residents of the state. Trenton loves their pork roll so much, in fact, they hold an annual Pork Roll Festival. However, pork roll does exist west of the Delaware River.Now, for most of these other dishes, come visit or pay for postage.
Folks from New Jersey have a different idea about what a sloppy joe is. Tomato. To-mah-to. This one sounds delicious. Their version places slices of pastrami or corned beef (or both), coleslaw, Russian dressing, and swiss cheese layered between three slices of rye bread.
Also, New Jerseyan’s make their pizza pie on the flip side. That is to say – they like their sauce on top. Its called tomato pie with seasoning crushed tomatoes on top of the other ingredients. Crust on the bottom, of course.
Lastly, saltwater taffy, sandy beaches, and long boardwalks of Atlantic City all go together. Both saltwater taffy and America’s boardwalks got their start there.
