10. Dean Koontz ($19 million)

Photo Source: http://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/authors/dean-koontz-net-worth/

The 67 years old American author did not climb to the ladder of writing in an instantaneous manner, but the physical abuse that he has experienced from his father became a catalyst to his decision to speak his mind through pen and paper. Although he is a teacher by profession, he used his spare time to write a novel, and who would have thought that he could produce dozens of it, especially in the science fiction genre. Since 1968, his inclination to write continued until he went to another line of writing under the horror fiction, which he is popularly known. With his wife’s challenge that she’ll support him in 5 years, otherwise, he had to quit and forget his dream as a writer, which pushed him to fulfill it.

9. Suzanne Collins ($20 million)

Photo Source: http://shelf-life.ew.com/2010/08/12/suzanne-collins-on-the-books-she-loves/

Her path to writing began when she pursued a double major course in the field of Telecommunications and Drama at Indiana University, which placed her to a children’s television show as its writer in 1991. Some of the shows where she’d worked closely were Nickelodeon, Oswald, The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo, and a lot more. She is expert in Children’s literature, Fantasy, Young-adult fiction, and Science Fiction. She has published well known books that she authored like The Hunger Games, and Gregor the Overlander, which became a New York Times best seller.

8. Danielle Steel ($23 million)

Photo Source: http://www.therichest.org/celebnetworth/celeb/authors/danielle-steel-net-worth/

Her passion in novel writing is evident because of more than 800 copies that were sold. Some of the top favorites from her loyal and new patrons that became internationally acclaimed for the content and approach are One Day at a Time, 44 Charles Street, Matters of the Heart, Legacy, Bright Light, Southern Lights, Family Ties, and a few more. Novelist is her lifetime career, and she’s been doing it since 1978 despite of the break-up marriages that she had. Her writing genre is focused alone in romance and mainstream.

7. Nora Roberts ($23 million)

Photo Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/the-60-million-woman-nora-roberts/story-fn6bn9st-1225961689659

The 62-year old awardee of Quill Award for Book of the Year, Quill Award for Romance, and RITA Award for Best Novel has been a novelist since 1981, and is still working until now. She carries different pen names when she writes like J.D. Robb, Sarah Hardesty, Nora Roberts, and Jill March. She is expert in suspense, romance, and fantasy genres. She was not able to complete any related course in novel or writing since she married after she graduated from high school. She just had the opportunity when she married her husband who happens to be a bookstore owner. Their meeting started when she hired her second husband to work on her bookshelves. Since she was housebound in 1979 along with her two kids, she started drafting ideas until she was able to finish that day, 6 manuscripts. Of course, her path towards the novelist title was never easy; she received several rejections before her works were recognized. She’s thankful to her family because they love reading, which she has witnessed at an early age.

6. Bill O’Reilly ($24 million)

Photo Source: http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/10questions/0,30255,1839981,00.html

Who would have thought that this 63-year old and bubbly guy, who is much known as a Fox News Host, would have more bucks out of his historical books? According to his biography, he served as a writer in his school newspaper at Marist College in New York, where he received his degree in history and after two years, he completed his Master of Arts degree in the field of journalism at Boston University. Hence, he also served as a columnist and a reporter in several local newspapers in Boston. So, we could see broadcasting and writing are two of the most important jobs that he loves the most, but he earned much when he focused himself in writing.

5. Jeff Kinney ($25 million)

Photo Source: http://www.positivelynaperville.com/2012/10/30/wimpy-kid-creator-jeff-kinney-will-stars-at-andersons-event-at-still-middle-school/14425

He is the youngest author millionaire on this list, and at his age, he has accomplished and exceeded the expectations of others who are ahead of him. Imagine, with his just two books, The Wimpy Kid and Dog Days, with the combined sold copies, it got $18.3 million already. He also received various awards like Kid’s Choice Award for Favorite Book, and Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award. It is pretty obvious which genre he is focused on with the awards that he got. His first frustration was really becoming a cartoonist, which he has humbly exemplified when he led their campus newspaper at the University of Maryland at College Park. He is also cited as one of the Most Influential People in Time Magazine.

4. John Grisham ($26 million)

Photo Source: http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/chapter-and-verse/2012/0607/Name-that-character-in-John-Grisham-s-new-novel

He could have achieved this grandiose state of wealthy living because of his earnings from his writing job as a writer, but he came from a humble family where his parents were not even able to finish college. He might have shifted from different degrees thrice, but he was able to finish accounting, and became a tax lawyer. He also dreamt to become a baseball player, but his career turned into writing where he focused on what he knows, such as legal thriller, baseball, and crime fiction. Two of his best sellers are Calico Joe and also The Firm, but before entering the bandwagon of writing he was also an active politician and a lawyer.

3. Janet Evanovich ($33 million)

Photo Source: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2011-06-16-Janet-Evanovich_n.htm

No one and nothing can stop her from producing quality novels in the field of mystery, romance, and suspense. She’s been writing since 1987, and at her age, she still finds the energy to squeeze out more of her creative imagination, which proves that her age does not really matter in this field of work. She began writing short novels carrying the Steffie Hall pen name, but she made a name out of the modern mysteries which are in series that became best sellers in Amazon and New York Times. Her quest in writing started when she made a decision to be a stay-home mother to take care of her kids, she tried writing, but was never able to push through it. She tried improving her craft, until someone told her to try the romance genre, which she enjoyed after reading several romance novels. The rest became a history for her, and the humorous side that she had shown in most of her novels.

2. Stephen King ($39 million)

Photo Source: http://stephanieearlygreen.com/tag/stephen-king/

His name is being echoed in four quarters of the earth because of his talent in writing, where he authored more than 50 books, and majority of which became best sellers. His passion in writing happened while studying in high school, but later started contributing at Dave’s Rag. His love in horror became a channel for him to write what he has watched, and share it to his friends. He even pursued Bachelor of Arts in English and finished it in 1970 at University of Maine. He was not able to work right away, so he decided to sell some short stories that he personally wrote to sustain himself and his daughter. Although prior to the peak of his writing career, he had faced serious personal problems, but starting in 1973, his success began. Some of his notable works are The Dark Tower, Carrie, It, the Stand, and among others. He also received various awards like Fantasy Award, Bram Stoker Award, and other distinguished recognitions.

1. James Patterson ($94 million)

Photo Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/authorinterviews/7052581/James-Patterson-interview.html

Majority of his earnings came from his occupation as an author, and he’s proud of that. He is expert in science fiction and thriller, and some of his notable works are Witch and Wizard Series, Maximum Ride, Daniel X series, Alex Cross Series, and others. He got several recognitions and awards as well including the Edgar Award, the Children’s Choice Book Award Author of the Year, the BCA Mystery Guild’s Thriller of the Year, and others. Although Stephen King described him as a terrible writer, but he has better earnings than Mr. King, but having 230 million total copies sold proved that he is way better than the prominent and respected author, Stephen King. He finished his education at Manhattan College and Vanderbilt University with the degree in English and Master of Arts in English.

10. Love You Forever

Photo Source: http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/love%20you%20forever?language=ru_RU

This is a picture book published in 1986, and written by Robert Munsch that contains humor and sentiments over the relationship of a mother to her kid. In fact, anyone could tell the story in his or her own words since it’s very simple. Anyone’s heart will be touched upon hearing it, especially on the part where a mother sings the last song to her child who was an adult already before she took her last breath that night, and goes like this “I love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be”. You will not just be moved, but you would see yourself crying while listening, and even narrating it to your kids.

9. Pat the Bunny

Photo Source: http://www.walmart.com/ip/1125600

This is Dorothy Kunhardt book that was published in 1940, and became a US best-seller after its publication. This is recommended for babies and small kids. It’s the same reason why it’s called as a “touch and feel” book that aims to entertain babies. The main characters in the book are Judy and Paul who can do a lot of things in their age. This book encourages children that they can also follow what Judy and Paul have done. When it was first launched, it sold more than 7 million copies in 1940, and it still sells like hotcakes these days.

8. Guess How Much I Love You

Photo Source: http://410bridge.org/Blog/?p=3183

It’s written by Sam McBratney, while the illustration was done by Anita Jeram. This was published first in the United Kingdom in 1994 and 1995 in the United States through its subsidiaries. The main characters in this book are Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown, who have made efforts to express the love that they have for each other. It has sold over 18 million copies across the globe since it publication more than 15 years ago. This is the kind of story that can be shared at bedtime, and be part of a game.

7. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, Very Bad Day

Photo Source: http://kootation.com/rick-santorums-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-english-but.html

This is one of the tales that started from a bad hair day because of a gum that Alexander found on his hair. Succeeding unfortunate events happened thereafter that illustrated and written by Ray Cruz and Judith Viorst. Kids would love the illustration as to how the main character in the story had a terrible day. This is the best way to teach children at a young age that they will also encounter not so fine days in their lives, and they could learn that as you share Alexander’s story. This was published in 1972 and it has 32 pages.

6. The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Photo Source: http://neelysnews.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/marvelous-picture-books-the-very-hungry-caterpillar/

It is no wonder why “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” has received various recognitions because of the imaginative and creative illustration and story line that have been weaved into an interesting book that came from genius mind of Eric Carle. It was published in 1969, and it became the resource in teaching kids at school, especially in the science subject. It is also significant in helping children recognize sounds whether you are using it at home or even at school. The cut-out pages of the book are indeed exciting not just for kids, but even for adults. It has integrated brilliancy and ability to learn scientific processes or life cycle that a caterpillar has, in a very simple way.

5. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Photo Source: http://designrelated.com/inspiration/view/Karen/entry/3062/cloudy-with-a-chance-of-meatballs-animated-movie

Even though the classic “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” was written and illustrated back in 1978 by Judi Barrett and Ron, respectively, it is still proven to be a classic now, with over 3 million copies since its first syndication. It even had a movie created using the story as an inspiration. The story takes place in the town of Chewandswallow where the food is received through the sky with raining juice, soda, and even hamburgers. However, there was one certain day when the storm was too fierce and anything huge, such as large pancakes that envelopes houses and schools, pickles that break the roof, and even slabs of meat that destroys property. The story, imagination, and the food are things that kids would appreciate in the night time, knowing that something interesting is being read to them.

4. Green Eggs and Ham

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Are you having a hard time making your children try on something new, say food, or clothing, or even friends and places? When you are in a pinch with this situation, let Dr. Seuss take care of it for you by reading a discolored book that would make kids try out something they have never experienced before. Green Eggs and Ham is a simple-to-read book that has an easy thought on it. When you let kids read it, they would laugh and wonder how discolored food tastes like; the very same feelings they have when they are hesitant on something that has never been encountered. Have they tried things in a house, or with a mouse, in a box or with a fox? This book is a real classic that both kids and adults would love to read.

3. Goodnight Moon

Photo Source: http://www.substancenews.net/articles.php?page=2716

Even if you do not open the book or you are not that much familiar with its story, Goodnight Moon is a simple bedtime storybook classic that’s a great read for adults who would like to have their kids a good night sleep. The story of this book written by Margaret Wise Brown is about a bunny in his room that says goodnight to everything he sees; starting from whatever he can find in his room such as the mouse, three bears on a chair, and even other things outside such as a jumping cow on the moon. Not only will the kids know that it’s time for bed, but even readers would understand the main message of the book as its pages turn darker with the moon and stars brighter as the reading progresses to the end.

2. The Giving Tree

Photo Source: http://katthorsen.wordpress.com/2011/04/09/the-giving-tree-is-that-me-time-for-selfcare/

When you want to teach children the value of giving and sharing, the “The Giving Tree” is a very touching and eye-opening story that would make everyone think, even adults, of the importance of selflessness, and self-worth at the same time. This book by Shel Silverstein is surrounded by various controversy due to interpretations made from the story in the book. Some consider it to be sexist, while others think of it as a material with negative message for the kids. However, when you come to understand the essence of the book, which is to leave something for the giver and not being too demanding, they would learn to ask and share in such a way that they would also consider other people’s needs.

1. Where the Wild Things Are

Photo Source: http://www.therealstevegray.com/2012/05/gay-legend-maurice-sendak-has-died/

Perfect to read for those kids who want some action, coupled with imagination and moral lessons about the good and bad things of being wild, “Where the Wild Things Are” is a great read for both kids and adults who think that wildness is okay. The story is about Max, who was dressed in a wolf suit, went to bed without supper due to his stubbornness, and became the king of the wild as his room became a forest filled with scary monsters. Despite of being too acquainted with the wild, he remembers the love of his family and his home, due to a “supper that is still hot”. Thus, you could relate how important it is control that wild side and still feel the love of parents at home.

10. Anthony L. Krotiak

Photo Source: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=8114583

A United States Army Soldier, he became a recipient of the military’s decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during World War II. He was an acting squad leader and while directing his men on a newly-won position on Hill B, a group of Japanese soldiers threw a grenade in the center of their group. Pushing his comrades aside, he jammed the grenade to the earth with his rifle, and threw himself over it to protect his comrades.

9. Vincent Coleman

PhotoSource: http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mmanew/en/home/whattoseedo/halifaxexplosion/vincentcolemanandthehalifaxexplosion.aspx

A hero of the Halifax tragedy, he went to work on December 6, 1917 as a Railway Dispatcher for Halifax’s North End station As he relieved the night dispatcher at the telegraph, there was a collision and French munitions ship Mont-Blanc had caught fire and about to explode. Worried about the incoming Passenger Train No. 10 and its occupants; he delivered his famous telegraph message: “Hold up the train. Ammunition ship afire in harbor making for Pier 6 and will explode. Guess this will be my last message. Good-bye boys.”

8. Ensign Andrew L. Foreman

Photo Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Foreman_(DE-633)

During the Battle of Tassafaronga on November 30, 1942 between the United States Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy warships during the Guadalcanal campaign, he remained at his station to help save his ship until asphyxiated by gas generated by the explosion. Posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic self-sacrifice, the USS Foreman (DE-633), a Buckley-class destroyer escort of the US Navy was named after him.

7. Francois Charles Hugues Laurent Poqueville

Photo Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fran%C3%A7ois_Pouqueville.jpg

A French diplomat, explorer, writer and historian; he became a prominent architect of the Philhellenism movement throughout Europe. He also contributed greatly to the liberation of the Greeks and the rebirth of the Greek nation during the Greek War of Independence in 1821 by giving shelter in the French consulate to a number of refugees while the Turkish repression was raging at the peril of his own life. He became a great example on how the French consuls should fulfill their duties.

6. Nine Brothers Kherkheulidtze

Photo Source: http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/7305.htm

 When Shah Abbas I of Persia marched his largest army towards Georgia’s eastern provinces of Kartli and Kakheti; the safety of the motherland was placed on the 20,000 Georgian Army with the Nine Brothers Kherkheulidtze bearing the Georgian flag, as they fought with courage and fortitude. After the nine banner-bearing brothers were killed, it fell to their youngest brother and to their sister who was also killed. However, it was raised up again by their mother as a symbol of Georgian invincibility, though she was also killed. The nine brothers and their mother and sister were canonized by the Georgian Orthodox Church along with thousands martyrs of the Battle of Marabda.

5. Gomburza

Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/diamonds_in_the_soles_of_her_shoes/8099322146/

This was the acronym denoting the surnames of the Filipino priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Apolonio Burgos and Jacinto Zamora who were executed on February 17, 1872 by the Spanish colonial authorities on charges of subversion arising from the 1872 Cavite Mutiny. This has a profound effect on the Filipinos and what triggered the revolution that ended the 300-plus years of Spanish colonial rule in the country. The country’s national hero, Jose Rizal, dedicated his novel ‘El Filibusterismo’ to their memory.

4. Mormon Handcart Pioneers

Photo Source: http://www.mormonoutreach.org/topics/The_Mormon_Handcart_Disaster.htm

The migration of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the LDS Church, from 1856 to 1860 was fraught with hardships and sufferings as they traveled using handcarts to travel their belonging in all kinds of weather from Iowa and Nebraska to Utah. Lacking funds for full-ox teams, the 3,000 pioneers from Wales, England, Scandinavia, and Scotland went on a trek that resulted in disaster for two companies that were caught in heavy snow and extreme temperature in Wyoming, where 210 out of the 980 pioneers in the two companies died along the way. Their contributions were honored during the Pioneer Day.

3. Robert Bailey

PhotoSource: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/18/japan-earthquake-tsunami-heroes_n_837411.html#s254947&title=Teacher_Saves_Kids

A British teacher in Japan, he was not even supposed to be in school when the great tsunami hit Japan on March 11. However, when the ground started to shake and the emergency system in the coastal town of Ofunato blared commanding them to “Head for the hills” as the massive tsunami was on its way, he whisked all his 42 students to safety atop a nearby hill with only 8 minutes to run for their lives.

2. John McLoughlin and William Jimero

Photo Source: http://911research.wtc7.net/reviews/world_trade_center/mcloughlin_jimeno.html

The 9/11 tragedy has not only led to the death of the victims of the Twin Towers, but also for a great number of casualties coming from the New York police force, fire fighters and volunteers. This event has been one of those unfortunate events where the rescuers need to be rescued themselves. Notable among them were John McLoughlin and William Jimero, the last two men out of the rubble of the World Trade Center who survived the ordeal of being buried alive for 13 hours.

1. Mother Theresa

Photo Source: http://egnorance.blogspot.com/2012/09/mother-theresa-and-psalms.html

A recipient of numerous honors including the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu might have been born an Albanian on August 26, 1910, but she considered India her home and the poorest of the poor her family. Leaving her home at 18 to join the convent, where she never saw her mother and sister again; she began her missionary work in 1948 by leaving the comforts of the convent and founded the Missionaries of Charity to care for the sick, especially those with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and leprosy; and run orphanages and schools for poor children.

10. Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and Jose Carreras

Photo Source: http://www.smosh.com/PC/smosh-pit/articles/9-novel-nicknames-your-man-parts-1

Known as The Three Tenors, the late Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and Jose Carreras were seen singing in concerts, football games, in operas, and other staged performances. They were so famous that many of the people who did not appreciate opera music have been delighted into the craft, thanks to these three that amped classic singing into a whole new level. What began as a collaboration of the three in raising funds for José Carreras’ International Leukaemia Foundation, grew into a series of concerts that lasted from 1990 until 2003. Their famous hits include “Nessun Dorma” and “O Sole Mio”, which would make you appreciate their unique kind of music.

9. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger

Photo Source: http://www.cinepremiere.com.mx/por-que-sera-recordado-harry-potter6.html

This famous trio became the talk of the town when the popular book Harry Potter by writer J. K. Rowling took the world by storm. The said published material was a staple to most kids in junior high, becoming interested in the world of wizardry, sorcery, and magic, as portrayed by Rowling in picturing Harry’s life in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry Potter was able to make friends with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger on his first few days at Hogwarts, making the trio inseparable no matter the kind of adventure and situation they could get themselves in. The team’s popularity also expanded in the movies, seeing the trio grow together and facing the good times and bad times of their lives.

8. Alvin, Simon, and Theodore

Photo Source: http://www.best4you.sk/post243002.html

You have heard these three chipmunks sing their songs in the airwaves, singing to the tunes of “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth”, and other hits like “Christmas Don’t Be Late”, “Macarena”, and more. Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are three singing chipmunks that are being handled and taken care of by manager, Dave Seville. These guys have been created by Ross Bagdasarian Sr., where he sings all three voices in different pitches and then speeds them up to sound tiny and high-pitched. It was very surprising that the chipmunks, including Dave, and even the Chippettes have been successful, despite of the simple trick that can easily be done these days. From the music scene, to cartoons, and even in 3D movies, the singing trio made their way to success, even beyond imagination.

7. Huey, Dewey, and Louie

Photo Source: http://pixofdreams.skyrock.com/2961692687-RIRI-FIFI-ET-LOULOU.html

First known in the Silly Symphonies comic strip created by Disney being published in newspapers, Huey, Dewey, and Louie appeared as Donald Duck’s nephews even as early as October 17, 1937. It is also surprising to know that the names of these three ducklings came from three animators that worked at the Disney Studio, namely Huey Long, Thomas Dewey, and Louis Schmitt. The nephews also appeared at a time when Mickey Mouse’s nephews, Morty and Ferdie Fieldmouse have been introduced. They also became noted in the Disney TV animation series, Ducktales, where their association with Uncle Scrooge McDuck was apparent in most of its episodes. Even though they look alike, you could easily identify them with Huey wearing red, Dewey wearing blue, and Louie being green.

6. Moe, Larry, and Curly

Photo Source: http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/curly%20joe?language=ja_JP

Even though the Three Stooges act was more famous back in the earlier years from 1925 until the 1980s , the acts of Moe, Larry, and Curly defined a different form of comedy, something that is more noisy, a bit nonsense, and a whole lot of funny. Back during the early days of the show, Ted Healy named the show “Ted Healy and His Southern Gentlemen”, “Ted Healy and His Stooges”, and “Ted Healy and His Three Lost Souls”, using the characters of Moe, Larry, and Shemp. However, everything changed when Shemp left to perform solo, and Curly came into the picture, which was also the time that the title “The Three Stooges” was created. Lots of movies and shorts have been created because of their funny antics, which made many generations laugh their hearts out. However, due to old age and disease-stricken characters, the Stooges ended their act sometime in the 80s.

5. Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith, and Kate Jackson

Photo Source: http://www.cultureblues.com/2011/09/then-and-now-charlies-angels/

How does it feel to receive assignments and missions from a boss that you have never seen before? Or much worse, you could only hear him through a speakerphone or squawk box? Well, you just have to ask the Angels to figure that out for you. Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith, and Kate Jackson were known to be Charlie’s Angels, the original versions of Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz, and Drew Barrymore, who have adapted the 1970s action series on TV into movies. It was a good thing that the title of the series is as it is today. Otherwise, viewers may not be interested watching the show seeing that Alley Cats are making their way into solving missions from someone who does not show his face. If it was not for Charles Townsend, these three girls who graduated from the Los Angeles Police Academy could have lived their lives as normal policewomen, not enjoying the life of being private investigators. At least, mission briefing would not be as mysterious as it is, thanks to Bosley who’s there to address different concerns.

4. Athos, Porthos, and Aramis

Photo Source: http://www.datpiff.com/TiZZie-GreaTesT-3-Musketeers-EP-mixtape.332965.html

The Three Musketeers, namely Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, are friends that are bound together in fulfilling their responsibilities as members of the Musketeer of the Guard. In fact, when d’Artagnan was about to enter the order of the musketeers, he had to duel each of them due to his planned heroic acts, which is actually the very role that was supposed to be played by the three. Nevertheless, he was able to gain their respect, which makes d’Artagnan included in the group of three. Famous for the lines “All for one, one for all” which was put up by d’Artagnan, the Three Musketeers have found their way into liking the fourth member. And together, they have fought to vanquish evil, as was written by the creator of the novel, Alexander Dumas.

3. Peter, James, and John

Photo Source: http://tomasgt2.blogspot.com/2013/02/segundo-domingo-de-cuaresma.html

Peter, James, and John were among the first few apostles that have been called right after Jesus Christ fasted for forty days in beginning his ministry, after overcoming the temptations of Satan and receiving instructions from angels sent by His Father. They met in Galilee while Peter and Andrew were catching fishes. Jesus invited the two to be fishers of men, and the two followed him, leaving their nets behind. James and John also received the same invitation and left everything, including their father. Peter, James, and John were not only considered to be prominent members of the apostleship for only being called the first. In fact, there are many important events in Christ’s life that involved the presence of these three including Jesus’ transfiguration and His atonement in the Mount of Olives in Gethsemane.

2. Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar

Photo Source: http://www.captivatingnews.com/category/christianity/

Three men that have been spoken in the bible as the Wise Men of the East, although there have never been accounts that the said number of these wise men were actually three. However, the reference to such number has been due to the gifts that were given to Jesus Christ after his birth in Bethlehem where gold, myrrh, and frankincense were presented. The names of Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar were also never found within the texts of the scripture, attributing everything to tradition from various countries near the place where “the East” is located, which could be attributed to locations such as Persia, Arabia, and India. Their roles were cut short when an angel appeared to them in a dream, warning them to never return to King Herod. Thus, they have gone their way and were never heard of again.

1. The Father, The Son, and the Holy Ghost

Photo Source: http://news.wikinut.com/img/192-w7mcsz3s3emz/HolyA

Often referred to as the Trinity on most denominations, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost have different functions while remaining one in purpose. While some are claiming that these three divine beings are all substances of but one God, one particular passage in the Bible disproves such claim, seeing that they have appeared all at the same time in order to fulfill their purpose. During the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by his cousin, John the Baptist, it has been written that after Jesus was baptized, being immersed in and out of the water, a voice from heaven was heard saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him”. After hearing the voice, the Holy Ghost appeared in the form of a dove, signifying the divinity of the said event. Though they have been seen but once, the existence of these three beings mark the foundation of faith of all Christendom, all over the world.

10. Leap Year folklore and traditions.

Aside from tradition in Ireland, it is considered to be unlucky for someone to be born on a leap day in Scotland just as everybody else is afraid of Friday the 13^th. Meanwhile in Greece, it is unlucky for couples to get married on a leap year, especially on February 29; which incidentally is St. Oswald’s Day in honor of the archbishop of York who died on February 29, 992. This is, however, commemorated on February 28 during the common years. For the superstitious Chinese, they believe that more bad luck happens during the leap month in the lunar calendar. They also believed that children born on this day are hard-headed and that they are never good in business or in getting married.

9. Leap year in Guinness.

Ever since leap year was first introduced with the transition from the Roman calendar to the Julian Calendar 2000 years ago, it has also been subjected to the “world record of leap-day babies” as recorded by the Guinness Book of Records. Leaplings are not only invited to join the “Honor Society of Leap Day Babies,” but there are world record holders for those families producing three succeeding generations born on February 29 – the Keogh family, and of the number of children born on February 29 from the same family as well. The lists of these families include Peter Anthony who was in 1940 in Ireland; his son Peter Eric, who was born in the UK in 1964; and his daughter Bethany, born in 1996. The Henriksen from Andenes, Norway holds the official record for the most number of children born of February 29, as Mrs. Karin Henriksen gave birth to her daughter Heidi in 1960, and her sons Olav and Leif Martin in 1964 and 1968 in that order.

8. There was an actual February 30.

Though it was just temporary, February 30 was an actual date used at one point in Sweden and the Soviet Union. In Sweden, February 30, 1712 resulted from an error in their calendar conversion during the 18^th century; while it was an attempt to cut the seven-day weeks into five-day weeks in the case of the Soviet Union from 1930 to 1931. There was also the claim of the 13^th century scholar Johannes de Sacrobosco that February had 30 days in the Julian calendar in the leap years between 45 BCE and 8 BCE. This was to give the month of August to have the same length as July. However, historic evidences have refuted this claim as Sacrobosco was also known to be a critic of the Julian calendar.

7. February 29 in history.

Leap year came to be due to the ancient Egyptians, who first figured out that the solar year and the calendar they were using did not match up. Because of that people came to know the tradition where women proposed to men, which started in 1288. February 29, 1704, meanwhile, saw the raid conducted by French Canadians and Indians in Deerfield, Massachusetts as the Indians were trying to retrieve their church bell that has been shipped from France. The predecessor of calculator, the first tabulating machine, was invented in 1860. In 1904, a seven-man commission was created to hasten the works of the Panama Canal; while Miklos Horthy de Nagybanya became the Regent of Hungary in 1920. 1944 saw the invasion of the Admiralty Islands by General Douglas McArthur, which was also the day the Dorothy McElroy Vredenburgh of Alabama became the first woman to be appointed secretary of the national political party, Democratic National Committee. Nowadays, February 29 is celebrated as the “Rare Disease Day” to obtain funding for diseases that have no known cure. US presidential elections and the Summer Olympics were also held every four years.

6. Leap Year and Astrology

Astrologers believe that leaplings possess unusual talents and abilities due to their extraordinary birthday. While they can choose to celebrate on February 28 or March 1 on common years, these Pisces-born leaplings are considered as optimistic, friendly and good-natured. Though highly opinionated, they are suited for parenthood; live a healthy lifestyle, proud of their versatility, and insist on personal happiness. It is interesting to note though, that those who were born in 1884 never get to celebrate their entire teenage years until they turned 20.

5. Some mathematical facts about leap year.

There is only one chance for every 1,461 leap year births or 0.0006 percent chance, which makes up the 4 million people today who were born on February 29.  A year divisible by 100 cannot be a leap year unless it can be divided by 400, which make the year 2000 a leap year but the year 1900 was not. There is also the “leap second” or a one-second adjustment that is sometimes applied to the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to keep the day closer to the mean solar time. The latest adjustment on “leap second” was made on June 30, 2012 at 23:59:60 UTC.

4. There is a leap year capital of the world.

Anthony, Texas, a town situated near the border of New Mexico, is the self-proclaimed “leap year capital of the world.” It started in 1988 when dames Mary Ann Brown and Birdie Lewis, who were both born in a leap year, came up with an idea to have a leap year festival not only to give the town some recognition but to raise funds for the community as well. The Chamber of Commerce agreed with this; and today, February 29 is celebrated with parades, festivals, birthday dinners, parties, and hot air balloon rides where leaplings celebrate their birthdays in style. Being born on a leap year can really have its perks!

3. Local laws can decide when ‘leaplings’ celebrate their birthdays.

The Civil Code of China declared that leaplings or those who are born on February 29 take February 28 as their legal birthday; a law that has been carried out since October 29, 1929. Hong Kong has a similar law implemented since the 1990, where the legal birthday of a leapling is March 1 in common years. However, only a few of them will get to celebrate their Golden Birthday since they would be 116 years old before they turned 29.

2. It is normal for women to propose to men on leap year day.

This tradition goes back in 5^th century Ireland when St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about the fact that the women have to wait for men to propose to them, which she thought was unfair. St. Patrick gave in by setting February 29 as the day that allows women to have the right to ask for a man’s hand in marriage. The tradition lived on in Scotland until 1288 when Queen Margaret declared that those who will refuse will be fined with a silk dress, a kiss, or a pair of gloves if they rejected the ladies. This tradition was also practiced in Denmark and Finland, while it is considered as bad luck to get married in a leap year in Germany. In modern day America, this is practiced during the “Sadie Hawkins Day” in honor of the homeliest girls where they can pursue the most eligible bachelors in town. This stemmed from the comic strip Li’l Abner created by Al Capp.

1. The origin of the term Leap Year.

In the Gregorian calendar, a fixed date normally advances one day of the week year after year. However, during the leap year, the days of the week will advance in two days from March onwards due to the extra day inserted at the end of February, making one day “leap over” in the week. For instance, if your birthday in 2004 fell on a Saturday, in 2005 it was Sunday, Monday in 2006, and became Tuesday in 2007. However in 2008, which was a leap year, your birthday fell on a Thursday, which made it “leap over” Wednesday; thus the name.

10. No Political Parties Associated

Photo Source: http://mymentalhealthday.blogspot.com/2012/02/politix.html

He was never associated or affiliated in any political parties when he made a decision to run for Presidency. In fact, there was none. The political teams started during his term, and when he was elected for the second time around, he stood on the neutral ground without being identified to any of the existing parties that time. He may not able to please both sides, but at the end of his second term as a President of the United States, he expressed his belief to have a unified government and gave warning about the disadvantages of a party system. He knew that it will be a source of corruption and jealousy, which became apparent in succeeding presidencies.

9. He Never Went to College

Photo Source: http://www.thegrindstone.com/2012/04/25/education/im-a-successful-white-collar-professional-without-a-college-degree-896/

He never had the opportunity to pursue a college degree because at age 11, he took parental responsibility to his half brother Lawrence when his father died. He spent his education in Colonial Virginia, and joined the British Navy instead. Despite of the lack of opportunity to get a degree, he was known for his expertise in Math, which placed him in a surveying position.

8. His Real Birthday According to Julian calendar

Photo Source: http://robinchapmannews.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-pope-changed-george-washingtons.html

His real birthday actually fell on February 11, 1732, but because of the influence of colonization, the Julian calendar was superseded by the Gregorian calendar in 1752. From that time forward, his birth date was recognize on February 22^nd instead of 11^th. Nonetheless, he celebrated his birthday still on the 11^th of February.

7. He never had His Own Child/Children

Photo Source: http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1869753,00.html

Before he got the big yes from his wife, Martha Dandridge Custis who had children prior to their marriage, he received two rejections from her. He met her widowed of two kids whom he took and treated as his own. Despite that they never had the chance to rear a child of their own, it never came to his mind that he had none because he felt blessed to have his stepchildren as his real kids.

6. He Never Shook Hands with People

Photo Source: http://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-events/revolutionary-war-pictures.htm

Majority of those people who became so close to him noted that he was more serious rather than someone that you can be with if you were in a day with him. His attitude of not extending a handshake to anyone he was meeting was due to a trauma that he had when he was a child. Some have observed that whenever he would stand up that he would have his other hand hold a tricorner hat, while the other one is holding a sword. He was not comfortable extending gratitude through respectful handshakes, but he preferred to do the traditional greeting of bowing as part of the reverence that he learned.

5. The Only U.S. President Who Received Unanimous Votes

Photo Source: http://apushistory.yolasite.com/george-washington.php

In the U.S. Election History, he was the only President who was elected twice through unanimous votes through Electoral College. He was considered as the first President of the United States who got 69 out of 69 votes on the first elect      oral votes. During that time, the casting of votes are not determined by the voice of the people, but through this process.

4. He Did His Own Accounting of Personal Expenses & Profit

Photo Source: http://inthewordsofwomen.com/?cat=73

Because of the hardships that he went through his life at a young age, he learned to value every penny that he earns. He personally records all of the expenses and profits he gained. Despite that he has reached a wealthy state, he refused to accept a salary of $25,000 yearly when he was elected as the U.S. President that time. Hence, to avoid any precedent on the next presidency, he had to accept his salary as the U.S. President. He was a man of integrity and reputation, and everyone was aware that he will not take advantage of the power that he gained for monetary purposes since he has attained a very stable financial state before he assumed the Presidency.

3. He Only Had Genuine Tooth When He Assumed the Presidency

Photo Source: http://ray1man.blogspot.com/2011/08/things-you-might-not-know.htmla

He was known for his false teeth, but little that everyone knew, he had a real tooth left before he won the Presidency. Nonetheless, he had different sets of false teeth that was made by his dentist, John Greenwood. According to history, his loss of teeth started when he was 22 years old, and it’s being attributed to illnesses that he had, such as malaria and smallpox.

2. First Mason President in the United States

Photo Source: http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/gw_trowel.htm

When he was a young man, he joined the Masonic Lodge located in Fredericksburg in Virginia when he was 20 years old. Since 1752 until he died, he never ceased in his Masonic duties, and he was even buried in a Masonic site on December 18, 1799 that signified his love toward his craft and profession. He was even cited as one of the greatest architects in the universe because of his unparalleled contributions and creations.

1. He never lived in the White House

Photo Source: http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/74500/government-shutdown-2011-mixed-morality-causes-major-schism-in-the-united-states/

He was the only President who never had the chance to live in the White House because during that time, it was being built. In fact, it was in his time that a decision was made where the White House was would be built. It’s true that he was living at Mount Vermon while he was performing his obligations as the President of the United States.

10. Crafting is Fun

Photo Source: http://www.fandrop.com/collection/michaelprise/indoor_activities

Kids love something interactive, something where they can explore, discover, and develop new things and skills. They could also socialize with other kids, and you’ll get to spend time with them as you join them learning a new craft. This is better, especially these days, because kids don’t move that much because of too much exposure in gizmos and social networking sites.

9. Watch Films

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There are films being shown today, which you could watch together with the whole gang of your family members. If you want to try the Kitchen, then it’s something that you could talk smartly as a family since there is critical information that you can discuss with your brood. It’s one way of educating yourselves not just with textbooks that children learn at school, but to be amused on something that you have never learned before, which you could peruse in the future.

8. Ice Fishing

Photo Source: http://bangordailynews.com/2012/01/21/outdoors/annual-family-ice-fishing-day-on-pickerel-pond/

Since its winter, it’s a fun-filled activity that you can enjoy amidst the icy and cold surrounding. It’s one of the suggested outdoor activities that kids will surely love. The thrill of catching fish is really tickling, especially to those families that have not tried this activity at all. You’ll know how to fish bait, and other methods that you could learn as you ask professional assistance from those who knows already.

7. Learn a New Language

Photo Source: http://www.savjetnica.com/savjeti-za-odgoj-djece/

Learning a new language in order to celebrate the bonds of family is a special way of being close to each other. In fact, you do not need to go too far from studying, practicing, and applying a new tongue for you to feel the complete satisfaction of doing this activity. All you need to do is to talk with everyone and gauge as to what language would be easier to study, and most applicable to use. It could be Spanish, French, German, or any other that would be very comfortable for everyone.

6. Hot Snacks with the Family

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Since celebrating Family Day at this time of the year is still cold and chilling, warming up with hot chocolate, a nice serving of freshly made hotcakes, or even other warm baked goodies would lighten everyone up. If this could be observed at each time of the year during Family Day, then this could actually pass as a family tradition. But if you wanted alternatives since there are so many hot snacks that can be made with cookbooks and creativity, then doing so would make sharing such treats with family an exciting yearly experience.

5. Visit Art Exhibitions

Photo Source: http://www.ago.net/

There are numbers of museums and art galleries that you can visit nearby that actually foster and promote family day bonding and activities. Some of which is Robert McLaughlin Gallery that hosts art-themed movies for children, games, and other hands-on art activities that you can enjoy together. In fact, they have organized and prepared it in a way that it would suit not only for kids, but also for adults.

4. The Lightbox

Photo Source: http://www.torontoisawesome.com/

This is one of the activities that families can take advantage with yearly. Since it’s free, you could enjoy watching movies without putting big holes in your pockets. It does not mean that it’s free that it’s less of a quality. This is one of the traditions that provide ample and quality wholesome time to each family where they can watch kids and family oriented movies that teach values relevant still in our time. You don’t need to spend all the time just to create wonderful memories on this day. In fact, the best parts in all of the activities are things which money cannot buy.

3. Winter Picnic

Photo Source: http://ebw.evergreen.ca/

Have you ever imagined having a picnic where there is no grass, tweeting birds on the tress, or the crisp fresh air? Whenever you mention the word picnic, the first thing that comes to mind are the blooming flowers of spring. But do you really need to wait for some months before you could even enjoy that kind of activity with family? Yes, you could already make a winter picnic, which includes hot and warm treats for sharing. Aside from having this family activity as being cool, everyone else might think of chilling around winter with this special endeavor.

2. Bake Cookies Together

Photo Source: http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/bake-cookies-day/

Baking cookies together is not just an activity that is being done by a mother and daughter tandem, but it could be shared by everyone, especially the dads and sons that are not that fond of spending so much time in the kitchen. If you are doing this not so often, then you could consider doing some non-bake treats like oatmeal biscuits, cheesecakes, or other cold snacks. But if you are serious with having everyone involved into making cookies that will later be shared together during movie nights or family dinners, then preparing a simple recipe would do so well, not implying too much stress for everyone.

1. Skating is Thrilling

Photo Source: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2013/02/11/family-day-leaves-small-businesses-in-holiday-dilemma

Known to be one of the most famous winter activities that can be done by almost everyone, skating on ice is just a thrilling thing to do with dads, moms, the kids, and even the pet dog, or with grandma and grandpa. Even if you are just skating together in the snow, pulling some easy tricks, or even going places where the frozen rivers would take you is a great bonding moment for family. A word of caution though. You need to be extra careful when going in groups as you may not know when you’ll expect cracking ice floors because of your combined weight, especially when you have stepped on the ice from a heavy winter picnic, eating those nice and warm baked cookies and goodies.

It is true that people have been anxious and excited in welcoming 2013, but there are several individuals who are skeptical about the last two digits that signify bad luck. The number 13 has been clearly associated in any misfortune or any untoward, unexpected incidents that happened or might happen in someone’s life. According to Wikipedia, 2013 stands for the 2013^th year of the Common Era under the Gregorian calendar. To further remove some doubts about the most important number of the year which is 13, let’s get down to the top 10 meanings of number 13. Is there anything that we should fear about or is it just one of the old traditions that have been passed from older generations? Why it is there is no 13th floor and room number 13 in most of the buildings and hotels?  Moreover, why do we see Friday the 13^th as the worst day that we have to avoid? Are there really answers in all these bizarre ideas or is it just a custom that we have been following all these years?

10. Thirteen Joints of the Human Body

People have been avoiding this number, but they are carrying collective parts of it that completes the number 13. Indeed, the major joints of the human body such as the ankles, knees, hips, wrists, elbows, shoulders and neck, adds altogether 13, having a pair of each part, except for the neck, which holds the head. Movements will never be possible without joints that actually link together 206 bones in human body.

9. The Cabalist Representations

For cabalists, this number is interpreted as dragon, murderer, Satan, and snake. It actually opposes to what the Christian faith has established and inculcated to their followers and believers. Hence, it does not mean or refer to the evil side of things because of the close associations of Satan and the snake that typically represent evil things or negative symbols.

8. A Prime Number

In the numerological context and view, it is not just symbolical, but it’s relative to success and fulfillment because of the number three. It cannot be divided by itself that’s why it is a prime number that stands for its incorruptible nature, integrity, and purity.

7. Death Card in Tarot

If you are familiar with Tarot Cards, you have been introduced to the so-called thirteenth mystery of it which is unnamed. It could be the reason perhaps since there are uncertainties involved in it such as death, rapture, the end of something, and on the positive note, it signifies change. Death is not the end of everything whether it’s something that we follow or not. We make decisions that determines the path that we are trudging, whether we go ahead or we stay stagnant.

6. Beginning of Witchcraft

13 is the right age where anyone could learn the power of witchcraft. In fact, it has 13 lessons that one has to take in order to know the mysteries of it, and how things operate. Moreover, the group of witches has also 13 members. 12 are actually the followers, while one serves as its leader. Although there are rules set like covens must be divided equally in terms of members for males and females in order to achieve the Gardnerian witch, adhering to the numbers indicate loyalty. Hence, this information is still yet to be confirmed.

5. Signifies Maturity

In the typical setting when a boy or girl reaches 13, it signifies the adolescence period although in most books, changes happen physically, emotionally, socially, and psychologically upon reaching 12. Nevertheless, in Judaism, 13 is an important mark for a boy to be welcomed as a worthy member of the Minyan and deserve the title of Bar Mitzvah. It is an important hallmark of maturity that equates to this number.

4. Lucky Number        

There are several instances where number 13 gave good luck and fortune to others. In fact, it only proves that there is no really a lucky or unlucky number because there known personalities who have achieved greatness and success because they have worn clothes that have number 13 printed on it. Some of them are sports personalities that won championship titles with their teams and individually. Shaquille O’Neal wore a No.13 jersey in 1996, Yao Ming, Tim Duncan, and a lot of names have done the same. The only country that believes that it carries fortune and luck is Italy, while all others despite of the modern influences and breakthroughs, still holds to the curse that it might bring to their lives.

3. Full Moons

It is not just related to the moon, but are we aware that the average degrees per day are 13. There are also 13 Lunations in a year. Although we have 12 months in our standard calendar period, but talking about the cycle itself, it calculates that there are about 12.37 lunations in a year. Under the full moon cycle phase, there are 13 full moons under the Gregorian Calendar that comprises of 12 or 13 new and full moons as explained in Wikipedia. For better understanding, last year of 2012, the 13^th full moon actually fell on December 28, 2012. For this year, expect that there would be two full moons in a specific month, which cannot be calculated as to when it will fall. Nonetheless, it has something to do with the angle between the Earth, Sun, and Moon. In a year, there is 365.25 days that have 12.37 full cycles. Based on calculations, the other full moon might happen in August.

2. Unlucky Number?

The history why 13 is considered unlucky is because of the Mayan Calendar. Last year, everyone was anxious if doomsday would take place on December 21, 2012 since that was the last day and year found in Mayan Calendar. In fact a movie was even made years back entitled 2012 that shows how the world would end. Moreover, under this calendar, which is called the 13^th Baktun, was actually a representation of catastrophic events that could have happened in 2012. However, it was not fulfilled at all nor any scary predictions of the followers of Mayan Calendar could really predict that there was really misfortune associated in number 13. Some people say that according to history that it was only a result of phobia, trauma, and of course one of the superstitious beliefs that has been inherited over time.

1. The Last Supper

Biblically speaking, the last supper of Jesus Christ happened with his chosen disciples whom he called as His 12 apostles. Surrounded in a round table, Christ was numbered that completes the number 13 of His last meal with His beloved followers. Moreover, there are also thirteen titles given to Jesus Christ which were mentioned in the gospel of Saint John in the New Testament of the Bible. Also, the last Supper happened on Chapter 13 of the book of John.

Christmas is that time of the year where kids are at their happiest and adults at their busiest. With the gifts, the carols, and even the tasty food, it is that season being anticipated by everyone. The Christmas break is another thing why children are looking forward to that time when they could stay at home, watch TV all day, or help do the house chores. If you want your kids or nephews and nieces see movies that uphold the Christmas tradition, check the top 10 best Christmas movies of all time, and see that they could appreciate this festive season in a whole new light, watching the movies together with you.

10. A Christmas Carol

Children have been hearing carols outside their doors or being sung inside churches. But “A Christmas Carol”, a digital cartoon movie from Walt Disney provides something special, having the director of Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, and The Polar Express create this masterpiece that kids would surely love to watch. You will see the story of Scrooge and the Three Ghosts of Christmas in a different fashion that goes beyond common imagination, thanks to computer graphics and the voice talent of Jim Carrey that gave the main character a great portrayal.

9. Arthur Christmas

Arthur Christmas is a movie that actually helps you answer the very mysterious question about Santa’s world, specifically on how he is able to deliver presents to children all over the world, at such speed and skill that cannot be imagined possible. You will never predict the solution until you watch this movie where you will be surprised with the answers that even military personnel would come to query.

8. Home Alone

How does it feel when you are a young kid and you have the entire house to yourself during Christmastime? It would be really fun especially if you have so many siblings staying at home. This is the same situation where Kevin McCallister is in. However, things get pretty nasty when two burglars have his family’s home as a target. What will he do to save it from the robbers? You will have the most hilarious time seeing evil guys have their beating against a young kid that came up with the best of traps.

7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

When Christmas vacation comes, daddies are so excited in setting up the lights, chopping down a pine tree for home, and even doing the groceries for mommies to create the perfect dinner. You will see the same thing when you watch Christmas Vacation, the third installment of the National Lampoon’s vacation series. However, what you will see in the movie is nothing that your dad would do at home where you could see all the mishaps, the accidents, the ruin, and the problems encountered during Christmas. Things even became worse when families and relatives actually came to share that special time of the year. Just watch the disaster and you will roll on the floor laughing.

6. The Muppet Christmas Carol

As you mention the Muppets and think of Jim Henson, which the kids do not know much anymore, the one thing that comes to mind is his puppets that made way into the hearts and the homes of the children back in the 80s and 90s. With The Muppets Christmas Carol being shown in the big screen by Walt Disney Pictures, you will see a classic tale that has the twist of having muppets like Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and others get into the life of Ebenezer Scrooge and seeing the Christmas Carol being stuffed with singing puppets all throughout the movie. Just how is this combination going to work?

5. Joyeux Noel

Joyeux Noel is not the common kind of Christmas movie that your kids would see during the holidays. However, if you want to share a lesson with them about the true spirit of the season, even during the face of World War I, then it is advised to have them sit with you and share some thoughts or two. You will come to witness a miracle that actually happened in France where opposing forces decided to have a ceasefire and remember their relationships as brothers in the sight of God, as they celebrate Christmas in the most unlikely of places and situations.

4. Miracle on 34th Street

Do you believe in Santa Clause? There may be skeptics that think this famous character during Christmas season is nothing but a story that plays with kids’ imaginations that makes them believe of being nice in order to have presents. While there is no question to the optimism of the children and the skepticism of the adults with this subject, “Miracle on 34^th Street” is the movie to make ends meet. You would even see how a certain “Santa” in New York was sentenced for bringing up a lie and miraculously proves the truth in a special way.

3. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Jack Skellington is a special person that lives in a place where no Christmas has been celebrated before as it is the place where every day is Halloween, where all the scare, the fright, and the horror is. There is no need to fear with Nightmare Before Christmas as you will come to see how someone who lived in a scary world sees the color, the fun, and the festive spirit of Christmas, and how some ghosts and ghouls possibly ruined the occasion. Good thing this has been made in a 3D art format. Otherwise, it could have never passed as a movie for kids to see.

2. Scrooge

This movie may be considered really really old as it was shown more than half a century ago, but this has been the motion picture where most Christmas movies have been adapted. Have you asked how Ebenezer Scrooge was like in the 1950s and if he was just as bad as modern directors and producers would depict him? Why did he even think of Christmas as a Humbug? All of that can be answered as you watch this traditional classic.

1. A Christmas Story

Have you asked kids of what the Spirit of Christmas is all about? If you have seen them being too absorbed with gadgets, new toys, clothes, food, and more things to spend money with, then you may need to have kids see this movie and remind them of the true reason for the season. Seeing the Christmas Story would bring you to laugh in seeing Christmas as it is meant to be, the American Way.

10. Copenhagen, Denmark

Are you sick of processed food and microwave meals that you just have to get away to experience clean and healthy eating? Well, if you want a place that can be so perfect even for old folks, moving to Copenhagen should be your best bet. Being fit and healthy is a big deal for the Danish people that almost 25% of their population age 60 years and older. Yes, even if you go to daycare and other likely establishments, you will encounter natural and organic food. The place is just perfect for health buffs that you can go biking with the other 35% who chose smokeless two wheels for commuting to work and other places nearby.

9. Bern, Switzerland

The capital city of Switzerland may not belong to the top 5 of the best cities where you could live, but its beauty and charm cannot be underestimated. After all, it can be a rare feat for any city to have a whole town to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was given to the old town of Bern. Have you heard of accessories such as Swiss Knives and watches? Well, they are actually made here as it is also the center of luxury products, engineering, and even automotive technologies. Although it may alarm you that immigrants are causing Bern to be quite unsafe as it used to hold the title for the second safest city in the world, there is actually a referendum for immigrant population growth which benefits everyone, local or foreigner alike.

8. Geneva, Switzerland

Do you have a day of strolling in the park? If you do and you love every moment of it, then you will definitely love living in Geneva, being hailed as the “city of parks”. Thanks to the many green areas and locations found all over the city, you will experience each day with clean air, cool breeze from the Swiss Alps, and beautiful picturesque views along Lake Geneva. Cost of living is also high here, despite the fact that there are over 40% of foreigners that are living here. You can move here to experience the rich life while taking chance of booming in the oil industry.

7. Frankfurt, Germany

Although Frankfurt, Germany only rates second to Singapore when it comes to infrastructure innovation and concept, it is way ahead to the latter when it comes overall economic health and stability. In fact, you can find the European Central Bank, including the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the 10^th largest trading facility in the world. Also known as the transport center of all Germany, you could see a rail system that connects almost every area within the country, which is also contributory to the city’s effort of minimizing carbon footprints and pollution from vehicles.

6. Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is a great city for those who would like to escape from all sorts of pollution, carbon emissions, and the hectic city living. Thanks to its ecological balance of clean rivers, snowy mountains, and clear blue skies, tourists and even locals love the government’s drive of making it the greenest city not only in Canada, but the world over. Buildings with hanging gardens, abundant trees on the streets, and environment friendly infrastructures are commonplace in this great city found in North America.

5. Dusseldorf, Germany

A place for the lover of the arts, Dusseldorf, Germany is home to over a hundred art galleries that display art of various forms, classical, contemporary, or even beyond the ordinary. Traders and fashion fans can also take the city by the Rhine River as a haven for their curiosity and passion. Also, you can find and surround yourself with the richest people as there are over 1,380 prosperous individuals here that have a net worth of over US$30 million.

4. Munich, Germany

As you move to Munich, Germany for a life that’s better from your homeland, you can feel a familiar spirit in the air as 25% of residence population is foreigners. Why are there many immigrants here? Aside from being the home city of Siemens and Allianz where working can be a joy, 2011’s per capita of $33,700 is a reflection that the cost of living is compensate to amenities, ambience, and comfort that you will find pleasing.

3. Auckland, New Zealand

If you are somewhere in Asia and you want to have the great life without going too far, you can stay in Auckland, New Zealand and live life as it should be. When it comes to geological and tourism diversity, you can expect a lot with 11 extinct volcanoes, two harbors, and islands that makes any sea lover dream of buying their own yacht and being included in the world’s largest boat ownership by country. You will also take pride in being an employee as you are included in over 35% of New Zealand’s GDP generation. Education is also worth the pursuit as you will not feel alienated with over 37% of workers holding a bachelor’s degree.

2. Zurich, Switzerland

Do you want to live in a place where jobs are abundant and high-paying? If you plan to have a steady financial life somewhere in Switzerland, you could consider staying in Zurich as it accommodates 11% of all of the jobs in this prosperous country. While you know of the Swiss Bank handling the most delicate of accounts worldwide, there are over 82 banks in Zurich where 85% of the country’s asset is staying, not just city assets. Despite that its cost of living is one of the highest in the world, it is still looked upon by investors, tourists, and even immigrants as taxes are low, corruption is almost to none, education is fruitful, and safety is well assured.

1. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is famous for giving birth to some of the most prominent people in the field of music such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, and many others who have made the Viennese Waltz famous the world over. However, there is more to Austria’s capital city aside from the rich cultural heritage that can be seen with its standing structures, sculptures, and other forms of architecture. The city has a huge capita which is over $55,000, Vienna’s tourism campaign brings over 5 million tourists in a yearly average, and the government deploys a multi-million dollar project that helps residents improve living conditions through education, health, employment, housing, and more. But what makes Vienna the greatest city to live in is the initiative of those who are in authority to refurbish old and worn out structures where over 5,000 buildings and 250,000 apartments have been restored and improved.