QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Dumbledore said, “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”

In life, no matter where you started from or where you’re at, there’s always room to grow. Self-improvement, although sometimes challenging and laborious, can be a fulfilling and worthwhile endeavor. And it’s never too late to start.

As you progress through the semester, remember that it doesn’t always matter how you started, it matters how you finish. There is always time to improve, whether it’s developing better study habits or perfecting your self-care routine. Grow something sustainable and beautiful.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, March 20

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

Shadow of a Taxman: Who Funded The Irish Revolution (1919-21)? | 4-5:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public | Light Refreshments Served

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, March 21

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, March 22

Spring 2023 Falvey Forum Workshop: Intro to Transkribus | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to the Villanova Community | Register Here

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Thursday, March 23

Interfaith Human Library: Where Books Talk and We All Learn about Life in a Multi-Faith World | 4-5:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, & Staff | Light Refreshments Served | Register Here

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Friday, March 24

Villanova Gaming Society Meeting | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

Sunday, March 26

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 3-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Photo by Yoksel 🌿 Zok on Unsplash

Today, March 20, is the Spring Equinox, or the first official day of spring. Fittingly, International Day of Happiness is also celebrated today. Take some time to do something that makes you happy today, especially if that something involves spending some time outside (even if the weather isn’t quite the sunny, mid-70s spring day we’re hoping for). And, if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, you can swing by Rita’s and take advantage of their annual free water ice celebration.

Tomorrow, March 21, is World Poetry Day, a day for appreciating the art and craft of poetry. If you’re the creative-type, you can celebrate by trying your hand at poetry, whether it’s writing a poem about something that inspires you or reciting a piece at a  poetry event. If you’re more of a reader, Falvey has a vast collection of poetry to tickle your fancy, from classics like Poe’s The Raven (which has an amazing narration from the late Christopher Lee here) to more recent staples, such as Milk and Honey. Still looking for more? You’re welcome to attend our 2023 Literary Festival Event featuring poet Donika Kelly next week on March 30.

Feeling bogged down by the pressures of the semester? Give yourself a break from the seriousness by celebrating International Goof-Off Day on Wednesday, March 22. While goofing off certainly won’t solve all your problems, letting some silliness into your day can help relieve anxiety and bring levity during times of stress.

In the mood for some greasy, delicious food? This Friday, March 24, is National Cheesesteak Day. Whether you prefer your cheesesteaks from one of the (tourist) famous chains or from a local mom-and-pop shop, Philly natives and newcomers alike can enjoy this Philadelphia delicacy in celebration of this holiday.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In The Lion King, Rafiki said, “Oh, yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! Did you make any mistakes or fall into any bad habits this semester? Whether it’s procrastination, a bad sleep schedule, social isolation, or poor study habits, it can be hard to keep up with everything (especially when winter break goes by so fast).

But, there’s always time to improve. We can learn from our mistakes and make positive changes in our lives. The past can hurt, but our futures are always being rewritten. So, take the rest of the semester to make an achievable goal for yourself. By the end of the semester, you’ll thank yourself.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, March 13

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, March 14

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, March 15

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Thursday, March 16

Spring 2023 Digital Seeds Lecture: Tyechia Thompson, PhD, and Carli Smith on “Baldwin’s Paris 2.0” | 4 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to the Public | Register Here

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

2023 Literary Festival Event: Tsering Yangzom Lama Talk & Reading | 7 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

Friday, March 17

Villanova Gaming Society Meeting | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

Sunday, March 19

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 3-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

As many of you likely know, this Friday, Mar. 17, is St. Patrick’s Day, but here are some other fun holidays you can be celebrating:

Photo by Adrian Swancar on Unsplash

Today, Mar. 13, is National Napping Day. For those who love naps, today is the perfect excuse to get in a couple extra hours and give yourself an energy boost (and hopefully sleep off any post-spring break malaise).

Do you love math (or fruit-filled pastries)? Tomorrow, Mar. 14, is National Pi Day. Always celebrated on (3/14), Pi Day is a day that celebrates the mathematical constant pi (3.14…). If you like goofy challenges (or are in-need of a pointless task to procrastinate with), try to see how many digits of pi you can memorize. Or you can just celebrate with a slice of your favorite pie.

Prefer salty treats? National Potato Chip Day is also celebrated tomorrow. If you’re craving a salty snack, grab a bag of your favorite chips (I’m a Sour Cream and Onion person, myself) or try a new flavor (the options are practically endless).

Sunday, Mar. 19 is Let’s Laugh Day. As we move into the second-half of the semester, workloads and stress levels are bound to increase. Take a moment on Sunday to laugh a little (and, if you’re feeling charitable, make someone else laugh). Even the smallest of laughs could brighten someone’s day and make you feel better.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Memoirs of a Geisha, Arthur Golden wrote, “Adversity is like a strong wind. It…tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that afterward we see ourselves as we really are, and not merely as we might like to be.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! Although I don’t know if I would consider midterms “adversity,” they are a time of great stress and exhaustion for many of us, and enduring times of stress and turmoil has the potential to reveal our inner strengths and resilience, even if they’re not what we might expect.

We at Falvey hope you have a manageable and successful midterm week and a restful (and fun) Spring Break.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, February 27

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, February 28

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, March 1

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Thursday, March 2

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Start midterms off the right way by celebrating The Big Breakfast Day today, Feb. 27. No matter what your go-to breakfast food is, don’t skip out on the most important meal of the day today (especially if you’re fueling up for your midterms with caffeine).

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Midterms got you feeling stressed? Celebrate World Music Therapy Day this Wednesday, Mar. 1. Whether you need some chill indie music to relax, some lo-fi beats to focus, or to scream-sing along to your favorite songs in the car, take a moment to listen to some music and de-stress. Your body (and perhaps even your grades) will thank you.

More of a book person? Thursday, Mar. 2, is National Read Across America Day, a day dedicated to reading. Although the holiday has ties to Dr. Seuss, for those who find joy in reading, today is a day to celebrate all reading-for-pleasure. So, crack open a book and take some time to escape the stress of midterms. (And if you don’t have a book on-hand, Falvey has endless options for you to choose from).

After a long week of midterms, National Day of Unplugging, celebrated this Friday, Mar. 3, is a great opportunity to take a break from the screens (as great as they are). If you have time in your schedule, take a walk, grab coffee with a friend, take a nap, or read a book, whatever helps you decompress and recharge (without a blue-light device).

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Dead Poet’s Society, John Keating, played by Robin Williams, said, “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your life extraordinary.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! With midterms around the corner, the semester is officially in full swing. Midterms are never an enjoyable time of the year, but with midterms comes Spring Break, the ten days we dream about.

So, as you move through the week, I encourage you to muster up any of the beginning-of-the-semester energy and confidence you have left and make this week count. Seize the day and make your life extraordinary (or at least set yourself up for a well-executed week of midterms and a stress-free Spring Break).

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, February 20

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, February 21

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, February 22

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Thursday, February 23

2023 Literary Festival Event: Mary O’Donoghue | 7 p.m. | President’s Lounge, Connelly Center | Free & Open to the Public

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Friday, February 24

Villanova Gaming Society Meeting | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

Three Minute Thesis Competition | 3-6 p.m. | Topper Theatre, John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts | Free & Open to the Public

Sunday, February 26

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 3-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Today, Feb. 20, is National Comfy Day, the perfect excuse to wear some comfy clothes on this somewhat chilly day.

Photo by Thirdman from Pexels

If you’re a fan of carby treats (and parties), Mardi Gras, celebrated Tuesday, Feb. 21 this year, might be the holiday for you. A holiday of many names, Mardi Gras is also known as Fasnacht Day, Fat Tuesday, and Shrove Tuesday. In the U.S., the holiday is celebrated with doughnuts, colorful beads, and parties. Since pancakes are another food traditionally eaten at Mardi Gras, Tuesday is fittingly also National Pancake Day. You can take advantage of this holiday at IHOP.

Confidence is key, but Be Humble Day, celebrated this Wednesday, Feb. 22, reminds us that humility is important too. Take this day to find a healthy balance between confidence and humility (or listen to “Be Humble” by Kendrick Lamar).

If you’re a fan of this somewhat divisive candy, Tootsie Roll Day is Thursday, Feb. 23. Tootsie rolls are a candy like no other (and you can decide if that’s a good or a bad thing). Personally, as a Tootsie Roll stan, I am looking forward to celebrating these chocolate-adjacent, taffy-like sweets.

Serving as inspiration for the quote of this week, this Sunday, Feb. 26, is Carpe Diem Day. If you’re in high hopes (or live by “fake it until you make it”), seize the day on Sunday, whether that’s getting ahead on work, crossing off some things on your to-do list, or doing your best to make the day as good as it can be.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library. 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde wrote, “You are a wonderful creation. You know more than you think you know, just as you know less than you want to know.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! This week is all about spreading love and kindness, and thus, I thought it was fitting to choose a quote that could help do just that, whether you use it as a positive affirmation for yourself or a different perspective in understanding the people around you.

My message: You are all wonderful. When we get wrapped up in our busy, stressful worlds, we sometimes lose perspective of just how far we’ve come, how much we’ve accomplished or overcome, and just how much we’ve grown (and will, hopefully, continue to grow). Take a minute to bask in the wonder of living, even if it sometimes (a lot of the time) isn’t as easy as we’d like it to be.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, February 13

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, February 14

Love Data Week 2023: Falling in Love with Data | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to the Villanova Community | Register Here

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, February 15

Love Data Week 2023: Present Real-Time Analytics with ARCGIS Dashboards | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to the Villanova Community | Register Here

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Thursday, February 16

Love Data Week 2023: Introduction to Data Visualization | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to the Villanova Community | Register Here

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Friday, February 17

Villanova Gaming Society Meeting | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

Sunday, February 19

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

As you likely know, Valentine’s Day is this Tuesday, Feb. 14, but here are some other holidays worth celebrating this week:

Photo by Ditto Bowo on Unsplash

Not feeling in the Valentine’s spirit? Today, Feb. 13, is Self-Love Day, a day for you to practice self-love and by extension, self-care. Take some time for yourself today, whether you read a book, do a face-mask, or go for a walk. And, if you want to celebrate the platonic relationships in your life, today is also Galentine’s Day, a day (made popular by Leslie Knope from Parks and Rec), dedicated to celebrating female friendships (although, I think friendships of any gender will suffice).

In addition to Valentine’s Day, International Book Giving Day is also celebrated this Tuesday, Feb. 14. Now, I’m not knocking flowers and chocolate, but what’s more in the spirit of Valentine’s Day than sharing a book with someone? Whether it’s your favorite book, a book that you never got around to reading, or a brand new book (if you’re feeling fancy), gift a book.

Friday, Feb. 17, is Random Acts of Kindness Day. If you’re in the giving mood, try to do something kind for someone else. Whether you pay it forward in a drive-thru, write a positive note for someone struggling, or even holding the door open for someone who needs it, you can make a small but meaningful difference in someone’s life today.

Sunday, Feb. 19, is National Chocolate Mint Day, a day to celebrate this surprisingly somewhat controversial flavor combination. If you’re one of the supporters, celebrate with some mint chocolate treats. The options are plentiful: mint chocolate chip ice cream, York Peppermint Patties, Thin Mints, or some peppermint hot cocoa.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library. 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Infinite Jest, David Foster Wallace said, “You will become way less concerned with what other people think of you when you realize how seldom they do.”

We, as social creatures, have a tendency to worry about what other people think of us, whether you want to be perceived as nice, cool, funny, or smart. When we do something that doesn’t meet our own standards, whatever they may be, we can worry what people are thinking of us.

But the overthinking isn’t worth it. The embarrassing moments that you replay in your mind at night barely cross other people’s minds, and, if for some reason they do, I promise you they are judging you far kinder than your own internal monologue. Caring about others is a good trait to have but learning to place less emphasis on what others think of you is a great lesson.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, February 6

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, February 7

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, February 8

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Thursday, February 9

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Friday, February 10

Villanova Gaming Society Meeting | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

Sunday, February 12

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 3-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Be sure to check out the awesome events happening on campus this week for Black History Month, and stay tuned for more information on Falvey’s postponed Black History Month event, “The End of White Christian America: Faith Apart from Anti-Blackness.”  

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Today, Feb. 6, is National Frozen Yogurt Day. If you don’t feel like letting the cold weather hold you back, celebrate with some fro-yo. Although I may be a bit biased, as my best friend worked there for a while, Kiwi Yogurt is a great place to try. Their Funfetti Cupcake flavor (with some chocolate syrup and Oreo pieces) is amazing.

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

For anyone in the mood for a nice warm drink to stave off the cold (or fans of caffeine in any form), National Latte Day is this Saturday, Feb. 11. Whether your favorite latte is an (iced or hot) chai, matcha, pumpkin spice, or vanilla, grab yourself a latte to celebrate. And, as always, if you’re in Falvey, swing by Holy Grounds for a convenient option.

This Saturday is also Global Movie Day. You can celebrate this holiday by watching a movie, any movie. As someone perhaps a little too obsessed with movies, this holiday is just another perfect excuse to go to the movie theater. In lieu of seeing Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which doesn’t hit theaters until Feb. 17, I might go to see Knock at the Cabin or (if my aforementioned best friend chooses) BTS: Yet to Come in Cinemas.

As I’m sure many of you know, this Sunday, Feb. 12, is Super Bowl Sunday, and this year, Philly will compete against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Go, Birds!) Need the perfect game day snack? Sunday is also Super Chicken Wing Day. So, pick up your go-to wings and enjoy the game (or the commercials).

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library. 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In The Imitation Game, Christopher Morcom, played by Jack Bannon, said, “Sometimes it’s the very people who no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! Some people tend to think of themselves as being ordinary, something that is both a moderate blessing and an irksome curse. Sometimes, we drift into the above average or below average ranges, but it averages out to being ordinary, which can get in the way of our big dreams.

But, sometimes, it’s the most ordinary of people, those that are relatively unsuspecting, who do the things that others never thought to do. So, even if you feel like you’re the most average person on the face of this planet, dream big. You never know what you might accomplish.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, January 30

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, January 31

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, February 1

Postponed: The End of White Christian America: Faith Apart from Anti-Blackness – Part 1 | 12-1 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Livestream Available Here | Free & Open to the Public

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Thursday, February 2

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Friday, February 3

Villanova Gaming Society Meeting | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

Sunday, February 5

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 3-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Photo by Christopher Le on Unsplash

For anyone with a semi-sweet tooth, National Dark Chocolate Day is this Wednesday, Feb. 1. Celebrate the holiday with some of your favorite dark chocolate treats. My personal favorite is the Ghirardelli 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate bar because it’s bittersweet with a hint of cherry. Or, if you’re in the mood for something to warm you up, Swiss Miss’s Dark Chocolate hot cocoa hits the spot.

Wednesday is also Change Your Password Day. Although it’s definitely not the most fun holiday out there, it’s certainly a helpful one. Even if we hate the change in our routine, it’s always good to change up your passwords every so often. It keeps you and your data safer.

For any avian fans, Friday, Feb. 3, is Feed the Birds Day. You can celebrate this holiday by putting out some black oil sunflower seed or peanuts for your local birds. (You can find a list of things that are safe or unsafe for birds here). Interested in the world of suburban birds? I would highly recommend Welcome to Subirdia by John Marzluff, available online through Falvey.

Saturday, Feb. 4, is Sweater Day. Whether or not the all-knowing groundhog on Groundhog Day, which is Thursday, Feb. 2, predicts a long, cold winter or the beginnings of spring, it’s bound to be chilly on Saturday. So, to celebrate this holiday, cozy up in a warm sweater.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library. 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Ron Weasley, speculating what Hermione Granger would do, said, “When in doubt, go to the library.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! The beginning of the semester is typically one of the lightest and least stressful times in the lives of college students, aside from, of course, the breaks. This low-stress point is the perfect opportunity to develop some helpful habits, whether it be for self-care, studying, social interaction, or anything else that helps you thrive.

We, at Falvey, would like to throw our hat in the ring. Not sure how the library can help you? Check out this guide to our services and resources. Whether you need help finding sources for or fleshing out a paper (reach out to one of our amazing subject librarians), getting materials you need for class (check out this Affordable Materials Project guide to saving money), or even just a good place to study, getting in the habit of using Falvey’s resources is a habit that will help you thrive. So, this semester, when you’re in doubt, come to the library. It might just save you a whole lot of time and stress.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, January 23

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, January 24

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, January 25

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Thursday, January 26

“From Having a Dream to Becoming a NASA Leader” | 4-6 p.m. | Connelly Center Cinema | Free & Open to Villanova Community

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Friday, January 27

De-carbonizing Villanova: A Townhall on Fossil Fuel Divestment | 1-2:30 p.m. | Connelly Center Cinema | Zoom Option Available | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

Sunday, January 29

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 3-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Tomorrow, Jan. 24, is Belly Laugh Day. Whether its prompted by a funny TikTok, a friend, or even yourself, bring some laughter into your day. After all, laughter is the best medicine.

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

National Compliment Day is also tomorrow. If you’re feeling up to it, spread some positivity and compliment some of the people in your life. It could be a heartfelt compliment to someone you love or simply telling a stranger you think their shoes are cool. You never know what the simplest things could mean to someone.

Saturday, Jan. 28, is National Lego Day. If you’re feeling creative and need a hands-on activity to do, even while binge-watching a show or listening to a podcast, find yourself a fun Lego set to build. Don’t have any Lego? You can still celebrate this (admittedly consumerist) holiday by watching a film in the Lego Cinematic Universe. (The Lego Batman Movie is always a great choice).

This Sunday, Jan. 29 is National Puzzle Day. Give your brain a fun challenge and solve a puzzle, whether it’s an actual puzzle, a Rubik’s Cube, or even a game of Sudoku. As a novice puzzle enjoyer myself, I will be breaking out one of the puzzles I got for Christmas and, as always, playing Killer Sudoku on my phone.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library. 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In The Alchemist, Paul Coelho wrote, “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Welcome back, Wildcats! I hope your Winter Break was just what you needed to start this semester off with optimism and  excitement. Perhaps it’s your second semester as a Wildcat, like me, or perhaps it’s your last. Either way, make it a semester to remember. While positive affirmations and manifestations might not completely change what’s out of our control, they might break down some of the mental blocks we didn’t know we created for ourselves.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Tuesday, January 17

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, January 18

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Textbooks and Tacos | 5-6 p.m. | Room 205 | Free & Open to Villanova Community | Refreshments Served

Thursday, January 19

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Sunday, January 22

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

As many of you know, today, Jan. 16, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day commemorating the iconic Civil Rights activist and remembering the courage of those who fought for the civil rights of millions of Americans. (Check out our latest Weekend Recs for some awesome MLK Day recs if you haven’t already). Here are some other holidays coming up this week:

Photo by Timothy Barlin on Unsplash

This Thursday, Jan. 19, is National Popcorn Day, a day for enjoying this buttery, salty treat. Celebrate by popping some popcorn (without burning it, or your room/housemates will suffer with the smell) or by swinging by the store. If you’re looking for something to do off-campus, this could be the perfect excuse to see a movie.

Friday, Jan. 20, is National Coffee Break Day. Feeling like Winter Break was a little too short? Take a break from studying, work, or whatever is preoccupying your brain and have a cup of your preferred coffee. (Although I’m a diehard iced coffee person, this weather has me considering switching to hot). And, if you’re doing work in Falvey, you can swing by Holy Grounds for some convenient caffeine.

For all the Sriracha and Tabasco lovers, National Hot Sauce Day is this Sunday, Jan. 22. If you’re in the mood for some spicy food, celebrate the holiday by accompanying a meal with your go-to hot sauce.

Sunday is also the first day of Chinese New Year. This year is the year of the Water Rabbit. For anyone celebrating, I wish you a good and happy new year!

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library. 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Gandalf said, “The world is not in your books and maps, it’s out there.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats, the final Monday of the semester! With finals ending tomorrow, the semester is quickly coming to a close, and Winter Break is almost upon us.

For Winter Break, I leave you with this: Take a break from all the textbooks, notes, and academic pressures (and maybe even a brief hiatus from social media, if you’re feeling particularly drained), and enjoy the world. I wish you an enjoyable and fulfilling break. See you next semester!

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

See you back next semester for some more awesome events at Falvey! 

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Tomorrow, Dec. 20, is Games Day. Falling on the last day of finals, Games Day is a great opportunity to decompress with some friends or family. (After the past week, I think we all could use some decompression). Whether you’re into video games, card games, or board games, awaken your inner child and play a game. I know I’ll be challenging my parents to a (sometimes heated) game of Scrabble.

As some of you may know, this Wednesday, Dec 21, is the Winter Solstice, marking both the shortest day (of daylight) in the entire year and the first official day of winter. Fittingly, Wednesday is also Humbug Day, a day for any resident Grinches and Christmas detesters. It is also a day for anyone to express their negative feelings and stress about Christmas and the December holiday season. If this fits you, Dec. 21st is your day to shine.

Photo by Aleisha Kalina on Unsplash

National Christmas Movie Marathon Day is this Friday, Dec. 23. What a better way to gear up for Christmas with a festive movie marathon? Celebrate by watching some of your favorite Christmas films, whether they’re classics, like How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, or nontraditional picks, such as Die Hard and Black Christmas. If you’re having trouble picking, check out our latest Weekend Recs post on Christmas specials for some inspiration.

Christmas Eve shares its Dec. 24th spot with another festive holiday, National Eggnog Day. If you’re a fan of this creamy winter beverage, celebrate the day by grabbing yourself a (spiked, if you’re over the age of 21) glass and toast to a joyous and hopefully stress-free holiday season. Although the best eggnog is usually homemade, there are some solid store-bought options to try out if you’re not much of a mixologist.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library.