August is the eighth month of the year (between July and September) in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars and one of seven months with a length of 31 days.

In the Southern Hemisphere, August is the seasonal equivalent of February in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Edinburgh Festival, an internationally famous arts festival, takes place during August

The Glorious Twelfth, is the start of the shooting season for Red Grouse in the United Kingdom.

August’s birthstones are the peridot and sardonyx.

August’s birth flower is the gladiolus or poppy, meaning beauty, strength of character, love, marriage and family.

The zodiac signs for the month of August are Leo (until August 22) and Virgo (from August 23 onwards).

What is peculiar about August 2014 is that it contains five three day (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) weekends. They are the weekends of Friday 1st, Friday 8th, Friday 15th, Friday 22nd and Friday 29th.

This phenomenon occurs only once every 800 years or so, a once in a lifetime event, and in feng shuei terms is considered pretty awesome! Apparently, four days after telling all your friends and family, your palm will be crossed by silver!

Well, here’s to a happy retirement everybody!