Happy New Year. Carpe Diem! I could start this day/year by making predictions, which I won’t. This isn’t a political blog. Most of the trends I pay attention to are headed in the wrong direction. I suggest that if you would like to change the world, start with yourself. You can be who you want to be and live what you want to live. I’ve passed you the tools: Control what you think, be content with what you have, start each day being grateful to be alive, and be kind. Maybe I’ll stumble on some additional tools and when I do, I’ll pass them on too. January 1st holidays are Apple Gifting Day, Commitment Day, Divorce Monday, Ellis Island Day, First Food Day, Handsel Day, National Bloody Mary Day, National Hangover Day, Polar Bear Plunge or Swim Day, World Day of Peace, Z Day, and Rose Bowl Game Day. Now some history to put today’s chaos in context. On this day in 404 the last gladiator competition was held in Rome. On this day in 1788 the Quakers in Pennsylvania emancipated their slaves. On this day in 1804 Haiti gains independence from France making it the only state every founded by former slaves and without slavery. On this day in 1847 Michigan became the 1st state to abolish capital punishment. On this day in 1962 the 1st US Income Tax went into effect. It was 3% on income over $600 ($21,600 in 2024 dollars) and 5% on income over $10,000 ($360,000 in 2024 dollars). On this day in 1863 President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves in America. On this day in 1892 Ellis Island opened as a US immigration inspection station. On this day in 1960 Johnny Cash played his first concert behind bars at San Quentin Prison in CA. Merle Haggard was one of the inmates in the audience. Today’s quotes come from the British novelist E.M. Forster who lived until 1970. E.M. said, “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” “I am sure that if the mothers of various nations could meet, there would be no more wars.” “There’s never any great risk as long as you have money.” “I’m a holy man minus the holiness.” Me too. Abide.
