(Saudi Oil Refinery)

In a year in which global efforts to tackle some of the planet’s most pressing crises — from climate change to plastic pollution — have ended in failure or bitter disappointment.

There is one country whose name comes up again and again: Saudi Arabia.

For years, the oil-rich kingdom has been accused of using its vast resources and savvy negotiating tactics to push against and delay climate progress, but multiple experts say this year it has been bolder than ever.

Saudi Arabia’s interference has been “blatant and in your face,” said Harjeet Singh, “They’re just blocking everything.” (CNN)

Hungover?

If so, I hope you made it home safely in that condition.

In today’s New York Times, there is an opinion by Nicole Stock.

How about committing yourself to a DRY JANUARY?

She suggests a technique to give up alcohol for the month.

Make it easier by telling friends about your goal.

If a DRY JANUARY is too hard, try to scale back with a DAMP JANUARY.

Decide drink-by-drink on a mocktail or a cocktail.

Are you ready to take control of your drinking?

If not today, when?

People are most likely to give up their New Years resolutions on the second Friday in January, known as “Quitters Day!”

DON’T BE A QUITTER!

The most common New Years Resolutions: Becoming PHYSICALLY FIT. Beginning MEDITATION. Drinking less ALCOHOL. BETTER WORK PERFORMANCE.

Other New Years Eve Statistics: 128 million Americans travel on New Years Eve. (65% are driving.) 42,800 people are injured in car crashes. Americans drink over 360 million glasses of sparkling wine. Average blood alcohol content is 0.095% making it the most drunken night of the year. (Google)

So, there you have it!

You’ll have fun tonight if you make good decisions!

Happy New Year!

Jimmy Carter, who just passed away at the age of 100, was a nuclear engineer and naval officer.

A graduate of the Naval Academy, he took training in nuclear weapons.

He was a submariner from 1946 to 1953.

Although most of us will remember him as President, he began his young years in service to his country.

His advice has been sought by leaders around the world.

He began his campaign for President by saying, “I’ll always tell you the truth!”

He spent countless hours building houses for the poor with Habitat for Humanity even in his nineties.

If you’re looking for a role model, look to Jimmy Carter!

If not today, when?

Denmark owns Greenland.

It is self-governed by its 56,000 residents.

Those residents can free the island from Denmark ownership at any time.

China has shown a keen interest in building three airbases on the island.

President Andrew Johnson talked about buying the island in the 1860’s.

President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million for it in 1946.

Greenland has many rare earth elements.

Interesting!

They are eating the traditional donuts as they join the annual Christmas parade in Kyiv, Ukraine.

You and I know that many or all of these children have lost a loved one.

Yet, their parents want the kids to continue the wonderful traditions they have always known.

The unfairness of their childhood is overwhelming!

Still, they try to keep their traditions alive. (NYT)

Please remember these children in your prayers.

If not today, when?

According to the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults of legal drinking age should not drink more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men on days that they are drinking.

The guidelines also emphasize that drinking less alcohol is better than drinking more and that those who do not currently drink alcohol should not start drinking.

Someone who regularly drinks more than this amount should know doing so increases your risk of chronic illnesses and premature death.

In addition, people consuming alcohol should be aware that there are separate, additional risks associated with binge drinking, which is consuming large amounts on one occasion.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks on one occasion for women and five or more drinks on one occasion for men. (CNN)

May this be a blessed day for you and your family!

Tom Ervin

South Korea has become a “super-aged” society with one in five people aged 65 or older, official data showed Tuesday, underscoring the country’s deepening demographic crisis.

The number of people aged 65 and older stands at 10.24 million.

This accounts for 20% of South Korea’s population of 51 million, according to new data released by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

By comparison, the U.S. had an average age of 35.3 in the year 2000.

This grew to an average of 38.9 in 2022 a sifnificant increase. (SEOUL South Korea)

With modern medicine and better health care, aging is faster than current birthrates.

Not just at the holidays.

The amazing fact about life is that each day is unique.

Because of that, we have a chance to rise each morning and make it better than yesterday.

During the holidays, we put on our best face.

We say “hello” and wish everyone good cheer.

Why can’t we do that everyday?

Our loved ones and friends deserve the best of us.

Try to put on your holiday face all year long.

If not today, when?