(Mount Qasioun overlooking Damascus, Syria)
President Bashar Assad of Syria deprived citizens of a favorite custom.
On weekends, many people climbed Mount Qasioun overlooking Damascus.
And they enjoyed roasted corn on the cob, smoking hookah and drinking coffee.
The mountain had been closed since the outbreak of civil war in 2011.
WE hope the Syrian people will be able to enjoy their new-found freedom!
(Rabbi Josh Fixler)
To members of his synagogue, the voice that played over the speakers sounded just like his voice.
But, he then explained that the voice they heard may have sounded like his words.
But, they were not.
“They were created by Rabbi Bot.”
During his service, he also asked questions and “Rabbi Bot” answered.
His and others’ use of Ai has spurned an industry of faith-based tech companies
These tech companies do theological research and write sermons. (New York Times)
It seems that Ai will eventually impact all walks-of-life.
NO RECESSION IN SIGHT Unemployment rate remains relatively low. Forecasters examining the fundamentals of the U.S. economy don’t see the obvious signs of a recession.
GAS PRICES ARE UNDER WRAPS
The U.S. is pumping more oil than any nation in world history!
PAYCHECKS ARE BEATING PRICES
Price increases have slowed substantially while paychecks are growing faster than prices.
THE FED HAS DROPPED RATES
Now that inflation has cooled, the Fed has been able to cut rates in 3 consecutive meetings.
PRO-BUSINESS POLICIES
New administration will have growing the economy as a priority.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart’s father, Sonny, died early Saturday of complications from hip surgery after falling in New Orleans ahead of the Sugar Bowl, the school announced.
Sonny Smart, a longtime high school football coach in Alabama and Georgia, fell while walking on New Year’s Eve and fractured his hip.
He was hospitalized and had hip surgery at Ochsner Medical Center, where he died surrounded by his family, Georgia said in a statement that did not provide his age.
The Smart family was in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, which was pushed back a day because a man rammed a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revelers in the French Quarter, killing 14 people and injuring about 30.
Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs lost to Notre Dame 23-10 in the game, a College Football Playoff semifinal, on Thursday.
Sonny Smart, who coached Kirby when he was in high school, is survived by his wife, Sharon, and their three children, Karl, Kirby and Kendall.
The Smart family said in a statement issued by Georgia that it “expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the Ochsner hospital and medical staff for the exceptional care provided to Sonny. (CNNN)
We never know what fate has in store for us.
We pray for God’s blessing upon the Smart family.
Its name is Baldwin Center located in Pontiac, Michigan.
It actually provided 30,000 meals in the year just ending.
It’s also a place for local kids to learn and play in safe surroundings.
About half of its donations come from major donors,
The other half is made up of small donations from individuals.
The irony is that spending on items for themselves has increased each of the past three years.
These much-needed small donations, however, are falling off which jeopardizes the future of Baldwin Center.
Will you help?
Phone: 248-332-6101
(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!
ifnottodaywhen.blog 