January 1, 2014

Today we celebrate:

New Year's Day – Today we welcome the new year of 2014 into our lives. And for at least a week, maybe two or three, we will struggle to remember to write it instead of 2013.

New Year's Dishonor List Day – On this day every year Lake Superior State University in Michigan publishes a list of overused words that, in their opinion, should be stricken from the English Language.  You will have to decide for yourselves.

National Bloody Mary Day – On this, the first day of the year, and directly after staying up too late and drinking too much, this is the perfect drink for you. I'm told that it is good for getting rid of hangovers. I've never tried it myself so you will have to let me know if it works.

National First Foot Day – This is a day to celebrate an old Scottish tradition. The first person to visit your home after the New Year begins is called the First Footer, and he/she must bring gifts. A lump of coal for good luck, a coin for happiness and wealth, and a drink of whiskey for the host. Who will be your First Footer? If he/she doesn't have the proper gifts, you should not let them in.

Copyright Law Day – This is a day that promises lots of excitement and enthusiasm....as long as you are a copyright lawyer.

Ellis Island Day – On this day in 1892, Ellis Island was opened for the purpose of processing immigrants to the United States of America. Annie Moore, age 15 years from Ireland, was the first immigrant to be processed at Ellis Island on January 2^nd. More than 12 million followed her over the years.

Euro Day – On this day in 2002, the Euro was adopted by most of the countries in Europe. Latvia legally adopts the Euro today.

Global Family Day – This is a day of peace and sharing to be celebrated around the world.. It is a day where we share food with friends and the needy and make personal pledges of nonviolence and spread a message of peace and sharing by ringing bells and/or beating drums in hopes of making society and the world a safer place to live. This day developed out of the United Nations “One Day in Peace” back in the year 2000.

Mummer's Parade – This parade dates back to somewhere in the mid 17^th century and combines many different European and African heritages. It is believed to be the oldest folk festival in America (I say festival because it is far more than just a parade) and is celebrated in Philadelphia, PA. http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/the-mummers-parade/

Polar Bear Plunge or Swim Day – Celebrated by crazy people who jump into icy waters for no good reason that I can think of. I mean no insult to these crazy people, but I won't even get into pool water in June because it is still too cold for me, so I just can't comprehend why or even how they do what they do.

Saint Basil's Day -Saint Basil the Great was the Greek Bishop of what is now Turkey. He was known for caring for the poor and he created the guidelines by which monks lived for centuries. He died on this day in 379.

Z Day - This is an odd holiday that involves letting people with a name beginning with Z be first in line for the day. Z people are always last, but not today. The day was created by Tom Zager.

Rose Bowl Game – On this day the famous Rose Bowl game is played. This is a football event for those of you who are like me and don't pay any attention to sports at all.

Global Family Day – This is a day of peace and sharing to be celebrated around the world.. It is a day where we share food with friends and the needy and make personal pledges of nonviolence and spread a message of peace and sharing by ringing bells and/or beating drums in hopes of making society and the world a safer place to live. This day developed out of the United Nations “One Day in Peace” back in the year 2000.

Tournament of Roses Parade Day – This famous parade takes place in Pasadena, California but you can watch it all over the world.

Commitment Day – This is a family oriented 5K run/walk with the purpose of starting a conversation about adopting a healthy way of life for your family that will spread around the country. Commitment Day supports the American Heart Association's My Heart. My Life. healthy living initiative.

To celebrate today, check the dishonor list and be careful to avoid those overused words today. Take your polar bear plunge first thing before you lose your nerve, then try to buy a Bloody Mary with some euros to toast the New Year. Go to a family member's house to watch the parades and the Rose Bowl Game and make sure you bring the proper first footer gifts make sure they make the nonviolence pledge. Then get a book about Ellis Island to read to your kids after you explain about how the book is protected by its' copyright. Finally, make a commitment to live a healthy lifestyle and help the poor.