If each of us can replace just one interaction filled with hate to one drawn to love and just one reaction fueled by fear to one blessed with hope, then 2024 will be a VERY bright year. The best way to predict the future is to create it. Our future starts today!

  Our Thanksgiving Message My oldest son and my ex-wife will be traveling to Edinburgh Scotland tomorrow to attend his graduation from a virtual masters program on Friday. In preparation for this momentous event, I decided to brush up on my Scottish history by - of course - watching the popular movie Braveheart. In this epic story, William Wallace loses the love of his life and devotes the rest of his short life to defending one singular idea. FREEDOM was his last word before making the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow Scots. With so much going on in the world, I cannot help but be thankful for how much we have in Hartford, Connecticut, and America. I do not have family in the Middle East, but my heart goes out to those who have been devastated by the conflict between the rival factions. I am grateful for the four day cease fire and hope that this brief respite will last longer than the current pledge. Conflict seems to be a given constant in our “modern” world. I sometimes wonder...

  A History lesson It is common practice to make new year's resolutions to turn over a new leaf and make a fresh start for the indefinite future. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln penned the Emancipation Proclamation declaring all person held as slaves within the rebellious states be freed to live life on their own terms. This document solidified the notion that the already war for the Union was becoming more a war for freedom. One aspect of this dynamic was any Confederate region overcome by the Union Army was immediately subject to this proclamation. Liberated slaves often joined the Union Army and Navy to become the new liberators. My own great, great grandfather (Major James Quackenbush Rice) died in the Third Battle Of Winchester on September 19, 1864 fighting for this cause as part of the Union Army. A Slave Ship La Amistad was a 120 foot two masted brigantine schooner owned by a Spaniard and based out of Cuba. Strangely enough, her name means "friendship...

I must admit that I have some catching up to do.  Not only did I miss the fanfare surrounding International Women's Day on March 1st, but I have yet to acknowledge that March is (among other things) Women's History month. There is a reason for my delay. It is not an excuse, but I think that since females make up roughly 50% of our population that half of the days, weeks, or months of the year should be dedicated to the amazing women who have helped us survive and thrive through these turbulent times. I am a firm believer in equal pay, equal rights, and equal opportunity - for ALL. Women Are From Venus? Venus was the Roman goddess of love and beauty. Her mythical powers were claimed to ensure victory on the battlefield and love in the bedroom. Clearly, worshiping her was a prerequisite before bringing males and females together in holy matrimony. Roman mythology suggests that Venus was born of sea foam. Venus is also the name of the second planet from our sun. It is the brighte...