The topics for the first blog of 2015: New Year's eve; lessons from Ebola; the middle class; 114th Congress; holiday music; weather forecasting; the internet, twitter, et. al; historic passing; 2014 according to Foreign Policy and Dave Barry's look at 2014.

New Year's eve. For the first time in a number of years we went out, but only next door! Lovely party with excellent food and company.

Our interconnected world. The ongoing Ebola epidemic in west Africa has produced lessons that should be remembered when we face the next 21st century emergency situation. 

1. Rely on local leadership
2. Be sensitive to peoples' cultures
3. Simple changes can yield significant results
4. Speed and agility matter more than size
5. We're all interconnected  -- and unprepared for the consequences
6. An ounce of prevention
7. Keep fear in check

Middle America. A question looming large for 2015 & 2016: "Mr./ Ms. Politician, Are you doing enough for the middle class?" See this link for Paul Samuelson's alternative way of viewing how to "repair the middle class in 2015." His central thesis is that, contrary to the popular notion, the system is NOT rigged against the middle class. The prevailing populist viewpoint voiced, for example, by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D, MA) is that the system is indeed rigged. Arguments by Samuelson and Warren not withstanding, mid-income wages remain stagnant and the wealth gap continues to grow.

80/80/92 & 1.The new 114th Congress, sworn in on January 6th, will be 80% white, 80% male, and 92% Christian. The US Census Bureau finds the population to be roughly 77% white, 76% Christian, but only 49.2% male. Should it surprise that male chauvinism reigns? The "1" is for Elsie Stefanik (R, NY), the young 30 year-old woman elected from upstate NY. Good luck and, if necessary, remember to emulate "Give 'em hell, Harry" from an earlier era.

Holiday music. Is it just me, or does everyone experience a bit of a holiday music hangover? Christmas Day comes and goes, but the music keeps playing in my head for a while. When I taught at Mullen High School, there was a congenial colleague who faithfully ushered in the upcoming holiday season by humming Christmas carols -- immediately after Thanksgiving break.

The death penalty. As one of his last acts, the Democratic governor of Maryland used his executive authority to commute the death sentences of the state's four men remaining death row inmates to life without parole. His incoming successor  (a Republican) has indicated he would probably not seek to overturn this decision. I have long opposed the death penalty.

Cuba. There are two aspects of our policy toward Cuba that interest me. First, there are the overt political considerations of normalizing relations with our island neighbor.  Charles Krauthhammer's recent column covers the pros and cons of that aspect of normalization.
     The second aspect concerns the human side of the diplomatic coin. Krauthhammer's points not withstanding, what changes will be wrought when tourists begin to flood into Cuba? There will undoubtedly be more frequent visits by Cuban Americans with relatives still living there. Human interactions are far different than mere trade and diplomatic exchanges.
     Krauthhammer mentions China and Vietman, where democracy has not followed an economic opening to limited capitalism. But, Cuba is not China or even Vietnam. This small nation is so very close to America that even if Cuban authorities do not want to admit it, in spite of the fifty + year boycott, Americans and Cubans have continued to share more than a little. Cubans have not been totally isolated and much more than baseball has "leaked through." I think the majority of Cubans and Cuban Americans are ready for change.
     Be advised: if you want to see Cuba as it has evolved since 1958, you would be well advised to travel soon; get there before the new, mega Love Boats arrive.

Weather forecasts. Are you eternally fretful, wondering if it will it really rain/snow/etc. In this opinion piece, two degreed meteorologists talk about the "five myths about weather forecasting."
Jason Samenow and Angela Fritz who run the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang blog take on this always contentious topic. 
     Just a moment while I look out my window! And what about that really bright student I taught who went to Indiana University to study meteorology? Is he "on target?"  
     The article is a good read! Consider these points.........all of which are to some degree incorrect/incomplete.

1. Weather forecasters are usually wrong.
2. The polar vortex is a new, menacing weather phenomenon. 
3. Whenever the forecast calls for record lows, it undermines the case for global warming.
4. It’s possible to accurately predict the weather weeks or months in advance.
5. Local weather forecasters copy the National Weather Service.

The omnipresent internet and technology. Do you find yourself wondering about twitter, tweets, and #hashtags? Feeling a bit like a modern day Luddite? If so, then Andrew Keen's The Internet Is Not the Answer may be your cup of tea. The "free" internet offerings are not all that they seem.

A noted icon remembered. Former US Senator Edward Brooke (R, MA) passed away this past Saturday at the age of 97. In 1967, Brooke became the first African American elected to the Senate by popular vote. His numerous awards included a Bronze Star (for service in Italy in 1943 with the segregated 366th Infantry Regiment), the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal, as well as 34 honorary degrees from various colleges and universities.
     Prior to the enactment of the 17th Amendment, both Hiram Rhodes Revels (R, MS, 1870-1871) and Blance Kelso Bruce (R, MS, 1875-1881) were appointed by the governor of Mississippi.

Oops, foot in mouth? From Foreign Policy magazine comes heir yearly selection of "Oh, really??" quotes. Politics is convoluted, so even the best and brightest can be excused for the occasional mis-speak. This past years quotes run the gamete from Rep. Michelle Bachman (R, MN) who worries about Yemenis, Iranians, and Iraqis "leaking through" our southern borders to other head-scratching statements from President Obama and his Secretaries of State and Defense.

Dave Barry's humorous review of 2014. Finally, after looking over those more serious pronouncements from Foreign Policy, you can use this link to look back on 2014 with Dave Barry's traditional madcap remembrances of the Year That Was. Colorado was mentioned four times, three poking fun at our marijuana law.

Thank you for reading. May your New Year be peaceful, fulfilling, and helpful.