LITTLE GEMS
The history of New Year’s celebrations can be traced back thousands of years, with different cultures and religions having their unique traditions.
The earliest known record of a New Year festival dates from about 2000 BC in Mesopotamia, where in Babylonia the new year (Akitu) began with the new moon after the vernal equinox. On the Roman republican calendar, the year began on March 1, but after 153 bce the official date was January 1, which was continued in the Julian calendar of 46 BC. The Gregorian calendar, adopted in 1582 by the Roman Catholic Church, restored January 1 as New Year’s Day, and most European countries gradually followed suit.
The practice of making resolutions to rid oneself of bad habits and to adopt better ones also dates to ancient times. Some believe the Babylonians began the custom more than 4,000 years ago. These early resolutions were likely made in an attempt to curry favor with the gods. In the West, particularly in English-speaking countries, the nostalgic Scottish ballad “Auld Lang Syne,” revised by the poet Robert Burns, is often sung on New Year’s Eve. This is a time to start fresh with a clean slate. Most use this time to start healthy habits and become the best version of themselves. Hopefully, this next year is the best one yet. Happy New Year’s!
Delivery drivers work 365 days a year in all imaginable weather, yet people take advantage of that every day.
The practice of tip-baiting needs to stop. Tip baiting is a deceptive practice where a customer promises a tip, sometimes large, to a delivery driver to encourage them to accept the order but then reduces or cancels the tip after the delivery is complete. The drivers are trying to bring in extra income to support their families and sometimes only survive from those tips.
The apps pay very little per order (starting at $1), so it costs more for the driver to complete the order than what they get paid. The drivers provide their car including repairs, gas, and insurance, along with their time. The drivers are trying to make life easier for those who won’t or can’t leave their homes so let’s show them the appreciation that they deserve.
Person of the Week
Sarah Marshall a wonderful lake resident, enjoying the day in and around The Lodge pool with the kids.
