It is important to be aware of bad news and, more importantly, to take steps to deal with it. However, recognizing, celebrating, and enjoying the good news should be part of everyone’s life’s journey. A favorite expression in our family is “Don’t postpone joy.”
Here is the good news list from far and wide.
The strength of the dollar. For the first time in 20 years, the dollar is worth as much as the Euro (the only other important currency in the world). This news is mostly positive. It indicates that the entire world has faith in the American economy. If you are traveling to Europe, prices of all goods and services will be quite low. Also, the strong dollar will help reduce the rate of inflation in the United States. By the time of the November election, inflation should be down to 5 percent or lower.
Electricity generation in the United States. When asked about the percentage of electricity that is generated by non-polluting means, most of my friends guess “around 25 percent.” The answer is much better. Last year, throughout the United States, 46 percent of electricity was produced by non-polluting means: hydroelectric, wind, solar, geothermal, and nuclear.
But there is better news about electricity. It is now cheaper to produce electricity by solar means than by natural gas. Hence, the United States may reach the 70 percent non-polluting level by the year 2030. In this general area, there is even more good news. There is an explosion in the production of all-electric cars and light trucks. As a result, air pollution of vehicle emissions should soon begin to diminish.
Less addictive cigarettes. The FDA will soon decide to require that the amount of nicotine in cigarettes sold in the United States be drastically reduced. Cigarette use will decrease appreciably soon after this decision is made. Lowering nicotine levels in cigarettes to “minimally addictive” or “non-addictive” levels will prompt 5 million people who smoke to quit within one year. For reference, 12 percent of U.S. adults (33 million) smoke cigarettes.
Fun local activities. Finally, here are a couple of activities coming up soon that should be fun and uplifting. Both are sponsored by the Augusta Museum of History.
At 9 a.m. on Aug. 9, on Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina, the unveiling of a two-sided marker will take place to honor Jimmie Dyess. In July 1928, Dyess dove into the surf to save two women who were caught in dangerous riptides 600 feet from shore. That day, he earned America’s highest civilian honor for heroism, the Carnegie Medal.
The second event will take place on Aug. 11 in Augusta. The Augusta Museum of History will host the “Night at the Museum” event. Shows are at 6 PM and 7:30 PM. Ten characters will be portrayed including Governor Carl Sanders, Arnold Palmer, author Frank Yerby, and explorer John Bartram. All had a close connection to Augusta. Incidentally, I will be playing the role of Carl Sanders.
Perry Smith’s latest book is his memoir, Listen Up: Stories from Pearl Harbor, Vietnam, the Pentagon, CNN, and Beyond. He can be contacted at genpsmith@aol.com. Comments and questions are welcome.
