Have A … Day
If the weather, your failed New Year's resolutions, and the post-Christmas blues have you feeling lousy today, take heart. Professor Cliff Arnall, a specialist in seasonal disorders at the University of Cardiff, Wales, has proven with science that January 24 is the most depressing day of the year. Here's the formula:
[W + (D-d)] x TQ
M x NAThe equation is broken down into seven variables: (W) weather, (D) debt, (d) monthly salary, (T) time since Christmas, (Q) time since failed quit attempt, (M) low motivational levels and (NA) the need to take action.
According to the History Channel, on this day in history Mafeking hero Robert Baden-Powell, a man who would have recognized seasonal disorders as ailments afflicting only degenerates and the Irish, began the Boy Scout movement with the publication of his Scouting For Boys.
Today's birthdays include "I'm A Believer" composer Neil Diamond, body language impresario Desmond Morris, no-longer-living celebrities Warren Zevon, John Belushi, and Sharon Tate, hated novelty singer Ray Stevens, and many others.
More on-topic, people apparently conceived today include Seahawks safety T.J. Cunningham, Rolling Stones drummer bassist Bill Wyman, Congressman and NAACP chief Kweisi Mfume, Oscar-winning actors Kevin Kline and F. Murray Abraham.
Best wishes to all.