January 1, 1863 The Emancipation Proclamation takes effect, freeing enslaved people in Confederate-held territory. January 1, 1892 Ellis Island opens to process immigrants in New York Harbor. January 1, 1934 Alcatraz Island, in San Francisco Bay, becomes a federal prison. January 1, 1983 ARPANET officially switches to Internet Protocol, forming the foundation of the modern internet. January 2, 1890 Alice […]

In the U.S., New Year’s Day is becoming a time to relax and recover from the previous holidays. Morning hours can include watching the spectacular Rose Bowl Parade on television and later seeing the game. Americans generally ignore the good-luck traditions that are popular in other countries. But a large percentage of us still think we can cook and eat […]