XLI. Happy 2009!

Or should I say, "good riddance to 2008?"

For the most part this year could best be described as garbage.

As much as it did suck, there were some bright spots--I managed to complete my undergraduate degree, and a black man (as dubious as some of his moves may be) was elected President of the United States.

Perhaps we ended 2008 at rock bottom, and we have hit an uptick that will lead to better days shortly. I certainly hope so.

As always, enjoy the day.

XL. 'Tis the Season...

We have once again reached that wonderful season known as Christmastime. This is the time we push our cares to the side, and celebrate life, giving, and good company. Delightful food and music are standard fare. In honor of the season, I present a list of ten songs that brighten my spirits around this time of year.

X. Do You Hear What I Hear?
This Whitney Houston interpretation hits the spot.


IX. Christmas in Hollis
Holiday cheer (hip-hop style!) from Run-DMC.


VIII. Step into Christmas
Elton John.


VII. Santa Baby
The late, great Eartha Kitt.


VI. Do They Know It's Christmas?
I enjoy this song by the Band Aid charity project, although "thank God it's them, instead of you" is a rather curious attitude--especially given the season.


V. The Night Santa Went Crazy
Funny song by "Weird Al".


IV. This Christmas
Donny Hathaway.


III. O Holy Night
I really like this Mahalia Jackson version.


II. Thank God It's Christmas
The inimitable Queen.


I. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
This Darlene Love number is a Christmas legend.

XXI. And Now, in Commemoration of...

AMERICA

1776 - ?

IV. King

Perilously stretching the meaning of "few" days, I figure that this is as good a time as any to post. Of course, today is the observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the United States. Two-thousand-eight, the fortieth anniversary of his death, has seen America make great strides in the direction of Dr. King's dream of a harmonious, integrated society. As I write this there is a good chance that, for the first time, a major political party might choose a black candidate to run under its presidential banner. Sadly, the recent negative discourse surrounding this very subject shows that there is still a long way to go. Regardless of one's skin color, beliefs or culture, the crux of Dr. King's philosophy is that what unifies humanity runs much more deeply than what divides it. The important thing to remember is that we're all in the struggle of life together.

III. Happy New Year!

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne.

I. Post the First: Holiday

Well, I guess I'll actually get down to starting the journal now. I won't bother writing anything like "hello everyone, and welcome to my blog;" it would be terribly pretentious to assume that people are tracking my every word from day one, not that notoriety is the reason decided to embark on this project in the first place. This is strictly a place for me to jot down and organize my thoughts. All are welcome to delve in, but this is "me" space.

Today is Christmas day; I, however am not in a particularly "Christmassy" mood. I'm not in a sour mood, though. I just haven't caught on to the celebratory vibe of the season. This year, for perhaps the first time in my life, I am spending the entire day by myself. I appreciate the quiet and the opportunity for self-reflection. Being alone on Christmas still does seem weird, though.

I think I have more to write about even at this moment, but I'll save these for later posts. To anyone who happens to pass through, though--have a wonderful day.