Happy 2009, HuffPosters! This is certainly one of the most momentous New Years in our lifetime -- a year of tremendous challenges, but also the beginning of a bold, exciting new era. May the coming year bring us strength, wisdom, courage, and a clear perspective on what matters and what does not. Earlier this week, I offered my list of all the things that happened over the last twelve months that I'd love to forget, and asked you to remember any that I might have forgotten. You responded with a fantastic collection of unforgettable Things to Forget. Click here to check out our favorites. Let's remember them one last time, then delete them from out internal hard drives forever -- collectively starting 2009 off with a clean slate.
Andy can't believe that shoe almost hit Rick Warren. Andy doesn't think Caroline Kennedy is qualified to replace Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense, but doesn't blame her for asking.
2009 could be the year when America and Russia decide to make dramatic reductions in nuclear weapons and convene an international conference of all nuclear nations to agree to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons from the face of the earth.
One is that Danny Boyle wins for Best Director and that Slumdog Millionaire is Best Picture at the Oscars. I hope its star, Dev Patel, is, at the very least, nominated for this incredible film.
We're going to make some difficult decisions in 2009. Let's hope that the first question we ask ourselves won't be "Will it work?" but "Is it right?" If we're going to arouse any human response in the coming year, shouldn't it be conscience?
We can easily find more than a few quotes from the year of political and cable news hackery that were almost totally overlooked, along with too many hacks, hoopleheads and outright doofs who weren't given a full turn at the flogging pole.
My New Year's resolution is to finally give up my addiction to two liquids that are trashing the lives of some of the poorest people on earth: bottled water, and Coke. In 2009, I am determined to lose my bottle.
"Why did the economy go to the psychologist? Because it was having DEPRESSION." "What did Rev. Jeremiah Wright say when his car broke down? 'GODDAMN CAR!'"
By all accounts, we're strapped in for a very rough outing. How we get through it is going to be a matter of fortitude and attitude. In times like these, optimism is a decision.
While popping the cork on pricey champagne may not be the most economically feasible thing to celebrate the new year and the new president, we can with real pride and hope look forward. But only if we learn from our past.
The web changed forever the moment that Iraqi journalist threw his shoes at President Bush. Or at least it changed for two or three days as the animated gifs and games flooded the Internet.
...what 2008 was for Barack Obama, the Philadelphia Phillies, Mad Men, Batman, Ironman, the Boston Celtics, Tina Fey, David Cook, Michael Phelps, Wall-E, Hulu...
2009 Prediction: There will be a growing movement in the US to follow in the steps of England, and that is to restrict, discourage, or even ban cell phones in restaurants.
The line between punishment and reward can be confusing in any culture. Particularly when it comes to sex.
As we enter the New Year let us not forget those wonderful little rascals from the GOP -- Condi, Turd Blossom, Brownie, Gonzo and Scooter who played such crazy tricks on our country.
"Yes we can" -- three little words whose iconic status will take up a well-deserved spot for posterity alongside "I have a dream." Yep, 2008 was a big year -- but what can we expect in 2009?
As a concerned parent now myself, I wanted to take just a moment to honor one box set that I feel every parent with any disposable income ought to invest in even during these very trying times.
A good top 10 list is relevant, a little nostalgic and interesting. But a bad top 10 list? Now that's just good fun.
