A year in review
On my flight today a passenger handed me the "Best and Worst of 2004" Special Edition "People" magazine. This entire issue is dedicated to looking back at 2004, including everything from fashion to feuds, rumors to riches, drama to divas and war to Ws, George Ws that is. There were several items of particular interest to me, so I decided to create my own "Year in Review" including important and not important events that struck my fancy, and they're listed in no particular order. Except the first one.
While Iraqis continue to fight a democracy they don't want, Americans, scratch that, Democrats are fighting to keep the one they have. We all know November was the shittiest month of the year, well, in my mind anyway, and there's a simple four letter word to explain that one: Bush. Or five: Shrub. Either way, the results of the November election were downright disheartening and really made me lose some faith in the country I was born and raised. In this People issue, two staffers from People sat down and talked with George and Laura and asked them "year in review" type questions. These are some of the questions and answers supplied by the Mr. and Mrs.
1) PEOPLE: We've heard so much about red states and blue states. Do you believe that we are truly a nation divided? BUSH: Elections in America are close. But that doesn't mean the nation is divided. In my first term I was able to bring people together to reform education and the tax code, and I intend to bring people together to do big things for this country.
You've got to be kidding me. I don't believe this nation could be more divided, but yet, this must go with his, "I've been given a clear mandate by the people," crap. Barely winning the popular vote is hardly a clear mandate and definitely shows a divide among Americans. If that doesn't, I don't know what does.
Now, through all my Bush bashing, I must give him credit for one of his responses to a question asked:
2) PEOPLE: We've certainly seen an increase on TV of foul language and sexual titillation. Where do we draw the line? BUSH: They put the on/off button on TVs for a reason. We're in a free society and creative people come up with all kinds of ideas to try to lure listeners. The consumers of America can control the content by not paying attention to it.
Wow, and he's a staunch Republican. I was amazed at this answer. I still have no hope for him, but was glad to know he gets one thing right. At least I think he does.
And that leads me to this year's "Oops" category in the magazine. Listed as big "Oops!" for 2004 were:
1) Janet Jackson's errant boob
2) Tara Reid's errant boob
3) Ashlee Simpson's lip-synching snafu on SNL and
4) Anna Nicole Smith and her drunken appearance at the AMAs
Of course, the only real "Oops!" on that list that I really think is of any note is, well, none. It's weird Anna showed up drunk, but I didn't expect her to give an intelligent speech or anything. If she thought alcohol could get her through it, more power to her. Just not the whole bottle. So one of Janet's and Tara's boobs decided to go public. Hey, good for us, not so bad for them. And Ashlee, well, anyone who thinks music performers really sing while dancing their ass off are simply gullible.
And last, but not least, no more 1918 chants at Red Sox games. After 86 years of missing out on the title, Boston finally won the World Series. And none too soon. I was proud to watch them play Oakland and win a three game sweep in September that paved the way to their victory in St. Louis.
Oh, and Scott's gonna die. Too bad.
Yes, yes, there is much, much more that went on this year, but these are a few of the things I find of interest at this moment. I am sure others will strike me in the coming days, and I'll just have to save it for when I return stateside. In the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful New Year celebration, and I hope that New Year is everything you hope it be and more.
While Iraqis continue to fight a democracy they don't want, Americans, scratch that, Democrats are fighting to keep the one they have. We all know November was the shittiest month of the year, well, in my mind anyway, and there's a simple four letter word to explain that one: Bush. Or five: Shrub. Either way, the results of the November election were downright disheartening and really made me lose some faith in the country I was born and raised. In this People issue, two staffers from People sat down and talked with George and Laura and asked them "year in review" type questions. These are some of the questions and answers supplied by the Mr. and Mrs.
1) PEOPLE: We've heard so much about red states and blue states. Do you believe that we are truly a nation divided? BUSH: Elections in America are close. But that doesn't mean the nation is divided. In my first term I was able to bring people together to reform education and the tax code, and I intend to bring people together to do big things for this country.
You've got to be kidding me. I don't believe this nation could be more divided, but yet, this must go with his, "I've been given a clear mandate by the people," crap. Barely winning the popular vote is hardly a clear mandate and definitely shows a divide among Americans. If that doesn't, I don't know what does.
Now, through all my Bush bashing, I must give him credit for one of his responses to a question asked:
2) PEOPLE: We've certainly seen an increase on TV of foul language and sexual titillation. Where do we draw the line? BUSH: They put the on/off button on TVs for a reason. We're in a free society and creative people come up with all kinds of ideas to try to lure listeners. The consumers of America can control the content by not paying attention to it.
Wow, and he's a staunch Republican. I was amazed at this answer. I still have no hope for him, but was glad to know he gets one thing right. At least I think he does.
And that leads me to this year's "Oops" category in the magazine. Listed as big "Oops!" for 2004 were:
1) Janet Jackson's errant boob
2) Tara Reid's errant boob
3) Ashlee Simpson's lip-synching snafu on SNL and
4) Anna Nicole Smith and her drunken appearance at the AMAs
Of course, the only real "Oops!" on that list that I really think is of any note is, well, none. It's weird Anna showed up drunk, but I didn't expect her to give an intelligent speech or anything. If she thought alcohol could get her through it, more power to her. Just not the whole bottle. So one of Janet's and Tara's boobs decided to go public. Hey, good for us, not so bad for them. And Ashlee, well, anyone who thinks music performers really sing while dancing their ass off are simply gullible.
And last, but not least, no more 1918 chants at Red Sox games. After 86 years of missing out on the title, Boston finally won the World Series. And none too soon. I was proud to watch them play Oakland and win a three game sweep in September that paved the way to their victory in St. Louis.
Oh, and Scott's gonna die. Too bad.
Yes, yes, there is much, much more that went on this year, but these are a few of the things I find of interest at this moment. I am sure others will strike me in the coming days, and I'll just have to save it for when I return stateside. In the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful New Year celebration, and I hope that New Year is everything you hope it be and more.
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