First, my apologies for the disappearing act. I hope that everyone had a good and safe past few months. Please inform me of your goings-on.

Let me begin my recap with some of those that we lost: Patrick Swayze, Ted Kennedy, Farrah Fawcett, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, David Carradine, Billy Mays, Walter Cronkite, Robert Novak, Don Hewitt, Philip Carey (from One Life to Live), Helen Suzman, and Michael Jackson. May they rest in peace.

2009 began with the end of one era, and the beginning of another. As the tragedy of the Bush crime regime came to a close, Americans hopeful of the change that Barack Obama promised, celebrated the new president's inauguration. The Pittsburgh Steelers won an unprecedented 6th Super Bowl, while the NY Yankees and Mets would welcome new stadiums. The TV world said goodbye to Guiding Light after 72 years on radio and TV, with news that fellow CBS soap As the World Turns would follow a similar fate. April 15 saw the first of the "tea party" protests that would come to dominate an increasingly divided American body politic, especially after Obama pushed for an national health care policy. The Tea Party movement would become emboldened in November, when they pushed the GOP candidate for the 23rd congressional district of NY out of the race (she would later back the Democratic candidate, who would go on to win that race). Bill Clinton worked his mojo on the North Koreans, and secured the release of Lisa Ling's sister (a journalist) and three others whom Kim Jong-Il. Meanwhile Americans at home had to contend with the foreclosure crisis. Miss California USA Carrie Prejean caused an uproar when she opposed marriage equality at the Miss USA pageant. She would later lose her crown (she unsuccessfully took The Donald to court to be re-instated, but backed out when nude photos of her popped up). The Portuguese Water Dog became one of the most popular dog breeds, when the First Family welcomed one into the family.

The music world welcomed Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber, while Susan Boyle dreamed a dream that even Simon Cowell applauded. But we also saw the Octo-Mom (Nadya Suleiman), a single mother with 6 kids, end up pregnant with octopulets, and generated controversy about women's reproductive rights. As Justice David Souter stepped down, an new Justice emerged in Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina to join the nation's top court. Meanwhile, Attorney General Eric Holder promised a new Justice Department that would break with the Bush's politicized realm, first among them was the closing of Gitmo.

That will end part I. Part II is tomorrow.

Let me dedicate this blog to "The King of Pop"'s memory. May he rest in peace.

I was 4 years old when I did this song, for a nursery school project. I even put it to sign language. This has to be one of my favorite songs of all time. All I can say is thank you Michael. We will never forget you or your music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmxT21uFRwM&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efacebook%2Ecom%2Fposted%2Ephp%3Fid%3D1040522639%26share%5Fid%3D109274558360%26post%5Fid%3D109274558360%26comments&feature=player_embedded

 

Ok...so I got fired. But I am challenging my dismissal. I'll keep everyone posted.