"Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old times since?"
It's December 31st and 2008 flew right by. During this year, we have seen so many changes in all avenues - sports, culture, politics, and life in general. I think it's safe to say that as a state we endured some harsh times.
For some, the year brought new additions to the family through marriage or birth, and for some, loved ones' were lost through accident, age, or disease.
The year seemingly brought wave after wave of bad news with the economy and the near collapse of the auto and financial industries. People were forced from their homes due to foreclosures around the nation. The stock market lost over 30% of its value from the start of the year to end. We are officially in a national recession.
We saw a nation polarized through an election in which both sides sought to bring about change. In the end, the nation elected Barack Obama in a truly monumental election.
For most domestic auto workers, enemy #1 isn't Honda, Toyota, or Nissan. It's now Shelby, McConnell, and Tester.
There was a mayor of a major metropolitan city was jailed in a text messaging scandal (Kwame!) and now a governor who tried to sell a US Senate seat.
Gas prices shot up to over $4 a gallon causing national panic, only to see it retreat to about $1.60 by year's end.
In the sports world, who can forget what happened nationally and locally: Michael Phelps and his 8 gold medals; the "Mad Hatter" destroying "Sweater Vest" in the National Championship game in college football; the New York Football Giants ending the Perfect Season in their own manner; Kansas exorcising its demons from the past 15 years to win a National Title in college basketball; the Celts raising banner #17; the Phils winning the City of Brotherly Love's first world title since 1983; the "Redeem Team" making up for its past mistakes in Olympic and world competition; Roger Clemens disgraced himself, Barry Bonds sat at home this summer, while Bobby Knight called it a night.
Locally, Lloyd was carried off the field in his final game; the Tigers and Pistons disappointed success-hungry fans; Michigan State basketball reached the Sweet 16, but the loss to Memphis left a bitter taste in some fans' mouths. The Michigan football program was under a microscope the entire season due to its new head coach and detractors were delighted by Michigan's performance this year, losing a program-record 9 games. (Well, at least the basketball program is off to a good start...) Michigan State football did well and, as a result, took Michigan's annual spot in the Capital One Bowl. At least the Red Wings carried the banner for the City of Champions - that was a fun playoff run. Lord, knows the Leos couldn't do that if their lives depended on it. But at least this year's Lions team is going to be know for something.
Yet through all of this, the strife and triumph, we, the people of Michigan, have persevered as we always have for years. We are a tough, proud collective group of people who have been knocked down before, but each time we have gotten up, dusted ourselves off, and moved on to be better and stronger. This will be no different. We will get through whatever troubles we have, collectively, and make the Great Lake State a leader again. It something which has been ingrained in all of us since we were born - the idea that no matter what is thrown at us, we will survive and will be better for it.
It doesn't matter who you are - Male or Female; White or Black; Latino or Arab; conservative or liberal; Christian or Muslim, Jew or Hindu - it's something we all believe in.
So farewell 2008 - you've worn out your welcome. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
Here's to a much better and brighter 2009 for all of us - our communities, our state, and our nation.
"And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give us a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne."
Happy New Year to all and to all a good 2009!
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old times since?"
It's December 31st and 2008 flew right by. During this year, we have seen so many changes in all avenues - sports, culture, politics, and life in general. I think it's safe to say that as a state we endured some harsh times.
For some, the year brought new additions to the family through marriage or birth, and for some, loved ones' were lost through accident, age, or disease.
The year seemingly brought wave after wave of bad news with the economy and the near collapse of the auto and financial industries. People were forced from their homes due to foreclosures around the nation. The stock market lost over 30% of its value from the start of the year to end. We are officially in a national recession.
We saw a nation polarized through an election in which both sides sought to bring about change. In the end, the nation elected Barack Obama in a truly monumental election.
For most domestic auto workers, enemy #1 isn't Honda, Toyota, or Nissan. It's now Shelby, McConnell, and Tester.
There was a mayor of a major metropolitan city was jailed in a text messaging scandal (Kwame!) and now a governor who tried to sell a US Senate seat.
Gas prices shot up to over $4 a gallon causing national panic, only to see it retreat to about $1.60 by year's end.
In the sports world, who can forget what happened nationally and locally: Michael Phelps and his 8 gold medals; the "Mad Hatter" destroying "Sweater Vest" in the National Championship game in college football; the New York Football Giants ending the Perfect Season in their own manner; Kansas exorcising its demons from the past 15 years to win a National Title in college basketball; the Celts raising banner #17; the Phils winning the City of Brotherly Love's first world title since 1983; the "Redeem Team" making up for its past mistakes in Olympic and world competition; Roger Clemens disgraced himself, Barry Bonds sat at home this summer, while Bobby Knight called it a night.
Locally, Lloyd was carried off the field in his final game; the Tigers and Pistons disappointed success-hungry fans; Michigan State basketball reached the Sweet 16, but the loss to Memphis left a bitter taste in some fans' mouths. The Michigan football program was under a microscope the entire season due to its new head coach and detractors were delighted by Michigan's performance this year, losing a program-record 9 games. (Well, at least the basketball program is off to a good start...) Michigan State football did well and, as a result, took Michigan's annual spot in the Capital One Bowl. At least the Red Wings carried the banner for the City of Champions - that was a fun playoff run. Lord, knows the Leos couldn't do that if their lives depended on it. But at least this year's Lions team is going to be know for something.
Yet through all of this, the strife and triumph, we, the people of Michigan, have persevered as we always have for years. We are a tough, proud collective group of people who have been knocked down before, but each time we have gotten up, dusted ourselves off, and moved on to be better and stronger. This will be no different. We will get through whatever troubles we have, collectively, and make the Great Lake State a leader again. It something which has been ingrained in all of us since we were born - the idea that no matter what is thrown at us, we will survive and will be better for it.
It doesn't matter who you are - Male or Female; White or Black; Latino or Arab; conservative or liberal; Christian or Muslim, Jew or Hindu - it's something we all believe in.
So farewell 2008 - you've worn out your welcome. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
Here's to a much better and brighter 2009 for all of us - our communities, our state, and our nation.
"And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give us a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne."
Happy New Year to all and to all a good 2009!
