Here are a few links of note to finish out 2009.
First is a blast from the past: travel and food writer Paul Gerald‘s 2005 column on how people from around the world celebrate the New Year, food-wise.
I originally posted about the vegetable garden planted in the Flyer’s breakroom back in July.
And now, finally, some results.
39-1 of my highly subjective list starts now…
This new Danziger cartoon seems to get it about right.
CHRIS DOUGLAS-ROBERTS (2005-08)
Consensus first-team All-America in 2007-08, when he led Tigers with 18.1 points per game. (First Tiger to receive such honor since Penny Hardaway in 1992-93.) Also led Tigers in scoring as sophomore in 2006-07, with 15.4 ppg. Herky-jerky style as a slasher; quick release allowed him to convert off-balance shots. Known as CDR from his first game as a freshman, now ranks ninth on Tiger alltime scoring chart (1,545 points in three years). First-team all-conference selection as sophomore and junior; 2008 C-USA Player of the Year. Member of three C-USA champs (both regular-season and tournament); MVP of 2007 tourney. A 72-percent free-throw shooter for his career, missed three late foul shots in 2008 NCAA championship game, allowing Kansas to tie and eventually win game in overtime. Second-round selection of New Jersey Nets in 2008 NBA draft.
Bruce VanWyngarden’s “Deep Thoughts” aren’t very.
We at the Flyer are taking a week off to recharge for the new year. But I have had some thoughts and perhaps you will enjoy them.
1. I think you should mentally say “That’s what she said,” after reading a fortune cookie fortune. “In bed” is so tired. Here’s an example from a cookie I just ate: “A big surprise awaits you.” See?
2. I keep hearing about Starry Nights… Starry Nights is wonderful. Starry Nights sucks. Etc. etc. I went today at lunch to see for myself. Not impressed.
3. I really wish the media would do some, you know, end of the decade, end of the year lists. That would
be cool.
4. Top 10 Reasons a Week Off at Christmas Rules: no alarm, pajamas, a morning fire, a second java pot, happy dogs, sunbeams on the floor, a big ol’ Gibson guitar, thick socks, a quiet house, and rubbing it in when you see people who have to work.
5. The new Sherlock Holmes movie is cool, but loud. Robert Downey is impossible not to watch. Except if Rachel McAdams is around.
6. I made Paula Deen’s green bean casserole for Christmas dinner and lived. Sweet butter of God!
7. I saw where some old lady tackled the Pope just short of a first down. The Vatican hasn’t had a decent left tackle in years. Somebody needs to cover the pontiff’s blind side. Who were they playing anyway, Little Sisters of the Poor? Oh wait …
8. I should probably go back to being on vacation now.
With the exception of the anti-gay marriage Prop 8 passage in California, 2009 was a decent year for gay rights advances.
President Barack Obama signed a LGBT-inclusive federal hate crimes bill into law. Washington DC Mayor Adrian Fenty signed the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009, granting marriage equality to same-sex couples in the nation’s capital.
New York Governor David Paterson issued an executive order extending anti-discrimination policies to gender identity for state employees. New Hampshire legalized same-sex marriage. Locally, the Shelby County Commission passed a non-discrimination ordinance protecting LGBT employees. The list goes on.
Celebrate these advances (and those to come in 2010) on New Year’s Eve. Here’s a guide to gay New Year’s Eve happenings in the Bluff City:
* The Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center is hosting an early New Year’s Eve get-together from 6 to 9 p.m. at the center (892 S. Cooper). Stop in before heading to your party of choice.
* Backstreet Memphis (2018 Court) celebrates 15 years at its annual New Year’s bash. There’s a special New Year’s Eve drag show in the Coliseum room at 11 p.m. and a $5,000 balloon drop at midnight.
* The Pumping Station (1382 Poplar) is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash for a measly $5 cover. Doors open at 6 p.m.
* It’s a regular night at Dru’s Place (1474 Madison) with karaoke and darts.
Happy New Year!