Before All Hell Breaks Loose

Congrats to Daniel Carlson for correctly naming "Exit Music (For a Film)" as today's Song of the Day.

For your viewing pleasure, I present a photo essay profiling the men that compose TCB (Takin' Care of Business).

Ryan "27" Hise

Senior Leadership

Mike "From the 'Lou"

Millertime and Jeffrey Navarro

Danny "The Heat" Echols

Blake Browder

Millertime in action

Patty V
Jimbo

Aldon Wickliffe

Bryan Preast
MSG II

Basketball at its finest.

Sing Us A Song, A Song to Keep Us Warm

It is odd that I feel compelled to issue some sort of apology for not writing since last Wednesday, but between Sing Song Season being in full effect and a trip to the ATX, my writing has fallen by the wayside.

Congratulations to Ms. Heidi Hipp for correctly naming "Lift" from Flickerstick as the Song of the Day from last Wednesday.

As usual during a trip to Austin, I was able to partake in the divine gift that is Chuy's.
I realize that in Texas, it is almost easier to have an argument about football than to sort out the Best Tex-Mex in the state, but Chuy's is very close to the top of my list. It is one of those little treats that I look forward to when visiting Austin, plus it is always nice to eat somewhere that the Bush Twins have been busted for trying to purchase alcohol when they were still underage. You cannot put a price on that type of history.

On the way back from Austin yesterday, we had Jon's iPod hooked into the car stereo, which is always a fun opportunity to compose an interesting soundtrack for the drive. There is probably no way to objectively prove this, but Chumbawumba's "Tupthumping" had to be the most annoying song of the entire decade of the 90's, along with being one of the first songs that made me realize how some radio stations must be staffed with people who want to see where our personal breaking points are by replaying said songs. With all of that said, the song is still somehow strangely satisfying, almost like hearing Gilbert Godfried talk. A paradox indeed.

I almost wished that I cared about the Super Bowl this Sunday. Let me try to work up the effort to do it..........nope, it's not happening.

Lift Up Your Head, We're Rising With Every Breath

Congratulations to Mr. Jeff McCain for correctly naming "The Christmas Song" by the Dave Matthews Band as the Tuesday Song of the Day. Critics might say that Jeff did not actually provide the name of the song in his response, but he did continue the lyrics to the song in his answer, which demonstrates his knowledge of the correct answer. I wanted to provide my ruling on the matter before a huge brouhaha developed. Actually, I just wanted an opportunity to insert the word "brouhaha" into a post. Thanks for indulging me.

Now, onto other matters. This morning I had the opportunity to speak in Chapel here at ACU. It is never an easy thing to speak in front of 4,000 people who have very broad interests, concerns, and opinions. Coupling that fact with the additionalpoint that these people are attending this Chapel out of compulsion and not necessarily out of the goodness of their heart, makes it an even greater challenge.

Last night, I set my alarm for 8 o'clock this morning, but after waking up at 7, there was no way I was going back to sleep. I attempted to roll over and doze off again, but I've always had a hard time sleeping when big things are on my mind and out in front of me. The night before the first day of school, before a long trip, or any other big event have always been long ones for me. I guess I always make it much larger in my own mind than it is in reality, but this is how it has always been.

As I was walking towards Moody today, I was attempting to focus my mind and thoughts, but I began to get a weird premonition that someone I needed to see before I was going to talk was approaching me. As soon as that thought entered my head, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see who it was and looked up into the face of Mason Orr.

I'm sure that I caught him a bit off guard when I told him that I somehow knew he was coming, but it was welcome surprise nonetheless. Through my life I have learned that the work of God is "big stuff", but that "big stuff" is usually accomplished through the smallest of means.

Drinkers and Jokers, All Soul Searchers

Here goes.....I don't usually just shoot from the hip in this space. I usually try to think about what I am going to write here before I actually sit down to do it, but that doesn't seem right today.

Today, is one of THOSE DAYS. One of those days where you can't quite put a finger on things, but you are pretty sure that you just want some peace. The crazy thing is, it's not anything huge. It just feels like something's out of whack. The things that usually don't bother you seem to set you on edge, and the things that usually make you laugh simply don't do it.

That little voice in the back of your head tells you that this is life, take it or leave it, so you don't feel too bad, but you just wonder why God had to make these days part of it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not in a deep state of personal despair or existential searching, but I'm simply sitting down and letting the words and feelings of this day pour out. This day, the only day that you or I have.

With that realization, what am I going to do? Am I going to continue to just amble along in this day wondering what else could seem not to align or am I going to head in a different direction? Will I decide to look at what is around me, learn to ignore the numerous things screaming for my attention that will soon pass away, and instead turn toward what really matters?

This is my decision on the only day that I have. Today. The clock is ticking..........

You're Probably Dreaming that You're Flying

Congratulations to Mr. Daniel (or should I make the move to Dan?) Carlson for correctly naming Led Zeppelin's "Going to California" as the Song of the Day yesterday.

I got some great news yesterday. No, it has nothing to do with law school, although I will let everyone know when I hear from the schools. Instead, I received a call from Tommy Query at Wilderness Expeditions. For those of you who are familiar with the camp Wilderness Trek, Tommy and Kristi Query are the operators of the outfitting and guide service, Wilderness Expeditions, which provides staffing and outfitting for Wilderness Trek.
I worked at Trek during the summers of 2003 and 2004. Those were some of the best times of my life, but last summer I was not able to return to the mountains for the summer. Don't get me wrong, a summer in Abilene does not handle a candle to a summer in the Rockies, but the opportunity that I had last summer with the President's Office was one that only comes along once in a lifetime.

I am really looking forward to spending my time this next summer in some of the most beautiful spaces that God has created. It also doesn't hurt that I will be surrounded by great people who provide a fresh perspective on the grandeur of God's land that I often take for granted. One of the greatest experiences that I had while working at Trek happened when I was able to take a group from the Impact Church in Houston to the top of Mt. Ouray. Climbing a mountain is a unique experience in and of itself, but many of these kids had never seen snow before, let alone 14,000 ft. peaks that seemed to scrape the clouds out of the sky.
That is what I want this next summer. I want my eyes to reopened to God's creation to see with a fresh perspective just how awesome and vast a canvas that he has painted upon. The mountains are calling and I can't wait to go.

Took My Chances on a Big Jet Plane, Never Let Them Tell You That They're All the Same

Congratulations to Mr. Andrew Tuegel for correctly naming "Glamourous Indie Rock 'N Roll" by the Killers as the Friday Song of the Day.

On Friday, I ran across this excellent Op-Ed piece that Charles Marsh contributed to the NY Times. Marsh, a professor of religion, at the University of Virginia struck a strong chord when he quoted from the Lausanne Covenant of 1974 that "the church is the community of God's people rather than an institution, and must not be identified with any particular culture, social or political system, or human ideology."

Often, I am deeply troubled by the growth of assertions by some church leaders that the pursuits of the American government in the realm of foreign policy somehow open a new field for the gospel, even if access to that field is gained through bloodshed. As I read the Gospels, I continue to discover that Christ's ways of approaching and interacting with people were very different from those that people in his day used. Christ did not seek to defeat the oppression of the Romans through a violent opposition, but instead continued to seek deeper relationships with all of those around him, even those who sought his ultimate demise.

To continue to be a church that recognizes the inherent value of each and every human being, despite their political ideologies, despite their national origins, despite their affiliations, and despite their leanings, we must recognize that Christ came for all and not simply for those that prescribe to our own view of how the world should operate.

In a tangent, this morning at Highland, Jerry Taylor talked about heaven. I'm pretty sure there is no other subject that I would rather hear about or one that could put me in a better mood. Thanks, Jerry.

She Plays the Drums, I'm On Tambourine

I'm pretty sure that I don't have anything against the Northeast United States, but it sure looks that way. You can see your travels across the fruited plains here.

Sometimes it's the big moments. Those events that you look forward to for many months, even years. Things like graduations, driver licenses, big trips, and new jobs, but sometimes it is something else. Those moments that you could not have planned even if you had wanted to.

Playing a game as dated as Scattegories with your sister as teammate.

Seeing one of your best friends at school with a fu manchu.

Watching the Rose Bowl with these folks.

This is what life is made up of. Those moments that do not seem incredibly notable at the time, but upon further reflection, they are who and what we are. The ins and outs of our days. The joy of finding the essence of life in the most surprising of places.

In Your Favorite Sweater, With an Old Love Letter

Congratulations to Heidi Hipp for correctly identifying "Konstantine" by Something Corporate as the most recent song of the day. I'm pretty sure that the cosmos aligned in order for Heidi to win on the day before her birthday but I could be wrong.

Perhaps the secret is only taking 6 hours, but I think this might be the first semester in college where I am actually looking forward to the subject matter in each one of my classes. A semester studying ethics with Randy Harris and Ancient Near East and Greek Civilizations with Mark Cullum is already looking full of promise. I am sure that there will be a number of posts in the future that will be heavily influenced by the thoughts and tangents that arise in these classes.

One of my favorite features of the rising media coverage in the United States is that almost every ill-advised comment is captured by listening ears. Look at these doozies by New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.

• "God is mad at America. He sent us hurricane after hurricane after hurricane, and it's destroyed and put stress on this country."
• "It's time for us to rebuild New Orleans-the one that should be a chocolate New Orleans...the city will be a majority African-American city. It's the way God wants it to be."
  

He later attempted to diffuse those comments by telling a CNN affiliate, "How do you make chocolate? You take dark chocolate, mix it with white milk, and it becomes a delicious drink. That is the chocolate I am talking about."

I am a great theologian by no means, but I don't think God uses natural disasters to show his displeasure with countries that have aroused his ire. Well, not unless they are called Soddom and Gomorrah. Also, since when does God care about the racial composition of cities? Isn't it more important that the people who lost their homes in the Katrina disaster find some sort of stability and comfort instead of worrying that they must come back to the Big Easy in order to comply with God's desires regarding the ideal racial precentages of their former city?

Our conversations should instead be concerned with questions of why so many in our society are pushed to the edges without anyone to look out for them. Let's ask how we can give people the opportunity to build lives instead of always worrying that God might not be pleased with the new racial composition of our city. I don't have all the right answers, but maybe Ray Nagin shouuld start asking different questions.

I Can't Imagine All the People that You Know

Congratulations to Mr. Jeffrey Giddens for correctly naming "Airbag" by Radiohead as the Song of the Day from January 6th.

In one of the more hilarious stories that I have heard in a long time, Isiah Thomas threatened to make trouble for the Sports Guy if he ever met him on the street. You can read Bill's take on the call out here.
The Sports Guy has been a long time critic of the way that Isiah has handled almost everything basketball related after he retired as a player. Isiah has consistently been on the business end of Bill's jokes because of the fact that he ran the CBA into the ground, dramatically underachieved as coach of the Pacers, and threw the entire Knicks franchise under the proverbial bus.

This made me start thinking about my own writing. If the Sports Guy got called out for his criticism of Isiah, can it be very long before Pat Robertson calls me out on the 700 Club? If anyone consistently TIVO's the show, please make special note if I am the focus on any of Pat's proclamations. Thanks, I will be forever grateful.

Do You Have Any More Gum?

Congratulations to Connor Parker for being the first person to correctly identify "Have a Cigar" by Pink Floyd as the most recent Song of the Day.


I'm not sure why, but seeing Billy Madison put a strange hop in my step tonight. Because of that, here are ten observations from this 1994 classic, 12 years after it premiered.

1. In my opinion, this is where Sandler peaked. Some out there would probably say that Sandler peaking is probably an oxymoron and I am tempted to agree with you.

2. Who knew that Pete Sampras would end up married to "Veronica Vaughn" one day?

3.The "song" by a reinspired Billy might not be on par with Julie Andrews' work in The Sound of Music, but it sure does give you a craving for some Trident.

4. In the comedic pseudo-Hall of Fame, which hat does Darrin McGavin go in wearing? His work as Ralphie's father in A Christmas Story or his portrayal of hotel magnate, Brian Madison?

5. Billy's "I knew it was you, and you broke my heart" comment is so much more satisfying after my introduction to Fredo Coreleone.

6. Billy's "Little Puppy as a metaphor for Industry" speech might be more convincing than anything I heard in the presidential debates last year. Knibb High Football rules!!!!

7. Is there anything more shameful than being a family full of bullies who gets wiped out by a mere banana peel?

8. Burning Dog Poo and the Human Response would have been a much more interesting topic than business ethics.

9. This must have been where Norm MacDonald peaked, except I'm pretty sure that never happened. Please don't pay attention to what I just wrote.

10. "Billy likes soda. Ms. Lippy's car is green." If the CIA could match the janitor's intelligence gathering abilities, we would have bagged Osama Bin Laden, Nessy, and Sasquatch by now.

You Gotta Get an Album Out, You Owe it to the People

Since no one could come with an answer to the most recent Song of the Day contest, I have continued with lyrics from the same song until we find the answer.

This Week's "Those Who Live in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones" Award is given to: Ted Kennedy.

I realize that Judge Alito needed to be asked about his membership and possible involvement in the controversial group, Concerned Alumni of Princeton, but perhaps Ted should not be the most visible senator to be questioning a nominee about potential skeletons in their closet. Give that job to Patrick Leahy, Dianne Feinstein, Charles Schumer, or Joseph Biden, but next time let it fall to anyone but Ted. I'm sure that the whole time that Senator Kenendy was badgering Arlen Specter about gathering documents about CAP, Judge Alito wished he could turn the tables and start asking questions about a little incident called Chappaquiddick.

I began reading Collapse by Jared Diamond this week after finishing God is Closer than You Think. Diamond's most recent work follows the sweeping historic panorama that characterized his previous book, Guns, Germs and Steel, which won the Pulitzer, but instead of looking at the rise of human societies as GGS did, it instead focuses on the decisions that societies make which lead to their downfall.

It is often difficult to read Diamond's analysis of Mayan and Viking agricultural practices, but so far the book has presented a fascinating and often haunting picture of what happens to societies that exploit their natural resources without a second thought about their future.

You're Never Gonna Die, You're Gonna Make It If You Try

Congratulations to Mr. Cody Blair for correctly naming "Chariot" by Gavin DeGraw as yesterday's song of the day.

Last night I finished God Is Closer Than You Think by John Ortberg. Towards the end of the book Ortberg focuses in on a topic that I think have missed at certain times in my life. The promise of Jesus is not just that we would have eternal life once we pass from this life to the next, but that eternal life can start right now. In fact, eternal life is not simply a question of length but of quality. When Christ broke through the barrier that separates us from heaven, he sought to bring a small piece of heaven to earth.

What does that mean for those of us who have accepted God's gift? For one thing it doesn't mean that we have to wait to experience eternal life. We can live in a different way right here and right now because of our promise. Our job is to bring heaven to earth. To make things down here work like they do "up there". Whenever I view my eternal life as something that will only take place once I leave this earth, I cheapen what God has promised me in some way. Go out and live today differently because of your eternal life.

I enjoy being home and spending time with my family simply relaxing and gearing up for the semester, but I cannot wait for the next semester. I cannot wait to see how God is going to show up in the most surprising places and through the most surprising people because that is part of the joy of life. Seeing how events as goofy as Sing Song become vehicles towards community. Learning how acts of service become avenues through which we can impart the love of Christ is some small way. This is the adventure of life and I am glad to be on the journey.

Starin' at a Maple Leaf

"We may ignore, but we cannot evade, the presence of God. The world is crowded with him. He walks everywhere incognito. And the incognito is not always easy to penetrate. The real labor is to remember to attend."

Dr. Armand Nicholi

How many days do I sleep walk through? Like every college student, I enjoy my time off, but sometimes I slip into this way of living that sometimes makes me ashamed. It is important to take time to relax and unwind every once in a while, but too often when I do that I shut down and begin to forget to see the work of God going on all around me.

This is the work that life is made up of. To remember that in every day, whether I am at home taking it easy or running 90 to nothing at school, there are bigger forces at work in our world. This type of reflection and understanding does not require one to completely step away from all of the people and places that come before my eyes each day, but it does necessitate a shift in focus.

May your day be filled with reminders that God is closer than you might think.

In an Interstellar Burst, I'm Back to Save the Universe

For those of you who care, you probably already noticed that I've mixed things up a little bit 'round these parts. It's almost like remodeling your home without deciding on drapes or dealing with the minions of TLC.

It has been pointed out by Mr. Jeffrey Giddens that I had used "Harry Hood" very recently as the song of the day. Jeff, I apologize. Because of that I have gone back to the halycon days of the 90's for today's song of the day. Enjoy.

In one of the more random moments that I have had over Christmas break, I recently discovered the versatility of those who make their living in the field of TV voice-overs. I'm sure that all of you recognize the work of the guy who does the voice-overs for the Miller High Life commercials. If you don't, then this entire tangent probably does not make a lot of sense, but I'll continue undaunted nonetheless.

Anyway, my Dad and I were watching the news one night when a commercial paid for by those supporting Samuel Alito's nomination to the Supreme Court came on. I was not paying a great deal of attention, but suddenly the "voice" grabbed my attention. This was not just any voice. Usually this voice was exhorting me to live the "high life", but now I was supposed to call my senator to support Judge Alito's confirmation.

I'm not really sure how to react to this. What if "the guy" who always does Hollywood movie trailers or David Letterman's announcer suddenly showed up in a judicial confirmation commercial? Would I be able to take them seriously? I'm not sure that I could. Now I'm supposed to support Samuel Alito because he could go the highest court in the land to ensure the "high life" for all Americans? You're going to have to do better than that to convince me Sam.

You Can Feel Good About Hood

(Note: this post contains excessive praise of teams and individuals and some statements bordering closely on feelings that are sometimes called a "man-crush." With that said, read at your risk)

Congratulations to Mr. Heath Huston for correctly identifying "All Around the World" by Oasis as the most recent song of the day. Heath also wanted me to point out that I neglected to give him his due for also naming "Buffalo Soldier" by Bob Marley as another song of the day. Heath, I'm sorry, please accept my sincere regret.

I honestly do not even know what to write today. There are so many things running through my head that all of them seem somehow worthy of being written down in this space. As I was talking with Patrick this morning, I commented on how sports are much like Sing Song, very goofy, sometimes filled with elements that people on the outside would find incredibly bizarre, but ultimately a lot of fun.

In the past 24 hours, I have recieved the following messages from people who are normally individuals who are capable of rational thoughts and complete sentences. Here's a sample:

• In Vince We Trust.
• Sorry, Mr. President, but tonight the horns and their bandwagon "fans" will have a front to history. Trojans 41-21 and "3-peat" ICB
• First of all, I think your friend Hutton is super confused. Second, EXACTLY 2 HOURS!!!!
• um... I CANT BREATHE!! LAKDJGVLK;GAJDG;LKJADLKFJASLKDGH;
• LAEKJGGALKDJFGLAKDJFASDLGJAKLRBVLAKJRELKAJDF!!!! im in love. with everyone. hook emawlkdjgfklasjdfgkljawdlk;g
• Do you think we could get Vinsanity to come play for Team One next year? He maybe be the missing piece of the puzzle. Congrats. ICB
• Best game ever! UT campus was crazy tonight, and will be even better tomorrow. Wish you could be here for this!!!
• its 2:55 am and reggie bush still hasnt ever run for more than 100 yards on Texas... heisman, eh?... well the hiseman award definately goes to vy... i think after vy walks across lake travis he will soon learn how to catch his own passes so he can beat all the records in running, passing, and catching... light the tower orange... hook'em!
• come celebrate in austin dude. this is OUT. OF. CONTROL.
• I don't think Vince Young will ever have to pay for a meal in the state of Texas ever again.
• Last night, i had a dream, i was all alone, in a desolite land, straving, dying.... and then, an angel came to be and said, "Follow me, for I will provide you everything" so the angel took me out of the land, and has he was leaving i asked, " are you Gaberial, Micheal, who are you angel"... he smiled and simiply said...."i am vince"

I almost feel like the Sports Guy with a "Yup, these are my readers" mailbag, but I was typing that same crazy, irrational stuff back to them. I am not sure if I have seen such a dominating performance from an individual in a long time, like the one that Vince delivered last night. On each offensive play for Texas, even though he went 30 of 40 last for 267 yards passing last night, my Dad was calling for a Vince keeper and who could blame him?

Playing against a team that was supposed to claim its place in history by winning their 3rd consecutive national title, Vince looked like he was back playing at Madison High in the 5A State Playoffs. After the game went off last night on ABC, I immediately switched over to ESPN. This really did not accomplish much because they were simply showing the same highlights from a game that I had just watched, but I could not turn off the TV.

I'm not really sure where the 'Horns go from here. They will still be loaded with talented players next year in order to defend their national title, but the question of what will happen to Vince still looms. After his performance last night, I'm not really sure what else if left besides coming back for a shot at the Heisman and another National Championship next year.

The critical factor in the entire discussion is the point that the Texans have the 1st pick in the 2006 Draft, who also happen to be Vince's hometown team. I'm not really sure how he could turn that possibility down if he does believe that he has the possibility of being drafted #1. We'll have to see what happens, but regardless, it's been a fun ride.

Tell 'Em What You Heard, You're Gonna Make a Better Day

Congrats to Mr. Jeffrey McCain for correctly identifying "Paranoid Android" by Radiohead as the first Song of the Day for 2006.

I've always believed that school is not the only place that learning can take place. Some might say that the Christmas Break is merely a time for college students to recoup for the travails of the next semester, but I still believe that a great deal of learning can still take place during this time. In the spirit of that belief, I present the lessons that I learned today in what was seemingly just another day in my life.

• The turning radius of a Nissan Xterra is significantly larger than that of a Honda Civic. Also, this lesson should not be learned while attempting to execute a U-turn on a six-lane highway.
• M&M's are one of the most underrated candies on the market. You always know what you are going to get with M&M's, which is more than you can say about other candy options. M&M's do not necessarily bring a lot of things to the table, but more importantly they do not take anything off of the table, unlike melted candy bars, which completely destroy the table.
• Attempting to return rental movies to the video store before the late-fee deadline is infinitely more enjoyable if you take on the personage of Jack Bauer. Walking up to the store employees and shouting, "WHERE IS THE NIGHT DROP BOX? I NEED YOU TO TELL ME WHERE THE NIGHT DROP BOX IS OR I WILL CUT OFF EACH ONE OF YOUR FINGERS INDIVIDUALLY" puts a strange hop in your step. I highly recommend it.
• Chicken Quesadillas are a gift from God, along with the Rocky Mountains, baseball, and salvation.

Rain Down From a Great Height

Congratulations to Mr. Andrew Tuegel for correctly naming U2's "Yahweh" as the last song of the day for 2005.

In this space, I normally try to keep the material that you read here fresh and original by not using too many running features besides the celebrated Song of the Day Contest. At the end of the year, there are always numerous "Best Of" or "Top 10" Lists and I could not resist, so here is my Favorites of 2005 List.

Favorite Album: "X and Y" by Coldplay--This was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year and the 3rd album from Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, and Will Champion did not disappoint. "X and Y" demonstrates a maturation in the band's sound from the spaciousness and apprehension that characterized "Parachutes" and "A Rush of Blood to the Head" to the drive and purpose that seems to typify "X and Y." I cannot wait to see Coldplay on February 26th in Dallas.

Favorite Movie (Comedy): "Wedding Crashers"-- This movie has all the trappings of a movie that I would probably enjoy and it delivered. Yes, this movie walked right up to the edge of being a little bit risky, but this did not mar the hilarious performance of Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. Vaughn's place as the current motor-mouth of show business has been guaranteed since his breakthrough performance in "Swingers" and his dispensation of wisdom at 100 mph in "Wedding Crashers" will only further cement that title. This movie may not be groundbreaking in any sense of the word, but when you are looking for a film that will make you laugh, this was my top choice of 2005.

Favorite Movie (Drama): "Syriana"-- Even though it appeared near the end of the year, "Syriana" was still the film of 2005 that I enjoyed the most. A solid work all the way through that hopefully will signal the rise of more films that remind us that all of the bangs, whistles, and beautiful people that Hollywood can produce still take a backseat to a taut, well-written narrative.

Favorite Television Discovery: "Arrested Development"--I feel a bit guilty about this one. For those of you who have not heard, Fox decided to cut short the 3rd season of AD, due to a perceived lack of success, at least according to the folks at Nielsen. It may seem crazy to think that if I could have added my viewership to the show before Fox pulled the plug it would have made some sort of difference, but this was the same thought process that I used when I always wore the same hat so that the Bulls would win the 1993 NBA Finals. Anywho, "Arrested Development" will undoubtedly experience considerable success thanks to the the brilliant idea of placing TV series on DVD, which in my opinion is one of the more underrated developments of this millenium.

Favorite Book: "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt"--In a close battle with "The Tipping Point" and "The Brothers K", the first portion of Edmund Morris's trilogy detailing the life of Teddy Roosevelt wins the race. A Pulitzer Prize Winner when it was released in the late 1970's, this chronicle remains a classic of the the genre. Roosevelt makes the job easier for every biographer who has chosen to cover him, but Morris is at the peak of his skill in this work.

So there you go. The past year has been a great one and I cannot wait to see what the next year brings my way.