It's A New Year So Let's Look Behind at 2009

It's officially 2010, a new year and the dawn of a new decade in human history and 2009 is a year that has been marked in history. 2009 has been a year of changes, a year of struggles and hardship and a year of accomplishments on the world seen and personally for so many people, myself included. So many things happened in 2009 that it would take more than one post to cover, but I will limit this recap to the most significant events in 2009 through my eyes.

The year started of with an event that was a highlight in the history of our modern civilization and for people of African decent the world over. The great United States of America witnessed the swearing in of the first black president, Barack Obama, a feat most of us only dream of seeing.

However, even though such great history was being made, the world was still feeling the repercussions of the financial plunge the world experienced beginning the year before in 2008. 2009 marked another year of global economic downturn and turmoil marked by the closure of many businesses and massive loss of employment.

The music fraternity and millions of fans worldwide experienced the loss of the greatest music icon to ever grace our century, Michael Jackson. the King of Pop, passed under questionable circumstances at the age of 50. The news of his death and subsequent memorial was filled with emotions as the world said good bye to this awesome yet controversial musical genius and humanitarian.

The loss of celebrities did not stop at Michael Jackson though, as well know actors Farrah Fawcett and Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze passed.

2009 like the year before, witnessed another lightening storm on the tracks the fastest man on earth, reinforced his title by shattering his world record at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin Germany. However, the onslaught of Gold and recognitions were also shared by the Jamaica track team as several members of the Jamaican entourage claimed record and Gold medals much to the delight of the Jamaican fans.

H1N1, aka Swine flu rocked the world as reports of death and increasing infection gripped the world, including Jamaica. The attack of the Swine Flu reached epidemic rate and scared many nations prompting governments all over, including Jamaica, to formulate plans in an effort to contain the outbreak of this deadly flu.

Locally, both the media and the performing arts fraternity lost two of its well known members, Michael Pryce and Trevor Rhone, respectively. Both of which has made a considerable contribution to their respective fields.

Jamaica continues to feel the effect of El Nino as the drought stretched along the greater part of 2009. The resulted in an increase in water lock-offs throughout the greater corporate area as the government and the NWC grapples with water management.

Famous Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall artiste, Buju Banton, was arrested by the US Feds, on charges of of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and faces up to 20 years in prison.

The ruling JLP announced the most dreadful tax package the nation has seen, just before the Christmas holidays, much to the displeasure of the Jamaican people.

On a personal note, I experienced what it feels like to see a close family member battle with cancer. I like so many of my coworkers was made redundant and joined the ranks of the unemployed. However, I see my hobby of photography grow over the months of 2009 and purchased my first DLSR camera as swell as the never ending purchase of photo gear.

2009 was certainly a challenging year with it;s fair share of ups and downs, or probably more than it's fair share of downs. 2010 will no doubt be a challenging year, but it too will be full of endless possibilities. It's up to up to try and capitalize on some of those opportunities and hope for the best. May you all make the best of the new year and accomplish your goals.

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2009, Challenges and Opportunities Lie Ahead...

It seems as it was just a few months ago we were welcoming 2008 and were looking forward to all the prospects it had to offer. Isn't it just scary has fast time seems to be going by these days? I wonder if it has always been like this and I wasn't paying attention? Or is it more concerning now that I see the reality of old age now facing my in a few decades? Whatever it is, it seems time has hasten its steps.

the year that was 2008 has been quite an eventful year, ranging from its fair share of good to an extreme on the other end of the scale, where things have turned to the worse. Hmm, lets take a moment to flashback at some (very few... don't weant to bore or depress you) of the biggest events for the year, well from my point of view. In 2008:

• World oil prices sored to the highest it has been in many years, probably the highest most of us has ever seen it. This triggered several waves in the world economy and the behaviour of our societies, We saw a rise in many manufactured commodities, less travelling and the downsizing of vehicles as people opted for smaller more energy efficient vehicles. On the other hand, thankfully gas prices have also plummeted to tolerable rates by the end of the year.
• The entire world experienced the greatest economic downturn in ages with the crash of so many large financial institutions in the world worlds strongest economies. Consumer spending has gone down, while unemployment rose sharply as many companies across varied industries closed their doors. The entire world seems to be in a recession as even the most commercial holiday of the year lost its mojo.
  
• Locally, the infamous, 'poor people saviour', Cash Plus became more like Cash Minus as it crashed just like all pyramid schemes. Event though it dawned the clothing of a legitimate and plausible business with investors, it showed its true colours when it experienced pressure from the financial regulatory authority. Many Jamaicans lost thousands, millions of dollars, and even everything they owned.
• On a more positive note though, the world witnessed what seemed impossible, the first black president of the United States of America. A feat that many though they would never live to see, an event ushered by one the most sensational and most watched election campaign in our modern history.
• Bolt and the Jamaica team strike Gold at the 2008 Olympics several times! The most gold medals Jamaica has ever claimed. (Thanks to Pepper. How could I forget this.... shame one me) - This point added on o7/02/2009.
  

Those are just a few, the tip of the iceberg of what happened in 2008. If there are any you can think of, or want to mention, please feel free.

Now it's 2009, another year with many possibilities, but one preceded with challenges and a gloomy outlook based on the events of last year. Already many religious leaders and self proclaimed prophets have issued many prophecies 2009, economic and financial outlooks are mixed even though they lean heavily on the gloomy side, the environmentalists are preaching environmental doom even more, and all seems to be going downhill at this point. There is no doubt that things are rough and that they will get rougher in this new year. But it is a new year, a year with many possibilities and opportunities despite the challenges ahead. May you all realize your dreams and make the best of the new year, take each challenge step by step, with the help of God and enjoy each victory to the fullest, savouring every moment. Keep loving and appreciate your friends and family as much as you can as we chart our way in our short journey in this maze called life.

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2008!!!

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2008 is finally here my friends! Another occasion to celebrate and to give thanks that we made it through one year and have the opportunity to begin a new one. To some it is an opportunity for a fresh start, a new beginning, a time to set new resolutions, while to others it is just a passage in the never ending time. Whatever, it is to you, I hope you have a wonderful productive year.

I don't believe in New Years Resolutions, but I do have a few goals that I want to fulfill. But I'll put it like this, I want to be stronger, stronger physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually.

I didn't go anywhere to ring in the New Year, instead I stayed home after coming from the gym, watched the CSI Sin City marathon, drink Sorrel with White Rum and Vodka and chatted on the phone until the new year. Sounds, pretty sad doesn't it? Well it didn't feel that way to me. For some reason, I am pretty content with how I have started the new year. It's off to work later in the afternoon, so I pretty much have nothing planned for tomorrow, but to catchup on some blogs. Enjoy the first holiday for 2008 ma peeps! By the way, how did you ring in the new year?

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The Curtain Closes On Another Year

So Christmas has come and gone, all the excitement of the crazy shopping has died down. There are no after Christmas sales here in Jamaica, well none that I know of. Although sometimes I wonder if Jamaican stores know he meaning of a sale. merely taking of 5% of items does not qualify as a sale in my book! The end of the overeating, over drinking and merrymaking has calmed down and advertisements for countless New Years Eve parties fill the radio waves, which signals that another year is coming to and end. Yes folks it's that time again when we reflect on the ups and downs of the passing year, the mistakes, the accomplishments, the disappointments and the wonderful times we had in 2007. but it is also a time we look forward to a new year, a new beginning for some, we start to make plans, resolutions, and try not to make the same mistakes we did in the past year.

For me the year was an alright one... I guess. It had its fair share of ups and downs, but overall it wasn't too bad. At the beginning of the year it had some major disappointments and thought my year would be so awful based on how it started. But things started to get a little better as the year progressed. I won't dwell on the negatives, but I prefer to reflect on the high points of the year. I do have a lot to be grateful for, hmmm, lets see... I got a new apartment, one that is comfy and that I actually look forward to going home to; I successfully completed my 3 years bachelor of Engineering course with honours; my photography is slowly improving; I got reacquainted with old friends and grew closer to others, and I met a very special young lady. So I guess it wasn't too bad after all.

As the curtain draws on 2007, and you reflect on the passing year, how was it for you?

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