Welcome 2011 - goodbye 2010

Caution:  many of links below include sound and video.

 

New Year's Eve.  Webcams from around the world and from New York Times Square (12/31/10).
Overachievers are "not forgotten":  Traditions, history, and the quiz (add your first name to open).

Throw-out old calendars?  Optional.

The tradition of singing "Auld Lang Syne".  Midnight (after hugs and kisses) many people will sing "Auld Lang Syne", which translates to "good times (past)","long time past" or "good old days". Scotsman Robert "Bobby" Burns (1788) is credited with the original poem, as sung in folk song by an unidentified artist, year 2009.

222 years later, the simplified American lyrics (without attachment to other songs) appears to be: "Should auld (or old) acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind?  Should auld (or old) acquaintance be forgot, And days of auld lang syne!  Main chorus:  For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne.  We'll  take (or drink) a cup o' kindness yet, For days of auld lang syne."  Entertainer examples:  Rock- Aretha Franklin and Billy Preston, year 2006, or, Country - Suzie McNeil, year 2007 (loud volume). 

11 years ago, Barbara Streisand (low volume) counter-sings a separate song while the audience of 13,000 sings "Auld Lang Syne".  Remember the chaotic 1999 to 2000 end-of-century computer time-clock change-over worries?  Streisand mentions that everyone in the audience has flashlights in event of possible overhead light failure.  By contrast, this weekend should be another friendly end-of-year transition into the New Year, be careful and stay safe!

New Year's Day resolutions: 
Got some?  Or need government self-help.
Wisdom from Mark Twain:  "Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions.  Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual." 

Best wishes for a happy, healthy, productive and prosperous New Year!

Posted by Kathy Meeh