New Years
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By Garrison.phillips January 7, 2009, 12:29 pm |
The New Year is many different things to many different people. First
comes to mind the extraordinary 'ball' that drops in Times Square.
This 12 foot geodesic sphere is covered with 2,668 Waterford crystals
and lit by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDS - it boggles the mind and
astonishes the eye as its slow descent welcomes the new year - my year
of 2009 or, if you wish, the Jewish year of 5,769 or the Chinese year
of 4,706. Take your pick - after all, it is New Year's. The very
first 'ball' was crafted in 1907 by the metalworker, Jacob Starr and
weighed only 700 pounds and was 5 feet in diameter. However, the Times
Square vigil began 3 years earlier in 1904.
And everyone warbles their way through 'Auld Lang Syne', the Scottish song first published in 1796 by Robert Burns. However, what is its origin? Burns transcribed it and made some changes after hearing it sung by an old man from Burn's homeland, the Ayrshire area of Scotland. And where did the old man learn it? Curious and a wonderful thought indeed. The song itself literally translates as "old long since" and means "times gone by." The song asks whether old friends and times will be forgotten and promises to remember folks of the past with fondness. A lovely and time honored thought. (My thanks here, once again, to OATS for teaching me the Internet and its treasure of information!)
Of course many of us watch the lush Rose Parade preceding the always captivating Rose Bowl game (it matters not who is playing). Indeed the first day of the New Year is filled with bowl games which are playoffs for contending collegiate football teams. Some folks scoff at all these games but besides the entertainment which they offer they are a source of pride to alumni and the respective standings of teams can determine the fundraising for the coming year for a particular school. These colleges and universities are so important for the education of our younger generation.
Then we have all the Polar Bear clubs around the globe of which the Coney Island group is the oldest having begun their insane (to many) dip in frigid waters in 1903. It has long been the time for new resolutions and the doing away with, if possible, bad habits. It is a wonderful time to evaluate your goals and life and perhaps resolve to make changes or at least try harder. Many different countries exchange gifts and have their own traditions. Suffice for me to close here in saying that I am grateful for my health, the prospect of the New Year, a new, exciting president for our country and the ability to record my thoughts here, courtesy of Older Adults Technology Services. To everyone - good health, good fortune and the ability to enjoy it all.
And everyone warbles their way through 'Auld Lang Syne', the Scottish song first published in 1796 by Robert Burns. However, what is its origin? Burns transcribed it and made some changes after hearing it sung by an old man from Burn's homeland, the Ayrshire area of Scotland. And where did the old man learn it? Curious and a wonderful thought indeed. The song itself literally translates as "old long since" and means "times gone by." The song asks whether old friends and times will be forgotten and promises to remember folks of the past with fondness. A lovely and time honored thought. (My thanks here, once again, to OATS for teaching me the Internet and its treasure of information!)
Of course many of us watch the lush Rose Parade preceding the always captivating Rose Bowl game (it matters not who is playing). Indeed the first day of the New Year is filled with bowl games which are playoffs for contending collegiate football teams. Some folks scoff at all these games but besides the entertainment which they offer they are a source of pride to alumni and the respective standings of teams can determine the fundraising for the coming year for a particular school. These colleges and universities are so important for the education of our younger generation.
Then we have all the Polar Bear clubs around the globe of which the Coney Island group is the oldest having begun their insane (to many) dip in frigid waters in 1903. It has long been the time for new resolutions and the doing away with, if possible, bad habits. It is a wonderful time to evaluate your goals and life and perhaps resolve to make changes or at least try harder. Many different countries exchange gifts and have their own traditions. Suffice for me to close here in saying that I am grateful for my health, the prospect of the New Year, a new, exciting president for our country and the ability to record my thoughts here, courtesy of Older Adults Technology Services. To everyone - good health, good fortune and the ability to enjoy it all.