ON THE 2008 BRAMMIES - "OTHER"

FAVORITE NEWS STORY - Barack Obama's election

I knew going in to this election season that I was going to vote for Obama, based on his first book. Fortunately, I happen to agree with President-elect Obama on "the issues" (at least according to glassbooth.org), so it all works out nicely. Given what I know about the foolishness of people, to see someone of a different ethnic background than every president ever get elected is mind-boggling. More importantly...I picked a winner! Woo!

LEAST FAVORITE PERSONALITY - Sarah Palin

Now, as evidenced by everything I've ever said, I'm no expert on politics. But it didn't seem like Ms. Palin had any qualifications whatsoever for the job. And to see the media tug-of-war about whether or not she WAS qualified, and the media backlash about a media backlash about her qualifications...the whole thing was a mess. And then to hear that she's considering a presidential run in 2012...yipes.

FAVORITE SPORTS STORY OTHER THAN ANYTHING INVOLVING THE BEARS - The Olympics

The Olympics turn me into a jingoistic fool every four years. I bleed red, white, and blue for two weeks, then go back to bleeding normal red after that. The opening ceremony was awesome, although I'll put the South Korea torch lighting ahead of running on the walls of the stadium. Michael Phelps was amazing, USA Basketball reclaimed its former glory, our beach volleyball teams did well...just a great two weeks.

LEAST FAVORITE SPORTS STORY - Bears miss the playoffs

Frick.

FAVORITE SCIENCE STORY - Large Hadron Collider does not destroy the universe...yet.

Will there be a 2009 Brammies? We'll see how the LHC does when they fire it back up!