End of Decade in Review.

No song title today, but I might make another post. For now I'd like to talk about the next three months.

Or two and a half, because after that, we are ushered into the second decade of the new millenium. I grew up in every minute of the 90's, but they ended when I was 13. I've lived more and saw more than I thought I would these past almost 10 years. Major occurences in history. A plethora of new bands have emerged, as did new standard classics. Even legendary bands from my youth have reunited in large numbers. New movies have come out that will stand the test of time.

We witnessed arguably two of the most historic elections in our nation's history. The 2004 election had at the time the largest voter turnout ever, with thousands of youth registering to vote. It was a close race and although our partisanship had become very divided, that was a great year to be American.

The 2008 election was even bigger. Both parties looking for new candidates. Big surprises. We would either have the first female VP in office or the first black man to take office, the latter being the end result. This event was recognized all over the world and millions rejoiced at the Democratic victory, hoping that peace would come to restore the country.

Unfortunately, we also faced one of the biggest tragedies in nation's history as well. I don't need to say what it was since everyone knows, but 2001 was a tough year. We were very confused yet we became united those next few months to become the strong nation that we are today. Thousands perished, yet thousands of heroes arose. Ordinary citizens. My father works in a building across from what is now Ground Zero. He heard the planes hit from outside his window. He evacuated everyone safely out of their office and everyone was safe. I have more respect for him than I ever have.

On a lighter note, let's not forget the media. Aside from new movies and music, we had the Janet Jackson incident, Lindsay Lohan's tabloid debut, several new groundbreaking shows such as "House" and "Lost," the rise of the social networking websites, the death of a pop legend, etc. New artists to emerge such as the White Stripes, Bloc Party. Acts that have never stopped playing, such as U2, Springsteen, smaller bands such as 311 and Incubus, the former now celebrating 20 years.

For movies, independent film is at an all-time high, with the emergence of films such as "Sideways," "Little Miss Sunshine," "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "Juno," and many others.

There is so much that has gone on this past decade that could go on for pages, but I will end for now. It was a great time to be alive.

Peace.