When was the last time Bono squeezed into that denim vest, ya think?
Anyway, moving on. Updating from last year:
What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? I ate some escargot. I wasn't aware of it at the time until someone pointed it out ala "those aren't mushrooms, by the way." Maybe I just resented the ruse, but I didn't enjoy it.
Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't believe I made any last year, but I'm making some for 2009. We'll see how long I keep them.
Did anyone close to you give birth? Yeah, a couple of friends.
Did anyone close to you die? Yes, I had two great-aunts (my grandfather's sisters) pass away within a few weeks of each other. Sad, but they both lived very full, rich, long lives.
What countries did you visit? Just this one.
What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? Greater job security.
What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory? March 24th. That was the first day at my then-new job.
What was your biggest achievement of the year? Every day has been a bit of an achievement this year, frankly.
What was your biggest failure? Still not being on staff anywhere.
Did you suffer illness or injury? To augment my Tinnitus, Benign Positional Vertigo and Oral Allergy Syndrome, I was diagnosed with Ocular Rosacea, which makes my face look like the surface of the angry red planet of Mars. Hooray!
What was the best thing you bought? Just this past weekend, I bought m'self a pair of big, clunky, black Doctor Marten shit-kickers, and I'm well pleased with them so far.
Whose behavior merited celebration? My wife and children, whose tireless love and support kept me happy, hopeful and alive.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Sarah Palin, John McCain, Rupert Murdoch, Sumner Redstone, Bernard Madoff
Where did most of your money go? Schooling for my little ones.
What did you get really, really, really excited about? The original line-up of Killing Joke's triumphant return to New York City in October.
What song/album will always remind you of 2008? I don't know if it'll always remind me of 2008, but easily my favorite album of the year was The Golden Hour by Firewater.
Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? 2007 was a very sad year for me, so I'd say I'm happier today than I was at this time last year, but I'm still not quite singin' in the rain.
Thinner or fatter? Invariably fatter.
Richer or poorer? I believe we're all a bit poorer now, no?
What do you wish you’d done more of? Earning
What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying
How did you spend Christmas? Blissfully at home in NYC with my wife and children. Perfection.
Who did you spend the most time on the phone with? I have no idea.
Did you fall in love in 2008? I was already in love. Still am.
How many one night stands in this last year? No, I'm very happily married.
What was your favorite TV program? "Top Chef"
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Sarah Palin
What was the best book(s) you read? I hate to admit it, but probably Mike McGonigal's book on My Bloody Valentine's Loveless album for Continuum's awesome 33 1/3 series. I'd love to cite something lofty and highbrow here, but I'm just not that guy. Sorry.
What was your greatest musical discovery? I sadly haven't done much musical discovering lately, but I did discover how nice a club Southpaw in Brooklyn is. I saw Firewater there this summer and it was just a great place. I'd gladly go to another show there.
What did you want and get? A job! In fact, I had two offers in one week (I took the one with benefits).
What did you want and not get? A job with full-time employee benefits.
What were your favorite films of this year? I can't remember the last "new" movie I went to, honestly.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I had a fairly low-key celebration, and I turned 41. Ugh.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Well, Obama winning was certainly a major relief and hugely gratifying. Dick Cheney being brought to trial for war crimes would certainly make me smile.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? "It's a Punky Midlife Crisis!"
What kept you sane? Who said anything about me being sane?
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? They can all go to hell.
What political issue stirred you the most? The horrifying prospect of Sarah Palin holding public office of any kind
Who did you miss? Raven
Who was the best new person you met? I met several great new people via the job
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. Two-year-old boys are way more difficult than two-year-old girls.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Everybody say
Hey, clown
We're gonna put you in the ground
We had it all and then you threw it all away
Everybody say
Hey, clown
You turned our happy upside-down
We're gonna burn your flag and piss on your parade
- "Hey Clown" by Firewater
And now, a quick word from Oliver:
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