Another year fades to embers, cools, dies altogether - and another flares immediately in its place. Good news is that most of us survived this previous year; bad news, perhaps, is that the one before us looks to be every bit as wild and wooly. As we gird ourselves for the warmth and burn of 2009, some highlights from the year that was:

Best Story: Gotta be the presidential election - an election that, admittedly, got a bit nasty as times, but that presented us with two capable leaders, both of whom promised hope and change and a new, much needed direction.

Biggest Disappointment: The ugliness that this same election unleashed, often proving that for far too many, racist attitudes lie beneath a thin scab easily ripped off. Biggest personal disappointment was seeing how quickly and easily that ugliness reared its misshapen head here in our little burg, up here on the Hill, in letters to the newspaper, even in the hallways of our churches. Still, there’s some hope in how quickly this ugliness seemed to be quelled, how enthusiastically most of the country embraced historic change.

Ugliest Election: From my own Georgia perspective, it had to be the Saxby Chambliss-Jim Martin bloodfeud. That wasn’t just mud they were slinging.

Best Impression: Tina Fey channeling Sarah Palin. You betcha.

Most Distressing Quote of the Year: At an Iowa rally for presidential nominee Sen. John McCain, the Rev. Arnold Conrad prayed: “Lord, I pray that you would guard your own reputation, because they’re going to think their god is bigger than you if [Obama wins].” Holy cow.

Runner-Up: “So?” Said Vice President Dick Cheney when informed that two-thirds of Americans did not support the war in Iraq. So much for that whole government of, by, and for the people concept.

Best Sandwich: Still Fat Daddy’s turkey. Definitely toasted.

Best Quote: “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.” President-elect Barack Obama in his victory speech.

Runner-Up: “Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans. And please believe me when I say no association has ever meant more to me than that.” Sen. John McCain in his concession speech.

Best Movie: “The Dark Knight.” Six months later I still shiver. Dark, gut-wrenching, and, in the end, an amazing testament to hope and the human spirit.

Best Book: Uwen Akpan’s “Say You’re One of Them.” Haunting and amazing and unforgettable.

Biggest Story We Missed: Africa. Hundreds of thousands continue to die as a result of war and disease, millions continue to be displaced, losing home and family and hope. We continue to be more interested in other things in other places.

Most Ironic Bank Slogans: “No family left behind” (World Financial Group), “The strength to be there” (AIG), and “Whoo hoo! (Washington Mutual).

Most Generous Move by a Crazy Governor: Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s Senate Seat Selling Scandal. As one result, Gov. Blagojevich’s shenanigans prevent New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer (aka Client #9) from being remembered as 2008’s sleaziest governor.

Best Traffic Light System: Not LaGrange’s, the lights still infuriatingly untimed, Christmas traffic downtown as snarled as a hairball.

Best Move: President Bush’s shoe dodge. Say what you will about the man, he’s quick as a cat on hot tin.

And, finally, Ten Things We Lost in 2008: Paul Newman, David Foster Wallace (if you’ve not read him, you should), Yankee Stadium, Bo Diddley, Lehman Brothers, American naivety about the price of gasoline, Bettie Page, Mark Spitz’s Olympic medal record, Tim Russert, and that big fat 0 in front of the Panthers’ football record.

Here’s wishing you hope and peace and blessings in 2009. I have no doubt that it will be an interesting year.