Here's a quick round-up of my favorite tracks at the moment. These albums are in addition to the weekly podcasts I subscribe to that keep me current on the latest hits. My subscriptions have changed up a little since my last podcast post, but that'll be another article.

Pitbull - The Boat Lift
Pitbull is the man! I kept his last album "in rotation" for quite a long time - far longer than most other albums I pick up. This album is even better. My favorite lyric: "I party like I rock-star, look like a movie star, play like an all-star, and fuck like a porn-star!" Here's my favorite selections from this new hot album.

• Go Girl featuring Trina and Young Boss
• Ying & The Yang
• The Anthem featuring Lil Jon
• Sticky Icky featuring Jim Jones
• Get Up/Levantate
• Fuego (DJ Buddha Remix) featuring Don Omar
• Un Poquito featuring Yung Berg

One Republic - Dreaming Out Loud
I stumbled across this album by accident, but it has provided the perfect background music for my office. The album is typed as "Rock", but it definitely doesn't sound like what that genre implies. My favorites:

• Say (All I Need)
• Apologize
• All Fall Down
• Tyrant
• Won't Stop

Kate Nash - Made of Bricks
This album was a surprise recommendation from a colleague, and boy am I glad he recommended it! Her music is brilliant! The reviews compare her style to that of Lily Allen, but I've never heard any of Ms. Allen's music and haven't had time to go sample any. I read another article that mentioned her similarity to Amy Winehouse - that's way off base. Ms. Nash is far more talented than Amy Winehouse. If you like Bjork, I think you'll dig her style. If you like Mika, I think you'll dig her lyrics, mood, and playfulness (Dickhead). The whole album is awesome, but here's some of my favorites.

• Foundations
• Dickhead
• Mariella
• Skeleton Song
• Nicest Thing
• Merry Happy

No, this isn't supposed to be bi-weekly, but I'm running a bit behind. The good news, however, is that I'm catching up! I have lots to talk about and plenty of regular content for the future, so make sure you stay tuned...

Netflix Offers Unlimited "Watch Now" Video Streaming
The downside: Windows only. The upside: you might discover some films you may have otherwise never watched.

US drafting plan to allow government access to any email
I don't have anything to hide, but come on! Enough already with this President! I can't wait until November.

US fears Europe-based terrorism
Yeah, nothing helps a tarnished US reputation like pointing a finger at an entire part of the world. Likewise, nothing helps a waning economy like harassing foreign tourists with increased security checks.

Apple announces MacBook Air, HD movie rentals, Apple TV 2.0 at Macworld keynote
Alright, alright... I'm a little behind. But I had to say something about this. MacBook Air: I need more from a computer. HD movie rentals: Cool, especially now that I have an HD plasma. Apple TV 2.0: Getting better - I may actually buy this and drop Netflix. iPhone and iPod Touch announcements: They could have done better.

Clinton and Obama clash in debate
I wouldn't have believed this had I not actually watched the entire thing. I've already "outed" myself as an Obama supporter, but I have to admit I was disappointed that he's letting the Clintons get to him. Obama has made it clear in his speeches and in The Audacity of Hope that this was just the kind of politicking that he wished to rise above. I'm looking for the rising part. He's still in my favor, but Clinton and Edwards are always a possibility (no, I'm not impressed by any of the Republican candidates -- including Ron Paul).

Gates' "creative capitalism": profits plus philanthropy
Interesting article. I am intrigued to see what role Bill takes in a post-Microsoft world. On the subject of "creative capitalism", I think it's feasible.

Rogue trader scandal broadens out
I'm sure everyone is aware of our floundering economy (my retirement portfolio sure is). But what do you think of this? I was reading a really good article from Wharton last night about whether a recession is coming or is already here. Another upset like this or some corporate scandal will surely cement our impending recession doom.

Deal reached on US economic plan
I'm not sure about this -- it reminds me of when Bush first got into office. I received a $300 check then and I can't even remember what I did with it. I just don't see how this has an effect on the general population's everyday finances. Is it a "feel good" thing or is there actually some validity to putting the US government even further into debt? Get cash now so we can be taxed more later?

US network faces $1m nudity fine
Give me a break. We could use a nice vagina here or some penis over there on our televisions. Some breasts and buttocks -- who cares? Isn't it logical to speculate that openness about our bodies would make sexual matters less taboo and therefore, less appealing? What's so "bad" about sex and our sexual organs anyway?

The Spring semester starts today and that, for me, will be the beginning of the new year (it's been play time since school let out in December). I'm not sure what form my blogging will take over the next 12 months, but I would like to start out with reviewing some things that I am looking forward to in 2008.

Believe it or not, I am actually looking forward to my studies this semester. The line-up is as follows: Managerial Finance, General Psychology, Introduction to Data Structures, Programming Visual Applications, and Computer Organization. I will be doing all this while completing the second half of my NC Space Grant Research Project - Extreme Scattering Events.

At work I have some fun stuff to look forward to also. I just moved into a new office last Monday (separate from the hospital) and also received a brand new computer (Windows, but it will do.) The new office and new work environment should have a positive impact on the amount of work I'm able to accomplish and the intensity of that work (less noise and distractions.) We're going live with CPOE (Computer assisted Physician Order Entry) this year and that will take up the greatest amount of my time. But I'm also working on some really cool web applications this year (even more if I can convince my boss) and utilizing languages and applications like Java, PHP, mySQL, Ruby, Bugzilla, TWiki and AJAX - just to name a few. I'll certainly try to post whatever I can, especially cool code or new tricks.

Also big in 2008, I'm looking forward to the Presidential elections. Despite my earlier posts, I decided over my winter break that I'm going to support Barack Obama. Ironically, I came to this conclusion after completing Al Gore's book The Assault on Reason. What's my reason for supporting Obama? It's simple: I believe we're a nation that is need of serious change and course correction. Gore was able to articulate a lot of what I thought yet unable to express on my own. Barack Obama, in my opinion, is the only Presidential candidate that I truly feel is capable of making a difference and seeing to it that the needed changes in our government and our nation occur.

I ordered the new Amazon Kindle over my winter break as well. I'm very much looking forward to playing with it throughout the new year. I'm hoping that its portability will enable me to knock out a few books when I normally wouldn't be able to due to the demands of school and work.

Lastly, I'm looking forward to another year of blogging - posting my thoughts on the internet for all to read now or perhaps 100 years from now. I've decided for the next 6 months, I'm just going to hold myself to writing two posts per week (anything more will be a bonus for you or a needed outlet for me.) My first post of the week will be the usual various topic from the news, technology, my life, or thoughts that need expression. The second post of the week (on Saturday) will be the weekly wrap-up with brief commentary that I started doing last year. It's a small commitment and necessary in my opinion since free-writing like this has been very therapeutic for my thoughts and perspectives on what is going on in the world and in my life.

Have a good week! Hit the subscribe button for email subscriptions or to add this blog to your reader!