The 105th anniversary of Harley, the Brewers' trip to the playoffs, the Summer Olympics and the election of our first black president all made 2008 one of the most incredible years in recent memory.

But it wasn't all events. There were plenty of albums, shows and books that made their mark in my 2008.

Movie -- Although drastically different than I expected, "Burn After Reading" was one my favorites this year. Characters reflect classic Coen filmmaking with dark humor, intricate plotlines and crazy interconnections. Also, 2008 brought back one of my old school addictions, "The Last Waltz." I watched it probably 30 times when I was 18 (even going as far as recording the film onto a tape so I could listen in my car) and it resurfaced in my memory and my DVD player this year. It's an oldie and definitely not a new one for me, but loved just the same in 2008.

Music -- Fleet Foxes' self-titled premiere was probably my top pick for album of 2008. But there were certainly quite a few close seconds. TV on the Radio's "Dear Science," Thievery Corporation's "Radio Retaliation," Raphael Saadiq's "The Way I See It," Blitzen Trapper's "Furr," Calexico's "Carried to Dust," The Roots' "Rising Down" and Gnarls Barkley's "The Odd Couple" all made quite the impression.

Concert -- I saw quite a few concerts this year but I'd have to put Fleet Foxes at The Pabst at the top of my list. Fleet Foxes' insane industry phenomenon of releasing a debut album and selling out the majority of a nationwide tour in just weeks, faithfully sucked me in. And I loved every minute of it. Other favorites of 2008? Israel Vibration at Turner Hall and Atmosphere at the Riverside were two more I'd gladly go to again.

Event -- The election of President Barack Obama was by far the event of this year. After canvassing door to door, I found a renewed pride in my community and in Americans. I can honestly say watching his election and subsequent acceptance speech was potentially the happiest moment in my life. I never would've thought the president's picture would be on my refrigerator.

I also have to throw in the summer Olympics in Beijing and the Brewers' ride to the playoffs. After travelling to Brewers' spring training last spring, I hopped on the brew crew band wagon this year and followed the season straight into the playoffs. Between the Brewers' postseason and the two weeks of events in Beijing, I was glued to the television for the last half of the year.

Books -- I'm a little behind on this one but Michael Pollan's "Omnivores Dilemma" drastically changed the way I perceive the global food industry. I started with this book but since have tracked down and read almost anything he's ever written. His writing is entertainingly informative and I love the discussions he's sparking all over the world.

TV -- This year I was all about HBO's "True Blood." Trust me, I know the reaction most have. When explaining a show's premise means talking about V fixes, shape shifters and vampire rights, even I question what I'm doing. But for anyone who's seen the show, you know its addicting.

And of course, my love for Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" only deepened this season as he explored countries like Colombia, Saudi Arabia and Spain.