2009 Dedor Awards
Last year I started what I believe will end up as a very fun tradition here at Finding Focus. I created the Dedor Awards and 2008 was the inaugural year. We only awarded a few categories and I’m sure over the years I’ll add more and more, just for the fun of it. At the end of this post, I will list the winners, so if you don’t want to watch the video unveiling the winners, just read on.
Otherwise, watch the video below to see the winners of the 2009 Dedor Awards. You can then read the explanation underneath the video. Here’s to a fantastic 2009 and congrats to all our winners!
Book of the Year (that I read):
Past Winner: Riding with the Blue Moth (by Bill Hancock)
2009 Nominees: Beautiful Boy (by David Sheff), Outliers (by Malcom Gladwell) and The Agony and the Ecstasy (by Irving Stone)
This year’s nominees are from three completely separate genres. I began the year wih Sheff’s book chronicling his life with his teenage son, a drug addict. Gladwell’s latest masterpiece was an extremely interesting and entertaining look at how success is determined in life. According to Gladwell, it can be because of birth, culture or pure hard work. Finally, a book I began in 2008 and finished in 2009 was the historical fiction work of Stone. He chronicles the magnificent Michelangelo. From his early years to his late struggles with multiple Popes. While a tough read, I learned more about one of the world’s greatest artists and what makes an artist the passionate person they are. This year’s winner is an oldie, but a book I would recommend to everyone, The Agony and the Ecstasy.
Best Sports Moment:
Past Winner: Matthew Mitcham wins Gold
2009 Nominees: Wimbledon Men’s Final, US Open Men’s Final, US Open Women’s Final
Yes you read the 2009 nominees correctly, all three are tennis events. Other potential nominees include Jimmy Johnson’s record fourth-straight NASCAR Cup Title or the Yankees winning the World Series again, but these three stand out in my mind.
In the Wimbledon Men’s Final, Roger Federer returned to the fortnight to reclaim his ground taken from him in 2008. Andy Roddick did all he could in an all-or-nothing fifth set, but couldn’t prevail. In both the men’s and the women’s US Open finals, former champions were on center stage. Federer and returning ace, Kim Clijsters. Federer was beaten by Juan Martin Del Potro and Clijsters stormed back to the women’s game, winning her second US Open. This year’s winner is an easy choice: Kim Clijsters wins the US Open.
Artist of the Year:
Past Winner: Coldplay (Viva la Vida)
2009 Nominees: Switchfoot (Hello Hurricane), Nathanael Porembka, The Office (Subtle Sexuality)
For those who know me well, know that Switchfoot is hands down my favorite band. This year they came out with their much anticipated album Hello Hurricane. It did not disappoint. My boyfriend Nathanael Porembka is also a nominee because of his senior fashion these, “The Dawn of Man.” You can watch the show here, but it was moving, emotional and brilliant. The final nominee is the Subtle Sexuality by The Office. I was apprehensive at first, but can I just say that this television show has changed the way we interact and enjoy a sitcom? Amazing! This year’s award goes to my friend and boyfriend, Nathanael Porembka.
Person of the Year:
Past Winner: Barack Obama
This is obviously the toughest award to select. I could pick President Obama again because he has had a busy year. But there are a few others who could be on this list. I could honor Sarah Palin or Nancy Pelosi, but those are all political. This year, I want to honor someone who always amazes me with their ability to add clarity in a blurry world. This year’s honoree is the lead singer of my favorite band, Jon Foreman. With their latest work, Hello Hurricane, Foreman and his band, Switchfoot, have again asked daring life questions, and have done their best to answer them. Their words always help me to question my own personal life and the battles I fight.
Congratulations to all of those who made 2009 the memorable year it was.
This decade now comes to a close; what will 2010-2019 bring … it will soon be history, but lets be sure to live it.
Related posts:
A friend told me about your beautiful site and I am humbled that you mentioned “Riding With the Blue Moth.” Thank you very much.
Bill
Bill,
I loved your book and it sits on my shelf right next to my desk. I loved the little lessons at the end of each day. I hope to someday do a ride just like yours.
I was told about your book years ago by my old boss, Josh Lehman, from the University of Northern Iowa. That’s where I went to school and worked in the media relations department there as a student. I’m definitely glad I read it. I will always recommend it to my friends.
Do you know how your friend came to find my site?
Best wishes Bill!