2022 went by in a blur and here we are, on the cusp of another brand-new year.  Here’s the best, the worst, and the most interesting of 2022, in no particular order: 

BEST CONGRESSIONAL HEARING: The January 6 Committee, which exposed with amazing clarity the many tangled webs of lies, deceit, and cover-up spun by the disgraced ex-President and his minions. 

BEST WITNESS: Without a doubt, this honor goes to the bravest, most honest young woman in D.C., Cassidy Hutchinson, who when urged to say, “I don’t recall,” by her lawyer, instead decided to tell the truth of what she witnessed in the days leading up to and including January 6. 

BEST PUBLIC SERVANT: Liz Cheney, for her fearless leadership of the January 6 Committee. 

MOST MOVING PUBLIC CEREMONY: The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. 

BRAVEST LEADER: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of the brave Ukrainian people. 

MOST DESPICABLE LEADER CURRENTLY IN POWER: Vladimir Putin, Russian dictator. 

MOST INTENSE DOMESTIC PUBLIC DRAMA: The continuing palace intrigues and outtrigues of the House of Windsor, both here and in the U.K. It is all quite wearying. 

BEST MOVIE: While for my son the vote is “Top Gun: Maverick,” I’d have to say that “Nope” takes the prize for me. For my granddaughter Adeline, the best movie was “Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical.” My sister Billie would probably vote for “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.” Honorable mention to “My Policeman,” “Glass Onion,” and “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.” 

BEST STREAMING SERIES:  This is where we spend most of our entertainment time.  For comedy, my daughter Liz chooses “Only Murders in the Building” and for drama, the second season of “White Lotus.” 

BEST BROADWAY SHOW SEEN THIS YEAR: For me, it would be the revival of “Into the Woods.” Liz concurs. 

BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE BY PEOPLE I ACTUALLY KNOW: The Nutcracker ballet, presented by TADA, Tampa Arts and Drama Academy, especially the performances of my grand-nieces Emily as Arabian and Peyton as Clara, with a special appearance by my nephew, their dad, Chris as Clara’s father in the opening Party Scene. Amazing! 

It’s been a long year that zipped by in an instant. Looking forward to more adventures in 2023. May it be a happy, healthy one for us all!