Trinity Church Hallelujah Chorus 2006

These are dire times -- in NYC and everywhere else. The awful economy, terrorism, endless war, political corruption -- you name, we've seen better days. And while things may improve eventually, the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is a long way off.

Plus I'm fighting a nasty cold that just won't quit -- sort of like the Governor of Illinois.

This is generally an upbeat blog but it's getting increasingly hard to keep it that way when there's so little to be upbeat about. Yet it's important at this time of year to count your blessings and be grateful for what we do have. Things could always be worse ... a thought that's both comforting and depressing at the same time.

And while things might be bleak right now, I try never to forget that there is and always will be beauty in it. Beautiful things like Hallelujah chorus from Handel's Messiah. This was recorded two years ago at Trinity Church on Wall Street. Listening to it makes me happy and I hope it will make you happy too.