For auld lang syne

As the song says: "Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and days of auld lang syne?"

"Auld Lang Syne"—the phrase can be translated as "long, long ago," or "old long since," but I like "old times past"—is a song that asks and answers a question.  The question it asks is clear: Should those we knew and loved be forgotten and never thought of? Should old times past be forgotten? And the song's answer is No, they shouldn't be. We'll remember those times and those people, we'll toast them now and always, we'll keep them close. "We'll take a cup of kindness yet -- for auld lang syne.3

So, here's to all my acquaintances, friends, and loved ones; past and present -- happy 2011!