Life goes on? (Published in the E-R, 1/4)

You no doubt have noticed I haven't said much lately about the state of our nation. Well, a few things have gone right recently, and I fear a little less for the safety of you and yours.

However, I am filled with some dread for myself. The subject of death panels is still with us. Lurking in the dark recesses of government are some ghouls who believe they have the right to tell me whether I should live or die.

There was a time, not long ago, when my mortality was strictly a subject of discussion between me and my doctor. Even my loving family didn't have to be consulted, although I suspect I will ask for their input when I near the end, if I am capable.

What I know well is that I'll never need some government officials, who wish to protect their pensions, to decide whether or not my life is as important as their continued service and anticipated windfall at the end thereof.

My Happy New Year must include the repeal of death panels.

Jay Leno:

"Natalie Portman [who can now be seen in 'Black Swan'] has declined the invitation to appear on 'Dancing with the Stars,' because she CAN dance, and she actually IS a star."

. . . are meant to be broken

I broke my own rule, and watched my third reality show this year -- The Sing-Off -- a cappella groups competing. My favorite, from their first appearance, finished second at the end. They are still the best of the group.

It started appropriately, with only those who had a chance to win performing. (Good) The judges praised everything, probably because they had already eliminated the deadwood. It was a shame that anyone had to lose. They won $100,000 and a recording contract (distribution not necessarily assured?).

I voted by phone, as if that meant anything. I give it a "B" for entertainment, and presentation, in that it didn't insult my intelligence, but did take up more of my time than I wanted to give. I didn't watch the advertising. . . as usual.

PARENTHETICALLY: Judge Ben Folds of "The Ben Folds Five," a college graduate in musicology, knows his music, but can't sing.

Reaction to the choice of Zuckerberg

Following in the tradition which began with the selection of Adolf Hitler in 1938 before the complete nature of his character was revealed, Time's Person of the Year should be Barack Obama, who encouragingly seems to be less resolute, and more amenable to flip-flopping.

Education, briefly encapsulated (again)

Ultimately, the children are responsible for their own education. Their parents are charged with preparing them to be receptive to and respectful of their teachers. The teachers are there to help the parents to fufill their educational duties. Teachers, like books, are a resource, not baby sitters.

BULLYING: Bullies are psychologically weak and insecure people, and they can only offend you if you let them. The only advice needed is to demonstrate your superiority by ignoring them. Don't children's parents tell them that?

Remember Pearl Harbor

Sixty-nine years ago today, it was my father's 40th birthday. It was a Sunday, and after we went to 11 o'clock Mass at St. Stephen's Church, mother served an early dinner, probably of chicken, which used to be considered a delicacy. The evening's entertainment was to be radio, starting at 7 p.m. I believe Sunday was The Jack Benny Program night. He was, of course, a comic genius.

However, when we turned on the Philco, we were greeted with the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor. In the days that followed, I was concerned that my father would have to go to war, but he assured me he wouldn't. At that time, I was unaware of his previous convoluted military service, but last night, I wondered if Uncle Sam ever tried to find him under the fictitious name which he never used again.

Not until the election of President Obama did I ever worry that my country might not keep me safe. This holiday season, you can enjoy their latest attempt by being groped at the airport. So far, most people don't believe that procedure is too invasive, but we must guard against further intrusion, lest we fail to remember Pearl Harbor.

SOMETHING I PROBABLY SHOULDN'T EXPRESS IN THE LOCAL COLLEGE TOWN MEDIA: A bicycle is a toy for children and people who act like children.

A Quiniela (or Quinella)

I finally tried the pari-mutuel betting option popularly pronounced quinella, with some success. For a minimum of $2, you can wager which horses will finish first and second, in either order.

Our race had six entries, so I bet our horse with each of the others. . . a $10 investment. When he finished second, and a long shot won, I pocketed $51.20. Obviously, that was the most fortuitous outcome, but I suspect the worse would have been breaking even, and "as we all know," Breaking Even is horse racing's middle name, except for Arab sheiks and Redford and Newman in "The Sting."

Four for TV (so far neglected)

1. I once spent 2 1/2 months in a skilled nursing facility learning to walk with my repaired hip. My roommate could not hold down his food, but no doctor was ever seen on the premises. He had Medicaid and a I have Medicare. Why should criminals get better medical care than us law-abiding citizens?

2. Government extorts money from employers to pay for unemployment insurance. I was eligible twice, but I refused to apply because the rules encourage lying. The premiums should have been returned to my former employers.

3. President Obama is obviously intent on destroying all oil companies. His unreasonable hatred could bring the wheels of progress to a grinding halt. He seems to forget that oil can be used to create the electricity that powers those Smart kiddie cars.

4. If the State of California insists upon providing vehicles for people who can afford to buy their own, the least it could do is furnish some of those ugly, half-sized kiddie cars, and the inconvenient ones that need charging every 40 miles, instead of safe, comfortable and dependable Cadillacs and Lexuses.