Auld Lang Syne

As Sally said, maybe it just means thanks for old friends. On this New Year's Eve, L.O. would like to take a moment to express Auld Lang Syne to L.O.'s friends and compatriots. May the New Year bring blessings and good health, and may this New Year 2005 pass without receding hairlines or expanding waistlines.

2004 was a difficult year. It was, above all, a transition year. Sadness and confusion at the continued passing of the old order all of us have been used to, and hope and trepidation at the thought of new beginnings characterized this year more than most. 2004 can be said to leave its account with us as mixed. And yet, as long as all of us have some semblance of health and have at least one or two loved ones to cherish and feel close to, the year can be said to be successful.

The year 2005 will probably be difficult as well. 2005 is a year that cannot be wasted. Much has to be done. The work remains and the work begins.

L.O. encourages readers to examine those that have passed on this year by visiting wordcampaign.blogspot.com. But L.O. cautions them by stating that he is not to be trusted on matters regarding the Yankees--as his words are tainted by bitterness. Even his statistics, to paraphrase John Milton, take on the metallic taste of poisonous bile. L.O. adds one more name to the list of the dead: legendary curmudgeon and musician Artie Shaw. Shaw was a clarinet player of masterful skill for twenty five years and a cranky bastard for the next 50. But why did the CDM have to take him at the end of the year? To taunt us? Damn you, CDM!!!

Best wishes for the New Year. See you all in 2005.