Wizard of Id by Parker and Hart for December 31, 2015

No, this year they’ll decide the Ice Age is just around the corner again. And after I’d bought an extra case of sun-block, too.

The end of this year.The beginning of 2016.New chances every day.Especially for sandwich board advertisers.

It is still a higher percentage than most political comments elsewhere.

the end of what?

New Year’s Reflections

In New York City people crowdTo watch the lighted ball descendThey count the seconds all as oneTo mark another yearly end

As people cheer and dance aboutWe all reflect on what has passedWhat has gone on in daily livesAround this planet wide and vast

The miracles both great and smallNew friendships made and old ones keptThe loved ones gone and still aroundJoyous laughter, sadness wept

The little things that brought a smileThe great events in distant landsSmall victories both won and lostThe kisses, hugs and holding hands

Another year has come and goneAnother Auld Lang Syne is sungThe ball descends, the clock chimes 12A brand new year has now begun

© “Amalthea Celebras” K.C. Fahel December 31, 1991

And now, the end is near; And so I face the final curtain.My friend, I’ll say it clear, I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain.

I’ve lived a life that’s full.I’ve traveled each and every highway; And more, much more than this, I did it my way….

c/o Frank Sinatra

We broke multiple record highs here in Georgia (USA) during December, including 74* on Christmas Day. And it seems like the entire Eastern US is flooded right now.

What happens today is weather. What happens over 50 years, or centuries, is climate. Yes, the climate has warmed. Where I grew up was glaciated 15k or so ago.

The End is Near!… for 2015, anyway!Goodbye, 2015!Hello, 2016!Happy New Year, One and All!

As we get older mortality becomes more of a promise than a threat.

Barely a year ago two of my three adult children were hospitalized with separate life-threatening conditions (one had a 20% survival rate, the other was not fully diagnosed). In the mornings I would wake up, remember, and be flooded with dread until I told myself “Let us rejoice in this day the Lord has given us.” Even if you are not a believer, remember the wisdom of taking life moment by moment. As the man falling from a tall building said as he passed the second floor, “So far, so good!”

@treesareus“Do you want to check out the catastrophic flooding in the UK… and then NOT tell me that ocean levels are rising?”.A big storm, lots of rain, flooding and you think it came from rising ocean levels?Fascinating.

Don’t say “The End Is Near” to old people. To some it may cause distress and depression.

It doesn’t bother me in the least. What bother’s me is when I was six years old, I was twice as old as my little sister. Now that I am in my late 60’s, she is only three years younger…

Happy New Year, Mastroianni brothers and your families.