Some random comments...

Isn’t it interesting that after the oil companies made record profits for several consecutive quarters, prices at the pumps are finally dropping right before the Congressional elections? Do you think big business is a bit afraid of the Democrats being in power?

I remember where I was when I heard that JFK was shot but not when I heard that Richard Nixon resigned.

I look favorably upon Italian-American celebrities, both such old-timers as Frank Sinatra and Joe DiMaggio and recent celebrities such as Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino. I have a certain amount of pique though at those who change their names so as not to sound Italian, such as Billy Martin, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett.

My list of favorite musicians started with Dion and progressed through the Dave Clark 5, Moody Blues, Bruce Springsteen, Chris de Burgh, and currently is Richard Thompson.

My list of favorite writers began with Clifford D. Simak and progressed through Robert Silverberg to Michael Bishop.

How can schools expect students to follow the rules when some teachers either do not bother enforcing them, or blatantly violate the rules themselves? Occasionally while I am walking through the hallway at school I pass a teacher using a cell phone.

I guess it is expecting too much of a single artist to complain that musician Bruce Springsteen never maintained his 1970s quality after The River.

I guess it is expecting too much of a single writer to complain that writer Roger Zelazny never maintained his 1960s quality after Lord of Light.

I have no interest in the book version of The DaVinci Code, since I do not enjoy either thrillers or totally-invented-by-the-seat-of-the-pants history. However, I have considerably lower standards for movies, so I might see the video when it is released . Since we get videos for free, it will be a lesser investment in time and none in money.