Well, here we go again. It is that time of the year when we look at the past, present and future. This year was one for rocking around the clock, as I attended more concerts than I can ever recall. Rush eight times, Robert Plant and The Who twice at the Garden, Yes at Radio City, Alice Cooper at the Beacon Theater for Halloween, and I stood five feet from the stage for The Rolling Stones at Roseland. None of these older rockers had one minute of down time during their shows.

It was also the year for reading as I read over 75 books. Two friends had novels published (Andy Bernsteinâs Heart of a Pagan and Casey Fahyâs The Seven Isles of Ameulas). Also, my favorite living writer, Neil Peart, detailed how he overcame the death of his daughter and wife--in consecutive years--in Ghost Rider. I also proofread two fabulous works that will have an impact in the future.

A couple of gigantic financial opportunities blew up in my face÷but we wonât get fooled again. This past year had a college student feel to it as I studied a lot but didnât make any money. Next year I will continue studying and plan to cash in on my knowledge.

My first visit to Rio de Janeiro in ten years was another highlight as it was wonderful to see old friends and meet new ones in a city I love.

Unfortunately, a few more close friends/relatives passed away and/or had health concerns, which made the year less happy or productive.

Rushâs Vapor Trails, Robert Plantâs Dreamland and the soundtrack of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers were tops musically. Spider-Man, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and My Big Fat Greek Wedding were favorite films.

The Broadway shows I enjoyed this year were Aida, Noises Off and The Crucible. Another show I was thoroughly pleased with was Goddessdance, which featured my wife Blanca.

As American flags disappear I fear we are falling back into the pragmatic, appeasing way of life that led to an attack on our soil. As we continue to suck up to every dictatorship on the planet (as well as the UN), I see that September 11 hasnât taught us much. What is stopping another massive attack? Time will tell, but I am doing my part to prevent this from happening. Perhaps one day the real Two Towers will rise again and we will once more be the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Top 10 Achievements of 2002

10. Finished reading El Manantial (The Fountainhead in Spanish).

9... Two more Letters to the Editor published, plus two letters
......read on The OâReilly Factor.

8... Treated my sisters: Theresa to Las Vegas and P to Mexico.

7... Wrote eulogy for my beloved Aunt Grace Liso.

6... Assisted James S. Valliant on The Passion of Ayn Randâs Critic.
5. ..Flew 5,000 miles to see Rush in Rio de Janeiro and landed
..... in the first row.
4... Impromptu dance performance and lesson for orphans in Mexico.
3... Spearheaded chapter meetings for Patriots for the Defense
..... of America.
2... Judged 200 high school essays for The Fountainhead contest,
..... including the 2nd prize winner.
1... Celebrated six fabulous years with my counterpart, Blanca.

Goals for 2003

1... Happiness with my precious wife, Blanca.

2... Earn Big Money.

3... Help make Patriots for the Defense of America a steady force in
..... the culture.

4... Compete in 1,500 meter swim race.

5... Donate 30 copies of Anthem and The Fountainhead to Curtis
..... High School.

6... Have an op-ed published.

7... Finish Introduction to Writing course on the internet.

8... Dance on stage.

9... Better nutrition: five fruits and vegetables daily.

10. Entertain more guests regularly in our home.