Yes, it’s that time of the year again, where we pause, rewind, replay, then fast-forward.

Well, the American eagle got tired of sitting on his perch, waiting for world approval before finally deciding that it is moral to defend ourselves, and that the only way to win is by fighting on the enemy’s turf, instead of cowering behind some kind of homeland security joke. As a New Yorker, I’ll feel much safer when the eagle lands on two or three more snakes in that barbaric region.

What a year it was for DVD releases. The mighty Led Zeppelin compilation is simply the best thing I’ve ever seen on DVD. Rush in Rio gave me greater insight and enjoyment of a show I witnessed first hand. The Concert for George was an excellent tribute to the only taxman I ever liked.

How the West was Won and Sixty-Six to Timbuktu were favorite CD releases. The best new music I heard came from a Brazilian singer named Maria Rita.

The Return of the King closed out the fabulous Lord of the Rings trilogy and came closest to portraying Tolkien’s beauty--eagles soared there and back again. As with the book, I was sad to see it end.

The Man of La Mancha was the best theatrical experience I had this year, although Blanca gets credit for Top performance by a dancer. Al Pacino and Marisa Tomei were flawless in Salome.

Seeing King Crimson/Living Colour first row at the Beacon Theater was superb--and it garnered me a drumstick.

Blanca helped end the year on a high by throwing a birthday bash for me--my first big one in ages. I also continued my voracious reading habit. This year it was mostly stock market related, but I did finish off Atlas Shrugged for the 13th time.

I actually bought my first computer since the ’80s (thanks Merrill Lynch for the freebees over the past dozen years) and it has enhanced my productivity.

This year I did less traveling than in any other in more than a decade. I stayed closer to home for two major reasons: a career change, venturing on my own into stock market speculation and the formation of the New York Heroes Society. I didn’t earn the big money I anticipated, but I did attend the school of hard knocks with relatively little expense. Next year I’ll graduate and then soar with the eagles financially.

Wishing you and yours the best in 2004.

Top 10 Achievements of 2003

10. Judged Phase I and II of both The Fountainhead
......and Anthem essay contests.
9.. .Proofread two books that were published Crosspoints and
......Forgotten Delights: The Producers.
8... Swam 70,000 yards (40 miles) in October.
7... Went one whole month without eating sweets.
6... Letters published in Investors Business Daily,
......NY Sun, NY Post and Newsday.
5... Gave speech at Columbia University,
......excerpt shown on television.
4... Started writing the Capitalist Speculator a monthly bulletin
......covering my stock market activities.
3... Two television interviews where I held my own against a
......hostile guest, host and audience.
2... Organized two Celebrate Self gatherings, which led to
......the formation of the NY Heroes Society.
1... Celebrated seven fabulous years with Blanca.

Goals for 2004

1... Complete Most High dance with my most high counterpart, Blanca.
2.. .Earn Big Money.
3... Get the NY Heroes Society off the ground running.
4... Average more than 40 hours week researching
..... the stock market.
5... Introspect daily.
6... More television appearances.
7... Sugar free two months.
8... Average swimming more than 55,000 yards (31 miles) a month.
9... Clutter-free apartment.
10...Earn third Competent Toastmasters award.