Thank you for being one of the few men I know of who actually recognizes and honors this statement: “As long as women are judged first on their appearance and ‘sexiness,’ they will always be considered inferior.”
Happy New Year, Kareem and fellow commenters! I’m spending my NYE at the Spurs/Knicks game. Hope all y’all will be doing something enjoyable with your loved ones.
Kareem, your choices for this "take" just before the turning of the year are precious, affecting, and tear-provoking. I'm confident that everyone reading here has been in that airport scene (or its equivalent with a beloved climbing down the stairs of a bus or waving madly as the train screeches to a halt). My most searing one took place at the Hobart, Tasmania, airport, two days after Australia lifted its two-year ban on foreign travelers in February 2022. We emerged from Customs and there were my daughter, son-in-law, and twelve-year-old twin grandsons running, racing, nearly knocking over others waiting for their beloveds, as fast as they could, all of us in tears because for the two years prior we spent many a night fighting the despair that we might never see one another again. And then I think of all those who've been snatched from their loved ones in the past 11 months due to a different virus, a most malevolent, vicious, and cruel one. Ending your missive with James Taylor's words "to love to love to love..." Why else are we here? Thank you for every issue, all the humor and insights, and please let this community know when we can see you in person, say, for example, at a Warriors game. Not that I'm a fan or anything, even if they keep throwing the ball away...
Oh yes. But the Warriors. Steph, Dray, Jimmy B, Gary Payton II (my favorite Leprechaun), Will, Podz' Buddy and all the rest. My favorite team. You have excellent taste.
Likewise. And who can argue with your list? My fave is, eek, on the may-be-traded list: Kuminga. GP II for sure (hilarious), Moody (who doesn’t seem to be), etc. But tbh, my very favorite is Steve Kerr. His story is one apart. (Apologies, KAJ, for hijacking this stream with hoop talk but alas are you not the player of all players?)
I know. Poor JK. He seemed to be completely suited for the Warriors at the beginning and then - almost completely discarded. And of course, Coach Kerr. Couldn't have done it without him and all his life stories and love of the game. And of course, his love and complete admiration of Steph.
That is such a terrific story. Gary's mother had a great influence on him and is probably responsible (so says Gary) for much of his athletic ability. When the Warriors had their first victory parade in San Francisco
6/20/2022, Gary was the one hanging with the crowd and being friendly and shooting out the champagne etc. He is the spark plug for the Warriors. And his attitude is amazing. He says he sleeps very well at night because he doesn't hold grudges. I think I still have photos from that parade.
And the Rodman autograph. Wow!! Where is that guy today anyway? Happy to hear from you.
Good to see parents who are involved in the lives of their children in a positive way. He was very upbeat the day I met him - as compared to Shawn Kemp, who seemed uptight. On the other hand, Rodman was a bit freaky. It was a day or so after there were reports of his death, and I joked with him about that for a few minutes. This year it's Run TMC - Hardaway, Richmond, and Mullin are scheduled to appear. I have all three of their autos - my sons are avid collectors and I facilitate when I can. This is an annual event in NJ, and Kareem has even attended in the past...hint, hint, hint. There are also other athletes from NFL, MLB, and NHL teams who attend - and one year they did a "Major League" (movie) theme with Sheen, Bernsen, Berenger and I think Haysbert was also there.
I got to meet Gary Payton last April (Shawn Kemp and Dennis Rodman too), and he signed a jersey for my son. That same son mailed a trading card to GPII when he was a rookie and it was returned signed and personalized...so, in terms of "father and son" duos, my family is "high" on the Payton family. BTW, Kemp and Rodman signed floorboards for both of my sons.
Great substack newsletter to end the year. Interesting, thought provoking.....and Trump free 😃.
You are right about the comment section of your substack being a community. It is a marvellous thing, and a legacy to be proud of. I dont always comment after reading your articles, but i always read the comments left by other substackers, and it has become almost comforting to see the same names and insightful comments each time. If i dont see familiar names, i wonder if they are okay. Thats what makes this platform a community, and a lonliness beater. Thank you, Kareem, and fellow substackers. Happy New Year, from Australia, to you all.
I love your description of your day, particularly the last bit about ignoring offers to do things you don't want to do. Have a wonderful end of the year and beginning of the next.
I just love those dog-reunion videos. James Taylor was an "old soul" with a soothing voice at such a young age. Happy 90th birthday to Sandy Koufax, the undisputed pitching champ of his era. I was 15 when he became the youngest man ever elected to baseball's Hall of Fame. Time marches (accelerates, now) on.
Kareem, a very Happy New Year! “Endings…ignoring…something I don’t want to do.” It brings me joy to say No, I’m not doing that, not going here or there; not being pressured to be with others just because it’s the Holidays. And we wonder why fights occur. I love my solitude and sanctuary. Women have always silenced themselves to be accepted: for marriage, jobs, friendships, sororities and social settings, even motherhood for careers. Women’s Lib ushered in some freedoms, but Project 2025 is usurping in full…Endings!
There’s a vast difference between being alone and being lonely. I love my solitude, even at 82. I don’t think there’s a more miserable feeling than feeling totally alone in a crowd, even in a crowd of family.
Have a wonderful 2026. Hope we make it to 2027 as a nation.
Hello, my dear. I was late in reading because my darling took me shopping this morning to stock up on canned goods and other heavy items. As we returned, I remembered that Kareem had said he would be back on the 30th. So glad to find you here too. Onwards and upwards . . .
Hi Katharine. I arrived late to the newsletter-expecting it on Friday-even though he’d said the 30th. Glad you’re OK, and seemingly, a rejuvenated Katharine. Mind wonders, when your comments are not there; primarily, of your well-being. Let’s do our best in 2026, as we go “onwards and upwards”.
Thank you Kareem for pointing out something I've known for many years. We are still like adolescents into our 30s. We only quit thinking and acting like those very young people until our bodies age and can't do the crazy things we used to do. Of course many of us refuse to believe it and still want to be young. I have been 19 for nearly all of my adult life. Wasn't it Jack Benny who was eternally 39? When people ask my age I tell them it's on a need to know basis only. It's all so interesting that everything is being delineated and codified but I believe that sometimes the mystery of it all is far better than knowing everything because it leaves so much to explore and discover. Even about ourselves.
The video of the boy and his Pittie. Beautiful. Love. All those wet kisses. Pitties, so reviled today, were known as the nurse dogs because they were excellent with children and loved and guarded the babies.
Girls and how they perceive themselves today is sad. You are only accepted if your appearance is perfection and beautiful but don't expect any promotions for brains because you're only here to be looked at, nothing more. So outrageous. Oh yes. I remember Women's Lib. Bra burning, going braless, standing up to the male oppressors and their female acolytes. Was it all for naught?
The New Year is upon us. Do you believe in resolutions? May we all strive to work together to preserve our freedom and democracy and to be kinder and more loving. Love spreads positive ripples throughout the universe.
Peace and Love Kareem. And a very happy and healthy New Year to you. 2026 ♥️
I look forward to your posts and I’m never disappointed. You’re one of three writers I follow closely to get through the insanity of a world that seems turned upside down. Two of the three are historians: you and Heather Cox Richardson. The third is Virginia Heffernan. I regard the three of you as a lifeline in this insanity; I’m not being hyperbolic. Thank you!
Yes, yes, Ken1. It has been very helpful to have Substack writers and thinkers available to us. Glad you posted this and found a use for the word hyperbole.
The study about teenage girls reflected my experience as a teenager and I am now 74. I was an outspoken little girl in grade school regarded as a leader by my teachers. My sixth grade teachers predicted at our graduation ceremony that I would be the first female vice-president or president of the United States. Then I became a teenager and I became silent. The real me went into hiding until I started college and then I was back. There are some who advocate for separate schooling for boys and girls. Separate schooling addresses the specific needs of both boys and girls, or so they say. I’m not sure what the answer is but I do not look back fondly on my teenage years.
I loved your reflection on endings. Happy New Year.
Love Actually is definitely one of the best movies ever. The cast, the stories, the humor and heartbreak -- it's all there.
I'm 66. When I was a teenage girl I also held my tongue for fear of being rejected (or worse, when it came to my abusive father). I'm not surprised that continues today. We have not come as far as we'd like to think, and now we're headed backward. I know I'm just a few years away from being treated by society in general as a non-entity as an elderly woman, despite having completed a full marathon and a 50K (31 miles) run at age 65. Some see me as badass for that, but that will be old news when I'm 77 and I'll be further relegated to lesser than.
Hey Liz. I'm 80 now heading into my 81st next July. And I am still badass. Not at running but at living and loving! Congratulations on the marathon etc.
I am 74 and starting to get that "non-entity" treatment. Also, I am a widow, which makes it even more so. BTW, I am still running-not any marathons but cranking some miles (slowly) out.
@Liz, I never held my tongue. At almost 79, I try to use improve to “say it better” and don’t always succeed. It seems like such a waste of time to not say things initially, observing the process move steadily in a not great direction. I wonder why I didn’t care when younger either.
Thank you Kareem for no mention of the orange orangutan ( with apologies to the noble animal!) in this one. I’m from San Francisco and currently spend most time in Europe and the joy of being able to avoid the constant chaotic BS of that person and all the diatribe/ divisive BS is enormous. I read the NY Times and Italian papers and follow it all, but purposely read books, watch sports, movies and find some comedy each day to laugh. Otherwise I get angry and depressed. I enjoy very much your thoughts in your writings and the other things you bring to the table in your emails….However I really don’t want to even see that T….p name in print or elsewhere. Obviously you point out the horrible things he & his band of idiots do and that is appropriate for anything you want to share… I just would plead for a little less focus on that at times. It is bad enough to see all of his racism, idiocy, ignorance, xenophobia, un-American thoughts and actions, etc. everywhere else in the media….
I’ve always admired your intellect, thoughts and ideas and read all those with pleasure. We have also your books…You also were kind enough once to respond in writing to my son Joaquin once, which he has in a frame on his wall…
All this I write with great respect to you- you are a human being of great humanity and have a wonderful anima(profound soul in Italian).
All the best to you and yours and Happy New year! Tomas Arana ps- as a lover of Jazz, I’m sure you know the great photos of my late friend, Herman Leonard…..Hermanleonard.com
As always, Kareem. we're on the same wavelength. Each day we have left is meant to be enjoyed, and I must say your recommedntions have added to many good times for me. It definitely ain't over til it's over. The fight to save democracy is energizing a lot of us old folks. Happy New Year to everyone!
Loved, LOVED, LOVED this edition. Especially the bit on aging. I am older than dirt, and every time I start whining about aches and pains I mentally slap myself and think of friends and family who never had the chance to be crabby about it. p.s. and while we can't put our heads in the sand, how lovely to read a Trump-free anything. I didn't realize until after the fact how refreshing it was.
Thank you, Kareem, for another superb Substack. Even though you didn’t mention the Disgusting One or his team of morons, there was plenty to be disturbed by. I appreciate your well-rounded inclusion of all parts of life, from loneliness to joy to creativity. You’re a blessing to the world.
I am, as always, so grateful for your Substack, the only one I read regularly and fully. I was struck today by this line: "It’s hard to believe that in this age of social media, Zoom, and social apps to connect like-minded people, Americans are even lonelier than they were seven years ago." Of course I know that you know that it is those very cyber forms of communication that contribute to disconnection: they connect people's curated images or, with Zoom, their pixels, and so many people rely on texting to communicate (asynchronous and atonal, though prone to being experienced as having a harshly negative tone) instead of picking up the phone and having a synchronous, tonal conversation or, better yet, meeting up with people in person. And yet your newsletter and the comments it attracts really do feel like people speaking to one another. I think it is because you set such a beautiful tone of realness, combining clarity and thoughtfulness with caring and vulnerability. I know we are extremely unlikely to ever meet in real life, but I am grateful for the opportunity to know you through your writing. With gratitude and wishes for you and yours to have a happy and healthy New Year. Here's hoping it's better than the one we're leaving behind.
Thank you for being one of the few men I know of who actually recognizes and honors this statement: “As long as women are judged first on their appearance and ‘sexiness,’ they will always be considered inferior.”
Happy New Year, Kareem and fellow commenters! I’m spending my NYE at the Spurs/Knicks game. Hope all y’all will be doing something enjoyable with your loved ones.
Lucky you. The Spurs and Wemby and the team. How fun. And the Knicks and Brunson and the rest, of course. What a great NYE. Enjoy. 🍾🏀
Kareem, your choices for this "take" just before the turning of the year are precious, affecting, and tear-provoking. I'm confident that everyone reading here has been in that airport scene (or its equivalent with a beloved climbing down the stairs of a bus or waving madly as the train screeches to a halt). My most searing one took place at the Hobart, Tasmania, airport, two days after Australia lifted its two-year ban on foreign travelers in February 2022. We emerged from Customs and there were my daughter, son-in-law, and twelve-year-old twin grandsons running, racing, nearly knocking over others waiting for their beloveds, as fast as they could, all of us in tears because for the two years prior we spent many a night fighting the despair that we might never see one another again. And then I think of all those who've been snatched from their loved ones in the past 11 months due to a different virus, a most malevolent, vicious, and cruel one. Ending your missive with James Taylor's words "to love to love to love..." Why else are we here? Thank you for every issue, all the humor and insights, and please let this community know when we can see you in person, say, for example, at a Warriors game. Not that I'm a fan or anything, even if they keep throwing the ball away...
Oh yes. But the Warriors. Steph, Dray, Jimmy B, Gary Payton II (my favorite Leprechaun), Will, Podz' Buddy and all the rest. My favorite team. You have excellent taste.
Likewise. And who can argue with your list? My fave is, eek, on the may-be-traded list: Kuminga. GP II for sure (hilarious), Moody (who doesn’t seem to be), etc. But tbh, my very favorite is Steve Kerr. His story is one apart. (Apologies, KAJ, for hijacking this stream with hoop talk but alas are you not the player of all players?)
I know. Poor JK. He seemed to be completely suited for the Warriors at the beginning and then - almost completely discarded. And of course, Coach Kerr. Couldn't have done it without him and all his life stories and love of the game. And of course, his love and complete admiration of Steph.
Love GPII - and his dad too!
That is such a terrific story. Gary's mother had a great influence on him and is probably responsible (so says Gary) for much of his athletic ability. When the Warriors had their first victory parade in San Francisco
6/20/2022, Gary was the one hanging with the crowd and being friendly and shooting out the champagne etc. He is the spark plug for the Warriors. And his attitude is amazing. He says he sleeps very well at night because he doesn't hold grudges. I think I still have photos from that parade.
And the Rodman autograph. Wow!! Where is that guy today anyway? Happy to hear from you.
Good to see parents who are involved in the lives of their children in a positive way. He was very upbeat the day I met him - as compared to Shawn Kemp, who seemed uptight. On the other hand, Rodman was a bit freaky. It was a day or so after there were reports of his death, and I joked with him about that for a few minutes. This year it's Run TMC - Hardaway, Richmond, and Mullin are scheduled to appear. I have all three of their autos - my sons are avid collectors and I facilitate when I can. This is an annual event in NJ, and Kareem has even attended in the past...hint, hint, hint. There are also other athletes from NFL, MLB, and NHL teams who attend - and one year they did a "Major League" (movie) theme with Sheen, Bernsen, Berenger and I think Haysbert was also there.
Are you watching right now? Warriors at the Hornets. Halftime 69-64 Warriors. Steph has 15.
There is now the Stephen Curry Interchange in NC. 🏀
Yes, but where's Kuminga? I feel that Kerr is not using him enough.
Great minds think alike 😉
I got to meet Gary Payton last April (Shawn Kemp and Dennis Rodman too), and he signed a jersey for my son. That same son mailed a trading card to GPII when he was a rookie and it was returned signed and personalized...so, in terms of "father and son" duos, my family is "high" on the Payton family. BTW, Kemp and Rodman signed floorboards for both of my sons.
Great substack newsletter to end the year. Interesting, thought provoking.....and Trump free 😃.
You are right about the comment section of your substack being a community. It is a marvellous thing, and a legacy to be proud of. I dont always comment after reading your articles, but i always read the comments left by other substackers, and it has become almost comforting to see the same names and insightful comments each time. If i dont see familiar names, i wonder if they are okay. Thats what makes this platform a community, and a lonliness beater. Thank you, Kareem, and fellow substackers. Happy New Year, from Australia, to you all.
I love your description of your day, particularly the last bit about ignoring offers to do things you don't want to do. Have a wonderful end of the year and beginning of the next.
I have found this to be one of my favorite things about being retired.
I’m moving more toward that. Saying no more often. Kareem is a good guide.
I just love those dog-reunion videos. James Taylor was an "old soul" with a soothing voice at such a young age. Happy 90th birthday to Sandy Koufax, the undisputed pitching champ of his era. I was 15 when he became the youngest man ever elected to baseball's Hall of Fame. Time marches (accelerates, now) on.
Sandy Koufax. The greatest pitcher of all time. ⚾
He’s not! 90! I had such a crush on him… now tho I realize he’s only 12 years older. How strange.
Kareem, a very Happy New Year! “Endings…ignoring…something I don’t want to do.” It brings me joy to say No, I’m not doing that, not going here or there; not being pressured to be with others just because it’s the Holidays. And we wonder why fights occur. I love my solitude and sanctuary. Women have always silenced themselves to be accepted: for marriage, jobs, friendships, sororities and social settings, even motherhood for careers. Women’s Lib ushered in some freedoms, but Project 2025 is usurping in full…Endings!
There’s a vast difference between being alone and being lonely. I love my solitude, even at 82. I don’t think there’s a more miserable feeling than feeling totally alone in a crowd, even in a crowd of family.
Have a wonderful 2026. Hope we make it to 2027 as a nation.
Very true, Catt.😂. I shall, and you, too, have a grand 2026! We’ll probably make it through 2027, but with every aid apparatus ever made or crawling.
Hello, my dear. I was late in reading because my darling took me shopping this morning to stock up on canned goods and other heavy items. As we returned, I remembered that Kareem had said he would be back on the 30th. So glad to find you here too. Onwards and upwards . . .
Hi Katharine. I arrived late to the newsletter-expecting it on Friday-even though he’d said the 30th. Glad you’re OK, and seemingly, a rejuvenated Katharine. Mind wonders, when your comments are not there; primarily, of your well-being. Let’s do our best in 2026, as we go “onwards and upwards”.
Thanks for your well wishes. Modern medicine is miraculous.
Thank you Kareem for pointing out something I've known for many years. We are still like adolescents into our 30s. We only quit thinking and acting like those very young people until our bodies age and can't do the crazy things we used to do. Of course many of us refuse to believe it and still want to be young. I have been 19 for nearly all of my adult life. Wasn't it Jack Benny who was eternally 39? When people ask my age I tell them it's on a need to know basis only. It's all so interesting that everything is being delineated and codified but I believe that sometimes the mystery of it all is far better than knowing everything because it leaves so much to explore and discover. Even about ourselves.
The video of the boy and his Pittie. Beautiful. Love. All those wet kisses. Pitties, so reviled today, were known as the nurse dogs because they were excellent with children and loved and guarded the babies.
Girls and how they perceive themselves today is sad. You are only accepted if your appearance is perfection and beautiful but don't expect any promotions for brains because you're only here to be looked at, nothing more. So outrageous. Oh yes. I remember Women's Lib. Bra burning, going braless, standing up to the male oppressors and their female acolytes. Was it all for naught?
The New Year is upon us. Do you believe in resolutions? May we all strive to work together to preserve our freedom and democracy and to be kinder and more loving. Love spreads positive ripples throughout the universe.
Peace and Love Kareem. And a very happy and healthy New Year to you. 2026 ♥️
I look forward to your posts and I’m never disappointed. You’re one of three writers I follow closely to get through the insanity of a world that seems turned upside down. Two of the three are historians: you and Heather Cox Richardson. The third is Virginia Heffernan. I regard the three of you as a lifeline in this insanity; I’m not being hyperbolic. Thank you!
Yes, yes, Ken1. It has been very helpful to have Substack writers and thinkers available to us. Glad you posted this and found a use for the word hyperbole.
The study about teenage girls reflected my experience as a teenager and I am now 74. I was an outspoken little girl in grade school regarded as a leader by my teachers. My sixth grade teachers predicted at our graduation ceremony that I would be the first female vice-president or president of the United States. Then I became a teenager and I became silent. The real me went into hiding until I started college and then I was back. There are some who advocate for separate schooling for boys and girls. Separate schooling addresses the specific needs of both boys and girls, or so they say. I’m not sure what the answer is but I do not look back fondly on my teenage years.
I loved your reflection on endings. Happy New Year.
I was called bossy in third grade. It shut me up for sure. And I'm 66.
This makes me sad. Your hiding.
Love Actually is definitely one of the best movies ever. The cast, the stories, the humor and heartbreak -- it's all there.
I'm 66. When I was a teenage girl I also held my tongue for fear of being rejected (or worse, when it came to my abusive father). I'm not surprised that continues today. We have not come as far as we'd like to think, and now we're headed backward. I know I'm just a few years away from being treated by society in general as a non-entity as an elderly woman, despite having completed a full marathon and a 50K (31 miles) run at age 65. Some see me as badass for that, but that will be old news when I'm 77 and I'll be further relegated to lesser than.
Hey Liz. I'm 80 now heading into my 81st next July. And I am still badass. Not at running but at living and loving! Congratulations on the marathon etc.
I am 74 and starting to get that "non-entity" treatment. Also, I am a widow, which makes it even more so. BTW, I am still running-not any marathons but cranking some miles (slowly) out.
I was dead last in the 50K. To finish is to win! We're a couple of badass old broads!
My id tag on my FitBit, after the names and numbers of my husband and son, says "Tough Old Broad." Keep it up!
"To finish is to win." Damn right!! I am impressed. I often use "2 old 2 run" as an id. How many times do I hear that? I get the last laugh.
@Liz, I never held my tongue. At almost 79, I try to use improve to “say it better” and don’t always succeed. It seems like such a waste of time to not say things initially, observing the process move steadily in a not great direction. I wonder why I didn’t care when younger either.
Thank you Kareem for no mention of the orange orangutan ( with apologies to the noble animal!) in this one. I’m from San Francisco and currently spend most time in Europe and the joy of being able to avoid the constant chaotic BS of that person and all the diatribe/ divisive BS is enormous. I read the NY Times and Italian papers and follow it all, but purposely read books, watch sports, movies and find some comedy each day to laugh. Otherwise I get angry and depressed. I enjoy very much your thoughts in your writings and the other things you bring to the table in your emails….However I really don’t want to even see that T….p name in print or elsewhere. Obviously you point out the horrible things he & his band of idiots do and that is appropriate for anything you want to share… I just would plead for a little less focus on that at times. It is bad enough to see all of his racism, idiocy, ignorance, xenophobia, un-American thoughts and actions, etc. everywhere else in the media….
I’ve always admired your intellect, thoughts and ideas and read all those with pleasure. We have also your books…You also were kind enough once to respond in writing to my son Joaquin once, which he has in a frame on his wall…
All this I write with great respect to you- you are a human being of great humanity and have a wonderful anima(profound soul in Italian).
All the best to you and yours and Happy New year! Tomas Arana ps- as a lover of Jazz, I’m sure you know the great photos of my late friend, Herman Leonard…..Hermanleonard.com
As always, Kareem. we're on the same wavelength. Each day we have left is meant to be enjoyed, and I must say your recommedntions have added to many good times for me. It definitely ain't over til it's over. The fight to save democracy is energizing a lot of us old folks. Happy New Year to everyone!
Loved, LOVED, LOVED this edition. Especially the bit on aging. I am older than dirt, and every time I start whining about aches and pains I mentally slap myself and think of friends and family who never had the chance to be crabby about it. p.s. and while we can't put our heads in the sand, how lovely to read a Trump-free anything. I didn't realize until after the fact how refreshing it was.
At the very least, old age beats the alternative.
Thank you, Kareem, for another superb Substack. Even though you didn’t mention the Disgusting One or his team of morons, there was plenty to be disturbed by. I appreciate your well-rounded inclusion of all parts of life, from loneliness to joy to creativity. You’re a blessing to the world.
I am, as always, so grateful for your Substack, the only one I read regularly and fully. I was struck today by this line: "It’s hard to believe that in this age of social media, Zoom, and social apps to connect like-minded people, Americans are even lonelier than they were seven years ago." Of course I know that you know that it is those very cyber forms of communication that contribute to disconnection: they connect people's curated images or, with Zoom, their pixels, and so many people rely on texting to communicate (asynchronous and atonal, though prone to being experienced as having a harshly negative tone) instead of picking up the phone and having a synchronous, tonal conversation or, better yet, meeting up with people in person. And yet your newsletter and the comments it attracts really do feel like people speaking to one another. I think it is because you set such a beautiful tone of realness, combining clarity and thoughtfulness with caring and vulnerability. I know we are extremely unlikely to ever meet in real life, but I am grateful for the opportunity to know you through your writing. With gratitude and wishes for you and yours to have a happy and healthy New Year. Here's hoping it's better than the one we're leaving behind.
O, yes, Kareem, you surely are connected with all of us through your column, and how we appreciate you!