Perhaps South Boston Online is taking advantage of a New Year’s Day that falls exactly midway between the times that our last-of-2005 and first-of-2006 issues hit the streets.  Well, so be it.  Just one more time, we wish you a bodaciously Happy and Prosperous New Year.

     In this New Year, there are many things we, the staff at Online, can do without.  Their absence will add to our chances for happiness in 2006.  Read on to see if you agree.

     First of all, we don’t care what a politician’s party allegiance is.  They should stop running for election (or re-election) until the campaign year is here.  That means, especially for so-called Presidential candidates, waiting until early 2008.  We suggest to you that you make a resolution to e-mail any “early candidates” with a polite request to keep quiet for another two years.  Completely quiet.  Or they won’t get your vote.

     And the sound of cell phones in the wrong places is an increasing irritant.  Individuals who wouldn’t think of talking or blowing a whistle in a movie or a meeting somehow think it’s all right to keep their cell phones on.  We have all heard them at concerts, in churches, and even during wakes.  What’s our New Year wish?  That every cell phone, when it rings, be greeted with a loud “SHH-H-H!”.  The offense won’t be repeated.

     Have you had it with all of the moaning about sports figures leaving Boston?  We have.   These departures are generally due to other teams being willing to overpay them – way overpay them.  Or it’s due to temperament – “I don’t get no respect.”   Well, lots of these athletes aren’t too bright - great eye-to-hand coordination, but very few seeds in the old melon.  Many professional athletes are also professional whiners, so they insist on being traded.  If you disagree with us on this one, go ask your boss if he’ll trade you to the business down the street.  We’ll place odds on the answer you’ll get.

     How about the trash left behind by local South Boston animals?  Both four-footed and two-legged.   It’s a continual problem.  Let’s do without it in 2006.

     Be sure to send Online a note, telling us what you can do without in 2006.

     But there’s no need to be entirely negative – there are many things to hope for in 2006.

     City Councilor Jim Kelly was sworn in last Monday.  For the New Year, we can only hope he has a complete recovery and a speedy return to his duties.  He already has shown the courage and the determination needed to regain his health.

     If you yourself are in good health, may it continue.  What could be more precious than your own health?  If you are ailing in any way, may we wish you a quick, comfortable recovery?

    It’s trite to the point of being corny, and it’s certainly obvious, but we need love to live.  Where do you find it?  Within your family, friends, churches, social groups, and places of work, of course.   We hope you find love in 2006.  It’s never very far away – it can’t be.  Like politics, “all love is local”.

     America is a society that depends upon its defenders, responders, and caregivers.  Even though you are fortunate to live in an advanced nation, it would be a spooky and dangerous world without them.  It is impossible to thank them adequately – none of us can – but we can wish them a safe year in 2006, wherever and whenever they may be performing their duties.

     And so, one final time:  Happy New Year!