Soon, if they haven’t already, the networks will start blasting us with cheaply produced year-end specials (full of footage already bought and paid for) with titles like “Unforgettable Moments of 2006.” Isn’t the essence of an unforgettable moment that we haven’t forgotten it? If it happened earlier this year and we can’t remember it, it’s not very unforgettable – is it?

Think back. Try to remember the big stories of January this year. I’m sure there were plenty of them because I read the newspaper and watched the television almost every day last January. But unaided, absolutely nothing springs to mind. Well, one thing. I remember watching a show called “Unforgettable Moments of 2005.” But except for Hurricane Katrina, I’ve forgotten what those moments were.

What’s the point of remembering anything? Who won the Best Actor Oscar last year? Who knows – Google it. Oh, yeah, I remember something from this past year. Madonna adopted a baby, which just goes to show you what a horrible person she is. We know she’s a horrible person, because all the reporters on the Madonna beat (none of whom have ever adopted a baby) said so. So it must be true.

The year-end shows always remind me how fast the past year went by and how fast time is flying by. It’s not a feeling I enjoy. I hear time’s little nagging voice.