Burt Cohen

How much would the government save if it stopped making pennies and 50-cent coins, neither of which would be missed? Plenty, I'd guess.

Nobody in America has a 50 cent coin in their pocket or purse, but the mint still makes them. Why?

Do people still become piano tuners? I used to have my piano tuned twice a year, but my great Yamaha electric hasn't needed tuning in 15 years.

We are such creatures of habit. I always read the sections of the newspaper in the same sequence, sit in the same kitchen chair, etc. So what?

My neighbor's landline phone stopped working because squirrels chewed through the cables. Squirrels should not be permitted to do that.

For gluten-free people, Tate's crispy cookies are absolutely great.

Impressed with menu and quality at Coalition on 50th. The broiled cauliflower appetizer and chocolate trifle were terrific.

Is there anything else to eat that's better than fresh, warm, crusty bread with butter?

Years ago even brand new cars often had squeaks and rattles. Today, that doesn't happen, but I don't think people appreciate that.

Coffeemakers using pods are great, but I wonder if they'll be replaced by some other system ten years from now.

With my car exterior filthy I'm insanely jealous of other people's shiny clean cars. I suppose I could do something about it.

I still can't decide if I should run for president this year. I'm concerned if I win it would really mess up my nap schedule.

Really good bagels and bialys at the new Asa Bakery. Also, a great crusty bread with chunks of cheese in it. I love carbs.

There's a high-pitched whistling sound in my garage and I don't know why. Maybe it will explode, die, fade away by itself. Maybe not.

The U of M basketball games start at 8:00 p.m. I'm guessing their attendance would improve if they started at 7:00 p.m.

Irritating to find parking space at a meter and then not be able to climb over the ice/snow at the curb with my walker. Grrr.

It never fails to amaze me how easily Minnesotans live with and adapt to bone-chilling weather and just go about their business. Great!

Just watched Secretariat, a perfect example of 1st rate film with suspense aplenty, even though you know the outcome in advance.

If the garbage collector fails to show up on schedule it throws my entire life off track. I wouldn't make a good field commander.

I guess today's young people can no longer expect to lead better or easier lives than their parents. That's not good.