It takes a certain type to employ the written word for so long.(The Orlando Sentinel)

Byline: Ed Hayes

OK, I'll say it for everybody. But listen carefully. I can only say this once. Here goes: Can you believe that we're already up to the year 2005?

There. I said it. For you, me, everybody.

I know we tend to utter such humdrum words at the adjournment of each year, and yet, when you get right down to it, doesn't it really seem like just yesterday that we were all agog about advancing into the 21st century?

The year 2000? Oh, sure, I remember it vividly. Also, I recall all the haranguing over exactly which year formally marked us as denizens of the new century.

After living my life to that point in the year …