By Jack Neworth

With the hopeful spirit of the New Year still fresh, and the hangovers a memory, it might be a good time to look back on some of my columns during 2006.

In September I featured Ebba Rosenblad, a 75-year-old Senior Olympic gold medal winner. In 2006, Ebba had hip surgery but I’m happy to report she’s back working out at Muscle Beach. She’s resumed doing pull-ups on the bars, and learned a new sport — hula hooping. This with the help of her friend, Chris Saloman whose business is to teach hula hoop fitness. (“Dancin’ in Circles”) Don King says, “Only in America.” I say, “Only in Santa Monica.”

In July I wrote about another septuagenarian, Joe Geletko. After 30 years as a mailman, Joe pursued his dream, showbiz. In 2006, he played an admiral in Clint Eastwood’s “Flags of Our Father.” Joe’s scene wound up on the cutting room floor, but a Vons commercial, in which he played a geriatric surfer, just extended through 2007!

In a column entitled, “Don’t Worry Be Yappy,” I featured “Tails of Santa Monica,” a wonderful dog and cat boutique on Main Street. The courtyard features café style tables, the perfect setting for “Yappy Hour” where dogs and humans schmooze over hors d’oeuvres. It’s every Thursday between 6 and 8 p.m. and is a big hit. With all the pretty women who attend, some guys even show up without a dog. (Michael H., you’re busted.) Tails also has a pet adoption which rescues dogs about to be euthanized. It’s every Saturday morning, and is in conjunction with Much Love Animal Rescue.

Speaking of much loved animals, Buck the brave shepherd (“The Last Sunset,”) passed away just shy of his 16th birthday. During his last days Kate and Scott used to bring him down to the beach in a customized wagon. The loss of a pet, such a huge part of your life for all those years, is staggering. While they mourn Buck’s passing, Kate and Scott are ever grateful for all the joy he brought them.

In “O.J. Got Away with Murder Again,” I referred to O.J.’s TV and book deal with Fox, the fair and balanced folks. Yeah, right. But Fred Goldman’s $1.1 million lawsuit prompted a federal judge to prohibit O.J. from using the advance until a January 24 hearing. Surprise, surprise, O.J. spent the money. (While looking for the real killer?)

“The Summer From Mel,” was about Mel Gibson’s anti-Semitic rant during his Malibu DUI arrest. Since then “Apocolypto” was released and Mel is booked in movies through 2008. He is, however, apparently out of the running for the B’nai Brith “Man of the Year Award.” And there is absolutely no truth to the rumor that Mel blamed the recent Malibu fires on the Jews, saying, “Jews start all the fires.”

In “A Porpoise Driven Life,” Pat Roberston said on Larry King that God told him a tsunami would hit the U.S. in 2006. In 2007 Pat now predicts a terrorist attack. “The Lord didn’t say nuclear, but I believe it will be.” God told Pat major American cities, and millions of people, will be affected by the attack, sometime after September. (At least it won’t interfere with summer vacation.)

The year 2006 wasn’t great for George Bush. It wasn’t for Cheney either, the first V.P. since Aaron Burr to shoot someone. With the theme of “sacrifice,” W is calling for a “troop surge.” (Orwellian for “escalating the war.”) Sacrifice? How about the Bush going to Iraq? Or Walter Reed Hospital? Bush brags about how he listens to the commanders, unless they don’t agree with him. To lead a war in the desert, he’s just appointed as head of Central Command, an Admiral?!

W makes a decision and looks for facts later. Take the pre-war intelligence, or as I called it, “cherry picking time.” Cheney spent so much time at CIA headquarters he should have brought a futon. It could have been worse. At least he didn’t bring his 28 gauge shotgun.

The Baghdad body count continues with the echoes of Cheney, “The last throes of the insurgency,” or Bush, “Mission accomplished.” As for the troop surge, Bush is like the gambler who has lost every hand and keeps doubling the bet hoping to get even. He’s offering roads, schools, hospitals and jobs for Iraq. How about that here at home? “I won’t leave Iraq,” he says defiantly, “even if only Laura and Barney think I’m right.” Mr. President, my guess is you can count on Laura, but I’ve got a hunch that Barney, like so many, may have had enough of you.

Jack Neworth can be reached at Jackneworth2003@aol.com