A few years ago while shopping, a woman in the aisle stopped and asked if I remembered her? I replied no. She went on to explain that we among others had taken a smoking cessation class held at Brooks Memorial Hospital and mentioned that I was responsible for her quitting smoking.

How? I asked.

It was that I said in that class to her – women have a harder time quitting because they’re more concerned about weight than men. Apparently striking the right chord, she was determined to prove me wrong and wanted me to know she hasn’t smoked since, nor does it appear to my untrained eye any discernible weight gain. Well, I said in parting, I’m glad to hear that.

Today, as I think of that time, and then to this present era and its cloying miasma of political correctness, would I make a similar comment? Perhaps I’m over-reacting to nothing. I just don’t know.

On another note, I’m a fan of the OBSERVER’S Celebrity Cipher. That’s a puzzle code on the comic page where you have to figure out a noted person’s saying. The Nov. 28 edition had one by James Woods. I quote: “I’m cautious of people who are too charming. Charming people can be dangerous – my alarm goes off immediately.” I wouldn’t go that far, but I’d certainly be wary of anyone, especially someone unfamiliar, that was too charming. The key word is “too.” I generally prefer people to be courteous or just plain civil.

From there, segue to the song: “Smiling Faces Sometimes” written by Barret/Whitfield and performed by The Undisputed Truth. It begins:

“Smiling faces sometimes pretend to be your friend.

Smiling faces show no traces of the evil within.”

If you don’t get the meaning, then maybe you’re one of them.

The year’s drawing to an end and I’d like to close with another, and I hope appropriate song by John Lennon.

“A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

“Let’s hope it’s a good one without any fear.”

Now wouldn’t that be something to hope and pray for in the coming year – 2016!

Ralph Burke is a Dunkirk resident.