By MARK PATINKIN, The Providence Journal

Thoughts at large:

-- When Joni Mitchell sang, "You don't know what you've got till it's gone," I think she was talking about power after a hurricane.

-- Next time I want to commit a crime, I'm thinking I'll do it in Aruba. Those guys can't seem to find evidence of anything.

I was asked by a woman to fetch something from her handbag.

I went over, unzipped it and peered in.

Then I froze.

It was full of things I was unfamiliar with. Some instinct told me to keep it that way.

Slowly, I pulled my hand away.

Then I realized a truth:

Men are afraid of reaching into purses.

Time magazine just came out with a list of the top 10 most quotable movies.

Some were non-mainstream, like "Glengarry Glen Ross," and "Napoleon Dynamite."

But others were dead-on, like "The Wizard of Oz."

A lot of quotation books tend to emphasize time-worn wisdom or grandiose ideas, but I came across an interesting one with a twist. It's called "Dance First, Think Later," with the subtitle, "618 Rules to Live By."

Thoughts at large:

-- How much have you loved seeing Moammar Gadhafi, who called us the Great Satan, called essentially the same thing by his own people?

-- My one regret is that just when I've figured how to spell Gadhafi's last name, he's out of here.

I saw a Facebook application asking folks to name the most memorable trips they've taken. Since Facebook now rules the world, I thought I should go along.

I was home alone with the dog the other day, and noticed something my dogs have often done when it's just the two of us.

He gazed at me like a smitten groupie.

That's always good for the ego. One seldom gets gazed at like that by a spouse or paramour.

This is not meant to denigrate significant others, but often dogs are better company.

To all like-minded men on this weekend before Valentine's Day, I offer reassurance.

Comrades: I stand in solidarity with you.

I haven't figured anything out, either.

Valentine's Day is promoted as a beautiful holiday. There are images everywhere of happy couples being romantic.

But there's a hidden side to this.

It's a time of terror for men.

Clearly, what this college-commencement season is lacking is an address from someone unacclaimed and unnoted. I think I qualify. So today, a bit early, here are some thoughts to graduates:
Mr. President, Ms. Provost, esteemed faculty, honorary guests, parents, students, it's a bad time.
No one's hiring, no one's loaning, no one's buying.

I am worried about Bo. That's the name of the new White House dog, and I don't think he's off to a good start.
The Obamas' initial plan was to adopt from a shelter. Instead, they got a purebred. I understand it's because one daughter, Malia, has allergies and Bo doesn't shed.